Loading...
2009 02 17 CC MinutesLA QUINTA CITY COUNCIL MINUTES FEBRUARY 17, 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 City Manager Genovese did not participate during the discussion of the Laing Luxury Homes property listed in Item No. 2 due to a potential conflict of interest. 1. Conference with City's legal counsel regarding pending litigation -County of Santa C/ara on beha/f of itse/f and a// others Simi/ar/y situated, and the Peop/e of the State of Ca/ifornia v. Driver A//rant /nsuiance Services, /nc., Superior Court of the State of California for the County of Alameda Court Case No. RG06278924, pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(AI. 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 property for the following Property Owners/Negotiators: Turner Development, Rusty Turner -APN 767-220-004; Majestic Ranch, Ron Hakakian -APNs 767-230-001, -002, and -003; Coachella Valley Unified School District, Carey Carlson -APN 767- 220-031; Debonne Properties, Bernard Debonne -APNs 764-090-001, 764- 130-003, -004, -006 and 767-360-009; Canyon Ridge (Laing Luxury Homesl, Mark Kleinman -APN 643-090-024; and Lawrence M. Chank - APN 604-460-045. 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. City Council Minutes 2 February 17, 2009 PUBLIC COMMENT -None CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA -Confirmed ANNOUNCEMENTS City Attorney Jenson announced the City Council concluded Closed Session Item No. 1, and unanimously approved a motion made by Council Members Kirk/Franklin to not opt out of the class action suit and to participate in the settlement terms. PRESENTATIONS -None WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS 1. WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE FROM KENNETH DORAN DATED FEBRUARY 9, 2009. Council Member Henderson noted the City Council has already given direction to staff on this matter. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Mayor Adolph requested a correction be made in the last paragraph on Page 17 changing "cities" to "SunLine." MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to approve the City Council Minutes of February 3, 2009, as amended. Motion carried unanimously. CONSENT CALENDAR 1. APPROVAL OF DEMAND REGISTER DATED FEBRUARY 17, 2009. 2. RECEIVE AND FILE TREASURER'S REPORT DATED DECEMBER 31, 2008. 3. RECEIVE AND FILE REVENUE & EXPENDITURES REPORT DATED DECEME 31, 2008. City Council Minutes 3 February 17, 2009 4. APPROVAL OF PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, AND ENGINEER'S ESTIMATE (PS&E) AND AUTHORIZATION TO ADVERTISE FOR BIDS THE FRITZ BURNS PARK TENNIS COURT RESURFACING, PROJECT NO. 2008-10. 5. ACCEPTANCE OF SAND VOLLEYBALL COURT AT ADAMS STREET, PROJECT NO. 2008-08. 6. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION TO EXTEND THE TIME FOR COMPLETION OF THE ONSITE IMPROVEMENTS FOR PARCEL MAP 31116, CENTRE POINT, CP DEVELOPMENT LA QUINTA, LLC. (RESOLUTION NO. 2009-012) 7. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION TO EXTEND THE TIME FOR COMPLETION OF THE OFFSITE IMPROVEMENTS FOR PARCEL MAP 31116, CENTRE POINT, CP DEVELOPMENT LA QUINTA, LLC. (RESOLUTION NO. 2009-013) 8. APPROVAL OF A GRANT APPLICATION FROM THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA OFFICE OF TRAFFIC SAFETY FOR SELECTIVE TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM (STEP-. 9. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION ELECTING TO RECEIVE TAX REVENUES PURSUANT TO HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE SECTIONS 33607.5 AND 33607.7 FROM LA QUINTA REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY PROJECT AREA NO. 1. (RESOLUTION NO. 2009-014) MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to approve the Consent Calendar as recommended with Item Nos. 6, 7, and 9 being approved by RESOLUTION NOS. 2009-012 through 2009-014 respectively. Motion carried unanimously. BUSINESS SESSION 1. CONSIDERATION OF DEVELOPMENT AND EXPANSION OF DOG PARKS AT VARIOUS PARK LOCATIONS. Golf & Parks Landscape Manager Howlett presented the staff report. In response to Council Member Franklin, Golf & Parks Landscape Manager Howlett confirmed water, seating, lighting, shade structures, fencing, and doggie bag dispensers are included in the cost. Council Member Sniff asked how many benches will be provided. Community Services Director Hylton explained staff will utilize the model currently used at Pioneer Park for the expansion. Council Member Sniff City Council Minutes 4 February 17, 2009 inquired about how the differentiation is determined between large and small dog areas. Golf & Parks Landscape Manager Howlett explained the dog owners make the choice based on their comfort of their pet in interacting with other dogs. Community Services Director Hylton further explained there is no absolute definition; and stated it is interesting to observe the interactions