Loading...
2005 04 05 CC Minutes LA QUINTA CITY COUNCIL MINUTES APRIL 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, Perkins, Sniff, Mayor Adolph None PUBLIC COMMENT - None CLOSED SESSION 1. Conference with the City's real property negotiator, Tim Jonasson, pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8 concerning potential terms and conditions of acquisition and/or disposition of real property located on the east and west sides of Jefferson Street, south of Westward Ho and north of the White Water Channel. Property Owner/Negotiators: Donald J. Olson, Supper Club LLC. 2. Conference with the City's legal counsel regarding anticipated litigation - significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(b) (two matters). 3. 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 the northwest corner of Calle Tampico and Desert Club Drive. Property Owner/Negotiators: Santa Rosa Plaza, LLC and Embassy Suites La Quinta. 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. City Council Minutes 2 April 5, 2005 PUBLIC COMMENT Rupert Yessayian, P.O. Box 251, stated he is opposed to the City giving any further financial assistance to the Embassy Suites project. He doesn't feel the City should be helping certain businesses at the expense of not helping other businesses, and he feels it's important for the community to know what's going on before a decision is made. He also spoke about the need to address some traffic safety issues regarding street signage. Council Member Henderson indicated that the City has no financial investment in the Embassy Suites project, and that the financial participation considered during a public hearing a few years ago never took place. Council Member Sniff noted any action taken by the Council will be fully public. CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA - Confirmed ANNOUNCEMENTS - None PRESENTATIONS 1. PRESENTATION BY THE PROPERTY OWNERS' ASSOCIATION OF RIVERSIDE COUNTY ON THE COACHELLA VALLEY MULTI-SPECIES HABITAT CONSERVATION. Bruce Colbert, Executive Director of the Property Owners' Association of Riverside County, gave a brief presentation on the potential negative effect of the Multi-species Habitat Plan on the City's planned highway improvement projects. Council Member Henderson inquired about the number of people on the Board, to which Mr. Colbert responded, IIsix directors and approximately 200 members." She requested he submit that information to the City Clerk's Office. In response to Council Member Perkins, Mr. Colbert stated any funds that are raised will be operated by the proposed Coach ell a Valley Conservation Commission, which is similar to the Regional Conservation Authority. --- - City Council Minutes 3 April 5, 2005 " - WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS 1 . CORRESPONDENCE FROM MERV GRIFFIN ENTERTAINMENT , DATED MARCH 8, 2005. City Manager Genovese advised the City does not have a formal policy for naming streets. Council Member Sniff stated he doesn't support the request because of the confusion it would create having a street name change from one jurisdiction to another. He suggested doing something else to honor Mr. Griffin. Mayor Adolph suggested the new development might want to name one of their interior streets after Mr. Griffin. Council concurred. Council Member Henderson referenced the need to include Mr. Griffin's name on the monument in the Civic Center Campus, and stated she will distribute the necessary application for signatures. Mayor Adolph requested staff send a letter to Ms. Newberger relating the Council's comments. APPROVAL OF MINUTES MOTION --; It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to approve the City Council Minutes of March 15, 2005, as submitted. Motion carried unanimously. CONSENT CALENDAR 1.' APPROVAL OF DEMAND REGISTER DATED APRIL 5, 2005. 2. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING A STREET CLOSURE PERMIT FOR THE ANNUAL DON BERRY MEMORIAL GREATER COACHELLA VALLEY SOAP BOX DERBY TO BE HELD 'ON APRIL 16, 2005 ON AVENIDA BERMUDAS. (RESOLUTION NO. 2005-027) 3. APPROVAL OF CHANGES TO THE RECREATION SUPERVISOR JOB DESCRIPTION. City Council Minutes 4 April 5 , 2005 4. ACCEPTANCE OF FISCAL YEAR 2005 EDWARD BYRNE MEMORIAL JUSTICE ASSISTANCE GRANT (JAG) (FORMERLY LOCAL LAW ENFORCI:MENT BLOCK GRANT (LLEBG) IN THE AMOUNT OF $11,585 FROM THE BUREAU OF JUSTICE ASSISTANCE AND APPROVAL TO SUBMIT PROJECT APPLICATION. 5. AUTHORIZATION FOR OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR THE COMMUNITY SAFETY MANAGER TO ATTEND THE CALIFORNIA SPECIALIZED TRAINING INSTITUTE, SPONSORED BY THE GOVERNMENT'S OFFICE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES, "EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT: TERRORISM CONSEQUENCES MANAGEMENT," IN SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA, MAY 9-13, 2005. 6. APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL GOALS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2005/2006. 7. APPROVAL OF PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, AND ENGINEER'S ESTIMATE, AND AUTHORIZATION TO ADVERTISE FOR BID THE WASHINGTON STREET MEDIAN IMPROVEMENTS, PROJECT NO. 2003-09. 8. APPROVAL OF A CONTRACT FOR SERVICES AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN THE CITY OF LA QUINTA AND HDR ENGINEERING, INC. TO PROVIDE SERVICES RELATED, TO ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE DOCUMENTATION FOR A SPECIFIC PLAN, ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT, AND TECHNICAL REPORTS FOR A COSTCO COMMERCIAL CENTER TO BE LOCATED SOUTH OF HIGHWAY 111 AND WEST OF THE LA QUINT A EVACUATION CHANNEL AND JEFFERSON STREET. 9. APPROVAL OF STALE-DATED CHECK POLICY. MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Osborne to approve the Consent Calendar as recommended, with Item No. 2 being approved by RESOLUTION NO. 2005-027. Council Member Henderson referenced Item No.7, and asked if the traffic signal is included in the median improvements, to which Public Works Director Jonasson responded, IIYes." He explained it's difficult to coordinate the two other traffic signal projects on Washington Street with this one because they are development related. Council Member Perkins questioned the need for median lighting. Mayor Adolph noted the accent lighting provides notification at night time that a median exists. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO. 2005-30. ---" --'-"~ -'-~'----"- City Council Minutes 5 April 5, 2005 BUSINESS SESSION 1. CONSIDERATION OF A CONTRACT CHANGE ORDER TO TAYLOR FRAGER FOR COMPLETION OF CERTAIN PHASE II IMPROVEMENTS FOR THE MUNICIPAL LIBRARY, PROJECT NO. 2000-06. Building & Safety Director Hartung presented the staff report. Council Member Osborne asked if the square footage cost is comparable to the first phase, to which Mr. Hartung responded, "Yes." Council Member Sniff spoke in support of the change order. Council concurred. Mayor Adolph stated he supported doing this when the first phase was approved, and is glad to see it going forward. MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Perkins to approve a contract change order in the amount of $689,012 for completion of certain Phase II improvements for the Municipal Library 1, Project No. 2000-06, and authorize up to $ 67,500 in increased architectural and construction management costs for a total cost increase of $756,512. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO. 2005-31. 2. CONSIDERATION OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) ON THE COACHELLA VALLEY FRINGE-TOED LIZARD HABITAT CONSERVATION PLAN REGARDING "MEASURES TO MINIMIZ'E AND . MITIGATE TAKE OF THE COACHELLA VALLEY FRINGE- TOED LIZARD" TO PROVIDE AN EXTENSION TO THE CURRENT MOU UNTIL FEBRUARY 1, 2006. Community Development Director Evans presented the staff report. MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Henderson/Sniff to approve an amendment to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the Coachella Valley Fringe-Toed Lizard Habitat Conservation Plan, and authorize the Mayor to sign the necessary documents. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO. 2005-32. City Council Minutes 6 April 5, 2005 3. CONSIDERATION OF A COMPLIMENTARY PLAY POLICY FOR SilverRock RESORT. Public Works Director Jonasson presented the staff report. In response to Council Member Perkins, Mr. Jonasson stated the issue of high school play on the course will be addressed under a separate policy. Council Member Henderson voiced concern about hamstringing the Golf Course Operator or starting out with a deficit due to giving away too much golf. She's not looking forward to the Council dealing with this issue under the g'rant program, and mentioned the potential of setting aside a set amount for free golf. She is inclined to allow the Operator discretion in this but noted when free golf is given to an organization it's a contribution and it becomes a subsidy out of the General Fund. She indicated she has a problem with that when the City is upside down in its Lighting and Landscape Assessment District. Council Member Osborne spoke in support of leaving free golf to the discretion of the Operator. He feels non-profit group tournaments should come through the grant process if they can't work something out with the Operator, and would like to limit the discounts to La Quinta-based non- profits. Council Member Sniff suggested keeping it simple, and state upfront that free golf is not provided. He pointed out the purpose of the golf course is to generate revenue to secure the City's future and to