2006 03 07 CC Minutes
LA QUINTA CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
MARCH 7, 2006
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, Sniff, Mayor Adolph
(one vacancy) Council Member Kirk was seated at 2:08 p.m.)
PUBLIC COMMENT - None
SWEARING-IN FOR NEWLY-APPOINTED COUNCIL MEMBER
The City Clerk administered the Oath of Office to Council Member Kirk, who then
took his seat at the dais.
CLOSED SESSION
1 . Conference with legal counsel - anticipated litigation - initiation of litigation
- Government Code Section 54956.9(c} (one matter).
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 - None
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA - Confirmed
ANNOUNCEMENTS - None
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March 7, 2006
PRESENTATIONS
Police Chief Meyer introduced the City's newest motorcycle officer, Deputy Rob
Brooker. In response to Council Member Sniff, he stated assigned motor officer
hours are based on data collected from the traffic information data bank.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
1. WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED FROM RENAISSANCE INV.,
CORPORATION AND PALM DIVERSIFIED INV., INCORPORATED.
David Turner, of C. V. Engineers, reviewed a map of the parcels referenced
in the correspondence, and explained why the developer wishes to continue
with their annexation into the City of Coachella.
Council concurred to place this matter on the next agenda as a business
item.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to approve the City
Council Meeting Minutes of February 18, February 21, and February 28, 2006, as
submitted. Motion carried unanimously.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. APPROVAL OF DEMAND REGISTER DATED MARCH 7, 2006.
2. DENIAL OF CLAIM FOR DAMAGES FILED BY SANDRA ROSENBAUM
DATE OF LOSS: JANUARY 17, 2006.
3. AUTHORIZATION FOR OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR THE FINANCE DIRECTOR
AND TWO INVESTMENT ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS TO ATTEND THE
2006 CALIFORNIA MUNICIPAL TREASURERS ASSOCIATION (CMTA)
CONFERENCE, APRIL 26-28, 2006, IN MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA.
4. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING A DONATION OF EIGHT VIP
GOLF PASSES FOR THE KRAFT NABISCO CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF
TOURNAMENT TO BE HELD MARCH 27-APRIL 6, 2006, AT THE MISSION
HILLS COUNTRY CLUB IN RANCHO MIRAGE, CALIFORNIA. (RESOLUTION
NO. 2006-017)
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March 7, 2006
5. APPROVAL OF A COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY OF INDIO
FOR THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF TRAFFIC SIGNAL
IMPROVEMENTS; AND APPROVAL OF THE PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, AND
ENGINEER'S ESTIMATE AND AUTHORIZATION TO ADVERTISE FOR BID
THE DUNE PALMS ROAD AT WESTWARD HO DRIVE STREET
IMPROVEMENTS, PROJECT NO. 2004-07A.
6. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION GRANTING CONDITIONAL APPROVAL OF A
FINAL MAP AND SUBDIVISION IMPROVEMENT AGREEMENT FOR PARCEL
MAP 31143, THE DUNES BUSINESS PARK, LLC. (RESOLUTION NO.
2006-018)
7 . APPROVAL OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT WITH TRAFFIC ENGINEERING SERVICES, TRAFFEX
ENGINEERS, INC.
8. APPROVAL OF RESTRUCTURING ADVANCES BETWEEN THE CITY OF
LA QUINTA AND THE LA QUINTA REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY.
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Osborne to approve the
Consent Calendar as recommended and with Item Nos. 4 and 6 being
approved by RESOLUTION NOS. 2006-017 through 2006-018 respectively.
Motion carried unanimously.
BUSINESS SESSION
1. CONSIDERATION OF LA QUINTA HIGH SCHOOL REQUEST FOR ART IN
PUBLIC PLACES FUNDS.
City Manager Genovese presented the staff report.
Dori Quill, President of the La Quinta High School PTO, urged approval of the
request.
In response to Council Member Sniff, City Attorney Jenson advised the
Council must make the following findings in order to use Art in Public Places
(APP) Funds for the mural; the mural must be original art and the artist must
be recognized as an artist by his/her peers. She pointed out an agreement
with the School District will also be needed because artwork purchased with
APP funds normally belongs to the City and is maintained by the City. She
commented on the difficulty of owning artwork attached to a wall belonging
to someone else.