between the dogs. Council Member Sniff asked about the amount of parking to be provided, and Community Services Director Hylton stated that will be addressed in the Capital Improvement Project report. In response to Council Member Henderson, Golf & Parks Landscape Manager Howlett explained some residents have requested that they be allowed to unleash their dogs in some of the parks, such as the Civic Center Campus. Council Member Henderson stated she is glad to hear there is some self- regulating among the dog owners, and hopes the need to determine the difference in size of dogs will not be necessary. She noted the development of parking is an additional cost for the improvement of Pioneer Park. Community Services Director Hylton explained there is a Capital Improvement Project proposed to establish parking for Pioneer Park and upon expansion of the dog park, and explained the proposed parking lot will be carved out of a parcel on the south side of the park. In response to Mayor Adolph, Community Services Director Hylton explained the property proposed for parking is not owned by Coachella Valley Water District ICVWD) and is within the park site Council Member Henderson expressed concern about the area being chopped up and not having enough room for children to play. Community Services Director Hylton explained it is a large grassy area and the dog park is proposed in the north area. Council Member Henderson noted the City has hired a consultant to work on a park assessment district and asked if the dog park would be included. Community Services Directory Hylton confirmed the maintenance costs will need to be added in the park assessment district. Council Member Kirk complimented staff and the Community Services Commission for a comprehensive report. He stated the use of Pioneer Park makes sense and inquired about CVWD's plans to make property improvements to their parcel. Golf & Parks Landscape Manager Howlett stated CVWD has not indicated when they propose to make property improvements and have requested the option of making improvements at the well site in the future. Council Member Kirk expressed concern about City Council Minutes 5 February 17, 2009 establishing a park and the possibility of CVWD wanting to make improvements in three years. Council Member Henderson noted CVWD has a policy of having approximately 1,000 foot distance between well sites. In response to Council Member Kirk, Community Services Director Hylton stated staff has not received any complaints relating to the size of the dogs, but has received complaints about over-usage in the dog parks; and stated she is not aware if other cities are receiving complaints about dog size. Council Member Kirk suggested looking at the acquired property along Jefferson Street as a potential linear dog park. Mayor Adolph asked about the City's liability/responsibility for allowing off- leash use. City Attorney Jenson explained not following the leash law could result in liability to the City and create a dangerous condition. Roger Hopkins, 54-145 Avenida Obregon, thanked the City Council for addressing the community's concerns regarding dog park usage. He agreed with expanding Pioneer Park and considering the property adjacent to the Seasons development; and stated small dog owners know their dogs will not mix well with big dogs. He suggested the dog park at Fritz Burns Park be dedicated exclusively for small dog use; expressed concern about 20,000 square feet being too small and not having an opportunity to fix it in the future. He suggested a minimum of two acres and using a portion of it for running areas. He further suggested fundraisers for cost of improvements and stated he is willing to donate stone benches in lieu of the City payment for additional fencing. Council Member Franklin stated the City of Palm Desert utilizes netting to separate small and large dogs. Council Member Kirk stated his concern was not in intermingling them but the criteria in establishing separate parks. In response to Council Member Sniff, Golf & Parks Landscape Manager Howlett explained the fencing proposed at Pioneer Park will be five feet high square tube fencing with a double gate system similar to that used at Fritz Burns Park; and stated there will be combination water fountains for owners and dog use. Mayor Adolph noted the park design will be brought to the City Council at a later time. Council Member Kirk spoke in support of both proposed locations and increasing Pioneer Park by 20,000 square feet. He expressed concern about City Council Minutes 6 February 17, 2009 the cost for parking and increased use, and disagreed with Mr. Hopkins that the City will not have additional opportunities to make improvements. He stated the Seasons Retention Basin could provide a much larger park area, and suggested using it. Council Member Sniff stated he supports the staff recommendation with a report back on the design of a dog park at the Seasons Retention Basin. MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Kirk/Henderson to approve designing the development of a dog park up to three or four acres at the Seasons Retention Basin and a 20,000 square-foot expansion of the dog park at Pioneer Park as Capital Improvement Projects for Fiscal Year 2009/2010. Motion carried unanimously. 