provide discounted golf for residents. He feels free should be off the table, and minimized to the extreme. He prefers leaving discounted golf to the Operator to some extent, and voiced concern about generating too many grant requests. He referenced the possibility of increasing the grant program amount. Mayor Adolph stated he supports the Operator deciding on free golf and the appropriate fee for organizations except for those that are City-based. He feels City-based organizations should receive the resident rate for' tournaments. Council Member Perkins stated he will go along with City-based groups but noted non-profit organizations raise funds to give to someone else and maybe the City should be giving the funds under the grant program. He stated he doesn't want to micro-manage the golf course but féels some consideration should be given to a junior golf program under the City-based concept. He doesn't have a problem allowing passes or discounts to professional golfers that can do something for SilverRock, or passes to the --;-..--- ----- --;--.- City Council Minutes 7 April 5, 2005 media on a first-come first-serve basis. He agrees free golf should be limited, and that anyone wanting free passes should be referred to the Operator. Council Member Henderson stated she agrees free golf is a challenge, and asked Council Member Sniff if his IIno free golf" includes requests by the press or professionals that can help promote SilverRock. Council Member Sniff stated he feels free golf should be highly selective and limited but doesn't have a problem giving free golf to legitimate press members. He feels the professional golfers can afford to pay. Council Member Henderson stated she agrees with the Operator deciding who should receive free golf but she noted many of the non-profit groups outside of the City service La Ouinta residents too. She feels it's hard to have a City-based policy that would address only the Rotary, Soroptimist, Arts Foundation, Historical Society, Friends of the Library, and any potential organization that changes their non-profit address to La Ouinta. She agrees with keeping the policy simple but maybe on a broader scale, and feels it's inappropriate to deal with it under the current grant program. She suggested the possibility of setting aside a separate fund that the Operator could draw from. Council Member Osborne stated he agrees with the Operator deciding on 'free golf, City-based non-profits getting the resident rate, and all other groups dealing with the Operator. Mayor Adolph clarified his intent was for tournaments held by City-based organizations and not just rounds of golf. City, Manager Genovese indicated the proposed policy was developed in concert with the Operator. He explained the idea behind using the grant .process was to make sure the Operator is not held accountable for discounted golf the Council may want to allow or that might restrict the Operator's ability to make ends meet. He feels it will be easier to let the Operator make the call but it will also take the decision making and control out of the Council's hands. Judy Vossler, 73-280 Shadow Mountain, Palm Desert, expl,ained free golf is actually II golf at no charge to the player for a legitimate business reason." She indicated they have a process people go through to apply for the golf and a process to track it. It's also 99% on availability as controlled by the pro shop, and rarely is the media allowed to play during prime time on a , Saturday. It's her experience that the various media does not abuse the City Council Minutes 8 April 5, 2005 privilege because they are too busy. She explained the golf pro rate is for golf pros that work in local country clubs and bring their customers or members to play SilverRock, and not for touring professionals. It's usually done mid-week when play is available, and she feels it's good "word of mouth" advertising. As for non-profit organizations, the Operator would like to negotiate the time and best rate for the parameters the group is requesting, and let them come back to the Council if they want a better time or rate. By setting a policy that any City-based group can have the resident rate, it locks the Operator into the rate and requested time, if it's available, and the group would be displacing business. Mayor Adolph inquired about the current percentage of resident play. Ms. Vossler stated 50% is a fair estimate for the first month of operation but that number will change. She noted if a group calls now and requests play on Friday morning in November, the Operator would be able to sell that time at a higher rate but once a tournament is scheduled, it affects how that day's golf is booked. She asked for the non-profit groups to be left to the Operator to give the best rate