2005 03 03 CC Minutes
LA QUINTA CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
MARCH 3, 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, Perkins, Sniff, Mayor Adolph
None
PUBLIC COMMENT - None
CLOSED SESSION
1 . Conference with the City's legal counsel regarding anticipated litigation -
significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code Section
54956.9(b).
2. Conference with the City's real property negotiator, Mark Weiss, pursuant to
Government Code Section 54956.8 concerning potential terms and
conditions of acquisition and/or disposition of real property located at
78-950 Highway 111 (APN 643-080-004). Property Owner/Negotiator:
Christopher J. Moore.
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
Jack Fleck, 48-425 Via Solano, repre,senting VFW Post 855, invited the Council to
attend a fund raiser dinner for the Junior ROTC Cadet Corp on March 12th at the
La Quinta Senior Center. He announced they are also working with La Quinta High
School on a Flag Day ceremony at the high school on June 14th. He also
complimented Community Development Director Evans on his presentation at the
VFW's monthly meeting last night.
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March 3, 2005
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA
Council Member Osborne requested Consent Item Nos. 3 and 4 be moved to
Business Item Nos. 3 and 4.
ANNOUNCEMENTS - None
PRESENTATIONS - None
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS - None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to approve the City
Council Minutes of February 15, 2005, as submitted. Motion carried unanimously.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. APPROVAL OF DEMAND REGISTER DATED MARCH 3, 2005.
2. DENIAL OF CLAIM FOR DAMAGES FILED BY DAVID TORREZ, DATE OF
LOSS: JANUARY 8, 2005.
3. SEE BUSINESS SESSION ITEM NO.3.
4. SEE BUSINESS SESSION ITEM NO.4.
5. APPROVAL OF CONTRACT CHANGE ORDER NO. 2 TO AMERICAN
ASPHALT SOUTH, INC. PROJECT NO. 2004-03, FISCAL YEAR 2003/2004
SLURRY SEAL AND RESTRIPING PROGRAM.
6. AUTHORIZATION FOR OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR THE CITY CLERK TO
ATTEND THE CITY CLERKS ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA ANNUAL
CONFERENCE, APRIL 20-22, 2005, IN FISH CAMP, CALIFORNIA.
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MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Osborne to approve the
Consent Calendar as recommended and amended with the exception of Item
Nos. 3 and 4. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO. 2005-23.
In regard to Consent Item No.5, Council Member Perkins referenced the
need to include bike lanes wherever possible, and to make left-turn
movements easier to navigate when there are two lanes turning left.
In response to Council Member Osborne, Public Works Director Jonasson
confirmed the south end of Washington Street at Avenue 52 will be striped
for two right-turn lanes.
Council Member Henderson referenced two intersections outside of the City
with that type of configuration that she feels can be dangerous for the
outside lane.
BUSINESS SESSION
1. CONSIDERATION OF WORDING FOR FRED WOLFF BEAR CREEK TRAIL AND
NATURE PRESERVE PLAQUES AND ALLOCATION OF FUNDS FROM
PROPOSITION 40 GRANT.
Community Services Director Horvitz presented the staff report.
Council Member Sniff stated he spoke to Kay Wolff, and she has suggested
removing "bike" and adding "for future generations to enjoy." He indicated
he supports her suggestions.
Kay Wolff, 77-227 Calle Ensenada, thanked the City for honoring her
husband with this dedication. In reference to removing "bike," she noted the
trail is not just a bike path. She was pleased about the stone for the
inscription coming from the wash area, and stated she hopes there is
sufficient space to include a reference about Fred leading the City's
incorporation efforts.
Council Member Sniff suggested adding, "who led La Quinta's incorporation
movement. "
Council concurred.