2. CONSIDERATION OF A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE AND THE CITY FOR MUSEUM OPERATIONS. Community Services Director Hylton presented the staff report. Mayor Adolph stated the City has worked out a good financing agreement with Library Services and Systems, Inc. (LSSI) with no out-of-pocket expenses for the City in managing the museum. Community Services Director Hylton confirmed there will be no additional expenses to the City as the funds have been included in the budget. Council Member Sniff asked if the City would have any control over the personnel provided by LSSI. Community Services Director Hylton stated the City will not be involved with selecting the Museum Manager, but the Museum Manager will report to the Community Services Director and the City will be involved with the management of the museum programs. She explained the City will be able to contact LSSI if the appointed person does not work out. In response to Council Member Kirk, Community Services Director Hylton confirmed the City Council has the option of considering other contractors but explained the costs between the City and the County managing the museum are similar. She stated staff is comfortable with the cost proposal and length of the contract. Council Member Kirk stated he prefers LSSI managing the museum rather than hiring City staff to do it, and even though the City will lose some control over personnel, he is confident LSSI will make changes if needed. City Council Minutes 7 February 17, 2009 Council Member Henderson expressed confidence that LSSI would respond appropriately if the City is unhappy with the personnel. Council Member Franklin stated based on the qualifications established for staff at the library, she is comfortable the museum will have highly-qualified personnel. MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Franklin to approve a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Museum Services between the County of Riverside and the City to be in effect from February 20, 2009, through June 30, 2010, and authorize the City Manager to execute the MOU. Mayor Adolph stated he agrees with the comments made about the tremendous job performed by LSSI. Motion carried unanimously. 3. CONSIDERATION OF COOPERATIVE ADVERTISING PROGRAM WITH LA QUINTA HOTELS. Economic Development Project Manager Casillas presented the staff report Scott Kiner, 73-005 Haystack, Palm Desert, of Kiner Communications, presented the Online Hotel Marketing Program. In response to Council Member Henderson, Mr. Kiner explained how a click on the link of a live page would go directly to the website; and confirmed La Quinta would be listed first on a search result and the cost would be charged each time someone clicks on the link and accesses the La Quinta website. Mayor Adolph asked if this would be a duplication of what the Palm Springs Desert Resort Communities Convention & Visitor's Authority's (CVA) is doing. Mr. Kiner explained this program directs people directly to the hotel page of playlaquinta.com instead of a CVA page that is for the Coachella Valley. In response to Council Member Kirk, Mr. Kiner confirmed the listing of "La Quinta" as Number 2 on the online search results page is not attributed to the La Quinta Inn chain hotel as that has already been factored out. He stated both the La Quinta Resort and Lake La Quinta Inn are in the program and doing very well. He confirmed our site would be on the first page 10% City Council Minutes 8 February 17, 2009 of the time under a 562,000 budget amount, and explained it would be difficult to capture the organic searches without a named address. Council Member Sniff commented on the competitive world of hospitality, and suggested the possibility of increasing the budget amount to 575,000 or 5100,000. He stated he also hopes the hotels can contribute more. Mayor Adolph noted that would have to be considered during review of the budget. In response to Council Member Franklin, Mr. Kiner confirmed key words are used in the profile and the most commonly used phrases are used in determining hits; and explained an established budget of 513,000 a month divided by 30 days would restrict itself to that amount daily and not exceed the budgeted amount. Council Member Henderson stated she was somewhat surprised at the low financial involvement of the hotels, but recognizes that it is a very difficult time for them and they are participating in other ways. She agrees with having a report come back and feels as the budget is discussed that this could be a major portion of the program next year and possibly supplemented later this budget year. Mayor Adolph stated he is pleased to see a program specifically designed for the City of La Quinta. MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Henderson/Sniff to approve a cooperative advertising program between the City of La Quinta and La Quinta hotels. Motion carried unanimously. 