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2008 08 05 CC MinutesLA QUINTA CITY COUNCIL MINUTES AUGUST 5, 2008 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: Council Members Henderson, Kirk, Osborne, Sniff, Mayor Adolph ABSENT: None PUBLIC COMMENT -None CLOSED SESSION 1. Conference with City's real property negotiator, Douglas R. Evans, pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8 concerning potential terms and conditions of acquisition and/or disposition of real property located at the southeast corner of Miles Avenue and Washington Street. Property Owner/Negotiator: CP Development La Quinta, LLC, Richard Oliphant. Council recessed to the Redevelopment Agency and to Closed Session to and until the hour of 4:00 p.m. 4:00 P.M. The City Council meeting was reconvened with no decisions being made in Closed Session which require reporting pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.1 (Brown Act). Mayor Adolph led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. PUBLIC COMMENT -None CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA Council Member Osborne requested Consent Item No. 15 be moved to Business Item No. 4, and Council Member Kirk requested Consent Item No. 13 be taken up separately. City Council Minutes 2 August 5, 2008 Mayor Adolph requested two items be added under Mayor and Council Members' Items regarding the dry well situation at Horseshoe Road and the Madison Square project. Council Member Osborne requested a Mayor and Council Members' Item be added regarding the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic and municipal sponsorship. ANNOUNCEMENTS Mayor Adolph announced the City has been awarded a Platinum LEED Certification designation for the Vista Dunes Courtyard project. PRESENTATIONS 1. PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT FOR EXCELLENCE IN FINANCIAL REPORTING FOR FISCAL YEAR JUNE 30, 2007. Mayor Adolph presented the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for Fiscal Year June 30, 2007, to Finance Director Falconer. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS -None APPROVAL OF MINUTES Council Member Henderson requested Page 7 of the Minutes be corrected to change Palm Springs to Palm Desert regarding their fireworks display. She also questioned the accuracy of the comment about the City of Rancho Mirage's contribution to the fireworks display. MOTION - It was moved by Council Members SnifflOsborne to approve the City Council Minutes of July 15, 2008, as corrected. Motion carried unanimously. CONSENT CALENDAR 1. APPROVAL OF DEMAND REGISTER DATED AUGUST 5, 2008. City Council Minutes 3 August 5, 2008 2. AUTHORIZATION FOR OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR THE FINANCE DIRECTOR AND TWO MEMBERS OF THE INVESTMENT ADVISORY BOARD TO ATTEND THE 2008 LOCAL AGENCY INVESTMENT FUND (LAIF) CONFERENCE IN SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA, OCTOBER 22-23, 2008. 3. APPROVAL OF SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 458 AMENDING TITLE 11, SECTION 11.96.020 OF THE LA QUINTA CHARTER AND MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING USE OF SKATEBOARDING PARK AREAS. 4. ACCEPTANCE OF JEFFERSON STREET CORRIDOR BEAUTIFICATION PROJECT NO. 2005-03, AND APPROVAL OF CONTRACT CHANGE ORDER NO. 1. 5. AUTHORIZATION FOR OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR/CITY ENGINEER TO ATTEND THE FOUR-DAY AMERICAN PUBLIC WORKS ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONAL PUBLIC WORKS CONGRESS & EXPOSITION IN NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA, AUGUST 17-20, 2008. 6. AUTHORIZATION FOR OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR THE EMERGENCY SERVICES COORDINATOR TO ATTEND THE MITIGATION TRAINING COURSE SPONSORED BY THE CALIFORNIA SPECIALIZED TRAINING INSTITUTE IN SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA, SEPTEMBER 17-19, 2008. 7. APPROVAL OF A CITY POLICY FOR THE ARTWORK DONATION PROGRAM. 8. APPROVAL OF A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT (PSA) FOR DESIGN OF FIRE STATION NO. 32, PROJECT NO. 2008-03, AND PHASE I OF THE MAINTENANCE YARD, PROJECT NO. 2007-08. 9. APPROVAL OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT (PSA) WITH TRI-STATE LAND SURVEYORS & CIVIL ENGINEERING, INC., FOR CONSTRUCTION SURVEYING SERVICES. 10. APPROVAL OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH PSOMAS FOR CONSTRUCTION INSPECTION SERVICES. 11. APPROVAL OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH LANDMARK GEO-ENGINEERS & GEOLOGISTS FOR MATERIALS TESTING SERVICES. 12. APPROVAL OF PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, AND ENGINEER'S ESTIMATE (PS&EI, AND AUTHORIZATION TO ADVERTISE FOR BID THE EISENHOWER DRIVE REHABILITATION IMPROVEMENTS, PROJECT NO. 2007-18A. City Council Minutes 4 August 5, 2008 13. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION TO EXTEND THE TIME FOR COMPLETION OF THE OFFSITE AND ONSITE IMPROVEMENTS FOR TRACT MAP 31681-3, ANDALUSIA, CORAL OPTION I, LLC. (See separate action below.) 14. