2007 05 01 CC Minutes
LA QUINTA CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
MAY 1, 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
1. Conference with the City's legal counsel pursuant to Government Code
Section 54956.9(c) - Initiation of litigation (one matter).
Council recessed to the Redevelopment Agency and to Closed Session to 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
Earl Greif, 8 Deerfield Court, Rancho Mirage, informed the Council about the
building of a'Tolerance Center, and explained the programs, classes and exhibits
offered by the Center; requested the City to support the facility with a $25,000
grant.
Joe Broido, 77-510 Calle Nogales, spokesman for Concerned Citizens for an
Accurate Analysis (CCAAI, a new organization established to discuss issues with
the City regarding the annexation of VSR.
City Manager Genovese stated staff is willing to meet and discuss the issues with
CCAA and provide any public documents relating to the annexation.
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May 1, 2007
Bonnie Wall, 78-0275 Main Street, and Paula Greyber, received warning notices
regarding displaying merchandise outside the store in Old Town and questioned the
violation.
Anna Lisa Mervins, stated the businesses in Old Town La Quinta need any
incentive to draw customers into the stores during the summer months.
Council Member Kirk stated he has received emails from other merchants in Old
Town regarding code violations; requested staff interprets the code in some way,
and consider if the big merchants are being treated differently than the small
businesses.
City Manager Genovese stated staff will report back to the Council regarding this
matter and clarify if advertising outside businesses is addressed in the code.
Council Member Sniff stated the City is supportive of the businesses an.d it is
. desired to be helpful while considering the safety issues of displaying merchandise
outside the business.
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA - Confirmed
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Adolph thanked the Community Services Department for the outstanding
efforts in making the 25th anniversary events successful.
PRESENTATIONS
Mayor Adolph presented a proclamation to Guy Bishop, representing the Riverside
County Probation Department, in honor of their centennial year.
* * * * * * * * * *
Shane Walton, representing the California Wild Heritage Campaign, gave a brief
presentation regarding the California Desert and Mountain Heritage Act.
Council Member Henderson stated Mr. Walton is here representing Mr. Gary Hunt,
who was unable to attend the meeting.
In response to Council Member Henderson, Mr. Walton confirmed the property
discussed is already in the hands of a government agency and explained a section
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May 1, 2007
near Joshua Tree is targeted as potential wilderness area. TH - clarified the
property is already in the hands in some government agency.
Mr. Walton confirmed none of the property discussed is adjacent to La Quinta, in
response to Mayor Adolph.
Mayor Adolph stated habitat approval will maintain a certain level of rural living.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
1. WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE FROM LAUREN PETERSON, DATED APRIL
19, 2007, REGARDING UNDERGROUND UTILITIES AT DESERT CLUB
ESTATES.
Lauren Peterson, responded to the City's communication.
Council Member Kirk stated it is his understanding that the feasibility of
undergrounding utilities will be addressed when discussing next years
budget.
Public Works Jonasson stated he has spoken with Mr. Mark Weber regarding
this issue, is currently reviewing the feasibility and report back to the
Council.
Council Member Kirk suggested this issue be discussed with liD.
Council Member Henderson stated she spoke with Mr. Weber and Peterson
on this issue; this matter is not supported by the public; suggested to
conduct a feasibility study of the cost.
Public Works Director Jonasson stated he was not employed with the City
when the residents of Westward Ho requested undergrounding utilities, in
response to Mayor Adolph.
Council Member Henderson stated the City has a basis to start in reviewing
the cost for undergrounding.
Council Member Sniff stated staff can obtain an indication of the cost with
the information derived from 5 years ago.
Mayor Adolph stated at that time there were two issues dealt with; sewer
and undergrounding.
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May 1, 2007
Ms. Peterson requested joint participation from the Council.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to approve the City
Council Minutes of April 17, 2007, as submitted. Motion carried unanimously.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. APPROVAL OF DEMAND REGISTER DATED MAY 1, 2007.
2. APPROVAL OF A FISCAL YEAR 2007/2008 CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF
CONSERVATION RECYCLING GRANT.
3. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE APPLICATION FOR A
FISCAL YEAR 2006/2007 MOBILE SOURCE AIR POLLUTION REDUCTION
REVIEW COMMITTEE CLEAN TRANSPORTATION FUNDING PROGRAM
GRANT FOR PURCHASE OF A TYMCO MODEL 600 CNG REGENERATIVE
STREET SWEEPER OR APPROVED EQUAL, AND ADOPTION OF A
RESOLUTION APPROVING THE APPLICATION FOR STREET SWEEPER
OPERATION FUNDING. (RESOLUTION NO. 2007-038)
4. APPROVAL. OF A ONE-YEAR CONTRACT EXTENSION FOR THE PARK
LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE SERVICES CONTRACT FOR FISCAL YEAR
2007/2008. - REMOVED
5. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION GRANTING CONDITIONAL APPROVAL OF A
FINAL MAP AND SUBDIVISION IMPROVEMENT AGREEMENT FOR TRACT
MAP 32751, CITRUS EL DORADO, LLC. (RESOLUTION NO. 2007-039)
6. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION TO REAFFIRM THE CITY'S ADOPTION OF
THE ANNUAL ASSESSMENT FOR CSA 152, AUTHORIZE RIVERSIDE
COUNTY TO CONTINUE TO LEVY ASSESSMENTS, AND INDEMNIFY AND
HOLD THE COUNTY HARMLESS FOR LEVYING ASSESSMENTS ON CITY
PARCELS UNDER CSA 152. (RESOLUTION NO. 2007-040)
7. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION TO EXTEND THE TIME FOR COMPLETION
OF ON-SITE AND OFF-SITE IMPROVEMENTS FOR PARCEL MAP 31116,
CENTRE POINTE. (RESOLUTION NO. 2007-041)
8.. DENIAL OF CLAIM FOR DAMAGES FILED BY RJT HOMES-CODORNIZ, LLC
- DATE OF LOSS: FEBRUARY 27, 2007.
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May 1, 2007
9. APPROVAL OF A FRANCHISE FEE SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT WITH TIME
WARNER CABLE.
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to approve
the Consent Calendar as recommended with Item Nos. 3 and 5-7 being
approved by RESOLUTION NOS. 2007-038 through 2007-041 respectively.
Motion carried unanimously.
BUSINESS SESSION
1. CONSIDERATION OF THE SIL VERROCK RESORT 2007/2008 ANNUAL
PLAN.
Community Services Director Hylton presented the staff report.
In response to Council Member Henderson, Mr. Randy Duncan stated there is
no restriction on resident guests, however they are limited to a three-day
advance notice; and explained the rates as follows: July - September $55
during the week, $65 on weekends, and guest pay 20% off the rate.
Mr. Duncan further explained additional expenses would be anticipated
annually if the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic was played at the SilverRock
Resort.
In response to Council Member Kirk, Mr. Duncan explained there is no
difference between weekday and weekend pricing, whether it is a Monday,
Friday or Saturday; and stated a rate comparison has been conducted and
conveyed the anticipation of improvement next year.
Community Services Director Hylton explained Landmark is maintaining the
entry landscaping, in response to Council Member Osborne.
In response to Council Member Osborne, Mr. Duncan explained the green
fees and clubs are included in the fee per round; and stated 49,000 rounds
are anticipated for this year.
Community Services Director Hylton confirmed the net loss LO - referred to
first page of SR net lost could potentially be a negative $563,000, in
response to Council Member Osborne.
In response to Council Member Sniff, Mr. Duncan explained the capacity of
people to play on the course depends on the time of year and weather.
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May 1, 2007
Council Member Sniff conveyed his concerns of monetary loss without any
assurances of receiving the Bob Hope Classic; stated weather is a major
factor; figures are still not certain; and questioned why the Resort doesn't
welcome business owners to the course.
In response to Council Member Sniff, City Manager Genovese explained the
Resort continues to accommodate the request to play for residents; and the
Resort would experience a larger loss if enabled business owners to play at a
discounted rate.
