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2008 06 02 CC MinutesLA QUINTA CITY COUNCIL MINUTES JUNE 2, 2008 An adjourned meeting of the La Quinta City Council was called to order at the hour of 3:00 p.m. by Mayor Adolph. PRESENT: Council Members Henderson, Kirk, Osborne, Sniff, Mayor Adolph ABSENT: None PUBLIC COMMENT -None CLOSED SESSION -None Council recessed to the Redevelopment Agency to and until the hour of 4:00 p.m. 4c00 P_M_ Mayor Adolph led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. PUBLIC COMMENT -None CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA -Confirmed City Manager Genovese referenced additional information distributed for Business Item No. 3. Mayor Adolph requested Consent Item Nos. 8 and 9 be taken up separately as he has a potential conflict of interest on both items. He also noted on Consent Item No. 6, that the closing of the nomination period should be corrected to read August 8, 2008, not November 8, 2008. ANNOUNCEMENTS -None PRESENTATIONS -None City Council Minutes 2 June 2, 2008 WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS -None APPROVAL OF MINUTES MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Kirk to approve the City Council Minutes of May 20, 2008, as submitted. Motion carried unanimously. CONSENT CALENDAR 1. APPROVAL OF DEMAND REGISTER DATED JUNE 2, 2008, 2. ACCEPTANCE OF CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 2000-10, LA QUINTA MUSEUM EXPANSION. 3. ACCEPTANCE OF CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 2002-01, LA QUINTA CITY HALL EXPANSION, AND APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS. 4. APPROVAL TO ESTABLISH PETTY CASH ACCOUNTS FOR THE MUSEUM AND THE SENIOR CENTER. 5. APPROVAL OF CONTRACT CHANGE ORDER NO. 9 FOR PROJECT NO. LMC 2005-08, CITYWIDE LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE SERVICES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2007/2008. 6. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION CALLING AND GIVING NOTICE OF THE HOLDING OF A GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2008, FOR THE ELECTION OF CERTAIN OFFICERS AS REQUIRED BY THE PROVISIONS OF THE LAW OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA. (RESOLUTION NO. 2008-038) 7. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA, TO CONSOLIDATE A GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2008, WITH THE STATEWIDE GENERAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON THE DATE PURSUANT TO §10403 OF THE ELECTIONS CODE. (RESOLUTION NO. 2008-039) 8. APPROVAL OF SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 456 APPROVING A REVISION TO THE LA QUINTA ZONING MAP FOR CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY (EDEN ROCK AT PGA WEST) LOCATED WITHIN THE PGA WEST DEVELOPMENT - ZONE CHANGE 2006-127 - CROWNE POINTE PARTNERS, LLC. (See separate action below.) City Council Minutes 3 June 2, 2008 9. APPROVAL OF SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 457 APPROVING DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT 2006-011 FOR THE EDEN ROCK PROJECT LOCATED WITHIN THE PGA WEST DEVELOPMENT. APPLICANT: CROWNE POINTE PARTNERS, LLC. (See separate action below.) MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Kirk/Osborne to approve the Consent Calendar as recommended and amended with the exception of Item Nos. 8 and 9 and with Item Nos. 6 and 7 being approved by RESOLUTION NOS. 2008-038, through 2008-039 respectively. Motion carried unanimously. Item No. 8: MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Kirk/Osborne to approve Consent Item No. 8, approving the second reading of Ordinance No. 456 as submitted. Motion carried 4-0-1, with Mayor Adolph abstaining. Item No_ 9~ MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Kirk/Osborne to approve Consent Item No. 9, approving the second reading of Ordinance No. 457 as submitted. Motion carried 4-0-1, with Mayor Adolph abstaining. BUSINESS SESSION 1. CONSIDERATION TO APPOINT A REPRESENTATIVE TO THE TRAILS MANAGEMENT SUBCOMMITTEE FOR THE COACHELLA VALLEY MULTIPLE SPECIES HABITAT CONSERVATION PLAN. Community Services Director Hylton presented the staff report. Council Member Kirk recommended Dori Quill as the appointed representative. Mayor Adolph conveyed the appointed representative should be knowledgeable of the trails system and the Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan. Mrs. Quill stated that she currently serves on the trails committee; her main interest is to establish signage for the trails in La Quinta; and she is very interested in serving on the subcommittee and would bring a hiker's perspective. City Council Minutes 4 June 2, 2008 In response to Council Member Sniff, Katie Barrows, representing Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG1, explained CVAG has not specified terms but may recommend a minimum of one year. Council Member Kirk suggested the term be concurrent with the Community Services Commission term. In response to Mayor Adolph, Mrs. Barrows explained the subcommittee is anticipated to meet every other month; and the subcommittee will be comprised of an appointment from each jurisdiction and five appointees from the Coachella Valley Conservation Commission (CVCCI. Council Member Sniff suggested the length of term be commensurate with the appointment to the Community Services Commission. MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Kirk/Sniff to appoint Dori Quill to represent the City on the Trails Management Subcommittee for the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan, and be commensurate with her term on the Community Services Commission. Motion carried unanimously. 