Loading...
2006 12 19 CC Minutes LA QUINTA CITY COUNCIL MINUTES DECEMBER 19, 2006 A regular meeting of the La Quinta City Council was called to order at the hour of 3:00 p.m. by Mayor Adolph. PRESENT: ABSENT: Council Members Henderson, Kirk, Osborne, Sniff, Mayor Adolph None PUBLIC COMMENT - None CLOSED SESSION 1. Conference with City's real property negotiator. Thomas P. Genovese. pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8 concerning potential. terms and conditions of lease of a portion of 525:1: acres located at the southwest corner of Avenue 52 and Jefferson Street. Property Owner/Negotiator: Desert Classic Charities. David Erwin. 2. Conference with City's Legal Counsel pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(a) regarding pending litigation - KSL Land Corporation v. City of La Quinta. -at al. Riverside Superior Court Case No. INC 060133. 3. Conference with City Attorney pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(a) regarding pending litigation. Kleine Building & Development v. City of La Quinta. Riverside Superior Court Case No. INC 060393. 4. Conference with labor negotiators Ski Harrison. John Falconer. and John Ruiz regarding negotiations with the La Quinta City Employees Association pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6 - Meet and Confer Process. 5. Conference with labor negotiators Ski Harrison and Thomas P. Genovese regarding negotiations with the City of La Quinta unrepresented employees; Building & Safety Director. City Clerk. Community Development Director. Community Services Director. Finance Director. and Public Works Director pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6 - Meet and Confer Process. Council recessed to the Redevelopment Agency and to Closed Session to and until the hour of 4:00 p.m. City Council Minutes 2 December 19, 2006 4:00 P.M. Mayor Adolph led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. PUBLIC COMMENT - None CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA - Confirmed ANNOUNCEMENTS - None PRESENTATIONS - None WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS 1. WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE FROM LA QUINTA RESORT. DATED DECEMBER 11. 2006. REGARDING THE LA QUINTA RESORT & CLUB SIGNATURE POOL PROJECT. Marie Mack, 74-399 Highway 111 Suite M, Palm Desert, attorney with Gura'nick & Gilliland, advised they represent some of the communities opposed to fast-tracking this project, and feel it would hinder their efforts to determine the impacts. She stated they have been denied access to the updated studies prepared for the project. The following spoke in opposition to fast-tracking the project, citing loss of historical landmark and parking and safety issues: Nancy Chitwood, 81-340 National Drive Carla Allen. 79-146 Liga Ed Mittelbusher. 77-333 Calle Mazatlan Richard & Leslie Fredericks. 49-875 Avenida Obregon William Bresnahaw, 78-425 Calle Felipe Rue Habberman, 50-035 Camino Privado Ted Newell, 77-160 Avenida Fernando . Jeff Nagelberg, 49-045 Calle Flora City Council Minutes 3 December 19, 2006 John Pena, 51-405 Calle Hueneme, representing CNL, stated they are not requesting fast-tracking. Site development permits do not require Council approval but they have requested a joint meeting of the Planning Commission and City Council because they want to make sure all concerns are addressed. Paul McCormick, 47-779 Via Jargin - General Manager of La Quinta Resort, stated the purpose in proposing a signature pool is to become a year-round resort. Council Members Sniff and Osborne indicated they do not support scheduling a joint meeting. In response to Council Member Henderson, Community Development Director Evans confirmed site development permits are not considered by the City Council unless appealed. The developer, however, has agreed with the project automatically coming before the Council to cover all concerns. The earliest he anticipates the project coming before the City Council is February. He commented on the challenges of having projects back-to-back on Planning Commission and City Council agendas. Council Member Henderson stated she can appreciate the challenge but would like to consider it for this project. Council Member Kirk and Mayor Adolph indicated they would also be opposed to a joint meeting. Council concurred to direct staff to proceed promptly with possible back-to- back Planning Commission and City Council meetings. In response to Council Member Henderson, Mr. Evans confirmed the screen check documents are currently being reviewed by staff, and not yet available to the public. APPROVAL OF MINUTES MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to approve the City Council Minutes of December 5, 2006, as submitted. Motion carried unanimously. CONSENT CALENDAR 1. APPROVAL OF DEMAND REGISTER DATED DECEMBER 19. 