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March 7, 2006
Ms. Quill confirmed the mural will be original artwork. It will also be
graffiti/fade-proof, and touch up will not be needed for 10 years. She
indicated the mural at Palm Springs High School was funded through
associated student body fees but La Guinta High School is trying to keep the
fees down for their students.
In response to Council Member Kirk, City Manager Genovese stated requests
to use particular artists have come from developers and the Cultural Arts
Commission but the Council can also direct the distribution of an RFP.
Council Member Sniff stated he supports the request. He suggested the
organization provide a letter stating the artwork is unique, and a resume'
verifying the artist is a recognized artist.
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Kirk to approve a request
from La Quinta High School PTO for a mascot mural for $7,890 through the
Art in Public Places Fund, and to direct staff to negotiate an agreement with
Desert Sands Unified School District for ownership and maintenance of the
mural. Motion carried unanimously.
2. CONSIDERATION OF SPONSORING AN AWARDS LUNCHEON FOR THE
NATIONAL ACADEMY OF TELEVISION ARTS AND SCIENCES.
City Manager Genovese presented the staff report.
Denise Dubarry Hay, representing The National Academy of Television Arts
& Sciences, requested approval of the sponsorship.
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to approve
sponsorship of The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences awards
luncheon, and approve an appropriation of $1 ,500 from General Fund
unallocated reserves. Motion carried unanimously.
3. CONSIDERATION OF TWO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS TO SERVE ON THE
CIVIC CENTER ART PURCHASE COMMITTEE.
There were no changes to the staff report as submitted and on file in the
City Clerk's Office.
In response to Council Member Henderson, City Attorney Jenson confirmed
Art in Public Places funds can be used for this as long as the art is located in
a public place.
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March 7, 2006
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Osborne to appoint
Council Members Henderson and Kirk to serve on the Civic Center Art
Purchase Committee to select Civic Center Art during the La Guinta Arts
Festival, and authorize spending up to $12,253. Motion carried
unanimously.
4.
CONSIDERA TION
APPOINTMENTS.
OF
CITY
COUNCIL
STANDING
COMMITTEE
City Clerk Greek presented the staff report. She added Mr. Perkins has
asked he be allowed to remain the City's representative on the C. V.
Mosquito & Vector Control Abatement District Board.
Council Member Sniff spoke in support of Mr. Perkins' request, and noted no
action would be required because the current appointment is for four years.
He suggested Council Member Kirk be appointed to fill the other committee
vacancies.
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Osborne to appoint
Council Member Kirk to serve on the CV AG Public Safety Committee, the
CV AG Transportation Committee, and as alternate on the CV AG Human &
Community Resources Committee.
Council Member Henderson stated she is pleased to hear that Mr. Perkins is
feeling up to fulfilling his position on the Mosquito & Vector Control
Abatement District.
Mayor Adolph stated he hopes Mr. Perkins' health will allow him to fulfill the
responsibility of the position.
Motion carried unanimously.
5. CONSIDERATION OF A SilverRock RESORT COMMITTEE.
City Manager Genovese presented the staff report.
Council Member Osborne commented that he feels the creation of a
subcommittee would provide a better way to deal with the issues facing
SilverRock.
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March 7, 2006
Mayor Adolph referenced a commercial about SilverRock during the Doral
Golf Tournament that didn't include the City's name, and noted it's that type
of issue that could be addressed through the committee.
Council Member Henderson stated this is not a Jllive or die" issue for her but
she has some questions about how the committee would work. How is a
committee of two going to report back to the Council; if they meet once a
month and something timely comes out of it, when would the issue come
back; and how would the committee members communicate to the rest of
the Council in a timely manner.
Mayor Adolph suggested using a memorandum to communicate issues.
In response to Council Member Henderson, City Attorney Jenson advised the
subcommittee would be allowed to distribute a synopsis of the meeting to
each Council Member but a discussion of the issues outside of the
committee meeting would be a problem. She noted the Mayor or a majority
of the Council Members can call a special meeting if a timely issue comes
up.
Council Member Osborne noted the subcommittee could provide a verbal
report under Reports and Informational Items.