4. CONSIDERATION OF MID-YEAR BUDGET REPORT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008/2009. Finance Director Falconer presented the staff report. Council Member Sniff complimented the City Manager and Finance Director for their efforts and conservative nature in presenting the budget. He asked about the decreased operating expenses for SilverRock Resort. Community Services Director Hylton explained the per-round revenue is down as well as purchases from the pro-shop and out-of-town rounds. She explained resident rounds have increased but out-of-town play has decreased. City Council Minutes 9 February 17, 2009 Council Member Henderson noted the City's conservative approach has resulted in this not being a more serious report. She reported that as of 1 1:30 a.m. this morning, the State budget discussions have not included any proposal to take additional redevelopment funds. Council Member Kirk noted in addition to staff, this Council and previous City Council's share the thanks for this report, and that a 2.5% decrease in a S40 million budget is not bad compared to what other cities are facing. He further noted our return on investment is higher than many are receiving right now. He asked when a positive impact on CVA fees would be seen from the Business Improvement District (BID). Council Member Henderson stated a positive impact will not be seen until after the end of this fiscal year. Council Member Kirk referenced the hiring freeze and asked about vacant positions. Finance Director Falconer stated three positions are vacant at this 'time: a secretary position in the Public Works Department; assistant planner position in the Planning Department; and a transportation engineer position that remains unfilled in the Public Works Department. City Manager Genovese added that a number of contract positions have also been eliminated. Council Member Kirk suggested the hiring freeze be continued until further notice. Mayor Adolph expressed appreciation for staff's efforts, and stated La Quinta may not be hit as hard as what is projected. Kay Wolff, 77-227 Calle Ensenada, complimented the Finance Director for doing a tremendous job on the mid-year budget report; and conveyed some concern about not filling vacant positions and being overly cautious. Council Member Kirk suggested direction and discretion be given to the City Manager regarding the hiring freeze to be memorialized with the mid-year budget. Council Member Sniff stated he prefers not memorializing the direction because the City Manager is already utilizing prudent discretion in the matter. MOTION - It was moved by Council Members SnifflAdolph to 1) approve a reduction in appropriations totaling 5953,611 from the General Fund and a reduction in appropriations of 5194,524 in other City funds (as outlined in Attachment No. 1); 2) approve a reduction in estimated revenues totaling 5949,712 in the General Fund and an increase of 5358,999 from other City City Council Minutes 10 February 17, 2009 funds las outlined in Attachment Nos. 1 through 5); and 3) receive and file the Mid-Year Budget Report. Motion carried unanimously. The City Council recessed to and until 7:00 P.M. 7:00 P.M. PUBLIC COMMENT Kenneth Doran extended an apology for misspelling Mayor Adolph's name in a letter he submitted to the City Council regarding Code Enforcement. PRESENTATIONS -None PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER ADOPTION OF RESOLUTIONS AND AN ORDINANCE FOR: 11 CERTIFICATION OF MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT FOR ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 2008-597; 2) GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT 2008-116 FROM LOW-DENSITY AGRICULTURAL/RESIDENTIAL TO LOW-DENSITY RESIDENTIAL; ZONE CHANGE 2008-136 FROM LOW-DENSITY AGRICULTURAL/EQUESTRIAN RESIDENTIAL TO LOW-DENSITY RESIDENTIAL AND TENTATIVE TRACT MAP 31434 FOR SUBDIVISION OF 30.2f ACRES INTO 94 SINGLE FAMILY LOTS AND OTHER MISCELLANEOUS LOTS FOR PROPERTY LOCATED ON THE WEST SIDE OF MONROE STREET AT THE WEST TERMINATION OF AVENUE 61. APPLICANT: MONROE DATES, LLC. Principal Planner Sawa presented the staff report. In response to Council Member Henderson, Principal Planner Sawa confirmed the low-density designation is Tess than agricultural/residential or agricultural/equestrian designation; and equestrian activity is allowed on 10,000 square-foot lots. Planning Director Johnson explained the