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1991 06 26 ECC01 c � __ z • OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION COMMITTEE CITY OF LA QUINTA A regular Meeting to be held at the La Quinta City Hall, 78-105 Calle Estado La Quinta, California June 26, 1991 7:00 P.M. I. CALL TO ORDER - Flag Salute II. ROLL CALL III. CONSENT CALENDAR Minutes of April 24, 1991, and May 29, 1991 IV. BUSINESS SESSION A. Review and comment on draft letters to property owners and conservancy gencies. B. Future meeting dates and times VJ OTHER V. ADJOURNMENT MINUTES ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION COMMITTEE - CITY OF LA QUINTA A regular meeting held at the La Quinta City Hall 78-105 Calle Estado, La Quinta, California April 24, 1991 I. CALL TO ORDER 7:00 P.M. A. The meeting was called to order at 7:11 P.M. by Planning Director Jerry Herman and he led the Flag Salute II. ROLL CALL A. Planning Director Jerry Herman asked that the roll be called. Present: Committee Members: Laura Hinderaker, Jackie Johnson, Robert Metkus, Paul Quill, Katie Barrows, Planning Commission Representative, and Sharon Kennedy, Community Services Commission. Absent: Committee Member Steve Brummel. B . Staff Present: Planning Director Jerry Herman, Principal Planner Fred Baker, Associate Planner Wally Nesbit, and Department Secretary Betty Anthony. III. BUSINESS SESSION A. This being the first meeting of this Committee Planning Director Jerry Herman discussed with the members the Council direction for the Committee and their responsibilities which are: 1. The Committee shall be advisory only. 2. The Committee shall have an initial time frame of one year. 3. The Committee shall be appointed by the City Council. 4. The Committee should be composed of seven members including one from the Planning Commission, two from the Community Services Commission and four from the public sector to be appointed by each City Council member appointing one member. 5. The Committee should organize with a chairperson and vice chairperson. 6. The Committee should abide by all rules & regulations required by law and allow and encourage public comment and input. 7. The City shall provide all reasonable support. 8. The Committee shall meet at least once a month and provide minutes and written reports to the City Council. B. Planning Director Jerry Herman then asked the Commission to elect a Chairman and Vice Chairman. Committee Member Hinderaker nominated Sharon Kennedy. Ms. Kennedy declined the nomination. Committee Member Quill nominated Katie Barrows. Committee Member Kennedy seconded the motion and the nominations were closed. Katie Barrows was elected Chairman unanimously. C. Planning Director Jerry opened nominations for Vice Chairman. Committee Member Johnson nominated Paul Quill. Committee Member Hinderaker seconded the motion and nominations were closed. Paul Quill was elected unanimously. D. Planning Director Jerry Herman then directed the Committee to the City Council Minutes of September 4, 1990 and reviewed the direction of the Committee. The direction of the Council was: Assigned Staff and the Environmental Conservation Committee shall review and evaluate the options presented in the Staff report plus all other pertinent material. Staff shall contact all organizations that buy or trade open space lands as identified in Section D of the Staff report obtaining commitments of action where possible. 3. Staff shall contact all owners of parcels in the open space areas of La Quinta ascertaining: a. Which owners would be willing to sell or exchange their parcels voluntarily. b. Which owners would be willing to dedicate their parcels to the City. C. Which owners would prefer to keep their parcels zoned for no development. d. To identify which owners would prefer to keep their parcels zoned to allow development consistent with the open space and Hillside Conservation Ordinance. None of the above. City Staff shall serve as a middle man facilitator bringing owners and appropriate organizations and entities together where feasible. City Staff and the Committee shall develop a strategy for affected property owners not willing to participate in any implementation program for the City Council review and approval. PCMIN4-23 City Staff shall provide a full report not later than October 1, 1991, plus periodic informational updates. We shall re-form an Environmental Conservation Committee promptly. Lastly, the City Council reserves to itself all legal and planning decisions. E. He then explained the various handout that had been past out to the members and asked the Committee to make a determination as to a day and time to meet. Chairman Barrows asked the Committee if the last Wednesday of each month would be acceptable to the members. Following discussion it was a concurrence of the members to meet on the last Wednesday of each month. Committee member Metkus felt an additional