Council Member Henderson questioned it addressing the issue of getting
information to the Council in a timely manner. She asked if other Council
Members would be allowed to attend the subcommittee meetings. Ms.
Jenson confirmed that they could attend in the audience because it would be
a public meeting.
Council Member Kirk stated he is generally opposed to forming committees
like this but if it's going to invoke the Brown Act, maybe it should include all
five Council Members. He stated he believes in giving staff some latitude
and discretion.
Council Member Osborne stated he feels there has been a lack of
communication to the Council about SilverRock, that they should be
informed in a more-timely manner.
In response to Council Member Henderson, Ms. Jenson confirmed a
subcommittee of five Council Members would be legal. She added a
committee with ongoing jurisdiction and a regular meeting schedule, is a
standing committee and subject to the Brown Act.
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March 7, 2006
Council Member Sniff stated he is leaning toward the idea of a subcommittee
with all five Council Members. He feels the committee should meet once a
month on a regular City Council day, have staff reports, and be able to ask
questions. He indicated he also feels there has been a lack of information.
Council Member Henderson commented that she feels there is some merit to
a committee of all five Council Members.
In response to Council Member Henderson, Mr. Genovese stated SilverRock
issues have been discussed under various department reports but can be
combined into one report if Council wishes.
Council Member Sniff asked about formalizing it as part of a City Council
meeting. Mr. Genovese suggested handling it under Department Reports.
Council Member Henderson pointed out others involved with the weekly
meetings, such as Landmark, would not be included if it becomes part of the
City Council meeting. She suggested going back to the idea of a
subcommittee of five members once a month.
In response to Mayor Adolph, Mr. Genovese explained there are two
separate SilverRock meetings - operations and development. The operation
meetings generally consist of three or four Landmark representatives and
three or four City staff members. Their discussions include various issues
such as installation of a dishwasher or removal of debris.
Mayor Adolph stated he feels the purpose of the subcommittee would be to
receive information on pertinent issues, and to provide input. He feels doing
it at a Council meeting would not accomplish what they are trying to do.
In response to Council Member Henderson, Mr. Genovese stated the
Wednesday afternoon meetings generally last 60 to 70 minutes.
Council Member Kirk stated he understands the concerns but doesn't want
to sit in on meetings discussing dishwashers. He suggested forming an ad
hoc committee to come up with a solution for proper information sharing. It
could include subcommittee members attending two or three weekly
meetings and coming back with a proposal to Council within 30 days on how
all five members can better understand what is happening at SilverRock in a
timely manner. He noted the end result could be two members, or all five,
going to the meetings but the ad hoc committee would allow two Council
Members to Jlget their feet wet" and have a better understanding of how
best to engage the rest of the Council.
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March 7, 2006
Ms. Jenson confirmed an ad hoc committee would not have any Brown Act
requirements.
Mayor Adolph noted the concern came up because of financial extras coming
back for approval without the Council knowing if appropriate preventative
measures had been taken.
Council Member Sniff indicated he prefers making it part of the regular
Council meeting, and questioned Council needing to be involved with the
weekly meetings where minor issues are discussed. He believes the Council
should have better information on the status of the project, and indicated he
doesn't feel he ever had a complete picture regarding information on the
project.
Mayor Adolph pointed out the Council doesn't know what is discussed in the
weekly meetings because they are not there.
Council Member Sniff asked if agendas and minutes are prepared for the
weekly meetings.
Mr. Genovese confirmed there are agendas but no minutes. He added
highly-technical issues are sometimes discussed at the meetings such as the
Avenue 52 drainage and how to deal with under-grounding issues with
Verizon. He noted he would not be able to take direction from two Council
Members at the weekly meetings, unless the subcommittee is empowered by
the City Council to give such direction. He also advised all financial
decisions would have to be brought back to the City Council.
Council Member Osborne stated his intent for the subcommittee was to get
information only. He suggested adding the issue of SilverRock under
department reports on each Council agenda, and having a summary report of
the weekly meetings.
Mayor Adolph commented about a recent issue of Verizon lines on Avenue
52 being something that could have been questioned at the weekly
meetings. Mr. Genovese noted that type of issue would have to come
before the Council because it involves a change order.