main objective of the Planning Commission's change was to have a lot size less than 10,000 square feet but the average lot size is closer to 10,000 square feet. He further explained City Council Minutes 1 1 February 17, 2009 one of the key items was the compatibility with the Trilogy development which is zoned at a lower density but it does have a golf course. He stated the developer is required to go through a site development permit review process for the homes and perimeter landscaping, which will include specifics for the two retention basins. He confirmed lots 4, 5, and 6 back up to Monroe Street, front the street in Lot B, and are across from landscape Lots 89 and 90. Council Member Kirk stated this proposal is much better than what was presented during his service on the Planning Commission. In response to Mayor Adolph, Planning Director Johnson explained the open space requirement for equestrian use is based on a ratio of square footage per number of animals. The Mayor declared the PUBLIC HEARING OPEN at 7:21 p.m. Craig Knight, applicant, stated the Planning Commission imposed two conditions on the development that he would like to have changed. He requested the 20-foot, side-yard setback on Lots 24, 25, and 56 that are adjacent to the Trilogy development, be reduced to 10 feet. He referenced the depth and height of the Trilogy lots and noted his lots range from 1 to 6 feet lower than Trilogy and the lot with a 6-foot pad elevation difference has a 12-foot high wall. He also requested the one-story requirement be modified to allow the option of a roof-top sundeck, adding that he understands from staff that asecond-story architectural element is already allowed. Council Member Henderson asked how many sundecks he anticipates having. Mr. Knight stated he does not know at this time because there are no plans yet, but the request is for any lot that is not adjacent to the Trilogy development. Council Member Franklin inquired about the widths of Lots 24, 25, and 56. Mayor Adolph stated the lots are 70 feet wide and Lot 54 is 87 feet wide. Mr. Knight stated Lot 54 is wider in anticipation of a wall and an additional retaining wall to mitigate the height of the wall. Planning Director Johnson explained an architectural feature is not livable space and therefore not limited to a definitive height, whereas atwo-story unit would be restricted to 28 feet. Council Member Henderson clarified the 28-foot restriction would also apply to a single-story unit, and asked if Trilogy was restricted to stay below 28 feet. Planning Director Johnson stated Trilogy is built out as a single-story development, but he does not know if there is a described height limit. He City Council Minutes 12 February 17, 2009 noted any lots in this development that are adjacent to Trilogy are restricted to one story. Mayor Adolph stated he would have a problem with an architectural element being a sundeck because of privacy issues. Mr. Knight clarified the architectural element is separate and not the sundeck. Planning Director Johnson noted the development is already allowed to have architectural projections up to 28 feet high, but allowing a sundeck would require an amendment to the conditions. In response to Mayor Adolph, Planning Director Johnson confirmed a median is required to be installed on Monroe Street. Mayor Adolph asked if play areas will be provided for children in the community. Mr. Knight explained amenities for the retention basin have not yet been defined but he is not opposed to such a condition. Council Member Kirk referenced the requirement for rolled curbs and sidewalks, and asked if safety bumps are required. Public Works Director Jonasson explained truncated domes would be required at the corners where you cross the street. In response to Council Member Henderson, Planning Director Johnson confirmed Condition No. 80 addresses the addition of a hard surface trail within the larger retention area; and stated the addition of passive-use amenities, such as benches and a gazebo that would not hinder the function of the retention basin were identified. Council Member Henderson asked about the definition of an age-restricted community. Mr. Knight stated he is unsure of the restrictions but it will be a part of their CC&Rs. In response to Council Member Henderson, City Attorney Jenson stated she understands the project was originally proposed as a 55 aged-restricted project. Planning Director Johnson explained the applicant has always identified the project as an aged-restricted project, and at the Planning Commission hearing agreed to that condition; and stated the State Department of Real Estate has established a definition of a 55 years or older restricted community. Council Member Franklin stated the Trilogy development has a 55 years or older restriction with atwo-week maximum time limit for visiting children. Jim Mellin, 