meeting was necessary due to the summer months coming and members that would be on vacations. Chairman Barrows suggested a tour of the hillsides be planned for the Committee before the next regular meeting. It was decided to meet on May 15th, at 7:00 A.M. F. Planning Director Jerry Herman discussed with the Committee the hillside properties that were privately owned, or BLM owned. In addition he discussed the various projects that abut the hillside and what the City had conditioned those projects to allow. G. Committee Member Quill asked Planning Director what the purpose of the Committee was to be. Planning Director Herman stated that the Committee had been directed by Council to review the Hillside Ordinance and make a recommendation to the Council. The Committee needed to come up with a program to acquire or convert the private land to public lands for open space. Discussion followed as to the direction the Committee would take to accomplish this program. H. Committee members inquired of the gravel pit as to what was planned for this area. Planning Director Herman explained the County plans for the gravel pit and what potential property owners in the area were planning. Discussion followed as to the City's plans for this area as well as the alluvial fan at the top of the Cove. Also discussed were the percentages of slopes allowed to build on. Planning Director Jerry Herman stated Staff would prepare a copy of the map of the hillside, prepare a list of the names and addresses of those property owners and get them to the Committee Members. IV. OTHER - None V. ADJOURNMENT A motion was made by Committee Member Johnson and seconded by Committee Member Metkus to adjourn to a special meeting on May 15, 1991, at 7:00 A.M. in the La Quinta City Hall, 78-105 Calle Estado, La Quinta, California. This meeting of the La Quinta Environmental Conservation Committee was adjourned at 7:52 P.M. PCMIN4-23 3 MINUTES ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION COMMITTEE - CITY OF LA QUINTA A regular meeting held at the La Quinta City Hall 75-105 Calle Estado, La Quinta, California May 29, 1991 I. CALL TO ORDER 7:00 P.M. A. The meeting was called to order at 7:14 P.M. by Chairperson Barrows and Paul Quill led the Flag Salute II. ROLL CALL A. Chairperson Barrows asked for the roll call. Present: Committee Members: Jackie Johnson, Robert Metkus, Paul Quill, Sharo Kennedy, Community Services Commission, and Chairperson Kati Barrows. Absent: Committee Member Laura Hinderaker. Committee Member Quill moved and Committee Member Johnson seconded a motion to excuse Laura Hinderaker from the meeting. Committee Member Brummell arrived late. B. Staff Present: Planning Director Jerry Herman, Associate Planner Wally Nesbit, and Department Secretary Betty Anthony. V. BUSINESS SESSION A. Chairperson Barrows asked Associate Planner Wally Nesbit to give a recap of the Hillside field trip. Items viewed were: 1. The upper part of the cove into the flood control area and discussed where the boundary lines were for the private ownerships as compared to the public lands. Suggested an aerial would help the members to identify the different areas. 2. The County Gravel Pit and again discussed which was private versus public, plus discussed contacting other public agencies as to acquiring land and the options available to do this. 3. The Ranch of the 7th Range area and the outcropping to the west. Noted some structures and investigated as part of the visit to this area. B. Chairperson Barrows inquired if all members had received copies of the maps. C. Member Jackie Johnson asked if Staff had the names of the private property owners. Planning Director Jerry Herman stated Staff does have this information and it will be forwarded to the Committee. Staff is in the process of preparing letters to be sent to these people and this draft will also be sent to the Committee. D. Planning Director Jerry Herman discussed with the Committee the purpose of the Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy as being the same purpose of this Committee. A copy of our draft letter will be sent to this organization for their use. E. Member Metkus asked if a map could be prepared for the Members showing the owners of the property. Planning Director Jerry Herman stated the maps available did not make it a possibility as it would be to much information for the space available. He stated the Staff would prepare in some fashion the information for the Committee. F. Discussion continued among the members the responsibility of the Staff to contact these people. The Committee would determine the contents of the letter and determine the strategy to influence these people to dedicate their land to the City. G. Member Kennedy suggested that a forum be held with the Bureau of Land Management, the Nature Conservancy, and a City representative to meet with these people to discuss the purpose of the