Loading...
2005 02 15 CC Minutes LA QUINTA CITY COUNCIL MINUTES FEBRUARY 1 5, 2005 A regular meeting of the La Quinta City Council was called to order at the hour of 2:00 p.m. by Mayor Adolph. PRESENT: ABSENT: Council Members Henderson, Osborne, Perkin~, Sniff, Mayor Adolph None PUBLIC COMMENT -- None CLOSED SESSION 1 . Conference with City's legal counsel regarding anticipated litigation - significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(b). Council recessed to the Redevelopment Agency and to Closed Session to and until the hour of 3:00 p.m. 3:00 P.M. Mayor Adolph led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. PUBLIC COMMENT Don Rector, 46-450 Cameo Palms Drive, spoke regarding SilverRock Resort, and commended Palmer Design Group for the golf course design. He also complimented the consultants, Council, and staff on a job well done. CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA -Confirmed ANNOUNCEMENTS "- None PRESENTATIONS - None City Council Minutes 2 February 15, 2005 WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS 1. CORRESPONDENCE FROM THE CITY OF PALM DESERT REGARDING THE FOURTH OF JULY EVENT. Council directed staff to send a letter declining to participate in the funding for the event. 2. CORRESPONDENCE FROM THE PALM DESERT CAMPUS OF CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, SAN BERNARDINO REGARDING REQUEST FOR CAPITAL SUPPORT GRANT. Council directed staff to send a letter advising that the matter will be considered during the budget process. 3. CORRESPONDENCE FROM SHELTER FROM THE STORM REGARDING SUPPORT OF ANNUAL GALA AND GOLF TOURNAMENT , DATED JANUARY 26, 2005. Council directed staff to. send a letter advising of the Community· Services . Grant process. APPROVAL OF MINUTES MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to approve the City Council Minutes of February 1, 2005, as submitted. Motion carried unanimously. CONSENT CALENDAR 1. APPROVAL OF DEMAND REGISTER DATED FEBRUARY 15,2005. 2. TRANSMITTAL OF TREASURER'S REPORT FOR DECEMBER 31, 2004. 3. TRANSMITTAL OF REVENUE & EXPENDITURES REPORT FOR DECEMBER 31, 2004. 4. ACCEPTANCE OF LA QUINTA PARK SKATE PARK, PROJECT NO. 2003-12. City Council Minutes 3 February 1 5, 2005 5. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION GRANTIN.G CONDITIONAL APPROVAL OF A FINAL MAP FOR PARCEL MAP 33065~ ROBERT M. HILL AND MICHELLE HilL, HUSBAND AND WIFE AS JOINT TENANTS. (RESOLUTION NO. 2005-020) 6. APPROVAL OF CONTRACT CHANGE ORDER NO. 1 TO AMERICAN ASPHALT SOUTH, INC., PROJECT NO. 2004-03, FISCAL YEAR 2003/2004 SLURRY SEAL AND RESTRIPING PROGRAM. 7. APPROVAL TO AWARD A CONTRACT TO MATICH CORPORATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $104,104 TO CONSTRUCT THE MADISON STREET PAVEMENT REHABILITATION IMPROVEMENTS, PROJECT NO. 2003-07B. 8. APPROVAL OF A REQUEST BY THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES TO UTILIZE THE COUNCIL CHAMBER FOR A PUBLIC MEETING TO DISCUSS THE SALTON SEA ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT PLAN ON . MARCH 9, 2005, 12:00 P.M. TO 4:00 P.M. 9. APPROVAL OF SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT WITH ALFREDO INCLAN. 10. AUTHORIZATION FOR OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR· THE PLANNING COMMISSIONERS AND A STAFF MEMBER TO ATTEND THE LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES PLANNERS INSTITUTE TO BE HELD IN PASADENA, CALIFORNIA, APRIL 13-15, 2005. 11. APPROVAL OF MODIFICATION TO INDEMNITY PROVISIONS IN THE OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT FOR THE FRITZ BURNS PARK POOL WITH THE FAMILY YMCA OF THE DESERT. 12. AUTHORIZATION FOR OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR ONE COUNCIL MEMBER TO ATTEND THE LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING IN NOVATO, CALIFORNIA, TO BE HELD FEBRUARY 25-26, 2005. . MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to approve the Consent Calendar as recommended and with Item No. 5 being approved by RESOLUTION NO. 2005-020. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO. 2005-18. In reference to 1tem No.7, Council Member Perkins spoke regarding the need to include striping for bike lanes whenever possible. City Council Minutes 4 February 1 5, 2005 BUSINESS SESSION 1 . CONSIDERATION OF AN AGREEMENT WITH THE COACH ELLA VALLEY MOSQUITO AND VECTOR CONTROL DISTRICT FOR RED IMPORTED FIRE ANT SERVICES. Building & Safety Director Hartung presented the staff report. Council Member Perkins spoke in support of the agreement, and noted the City's rate will not increase if some of the cities don't participate. Council concurred with supporting the agreement. Council Member Sniff commented on the need to look toward a long-term solution of eradication. MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to approve an agreement with the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District for Red Imported Fire Ant Services. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO. 2005-19. 