2. CONSIDERATION OF PROCESS AND GUIDELINES FOR EVALUATION OF MARKETING REQUESTS BY THE LA QUINTA MARKETING COMMITTEE. Management Analyst Casillas presented the staff report; and acknowledged members of the Marketing Committee present. In response to Council Member Osborne, Management Analyst Casillas explained all requests have been funneled through the Community Services Grant Guidelines; and staff is requesting guidance from the City Council on which components of the requests to consider, as the marketing committee weights on the costs. Council Member Osborne conveyed his concern of restricting requests due to the maximum grant allowance of 55,000 and the 2-year limit; and questioned how the marketing value formula of three times the City's investment was established. Management Analyst Casillas explained it is standard practice and is a tangible value that can be quantified. Council Member Sniff stated there are many problems with the grant process and suggested to add different people to the committee; and stated he cannot support this item as he does not support the Ad-Hoc Grants Committee. City Council Minutes 5 June 2, 2008 Council Member Henderson stated the truth of this matter is staff is looking for a way out for the City Council as no one wants to say no to requests; agreed with the concerns stated by Council Member Osborne; stated many grant requests stress a marketing component and are referred to the Marketing Committee who attempt to determine the City Council's desire; stated there is no control over what organizations will request; stated the City must follow the guidelines; the City Council has not addressed the root of the problem and solved it; and conveyed her understanding the Marketing Committee would be seated and utilized on an as-needed basis. Management Analyst Casillas explained the Marketing Committee meets quarterly, and if there is a grant request referred, the Committee invites those involved to the meeting; and the intent to granting requests would be based on the fiscal year, one-time event or a one-time sponsorship. Council Member Henderson recognized and thanked the members of the committee for a thoughtful approach for the City Council; stated the City Council hasn't solved any of the problems with this issue; conveyed her uncertainty to approving this item at this time; stated staff cannot bring something back unless they receive direction from the City Council; and questioned how many times has this matter been discussed as a Study Session item. City Manager Genovese replied by stating this item has been discussed multiple times; and explained the City Council can give direction to suspend certain aspects of the grant policy process when considering particular requests. Council Member Henderson conveyed her appreciation of the City Manager pointing out the latitude of the City Council; and conveyed her desire to present black and white rules when considering requests. Council Member Kirk stated he likes the rules currently established; stated insight and history on this matter is important; stated there is some logic and rationale to the ad-hoc committee process and conveyed his appreciation of staff's efforts; stated there are some inconsistencies as pointed out by Council Member Osborne; suggested a process be established for requests of more than 55,000 and for requests regarding marketing, and be referred to a committee for a technical review before they are presented to the City Council for consideration. Council Member Osborne suggested to remove the funding limitation. Council Member Kirk suggested different sorts of criteria be established for different types of applications and be brought back for City Council's approval for evaluation of the proposals. In response to Council Member Kirk, Community Services Director Hylton stated the suggestion makes sense City Council Minutes 6 June 2, 2008 as it is difficult for those applications requesting more than $5,000, and suggested to establish two different approaches; one for Community Services Grants with the 55,000 limitation and another for Marketing and Economic Development with a possible cap. Mayor Adolph expressed his concern of how the request from The Prestige was reviewed by the Marketing Committee last year; and suggested the committee receive input from the applicant. Council Member Kirk stated it is not desired to burden the Marketing Committee with political decisions. - Council Member Henderson suggested the current members of the Marketing Committee be given the opportunity to serve on the technical review committee, if they so choose; and there is a need for staff to bring this item back,. whether the members of the marketing committee are willing to serve on the technical review committee. Mayor Adolph stated it is important to have all elements of the community as part of the decision making process to marketing the City of La Quinta. Council