land exchange or sell out for the purpose of determining the attitude of these property owners. This would help eliminate a lot of time. H. Discussion followed regarding aerials to be used by the Staff and Committee to visually determine the ownership of the properties. I. Chairperson Barrows asked that a list of agencies be made as to which agencies could and/or should be participating with this process. Planning Director Jerry Herman stated a letter would be drafted to the agencies to determine their willingness to participate at a forum in September and make a report to the Council in October. J. Discussion followed as to contacting those property owners who the City feels are most likely to sell their property and start with those people. K. Member Steve Brummel suggested the Committee might look at larger issues relative to the mountains and get community involvement regarding what needs to be preserved, how it might best be accomplished, the goal of open space and not have development up the mountain side, if this is the direction Council would have the Committee proceed. In addition what lands or geologic surfaces should be identified as prime areas for preservation, most likely to be preserved and address those properties first as well as seeing which land owners are willing to sell rather than just randomly purchasing any property. The Committee should prioritize what property should be approached first according to what the City is trying to accomplish. Planning Director Jerry Herman stated that the Council's direction under the ECCMIN5-29 2 adoption of the Hillside Ordinance was to preserve all of the open space designated property in La Quinta and require any development to justify how the property could be developed. In addition, the Ordinance does not allow any development on certain slopes. Therefore the hillsides should be approached as a whole for preservation. Discussion followed as to the direction of the Committee. L. Chairperson Barrows stated that the Committee should have some sort of justification to present to these property owners as to why the City is trying to preserve these lands, but felt this had been addressed by the previous Environmental Conservation Committee. Discussion followed regarding the Member's interpretation of their direction, the time frame the Committee had to fulfill their directives, and what the priority of the Committee should be. M. Councilman Sniff addressed the Committee and stated he felt the Committee should proceed in an orderly fashion and not be consumed with a deadline. It is more important to concentrate on producing a product as quickly as possible rather than trying to meet deadlines. Reports should be regularly made to the Council so the Council can be kept aware of the Committee's progress. N. The Members discussed the need to develop a letter to the property owners and what the contents should be. Member Paul Quill inquired if the Coachella Valley Mountain Conservancy had decided on any form of funding to accomplish their goal. Planning Director Jerry Herman stated that they had asked the Valley cities for seed money to staff the Conservancy and a funding mechanism of Federal grants or some other source would be addressed at a later date. Member Steve Brummel would contact the agency to determine their progress. Members asked if other agencies should be contacted. Planning Director Jerry Herman stated his letter would ask if these agencies knew of any other agencies we could contact. Chairperson Barrows stated she knew of some other agencies that were not on the current list and she would provide Staff with those mailing addresses. O. Member Paul Quill asked Staff if any reasons had been clearly stated as to why the mountains should be preserved. Member Steve Brummel stated that Coachella Valley Water District could supply Staff with information as to how the mountains aid the maintenance of the aquifer, the geology of the mountains, and the names of the different ridges. Member Jackie Johnson asked if the City knew of the migratory route of the animals, or if there were any endangered animals or plants. Chairperson Barrows addressed the question. Member Sharon Kennedy inquired if any of this land could be Indian burial grounds. Discussion followed as the opportunity the Committee had to inform the Community regarding this information. ECCMIN5-29 P. Following discussion it was moved by Member Steve Brummel and seconded by Member Sharon Kennedy to adopt Minute Motion 91-001 instructing Staff to draft a letter and survey to the prospective property owners asking for their cooperation in selling their property to the City or another public agency. Unanimously approved. Q. It was further moved by Member Steve Brummel and seconded by Member Jackie Johnson that a second invitation letter be drafted to Federal and State agencies and any other organization asking for their support