possible, based on the requested parameters. Mayor Adolph pointed out some of the tournament players will be eligible for the resident rate but have to pay the higher rate charged to the non-profit group. Ms. Vossler stated the group rate includes a box lunch. She further noted if the policy allows City-based groups to get the resident rate and a tournament is scheduled in advance when prime bookings are available, it will result in a loss of revenue. She indicated the Operator is comfortable with the policy as proposed. Council Member Perkins stated he is fairly comfortable letting the Operator make the decision and coming back in three months to let the Council know how it's working. Mayor Adolph asked if other City-based group tournaments besides the Rotary are scheduled, to which Randy Duncan responded, "No." Ms~ Vossler noted it's the end of the season. Mayor Adolph agreed and noted three months wouldn't provide a good example at this time as to what may happen. Ms. Vossler noted weekend group bookings must be approved by the City Manager. _._._--_.~--~~. --..-- City Council Minutes 9 April 5, 2005 Council Member Henderson referenced the Council's challenge in setting the rates in the beginning and the agreement that one year of operation is needed to see how it's going to work. She stated it seems the Rotary is the only organization that is not pleased with the rate negotiated with the 'Operator. Ms. Vossler explained the Rotary booking took place before the course was open and before the volume of play in April was known. The best rate possible was negotiated with them at that time without going too low, and it wasn't the rate the Rotary wanted. In response to Council Member Henderson, Mr. Duncan stated the golf rate for the Rotary tournan1ent is $75, including appetizers and lunch. Mayor Adolph noted the Rotary golf tournament is a fund raiser event, and they are just concerned about how the higher golf rate will affect how much they can give to charitable organizations. Ms. Vossler stated it's normal for a non-profit organization to try to negotiate the best rate possible, and for the Operator to try to promote community good will by having the organization on the golf course, yet keeping the discounted rate as high as possible to meet everyone's needs. Council Member Osborne noted this is not a Rotary issue but rather an issue of a non-profit wanting to give back to the community as much as possible. He feels there should be a way for City-based, non-profit, organizations to get a resident rate, within reason of the operations. Ms. Vossler commented on the importance of Landmark, City Staff, and Council maintaining a good relationship so these issues can be resolved when they come up. She expects the Chamber of Commerce will be '<, requesting a free golf tournament at some point, and the Operator will have to quote them the best rate possible per their requested parameters. If the Chamber is not happy with the rate, they will have to pursue it through the City. Council Member Osborne stated he feels some allowance should be made for City-based organizations, and hopes there won't be that many non-profits that have to come back to the Council. Council ,Member Henderson remarked she has heard about the Rotary's concern for about a month, and is sorry people can't understand the CouAcil wants to get one year of operation done to see how things are going to work. She realizes most of the La Ouinta Rotarians are eligible for a resident City Council Minutes 10 April 5, 2005 rate and are looking to pay a higher rate for the golf tournament. However, the Chamber is also a City-based organization that will be bringing members from all over the Valley and that will have to be dealt with. Ms. Vossler noted high-end private clubs and other municipal golf courses provide some type of free golf at least one day a year, and suggested the possibility of addressing that through a lottery to be a good community partner. She noted one year it could maybe be the Chamber and the next year ten small charities. Community Services ·Director Horvitz noted 56 non-profit groups are attached to the La Ouinta High School through the Associated Student Body, and many of them have voiced interest in having a tournament. There are other youth groups sponsored by the City that also host golf tournaments as fundraisers. Council Member Osborne asked the Operator to be conscientious about City- based non-profits, and stated he feels non-profits should negotiate the best rate possible with the Operator. If they don't agree, they can come to the Council within the grant program. Council Member Perkins agreed three months is not enough time to look at this, and that a report should come back after one year of operation. He indicated he supports