2. CONSIDERATION OF AN AMENDMENT TO TITLE 10 OF THE LA QUINT A CHARTER AND MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING ANIMALS. Building & Safety Director Hartung presented the staff report. Council Member Osborne asked what the fines are if an unlicensed dog is picked up by Animal Control. Mr. Hartung stated the animal-at-Iarge fine is $50 the first time, and it escalates from there. If a dog is not licensed, a citation is written but not processed if a license is obtained within a certain period of time. Any impound fees charged by the animal shelter are paid directly to the County. He confirmed the fine for a third offensive could be up to $500 but noted the idea is to get the message across the first time so appropriate measures are taken to keep the dog from getting out again. Council Member Osborne stated he believes a $ 500 fine is excessive because there are many reasons why an animal might get out of a yard. Council Member Sniff asked about the requirement for microchipping of animals declared vicious. City Council Minutes 5 February 1 5, 2005 Mr. Hartung stated if an animal is declared vicious, the animal has to be microchipped for future identification purposes. In response to Council Member Sniff, City Attorney Jenson stated /lmicrochipping" is a word used commonly by veterinarians. Council Member Perkins explained the process consists of inserting a microchip under the skin in the back of the neck. In response to Council Member Sniff, Ms. Jenson advised "natural person" is a common legal term to identify human beings as opposed to a corporation. Council Member Sniff stated he agrees the fine is potentially excessive, and suggested changing it to $100, $200, and $300. Council Member Perkins suggested $100 for the first offense then doubling it to $200 and $400 after that. He feels some judgment should be used to determine if the animal was willfully allowed out of the yard or if it happened inadvertently. He also feels a warning should be given the first time. In response to Council Member Henderson, Mr. Hartung stated the Animal Control Officer looks at the circumstances in each situation. He indicated the $500 fine is basically for someone who doesn't get the message the first or second time. Council Member Henderson suggested changing "shall" to "may" as it relates to the fine amounts. Ms. Jenson advised discretion can be used in determining whether or not to issue a citation but a set fine structure is needed for enforcement purposes. In response to Council Member Henderson, Mr. Hartung stated the fines are consistent with the City's other first, second, and third citations. He suggested the possibility of establishing a timeframe for the offenses. Council Member Henderson suggested staff make some revisions to the ordinance then bring it back to Council. Ms. Jenson advised any changes to the document should be done prior to the first reading. Council Member Henderson referenced a typographical error at the top of Page 6, changing "attached" to "attacked," and asked if "City Manager" has to be used on Page 8 in relation to procuring a license. City Council Minutes 6 February 15, 2005 Ms. Jenson explained the City Manager is ultimately responsible for enforcing all of the City's laws. Council Member Henderson noted some of the issues, such as barking dogs and animal odors from back yards, are difficult to address because the Animal Control Officer is not allowed to enter private property. She asked if the revised ordinance will make that less complicated. Mr. Hartung stated enforcement is still complicated but the ordinance is needed to make it illegal to have a dog that bothers the neighbors. He indicated the reporting party is asked to find at least one other neighbor to corroborate that the dog is barking because the court is more likely to require the animal owner to address the issue if a citation is based on the testimony of at least two people. He stated the City cannot establish that a dog is barking because it's natural for a dog to bark when the Animal Control Officer or other stranger is present. The City provides the information to the court and asks the court to determine whether or not the dog is barking. As for complaints about dog odors from a neighbor's back yard, the Animal Control Officer can confirm the odor problem from the reporting party's back yard and make contact with the dog owner. Council Member Henderson referenced the right of an animal owner to buy back their pet, and suggested holding the animal until after the 30-day period has passed. She asked if the new owner is required to sell the animal back if the original owner is willing to pay the costs. Mr. Hartung responded, "Yes," and referenced the need for a disclaimer to make sure the purchaser is aware of the owner's rights. He indicated he doesn't recall that situation ever happening in the City. Council Member Henderson noted it's those type of situations that end up in the newspaper. Ms. Jenson stated dogs are considered part of a person's property, and ownership cannot be transferred without their knowledge or due process. In response to Council Member Henderson, Ms. Jenson stated the archaic legal term "suffer" as used on Page 29, can be deleted if Council wishes. In response to Council Member Sniff, Ms. Jenson confirmed she has reviewed the document. City Council Minutes 7 February 15, 2005 Mayor Adolph asked how the ordinance compares to ordinances in other Valley cities. Council Member Henderson referenced a discussion at a recent Animal Campus meeting about the need for uniform