2009 01 20 CC MinutesLA QUINTA CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
JANUARY 20, 2009
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 Franklin, Henderson, Kirk, Sniff, Mayor Adolph
ABSENT: None
PUBLIC COMMENT -None
CLOSED SESSION
1. Conference with labor negotiators, Ski Harrison and Bret M. Plumlee,
regarding negotiations with the La Ouinta City Employees Association
pursuant to Government Code Section 54947.6 -Meet and Confer Process.
2. 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 properties identified as
APNs: 773-078-016, 773-078-017, 773-078-006, and 773-078-007,
Hunter Office/Retail Building. Property Owner/Negotiator: Hunter
Development, Kimberly Lee.
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
Joseph Halbeisen, 78-750 La Palma, spoke regarding a new La Quinta softball
team consisting of youths 14 years old and under, that have not played in La
Quinta leagues for the past few years. He was told La Quinta Softball Youth
Association (LOSYA) La Quinta Softball Youth Association has teams playing at the
Sports Complex that are an extension of youths who played recreational softball
City Council Minutes 2 January 20, 2009
last season. He questioned why the newly-formed select team that consists
mostly of non-residents, is allowed to play on the City league and use the fields
and lighting funded by City tax dollars.
Mayor Adolph stated he received a letter regarding this matter, and has referred it
to the Community Services Director for a response.
Peter Scott, 50-410 Via Puente, stated the process outlined in the City's response
to Mr. Halbeisen is not the fact; if that is what the City wants, they should
somehow enforce it because the City is paying for outside teams to use the facility.
He stated the rules of play state 75% of the players must be residents, and that is
not the case.
Community Services Director Hylton stated staff has responded to the letter, and
she confirmed each team is to be comprised 75% of residents; stated staff will
review the rosters to ensure the 75% policy is enforced, and will meet with Mr.
Halbeisen and Mr. Scott.
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA
City Manager Genovese announced a revised resolution has been distributed for
Consent Item No. 16, and requested the Redevelopment Agency meeting be taken
up after the City Consent Calendar.
ANNOUNCEMENTS -None
PRESENTATIONS -None
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS -None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Kirk to approve the City
Council Minutes of December 16, 2008, as submitted. Motion carried
unanimously.
City Council Minutes 3 January 20, 2009
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. APPROVAL OF DEMAND REGISTERS DATED JANUARY 6 AND JANUARY
20, 2009.
2. RECEIVE AND FILE TREASURERS REPORT DATED NOVEMBER 30, 2008.
3. RECEIVE AND FILE REVENUE & EXPENDITURES REPORT FOR NOVEMBER
30, 2008, AND INVESTMENT SUMMARY REPORT FOR QUARTER ENDING
DECEMBER 31, 2008.
4. AUTHORIZATION FOR OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR ONE COUNCIL MEMBER
TO ATTEND THE LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES REVENUE AND
TAXATION COMMITTEE MEETING AND THE STREAMLINED SALES AND
USE TAX AGREEMENT SUBCOMMITTEE MEETING TO BE HELD IN
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA, JANUARY 21-22, 2009.
5. AUTHORIZATION FOR OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS
DIRECTOR/CITY ENGINEER TO ATTEND THE THREE-DAY 2009 LEAGUE OF
CALIFORNIA CITIES PUBLIC WORKS OFFICERS INSTITUTE AND MINI EXPO
IN MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA, MARCH 25-27, 2009.
6. ACCEPTANCE OF OFFSITE IMPROVEMENTS ASSOCIATED WITH TRACT
MAP 31123-1, LA CANTERA, VISTA LA QUINTA PARTNERS, LLC.
7. ACCEPTANCE OF ONSITE IMPROVEMENTS ASSOCIATED WITH TRACT
MAP 31123-1, LA CANTERA, VISTA LA QUINTA PARTNERS, LLC.
8. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION TO EXTEND THE TIME FOR COMPLETION
OF ONSITE IMPROVEMENTS FOR TRACT MAP 32070, CODORNIZ, RJT
HOMES - CODORNIZ, LLC. (RESOLUTION NO. 2009-001)
9. AUTHORIZATION FOR OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR ONE COUNCIL MEMBER
TO ATTEND THE LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES 2009 NEW MAYORS
AND COUNCIL MEMBERS ACADEMY TO BE HELD IN SACRAMENTO,
CALIFORNIA, JANUARY 21-23, 2009.
