2006 11 07 CC Minutes
LA QUINT A CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
NOVEMBER 7, 2006
A regular meeting of the La Quinta City Council was called to order at the hour of
3:30 p.m. by Mayor Adolph.
PRESENT:
ABS::NT:
Council Members Henderson, Kirk, Osborne, Sniff, Mayor Adolph
None
PUBLIC COMMENT - None
CLOSED SESSION
1. Conference with the City's real property negotiator, Douglas' R. Evans',
pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8 concernin~ potential terms
and conditions of acquisition and/or disposition of property located
southwest of the intersection of Highway 111 and La' Guinta Centre Drive.
Property Owner/Negotiator: Stamko Development Co., Chris Clarke.
Council recessed to the Redevelopment Agency and to Closed Session to and until
the hour of 4:30 p.m.
4:30 P.M.
The City Council meeting was reconvened with no decisions being made in Closed
Session which require reporting pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.1
(Brown Act).
Mayor Adolph led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Marion Ellison, 80-082 Palm Circle Drive, voiced concern about future development
in her neighborhood, and asked Council to consider retaining the open space and
R-1 zoning. She also requested a landscaped parkway with a meandering sidewalk
along Jefferson Street.
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November 7, 2006
Joe Broido, 77-510 Calle Nogales, commented on the need for residents to be
better notified about special City Council meetings. He also questioned the study
session room being of adequate size to accommodate the meetings, and suggested
future meetings be held in the Council Chamber.
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA - Confirmed
ANNOUNCEMENTS - None
PRESENTATIONS
Mayor Adolph advised that on behalf of the City, he recently accepted a golden
ground-breaking shovel from the' California State University San Bernardino-Palm
De:.ert Campus for the City's generosity <.:ond commitment to build the facility.
WRITTF.N COMMUNICATIONS
1. WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE FROM CANDY BERTOLI, DATED OCTOBER
16, 2006, REGARDING SPONSORSHIP OF THE FRANK SINATRA
COUNTRYWIDE CELEBRITY INVITATIONAL GOLF TOURNAMENT.
Council directed staff to advise the organization of the City's budget
process.
,. . 2. .', WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE FROM BOY SCOUTS OF
.. ."" F:EG.A.RO:N3 RICK, DANIELf, .' DIGTlNGU!SIiED CITIZENS
", ," SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES.
AMERICA
DINNER
. Council concurred to sponsor one table for the event.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Henderson/Kirk to approve the City
Council Minutes of October 2, 2006, as submitted. Motion carried unanimously.
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to approve the City
Council Minutes of October 17, 2006, as submitted. Motion carried unanimously.
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3
November 7, 2006
CONSENT CALENDAR
1 . APPROVAL OF DEMAND REGISTER DATED NOVEMBER 7, 2006.
2. APPROVAL OF A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH VISION
INTERNET FOR REDESIGN OF THE CITY'S WEBSITE.
3. APPROVAL TO AWARD A CONTRACT TO CONSTRUCT THE AVENUE 54
PAVEMENT REHABILITATION IMPROVEMENTS, PROJECT NO. 2005-11.
4. APPROVAL OF A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL TO OBTAIN
ARCHITECTURAL/ENGINEERING DESIGN SERVICES TO PREPARE A
MASTER PLAN & PRELIMINARY SITE PLAN FOR THE CITY MAINTENANCE
YARD, PROJECTNO. 2006-05.
5. APPROVAL OF THE PROJECT SPECIFICATIONS AND BID DOCUMENTS
AND AUTHORIZATION TO ADVERTISE FOR BID THE FISCAL YEAR
2006/2007 SLURRY SEAL AND RESTRIPING PROGRAM, PROJECT NO.
2006-01.
6. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION GRANTING CONDITIONAL APPROVAL OF A
FINAL MAP AND SUBDIVISION IMPROVEMENT AGREEMENT FOR TRACT
MAP 32225, SANTERRA, G5 ENTERPRISES, INC. (RESOLUTION NO.
2006-114)
7 . APPROVAL OF A CONTRACT FOR THE RESTORATION OF LANDSCAPING
AT MONTICELLO I DEVELOPMENT, WEST OF JEFFERSON STREET.
'8. APPROVAL OF A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH DAVID
EVANS & ASSOCIATES (DEA) TO PREPARE THE PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS,
AND ESTIMATES FOR THE JEFFERSON STREET MEDIAN ISLAND
LANDSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS, PROJECT NO. 2005-03.