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to approve
the wording for plaques at the entrances to the Bear Creek Trail at Calle
Tecate and Calle Ensenada to read, #The Fred Wolff Bear Creek Trail. The
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March 3, 2005
La Quinta City Council has designated this portion of the trail from Calle
Ensenada to Calle Tecate, as the #Fred Wolff Bear Creek Trail" in recognition
of Fred's dedication to the City of La Quinta and his love of our natural open
spaces for future generations to enjoy."; and approve the wording for a
plaque to be placed at the Fred Wolff Bear Creek Nature Preserve to read,
#The City of La Quinta purchased this 19 acre open space site for the
preservation of natural desert land for future generations. This nature
preserve is dedicated to Fred Wolff, who led La Quinta's incorporation
movement and was La Quinta's first Mayor. He lived nearby and was
dedicated to preserving the public's access to the Santa Rosa Mountains, its
trails, and our desert's natural beauty. " (both plaques will include the names
of the La Quinta City Council and the City Manager); and allocate funds from
the Proposition 40 grant or Quimby funds if Proposition 40 funds are not
available for these projects.
Council Member Henderson suggested allowing some flexibility in the
wording to eliminate some of the "who" references.
Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO. 2005-24.
2. SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE.
ORDINANCE NO. 415
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINT A,
CALIFORNIA, AMENDING TITLE 10 OF THE LA QUINT A CHARTER AND
MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO ANIMALS.
It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to adopt Ordinance No.
41 5 on second reading with modified language.
In response to Mayor Adolph, City Manager Genovese confirmed the issue of
dog waste/animal odor is covered in the ordinance.
Motion carried by the following vote: ,
AYES:
Council Members Henderson, Osborne, Perkins, Sniff,
Mayor Adolph
None
None
None
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
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3. CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT NO.6 TO THE CITY OF
LA GUINTA, CITY OF INDIO, COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE, AND CVAG
REIMBURSEMENT AGREEMENT AND MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO JEFFERSON STREET FROM HIGHWAY· 111 TO
INDIO BOULEVARD.
(This item was moved from the Consent Calendar.)
There were no changes to the staff report as submitted and on file in the
City Clerk's Office.
Council Member Osborne asked why La Quintais responsible for 70% of the
cost while the City oflndio is only responsible for 30%.
Public Works Director, Jonasson explained it's due to the Jefferson Street
bridge, which is in La Quinta, being the most expensive part of the project.
Council Member Henderson noted it also includes eminent domain costs.
In response to Mayor Adolph, Mr. Jonasson confirmed La Quinta required the
Monticello and Esplanade developments to post bonds for 25 % of the
frontage improvement costs along Jefferson Street but he doesn't know
what Indio did with their developments.
Council Member Henderson noted the City's part of the $31 million project is
only $5 million because most of it is being paid with TUMF money.
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Osborne/Sniff to approve
Amendment No. 6 to the City of La Quinta, City of Indio, County of
Riverside, and CV AG Reimbursement Agreement and Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) for improvements to Jefferson Street from Highway
111 to Indio Boulevard. Motion carried unanimously~ MINUTE ORDER NO.
2005-25.
4. CONSIDERATION OF ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING A GRANT
OF EASEMENT FOR STREET AND PUBLIC UTILITY PURPOSES ALONG FRED
WARING DRIVE FROM LENNAR HOMES OF CALIFORNIA, INC., A
CALIFORNIA CORPORATION ASSOCIATED WITH THE ESPLANADE
DEVELOPMENT, TRACT MAP 29323.
(This item was moved from the Consent Calendar.)
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March 3, 2005
There were no changes to the staff report as submitted and on file in the
City Clerk's Office.
Council Member Osborne asked about the status of the street improvements
on Fred Waring Drive.
Public Works Director Jonasson stated the striping and street improvement
plans were signed last week, and explained the improvements were
previously delayed because the plans had to be approved by the County. of
Riverside, the City of Indio, and the City of La Quinta. He indicated it took
Lennar almost a year to get their plans through the plan check process in
each of the jurisdictions. He feels Lennar was doing their best to get the
plans through the plan check process, and that the d~lay wasn't necessarily
their fault. He expects the improvements to begin shortly.
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Osborne/Sniff to adopt
RESOLUTION NO. 2005-022, accepting a grant deed conveying perpetual
easements for street and public utility purposes on Fred Waring Drive from
Lennar Homes of California, Inc., a California Corporation associated with the
Esplanade Development, Tract Map 29323. Motion carried unanimously.
MINUTE ORDER NO. 2005-26.