10. AUTHORIZATION FOR OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR THE ACCOUNTING
MANAGER TO ATTEND THE CALIFORNIA SOCIETY OF MUNICIPAL
FINANCE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION (CSMFO) 2009 ANNUAL CONFERENCE
IN SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, FEBRUARY 18-20, 2009.
City Council Minutes 4 January 20, 2009
11. AUTHORIZATION FOR OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR THE CITY CLERK TO
ATTEND THE MASTER MUNICIPAL CLERK ACADEMY TO BE HELD IN
BURLINGAME, CALIFORNIA, FEBRUARY 4-6, 2009.
12. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION GRANTING CONDITIONAL APPROVAL OF A
FINAL MAP AND SUBDIVISION IMPROVEMENT AGREEMENT FOR TRACT
MAP 33336, STANDARD PACIFIC CORPORATION. (RESOLUTION NO.
2009-002)
13. ACCEPTANCE OF EISENHOWER DRIVE REHABILITATION IMPROVEMENTS
AND MISCELLANEOUS STREET IMPROVEMENTS, PROJECT NO. 2008-18A,
AND APPROVAL OF CONTRACT CHANGE ORDER NO. 1.
14. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION TO EXTEND THE TIME FOR COMPLETION
OF OFFSITE IMPROVEMENTS FOR TRACT MAP 32070, CODORNIZ, RJT
HOMES - CODORNIZ, LLC. (RESOLUTION NO. 2009-003)
15. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING A DONATION FROM THE
LA QUINTA HISTORICAL SOCIETY. (RESOLUTION NO. 2009-004)
16. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION ADOPTING A TICKET DISTRIBUTION
POLICY. (RESOLUTION NO. 2009-005)
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Kirk to approve the
Consent Calendar as recommended with Item Nos. 8, 12, 14, 15, and 16
being approved by RESOLUTION NOS. 2009-001 through 2009-005 (as
revised) respectively. Motion carried unanimously.
The City Council recessed to the Redevelopment Agency meeting.
The City Council meeting was reconvened.
BUSINESS SESSION
1. CONSIDERATION OF SELECTION OF A REPRESENTATIVE TO THE
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WORKSHOP/INFORMATION EXCHANGE
COMMITTEE AND MEETING FREQUENCY.
Council Member Sniff conveyed opposition to changing the meeting
schedule. Council Member Henderson noted each Council representative can
schedule the meetings to accommodate their individual schedules.
City Council Minutes 5 January 20, 2009
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Franklin to appoint
Council Member Kirk to serve on the Chamber of Commerce
Workshop/Information Exchange Committee for three consecutive meetings.
Motion carried unanimously.
2. CONSIDERATION OF FORMATION AND APPOINTMENT OF TWO MEMBERS
TO AN AD-HOC COMMITTEE TO REVIEW THE 3"D QUARTER GRANT
REQUESTS.
Community Services Director Hylton presented the staff report.
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Kirk to establish an Ad-
Hoc Committee to consider the 3rd Quarter Community Services Grant
Requests and appoint Council Members Franklin and Henderson to serve on
the Committee. Motion carried unanimously.
3. CONSIDERATION OF IMPLEMENTATION OF VILLAGE SIGN PROGRAM AND
APPROVAL OF SIGN PLANS.
Economic Development Project Manager Casillas presented the staff report.
In response to Council Member Franklin, Assistant City Manager-
Development Services Evans stated staff is looking for approval of the sign
design; if Council is comfortable with the design, the first component is
Attachment 3 (major roadway signs), which could be up to four signs at
each location. He stated the second component, which staff would refine
and bring back at a future meeting, is a signage program at the Village level;
it would consist of pedestrian signs, and very fine-tuned directional signs.
In response to Council Member Henderson, Assistant City Manager-
Development Services Evans explained it may be awkward to place signs on
Washington Street north of Highway 111 unless an encroachment permit
can be obtained from the City of Indian Wells; and stated it would be
necessary for staff to review placing signs in the landscape medians.
Council Member Henderson spoke in support of doing something on
Jefferson Street and Washington Street north of Highway 111. She
generally supports the bid process, but would support using a sole source in
this case due to the need.
Council Member Kirk stated he is not supportive of using a sole source,
especially on this project, because it does not meet the qualification and
criteria of urgency. He asked if Best Signs was hired to prepare the design
City Council Minutes 6 January 20, 2009
work, to which Assistant City Manager-Development Services Evans
responded, "Yes."