going along with the way the Operator is handling it now. Council Member Sniff spoke in support of approving the policy, and asking the Operator and staff to come back in one year to let the Council know how it's working. He encouraged the Operator to remember the City is trying to make money and that free golf should be minimized. Mr . Genovese suggested amending the policy under Donating Rounds to read, I' All charity and community groups requesting golf rounds for use as gifts or fundraisers must submit them to the Director of Golf." MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to approve the SilverRock Resort Complimentary Play Policy (Attachment No.3) as amended (modifying the paragraph under Donating Rounds to read, II All charity and community groups requesting golf rounds for use as gifts or fundraisers must submit them to the Director of Golf. ") Mayor Adolph stated he was looking at being able to work with City-based non-profits and this policy doesn't do that. r- --::------;----.. City Council Minutes 11 April 5, 2005 Council Member Henderson noted the non-profit groups can come back to the Council through the grant process if they are not pleased with the rate negotiated by the Operator. Mayor Adolph referenced the need for the report not to be slanted In any direction. Mr. Jonasson noted the tournament part of this issue is already covered and negotiated with Landmark. The only thing that would come back is if something wasn't satisfactory and the charity wants a lower rate. Ms. Horvitz asked if subsidy requests from City-based, non-profit groups will go through a process similar to the grant program if they are not pleased with the negotiations with the Operator. Council Member Henderson stated that will be dealt with during the budget process. Council Member Osborne reiterated that he feels the groups that serve La Ouinta should have some benefit. Mayor Adolph agreed. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO. 2005-33. Council recessed to the Redevelopment Agency meeting. Council reconvened. 4. CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTMENT OF A DELEGATE AND ALTERNATE TO SCAG GENERAL ASSEMBLY. In response to Council Member Perkins, City Clerk Greek stated Attachment No.1 is the Conflict of Interest Code adopted by SCAG. MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Osborne to appoint Council Member Henderson to serve as Delegate and Mayor Adolph to serve as Alternate to the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) General Assembly. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO. 2005-34. City Council Minutes 12 April 5, 2005 5. SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 416 ORDINANCE NO. 416 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 2.60, SECTION 2.60.020 RELATING TO THE CITY OF LA QUINTA CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE. It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to adopt Ordinance No. 41 6 on second reading. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Henderson, Osborne, Perkins, Sniff, Mayor Adolph None None None NOES: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: STUDY SESSION - None REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS CV AG Executive Committee - Mayor Adolph reported the sign program has been approved, and the Committee will be making a recommendation on the taxi issue. Council Member Henderson indicated the numbers on the signs will have a black outline for easier readability. CV AG Human & Community Resources Committee - Council Member Osborne indicated he has requested a copy of the Committee's original charter to see if their goals are within those parameters. Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport Authority - Council Member Osborne announced the next air show is scheduled for November 5, 2005, and that the airport will be seeking contributions/investments. League of California Cities - Council Member Henderson reported the General Fund Task Force is helping to address an issue at the State level to help cities self- certify their housing plans. Palm Springs Desert Resorts Convention & Visitors Authority - (See Page 17) -..--.....--.- -----.' --- ...