STUDY SESSION
1. DISCUSSION OF CITY COUNCIL GOALS AND THE FISCAL YEAR
2004/2005 ANNUAL FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT REVIEW.
City Manager Genovese presented the staff report.
In response to Council Member Sniff, Mr. Genovese confirmed the projected
expenditures are a I'best guess" figure based on how the General Plan is put
together. It provides the tools to review the build-out every two to three
years and addresses many of the land-use changes.
Annual Financial Management Review:
In reviewing the City's financial achievements, Mr. Genovese noted although
a General Fund operating surplus of $ 7 million was generated in FY
2003/2004, a good portion of that is one-time revenues generated from
building permits. The Emergency Reserves have increased to $11.9 million,
and the Cash Flow Reserves are at $2.2 million. He stated the Cash Flow
Reserves are designed to cover ongoing expenditures (staff, police, and fire
services) before tax revenues (property tax, redevelopment, and Transient
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Occupancy Tax (TOT)) are received so Emergency Reserves don't have to be
used for operations.
Council Member Perkins asked if a formula is used to determine police and
fire services costs.
Mr. Genovese stated the police services are dealt with on an annual basis,
and fire services are primarily based on response times and level of service.
In continuing his review, Mr. Genovese indicated the forecast for capital
improvements in FY 2004/2005 is $10.5 million. Funding has already been
earmarked for two bridges, and work on those and other capital
improvement projects will be ongoing in FY 2005/2006. In order to expand
the City's economic base, the main focus has been to generate new and
enhanced revenues through sales tax and TOT instead of raising taxes such
as the Lighting & Landscape Assessment District. He noted that may not be
the ultimate solution, and the City may have to find other ways to generate
revenue. The City continues to capitalize on the increased assessed values
in Redevelopment Project Areas 1 and 2, which is tied to revenue generation
and development of the SilverRock Resort. He noted it's the generation of
additional revenues from the redevelopment project areas that has allowed
SilverRock to move forward, and the long-term purpose of SilverRock is to
generate more TOT and sales tax revenues. He referenced the low
availability of developable land in the City, and how SilverRock provides
assurance for having a location for a major hotel destination resort. He
congratulated the Council for the City's achievements.
Council Member Sniff indicated he would feel more secure if the Emergency
Reserves were increased to a minimum of 50°/Ó and the Cash Flow Reserves
to 2.5 % or better.
In response to Council Member Osborne, Mr. Genovese indicated anything
beyond the Cash Flow Reserves and Emergency Reserves amounts become
Additional Reserves for Operations. He noted the City's Emergency
Reserves have been down to $500,000 in the past, and the Council
determined the Emergency Reserves would be a minimum of 30% of the
Operating Budget. There was a one-time addition of $4 million and an
additional contribution can be made if Council wishes. He confirmed the
percentage can be increased to 50%, however, it would have been
detrimental to increase it to that amount previously because the funds were
needed for operations during the building boom.
In response to Council Member Henderson, Redevelopment Consultant
Spevacek gave a brief history on the ERAF shifts by the State, noting the
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March 3, 2005
first one occurred in 1 992 for two years and then again last year. The first
ERAF shift money was shifted to school districts, and became permanent for
cities and counties by adjusting their property tax levy. The recent ERAF
shift was used to provide additional revenues for schools and offset funding
from the State but this time was shifted from Redevelopment Agencies. He
added there has been some discussion in the Legislature about making the
shift permanent and maybe escalating it as property tax revenues increase.
Council Member Henderson pointed out the agreement reached with the
Governor last year to help balance the State budget resulted in the City
contributing $1.2 million a year for two years, and the City's General Fund
will be contributing $331,000 next year. She asked if the ERAF shift
money, which could be used for City infrastructure improvements, is being
given to the schools.
Mr. Spevacek confirmed the money is being used to offset some of the
required revenue for school operation costs.
Council Member Sniff noted there's no assurance this won't happen again.
Mr. Spevacek referenced the expectancy for the ERAF payments to stay at
the current level for the remaining life of both project areas.
Council Member Henderson indicated the League of California Cities has
entered a contract with the California Redevelopment Association (CRA), and
CRA is paying the League a portion of the cost of its grassroots network
because of the joint effort. The League is working hard on this issue, and
she believes they will prevail at any serious impact at the State level.