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION TO EXTEND THE TIME FOR COMPLETION OF THE OFFSITE AND ONSITE IMPROVEMENTS FOR TRACT MAP 31627, THE RESIDENCE CLUB AT PGA WEST, NADADOR, LLC. (RESOLUTION NO. 2008-0511 15. SEE BUSINESS SESSION ITEM NO. 4. 16. APPROVAL OF A REIMBURSEMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN COSTCO WHOLESALE CORPORATION AND THE CITY OF LA QUINTA FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF STREET IMPROVEMENTS AT THE INTERSECTION OF HIGHWAY 111 AND DEPOT DRIVE. 17. APPROVAL OF A GRANT APPLICATION FROM THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (NHTSA) FOR "CLICK IT OR TICKET" (CIOT) MOBILIZATION BY THE LA QUINTA POLICE DEPARTMENT. 18. APPROVAL OF A SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT WITH RIVERSIDE COUNTY FOR THE USE OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) FUNDS FOR PUBLIC FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS ALONG CALLE TAMPICO AND AVENIDA BERMUDAS, AND PUBLIC SERVICE FUNDS FOR THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUB-LA QUINTA UNIT. MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to approve the Consent Calendar as recommended and amended with the exception of Items Nos. 13 and 15 with Item No. 14 being approved by RESOLUTION NO. 2008-051. Council Member Osborne commented on Item No. 7, stating he voted against this item when originally presented because of the charge for installing donated art pieces, but after further discussion with Community Services Director Hylton he will support it. Motion carried unanimously. City Council Minutes 5 August 5, 2008 Item No. 13: MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Henderson/Osborne to approve Consent Item No. 13, adoption of RESOLUTION NO. 2000-052 to extend the time for completion of the offsite and onsite improvements for Tract Map 31681-3, Andalusia, Coral Option 1, LLC. Motion carried 4-0-1 with Council Member Kirk abstaining. BUSINESS SESSION 1. CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION OPPOSING STATE BUDGET DECISIONS THAT WOULD °BORROW" LOCAL GOVERNMENT, REDEVELOPMENT, AND TRANSPORTATION FUNDS. City Manager Genovese presented the staff report. David Willmon stated cities cannot afford to have the State seize local government revenues; stated it is important local government affirmatively declare the State be confined to its own revenues and not borrow from the bank of local governments. Mayor Adolph referenced the agreement that requires the State to pay back money it borrows with interest before it can borrow a second time within a 10-year period, and asked how that relates to the Governor's proposal. Mr. Willmon stated Proposition 1 A allows the State to borrow up to 8% of the non-school property tax computed county by county, and it must be repaid in three years with interest during a period of ten years; explained nothing prevents the State from re-allocating property tax into another local government entity; and stated the State is currently considering taking $200 million from redevelopment funds and re-allocating it from property tax to the schools. Council Member Henderson stated the League Board discussed this state- wide show of unity by sending a message to the legislators and the Governor to 'cut-up the credit cards' and stop using local government as their bank; stated the voters approved Proposition 1 A by 84%, and in 2006 approved a transportation tax. She suggested adding language to the resolution that protects redevelopment funds. Mr. Willmon stated he understands the intent of the additional language; stated the California Redevelopment Agency issued an alert that this proposal cannot be confirmed that the Governor is the author of the proposal being speculated; stated it is clearly an idea being considered behind closed City Council Minutes 6 August 5, 2008 doors; and suggested holding the added language until the proposal being discussed is publicized. Council Member Henderson stated the City Council will not be meeting again until September 16, but will proceed with some caution and not mention the proposal in the resolution. She encouraged the City Council to adopt the resolution with added language to protect Redevelopment Agency funds. The City Council symbolically "cut-up the credit card." RESOLUTION NO. 2008-053 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA, OPPOSING STATE BUDGET DECISIONS THAT WOULD "BORROW" LOCAL GOVERNMENT, REDEVELOPMENT, AND TRANSPORTATION FUNDS. It was moved by Council Members Henderson/Kirk to adopt Resolution No. 2008-053 with the added language to protect Redevelopment Agency funds. Motion carried unanimously. 