2006. City Council Minutes 4 December 19, 2006 2. RECEIVE AND FILE TREASURER'S REPORT DATED OCTOBER 31.2006. 3. RECEIVE AND FILE REVENUE AND EXPENDITURES REPORT DATED OCTOBER 31. 2006. 4. APPROVAL OF AN AGREEMENT WITH DESERT SANDS UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR THE INSTALLATION OF A SCREEN WALL ADJACENT TO PALM ROYALE DRIVE. 5. APPROVAL OF A REQUEST BY THE COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE PLANNING COMMISSION TO UTILIZE THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS FOR PUBLIC HEARINGS ON JANUARY 24. APRIL 18. JUNE 27. SEPTEMBER 5. AND NOVEMBER 7. 2007. FROM 8:00 A.M. TO 5:00 P.M. 6. DENIAL OF CLAIM FOR DAMAGES FILED BY: UNITRIN DIRECT (SUBRO: MICHAEL HIGGINS). DATE OF LOSS - SEPTEMBER 15. 2006. 7. DENIAL OF CLAIM FOR DAMAGES FILED BY: EVERETT H. KEEGAN III. DATE OF LOSS - NOVEMBER 3. 2006. 8. AUTHORIZATION FOR OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR ONE MEMBER OF THE CITY COUNCIL TO ATTEND THE LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES REVENUE AND TAXATION COMMITTEE MEETING TO BE HELD THURSDAY. JANUARY 11. 2007. SACRAMENTO. CALIFORNIA. 9. APPROVAL OF A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT (PSA) WITH KATZ. OKITSU & ASSOCIATES TO PREPARE THE VISTA SANTA ROSA ANNEXATION AREA DEFICIENCY STUDY. PROJECT NO. 2006-13. . 10. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVING AND SETTING FORTH THE TRAVEL AND EXPENSE POLICY FOR CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS. MEMBERS OF CITY LEGISLATIVE BODIES. AND CITY EMPLOYEES. (RESOLUTION NO. 2006-129) MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Osborne to approve the Consent Calendar as recommended and with Item No. 6 being approved by RESOLUTION NO. 2006-129. In reference to Item No.9, Council Member Kirk questioned spending money to review infrastructure deficiencies without knowing if the City is going to annex anything. City Council Minutes 5 December 19, 2006 Public Works Director Jonasson explained it's an issue of timing; Council directed staff to move quickly but the studies are needed to come up with the costs. He noted the County may decide to participate in the study and share in the cost in anticipation that some areas may not be annexed. Community Development Director Evans noted if the fiscal issues are worked out, it would be difficult to catch up unless some of the objectives are met. Motion carried unanimously. BUSINESS SESSION 1. CONSIDERATION OF THE SIMON DRIVE MEDIAN DESIGN. Public Works Director Jonasson presented the staff report. In response to Council Member Kirk, Mr. Jonasson advised Point Happy paid 50% of the cost of the improvements to the intersection, and the City paid the rest. Council Member Henderson commented on there being an interior directional problem, and suggested reflector bumps to guide people to the exit on Simon Drive. She supported moving forward with the median. Council Member Sniff spoke in support of staff's recommendation. Council Member Osborne referred to the lack of a deceleration lane at the access on Washington Street, and questioned which access would be less safe - a left turn off of Simon Drive or the Washington Street access. Mayor Adolph stated he is opposed to a left-turn-in access from Simon Drive but has suggested to staff that a left-turn out would work if the median was wider by having only one left-turn lane from Simon Drive onto Washington Street. He hasn't received a response back from staff, and can't support this unless he knows it will work. Council Member Henderson pointed out that an access exists off of Highway 111, and that maybe the access off of Washington Street that doesn't have a deceleration lane should be closed. Council Member Kirk noted the shopping center also has an eastbound exit onto Highway 111 . City Council Minutes 6 December 19, 2006 Mayor Adolph stated he believes the businesses want to provide a way for people to go from the Jenson's shopping center to Trader Joe's without having to go around on Highway 111. If it can't be done safely then okay, but he would like to give it a try. Council Member Henderson voiced concern that changing it will compound the confusion, and stated she is prepared to support Alternative #1. Council Member Osborne and Mayor Adolph indicated they would like to try Alternative #2 to see if it will work. In response to Council Member Henderson, Contract Traffic Engineer Nazir Lalani explained two left-turn lanes are needed on Simon Drive to accommodate the traffic signal synchronization with Highway 111 . Mayor Adolph commented on not being able to get a traffic count for Simon Drive, and asked about sensors for the traffic signal. Mr. Lalani stated there are sensors but priority is given to Washington Street during the day to make sure traffic is not backed up into Highway 111. In response to Council Member Kirk, he stated Alternative #2 might work under current