In reviewing the findings listed in the Annual Financial Management Review,
Mr. Spevacek reported staff estimates $331,000 in City vehicle license fee
income and $3 million in Redevelopment Agency funds will be diverted to
the State in FY 2005/2006 to assist with its budget deficiency. He stated
the General Fund is anticipated to conclude with an operating fund surplus of
$2.46 million, and that approximately $20.3 million in carried-over capital
improvement projects will be funded in FY 2005/2006. The city will have
approximately $1 .4 million to invest in economic development initiatives, and
$ 2. 1 million is anticipated to be loaned from the General Fund Unallocated
Reserves to the Development Impact Fee (DIF) fund to accelerate the City
Hall expansion. He referenced the City's policies on issuing bonds, and
stated the Agency has the capacity to issue $15 million in non-housing
bonds to be used for infrastructure, public facilities, and economic
development projects, and could issue $30 million in housing bonds. The
Agency's outstanding bond debt of $243 million is comprised of $153
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million in non-housing bonds and $ 90 million in housing bonds. The
Agency's debt service payment is $14.47 million annually, with $3.2 million
of the total outstanding bond principal being retired in 2004/2005. He
referenced the need to increase the sales tax and TOT revenue base because
development-driven revenues, which currently underwrite 17.1 % of the
General Fund operating costs, will decrease as build-out is reached.
In response to Council Member Osborne, Finance Director Falconer confirmed
the 17. 1 % is based on the actual and not the budget. He stated the
additional amounts received in development fees over the budgeted amount
have been used previously to increase reserves. Mr. Genovese confirmed
that's why it's important to increase economic development.
In continuing his review, Mr. Spevacek stated the City will continue relying
on its redevelopment project areas to: 1) fund a majority of its capital and
public facility improvement projects; and 2) generate revenue to invest in
economic development activities to add to the General Fund. Due to the
projection of higher costs and lower revenues, a General Fund deficit is
anticipated in FY 2007/2008, which could result in the use of some of the
Cash Flow Reserves and Emergency Reserves.
Council Member Osborne asked if the negative fund balance is due to the
City not receiving interest on the loans to the Redevelopment Agency or
because the revenues are that much lower than the expenditures.
Mr. Spevacek responded it's due to the revenues being less than the
operating costs, and he referenced the General Fund Build-Out Analysis that
will be updated in FY 2005/2006. He stated the analysis compares the
anticipated revenues at build-out to the service costs based on the City's
good level of service that it provides currently. The last time the analysis
was conducted, the initial $12 million imbalance was reduced down to $3
million.
Council Member Osborne stated he understood the $24 million negative
amount was due to interest not being paid to the City.
Mr. Falconer reviewed the detail from Page 61 of the staff report, and noted
the decrease in the ending fund balance from FY 2004/2005 to
FY 2008/2009. He further noted the increase in the Restricted Reserves
balance from FY 2004/2005 to FY 2008/2009 because of the interest
associated with the redevelopment loans, and decrease in the Unrestricted
Reserves in order to maintain the Cash Flow Reserves and Emergency
Reserves.
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Council Member Osborne stated he believes a majority of the deficit is due to
the City not paying itself interest from the loans to the Redevel'opment
Agency.
Mr. Genovese noted at some point the Council can decide whether or not to
repay the General Fund but in the meantime, if the debt wasn't on the
books, the funds couldn't be collected. He stated there will be a breakeven
point at some point because the interest is calculated at higher than the
current market rate, but he feels that decision is best left to when the
breakeven point hits. He noted the lack of outstanding debt to the
Redevelopment Agency would result in the funds going back to other taxing
entities.
In response to Mayor Adolph, Mr. Falconer stated the revenue figures are
based on a 3% increase each year, and the expenditures, such as staff,
police, and fire services are based on a 5 % increase. He confirmed the
projected negative balance is a worst-case scenario.
Council Member Henderson asked if the City has any unfunded pension
liabilities.
Mr. Falconer stated the City's pension costs are paid annually, and this year
were prepaid for a 4% savings. He indicated some cities guarantee full
medical benefits for their retirees, and the Government Accounting
Standards Board has not required that liability to be placed on the books but
the City's only liability is the first $16 of medical coverage for each retiree.