2. CONSIDERATION OF 1ST QUARTER COMMUNITY SERVICES GRANTS AND FUNDING REQUESTS. Community Services Director Hylton presented the staff report. Council Member Sniff addressed the grant request from Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, and questioned the manner and length of use of the museum and any conflict with the use. Community Services Director Hylton stated they have requested to use the museum facility during their fall, winter, and spring sessions, and there is no conflict for use of the museum. She explained the classes, which are conducted by adjunct professors, include history, music, and a variety of other subjects. Steve McAdams, Director of the Osher Program, explained most of the instructors are university professors, adjunct professors or an expert in a particular field; stated the classes are university level courses, and would generally be offered as personal enrichment courses through the extension division of California State University. He stated the students pay S125 for six weeks of classes, which allows a student to take up to five different courses during that period of time; and stated the most popular courses are in history, science and technology, music, and religion/philosophy. City Council Minutes 7 August 5, 2008 Eric Frankson, representing Beginning Strings Conservatory, stated the Coachella Valley Symphony has been supporting the community since 1987; stated 70% of the participants come from below median-income families; explained matching funding is provided to only Title 1 funded schools; and stated La Quinta will be the first city in the Valley to provide funding to middle schools. In response to Council Member Kirk, Mr. Frankson clarified their grant request is for 55,000; and stated the average annual cost to supply teachers for each school is 53,500. Council Member Sniff stated he does not like the grant review process, but does like the result; and complimented the subcommittee members for their efforts. He noted there is no prorating of the budget amount to be funded each quarter, making it somewhat subjective to the requests received. Council Member Henderson pointed out the number of requests decrease as the quarters progress. Council Member Kirk also complimented the efforts of the subcommittee; and questioned if staff requests grant recipients to somehow publically acknowledge funding was provided by the City of La Quinta. Community Services Director Hylton confirmed some of the organizations acknowledge the City, and staff will make the effort to urge all recipients to do so. MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Henderson/Osborne to approve the following funding requests: ACT For MS, 52,000; Alzheimer's Association, 52,000; Boys & Girls Club of Coachella Valley, La Quinta Unit, 55,000; Coachella Valley Symphony, 54,500; Community Blood Bank, 55,000; First Composite Group General Patton Training Center, 52,000; The Living Desert, 55,000; Prestige at PGA West, 55,000; Soroptimist International of La Quinta, 54,050; and Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, 53,780. Motion carried unanimously. 3. CONSIDERATION OF INVESTEMENT ADVISORY BOARD FISCAL YEAR 2008/2009 WORK PLAN. Finance Director Falconer presented the staff report. In response to Council Member Kirk, Finance Director Falconer explained the information presented in the oral report was not included in the written staff report as the Investment Advisory Board is seeking direction from the City Council at this point. Council Member Kirk requested the information be brought back in written form. City Council Minutes 8 August 5, 2008 Council Member Henderson questioned the need for further discussion on increasing the membership, and stated she feels afive-member commission works better than seven members most of the time. She stated she does not have a problem with the Board reviewing the GSE and LAIF, as well as the monthly treasurer's report. In response to Council Member Sniff, Finance Director Falconer stated the City has no influence on LAIF investments; and stated the LAIF Board is appointed by the State Treasurer, and regulated by State Code. He added he does not believe LAIF invests in oil futures. In response to Council Member Osborne, Finance Director Falconer confirmed the City receives monthly reports from LAIF. Council Member Osborne further stated the Investment Advisory Board was comprised of seven members years ago, but was changed back to five members; and stated he has no problem with the work plan, and looks forward to the continued success of the Board. Mayor Adolph stated he would like to hear the arguments from the Board as to why they suggest increasing the Board to seven members. Council Member Kirk conveyed his confusion of what staff is requesting from the City Council as the work plan is not included with the report. Finance Director Falconer apologized for the appearance of an incomplete staff report, and explained the items discussed by the Board are the three bullet points included in the staff report. In response to Council Member Henderson, Finance Director Falconer confirmed the Board is requesting the City Council consider the membership number and qualifications of Board Members. Ted Ross, Investment Advisory Board Chairman, commended outgoing Chairperson Deniel, and gave credit to Don Moulin for initiating one item on the work plan; and stated suggestions that have come up during this past year include the increase of Board Members to balance the term