In response to Council Member Kirk, Mr. John Cross, project manager with
Best Signs, confirmed the materials suggested in the sign designs are
commonly available to all competitors, but a competitor may find it
necessary to research the components of the concrete base.
Council Member Kirk spoke in support of pursuing proposals through the
competitive bid process, as there is no urgency in completing the project.
In response to Council Member Sniff, Assistant City Manager-Development
Services Evans explained the first sign would be installed in approximately 5
weeks and the entire project completed in 10 weeks, if the project is
completed by Best Sign; stated a field test was not conducted to verify
readability of the signs at 55 mph, but Best Signs was directed to design
signs with font sizes per the industry standard for the posted speed of
traffic.
Council Member Sniff stated the proposed signs should produce a clear
thought of the purpose of the destination posted, and suggested more
explanatory verbiage be included on the signs. He agreed with utilizing the
bid process.
In response to Mayor Adolph, Mr. Cross stated the sign base is comprised of
pressed concrete. Mayor Adolph expressed concern about the proposed sign
bases being used in landscaped areas due to water and lawnmower damage,
as well as a concern about clustering signs in one area. Assistant City
Manager-Development Services Evans stated staff will review the proposed
placement of signs prior to installation.
Council Member Henderson stated she understands Council Member Sniff's
concerns, but when the entire sign program is implemented, it will include
signs with additional information to direct visitors to the Village area. She
agreed the intersection depicted in Attachment No. 4 is cluttered with signs,
and suggested looking into the current locations of the BIA signs. She spoke
in support of moving forward with a sole source for the program.
City Attorney Jenson clarified that in order to use a sole source, the Council
must find it to be in best interest of the City or the public health, safety, and
welfare.
City Council Minutes 7 January 20, 2009
Council Member Franklin stated she supports utilizing the bid process, and
suggested using the Trailblazer base for all the signs to address Mayor
Adolph's concerns.
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Kirk/Sniff to approve the final
plans for the Village Sign Program; direct staff to bring back detailed bid
specifications for City Council approval; and direct staff to review locations
of signs for maintenance considerations and clutter of signs. Motion carried
by a vote of 4-1, Council Member Henderson dissenting.
STUDY SESSION -None
REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
CVAG Public Safety Committee -Council Member Kirk reported Sheriff Sniff gave
a presentation on the proposed jail facility in the Whitewater area.
CVAG Transportation Committee -Council Member Kirk reported the Committee
approved study plans for the Monroe/I-10 interchange project along with the State
Route 86 interchange project; and stated the intent is to get the interchange
projects ready for future State or Federal funding.
Animal Campus Commission - Council Member Henderson reported the
Commission meetings have changed to every other month and conflict with
another committee meeting she has. She suggested she be appointed as the
alternate and Council Member Franklin as the representative. Council concurred to
make the switch as suggested. She further stated the Commission discussed an
ordinance regarding spay/neutering and micro-chipping of cats and dogs.
Chamber of Commerce Workshop Information Exchange Committee - Council
Member Henderson reported she attended her last meeting as the City Council
representative on January 2nd; stated the Chamber of Commerce has added a video
of interviews with members to their website; and reported the Chamber is working
with Community Services Director Hylton to coordinate the City picnic in
conjunction with the Expo to be held at the end of April.
League of California Cities -Council Member Henderson reported both she and
Council Member Franklin are attending the Mayors and Council Members
Conference later this week.
City Council Minutes 8 January 20, 2009
Palm Springs Desert Resort Communities Convention & Visitors Authority (CVA) -
Council Member Henderson reported The Desert Sun gave a presentation on
partnering with the CVA and promoting them on The Desert Sun website.
Animal Campus Commission -Council Member Franklin reported the Commission
has requested a link to their website be added to the City website.
Imperial Irrigation District Energy Consumers' Advisory Committee - Council
Member Franklin reported the Committee appointed Brad Ramos as Chairman and
Matt Dessert as Vice-Chairman; a maximum 6% rate increase was approved
effective April 2009, and they will attempt to reduce the rate to less than 6% but
it doesn't look promising; the Committee is working to revise the bylaws; and
stated the Committee will be attempting to use video conferencing for future
meetings.
CVAG Energy & Environmental Resources Committee - Council Member Sniff
reported a resolution for proposed transmission lines was adopted, and the City
Managers' group, Technical Advisory Committee (TAC1, has proposed a different
resolution. City Manager Genovese reported the process of conducting the
environmental analysis is incomplete, and confirmed the position taken is to wait
until review of the environmental document.