regulations. She indicated at the meeting that she would support the effort but felt La Ouinta would continue to have its own ordinance because of some in-house services the City has that other cities don't have. Mayor Adolph stated he feels having a similar ordinance would make it easier when people move from one city to another. He asked if ordinances from neighboring cities were reviewed for these revisions. He also inquired about the City's ability to pick up dogs on a golf course. Mr. Hartung stated some of the language comes from other ordinances but indicated none of the cities in the Valley have a program as comprehensive as La Ouinta's. He agreed uniformity can be beneficial, and confirmed the City' sAnimal Control Officers can pick up dogs on a golf course upon request. Council Member Sniff suggested the language be modified to reflect a warning for the first offense, $100 fine for the second offense, $200 fine for the third offense, and $400 fine for the fourth offense, within a 1 2-month period. Council Member Perkins indicated that is how it's handled in Laguna de la Paz, and they rarely get beyond the $100 fine. In response to Mayor Adolph, Mr. Hartung confirmed animal identification is important because the owners frequently deny the dog is the same dog picked up previously, which is why microchipping is critical when dealing with vicious animals. Council Member Henderson asked if it's appropriate to introduce the ordinance with the modifications, to which Ms. Jenson responded, "Yes." Mr. Hartung stated a warning can be issued when animals are picked up but he requested the first offense be a citation. Mr. Jenson advised language can be added to read "the penalty for the first offense, after receiving one warning; will be $100. Council .concurred to modify the language in Section 10.28.090(D) to reflect that during a 1 2-month period the penalty for the first offense, after City Council Minutes 8 February 15, 2005 receiving one warning, shall be $100, second offense shall be $200, and the third and all subsequent offenses shall be $400. MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to take up Ordinance No. 415 by title and number only and waive further reading. Motion carried unanimously. ORDINANCE NO. 415 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINT A, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING TITLE 10 RELATING TO ANIMALS. It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to introduce Ordinance No. 415 on first reading. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Henderson, Osborne, Perkins, Sniff, Mayor Adolph None None None NOES: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: 3. CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST FROM PALM SPRINGS DESERT RESORTS CONVENTION AND VISITORS AUTHORITY (CVA) TO EXPAND PARTNERSHIP BOUNDARIES. City Manager Genovese presented the staff report. Council Member Henderson commented on the issue being brought up several times over the last five years by the factory outlet stores or the Morongo Indian tribe. Mike Fife, Executive Director for Palm Springs Desert Resorts Convention & Visitor's Authority, stated the issue was stimulated this time by development of the Morongo Resort & Casino. He noted the CV A can opt out of the agreement after the three-year test period if the revenue projections are not being met. He indicated Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, and Cathedral City have approved the agreement and the other cities have it on their agendas for consideration. In response to Council Member Osborne, Mr. Fife stated two of the cities have expressed concern about the outlet stores taking· some of their retail business. He noted, however, the outlet stores are already busing Valley visitors to their stores and the bus tour companies are willing to add an City Council Minutes 9 February 1 5, 2005 additional tour including shopping and staying in the Valley. CV A also wants to advertise at the outlet stores to promote Valley businesses and to distribute material there. He stated the highest percentage of new money to CV A will come from the Morongo Resort but the bus tour business will come from the outlet stores. He noted that will expose La Ouinta to more visitors. Council Member Sniff questioned CV A being able to document that the additional bus tour will bring new visitors specifically to La Ouinta. He also asked how the 1.4% was derived. Mr. Fife stated there is no way to know what percentage of the visitors being taken to the outlet stores will come to the Valley or where they will stay but CV A tries to expose all of its members to the most visitors pos~ible. He noted the outlet stores have done a good job attracting day tours for shopping, and CV A needs the opportunity to work with the bus companies to do more than that. He indicated the 1.4% is the formula used for all convention hotels in all cities. Council Member Sniff stated he doesn't understand how this agreement will benefit the outlet stores but is willing to give this a try. He asked if either party can opt out prior to the end of the three-year test period. Mr. Fife stated either party can terminate ·within the three-year period but the main purpose was to have a sunset period to determine if it's