limits. MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Henderson/Osborne to approve the Investment Advisory Board 2008/2009 Work Plan. Motion carried unanimously. Council recessed to the Redevelopment Agency meeting. City Council Minutes 9 August 5, 2008 Council reconvened and recessed to and until 7:00 P.M. 7:00 P.M. PUBLIC COMMENT -None PRESENTATIONS -None PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE PLACEMENT OF PUBLIC NUISANCE ABATEMENT ASSESSMENTS ON THE 2008/2009 PROPERTY TAX ROLL Community Safety Manager Conrad presented the staff report. Council Member Kirk inquired about the large sum of abatement costs for one of the properties referenced in the staff report. Community Safety Manager Conrad explained the cost is due to the removal of 120 cats from the property due to health and safety conditions and clearing debris from the property. In response to Council Member Henderson, Community Safety Manager Conrad stated all the furniture was removed, but the property owner continues to reside in the house; and added staff provided a cot to the property owner because they did not have a bed. In response to Council Member Sniff, Community Safety Manager Conrad explained the costs will be paid through property taxes; stated the property owner was given an opportunity to sign and approve the bill so as not to incur administrative fees, but refused; and confirmed she observed the removal of a total of 120 cats from the property. The Mayor declared the PUBLIC HEARING OPEN at 7:07 p.m. There being no requests to speak, the Mayor declared the PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED at 7:07 p.m. Council Member Osborne stated code compliance is a challenging issue as some residents say the City is too tough in some ways and others indicate the City is not tough enough. He stated the City should hold itself City Council Minutes 10 August 5, 2008 accountable as well regarding the homes removed on Jefferson Street, as both the east and west sides of the street need to be cleaned up. RESOLUTION NO. 2008-054 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA, ASSESSING LIEN AND PROVIDING FOR COLLECTION OF TAX ROLLS ON CERTAIN PROPERTY FOR COSTS OF ABATEMENT OF PUBLIC NUISANCE. It was moved by Council Members SnifflHenderson to adopt Resolution No. 2008-054 as submitted. Motion carried unanimously. BUSINESS SESSION ............continued 4. CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF A REIMBURSEMENT AGREEMENT, PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, AND ENGINEER'S ESTIMATE (PS&EI, AND AUTHORIZATION TO ADVERTISE FOR BID THE FRED WARING DRIVE STREET IMPROVEMENTS, INCLUDING THE TRAFFIC SIGNAL AT PALM ROYALE, PROJECT NO. 2007-06. (This item was moved from Consent Item No. 15.1 Public Works Director Jonasson presented the staff report. In response to Council Member Osborne, Public Works Director Jonasson stated once the traffic signal design is reviewed for compatibility with existing signals, the poles will be ordered with an anticipated delivery in November. Council Member Osborne stated he had hoped the traffic signals would be installed before school started. He encouraged staff to complete the project as soon as possible. Mayor Adolph questioned the timeline differences between the County and the City's project. Public Works Director Jonasson stated the County's project will take about a year to clear the environmental stage. In response to Council Member Osborne, Public Works Director Jonasson explained there is a modification to the intersection regarding the signal alignment. Principal Engineer McKinney further explained there will be a slight realignment of the centerline crossing the intersection and a dedicated right-turn lane from Fred Waring Drive onto Washington Street; and stated City Council Minutes 11 August 5, 2008 staff will request additional right-of-ways for curb installation at the dual left turn as adjacent properties develop. Public Works Director Jonasson explained the intersection will not be at the City standard until development of the adjacent properties is completed. MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Kirk/Henderson to 1) approve an Agency Reimbursement Agreement, in the amount of 51,073,092, between the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) and the City of La Quinta for the widening of Fred Waring Drive between Washington Street and Adams Street, and authorize the Mayor to execute the Agreement; 2) approve the Plans, Specifications, and Engineer's Estimate (PS&E-, and authorize staff to advertise for bid the Fred Waring Drive Street Improvements, including the traffic signal at Palm Royale, Project No. 2007- 06; and 3) authorize staff to procure the traffic signal equipment and poles for the Washington Street at Fred Waring Drive signal modification and the new traffic signal at Palm Royale at Fred Waring Drive. Motion carried unanimously. STUDY SESSION -None REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL League of California Cities -Council Member Henderson reported the