CVAG Executive Committee -Mayor Adolph reported CVAG Executive Director
John Wohlmuth will be leaving CVAG as he has been appointed the new City
Manager for the City of Palm Desert.
CVWD Joint Water Policy Committee -Mayor Adolph reported the Committee has
recommended approval of the tiered rate increase.
Chamber of Commerce -Mayor Adolph announced the next Mayor's Luncheon will
be held on February 5`" and the State of the City address will be given.
All other reports were noted and filed.
DEPARTMENT REPORTS -None
MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS' ITEMS -None
Mayor Adolph stated the Watercolors Homeowners' Association (HOA) has
submitted a letter requesting the use of the Senior Center for their meetings due to
City Council Minutes 9 January 20, 2009
the fire destruction of their clubhouse. He requested the City Council's disposition
on this matter.
Council Member Henderson conveyed concern about beginning this process of
support because there are many community organizations that would like to use
the Senior Center for free or at a reduced rate.
Council Member Kirk stated he feels this is a special case because of the fire
damage to their clubhouse, and suggested a nominal fee be set for the HOA to use
the Senior Center.
Mayor Adolph suggested they work with the Community Services Director for a
solution.
Council Member Sniff noted the request could be for an indeterminate amount of
time, and asked when the next Community Services Grant Applications would be
considered. Community Services Director Hylton stated the deadline is February 9`"
and if desired by the City Council, staff can assist the Association with completing
the application.
In response to Mayor Adolph, Building & Safety Director Hartung stated plans have
been submitted, but the clubhouse is not likely to be completed for 6 to 8 months.
Council Member Kirk agreed with Council Member Sniff, and suggested staff assist
the Association to submit an application by February 9`" for review in the grant
process.
Council concurred.
Council Member Sniff suggested a congratulatory letter from the City be sent to
President Obama as he takes office. The City Council concurred, and directed staff
to draft a letter for signature.
Council recessed to the Financing Authority meeting to and until 7:00 P.M.
70(1 P_M_
PUBLIC COMMENT -None
City Council Minutes 10 January 20, 2009
PRESENTATIONS -None
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION TO AMEND
THE LA QUINTA GENERAL PLAN CIRCULATION ELEMENT, AMENDING
EXHIBIT 3.3 STREET CROSS SECTIONS -CITY STREETS, EXHIBIT 3.5
CITY ROADWAY CLASSIFICATIONS, AND EXHIBIT 3.10 MULTI-PURPOSE
TRAILS MAP. APPLICANT: CITY OF LA QUINTA.
City Attorney Jenson announced this item is being revised to split the
amendment into two sections at the request of Council Member Kirk to allow
him to participate in the discussion for the General Plan Amendment.
Council Member Kirk abstained from participating on this portion of the
project due to a potential conflict of interest and left the dais.
Principal Planner Mogensen presented the staff report.
In response to Council Member Henderson, Principal Planner Mogensen
explained the blue line on the colored map of the attachment represents the
Class I Bike Trail added by the Planning Commission.
Planning Director Johnson further explained the discussion of adding the
Class I Bike Trail was conducted at the Planning Commission meeting held
on December 9, 2008; no correspondence or public testimony was received.
In response to Council Member Franklin, Planning Director Johnson explained
the difference between amulti-purpose trail and a Class I Bike Trail for
bicycle use.
In response to Council Member Sniff, Planning Director Johnson confirmed
the addition of the Class I Bike Trail was initiated by the Planning
Commission with the other trail map amendments recommended by staff;
and explained the rationale of the Planning Commission for the added bike
trail was to connect Lake Cahuilla to the trail proposed by the Desert
Recreational District along Dike No. 4. He stated public testimony in
opposition to the trail system is anticipated due to concern about impact to
private property. He further explained the Class I Bike Trail will need to be
routed through private property and onto the side slope of the mountain, and
could adversely impact property owners.
City Council Minutes 11 January 20, 2009
Planning Director Johnson reviewed the Class I Bike Trail route. Principal
Planner Mogensen explained there is a License Development Agreement
between Travertine, Bureau of Reclamation, and the Desert Recreational
District to design a crossing on Madison Street. Planning Director Johnson
further explained final designs for crossings on Madison and Jefferson
Streets will be submitted in the future.