working or not. CV A will look at the volume of bus tour business and the economic indicators to see if the $1 50,000 projection is real. Additionally, CV A will . look at their ability to advertise and distribute materials at the outlet stores. He confirme~ there will be some costs associated with purchasing advertising ~pace at the outlet stores. They will look at direct mail and have talked to American Express about doing something with their cardholders that shop at the outlet stores. He stated CV A won't know specific costs on the advertising until a decision is made on expansion of the membership boundaries. . Council Member Henderson stated she feels people are more comfortable with this now and able to recognize the benefit to the Valley. Council Member Perkins spoke in support of the expansion, and the three- year escape clause. In response to Mayor Adolph, Mr. Fife confirmed the Morongo Resort and the outlet stores can decide independently to stay or opt out of the agreement. However, the Morongo Resort is the major economic input and if the revenue projections aren't met, tv A will opt out of the agreement. All City Council Minutes 10 February 15, 2005 of the outlet stores are not expected to join the CV A but he noted a third would be a higher percentage than those in Palm Desert or Palm Springs. He stated the factory outlet corporation wants to join and will encourage the individual stores to join. Mayor Adolph stated he feels this is a IIno-brainer" and worth the attempt to bring in more revenue to promote the Valley. Council Member Osborne asked if the Morongo Resort pays Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) and who they pay it to. Mr. Fife stated Morongo Resort collects a 9% in-lieu visitor fee, which is the same as TOT but not called a tax. He indicated the County is negotiating with Morongo Resort for the 9 %, and if they get it, CV A will receive its 1 .4 % from the County, otherwise, the 1.4% will come directly from the Morongo Resort. In response to Council Member Sniff, Mr. Fife stated CV A will provide an annual report of the economic income and associated costs· to the cities. MOTION - It was moved by Council Member~ Hend~rson/Osborne to authorize the Palm Springs Desert Resorts Convention and Visitors Authority (CV A) staff to file an amendment to the JPA Agreement which allows a change to the CV A's building address to 70-100 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage, California 92270; and authorize CV A staff to file an amendment to the JPA Agreement approving expansion of membership boundaries west of the Coachella Valley to include . the "Cabazon Area," which would . incorporate the Morongo Casino Resort and Spa, Factory Outlet Stores, and Hadley's, including the western frontage of Fields Road. City Manager noted the Agreement will be subject to the City Attorney's approval. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO. 2005-20. 4. CONSIDERATION OF ADOPTION OF· A RESOLUTION OF THE LA QUINTA CITY COUNCIL CONCERNING CLOSED SESSIONS OF JOINT POWERS AUTHORITY MEMBER AGENCIES. City Attorney Jenson presented the staff report. In response to Council Member Sniff, Ms. Jenson confirmed AB 2782 does not apply to C. V. Mountains Conservancy because the Conservancy is a .\~-"" ~ '.\ '. City Council Minutes 11 February 1 5, 2005 State Board. She confirmed the policy is contingent upon the various JPAs adopting the legislation, and that the resolution authorizes the City Manager to transmit the resolution to all of the JPAs the City is a member of, including future JPAs. Council Member Henderson indicated the CV A has already adopted the legislation, and stated it's her understanding the cities don't have to adopt a resolution if the legislation is adopted by the individual JPAs. Mayor Adolph stated he will distribute copies of SunLine's resolution when it's complete. RESOLUTION NO. 2005-021 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINT A, CALIFORNIA, CONCERNING CLOSED SESSIONS OF JOINT POWERS AUTHORITY MEMBER AGENCIES. It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to adopt Resolution No. 2005-021 as submitted. Motion carried unanimously 5. CONSIDERATION OF NOMINEES TO SERVE ON THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA WATER COMMITTEE. City Manager Genovese presented the staff report. MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Henderson/Osborne to nominate Mayor Percy ßyrd of the City of Indian Wells to represent Riverside County on the Southern California Water Committee's Board of Trustees. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO. 2005-21. 