traffic conditions but may not work as traffic increases at build-out. Mayor Adolph commented on the issue of street parking on Simon Drive, and Mr. Lalani responded the unloading zone areas may need to be"remarked. MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Henderson/Kirk to approve the existing Simon Drive median configuration as currently installed as channelizers to be permanently improved as a raised landscape median. Motion carried with Council Member Osborne and Mayor Adolph voting NO. 2. CONSIDERATION OF SILVERROCK RESORT AD-HOC COMMITTEE. City Manager Genovese presented the staff report. In response to Council Member Henderson, City Attorney Jenson advised limited duration is one of the criteria for being an ad-hoc committee, and rotation of members would not change that. Defining the role in a narrow way allows it to be an ad-hoc committee but having it involved with all of the SilverRock issues makes it a standing committee. Council Member Sniff suggested this issue come back the first meeting in February for further consideration. City Council Minutes 7 December 19, 2006 In response to Council Member Henderson, Ms. Jenson advised people can request to attend an ad-hoc committee meeting, but they don't have the right to participate. She further advised appointing one member each from City Council and Redevelopment Agency would not change the Brown Act requirements. Council concurred to direct staff to agendize this matter for the first meeting in February. No formal action was taken. 3. CONSIDERATION OF ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION URGING REJECTION OF RATIFICATION OF THE PROPOSED FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE TRIBAL-STATE COMPACT BETWEEN THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA AND THE AGUA CALlENTE BAND OF CAHUILLA INDIANS. City Manager Genovese presented the staff report. In response to Council Member Osborne, City Attorney Jenson advised she has not read the Tribal-State Compact, and could not support it without legal guidance on the issue. Council Member Henderson noted Council is not in the habit of taking action on an issue without more background information. She suggested the possibility of inviting the tribal group to present their side, and getting additional information from the City Attorney. She referenced the League's recent establishment of a Tribal Governments Collaborative Task Force, and commented that she feels support of this resolution without more background information, might send the wrong message. After a brief discussion, Council concurred to send a letter to Mr. Hobart indicating the Council feels they have insufficient information to take a position at this time. No action was taken. 4. CONSIDERATION OF ASSIGNING AN ALTERNATE TO ATTEND THE VISTA SANTA ROSA TASK FORCE MEETINGS. There were no changes to the staff report as submitted and on file in the City Clerk's Office. City Council Minutes 8 December 19, 2006 MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to assign Council Member Kirk as alternate to Council Member Osborne attending the Vista Santa Rosa Task Force meetings. Motion carried unanimously. STUDY SESSION (see Page12) REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS CVAG Human & Community Resources Committee - Council Member Osborne reported the Committee is discussing the childhood asthma program and a new facility for abused children. Riverside County Transportation Commission - Council Member Henderson announced she has been elected Chair for next year. Palm Springs Desert Resort Communities Convention & Visitor's Authority Council Member Henderson referenced the name change, and noted it will be forwarded to the cities for ratification. On a local level, future materials will be titled "CV A. " She asked the City Manager to speak to the issue of the budget deficit reported in the newspaper. City Manager Genovese explained there is no deficit, but only continuing appropriations that are carried over from the previous fiscal year. In response to Council Member Sniff, he stated the City Managers and Finance Directors are responsible for overseeing the budget but the Cities have no legal responsibility in development of the budget. Mayor Adolph noted the cities' names are not specifically included in the name change as reported in the newspaper article. SunLine Transit Agency - Mayor Adolph reported they voted to repeal the memorandum imposed on the number of taxi-cab vehicles and operator permits, and requested a study on regulations. * * * * * * * * * * * * * All other reports were noted and filed. City Council Minutes 9 December 19, 2006 DEPARTMENT REPORTS 8. PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT MONTHLY REPORT - DEVELOPMENT ENGINEERING HANDBOOK. In response to Council Member Henderson, Public Works Director Jonasson stated the BIA is 95% on-board