Member Sniff stated this problem is partially the fault of the City Council for not being cohesive and giving clear direction; suggested to formally form a marketing committee of nine members as diverse as possible, meet quarterly, and make recommendations to the City Council on items that are economic development in nature; suggested the Community Services grant program be separate and stand alone for considering requests of $5,000 or less -two level program 1) continue the normal grant program; 2) reform the economic development committee and make it as diverse as possible, with a maximum amount of input and coverage from the business community; stated Council Member Kirk had a good suggestion; suggested to keeping the process simple; suggested members from SilverRock Resort, The Village, the hotel community, and retail businesses be considered. Mayor Adolph agreed with Council Member Henderson in having the marketing committee understand the criteria and ensure they are willing to serve on the technical review committee. Council Member Osborne requested that Kiner Communication be as involved as they are involved in the City's overall marketing plan; and questioned where would the funds would be appropriated. City Manager Genovese responded by explaining the City Council currently has a small contingency fund which is not earmarked for grants. City Council Minutes 7 June 2, 2008 Council Member Kirk addressed some elements of Council Member Sniff's suggestions and stated he is not quite ready to establish the size or who is to serve on the technical review committee; stated the City Council should focus on the intent of the purpose of the committee; stated he would like to see technical members review the requests; and suggested to table the appointment of members. Council Member Kirk made a motion to direct staff to simplify the program and process, and bring back criteria for considering requests; and determine who should be on the committee at a later time. Council Member Henderson seconded the motion. Assistant City Manager-Development Services Doug Evans questioned if the direction of the City Council is dollar or function driven; and explained some agencies that have applied may cross over to the marketing area as there are more funds in this pool. Mayor Adolph stated if the requested application is not marketing driven and promoting the City, then it does not qualify to be reviewed by the Marketing Committee. Assistant City Manager- Development Services Evans further explained applicants will be driven toward the marketing aspect as they will not have a cap for funding amounts. Council Member Henderson addressed the suggestion of two committees; conveyed her support for combining economic development and marketing together; and conveyed her hope that both can be addressed under the umbrella of one committee. Council Member Sniff stated there is a need for one committee providing a dual purpose, and limited to nine members or less; and stated it should be thoughtfully comprised of members of the business community. Council Member Kirk stated he is looking at this matter from a customer standpoint; stated he would like to have criteria and a process established for those who wish to request funding from the City to follow; and requested staff to provide an analysis of each request as well. Motion carried unanimously. 3. CONSIDERATION OF LICENSE AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT WITH THE COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE FOR FRED WARING DRIVE, AND PROVIDE DIRECTION AND AUTHORIZATION TO STAFF REGARDING THE AGREEMENT. City Council Minutes 8 June 2, 2008 City Manager Genovese presented the staff report. City Attorney Jenson outlined the changes to the agreement are reflected on page 3 of the agreement regarding indemnification. In response to Mayor Adolph, City Attorney Jenson explained the agreement addresses the temporary improvements for a specific time period and if there is no agreement with a permanent solution, the County will be required to return to the original configuration. Council Member Osborne stated he is glad to hear our legal staff and the County have been able to agree and continue to make improvements to Fred Waring Drive. In response to Council Member Sniff, City Attorney Jenson explained the improvements are temporary and the City is not contributing to the temporary improvements; and further explained there is a time period for the agreement which is 24 months, and if there is no agreement established, the County will have 180 days to complete the restoration to the current configuration. In response to Mayor Adolph, City Manager Genovese stated there is no construction within the City of La Quinta's jurisdiction on Fred Waring Drive, just striping. Public Works Director Jonasson confirmed. Council Member Kirk stated most drivers do not know who owns what part of Fred Waring Drive; thanked Supervisor Wilson for his efforts and Council Member Osborne for being determined to make this work. Council Member Sniff complimented the efforts of the City Manager, City Attorney and Council Member Osborne regarding this matter. MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Osborne/Kirk to approve a License and Indemnity Agreement by and between the City of La