81-940 Eagle Claw, representing residents of Trilogy development, thanked the City Council for their efforts in maintaining the City Council Minutes 13 February 17, 2009 community; and stated the age restriction as well as the single-story restriction for lots abutting Trilogy is compatible to their development. There being no additional requests to speak, the Mayor declared the PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED at 7:44 p.m. Council Member Kirk conveyed concern about the lack of amenities in this project; and stated he is skeptical about a development that requests zone changes with no amenities to offer the community. Mayor Adolph stated he has seen other communities provide pools and playhouses with smaller lots than what is proposed in this development. Council Member Henderson agreed this is a good opportunity to express the desire to include outdoor amenities, but a clubhouse is not necessary. She stated the applicant implied other improvements may be included with the landscape plans, and asked how future approval of landscape plans could include the amenities. Planning Director Johnson confirmed the City Council could modify Condition No. 80 to require outdoor amenities to be included with the landscape plans and presented to the City Council for consideration: Council Member Henderson asked about the possibility of including a condition that requires use of the Department of Real Estate definition for age-restriction. City Attorney Jenson stated the Department of Real Estate definition is what defines the'age restriction, and noted it was the applicant that initiated the age restriction. She stated she could come back with more information on that issue if the public hearing is continued. In regard to the landscaping issue, she noted if the project is approved tonight with this configuration, the lots would not be available and Council would just be dealing with the interior. Council Member Henderson stated if amenities are an issue, then they should be included with Condition 80. Council Member Kirk suggested the City Council modify the condition that the age-restriction be similar to Trilogy subject to the City Attorney's review. Council Member Henderson asked if there are any suggestions for amenities by the City Council. Council Member Kirk noted the City Council can identify like active areas or condition this to come back as part of the landscape plans but noted it may not come back for some time. He stated the challenge is improving a retention basin instead of looking at paths and small City Council Minutes 14 February 17, 2009 active areas within the project; and stated he would rather have the applicant come back with some suggestions. Mayor Adolph stated the applicant has a sense of what the City Council desires as amenities for the project. Council Member Kirk stated since the applicant is requesting both general plan and zoning changes, he feels it is appropriate to ask for some amenities. Council Member Franklin asked for clarification as to whether or not the City Council wants the applicant to include a community center, and the consensus answer from the City Council was "No." Council Member Henderson asked staff's perception about reducing the side- yard setback from 20 to 10 feet. Planning Director Johnson stated he understands the applicant's request, and noted the setback is larger than what is typically seen. Council Member Henderson suggested the possibility of splitting the amount. Mayor Adolph stated the design of the home would have an effect on the three lots in order to reduce the setback. Mr. Knight explained the larger architectural features he has proposed would not be applied to the perimeter lots. Mayor Adolph stated he wants to make sure the homeowners' side- yard view is not a massive structure. Council Member Kirk agreed with the applicant that the setbacks for Lots 24 and 25 will not have as much impact, and stated he feels Lots 89 and 90 will have a greater impact. He suggested this item be continued for 2 to 4 weeks for staff to address these items with the applicant. Mayor Adolph declared the PUBLIC HEARING RE-OPENED at 8:03 p.m. MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Kirk/Henderson to continue the public hearing to March 17, 2009. Motion carried unanimously. STUDY SESSION 1. DISCUSSION OF CITY COUNCIL GOALS AND THE FISCAL YEAR 2008/2009 ANNUAL FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT REVIEW. Assistant City Manager-Management Services Plumlee presented the staff report. City Council Minutes 15 February 17, 2009 Council Member Henderson complimented staff for an outstanding job in compiling the Annual Financial Management Review given the current economic situation; and noted the recommendations are to continue carrying out the goals to the best of our financial ability and maintain public services and public safety. She