with the handbook. He added the underground retention policy is expected to evolve, and can be revised before a year if needed. In response to Council Member Kirk, Mr. Jonasson stated he feels the recent appeals board process was good. As a result, staff is advising developers that metal retention structures with the coating recommended by the outside consultant may be acceptable. City Attorney Jenson noted there are two vacancies on the Appeals Board. MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS' ITEMS 1. DISCUSSION REGARDING LOWER-COST SAFETY SOLUTIONS. Council Member Henderson requested staff research the cost of installing signs with reflective lighting on the edges to try on a trial basis. * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Adolph suggested the January 2, 2007, City Council meeting be cancelled due to the holiday schedule. Council concurred. * * * * * * * * * * Council Member Sniff complimented Animal Control personnel for their promptness and efficiency in retrieving an unleashed pit bull near his home. He suggested a note of commendation be placed in their personnel files. Council recessed to the Redevelopment Agency meeting. Council reconvened and recessed to the Financing Authority. Council reconvened and recessed to Closed Session to and until 7:00 P.M. City Council Minutes 10 December 19, 2006 7:00 P.M. PUBLIC COMMENT Katie Barrows, 53-298 Avenida Montezuma, suggested Council Members and/or staff attend the National Homebuilders Association Conference in March 2007 regarding green-building and energy conservation. Council Member Kirk requested it be put on a future agenda for consideration. PRESENTATIONS The Mayor and Council Members presented art awards to the following students of La Quinta Middle School whose artwork has been displayed at City Hall: Ryan Ables Theodora Alexander Augusta Alexander Briana Amaya Gustavo Bernal Jacob Brennan Kory Bridgewater Devan Carter Andrew Cassel Genevieve Cazares Yanet Cortez Alexandra Delara AJ Flores Margaret Gallagher Daniela Ghulera Mary Lou Gragasin Ignacio Guttierez Kyle Guzman Brandon Howlett Emily Ibarra Marissa Imel Aura Jones Jasmine Juncal Marie Kern Danni Loe Teagan Lugo Sara Madueno Jessica Melcher Thalia Ortiz , Myriam Perez Leslie Petak Alejandra Quinones Erick Ringoletter Chelsea Saintis Marliza Serrano Anelee Soto Haily Stanley Sean Thompson Zatiaya Wilson Austin Yack Jose Y onfong PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. JOINT PUBLIC HEARING BETWEEN THE CITY COUNCIL AND REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY TO CONSIDER A REVISED AFFORDABLE HOUSING AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE AGENCY AND SANTA ROSA DEVELOPMENT. INC., TO INCREASE THE AGENCY'S FUNDING FOR THE HOMEBUYER SILENT SECOND TRUST DEED MORTGAGE LOANS BY $4.5 MILLION. THUS EXPANDING THE INCOME LEVELS OF THE HOMEBUYTERS FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED WITHIN THE WATERCOLORS HOUSING PROJECT AT AVENUE 48 AND ADAMS STREET. City Council Minutes 11 December 19, 2006 Mayor Adolph noted staff has requested this item be continued. The Mayor declared the PUBLIC HEARING OPEN at 7:21 p.m. MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Kirk/Henderson to continue the public hearing for a Revised Affordable Housing Agreement with Santa Rosa Development to January 16, 2007. Motion carried unanimously. 2. JOINT PUBLIC HEARING BETWEEN THE CITY COUNCIL AND REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY TO CONSIDER A REVISED AFFORDABLE HOUSING AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE AGENCY AND SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA HOUSING DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION TO CONVEY CERTAIN PROPERTY LOCATED AT 78-990 MILES AVENUE IN THE CITY OF LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA. AND SCHDC's SUBSEQUENT OWNERSHIP AND OPERATION OF AN AFFORDABLE RENTAL HOUSING DEVELOPMENT CONSISTING OF 80 DWELLING UNITS RESTRICTED FOR RENTAL TO. AND OCCUPANCY BY. VERY-LOW INCOME FAMILY HOUSEHOLDS AT A RENT AFFORDABLE TO SUCH HOUSEHOLDS. Consultant Frank Spevacek with Rosenow Spevacek Group (RSG) presented the staff report. In response to Council Member Henderson, Mr. Spevacek confirmed a formula was used to determine the number of low and moderate-income housing units, with the moderate-income unit being for the on-site caretaker. He stated the goal is to increase the number of affordability covenants for very-low income households. John McMillan, of RSG, gave a brief overview of how the project will address energy conservation concerns, including a solar system, on-demand water heaters, solar reflective paint, and thermal chimneys. In response to Council Member Kirk, Mr. Spevacek confirmed the increase in the subsidy is due to a ruling by the Supreme Court, but instead of spending more money the City will be paid $1.3 million less. He stated the subsidy of approximately $250,000 per unit is unusual for the Redevelopment Agency but is the medium amount of subsidy for very-low income units. He confirmed the City will apply for tax credits to reduce the subsidy. The Mayor declared the PUBLIC HEARING OPEN at 7:35 p.m. City Council Minutes 12 December 19, 2006 Dan Horn, P. O. Box 58, Palm Desert, inquired about the average cost per unit. Mr. Spevacek stated the estimated average cost per unit, including relocation and demolition costs, is 400,000. Council Member Henderson suggested separating out the relocation costs in future projects if possible. There being no other requests to speak, the Mayor declared the PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED at 7:37 p.m. RESOLUTION NO. 2006-130 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA. CALIFORNIA. APPROVING A REVISED AFFORDABLE HOUSING AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE LA QUINTA REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AND THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA HOUSING DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 78-990 MILES AVENUE. It was moved by Council Members Henderson/Osborne to adopt Resolution No. 2006-130 as submitted. Motion carried unanimously. STUDY SESSION 1. DISCUSSION OF SPHERE OF INFLUENCE EAST OF CITY LIMIT. Community Development Director Evans and AI Zelinka, of RBF Consulting, presented the staff report. Mr. Evans added staff is currently reviewing additions to the MOU that the County would like to make. In response to Council Member Sniff, Mr. Evans stated staff is working on technical information to show the County real revenue figures for the Vista Santa Rosa area so an agreement can be proposed that works for both agencies. Council Member Sniff commented on the need to know the financial situation before going any further. Mr. Evans stated he anticipates having a written proposal to the County in January. He confirmed it will, conceptually, include some form of revenue sharing. City Council Minutes 13 December 19, 2006 Council Member Henderson referred to previous comments that annexation should not be a cost to the City, and noted every roof top in the City has a substantial cost to the City. City Manager Genovese noted an analysis is done to make sure there is adequate zoning for commercial and tourist commercial to make up the difference for current housing. Council Member Henderson asked if staff is working on a singular MOU or the one the County proposes for all cities. She also inquired about the status of the three annexations staff was encouraged to move forward with, and the merit of submitting an application to LAFCO that could be withdrawn. Mr. Evans stated once the County makes changes to the MOU, he anticipates they will want to use it for all the cities but it will be based on the one the City is negotiating. Regarding annexations, staff is loading the County revenue stream data into the City's fiscal model to look at three annexation areas plus a hybrid. Although annexation applications can be withdrawn, he doesn't think LAFCO would like it, and feels moving too fast with an inhabited-area annexation may strain the process by creating concern that the City is not allowing the various groups to establish what they think is appropriate. Council Member Henderson stated she feels a deficiency study and density potential is needed before costs can be calculated. She asked about pre- zoning of the area, and questioned the idea of wide lifestyle corridors. Mr. Evans confirmed greater certainty is not possible unless the City decides to make amendments to the General Plan and Zoning Ordinance before continuing forward. He stated the City is looking at three different fiscal models - very-low density, somewhat higher density, and high density. He noted the high density is still low density. As for pre-zoning, the City is required to pre-zone the area, and locked into it for two years. He stated staff has raised concerns with the County about wide lifestyle corridors. Council Member Kirk stated he is optimistic about reaching an agreement with the County, and would like County representative, Jerry Joliffe, to report on how the County process interrelates with the City's process. He also asked about the timeline for having development standards. Mr. Evans stated Option #1, which would provide community workshops, would require coming back to Council on January. 