In response to Council Member Sniff, Mr. Duncan explained the maintenance
of the entrance way of the Resort is provided by Landmark in includes
planting flowers, trimming trees, etc.; and explained the purchase of a walk-
in refrigerator will be utilized for overflow in the restaurant and stated the
clubhouse restaurant is the only restaurant without a walk-in refrigerator in
the area.
Mr. Duncan explained the restaurant will be experiencing a loss but the
Resort is hopeful a small profit will be made next fiscal year with the
increase of events and weddings; and explained prepaid cards will not be
implemented at this time and stated there is no advantage to switching the
nines at this time, in response to Mayor Adolph.
In response to Mayor Adolph, Mr. Duncan explained the aeration is
necessary in order to have the rough down and will help with the transition
and potential problems in the area; Mr. Willie Lopez, Golf Superintendent,
further explained the reasons for use of aeration and that it will last about 10
years.
Mr. Duncan stated the course must close the Sunday before through
Saturday for the Bob Hope Classic per the contract; explained if the Classic
is not played at SilverRock, the funds budgeted will not be expended, except
for the purchase of four, walk mowers and trailers at the cost of $29,000;
and stated a supplementary expense would include the planting of flowers
twice a years, in response to Mayor Adolph.
In response to Council Member Kirk, Mr. Duncan stated a 20% discount of
the resident guest rate would increase play; explained the Resort would have
problems accommodating players if the discount were to be extended to
business owners and employees of businesses; and stated the Resort has the
potential to increase rounds from now to summer time.
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May 1, 2007
Council Member Kirk requested the details of play at the Resort be reviewed
by the SilverRock Resort Subcommittee prior to Council consideration.
City Manager Genovese stated direction has been given to staff to present
informational items only to the Subcommittee and explained items which
may be delayed be presented to the Council directly.
Council Member Henderson explained that when the Subcommittee was
formed, it was clear nothing would be held up that needed to be brought
before the Council; stated she is comfortable with the question asked at this
time; believes no harm in asking; explained the more we discount the more
we have full play, and will look at the budget; stated the course is maxed
out during the high season, but summer is a challenge; stated she came out
yesterday and managed to play the 15th.
Council Member Sniff stated the Council decided the Subcommittee would
have no decision making power when it was created; and questioned how
long it takes to playa round. Mr. Duncan stated at an average it takes 4 %
hours, beginning at 7:00 a.m. and the last round starting at 3:30 p.m. at this
time of the year, which includes 230 golfers at 7 to 8 minute tee time
intervals; and explained the largest group to play is 5 with the majority being
4.
In response to Council Member Sniff, Mr. Duncan explained the installation
of lighting on the course would be cost prohibitive, and state none of the
courses on the PGA Tour in Southern California have lighting.
In response to Council Member Osborne, Mr. Duncan explained the
marketing budget proposed for this year is the same amount proposed last
year, but seems less due to the Council appropriating additional funds to last
year's budget amount; and explained Landmark is currently ahead of the
budget at about $250,000 or better.
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Henderson/Kirk to approve the
SilverRock Resort Annual Plan as submitted by Landmark Golf Management,
LLC. Motion carried unanimously.
2. CONSIDERATION OF CHANGES TO THE COMMUNITY SERVICES GRANT
REQUEST PROCESS.
Community Services Director Hylton presented the staff report.
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May 1, 2007
Council Member Henderson stated the line items in the budget should include
the Arts Foundation and the Chamber of Commerce as contracted services,
and questioned the amount for the Jacqueline Cochran Air Show; and stated
the following organizations' requests should be made by application:
Soroptimist, La Quinta Playhouse, American Red Cross, CS learning Center,
and Polo.
Council Member Henderson conveyed her support to establishing a review
board, and envisions it being made up of 5-7 people who review the contract
requests, but is challenged why cannot have a committee without following
the Brown Act.
City Attorney Jenson explained the committee must adhere to the Brown
Act as it would be a committee that has additional members along with
Council Members, in response to Council Member Henderson; and explained
an ad hoc committee could be established with only two members of the
City Council.