League is getting into a position to recommend support for SB 375, which includes green house emissions, transportation, and building houses close to freeways. Palm Springs Desert Resort Communities Convention & Visitor's Authority - Council Member Henderson reported the County representative is encouraging the Cities to adopt a resolution supporting the development of the Business Improvement District by September 15`". Riverside County Transportation Commission - Council Member Henderson reported the City of Indio is continuing to build a transportation hub; stated Amtrak has agreed to stop at the hub, but has not indicated how often; stated a second set of railroad tracks is being installed that will accommodate 72 freight trains and is not anticipated to be used by passenger rail; and stated discussion is occurring regarding getting a more reliable rail out to the desert. CVAG Homelessness Committee - Council Member Osborne referenced the County stepping up to provide property and improvements for the west valley facility. He noted the County also agreed to cover 5800,000 a year for operating expenses, with the Committee looking to the cities to pay the remaining amount. City Council Minutes 12 August 5, 2008 He stated the Committee is asking La Quinta to pay $150,000 a year for an undetermined number of years. Since the facility may not serve La Quinta residents, the County has suggested that if the City provides funding to an east valley facility that will allow them to apply funding from that facility to the west valley facility. He stated the City Council needs to discuss if, and how, the City can assist; and added there is talk of the Committee changing the formula based on the population the City serves. In response to Council Member Henderson, City Manager Genovese stated staff has not been directed to contact non-profit organizations in the east valley, but representatives from the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission and Martha's Kitchen have attended meetings of the Technical Advisory Committee and Homelessness Committee. The Rescue Mission will be providing information on additional costs for expanding their facility, and he suggested waiting until that information is forwarded to each committee member. Council Member Osborne stated at some point the City will need to look at what it can do, possibly during the mid-year budget process; and stated he likes the commercial structure in their new plan. Council Member Sniff asked who is the prime supporter of this issue besides the City of Palm Desert. Council Member Osborne stated the County is a major advocate, but the main supporter is Palm Desert; stated the other cities also want to help. He commends the County for stepping up to get the facility going, and feels the City needs to see what it can do. Human Community Resources Committee -Council Member Osborne reported the Committee is discussing the Coachella Valley Housing Trust, but discussion is vague at this time due to the current economy. Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport Authority - Council Member Osborne reported the air show is scheduled for Saturday, November 1, 2008; stated there will not be a VIP night, and the event is moving to the main runway area on the east side of the facility. He stated the cost of fuel has reduced the budget for the event. CVAG Executive Committee - Mayor Adolph reported the Committee voted not to support AB 2097 regarding the use of low- and moderate-income housing funds used to fund supportive services in connection with permanent housing built for the chronically homeless. He stated the Committee authorized payment of 75% of the cost estimate of 5100,000 to complete the Transportation Demand Management Study for traffic congestion solutions for the Washington Street and Highway 111 Corridor. City Council Minutes 13 August 5, 2008 SunLine Transit Agency -Mayor Adolph stated he attended a Taxi Committee meeting where they discussed an agreement with franchising taxi services with up to three or four franchises; a 50.75 increase in the fare was approved, but they do not have to implement the increase; and stated the Committee approved an increase for additional employees and administrative costs. Council Member Osborne asked if discussion occurred regarding vouchers for the homeless. Mayor Adolph stated SunLine has not addressed the issue as of yet. All other reports were noted and filed. DEPARTMENT REPORTS 1-B. REPORT REGARDING AB 811 (LEVINE) CONTRACTUAL ASSESSMENTS: ENERGY EFFICIENCY IMPROVEMENTS Assistant City Manager-Management Services Plumlee presented the staff report. Council Member Kirk stated there was some discussion about the wide- spread application of the Palm Desert initiative throughout the Valley at the Energy Conservation Subcommittee meeting and he had asked if the program makes sense in the Imperial Irrigation District (IID) territory; he stated Mr. Furgeson explained the initiative seems to be a win-win for Southern California Edison customers because if energy efficient improvements