16th to amend the RBF contract, and the public hearing process would begin 30-45 days later. City Council Minutes 14 December 19, 2006 Council Member Kirk voiced disappointment about not having a preferred plan by the end of the year. Mr. Zelinka commented there was a lot of vagueness prior to the workshop. Mayor Adolph voiced concern about fast-tracking, and commented on the need to give staff a chance to have the workshop and go from there. Mr. Evans stated staff can be done in 30 days without the workshops, but with workshops it will be about 60 days from the first of January. He feels presenting a preferred land use process tonight would strain the process, but allowing more time would provide for more consensus building. Ellen Lloyd Trover, 82-150 Avenue 54, spoke about impacts to the community. She is committed to providing a list of landowners to staff, and requested it be used for any type of community workshop process. She recommended the workshop have facilitators for individual groups to provide better focus, and encouraged the City to move slower and work out the fiscal details. Charles Rechlin. 82-480 Avenue 54, agreed with the need for facilitators, and that presenting a preferred plan today would polarize the process. Tom Noya, 1900 Main Street, Suite 310, Irvine, stated his property is one of the three annexations. He supports staff's process because he wants it to come to a good result but a concentrated effort to get to an end result would be appreciated. Brett Kelly, 81-400 National Drive, stated he is in the first phase of the annexation application. He believes development is going to happen, and noted density is important to developers. He urged Council to do something as soon as possible, and commented on the importance of the lifestyle corridors. Dan Horn. P. O. Box 3958, Palm Desert, stated he owns 80 acres at Avenue 53 and Jackson Street, and feels it would be poor planning not to transition from higher density. The current zoning is one unit per acre, and he wants to change it to two units per acre. His property is outside of the County redevelopment area, and he feels it would work for an affordable program and tax credit criteria. Betty Mangan Smith, 82-470 Avenue 54, commented on the need for low-density zoning, water conservation, energy shortage, rural space, and City Council Minutes 15 December 19, 2006 trail connections. She feels the area deserves better than cookie-cutter type houses, and will not sell her property to high-density developers. . Vincent Barbato, 43 Gibralter, Palm Desert, stated he has 100 acres at Avenue 53 and Monroe Street, and agrees there is a need for transitional zones. He feels he has a very responsible land use plan under two units per acre that might help speed up the process. Mike Keebler, 45-849 Meadow Lake, Indio, representing Coachella Valley Unified School District, stated he is happy with the workshop process and would like to see it continued. Michael Solomon, of Rancho Mirage, complimented staff on their efforts, but encouraged the City to move forward with the annexation process instead of continuing to wait. Lee Anderson, 59-777 Calhoun, spoke in support of additional meetings. He also noted under the County plan, there are two areas that are not in the overlay that need to stay low density. John Powell, 77-407 Box Ridge, Indian Wells, stated he feels what was said at the workshop meetings should not be discounted. There are people who may not live in the area but they have a business there. He feels development can take place and still preserve the character of the area. Jerry Jolliffe, Riverside County Deputy Planning Director, stated he hopes to have the Draft Land-Use Concept Plan completed by the end of the year. He anticipates presenting it to the Riverside County Planning Commission in January, followed by a presentation to the Board of Supervisors. If approved, the concept plan would serve as interim guidance until the next general plan amendment in 2008 or 2009. In response to Council Member Henderson, he stated they have made only minor land use changes over the last five years, with the exception of agriculture. He indicated the next task force meeting is December 27th. Council Member Osborne stated he feels the City is moving forward on this issue. He noted, although some people may have been in the process for years, it just began for the City when the sphere of influence changes were completed in April. Council Member Henderson commented on the loss of time that will take place if staff has to wait for approval of the RBF contract amendment. City Council Minutes 16 December 19, 2006 Council Member Kirk asked if the City Manager could take the necessary steps to move forward with the preferred plan and have the contract amendment ratified by the City Council on January f 6th. City Manager Genovese noted the only risk would be if Council decides not to ratify the contract amendment. He confirmed the general direction to staff from Council. The City Council recessed to Closed Session as delineated on Page 1. 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). ADJOURNMENT There being no further business the meeting was adjourned. Respectfully submitted, ~J~~ PHYLLIS MANLEY, Deputy City Clerk City of La Quinta, California