Quinta and the County of Riverside for Fred Waring Drive, and authorize the City Manager to execute the Agreement. Motion carried unanimously. STUDY SESSION 1. DISCUSSION OF OPTIONS FOR PLACEMENT OF STREET NAME SIGNAGE IN THE COVE AREA. Public Works Director Jonasson presented the staff report. City Council Minutes 9 June 2, 2008 In response to Council Member Osborne, Public Works Director Jonasson explained presently every street corner has at least one sign but not all corners have an obelisk; stated new and larger signs can be installed on every street corner if desired by the City Council; explained Option 5 is the only option that addresses the obelisks by enhancing them to make them more visible at night. In response to Mayor Adolph, Public Works Director Jonasson confirmed some of the obelisks are of the old style, and explained the new styled obelisks are on Eisenhower Drive. Council Member Sniff stated the staff report is erroneous in stating the County installed the street signs as the developer installed them; suggested to maintain the obelisks, two signs at every intersection, larger and reflective, and lower in height to allow headlights to illuminate them; stated there is need for significant improvement of signs in the Cove; stated the current signs are not effective; and requested nicer posts to support the signs. In response to Council Member Henderson, Public Works Director Jonasson explained the standard of the City of positioning the stop sign posts at 15 feet back from the corner; confirmed a decision was made to place the street name signs on the top of the stop sign posts to eliminate two posts on the corner; and explained the normal positioning of the street name sign, stop sign and obelisk on the corner. Council Member Henderson stated the decision to have a stop sign carry street name signs was to eliminate the clutter for both posts; stated the obelisks are on the corner and visible with headlights at night, explained if the words "Calle" or "Avenida" were removed from the obelisk when replaced on Eisenhower Drive would have been able to place the name of the street in a larger format and suggested the same be done in the Cove; suggested the obelisks be painted with reflective paint; and stated it is time to address this matter and will support the highest amount of funds to address this matter. Council Member Kirk stated it makes sense to make a major investment for improving the street signage; conveyed his support of a demonstration of different applications; stated it is a challenge to make the monuments work and they may need to be improved with reflective paint; stated it makes sense to increase the signs to 9 inches; explained when cities make a small investment they short change themselves; stated this is swell-worthwhile investment for our community; and suggested to possibly marry the street City Council Minutes 10 June 2, 2008 sign and obelisk; stated he would like to see something unique and special in the Cove. Mayor Adolph stated he would like to see new signs done right the first time; and stated he reviews a map before driving through the Cove as the street signs are not visible. Kay Wolff, 77-227 Calle Ensenada, representing the Cove Association, stated she has given much thought to this matter and suggested a pilot program of installing prototypes for review of the residents; stated the maintenance of the existing monuments would be appreciated; suggested to paint the name on the street as opposed to installing bigger signs; and suggested solar back-lit signs on the main streets and something less costly on the others. Dori Quill, 51-245 Avenida Rubio, stated she is happy to see this matter before the City Council; strongly recommended Option 3; and suggested to move the signs closer to the corner and install a street sign on each corner diagonally from each other. Council Member Osborne suggested the combination of Options 3, 4 and 5; stated Option No. 4 will be tough to implement; and conveyed his support to implementing Option No. 3. Mayor Adolph stated he would like to make sure that the signs are made of a reflective material. Public Works Director Jonasson confirmed the desire of the City Council for reflective and larger signs as well as prototypes for review in several locations in the Cove. Council Member Kirk reviewed four different options suggested: 11 new signs on opposite corners, 2) replace the street name signs, 3) repainting the older monuments with reflective paint, and 4) reflective paint and reducing wording on newer monuments; and stated he is not supportive of painting the street name on the street. In response to Council Member Henderson, Public Works Director Jonasson explained reducing the height of the street signs may create a problem with vandalism and maintenance of the signs. Council Member Sniff stated there is a need to have a sense of function; suggested lowering the signs, nine inch reflective signs, and have a highly visual post, and stated two posts are no problem; stated if the signs are not done right this time, it will never be done; and stated the obelisks are not highly functional but are part of the history. City Council Minutes 11 June 2, 2008 Council Member Kirk stated he is not sure the City Council has given staff a complete consensus