9. ACCEPTANCE OF IMPROVEMENTS ASSOCIATED WITH PARCEL MAP
31172, LA QUINTA VALLEY PLAZA, KLEINE BUILDING & DEVELOPMENT,
INC. .
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to approve
the Consent Calendar as recommended with Item No. 6 being approved by
RESOLUTION NO. 2006-114.
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November 7, 2006
Council Member Kirk encouraged everyone to view the recent enhancements
to the SilverRock Resort website.
Motion carried unanimously.
BUSINESS SESSION
1 . CONSIDERATION OF MEMBERSHIP STATUS IN RELATION TO THE PALM
SPRINGS DESERT RESORTS CONVENTION & VISITORS AUTHORITY.
City Manager Genovese presented the staff report.
Jeff Beckelman, Executive Director of the Palm Springs Desert Resorts
Convention & Visitors Authority (CVA), gave a presentation on' CVA's
accomplishments in convention and travel industry sales so far this 'year:
They project direct revenues' to La Quinta for 2006 will be ~31.4' mHlidn~
: ,based on figures from the first nine months, with $1.7 million being
Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT). He indicated the revenue figures do not
include retail sales tax, and confirmed there is a direct relationship between '
the $1.7 million TOT and the $500,000 payment to CVA. They are
currently working on completion of a new data management system,
redesign of their website, and production of shows for cable television. He'
showed part of a 30-minute video that is currently being shown on two
cable channels in the Los Angeles basin, and indicated a total of eight
different shows will be produced. He also advised of a new program in
2007 called the Feeder City Cooperative Marketing Campaign that will be
targeted at increasing air service to the Coach ell a Valley.
Council Member Sniff commented that he believes CV A is doing a good job
;".but, that the name of the agency ~ilould be changed because the citie~' ; '-"
,:::houldn"t, be subordinate to the City of Palm Springs. He suggested
, changing the name to "Desert Resorts Cities Visitors and Convention
" Authority" with all the cities' names listed in alphabetical order.
Mr. Beckelman stated he doesn't have a problem changing the name
because their marketing focus is the desert, the' component that tie~ tHe
cities together.
Council Member Osborne stated he would like to see information on' the
convention sales on a quarterly basis, and asked about the forecast for
2007. Mr. Seckelman indicated they are working on the 2007 forecast.
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November 7, 2006
In response to Council Member Kirk, Mr. Beckelman confirmed hotels in
La Quinta would not be able to participate in CV A if the City withdraws.
Council Member Henderson noted the material presented today was just
accepted by TAC, and will be ongoing as a report to the JPA. She requested
the Council receive a copy of the video for full review, and Mr. Beckelman
indicated copies would be sent next week.
Mayor Adolph expressed appreciation for the information presented, and
agreed it's important for the City to be kept informed. He commented on a
travel show he saw in Lake Tahoe about Coachella Valley that did not
mention La Quinta.
Mr. Beckelman stated he doesn't know who produced that show but no CVA
funds were involved. As for changing the name, he noted that is up to the
JPA. They are still using "you're surrounded" in' some of the ads' but the
main statement is "give into the desert."
Council Member Henderson stated the issue of changing the name is
discussed at almost every meeting, and can be agendized again. She
commented on the difficulty of identifying Coachella Valley with "desert
resorts" because of other areas using that identification, and noted
identification with Palm Springs is well-known. She noted the issue can be
revisited when materials are developed for the next marketing year, but
currently there is not a consensus to change the name. She added the
recommendation from HIBC is to retain the identity of Palm Springs in the
name because the mission of CV A is convention sales.
Council Member Sniff questioned there being any confusion in using "desert
resorts" as the name because it would also include the names of the local
cities. He previously suggested withdrawing from the CV A so the Board
would know this is a serious issue, but is not sure if there is support for that
now.
Council Member Kirk stated the input he has received from local hotels is
that they feel withdrawing would be disastrous. He supports staying in the.'
CV A and focusing on the objective of return on investment. He encouraged
frequent updates by the CV A.
Council Member Osborne indicated his concerns have been addressed, and
supports staying in the CV A.
Mr. Beckelman commented that he will relay the Council's message to the
Board, and noted his role is to make sure all the cities are fairly represented.
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November 7, 2006
Mayor Adolph expressed the need for more frequent CV A updates, and
assurance that the City's money is being invested to bring revenue back into
the City. He stated he agrees the name should be changed at some point
but also that the name "Palm Springs" is known worldwide.
Brad Putram, General Manager of Homewood Suites, spoke in support of the
CV A, and stated the hotel will be open in February.