Council Member Sniff conveyed his opposition to establishing an ad hoc
committee to review the applications for grant requests; stated he sees no
value in establishing the committee and will not surrender his vote. Council
Member Sniff further stated there are only two issues to consider, whether
to increase the total amount of budget amount and to raise the grant amount
to $5,000, in which the power remains with the City Council.
Mayor Adolph stated the review of applications by an ad hoc committee
would save time at a Council meeting and they would be limited to a certain
number.
Council Member Kirk stated he agreed with Council Member Henderson's
comment in that there is a little slippery slope of economics as once an
application is approved, it becomes a line item in the budget; thanked
Community Development Director Hylton for coming back with a report;
stated improvements to the procedure can be made; conveyed his support in
reviewing applications on a quarterly basis; supports the increase of the
budget amount to $100,000; conveyed his concerns of the time of lengthy
presentations and the attachment of IRS documents to the application and
stated the suggestion to establish an ad hoc committee was intended to
streamline the process where two Council Members review and make
recommendations; suggested changes be made to the application form.
Community Services Director Hylton stated staff does feel they are
authorized or qualified in removing attachments from the application.
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May 1, 2007
Council Member Osborne stated he supports the increase of the budget
amount to $100,000 and to limiting line items in the budget; requested to
review other requests each year; agreed to establish an ad hoc committee as
the City Council will vote on the approval and suggested Council Member
Sniff be appointed as one of the members on the ad hoc committee; and
stated he supports the increase of the grant amount from $2,000 to $5,000.
Council Member Sniff stated he has dealt with the Arts Foundation and the
Chamber of Commerce for 21 years and had to fight for funding so many
times, and further stated these requests should be made as permanent line
items in the budget, as well as the Air Show; stated he is not sure whether
there is value in establishing the Date Festival as a line item, otherwise all
others' requests are fair game; stated he will not participate as a member of
the ad hoc committee and does not support establishing it; conveyed his
disappointment that the Council feels they don't have enough time to review
the requests; and commended Community Services Director Hylton fdr an
excellent job in reporting the issues of this matter.
Council Member Osborne questioned the suggestion of limiting grants to
$5,000 and how it will impact large item requests.
Council Member Sniff suggested large items should be considered in a
different manner.
Council Member Henderson stated a budget must be established somehow if
going to consider in a different manner.
Mayor Adolph stated not all of the $100,000 budget amount has to be spent
and that grant awards can be less than $5,000; stated these amounts are
established as guidelines for budgeting purposes; conveyed his support to
establishing an ad hoc committee and the Council can observe if the process
is working and saving time at Council meetings.
Council Member Henderson stated she understands the concern of the
amount of paperwork submitted with an application and explained many
organizations prepare a report once a year to be prepared for submitting
applications; stated the Council has worked long and hard on establishing the
required documentation submitted with an application which is good financial
responsibility; suggested to establish a cover form indicating receipt of
paperwork on file and available for review instead of being included in the
agenda packet.
City Manager Genovese stated the suggestion of keeping the backup
material on file in the Community Services Department would be feasible.
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May 1, 2007
Council Member Henderson further conveyed her support to continue the
two-year restriction which keeps the organizations from coming each and
every year; stated $10,000 for the Air Show, $5,000 for the Date Festival,
and the Soap Box Derby should stay as line items in the budget; and
suggested organizations submitting a letter of request at a Council meeting
should be required to complete an application and file with staff to be
considered.
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Kirk/Henderson to change the
Community Services Grant Process to add $100,000 to the budget; decision
made quarterly; $5,000 maximum amount; ad hoc committee established,
with Council Members Osborne and Henderson; continue with two-year
restriction; application process be evaluated; line items as La Quinta Arts
Foundation, Chamber of Commerce, Riverside County Date Festival. Greater
Coachella Valley Soap Box Derby, and Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport
Air Show. Motion carried 4-1 with Council Member Sniff dissenting.
City Attorney Jenson stated for the record the ad hoc committee is being
established to review applications for the first quarter only.
City Manager Genovese clarified the GPA amending for the Jacquelyn
Cochran Regional Airport Air Show would remain as a line item in the
budget. The City Council concurred.