Council Member Henderson stated she doesn't have a problem trying to
address the issue by adding a department report wherein staff would include
a summary of the weekly meetings. She noted it would provide the
opportunity for prior written communication so Council can be prepared to
submit their questions and concerns.
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March 7 I 2006
Council Member Osborne requested the monthly financial information be a
part of the report.
In response to Council Member Osborne, Ms. Jenson confirmed an
informational report can be provided under the Council agenda, and matters
needing action could be placed on the next agenda. She pointed out the
department report would not include the negotiations with DDC.
Council Member Sniff stated he prefers having a separate item on the
Council agenda that would include information from the weekly meetings,
and any other SilverRock issues the Council wants information on. He,
otherwise, supports having a subcommittee of two Council Members that
would be in effect until December 2006. The committee would meet once a
month or as needed, and report back to Council, verbally or in writing, at the
next appropriate Council meeting.
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Osborne to: 1) create a
SilverRock Subcommittee that will be subject to the Brown Act
requirements, have no decision-making power, meet monthly, or as deemed
necessary and report back to the City Council (verbally or in writing); and 2)
appoint Council Member Osborne and Mayor Adolph to serve on the
subcommittee, along with appropriate staff members.
Council Member Kirk asked if the City Council would still receive the
financial reports, weekly status agendas, etc. Council Member Osborne
responded, JJY es,", and requested the weekly agendas be included in the
Items of Interest regarding SilverRock.
In response to Council Member Kirk, Ms. Jenson confirmed the
subcommittee meetings would be subject to Brown Act requirements. Mr.
Genovese indicated staff can work with the Committee on a meeting
schedule.
Council Member Henderson asked that the record reflect the following: that
the weekly Items of Interest on SilverRock, the biweekly agendized items on
the City Council/Redevelopment Agency agendas, the negotiations regarding
further development, and her ability to talk to the City Manager about
SilverRock issues, has been sufficient for her to get all of the information she
needs. As for change orders, she feels the documentation provided by staff
provides her thorough understanding of the need for the change orders. She
.doesn't feel she has had a problem getting enough information but will
support the motion so those who do feel that way can get the information.
Motion carried unanimously.
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March 7, 2006
STUDY SESSION - None
REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
CV AG Executive Committee - Mayor Adolph reported CV AG has contracted with
Best, Best, & Krieger (BBK) for the habitat program, and that he commented at the
meeting on the importance of city attorneys and BBK to work together to resolve
any outstanding issues.
League of California Cities - Council Member Henderson referenced the League's
discussions on telecommunications, and asked about having a study session on
that topic. She indicated she feels the big issue is franchise agreements, and the
telecommunications company not wanting to deal with individual cities.
City Manager Genovese indicated staff can contact legal counsel Mr. Marticorena
for information and schedule a study session if Council wishes.
Council Member Henderson noted some cities are jumping out in front of the issue
by distributing RFPs, and stating it will be based on a franchise agreement. She
referenced the Proposition 42 issue, and suggested putting a resolution of support
on a future agenda. She also reminded everyone about the general membership
meeting in La Guinta on Monday, March 13th and noted the City Select Committee
will be considering her reappointment to LAFCO.
Palm Springs Desert Resorts Convention & Visitors Authority - Council Member
Henderson commented on the organization's new Ilumbrella" campaign being a
beginning, and noted a more thorough marketing report will be coming to the CV A
later this month. She confirmed Mr. Beckelman has indicated he will be contacting
Council Member Sniff per his request.
Sun Line Transit Agency - Mayor Adolph reported the Board has voted to keep taxi
cab business at SunLine instead of transferring it to CV AG. He also commented on
the Agency's goal to provide half-hour bus service throughout the Valley.
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All other reports were noted and filed.
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March 7, 2006
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
1-B. REPORT REGARDING PLANNING COMMISSION VACANCY.
Council directed staff to accept applications through March 16, 2006, at
5:00 p.m., and to schedule interviews at the next City Council meeting.
5-A. REPORT ON SALE OF WASTE MANAGEMENT OF THE DESERT TO
BURRTEC WASTE AND RECYCLING SERVICES AND TRANSFER OF
CONTRACT.
