2007 03 06 CC Minutes
LA QUINTA CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
MARCH 6, 2007
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 - None
Council recessed to the Redevelopment Agency and until the hour of 4:00 p.m.
4:00 P.M.
Mayor Adolph led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Nadia Villagran, 78-770 Sunbrook Lane, presented The Lalo Guerrero Arts Festival
program and requested tunding from the City for La Quinta High School student
scholarships.
Council Member Sniff suggested the City Council readdress this issue and consider
allowing requests for funding be submitted throughout the year. In response to
Council Member Sniff, City Manager Genovese stated staff is currently preparing a
report to present to the Council on this issue.
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA - Confirmed
Mayor Adolph requested Consent Calendar Item No.2 be pulled for discussion.
ANNOUNCEMENTS - None
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March 6, 2007
PRESENTATIONS - None
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
1. WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE FROM RHONDA RASCOE, OF THE DESERT
HOT SPRINGS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. RECEIVED FEBRUARY 13. 2007.
AND REGARDING THE 1ST ANNUAL ALL VALLEY MAYORS INVITATIONAL.
Upon consensus. the City Council opted to not participate in the 151 Annual
All Valley Mayors Invitational.
2. WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE FROM RICHARD JANDT ON BEHALF OF
MRS. VIRGINIA DETLlE. DATED FEBRUARY 12. 2007. .REGARDING ART
PURCHASE.
Council Member Henderson stated Virginia Detlie was not able to attend. the
meeting; gave background information on this issue; and requested the item
be brought back as a Business Item at a future meeting.
The City Council directed staff to bring this item back for consideration at a
future meeting, upon Council consensus.
3. WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED FEBRUARY 2. 2007. FROM
CARLOS ORTEGA ON BEHALF OF THE COLLEGE OF THE DESERT
FOUNDATION AUXILIARY REQUESTING A CONTRIBUTION OF FUNDS TO
THE PUBLIC SAFETY ACADEMY.
The City Council directed staff to bring back this item during budget
discussions; and directed the Police Chief to prepare a report regarding
recruitment of La Quinta Police Officer.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to approve the City
Council Minutes of February 20, 2007, as submitted. Motion carried unanimously.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. APPROVAL OF DEMAND REGISTER DATED MARCH 6. 2007.
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March 6, 2007
2. APPROVAL OF A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS TO UPDATE THE SOUND
ATTENUATION STUDY FOR THE WASHINGTON STREET CORRIDOR
BETWEEN CALLE TAMPICO AND AVENUE 48.
3. APPROVAL OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT IPSA) WITH TRAFFEX ENGINEERS. INC. FOR TRAFFIC
ENGINEERING SERVICES.
4. ACCEPTANCE OF ON-SITE AND OFF-SITE IMPROVEMENTS ASSOCIATED
WITH TRACT MAP 28964. TRANS WEST HOUSING. INC.
5. ACCEPTANCE OF ON-SITE IMPROVEMENTS ASSOCIATED WITH TRACT
MAP 31289. LAKEFRONT INVESTORS. INC.
6. APPROVAL OF AN APPROPRIATION FOR FRITZ BURNS PARK
IMPROVEMENTS.
7 . AUTHORIZATION FOR OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR A PLANNING
COMMISSIONER AND/OR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT STAFF MEMBER TO
ATTEND THE GREEN CALIFORNIA SUMMIT. AND EXPOSITION IN
SACRAMENTO. CALIFORNIA. MARCH 13-14.2007.
8. AUTHORIZATION FOR OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR THE CITY CLERK TO
ATTEND THE 61sT INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF MUNICIPAL CLERKS
IIIMC) ANNUAL CONFERENCE IN NEW ORLEANS. LOUISIANA. MAY 22-26.
2007.
ITEM NO.2:
Mayor Adolph conveyed his concerns for the need and cost for installing additional
sound walls. In respOllse to Mayor Adolph, Public Works Director Jonasson stated
the request for a sound study is to update the 2003 study which included Laguna
De La Paz, but not Rancho La Quinta area; the study will include the east side of
Washington Street, south of the flood channel.
Public Works Director Jonasson explained there is no sound study designating a
need for a sound wall at Laguna De La Paz if noise exceeds the General Plan limit
of 65 decibels; explained the Laguna De La Paz development predates the widening
of Washington Street to six lanes, and was directed to study developments not
included in the 2003 sound study, in response to Mayor Adolph.
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March 6, 2007
In response to Council Member Henderson, Public Works Director Jonasson stated
Laguna De La Paz, Villas of La Quinta, Lago and south on Madison are included in
the DIF.
Public Works Director Jonasson stated the request for a sound wall from the
Laguna De La Paz residents have been turned down based on there being no
justification for the need in the current noise study, and further stated the residents
have questioned when the current noise study will be updated to include Laguna
De La Paz.
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Kirk/Osborne to approve Consent
Item No.2, approving a request for proposals to update the sound attenuation
study for the Washington Street Corridor between Calle Tampico and Avenue 48.
Motion carried by a vote of 4-1, Mayor Adolph dissenting.
. MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Henderson/Sniff to approve the
Consent Calendar as recommended and amended with the exception of Item No.2:
Motion carried unanimously.
In response to Council Member Henderson, City Manager Genovese stated staff
will provide a map to the City Council indicating when development occurred and
when the General Plan was affecting Washington Street.