STUDY SESSION
1. DISCUSSION OF VILLAGE PARKING AND PARKING ENFORCEMENT.
Community Development Director Evans presented the staff report.
Leslie Lochen, Manager of Old Town La Quinta, suggested enforcement of
parking not be limited to Avenida La Fonda but also on Avenida Estado;
stated 8 to 10 employees park on Avenida Estado; questioned the use of the
awning constructed on the city parking lot; stated employees are
discouraged to utilize the lot due to the loitering of the day laborers;
suggested enforcement be made between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a two hour
limit during business hours; stated the day laborers utilize the restrooms in
Old Town; and additional police patrols has been requested.
Council Member Sniff suggested installing portable restrooms at the parking
lot to alleviate the situation; and establishing a designated parking area for
those employees handling money.
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May 1, 2007
The City Council recessed at 6:33 p.m. and reconvened at 7:00 p.m.
7:00 P.M.
PUBLIC COMMENT - None
PRIESENT A TIONS
The Mayor and Council Members presented art awards to the following students of
Truman Elementary School whose artwork has been displayed at City Hall:
Andrea Aguilar
Alec Archer
Tri:~tan Baker
Kaylea Barrett
Amanda Cardinal
Cody Cross
Dominic DeAnda
Daniel Fisher
Aliyah Fullen
Katelynn Gilbert
Logan Hunter
Jassmin Luevana
Ethan McClain
Ally McDaniel
Dalton Murphy
Robbie Ralph
Logan Shirley
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE FISCAL
YEAR 2007/2008 THROUGH 2011/2012 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT
PROGRAM (CIP) AND MAKING CERTAIN FINDINGS PURSUANT TO HEALTH
AND SAFETY CODE SECTION 33445(a).
Public Works Director Jonasson presented the staff report.
Mayor Adolph stated a second letter has been submitted by St. Francis of
Assisi Church; stated he met with Mr. Ward, who stated the request must
go to an advisory board of St. Francis of Assisi Church for approval and he
also questioned what kind of participation will be made by the City; and
stated the sooner the church receives the information, the sooner they can
present to the board.
In response to Mayor Adolph, Public Works Director Jonasson stated it is
necessary for staff to review the drainage design to calculate any mitigated
costs, and will report back to the City Council for modification; and stated
staff continues to communicate with the church on this matter.
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May 1, 2007
In response to Council Member Henderson, Public Works Director Jonasson
stated that particular improvement is not subject to DIF reimbursement and
the City is not collecting fees on this particular project.
City Manager Genovese stated funding can be allocated from various
alternatives such as the General Fund, any other grant funds that do not
have a specific project assigned, or any other funding source available, in
response to Council Member Henderson.
In response Council Member Osborne, Public Works Director Jonasson
confirmed the new traffic signal at Fred Waring Drive and Palm Royale Drive
is included in the CIP, funding is available to build the signal and Palm Royale
is able to contribute 25% of the cost; and the City may condition the
developer to pay their portion if the project is approved next year.
Community Development Director Evans stated the signal project has been
submitted for staff review and is not anticipated to be brought before the
Council for several months; stated it is not expected to expend funds during
the 2008/09 Fiscal Year, in response to Council Member Osborne.
City Attorney Jenson stated the City cannot condition the developer prior to
submitting the project, but the developer may voluntarily agree to commit to
the cost.
In response to Council Member Osborne, Public Works Director Jonasson
explained the division of payments as: School District - 25%, Developer -
25%, and City - 50%.
City Attorney Jenson stated it is a challenge to retroactively charge the
developer after the fact of the installation of the signal, in response to
Council Member Henderson.
In response to Council Member Henderson, City Attorney Jenson stated that
only a portion of the cost has been included in the DIF. Public Works Director
Jonasson explained that the City has assumed the developer on the north
half of the street would contribute to the traffic signal. City Attorney Jenson
stated there has been circumstances where a loan was created and paid
from the DIF. Engineering Consultant Nick Nickerson, explained the DIF is set
up to taking a citywide impact and looking at traffic signals, where 50% will
be collected from developers and the other 50% will be collected from the
direct impact of the development; and further stated not sure the City can
charge 100% of the signal in the DIF or install it without readdressing every
other signal installed.