He confirmed the City has no problem with either issue.
Council Member Perkins asked if the City's policy is to project heavy
expenses and light income.
Mr. Falconer stated the expenditure estimates are as realistic as possible,
and the revenue estimates in the budget don't include sales tax or TOT from
new businesses until they are open and producing revenue.
Council Member Perkins complimented staff on increasing the City's
reserves.
Mr. Genovese reviewed the recommended strategies as outlined in the staff
report, with. the first being to continue resort/hotel site planning activities.
Secondly, to consider new operations costs such as replacement of roofs
and computers, and refurbishment of playground equipment. He confirmed
that includes th,e fire department. He referenced the need to continue efforts
to purchase land for affordable housing and to evaluate the use of other non-
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property tax revenue sources. As an example, he noted the Council may
want to consider a future assessment district for parks or to modify the
existing Lighting & Landscape Assessment District. He referenced the need
to evaluate the City's user fees to fund on-going public services, and trying
to make sure those fees are compatible with neighboring jurisdictions. He
concluded with the need to evaluate retail trends that could affect
businesses along Highway 111 and result in commercial buildings being
abandoned, and the need to look at potential reuse opportunities.
Council Member Perkins complimented staff on the grand opening for
SilverRock, and for this report.
Council Member Henderson commented on the City's inability to receive
property tax from the County redevelopment project area, should that area
be annexed, until the 35-year life span of the project area is completed. She
asked how much of the property tax would then flow to the City, and if the
City would be able to add a new redevelopment project area.
Mr. Spevacek indicated the property tax amount would bé seven cents of
each dollar. He referenced the possibility of negotiating with the County to
take over the redevelopment project area but noted the existing bond debt
encumbers the tax increment revenue generated in that area. He stated it's
very difficult to create a new redevelopment project area that has vacant
property or property that is not considered to have· urban ,blight. As the area
grows in 35 years, it would be necessary to make the findings for blight in
the area.
Council Member Sniff spoke in support of enlarging the City's sphere of
influence and working with the County to possibly share the increase in
property valuations. As for retail businesses, he feels the City should do
whatever it can to support the stores that have paid a significant expense to
come to the City.
Mayor Adolph thanked staff for the comprehensive report, and indicated
Council will proceed with reviewing the Council Goals.
City Council Goals Review:
Council Member Perkins spoke in support of increasing the City's motor
police squad.
Council Member Henderson noted the City has been successful in
accomplishing many of the City Council goals. She strongly supports getting
the Historical Museum plans finished, and continues to support funding the
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March 3, 2005
La Ouinta Arts Foundation, Chamber of Commerce, and Historical Society,
and maintaining police and fire service levels that befit the community. She
requested a goal be added to improve the parking conditions at the top of
the Cove on both the southeast and southwest ends of Calle T ecate for the
people who use the hiking trails and the Cove Oasis. She inquired about the
phasing for the Cove Oasis project, to which Ms. Horvitz responded that
Phase I is complete, Phase II is in process, and Phase III is the restroom
facility and a parking lot.
Council Member Henderson suggested advancing the parking lot part of
Phase III, and maybe doing some joint programming with the San
Jacinto/Santa Rosa National Monument. She confirmed the trails at the top
of the Cove are used by bikes as well as horses. She added she feels
annexation is a big issue, and will take a lot of staff time.
Council Member Osborne stated he looks forward to seeing the Police
Chief's proposal for police services, and continues to support having a third
fireman/paramedic at each fire station. He referenced the need to move
forward with implementation of some of the traffic improvements that have
been delayed, and stated he wants to see the red light camera program
move forward to reduce the number of red light violations. He commented
on the huge impact the Sta_te is making on the City's General Fund, and
spoke in support of continuing the City's economic development efforts. He
also supports making a $1 million investment in the California State
University, San Bernardino in Palm Desert. He believes the campus will help
the City continue its financial success by increasing the local educated
workforce. He believes it can be done in $250,000 annual increments from
the $1.4 million in the Economic Development Project Fund. He commented
on the number of young people getting their education elsewhere and not
returning to work in the Valley.