In response to Mayor Adolph, Planning Director Johnson stated the purpose
of the proposed Class I Bike Trail route is to connect Lake Cahuilla with the
proposed trail system designed by the Desert Recreational District. Planning
Director Johnson also stated that the proposed multi-purpose trail is
proposed to be on the west side of Madison Street, which would also
provide a connection between Lake Cahuilla and the proposed Desert
Recreational District trail though not as direct as the proposed Class I Bike
Trail. He further explained to Council Member Sniff that the Class I Bike
Trail is typically 10-12 feet wide with an all-weather surface, such as asphalt
or concrete.
Council Member Henderson re-stated staff has brought this matter before the
City Council to consider two General Plan Amendments; staff has felt the
proposed and existing multi-purpose trails were logical proposals to present
to the City Council, with the removal of the trail recommended by staff;
stated the Class I Bike Trail added by the Planning Commission was
processed inappropriately and did not enable affected residents to address
this issue. She conveyed support for the original staff recommendation.
The Mayor declared the PUBLIC HEARING OPEN at 7:29 p.m.
Margo Thibeault, of MSA Consulting Inc. and representing Mr. Sparks of
Andalusia, stated Mayor Adolph has brought up the concerns expressed in a
letter submitted by MSA Consulting.
James Hildenbrand, of Travertine Corporation, stated a letter has been
submitted for the City Council's review; conveyed Travertine's support of
the trails; stated negotiations have been conducted with the Bureau of
Reclamation and the Desert Recreational District regarding the establishment
of a trail on top of the dike.
Council Member Henderson requested clarification of the bike trail depicted
on the exhibit, and asked if the Desert Recreational District has a license to
build a trail system to Avenue 60. Mr. Hildenbrand explained the Desert
Recreational District has a license agreement to use a portion of the top of
the dike at Coral Mountain as a trail.
City Council Minutes 12 January 20, 2009
There being no further requests to speak, the Mayor declared the PUBLIC
HEARING CLOSED at 7:35 p.m.
In response to Council Member Franklin, Planning Director Johnson explained
that the multi-purpose trail west of Avenue 60 has been identified for
removal due to the proposed multi-purpose trail on Madison Street between
Avenue 58 and Avenue 62, and the multi-purpose trail from the Travertine
project connecting to Jefferson Street, the direct east/west route, would not
be needed.
Planning Director Johnson further explained the Desert Recreational District's
preliminary plan for the Discovery Center at Coral Mountain proposes access
to hiking trails around Coral Mountain, but the trails will not be as strenuous
as the Bump and Grind Trail in Rancho Mirage, in response to Council
Member Franklin.
In response to Council Member Franklin, City Attorney Jenson stated the
proposed bike trail on the dike will not be City owned or operated. Planning
Director Johnson explained the Desert Recreational District's proposal has
been long-standing but yet to be implemented.
In response to Council Member Henderson, Planning Director Johnson
confirmed a developer would be required to install the trail if it is designated
in the General Plan.
Mayor Adolph stated the City does not need to impose additional conditions
on developers if the trails are proposed by the Desert Recreational District.
City Attorney Jenson clarified the trail identified to be removed is a proposed
trail and does not exist as of yet.
In response to Council Member Sniff, City Attorney Jenson explained the
Desert Recreational District has the authority to plan trails in the City's
jurisdiction, but cannot build on private property without acquiring it.
RESOLUTION NO. 2009-006
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA Q.UINTA,
CALIFORNIA, APPROVING AN ADDENDUM TO THE 2002 LA QUINTA
GENERAL PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT (SCH#2000091023)
FOR ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 2008-602 (CITY OF LA QUINTAI.
It was moved by Council Members Henderson/Sniff to adopt Resolution No.
2009-006 as submitted. Motion carried 4-0-1, Council Member Kirk absent.
City Council Minutes 13 January 20, 2009
RESOLUTION NO. 2009-007
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA Q.UINTA,
CALIFORNIA APPROVING GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT 2008-112, AN
AMENDMENT TO THE LA QUINTA GENERAL PLAN TRAFFIC AND
CIRCULATION ELEMENT, AMENDING EXHIBIT 3.10, THE MULTI-PURPOSE
TRAILS MAP.
It was moved by Council Members Henderson/Sniff to adopt Resolution No.
2009-008 as amended (eliminating the Class I Bike Trail. Motion carried by
a vote of 4-0-1, Council Member Kirk absent.
Council Member Kirk returned to the dais.
Principal Planner Mogensen presented the staff report for the Exhibit 3.5 City
Roadway Classifications portion of General Plan Amendment 2008-112.