~-- City Council Minutes 13 April 5, 2005 SunLine Transit Agency - Mayor Adolph reported the Board has agreed to let the taxI drivers increase their rates from $2.32 to $2.96. Council recessed to and until 7:00 P.M. 7:00 P.M. PUBLIC COMMENT - None PRESENTATIONS 1. PRESENTATION BY THE RED ,CROSS REGARDING AN UPDATE ON DISASTER SERVICES. Pamela Anderson, 41-951 Corporate Way, Palm Desert, Director of American Red Cross, Riverside County Chapter, gave a brief overview of the disaster services they provide, and indicated they rely on contributions from individuals and businesses. Due to their current deficit situation and need for' financial assistance, they are asking each city to fund the costs related to at least one single family fire. She stated the cost to provide emergency housing, food, and clothing for one single family fire is approximately $1 ,800. Council Member Perkins voiced some dissatisfaction with how Red Cross funds were used during the 9/11 disaster, and asked if there's any assurance that a contribution made to the local Red Cross will be used locally and not sent to the national headquarters. Ms. Anderson stated they have a strict donor intent policy, and funds will be restricted to local use if the contribution is so designated on the check. She stated the organization has undergone a major change since the 9/11 disaster, and they are audited on an annual basis. Council Member Henderson noted when the Red Cross asked for financial help after 9/11, there was some question as to why a high-rent office space was needed on EI Paseo. Ms. Anderson noted they have moved to a new location. She further noted the Red Cross is in a similar deficit situation after the tsunami disaster that they were in after 9/11 because approximately $1.6 million has been City Council Minutes 14 April 5, 2005 designated locally for the tsunami disaster but the everyday needs are not as quickly addressed. Council Member Henderson asked if they plan to apply for city grant funds each year, and noted the City receives a lot of applications. Ms. Anderson confirmed the Red Cross intends to apply each year but realizes the funding is tight. Council Member Henderson asked staff to provide Ms. Anderson with information on the City's grant application process, and Council Member Osborne encouraged them to apply. In response to Council Member Sniff, Ms. Anderson stated the three employees at the local office sign people up for classes, assist volunteers when they respond to fires, attend emergency manager meetings, work with the County on an emergency response plan, along with various other duties. Council Member Sniff suggested they develop a way to let people know how their contributions are being used, and stated he feels they should be more accountable as to how the monies are spent. Ms. Anderson stated they have produced a report to the community on the 9/11 disaster and on the Southern California wildfires. She added acknowledgment letters are sent to contributors to let them know how the money is used per their designation. Mayor Adolph stated he feels most people would like some assurance that the money is being used for the victims, and not for high overhead costs. Ms. Anderson encouraged Council to let her know if they have specific suggestions for accountability. In response to Mayor Adolph's suggestion· that they provide statistical data on how much is contributed for use in Coachella Valley and how it's distributed, she asked if information provided in the Desert Sun would be valuable. Council concurred. _.. ---- --... -.-. -- - ------- - -~_.~ -- - City Council Minutes 15 April 5, 2005 PUBLIC HEARINGS 1 . PUBLIC HEARING TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVING TENTATIVE TRACT MAP 33220, A ONE-LOT CONDOMINIUM LOT FOR A CONDOMINIUM PROJECT WITH 19 BUILDINGS CONSISTING OF 149 UNITS ON 10.76± ACRES LOCATED ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF AVENUE 52, EAST OF JEFFERSON STREET. Community Development Director Evans presented the staff report. Public Works Director Jonasson advised of the need to modify Condition No. 13, defining Avenue 52 as a Primary Arterial instead of a Major Arterial. He also ,explained the half-width median required under Condition No. 50(A) (c) is due to a CVWD facility on the north side. In. response to Council Member Osborne, Mr. Evans stated the zoning designation for this property is medium-density residential. In response to Council Member Perkins's question regarding ingress/egress on Avenue 52, Mr. Jonasson stated the center driveway is right-in, right-out, and the other two are right-in, right-out, and left-in. There are no left-turn movements from the project. Council Member Perkins voiced dissatisfaction about there being no left-turn movement on Avenue 52. Council Member Henderson asked if the joint driveway with the shopping center to the west would be full movement. Mayor Adolph noted the shopping center property has been changed to a residential project. City Manager Genovese stated he doesn't believe the shared access is sufficient distance from the roundabout to allow a full-turn movement. In response to Council Member Henderson, Mr. Jonasson stated Avenue 52 will be 110 feet wide with four lanes upon completion. Council Member Henderson stated she shares Council Member Perkins concern about no left turn on Avenue 52 