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May 1, 2007
In response to Council Member Henderson, Community Development
Director Evans explained Mr. Meyer is the owner of the property, and cannot
commit until after the project is entitled and stated staff will request if he
would agree to reimburse the costs when the project is entitled.
In response to Council Member Henderson, City Attorney Jenson stated the
agreement would be they would not pay until there are entitlements on the
property.
Community Development Director Evans explained if they were to sell this
property, the new property owners would know they have to build the
signal.
Public Works Director Jonasson, stated another possible option is the City
can get the dedication of the property, another safe routes to school
application can be tried and work closely with the School District.
In response to Council Member Henderson, Public Works Jonasson stated
the City is including the overlay of Avenue 58 in the operating budget.
Engineering Consultant Nickerson, stated the City had collected DIF prior to
Washington Street being widened; the sound study is indicating to complete
certain project first; stated staff has issued an RFP for a sound wall study
and have received four and are currently reviewing and will bring to the City
Council next month, in response to Council Member Henderson.
Mayor Adolph stated he would rather spend the money to just do the wall
instead of another study.
In response to Council Member Kirk, Engineering Consultant Nickerson stated
the City could hire an engineer to make a recommendation on building the
sound wall.
In response to Mayor Adolph, Engineering Consultant Nickerson stated staff
is unsure if there is a need to demolish or enhance the existing wall; Public
Works Director Jonasson stated the 2002 Sound Study recommended the
solution to build an additional wall at Laguna De LaPaz.
Council Member Sniff suggested the City should go ahead to do the study.
In response to Mayor Adolph, Public Works Director Jonasson stated the
City is close to ending the installation of handicap ramps and explained some
of the funding is being utilized to install handicap ramps mid-block on Calle
Tampico.
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May 1, 2007
The Mayor declared the PUBLIC HEARING OPEN at 8:01 p.m.
Anita Froidigan, La Quinta, stated high levels of sound from Washington are
impeding the ability to enjoy her backyard and is unable to sell her home due
to the noise factor.
There being no other requests to speak, the Mayor declared the PUBLIC
HEARING CLOSED at 8:02 p.m.
RESOLUTION NO. 2007-042
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING THE FISCAL YEAR 2007/2008 THROUGH
2011/2012 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN AND MAKING CERTAIN
FINDINGS PURSUANT TO HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE SECTION 33445(a)
AND CONSENTING TO THE EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS FOR THE
IMPROVEMENTS.
It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Osborne to adopt Resolution No.
2007-042 as submitted. Motion carried unanimously.
2. PUBLIC HEARING ON LANDSCAPE AND LIGHTING ASSESSMENT DISTRICT
89-1, FISCAL YEAR 2007/2008.
Council Member Osborne stated 25% of those that do use City parks don't
live in La Quinta.
The Mayor declared the PUBLIC HEARING OPEN at 8:04 p.m. There being
no requests to speak, the Mayor declared the PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED at
8:04 p.m.
RESOLUTION NO. 2007-043
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, CONFIRMING THE DIAGRAM AND ASSESSMENTS FOR
FISCAL YEAR 2007/2008 LANDSCAPE AND LIGHTING ASSESSMENT
DISTRICT 89-1 (PURSUANT TO THE LANDSCAPE & LIGHTING ACT OF
1972.
It was moved by Council Members Henderson/Sniff to adopt Resolution No.
2007-043 as submitted. Motion carried unanimously.
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May 1, 2007
The City Council took up the Study Session item and continued discussion.
STUDY SESSION (CONTINUED)
1. DISCUSSION OF VILLAGE PARKING AND PARKING ENFORCEMENT.
Council Member Osborne stated the struggle is to police two hour parking on
La Fonda and Calle Estado, and questioned if possible to installed parking
meters and if Old Town would look into possibly provide monitoring of the
parking.
Council Member Sniff stated there is a better way to go than parking meters;
and stated he remembers when Indio installed meters; not sure it's the
answer.