Council Member Sniff spoke regarding the red light camera program~ and
referenced recent reports about the cameras causing accidents. He stated
he expects the Police Chief to develop recommendations on the issue in
concert with his superiors in Riverside. He agrees colleges are important but
feels the subject of an investment needs further examination. He referenced
his list of goals that were distributed to the Council and made a part of this
record, and commented on the following: need to rethink the Village parking
lot to consider making it multi-leveled; need to promote the idea of visiting,
shopping, enjoying, and investing in La Quinta to help La Ouinta businesses
be successful; consider moving toward future annexations to accommodate
property owners wanting to be, annexed into La Ouinta; continue to increase
the General Fund Reserves; look for ways to fund additional police and fire
services; move forward with SilverRock with deliberate speed and consider
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having housing locations for upscale housing on the SilverRock site; and
consider adding culverts to the Adams Street low-water crossing. His main
consideration is to provide generic support for the businesses that have
made big investments to come into La Quinta by having an advertising
program that is not business specific.
Mayor Adolph noted three out of four storm channel crossings in La Quinta
were out of service during the recent storms. He commented on the need to
have attainable goals within a reasonable length of time and to be sensitive
to staff's workload, noting 24 goals is a lot for staff to try to accomplish.
He requested the various departments get back to Council on this issue. It's
his understanding that it would take approximately $25 million to run the
City for one year if revenues stopped coming in for that period of time. He
feels the City should strive to attain that much reserve to provide a good
security blanket. He spoke regarding the grant process, and stated he feels
the City should step up to the plate like other cities have done to be a part of
the needs beyond La Quinta's boundaries. He believes in taking care of
home first but also helping outside the City whenever possible. He stated he
is impressed with staff's accomplishments, and feels it's important to
seriously consider their needs in the upcoming budget.
REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
CV AG Human & Community Resources Committee - Council Member Osborne
stated the Committee is looking for a grant to address the child obesity issue, and
continuing to look at homeless shelters during the cold and hot weather months.
CV AG Executive Committee - Mayor Adolph stated a recent audit found CV AG to
, be in compliance in regard to internal control over financial reporting.
Chamber of Commerce Workshop/Information Exchange Committee - Mayor
Adolph referenced a new Gem of the Desert Magazine that the Chamber will be
distributing to residents, and noted the Chamber is still looking to find a larger
facility.
C. V. Mosquito & Vector Control District - Council Member Perkins reported all
but three cities have agreed to their new assessment.
League of California Cities - Council Member Henderson distributed some
materials and reported the League is preparing a preliminary position on the pension
issue. They're also looking at the Vehicle License Fee (VLF) issue, and trying to
come up with a formula that everyone can live with.
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Council Member Osborne asked if the League is working on legislation to address
the ERAF shift issue.
Council Member Henderson indicated not at this time because of the deal made
with the Governor last year. They are trying to determine the best way to deal
with the issue. She isn't sure Senator Battin would support legislation that keeps
the Legislature's hands off the redevelopment funds.
Council Member Sniff asked if the State has the power to appropriate any fund of
any amount from the cities and destroy the cities.
City Attorney Jenson stated Proposition 1 A provides limitations in regard to city
funds. As for redevelopment funds, the State can't interfere with existing
contractual relationships nor existing debt.
Council Member Henderson stated it sounds like the City should go out for bond
issues every year.
Palm Springs Desert Resorts' Convention & Visitors Authority - Council Member
Henderson stated Mike Fife apologized for not attending theSilverRock Resort
grand opening but indicated he didn't receive the invitation until the day of the
event.
Riverside County Transportation Commission - Council Member Henderson stated
she will be attending a major transportation conference in Washington D.C. this
week. She noted it's the appropriate time of the year to put pressure on the
Legislature to get the transportation' bill passed. "\
San Jacinto/Santa Rosa National Monument Advisory Committee - Council
Member Henderson referenced the activity list for April.
SunLine Transit Agency/SunLine Services Group - Mayor Adolph indicated he has
forwarded a copy of their resolution on the closed session issue to the City
Attorney for review.
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All other reports were noted and filed.