2. CONSIDERATION OF ADOPTING A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
INCREASING THE FEE FOR COVERAGE UNDER THE COACHELLA VALLEY
FRINGE-TOED LIZARD HABITAT CONSERVATION PLAN TO $ 2,371 PER
DISTURBED ACRE.
City Manager Genovese noted staff has recommended this item be removed
from the agenda and rescheduled for a future date as a public hearing.
3. CONSIDERATION OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE.
City Manager Genovese presented the staff report.
Council Member Sniff suggested the meeting schedule be changed as
follows: closed session from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m.; open session from 4:00 to
6: 15 p.m.; and public hearings to begin at 7:00 p.m. with no new items to
be taken up after 11 :00 p.m. unless there is a majority vote to continue.
Council Member Osborne concurred.
Council Member Henderson stated she agrees with starting closed session at
3:00 p.m. and open session at 4:00 p.m. but prefers recessing for dinner at
6:30 instead of 6: 15 p.m.
In response to Council Member Henderson, Mr. Genovese advised the end
time of the meeting is a policy issue and not part of the resolution.
Council Member Kirk stated he agrees with starting closed session at 3:00
p.m., open session at 4:00 p.m., and dinner at 6:30 p.m. He also supports
staying with a 10:00 p.m. deadline unless there is a majority vote to
continue.
Council Member Henderson suggested looking at alternative ways to handle
the art award presentations.
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November 7, 2006
Mayor Adolph stated he supports whatever schedule works best for Council.
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Kirk/Henderson to adopt
RESOLUTION NO. 2006-115, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF LA QUINT A, CALIFORNIA ADOPTING RULES OF PROCEDURE
FOR COUNCIL MEETINGS AND RELATED FUNCTIONS AND ACTIVITIES
(indicating a start time of 3:00 p.m. and a half-hour dinner break).
In response to Council Member Kirk, City Attorney Jenson stated there is no
written policy on what time to end the meeting.
Motion carried with Council Member Sniff voting NO.
STUDY SESSION - None
REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
Sphere of Influence Subcommittee - Council Member Kirk stated staff has
indicated they will provide a detailed report at the next subcommittee meeting
regarding the policy for proceeding with three annexations.
CV AG Human & Community Resources Committee - Council Member Osborne
reported CV AG is considering the creation of a standard review for all animal
shelters. He also advised of the need to appoint someone to the Homeless
Committee, which will hold its first meeting December 6th at 10:30 a.m. He added
he would be unable to attend the morning meetings.
Council concurred to agendize this matter for the next agenda.
Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport Authority - Council Member Osborne
reported there was good attendance at the air show. He voiced concern about the
Authority only rubberstamping what the County does. He would like to have some
discussion regarding the City's participation on the Authority, and have more clarity
on what the Board is supposed to do.
Sun Line Transit Agency - Mayor Adolph announced they settled a contract with
the bus drivers, but he understands the union is not happy with the outcome.
CV AG Executive Committee - Mayor Adolph stated the Committee took action,
which he did not support, to change the Homeless Task Force to a standing
committee. They wiH also be taking another look at the Housing Authority being
City Council Minutes
8
November 7, 2006
able to finance affordable housing in the community due to the change in the
housing market.
Mayor Adolph announced he also attended the dedication of the Colonel Mitchell
Paige Middle School, the La Quinta Resort 80th Anniversary, and the Family Fest
event at Old Town.
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All other reports were noted and filed.
DEPARTMENT REPORTS - None
MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS' ITEMS
Mayor Adolph stated he spoke to Charlene Whitlinger, of Desert Sands Unified
School District, regarding the status of the wall along Palm Royale Drive, and she
indicated that the District had not received the City's check. He will follow-up by
contacting Superintendent Doris Wilson in hopes of getting the matter resolved
soon.
Mayor Adolph stated he has received inquiries from Peter Ministrelli and Tom
Cullinan regarding the extension of Jefferson Street, and has asked staff to
agendize the project to consider priorities on reimbursements.
'Council Member Henderson requested a business item be placed on the next
agenda to discuss the issue of holiday tree versus Christmas tree.
Council Member Osborne suggested taking. a look at how the City logo is being
used to avoid other agencies being able to create reports that look like they came
from the City.
PUBLIC HEARINGS - None
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November 7, 2006
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, it was moved by Council Members Osborne/Sniff
to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.
Respectfully submitted, , /
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VERONICA,6; MONTECINO, City Clerk
City of La Quinta, California