Council Member Henderson stated her experience has been the association
of parking meters are a death to downtown communities, and still have to
have an officer to enforce; stated the parking time limit can be monitored
without meters; stated the Village is not big enough for parking meters;
conveyed her disappointed in the cooperation of the employees, business
owners; wish had done a business improvement district and could have
monitored themselves; absolutely address problem with the City parking lot
issue; must handle the day laborer problem; initial reaction is to oppose the
two-hour parking limitation.
Council Member Kirk stated it is a good sign we are talking about a parking
problem in the Village; safety front needs to be looked at regarding the day
laborer problem; suggested to have some conveniences added at the City
parking lot and discuss at a future meeting; conveyed his support for the
two-hour parking limit, where employees are encouraged to open parking for
customers, and stated there is a need for more communication and
enforcement from the City; would not afford full-time enforcement and
encouraged the Old Town to establish a business improvement district to
help subsi<;lize parking enforcement.
Mayor Adolph stated it is interesting the City Council was part of the
problem, and the business owners stated there would be no room for
parking; the City Council agreed and reduced the number of cars required;
also reduced the mandatory minimum of parking stalls with Wells; firmly
believe not just the City's responsibility but also the businesses; need to
resolve the day laborer problem; and evening security for employees; stated
City Council Minutes
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May 1, 2007
the City and businesses must work together to resolve the problem; need to
be aware of what is needed in the future.
Council Member Henderson questioned if the City can help facilitate the
meeting with Old Town. Community Development Director Evans replied by
stating it is a good idea to sit down with Old Town representatives and some
of the merchants to discuss the issue.
Ms. Lochen stated this is just not a problem with the business owners in Old
Town but also the other businesses surrounding; regards to the day laborers
and location, one way to enforce is to bring code compliance closer to them
and suggested to move the location to Calle Tampico for better regulation by
code compliance.
REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
CV AG Homelessness Committee - Council Member Osborne reported there were
only 200 people available to conduct the count of homeless in the Valley and
stated La Quinta was not included in the census; stated a mental health court will
be established.
CVAG Human & Community Resources Committee - Council Member Osborne
reported they are putting together a Workforce Housing Summit shortly.
CV AG Executive Committee - Mayor Adolph reported the local cities approved to
allow the City's name over the interchange overpass in each city, but each city
must pay for it.
SunUne Transit Agency - Mayor Adolph reported received a short range report and
came up with the Coachella Valley taxi study.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
All other reports were noted and filed.
DEPARTMENT REPORTS - None
MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS' ITEMS
1. DISCUSSION REGARDING TRAFFIC ON AVENIDA FERNANDO.
Council Member Osborne stated he has been made aware of the truck traffic
problem at the La Quinta Resort, and understands there is some legal action.
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May 1, 2007
City Attorney Jenson stated the City has some control relating to noise and
safety issues; have received noise complaints from the construction; stated
they are involved in litigation and the case has not been set for trial, the suit
relates to the hotel is overburdening the use of the street.
City Manager Genovese stated the City can get involved regarding certain
safety issues; moving violations; and stated noise is difficult to enforce.
In response to Council Member Osborne, City Attorney Jenson stated there
has been some allegation to noise created while at the loading docks, but
that's something the City could investigate; the City cannot bar trucks from
the street as it is a privately owned street.
Mayor Adolph stated the construction is bringing in too big of a truck on the
street; must limit the size of the truck to have access to the street.
Council Member Osborne questioned if the City included language in the
specific plan regarding this issue. Community Development Director Evans
stated the Hotel indicated they may have a solution by designating a truck
route to keep traffic off of Avenida Fernando, but the Hotel has not
submitted a plan to the City as of yet.
Council Member Kirk conveyed his concern the State is taking a left turn on
the restoration planning efforts, the State of Ca is doing everything to reduce
the Salton Sea; and suggested, with the consensus of the Council, to have
staff work with him and schedule for a future meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, it was moved by Council Members
Sniff/Henderson to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.
;~UIlY sUb~itted,
~RONICA J. NTECINO, City Clerk
City of La Q . ta, California