because it requires people to make a u-turn to enter the City. She's not sure, however, if anything can be done to change that at this meeting. City Council Minutes 16 April 5, 2005 Mr. Jonasson indicated staff can review the easterly exit to see if a safe left- turn can be accommodated, and the condition can be modified to allow that option to the developer, subject to approval by the City Engineer. Council Member Henderson stated she agrees with allowing the left-turn option in the condition. In response to Mayor Adolph, Mr. Evans indicated the project has carport parking around the perimeter, and that the project must meet the same standards as a condominium project. However, enclosed garages are not a requirement for multi-family residential. Council Member Perkins suggested the presentation of future projects include the surrounding land uses along with a north indicator on the map. Council Member Henderson stated she is pleased to see the project moving forward as a residential ownership project. The Mayor declared the PUBLIC HEARING OPEN at 7:58 p.m. Walter Edes, President of Greystone Group, stated he is available to answer questions. In response to Council Member Henderson, he indicated they would support having a full-turn movement onto Avenue 52 but he's not aware at this time what the impacts might be. Council Member Perkins asked if they would be willing to try· to accommodate the full-turn movement, to which Mr. Edes responded, IIY es." Mark Moran, P. O. Box 1305, expressed appreciation to staff for their help on this project. There being no further requests to speak, the Mayor declared the PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED at 8:02 p.m. RESOLUTION NO. 2005-028 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A ONE-LOT SUBDIVISION OF 10.76 ± ACRES FOR CONDOMINIUMS PURPOSES (TENTATIVE TRACT MAP 33220 - THE GREYSTONE GROUP). It was moved by Council Members Henderson/Perkins to adopt Resolution . No. 2005-028 as amended (modifying the conditions to allow the Public ---,--_.. - -.. -- -.-- "-" _._-_._.~., -----.-.. _._--~_.- --- City Council Minutes 17 April 5, 2005 Works Director to see if a full-turn movement can be accommodated at the easterly access). Motion carried unanimously. REPORT AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS . . . . . . . . continued Palm Springs Desert Resorts and Convention & Visitors Authority - Council Member Henderson noted most of the actions taken recently by the CV A have been reported in the newspaper. She indicated a closed session meeting was held today but doesn't feel it's appropriate to report on it at this time. DEPARTMENT REPORTS 3-B. POSSIBLE CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION OPENING. After a brief discussion, Council concurred to direct staff to notify Commissioner Lane that this item will be agendized for the next meeting. MAY.OR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS' ITEMS 1. DISCUSSION REGARDING SEWER CONNECTION REQUIREMENTS. Mayor Adolph referenced a State law that will not allow septic tanks to be used in California after 12 years. He suggested consideration be given to adopting an ordinance to address existing septic tanks in the City. He understands an FHA loan requires connection to the sewer system, as well as new homes, but conventional loans do not require it. Council Member Sniff suggested having staff look into the State law provisions. Council Member Henderson agreed, and noted the law specific to Cathedral City has compounded their problem. She noted there are sections of the community, such as La Ouinta Country Club, that don't have access to sewer lines. Council Member Perkins suggested setting a timeline within five years of purchasing the home or five years after sewer lines are made available. Council Member Henderson noted sewer connection was voluntary when the assessment districts were set up. She believes most of the Cove residents are connecting to the sewer as they can afford it, and she is hesitant to City Council Minutes 18 April 5, 2005 make it a requirement. She noted most of the conventional loan agencies include sewer connections as a requirement. Mayor Adolph suggested getting a report from staff as it relates to future law, and focus on trying to get everyone connected. In response to Council Member Henderson, Building & Safety Director confirmed the City's sewer' subsidy program was discontinued approximately two years ago because of funding. The City Council 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). ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, it was moved by Council Members Osborne/Sniff to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. Respectfully submitted, ~d~ JUNE S. GREEK, City Clerk City of La Ouinta, California