Community Development Director Evans indicated the contract will come
back to Council for approval after review by the City's legal counsel.
MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS' ITEMS
Council Member Henderson indicated she spoke to Tracy James, of The Auto Club,
and they would like to have a letter of support or resolution regarding proposed
legislation that would require the availability of replacement keys for vehicles 24/7.
She requested that it come back as a business item on the next agenda.
Council concurred
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Adolph referenced code enforcement efforts by the City of Palm Springs and
the City of Indio to get property owners to take care of their lawns, and stated he
has asked staff to get copies of their policies to find out how they plan to enforce
the issue. He feels it's important to go beyond issuance of citations.
Council Member Henderson commented on it being a lengthy process to get a
violation resolved after a citation is issued.
Mayor Adolph pointed out the City has 1,900 violations/citations that have not
been resolved.
Council recessed to the Redevelopment Agency meeting.
Council reconvened and recessed to and until 7:00 P.M.
City Council Minutes
7:00 P.M.
12
March 7, 2006
The City Council meeting was 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
Ira Boiko, 44-750 Seeley Drive, inquired about the status of the Vista Grande gate
issue.
City Manager Genovese indicated staff anticipates a meeting with the City of Indio
later this week, and should have more information by the next Council meeting.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Joyce Sivley, 79-775 Westward Ho Drive, asked when the yellow sand bags lining
Westward Ho Drive would be removed.
Mayor Adolph indicated staff will check with the County since they are the lead
agency on the project.
PRESENTATIONS
The Mayor and Council Members presented art awards to the following students of
Adams Elementary School whose artwork has been displayed at City Hall:
Angelica Acosta
Nicholas Almanza
Christopher Altenbern
Leana Alvarez
Angelica Arroyo-Espinoza
Sebastian Ascencio
Vanessa Barajas
Daniel Becerra
Benjamin Beltran
Cesly Beltran
Jaime Benitez-Arrambide
Jaanai Benitez-Santiago
Joseph Bujanda
Henry Calderon
Sariena Callin
Mandi Cardenas
Jesus Chavez
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Justin Cottom
Gabriel Cruz
Devante Cunningham
Ezequiel De La Torre
Devin Deapen
Marcos Delarosa
Eric Dominguez
Bryce Du rente
Aaron Esquivel
Nesel Estrada
Pedro Faburrieta-Carbajal
Maria ,Felix
Trent Fogarty
Jillian Fox
Andrea Fragoso
Joel Franco
Faith Freedman
Joey Frias Jr.
Rachel Garcia
Kristina Garza
Emely Gomez
Quentin Gray Jr.
Avery Grier
Klarissa Guereca
Ivan Gutierrez
Moses Gutierrez
Willie Gutierrez
Crystal Harrell
Emily Havard
Cooper Hinkle
Brandon Howlett
Alejandro Hoyos Jr.
Carli Huff
Maya Jimenez
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March 7, 2006
Kevin Key
Steven Lea Jr.
Fahlicity Leary
Raymundo Lopez-Amaya
Sarena Lopez-Garcia
Juan Loya Jr.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1 . PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION
APPROVING TENTATIVE TRACT MAP 34185, THE SUBDIVISION OF 3.14
ACRES INTO NINE SINGLE FAMILY LOTS AND OTHER PARCELS LOCATED
425 ± FEET WEST OF JEFFERSON STREET ALONG THE NORTH SIDE OF
THE STORMWATER CHANNEL, SOUTH OF FIESTA DRIVE ACCESSED
FROM HUMINGBIRD LANE. APPLICANT: SIENNA CORPORATION.
Community Development Director Evans referenced a memorandum
regarding revisions to Condition No. 47 (B)( 1), and additional correspondence
related to the project. Associate Planner Mogensen presented the staff
report.
In response to Council Member Sniff, Mr. Mogensen confirmed the storm
channel is lined with concrete.
Council Member Osborne inquired about grade elevations, and Mr. Mogensen
confirmed Lots 1-6 will be the same or lower than existing lots.
In response to Council Member Henderson, Mr. Mogensen stated the lot lines
will be adjusted to reflect the reduction to nine lots.
Council Member Henderson noted reduction in the number of lots might
provide additional footage for parking.