6. CONSIDERATION OF MID-YEAR BUDGET REPORT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2004/2005. Finance Director Falconer presented the staff report. Council Member Henderson referenced the agreement the cities made with the Governor last year, and asked if staff would track the difference between the property backfill and Vehicle License Fee (VLF). She stated the indication seems to be that it will be a positive result. City Council Minutes 12 February 15, 2005 Mr. Falconer stated the City received $666,000 from the County in January for the triple flip/sales tax reimbursement, and the first VLFln-Lieu distribution was $916,000, with a similar distribution anticipated in May. He indicated he will provide a department report on the comparisons of the two, and stated he feels the change will be beneficial to the City. He noted $331 ,000 will be taken from the VLF revenues for the amount taken by the Statß during this budget period and the next budget period, as part of the compromise for Proposition 1 A legislation. He advised the withdrawals are done by the County in five increments, with two already being done this year. Council Member Henderson stated she feels the new methodology will be extremely beneficial to the City. Mr. Falconer stated he expects the City to at least break even. In response to Council Member Sniff, Mr. Falconer stated he expects the State's structural deficit problem to continue. Council Member Sniff voiced concern that the City will continue to be confronted by the State for additional requests for funds. Mr. Falconer stated the State is taking $2.7 million in Redevelopment Agency funds this year and next year and will probably continue it for another five or six years. Council Member Sniff asked about the amount to be added to the General Fund Reserves. Mr. Falconer stated the projected net income is $2.4 million but he expects it to be higher. Council Member Sniff commented on the need to address the shortage in the Lighting & Landscape Assessment District (LLAD). City Manager Genovese stated staff is doing a long-term study on the anticipated revenue at build-out from the LLAD and the associated costs. Once the study is complete, staff will bring it back to Council to present potential options such as creating another special district, a separate district for parks, and/or increasing the current LLAD assessment. In response to Council Member Osborne, Mr. Falconer explained how a number of projects not completed last year were carried over into this year's budget and confirmed restricted reserves exist to cover the expenditures. ~._~---_.__._...__._.- -- ---~. ........- City Council Minutes 13 February 1 5, 2005 Council Member Osborne complimented staff on the manner of how the budget report was prepared. Mayor Adolph asked about the increase in sales tax revenues due to new businesses such as Target and Wal-mart. Mr. Falconer stated the City's sales tax consultant has estimated the sales tax at $5.9 million, which is $300,000 over the budgeted amount. Mayor Adolph thanked ·staff for the summary included in the Mid- Year Budget Report. MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to 1) approve new Appropriations totaling $1 , 194,484 from the General Fund and $877,660 from other funds as outlined in Attachment Nos. 1 and 2 of this report; 2) approve new estimated revenue~ of $13,252,234 as outlined in Attachment no. 1 and 2 of this report; and 3) receive and file the Mid-Year Budget Report. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO. 2005-22. Council recessed to the Redevelopment Agency meeting. Council reconvened. STUDY SESSION - None REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS Riverside County Transportation Commission - Council Member Henderson indicated she doesn't have any additional information to add to the monthly newsletter received from the Commission. San. Jacinto/Santa Rosa National Monument Advisory Committee - Council Member Henderson distributed a poster to each member of the Council and a list of up.coming activities in the National Monument. * * * * * * * * * * * * * All other reports were noted and filed. City Council Minutes 14 February 15, 2005 . DEPARTMENT REPORTS Building & Safety Department Report - Council Member Henderson expressed appreciation for the library update included in the department report. Public Works Department Report - Public Works Director Jonasson presented an update on the Jefferson Street road repair/closure. He indicated staff is looking at alternatives but feels it's unwise to do anything under the current weather conditions. He stated the County project (Jefferson Street Phase II) is anticipated to begin in mid April, and staff will work with the contractor to get the bypass road in the storm channel constructed as early as possible in the contract. He recommended aga.inst doing any interim improvements. Council Member Henderson agreed with not doing interim improvements but stated she would support anything that expedites the bypass portion of the contract. She asked if there was any way to do the bypass without going through the bidding process. City Manager. Genovese stated staff is researching the alternatives and talking to CV AG to see if they would reimburse the City if the work is declared an emergency. Mayor Adolph noted the Council would be highly criticized if a bypass road is constructed and washed out again. Council Member Sniff spoke in support of doing anything within reason to get the road open, even on a temporary basis, because of the traffic in the area. He asked what a temporary repair would cost. Mr. Jonasson stated the last repair was approximately $20,000. Council Member Sniff supported considering that to get traffic moving, and Mr. Jonasson noted nothing can be done until the storm channel is dry. Council Member Perkins stated he supports letting staff determine what is best but he can't see spending money that will get wiped out in the next storm. In response to Council Member Osborne, Mr. Jonasson stated the Dune Palms Road crossing is doing great but the river bottom at the Adams Street crossing has to be repaired after each storm. * * * * * * * * * * * ~------_._---- ---.