and input. Unanimously approved. R. In addition it was moved by Member Steve Brummel and seconded by Member Paul Quill that a file be established for the accumulation of facts and information pertaining to the history of the mountains. Unanimously approved. Planning Director asked for a clarification as to the method the Committee would like to have these motion accomplished. It was decided that this would be accomplished by mail with the final draft to be approved at the next meeting. VII. OTHER Future meeting dates during the summer would be established at each meeting. VIII. ADJOURNMENT A motion was made by Member Sharon Kennedy and seconded by Member Quill to adjourn to a special meeting on June 26, 1991, at 7:00 A.M. in the La Quinta City Hall, 78-105 Calle Estado, La Quinta, California. This meeting of the La Quinta Environmental Conservation Committee was adjourned at 8:31 P.M. ECCMIN5-29 La'' MEMORANDUM FILE Copy OF TO: HILLSIDE CONSERVATION COMMITTEE MEMBERS FROM: PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT DATE: JUNE 14, 1991 SUBJECT: DRAFT LETTERS TO PUBLIC AGENCIES AND HILLSIDE PROPERTY OWNERS As requested at your May 29, 1991 meeting, Staff has prepared draft letters on the above subject for your review. Please make any changes you feel are appropriate and bring your concerns to your next scheduled meeting of June 26, 1991, at 7:00 PM. We will discuss any changes at that time, but should you have any questions prior to the meeting, contact Jerry Herman or Wally Nesbit. MEMOWN.024/CS _1_ to their disposition with regards to preserving the hillside areas of La Quinta. There are many incentives, beyond the obvious beauty of our majestic mountain ranges, for preserving these areas as undisturbed land. o The mountains contain physical watersheds, formed over long geologic periods of time, which affect the potential for flooding as well as a source to replenish our groundwater. o In maintaining the mountains as open space, development is precluded from areas subject to hazards such as rock slides and other geotechnic impacts. o These mountain areas serve as a range for a number of species of flora & fauna, some of which are listed as endangered. Two of these faunal species are the Bighorn Sheep, and the Prairie Falcon, which may range into the Santa Rosa Mountains above La Quinta. o A great deal of prehistory is evident in these mountains. Numerous Indian camps, caves and trails emanate through the Santa Rosa Mountains. LTRWN.130/CS -2- o The mountain trails also provide a significant recreational opportunity for hikers and equestrians. For these reasons, the City is requesting all hillside area property owners to respond to the enclosed survey. Please take a few minutes to fill out this survey and return in the enclosed self addressed stamped envelope. Your input is extremely important to our decisions for implementing procedures to preserve our hillside areas. Very truly yours, JERRY HERMAN PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR JDH:ccs LTRWN.130/CS -3- CITY OF LA QUINTA HILLSIDE PROPERTY SURVEY Please be aware that answers to any of these questions do not commit you to any obligation with regards to your property. At this time these questions are purely exploratory in nature and are only to be used as an indicator of current sentiment of Hillside property owners. Addition space is provided for any comments or elaboration on your answer. 1. Would you be willing to sell or exchange your hillside property? 2. If so, how much of your hillside land holding(s) would you be willing to sell or exchange? 3. Would you be willing to dedicate any of your hillside property to the City of La Quinta or any other public agency? 4. Currently, all or part of your hillside land holdings are designated as Open Space on the La Quinta General Plan Land Use Map. Would you be adverse to keeping your property zoned for no development? 5. Would an incentive program, such as purchase or transfers of development rights, affect your decision to develop or sell your hillside property? SAMPLE DRAFT LETTER TO PUBLIC AGENCIES WITH LAND HOLDINGS June 14, 1991 Mr. Wally Nesbit City of La Quinta PO Box 1504 La Quinta, CA 92253 Dear Mr. Nesbit: all The City of La Quinta is currently conducting property owner surveys and requesting support for the preservation of the City's hillside areas through a program of public acquisition of these lands. Tax records indicate that your agency has land holdings within our hillside study area. The City has become aware that some agencies may be working towards the sale of these lands to private development interests. This would be in conflict with our goals and objectives relative to the hillside above La Quinta. The City recently formed an Environmental Conservation Committee, with the primary goal of studying procedures and possible programs for implementing our Hillside Conservation Zoning District. Naturally, we