Mr. Mogensen stated the Planning Commission feels the rolled-curb will
allow parking at the curb.
Council Member Henderson noted some of the neighboring streets have
28-foot wide streets with rolled curbs, and commented on the problem of
trying to infill a neighborhood with compatible street configurations.
Mayor Adolph noted the Council cannot take views into consideration
because the law does not entitle property owners to a view. He voiced
concern about street parking, and commented on the need for each lot to
provide onsite parking for at least one guest.
The Mayor declared the PUBLIC HEARING OPEN at 7:57 p.m.
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March 7, 2006
Mike Rowe, representing Sienna Corporation, stated they are in agreement
with all of the conditions of approval except Condition No. 55, and requested
it be eliminated to allow 10 lots.
Council Member Henderson asked how they propose solving the parking
problem.
Mr. Rowe stated they are willing to widen the entry road to accommodate
parking on both sides of the street but noted widening the other street would
reduce the lot sizes. He pointed out the south side will have 14 feet to
accommodate parking because it wi,lI have rolled curbs against a
decomposed granite surface with low-level landscaping. If CVWD allows it,
the desert landscaping can be spaced to allow parking in the decomposed
granite areas.
Council Member Henderson pointed out there is no way of knowing at this
time if CVWD will allow it.
Mr. Rowe stated he believes parking problems will be isolated incidents, and
indicated they have tried to address the issue of residents parking on the
street in the CC&Rs.
Council Member Henderson asked about the timeframe to begin construction
if the project is approved today, and Mr. Rowe stated early fall or winter.
She voiced concern about construction beginning in relation to completion of
the Roadrunner Lane and Jefferson Street projects. She commented on infill
projects being. an ongoing irritation to existing neighborhoods, and asked
where construction vehicles would be parked. Mr. Rowe indicated they
would park onsite.
In response to Council Member Henderson, Mr. Evans stated the Public
Works Director has indicated the roadway (Jefferson Street) will be done this
summer, and the other side of the bridge will be finished by the end of the
year.
Roberta Froemming, 79-865 (Lot 64) Hummingbird Lane, voiced concern
about increased traffic, and suggested the possibility of the City providing an
alternate well site so the current well site can be used for an entry road off
of Fiesta Drive.
Ann Hermanson, 79-855 (Lot 66) Fiesta Drive, indicated she lives at the
corner of the cul-de-sac, and also has concerns about increased traffic. She
commented about on-street parking already being a problem, and asked for
the City's help in resolving their concerns.
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March 7, 2006
Leo Lowrimore, 79-825 Fiesta Drive, stated the residents have always
assumed the lot on Hummingbird Lane would be used as a residential lot but
the developer purchased land without an entrance and wants the City to let
him use the lot for an entry road. He stated he doesn't feel the project is in
the best interest of the community.
Joyce Sivley, 79-775 Westward Ho Drive, spoke about increased traffic
being a concern for the entire neighborhood.
Glenn Hermanson, 79-855 (Lot 66) Fiesta Drive, commented on existing
traffic congestion in the area, and asked Council to consider how this project
will make it worse.
There being no further requests to speak, the Mayor declared the PUBLIC
HEARING CLOSED at 8:27 p.m.
Council Member Henderson stated she feels 28-foot wide streets worked
when there was only one car per family. She supported the Planning
Commission's recommendation to reduce the project to nine lots, and
suggested trying to incorporate attractive parking accommodations in the
entry road area that could be used for overflow parking for this project and
neighboring homes.
Mr. Evans stated the neighbors are opposed to a parking lot because of
headlights being directed toward their properties. He noted the entry road
could accommodate 1 2-14 parallel parking spaces, and reviewed potential
locations for possible parking pockets. He pointed out 28-foot wide streets
are not uncommon in residential design.
Council Member Henderson stated she feels the existing neighborhood may
not view the parking lot so negatively if their guests are allowed to use it.
Mr. Rowe stated the entry road can be widened to accommodate
approximately 10 parking spaces on each side of the street, and they would
not have a problem with existing properties parking there.
Mr. Evans noted an easement to the neighborhood would be required to let
the neighbors use the street parking. He recommended keeping the 28-foot
wide streets, and placing parallel parking bays for three or four vehicles each
along the entry road. He feels that will accommodate more parking than a
parking lot and be more of a traditional neighborhood street design.