are installed, it is projected that the cost for servicing that debt is less than the savings on a monthly basis. Council Member Kirk further stated he is interested in providing this type of program to the residents; questioned if the initiative makes sense for IID rates and for the residents; and suggested this matter be tabled until additional information is received from IID for further discussion. Council Member Henderson agreed with getting further information, and addressed the issue of conducting a survey. She suggested including this in the survey already scheduled to be conducted in the fall. Council Member Kirk stated a survey may not be necessary, and suggested getting information from IID. City Council Minutes 14 August 5, 2008 1-C. IMPERIAL IRRIGATION DISTRICT (IID) ENERGY CONSUMER'S ADVISORY COMMITTEE (ECAC) UPDATE. Assistant City Manager-Management Services Plumlee presented the staff report. City Manager Genovese stated it is not known at this time if the other cities will be appointing citizens or council members to participate on the Committee. He stated IID has indicated the committee needs to be established by October 1, 2008, but the date may not be firm. Mark Weber, Imperial Irrigation District, stated the ECAC is currently comprised of ten members of the Coachella Valley and ten members of the Imperial Valley, with six of the members being from La Quinta. He explained the Committee will be reconstituted to be comprised of two members from each of the Cities of Indio, Coachella, and La Quinta, one member split between Rancho Mirage and Palm Desert, and the other three appointed by Supervisor Wilson. He stated the intent is to have the Committee established by October 2008. Some of the cities have indicated their representative will be one of the elected officials, such as Coachella, and Indio has indicated the City Manager will be appointed as their representative. In response to Council Member Henderson, Mr. Weber confirmed IID is hoping to have the Committee established by their October 14"' meeting. Council Member Henderson suggested having further discussion of this matter at the September 16`h City Council meeting with a decision made by the first meeting in October. In response to Council Member Kirk, Assistant City Manager-Management Services Plumlee explained staff is waiting for information from the General Manager at IID. Council Member Kirk stated he is not interested in what other cities are doing, and feels the City Council should decide which two representatives would be in the interest of the City of La Quinta. Council Member Henderson stated she has a challenge in making an appointment at this time as she is not familiar with the current six members on the Committee. Council Member Kirk suggested the current six members speak at the next City Council meeting for consideration of appointment to the Committee, unless the City Council strongly feels one of the representatives should be an City Council Minutes 15 August 5, 2008 elected official. City Manager Genovese stated staff can proceed with the direction given; however, the terms and details of the appointment are unknown at this time. Mr. Weber stated the ECAC appointee will be a direct appointee, which increases the level of involvement of each city; and stated he will provide information on the terms and afollow-up meeting with the General Manager. In response to Council Member Henderson, Mr. Weber confirmed there will be two members from each of the Cities of Indio, Coachella, and La Quinta, and one member split between the Cities of Rancho Mirage and Palm Desert. He further explained the remaining ten members will be directly appointed from Imperial Irrigation District Board Members. Mayor Adolph confirmed the current six members will be asked to attend the September 16`" City Council meeting for consideration of appointment, with the meeting beginning at 2:30 p.m. 2-A. REPORT REGARDING SILICON VALLEY TAXPAYER'S ASSOCIATION, INC. V. SANTA CLARA COUNTY OPEN SPACE AUTHORITY. City Attorney Jenson stated the Supreme Court ruled special assessments will no longer be deferred to the city's discretion and the Court will review them; stated the Court also ruled that cities must tailor assessments; and explained a citywide assessment will have to have different levels of assessments, making it more complicated and difficult to implement. Council Member Henderson suggested since we now know there are complications in the formula, maybe the City Council should discuss whether or not it wants to move forward with a special assessment. City Manager Genovese explained staff knew there would be a requirement for different zones, and stated the public will be attacking the proposed assessment more often. He stated staff can bring this item back in the future for further discussion. Public Works Director Jonasson explained the consultant has begun work on the feasibility of implementing an assessment district. Council Member Kirk noted the City is already proceeding along the line that will protect us against attacks like this. He sees no reason to change the approach, noting the City has a growing deficit that must be addressed. Council Member Osborne noted it will be extremely difficult for an elderly couple with no use of the facilities versus a family living next to a soccer field that uses the facilities. City Council Minutes 16 August 5, 2008 Council Member Kirk stated he agrees there are challenges, but feels it is fiscally responsible to investigate this further. Council Member Henderson noted there were protests when the City previously had zones with different assessments. Council Member Osborne stated it may be better to raise the assessment across the board. 