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
City Attorney Jenson stated she has reviewed the resolution from SunUne
regarding the closed session issue, and it seems to follow the same format as the
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City's resolution. She explained SunUne needed to incorporate procedures into
their bylaws to allow the other entities to have closed sessions if it impacts the
other agencies. She noted two differences in the document, the first being a
requirement for the other agencies to pay SunUne if their attorney has to come out
to their entity. They also wanted to make sure that labor negotiations and
personnel issues will not trigger the additional closed session unless there is actual
litigation or threatened litigation involved. There must be a direct liability or direct
financial impact on member agencies.
MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS' ITEMS
1. DISCUSSION REGARDING CITY COUNCIL DECORUM.
Council Member Perkins referenced the need for Council Members to take
turn in discussion, and to give everyone an opportunity to speak without
interrupting each other. He also believes there's a tendency to criticize staff,
and that it should be done individually and not in public. He also feels all
Council Members should be given a chance to make motions.
Council recessed to the Redevelopment Agency meeting.
Council reconvened and recessed to Closed Session to and until 7:00 P.M.
7:00 P.M.
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).
PUBLIC COMMENT - None
PRESENTATIONS
The Mayor and Council Members presented art awards to the following students of
John Adams Elementary School whose artwork has been displayed at City Hall:
Anthony Aguirre
Alondra Alonso
Alexis Alvarez
Melinda Amezcua
Breanna Angle
Valeria Arellano
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March 3, 2005
Fred Batts
Nadia Baylon
Yvette Beltran
Gerrardo Benitez
Manitza Benitez
Kevin Carrera
Maya Casas
Jessica Celis
Gisselle Contreras
Elizabeth Corella
Tyler Cross
Mayra Cuevas-Curiel
Mysha Cunningham
Carlos Espinola
Isaiah Espinoza
Lolani Paapito
Manuel Fragosa
Robert Gaeta
Trace Galindo
Carolina Galvez
Amber Garcia-Solis
Jannette Garza
Vanessa Gaspard
Jose Grano
Natalie Gutierrez
James Holguin
Katie Hunter
Alexandra Keefer
Joshua Lara
Ruby Leon
Pam Leyra
Laura Lopez
Gabriel Loustaunau
Mariana Marquez
Daniel Mendoza
Lizalaru Mireles
Karina Morales
Alicia Morales
Yunuem Moreno
Ashton Morgan
Efrain Montano
Rito Morin
Christian Munos
David Santos
Amber Solis
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Executive Director Ron Enzweiler and Community Relations Consultant Brian
Nestande of Salton Sea Authority gave a brief presentation on their local
restoration plan for the Salton Sea, wherein they want to maximize local economic
and recreational opportunities. They have asked Senator Ducheny to introduce
legislation called the "Local Control Act" that would allow local agencies to take
over the project, provided they raise the funding. Mr. Enzweiler referenced their
concern about the State's lack of urgency on this issue, and the failure of the
State's objectives to meet local interests. They support the IIBi-County Lake Plan,"
with the key aspect being that the existing shoreline would be maintained for
economic development potential. He presented slides showing how financing can
be accomplished through the existing Infrastructure Financing District. He also
referenced liability indemnification issues related to the project.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1'. PUBLIC HEARING BETWEEN THE CITY COUNCIL AND REDEVELOPMENT
AGENCY TO CONSIDER THE SALE OF REAL PROPERTY LOCATED AT
53-365 EISENHOWER DRIVE BY AND BETWEEN THE LA QUINTA
REDEVELOPMENT'AGENCY AND FRANCISCO AND MARGERY MORENO.
Community Development Director Evans presented the staff report.
The Mayor declared the PUBLIC HEARING OPEN at 7:44 p.m. There being
no requests to speak, the Mayor declared the PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED at
7:44 p.m.
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City Council Minutes
17
March 3, 2005
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Osborne to approve the
sale of the single family home located at 53-365 Eisenhower Drive to
Francisco and Margery Moreno for a purchase price of $165,000. Motion
carried unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, it was moved by Council Members Sniff/Perkins to
adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
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JUNE S. GREEK, City Clerk
City of La Quinta, California