direction to staff: conveyed his support of a pilot program and shares the concerns of Council Member Sniff regarding the functionality of the monuments but is supportive of painting them; suggested the design be conducted separately from reviewing the pilot program. Council Member Henderson stated she would like to remove the obelisk if it appears a second post for the street name would have to be installed. Council Member Sniff stated when the current street signs were installed, half of the obelisks were removed; and stated the obelisks provided a purpose in history but do not provide the cohesiveness and function needed, and they contribute to the clutter. REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport Authority -Council Member Osborne stated changes will be made to the air show in November, by eliminating VIP the evening before the event, and reducing the size of the show itself due to the cost of fuel as Riverside County Economic Development Agency does not have the funds to continue the show at the current level; and stated the air show will be moved on a new taxi way toward the signature hangars. SunLine Transit Agency -Mayor Adolph reported one issue discussed by the Board was donations of bus passes for the homeless; stated the board members suggested the cities donate between 53,000 and 55,000 per year; stated SunLine feels it is inappropriate to donate passes; and stated the budget is S4 million in the black. CVAG Executive Committee - Mayor Adolph reported he will be attending a meeting this evening and reviewed transportation budgets for the coming years, and stated one of the streets that was projected to be funded was Madison Avenue from Avenue 50 to Indio Blvd. He spoke to John Wohlmuth, CVAG Executive Director, who stated Avenue 52 was not included because information is needed from the cities of Indio and La Quinta. All other reports were noted and filed. DEPARTMENT REPORTS City Council Minutes 12 June 2, 2008 2. CITY ATTORNEY. City Attorney Jenson reported regarding the appointment of a staff member to the Chamber of Commerce Executive Board and stated it is permissible but the staff member cannot be involved in any political activity. City Attorney Jenson gave an update on the litigation between the City of Indio and Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) -stated CVWD has filed a response to the Indio cross-complaint, a Demur, a motion to strike, and a motion to transfer to a neutral county; explained a motion to transfer to a neutral county stops the litigation except the transfer process which will slow the litigation; further explained the CVWD raised a defense to the failure to name all parties regarding adjudication; and stated the City of Indio has responded to the memo distributed by the City Attorney to the City Council and distributed public relation documents. In response to Council Member Sniff, City Attorney Jenson stated there would be federal interest that would come into play including interest with the Indian tribe and could be moved to federal court. Council Member Sniff stated there is only one aquifer here which stretches along the region and there is more water in some areas than others. Council Member Kirk agreed with the comments made by Council Member Sniff, and stated this is a complicated issue as there is only one aquifer; stated it is encouraging to see both parties acknowledge the work our City Attorney has done on this issue; stated the City may be brought into this matter and adjudication of the entire system is not in the best interest of the Valley; strongly recommended the City send a letter to each of the parties and encourage them to negotiate, at least the issue of adjudication, outside of the court system; and strongly encourage the City of Indio to step back from suggesting adjudication of the entire basin so as not to involve the remaining jurisdictions. Council Member Sniff stated all need to remember that the aquifer supplies water from the west and questioned whose water it is; and stated the aquifer is a depository and does not generate water. Council Member Kirk questioned if there is a consensus to get a letter out to the parties. City Council Minutes 13 June 2, 2008 from suggesting adjudication of the entire basin so as not to involve the remaining jurisdictions. Council Member Sniff stated all need to remember that the aquifer supplies water from the west and questioned whose water it is; and stated the aquifer is a depository and does not generate water. Council Member Kirk questioned if there is a consensus to get a letter out to the parties. Mayor Adolph questioned if the City of La Quinta wants to get involved at this point. City Attorney Jenson stated the City does not want to get involved in the litigation; explained there is one key action at this time the City is concerned about. Council Member Henderson conveyed her support for sending a letter under the City Manager's signature. MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS' ITEMS -None PUBLIC HEARINGS -None ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, it was moved by Council Members Sniff/Osborne to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. Respec ully submitted, iZ ~~~~~ VERONICA J. NTECINO, City Clerk City of La Qu nta, California