stated the Orange County Division of the League of California Cities has requested to submit a letter to the governor to suspend AB 342 and SB 395 regarding greenhouse issues. Council Member Kirk thanked the City Manager and management team for preparation of the document. He conveyed frustration about the goal setting process, noting that the 33 goals listed are a composite of individual goals and not goals of the entire City Council. He requested the process be changed to focus on a consensus of goals and suggested addressing what the City Council wants to achieve during the next year and review in the future. As for his personal goals, he wished to see an acknowledgement of Federal programs to take advantage of Federal stimulus funds; and suggested adding local job creation and incorporates a sense of economic development as part of the equation to the "Green and Sustainable La Quinta Program." He would like to see job creation weaved into other aspects such as affordable housing projects, neighborhood revitalization, and business development activities. Council Member Franklin stated she feels the list of goals is magnanimous, and should be narrowed down. She suggested adding a goal to renovate the sports complex as she understands the School District is not going to help in that effort. City Manager Genovese stated staff will come back with alternatives if the School District does not come up with the funding. Council Member Franklin also suggested increasing funding to the Chamber of Commerce to help businesses in the City. Council Member Sniff stated his suggested goals as follows: maintain and enhance fiscal integrity; protect the citizens' lives and property; ensure funding for capital improvement projects; maintain city properties; continue working with the Chamber of Commerce and La Quinta Arts Foundation; advertise and support our business community; and allocate funds to promote and advertise La Quinta. Mayor Adolph stated his goals as follows: balance the budget with only revenues received using a conservative estimate; prioritize expenditures with required expenses first then non-required items; be more flexible, adaptable, and creative in job classifications in order not to reduce staff; maintain existing grant levels; temporary freeze on all new and outside hiring; explore ways to get a share of the Federal stimulus funds to reduce losses in sales City Council Minutes 16 February 17, 2009 tax and transient occupancy tax losses; and continue working on 2008/2009 budget goals where economically feasible and still viable. Council Member Sniff stated we do not know when Federal stimulus funds will be available, and that goal may have to be postponed. Mayor Adolph noted the President is talking about getting monies to the cities to help. Council Member Henderson stated the staff report references the possible availability of funding for infrastructure from the stimulus package, but noted State and Federal funding comes with a lot of requirements that can slow down projects. Assistant City Manager-Management Services Plumlee explained staff is compiling a list of shelf-ready type projects in preparation of receiving funds from the stimulus package. Council Member Sniff agreed with Council Member Henderson regarding Federal funding, and suggested being careful about counting on the funds. City Manager Genovese noted the Annual Financial Management Review document is staff initiated, but parallels with the City Council goals. He suggested when this comes back for the City Council's approval that the goals be prioritized and taking a slightly different approach; and make sure the executive summary and City Council goals are in concert in the major categories and showing subcategories if needed. REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS Palm Springs Desert Resort Communities Convention and Visitor's Authority (CVA) - Council Member Henderson stated she would not be able to attend the meeting Friday because of a League of California Cities board meeting, and asked if Mayor Adolph would like to attend as the alternate. Mayor Adolph indicated he also has a meeting conflict, and would not be able to attend. League of California Cities -Council Member Henderson reported Fred Silva was the guest speaker at the Cities Counties and Schools (CCS) Task Force meeting in Sacramento; stated a group called California Forward is proposing an amendment to the State Constitution that is directly related to budget issues; and a second group called California Constitutional Convention is working on a way by ballot initiative whereby a majority of voters could approve an amendment to the current Constitution that would allow the voters to bypass the Legislature and directly call a Constitutional Convention that would have the same powers as one created by the Legislature. She noted a Constitutional Convention