BUSINESS SESSION
1. CONSIDERATION OF THE FRED WOLFF BEAR CREEK NATURE PRESERVE
MASTER PLAN.
Community Services Director Hylton presented the staff report.
In response to Council Member Sniff, Community Services Director Hylton
explained the plan to include preservation of existing plants and adding
indigenous plants in bare areas.
City Manager Genovese stated no decision has been made to what will be
planted in the area in response to Council Member Sniff.
Golf & Park Landscape Manager Howlett explained options for planting and
maintaining new vegetation in the area in response to Council Member Sniff.
Community Development Director Hylton further explained a plan specifically
addressing this issue will be presented for Council's approval.
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March 6, 2007
In response to Council Member Kirk, Community Development Director
Hylton stated public safety will not drive the aesthetics to a point of
changing the natural habitat.
Andrea Dooly, 54-770 Avenida Obregon, Stewart of the Fred Wolff Nature
Preserve, thanked the Council for acquiring property and naming after Mr.
Wolff; stated the Master Plan establishes planting only in areas needed for
enhancement; and urged the Council to approve the Master Plan.
Joan Rebich, 53-810 Avenida Cortez, stated she is appreciative to staff in
allowing the Stew arts to be involved with the Master Plan and urged the
Council to approve the plan.
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Henderson/Kirk to approve the
Fred Wolff Bear Creek Nature Preserve Master Plan. Motion carried
unanimously.
2. CONSIDERATION OF APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS FOR THE PALM ROYALE
SCREEN WALL.
Council Member Osborne recused himself from this item due to a conflict of
interest - proximity of residence to project.
Public Works Director Jonasson presented the staff report.
In response to Council Member Kirk, Public Works Director Jonasson
explained the staff is currently in negotiations with the School District and
stated the City should not bare the entire burden based on this proposal. City
Manager Genovese further explained the request for additional funding is to
put this matter to rest as staff continues negotiating with the School District.
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to
appropriate $25,000 from unencumbered General Fund Reserves (101-0000-
290.00-00) for the screen wall adjacent to Palm Royale Drive. Motion
carried by a vote of 3-1, Council Member Kirk dissenting.
STUDY SESSION - None
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March 6, 2007
REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
League of California Cities - Council Member Henderson reported the League is
continuing to work with partners and all those involved in the eminent domain
issue, in the meantime the Howard Jarvis organization has submitted for a spot fill
as well as the League, in order for the legislation to be addressed; continuing to
work with the organization.
Riverside County Transportation Commission - Council Member Henderson
reported Commission staff originally had recommended for funding of $38 million,
now reduced to only funding $2.5 million now, and $1.9 million in another two
months; received a draft of staff's second recommendation and Riverside had
received $1 73 million funding; commissioners understood the challenge and
received letter from the Governor requesting they fund the full 4.9 million; secured
another $22 Million where a total of $238 million will be funded for Riverside
County; criteria for funding was understood by all nine cities in the Coachella
Valley and came down to time delivery and relief; next round of funding coming in
three months for $2 billion and Coachella Valley competing for funds for Hwy 86
and the Naptha Hwy.
SilverRock Resort Ad Hoc Committee - Council Member Osborne reported
development of the Resort is moving ahead and will be meeting for the Bob Hope
Classic.
Sphere of Influence Ad Hoc Committee - Council Member Osborne reported
financial analysis and studies are progressing.
SunLine Transit Agency - Mayor Adolph reported the Agency had a productive
meeting.
CV AG Executive Committee - Mayor Adolph reported the topic of the meeting was
consideration of a reimbursement agreement with Indio for the Madison Street
improvement project in the amourit of approximately $35 million; conveyed
concerns of Madison remaining as a two-lane road between Avenues 50 and 52;
and suggested City Engineers from both cities meet on this matter
lIndio/La Quintal.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
All other reports were noted and filed.
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March 6, 2007
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Representatives from the La Quinta Library explained a new program implemented
recently entitled "Hot Off The Press" which features multiple copies of best sellers
available for check-out for two weeks. All books relating to this new program
remain in La Quinta.
Mayor Adolph stated he met with Thelma Dasonj, who developed Howdie Doodie,
and has several puppets, including a bookworm; and is convincing her to donate
the bookworm puppet to the Library for the children's program.
MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS' ITEMS
1. DISCUSSION REGARDING EMERGENCY CONTINGENCY FUND.
Council Member Osborne requested an emergency contingency fund be
established to enable Council to appropriate funds for emergencies in the
area or unexpected requests. Upon consensus, the City Council directed
staff to bring this issue back in April.
2. DISCUSSION REGARDING DISPLAYING BANNERS IN OLD TOWN.
Mayor Adolph expressed his concern regarding the number and timeframe of
displaying banners in Old Town established in the Sanner Sign Program
approved by the Planning Commission.
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Osborne/Sniff to direct staff to
bring this issue back at a future meeting and allow banners for grand opening
event. Motion carried by a vote of 3-2. Council Members Henderson and Kirk
dissenting.
3. DISCUSSION REGARDING PARKING IN OLD TOWN.
Council Member Kirk requested the City Council revisit the issue of parking
on Avenida La Fonda in Old Town by business owners and employees.
Upon consensus, the City Council directed staff to bring this issue back at a
future meeting as a Study Session item.
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March 6, 2007
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, it was moved by Council Members Kirk/Osborne
to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.
ReS~~IIY submitte ,
'7~
VERONICA J. NTECINO, City Clerk
City of La Quinta, California