In response to Council Member Kirk, Public Works Director Jonasson
explained a final traffic study for Madison Street will determine the impact
along with when the Travertine Specific Plan amendment is submitted;
stated removal of the Avenue 62 option would be premature at this point;
and confirmed staff is expecting additional information will be provided
regarding Avenue 62 as Travertine entitlements are brought forth.
The Mayor declared the PUBLIC HEARING RE-OPENED at 7:57 p.m.
Jim Hildenbrand, of Travertine Corporation, requested the Council approve
an amendment to remove the connection of Avenue 62 from the dike to the
future Madison Street. He appreciates staff's position as the information is
based on a much higher impact of traffic, but encouraged the City Council to
remove the connection from the General Plan. He stated the developer has
asked to be allowed to provide an alternative road section on Madison Street
to enable the inclusion of trails and landscaping.
In response to Mayor Adolph, Mr. Hildenbrand confirmed the intention is to
end Avenue 62 at the dike and for it not to go through the Travertine
project. He explained the developer's intent is to loop Jefferson Street and
to connect it with Madison Street and that the road capacity be sufficient to
support future Travertine traffic with Avenue 62 not being necessary. He
confirmed Avenue 62 could still connect to Madison Street, but stated that
the fundamental issue is the lack of connectivity in ownership between his
project and the dike.
City Council Minutes 14 January 20, 2009
In response to Mayor Adolph, Public Works Director Jonasson explained the
General Plan road alignment generally depicts the loop from Jefferson Street
to Madison Street, and staff is working closely with the Travertine designers
to ensure proper design of the road system.
City Attorney Jenson stated the City does not have the ability to condemn
Bureau of Reclamation property, and cannot acquire the property over the
dike because it is Federal property.
Margo Thibeault, MSA Consulting, Inc., stated she is representing Howard
Keck who owns property on the south side of Avenue 62. She referenced
letters submitted in opposition to the extension of Avenue 62 over the dike,
and how the extension would financially impact Mr. Keck's property. She
cited permitting, hydrology and significant financial costs make the Avenue
62 dike crossing difficult and question the viability. She supports a
reduction in the right-of-way as recommended by staff and the Planning
Commission.
In response to Mayor Adolph, Planning Director Johnson confirmed that
since Avenue 62 is the city limits in this area the County of Riverside
General Plan identifies a street design for Avenue 62 and that the County
design is more aggressive in right-of-way width than the City's. Planning
Director Johnson also stated that staff contacted the County about the
amendment, and they are not in opposition to the City narrowing the width
as proposed tonight.
There being no additional testimony, the Mayor declared the PUBLIC
HEARING CLOSED at 8:14 p.m.
RESOLUTION NO. 2009-008
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, APPROVING GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT 2008-112, AN
AMENDMENT TO THE LA QUINTA GENERAL PLAN TRAFFIC AND
CIRCULATION ELEMENT, AMENDING EXHIBITS 3.3 STREET CROSS
SECTIONS - CITY STREETS, EXHIBIT 3.5 CITY ROADWAY
CLASSIFICATIONS.
It was moved by Council Members Kirk/Henderson to adopt Resolution No.
2009-007 as submitted with three caveats, 1) include the reduction of the
right-of-way in the General Plan and reconsider it as additional information is
received during a General Plan update or specific plan of the subject
properties; 2) include an asterisk (*) in Modified Secondary Arterial A in
Exhibit A (General Plan Street Cross Sections) that indicates the centerline
City Council Minutes 7 5 January 20, 2009
may be adjusted to respond to unique conditions; and 3) use colors or line
widths in future exhibits.
City Attorney Jenson asked for clarification on approval in adjusting the
centerline. Council Member Kirk stated he preferred it come back to the City
Council for approval.
In response to Mayor Adolph, Public Works Director Jonasson confirmed the
configurations would allow for an increase to four lanes with exception to
Avenue 62, but would not accommodate a standard median with left-turn
pockets.
Council Member Sniff asked how this affects Mr. Keck's request.
Council Member Kirk stated it is his understanding that Mr. Keck supports
the reduction of the right-of-way, but also wants Avenue 62 removed west
of the base of the dike, which is not entirely in agreement with this request.
Planning Director Johnson concurred, stating Mr. Keck's position is to reduce
the right-of-way and not extend Avenue 62 up and over the dike.
Council Member Henderson noted the consideration of extending Avenue 62
over the dike will be brought back to the City Council with additional
information.
Motion carried unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, it was moved by Council Members
Henderson/Sniff to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.
ly sub
VERONICA~MOIQTECINO, City Clerk
City of La Uinta, California