3-A. REPORT REGARDING MEETING SCHEDULE FOR JOINT CITY COUNCIL/COMMISSION MEETINGS. City Clerk Montecino presented the staff report. Council Member Sniff noted this may not be an opportune time to hold the meeting due to the possibility of the election of a new Council Member. Mayor Adolph suggested the meeting be postponed to the end of November or the beginning of December. Council Member Osborne suggested staff confirm the attendance of the commission members to the meeting. Mayor Adolph stated the new council member should be given the opportunity to attend the meeting and become familiar with the commissions and their functions. Council Member Osborne agreed. Council Member Henderson conveyed disagreement with the comments and suggestion of postponing the meeting. She stated a new council member would be overwhelmed with what the job entails to participate in the meeting. Mayor Adolph stated the new council member would attend to observe only if they so choose. Council Member Henderson suggested scheduling the meeting on November 25, 2008, at 5:00 p.m. The City Council concurred. Council Member Sniff commented on the Community Services Commission's discussion of his suggestion of naming a park after Larry Allen, and stated there was a complete lack of history on this matter. City Council Minutes 17 August 5, 2008 MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS' ITEMS Council Member Osborne stated he learned recently that the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic will no longer be played at the Classic Course. He stated in 2009 the tournament will be played at two courses at PGA West, SilverRock, and Bermuda Dunes. In the following years it will be at PGA West, SilverRock, and the La Quinta Country Club, and will have all courses in the City played in the next two years; stated the City of Palm Springs has ceased their municipal contract with the Classic and has provided a copy of the contract to the City Manager and City Attorney for review; and stated advertising funds are available in the marketing budget. Council Member Sniff questioned the cost. Council Member Osborne stated the agreed cost with the City of Palm Springs was 5125,000 the first year, 5250,000 the second, and S350,000 the third. Council Member Kirk suggested this item be brought back for discussion of alternatives. City Manager Genovese reported staff has met with John Foster, and hopes to meet with the Hotel and Bob Hope Chrysler Classic representative within the next month to have a better indication of their long term intentions. Council Member Henderson stated the City has received a letter from the Classic, which clearly states their interest is funding. Mayor Adolph stated Mr. Dave Lauzer has complained about flooding of his garage because of the dry well overflowing on Horseshoe Road due to the dam at the golf course. He has asked the City Attorney about any ramifications due to the overflow issue, and spoke to the Public Works Director, who indicated the property is being sold. He stated a response to Mr. Lauzer is needed. Council Member Henderson stated the clubhouse has been purchased, and the new owner is willing to work with the City to solve the problem. Mayor Adolph conveyed concerns about the dark colors, lack of architectural appeal, and no sidewalks proposed for the Madison Square project; stated the Planning Commission has directed the landscaping plans be brought back for further review, and he requested a copy be provided to the City Council as well. He stated the developer has indicated glass will be installed in the building to City Council Minutes 18 August 5, 2008 enhance the architecture. He is satisfied with the color proposed, but has safety concerns about children walking in the street. Council Member Kirk stated he likes the darker colors, and historically has not used darker colors because of the heat; stated current materials have come a long way and can give a dramatic effect; agrees with the other comments made by Mayor Adolph. He commented on the colors used on Page 8 of the architectural plan, and suggested staff instructs applicants to use realistic colors. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, it was moved by Council Members Henderson/Sniff to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. Respectf ly submitted, ~2~2,%~~~~ dd, VERONIC . MONTECINO, City Clerk City of L Q.uinta, California