would be concerned about any LTRWN.131/CS -1- potential development proposals at this early stage of our study of implementing measures. On behalf of the Environmental conservation Committee and the La Quinta City Council, the City respectfully requests that you keep us informed of any potential development interests regarding your hillside property. This would be mutually beneficial, as the current Hillside Conservation Zoning may significantly restrict the type of development envisioned by a potential developer/buyer. It is important to us to have your cooperation and support, as well as to keep you informed of our activities. Should you have any questions, please contact the undersigned. Very truly yours, Jerry Herman Planning & Development Director JDH:ccs LTRWN.131/CS -2- SAMPLE DRAFT LETTER TO SUPPORT AGENCIES June 14, 1991 Mr. Wally Nesbit City of La Quinta PO Box 1504 La Quinta, CA 92253 Dear Mr. Nesbit: The City of La Quinta is currently trying to address the issue of Hillside Preservation. Although we have had a Hillside Conservation Zoning District in effect for approximately two years, we have been wrestling with implementation concerns for most of that time. The City recently formed an Environmental Conservation Committee, which has as its primary function, the task of developing an implementing program for the current Hillside Conservation Zone Designation. Our goal is to work with private property owners to transfer hillside lands into public ownership without interfering with private owners' ability to capture the value of their property. The City is interested in preserving all property within our Open Space land use designation in its natu;al state. Aesthetics is only one of several significant factors which LTRWN.132/CS -1_ have become more and more important over the past years. This letter is our request to you for assistance in our endeavors to obtain our goal of hillside preservation. We would like to receive any information you may have regarding your land acquisition policies and procedures with regards to this type of program. We also ask for your written support for our Committee and it's efforts, and invite your organization's representatives to attend any of our Environmental Conservation Committee meetings to offer guidance and input. Hopefully, we can form a strong working relationship and achieve a common goal which is beneficial to all involved. Should you have any questions, please contact the undersigned. Very truly yours, Jerry Herman Planning & Development Director JDH:ccs LTRWN.132/CS -2- cE%b OF ll�� ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION COMMITTEE CITY OF LA QUINTA A regular Meeting to be held at the La Quinta City Hall, 78-105 Calle Estado La Quinta, California June 26, 1991 7:00 P.1VI. I. CALL TO ORDER - Flag Salute II. ROLL CALL III. CONSENT CALENDAR Minutes of April 24, 1991, and May 29, 1991 IV. BUSINESS SESSION A. Review and comment on draft letters to property owners and conservancy gencies. B. Future meeting dates and times V. OTHER V. ADJOURNMENT ECC/AGENDA \\ \ I MINUTES ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION COMMITTEE - CITY OF LA QUINTA A regular meeting held at the La Quints, City Hall 78-105 Calle Estado, La Quints, California April 24, 1991 I. CALL TO ORDER 7:00 P.M. A. The meeting was called to order at 7:11 P.M. by Planning Director Jerry Herman and he led the Flag Salute II. ROLL CALL A. Planning Director Jerry Herman asked that the roll be called. Present: Committee Members: Laura Hinderaker, Jackie Johnson, Robert Metkus, Paul Quill, Katie Barrows, Planning Commission Representative, and Sharon Kennedy, Community Services Commission. Absent: Committee Member Steve Brummel. B. Staff Present: Planning Director Jerry Herman, Principal Planner Fred Baker, Associate Planner Wally Nesbit, and Department Secretary Betty Anthony. III. BUSINESS SESSION A. This being the first meeting of this Committee Planning Director Jerry Herman discussed with the members the Council direction for the Committee and their responsibilities which are: 1. The Committee shall be advisory only. 2. The Committee shall have an initial time frame of one year. 3. The Committee shall be appointed by the City Council. 4. The Committee should be composed of seven members including one from the Planning Commission, two from the Community Services Commission and four from the public sector to be appointed by each City Council member appointing one member. 5. The Committee should organize with a chairperson and vice chairperson. 6. The Committee should abide by all rules & regulations required by law and allow and encourage public comment and input. 7. The City shall provide all reasonable support. 