---..---- City Council Minutes 15 February 1 5, 2005 Mayor Adolph referred to a discussion two weeks ago about the pepper trees at the entry to SilverRock on Avenue 52. He stated he is concerned the visual atmosphere of the boulders and waterfall will be blocked by the pepper trees as they grow and that the leaves will be in the lake. He noted PGA West doesn't use pepper trees because they are messy I and that the trees have a tendency to blow over in strong winds. He prefers using queen palms or something else. Council Member Perkins stated he doesn't feel pepper trees represent the desert. In response to Council Member Osborne, Mr. Jonasson confirmed the intent was to provide a filtered view or glimpse of the water feature with an indication that something more exists further in the entryway. Council Member Sniff stated his understanding of the theory is that not everything is revealed from the street but rather revealed in a series of views. He understands the Mayor's argument but feels there is some philosophical value in having views reveåled in somewhat of a changing perspective as the project is entered. Mayor Adolph stated he wouldn't disagree if the water feature was further from the street but he believes it's too close to visualize as you pass. Council Member Sniff stated he isn't convinced the trees should be removed, and noted there are some visual impacts with queen palms. Council Member Henderson stated her vision for the entry has always been what you see going east and west on Avenue 52 because the only view going south is from The Citrus development. She noted new developments in the City have commented on the importance of their entry statements and the psychological effect of "arriving," which she said she experienced when she drove through the SilverRock entry the first time. She feels the pepper trees should stay but is somewhat disappointed that another type of full tree wasn't selected. Council Member Osborne agreed pepper trees are not very strong and have a problem with breaking limbs. As for the filtered-view aspect; he stated he appreciates what the professional landscape artist is trying to create. Mayor Adolph agreed to keep the trees, and noted they can always be removed later if needed. In response to Council Member Sniff, Mr. Jonasson stated the City will be responsible for maintenance of the water features and the perimeter improvements. In response to Council Member Henderson, Mr. Jonasson indicated the planters provide sufficient space for the tree root systems. City Council Minutes 16 February 15, 2005 MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS' ITEMS 1. DISCUSSION REGARDING SYNTHETIC TURF IN STREET MEDIANS. Mayor Adolph referenced the possibility of using the new synthetic turf in one of the street medians on an experimental basis to cut down on water usage. He suggested· the Airport Boulevard median near The Palms as a test area. Council Member Perkins noted synthetic turf tends to catch things and needs to be hosed off periodically. Council Member Henderson suggested getting a report back on the life expectancy of the material due to heat, etc. In response to Mayor Adolph, City Manager Genovese stated only one of the City's medians has turf at this time. He indicated staff will research the issue and bring a report back to Council. Council Member Henderson commented on the importance of not cheapening what has been done. Mayor Adolph stated his intent was to try it in short sections of medians. Council Member Perkins stated he feels the landscape lighting in the medians should be looked at because the lights shine in the wrong direction and they are 90stly to replace. 2. DISCUSSION REGARDING PARKING LOT AT TOP OF THE COVE. Council Member Henderson distributed several letters from people requesting a larger parking lot at the top of the Cove. She suggested moving the boulders to temporarily enlarge the parking lot and then looking at the bigger picture. City Manager Genovese advised there may also be some PM 10 issues, and staff can report back on all of it. Council Member Henderson noted the area is being heavily used and something needs to be done. --- -...----- _..._..._---_._-~ ------ ~\~. \II" ~ \', ,_ City Council Minutes 17 February 1 5, 2005 After a brief discussion, Council concurred to direct staff to come back with a report on options for enlarging the parking lot and addressing the PM 10 issue. PUBLIC HEARINGS - None Council recessed to the Financing Authority meeting. Council reconvened and recessed to closed session as delineated on Page 1. The City Council meeting reconvened with no decisions being made in Closed . Session which require reporting pursuant to Section 54957.1 of the Government Code (Brown Act). Council reconvened. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, it was moved by Council Members Osborne/Perkins to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. Respectfully submitted, ~ø.~ JUNE S. GREEK, City Clerk City of La Ouinta, California