is at least afive-year process, and it would be very difficult for such a diverse State to come to a consensus on many issues of the Constitution that could then be presented to the City Council Minutes 17 February 17, 2009 voters. She has recommended that the CCS start looking at the language to instill some reforms that would be good for local government. Riverside County Transportation Commission - Council Member Henderson reported CalTrans Director Will Campton has called a halt to all Caltrans Proposition 1-B programs under construction at a total shut-down cost of 5400 million. CVAG Public Safety Committee - Council Member Kirk stated the Committee continues to discuss a location for the new jail. CVAG Transportation Committee -Council Member Kirk stated the Committee discussed a CMAQ funding shift wherein the County has opted not to continue a project because of acost-sharing requirement. He noted it may be a good time to consider some capital improvement projects to take advantage of funding sources that other cities may not be able to take advantage of because of matching-fund requirements. Friends of the Desert Mountains -Council Member Kirk stated their latest initiative is a dirt catalog, which he will provide copies for the City Council. CVWD Joint Water Policy Committee -Mayor Adolph stated he was unable to attend the last meeting and Planning Director Johnson attended in his place. Planning Director Johnson reported the Committee discussed the estimate of calculated rates for 2009/2010, and they are looking at ways to implement costs associated with new recharge facilities in their rate structure. He stated the current rate is S 10 per-acre foot, and based on dike 4 recharge ponds operating at 20,000 cubic feet, it could increase to 520.53; at 40,000 cubic feet it could increase to $40 per-acre foot. He stated CVWD staff was directed to come back with a three or five-year rate implementation plan at the next meeting. He noted if the City of Indio pursues their own recharge program, the CVWD rates will increase even more. The agricultural rate would increase about 25% and the residential rate would increase about 2.3%, based on the 520.53 per-acre foot cost. Council Member Kirk stated the agricultural rate is 520.53 per-acre foot, but he believes the residential rate is a lot more, which is why the agricultural rate percentage is so much higher. All other reports were noted and filed. DEPARTMENT REPORTS -None City Council Minutes 18 February 17, 2009 MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS' ITEMS Mayor Adolph referenced a complaint in the newspaper from Mrs. Hendricks regarding the art piece at Highway 111 and Washington Street; and stated she has asked if the art piece can be screened with landscaping. Community Services Director Hylton stated she and the City Manager have met with the artist and he does not want to make any changes. She noted the City maintains the up-lighting, but does not take possession of the art piece until 2016. She stated staff has also talked to Mr. Shovlin for assistance in getting the art piece cleaned. Council Member Henderson stated she does not believe screening with shrubs will help. ........t.. Mayor Adolph stated he and the Planning Director met with the homeowner associations around the La Q.uinta Hotel, and reassured them that they will have an opportunity to speak on the four hotel proposals during the public hearing process. He also noted that unless the City Council puts a condition on the specific plan for subsequent phases to be brought back before them, the Council may not have an opportunity to consider the other phases. Mayor Adolph indicated he would be unable to attend the La Quinta Arts Festival this year, and asked for a volunteer to serve in his place on the Civic Center Art Purchase Committee. Council Member Henderson volunteered to serve on the Committee. Mayor Adolph stated Mark Moran has indicated that Granite Construction is willing to deliver gravel to address the code enforcement issue of ground cover; and Mark Moran is also talking to La Quinta High School about the possibility of students spreading the gravel as part of a community services day. He asked the City Attorney to research the City's liability in this issue. Mayor Adolph reported John Wohlmuth, the former CVAG Executive Director, has suffered a stroke and is recuperating well. City Council Minutes 19 February 17, 2009 The City Council recessed to the Redevelopment Agency. Council reconvened and recessed to the Financing Authority. Council reconvened and concurred to continue Closed Session Item No. 2 to the next meeting. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, it was moved by Council Members Kirk/Sniff to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. Respectf ly submitted C ~,p~ ~ VERONICA J. TECINO, City Clerk City of La Qui a, California