8. The Committee shall meet at least once a month and provide minutes and written reports to the City Council. B . Planning Director Jerry Herman then asked the Commission to elect a Chairman and Vice Chairman. Committee Member Hinderaker nominated Sharon Kennedy. Ms. Kennedy declined the nomination. Committee Member Quill nominated Katie Barrows. Committee Member Kennedy seconded the motion and the nominations were closed. Katie Barrows was elected Chairman unanimously. C. Planning Director Jerry opened nominations for Vice Chairman. Committee Member Johnson nominated Paul Quill. Committee Member Hinderaker seconded the motion and nominations were closed. Paul Quill was elected unanimously. D. Planning Director Jerry Herman then directed the Committee to the City Council Minutes of September 4, 1990 and reviewed the direction of the Committee. The direction of the Council was: 1. Assigned Staff and the Environmental Conservation Committee shall review and evaluate the options presented in the Staff report plus all other pertinent material. 2. Staff shall contact all organizations that buy or trade open space lands as identified in Section D of the Staff report obtaining commitments of action where possible. 3. Staff shall contact all owners of parcels in the open space areas of La Quinta ascertaining: a. Which owners would be willing to sell or exchange their parcels voluntarily. b. Which owners would be willing to dedicate their parcels to the City. C. Which owners would prefer to keep their parcels zoned for no development. d. To identify which owners would prefer to keep their parcels zoned to allow development consistent with the open space and Hillside Conservation Ordinance. e. None of the above. 4. City Staff shall serve as a middle man facilitator bringing owners and appropriate organizations and entities together where feasible. 5. City Staff and the Committee shall develop a strategy for affected property owners not willing to participate in any implementation program for the City Council review and approval. PCMIN4-23 6. City Staff shall provide a full report not later than October 1, 1991, plus periodic informational updates. 7. We shall re-form an Environmental Conservation Committee promptly. Lastly, the City Council reserves to itself all legal and planning decisions. E. He then explained the various handout that had been past out to the members and asked the Committee to make a determination as to a day and time to meet. Chairman Barrows asked the Committee if the last Wednesday of each month would be acceptable to the members. Following discussion it was a concurrence of the members to meet on the last Wednesday of each month. Committee member Metkus felt an additional meeting was necessary due to the summer months coming and members that would be on vacations. Chairman Barrows suggested a tour of the hillsides be planned for the Committee before the next regular meeting. It was decided to meet on May 15th, at 7:00 A.M. F. Planning Director Jerry Herman discussed with the Committee the hillside properties that were privately owned, or BLM owned. In addition he discussed the various projects that abut the hillside and what the City had conditioned those projects to allow. G. Committee Member Quill asked Planning Director what the purpose of the Committee was to be. Planning Director Herman stated that the Committee had been directed by Council to review the Hillside Ordinance and make a recommendation to the Council. The Committee needed to come up with a program to acquire or convert the private land to public lands for open space. Discussion followed as to the direction the Committee would take to accomplish this program. H. Committee members inquired of the gravel pit as to what was planned for this area. Planning Director Herman explained the County plans for the gravel pit and what potential property owners in the area were planning. Discussion followed as to the City's plans for this area as well as the alluvial fan at the top of the Cove. Also discussed were the percentages of slopes allowed to build on. I. Planning Director Jerry Herman stated Staff would prepare a copy of the map of the hillside, prepare a list of the names and addresses of those property owners and get them to the Committee Members. IV. OTHER - None V. ADJOURNMENT A motion was made by Committee Member Johnson and seconded by Committee Member Metkus to adjourn to a special meeting on May 15, 1991, at 7:00 A.M. in the La Quinta City Hall, 78-105 Calle Estado, La Quints, California. This meeting of the La Quints. Environmental Conservation Committee was adjourned at 7:52 P.M. PCMIN4-23 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION COMMITTEE - CITY OF LA QUINTA A regular meeting held at the La Quinta City Hall 78-105 Calle Estado, La Quints, California May 29, 1991 I. CALL TO ORDER 7:00 P.M. A. The meeting was called to order at 7:14 P.M. by Chairperson Barrows and Paul Quill led the Flag Salute II. ROLL CALL A. Chairperson Barrows asked for the roll call. Present: Committee Members: Jackie Johnson, Robert Metkus, Paul