City Council Minutes
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March 7, 2006
Council Member Henderson stated it's her understanding that Roadrunner
Lane, which is a 28-foot wide street with rolled curbs, will be posted no
parking, at least on one side of the street.
Mr. Rowe stated he prefers widening the entry road instead of constructing
parking bays.
In response to Council Member Henderson, Mr. Evans advised a condition
would need to be added for staff to work with the applicant to add parallel
parking along the street.
Council Member Henderson asked about the complexities of letting the
existing neighborhood use the street parking.
Mr. Evans stated the developer would have to grant an easement for the
neighborhood, and noted it will probably result in arguments amongst
property owners in the future.
Council Member Kirk noted public comments at the Planning Commission
meeting focused mostly on the cul-de-sac becoming an entry to the new
development. He stated he would like to know how the residents on
Hummingbird Lane feel about Council Member Henderson's proposal for
parking. He questioned residents in the new development using parking
along the entry road because of the distance from their properties. He
doesn't view parking as that big of an issue in this development because
houses exist on only one side of the street, and indicated he prefers putting
parking along the new street in front of the homes. He stated he generally
supports the staff recommendation, and the Planning Commission's
recommendation to reduce the number of lots.
Council Member Osborne spoke in support of limiting the project to nine lots,
allowing a 28-foot wide street in front of the new homes, and creating extra
parking on the entry road.
Council Member Sniff voiced concern about Lots 1 and 10 abutting directly
to the storm channel because of the potential for the concrete lining to give
way during heavy storm situations. He also feels the street along the storm
channel should be widened enough to accommodate parking on the north
side.
Mr. Rowe noted the channel is designed to withstand a 500-year flood.
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City Council Minutes
17
March 7, 2006
Mr. Evans clarified there is approximately 28 feet of CVWD property
between the lot lines and the storm channel in addition to a 16-foot wide
access easement to the well sites.
In response to Mayor Adolph, Mr. Evans stated the well sites are not yet
active.
Mayor Adolph suggested exploring the possibility of exchanging the CVWD
well site at the east end for a well site along Jefferson Street to allow for an
entry road off of Fiesta Drive. He noted the lot off of Hummingbird Lane
might be used for a neighborhood park.
Council Member Henderson noted the City is already scrambling to find well
sites.
Council Member Osborne stated he feels it's worth checking out the
possibility with CVWD.
City Attorney Jenson stated she understands CVWD has previously
determined none of the area along Jefferson Street is suitable for well sites
because of the close proximity to other well sites. She noted the City would
also be obligated to receive fair market value for the property if it's
exchanged because a portion of the funds would have to be returned to
CV AG who helped fund the Jefferson Street project.
Mr. Rowe stated he would not be opposed to the idea, depending on the fair
market value of the property.
Ms. Jenson noted the lots along Jefferson Street may not be wide enough
for CVWD.
Council Member Kirk commented on the possibility of the length of the cul-
de-sac being a problem for the Fire Department.
Council Member Henderson noted an emergency access could be made
through Hummingbird Lane.
Mayor Adolph noted the street wouldn't be much farther if the entry road is
as far away as possible from Jefferson Street.
Mr. Rowe pointed out the access point next to Lot 55 is only 24 feet wide.
City Council Minutes
18
March 7, 2006
In response to Mayor Adolph, Senior Engineer Goble stated the standard
minimum street width is 28 feet but exceptions have been made in some
specific plans.
Mr. Evans stated staff can go with the developer to talk to CVWD about the
well site but the tentative tract map will need to be revised, and the project
may have to be referred back to the Planning Commission.
Council concurred to continue this item to April 4th, and the City Attorney
advised the public hearing would need to be reopened.
The Mayor declared the PUBLIC HEARING REOPENED.
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Osborne to continue the
public hearing for Tentative Tract Map 34185 to April 4, 2006, to allow
staff to pursue the issue with CVWD of relocating the well sites. Motion
carried unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, it was moved by Council Members
Sniff/Henderson to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
~A.~
JUNE S. GREEK, City Clerk
City of La Guinta, California
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