Quill, Sharo Kennedy, Community Services Commission, and Chairperson Kati Barrows. Absent: Committee Member Laura Hinderaker. Committee Member Quill moved and Committee Member Johnson seconded a motion to excuse Laura Hinderaker from the meeting. Committee Member Brummell arrived late. B. Staff Present: Planning Director Jerry Herman, Associate Planner Wally Nesbit, and Department Secretary Betty Anthony. V. BUSINESS SESSION A. Chairperson Barrows asked Associate Planner Wally Nesbit to give a recap of the Hillside field trip. Items viewed were: 1. The upper part of the cove into the flood control area and discussed where the boundary lines were for the private ownerships as compared to the public lands. Suggested an aerial would help the members to identify the different areas. 2. The County Gravel Pit and again discussed which was private versus public, plus discussed contacting other public agencies as to acquiring land and the options available to do this. 3. The Ranch of the 7th Range area and the outcropping to the west. Noted some structures and investigated as part of the visit to this area. B . Chairperson Barrows inquired if all members had received copies of the maps. C. Member Jackie Johnson asked if Staff had the names of the private property owners. Planning Director Jerry Herman stated Staff does have this information and it will be forwarded to the Committee. Staff is in the process of preparing letters to be sent to these people and this draft will also be sent to the Committee. D. Planning Director Jerry Herman discussed with the Committee the purpose of the Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy as being the same purpose of this Committee. A copy of our draft letter will be sent to this organization for their use. E. Member Metkus asked if a map could be prepared for the Members showing the owners of the property. Planning Director Jerry Herman stated the maps available did not make it a possibility as it would be to much information for the space available. He stated the Staff would prepare in some fashion the information for the Committee. F. Discussion continued among the members the responsibility of the Staff to contact these people. The Committee would determine the contents of the letter and determine the strategy to influence these people to dedicate their land to the City. G. Member Kennedy suggested that a forum be held with the Bureau of Land Management, the Nature Conservancy, and a City representative to meet with these people to discuss the purpose of the land exchange or sell out for the purpose of determining the attitude of these property owners. This would help eliminate a lot of time. H. Discussion followed regarding aerials to be used by the Staff and Committee to visually determine the ownership of the properties. I. Chairperson Barrows asked that a list of agencies be made as to which agencies could and/or should be participating with this process. Planning Director Jerry Herman stated a letter would be drafted to the agencies to determine their willingness to participate at a forum in September and make a report to the Council in October. J. Discussion followed as to contacting those property owners who the City feels are most likely to sell their property and start with those people. K. Member Steve Brummel suggested the Committee might look at larger issues relative to the mountains and get community involvement regarding what needs to be preserved, how it might best be accomplished, the goal of open space and not have development up the mountain side, if this is the direction Council would have the Committee proceed. In addition what lands or geologic surfaces should be identified as prime areas for preservation, most likely to be preserved and address those properties first as well as seeing which land owners are willing to sell rather than just randomly purchasing any property. The Committee should prioritize what property should be approached first according to what the City is trying to accomplish. Planning Director Jerry Herman stated that the Council's direction under the ECCMIN5-29 adoption of the Hillside Ordinance was to preserve all of the open space designated property in La Quinta and require any development to justify how the property could be developed. In addition, the Ordinance does not allow any development on certain slopes. Therefore the hillsides should be approached as a whole for preservation. Discussion followed as to the direction of the Committee. L. Chairperson Barrows stated that the Committee should have some sort of justification to present to these property owners as to why the City is trying to preserve these lands, but felt this had been addressed by the previous Environmental Conservation Committee. Discussion followed regarding the Member's interpretation of their direction, the time frame the Committee had to fulfill their directives, and what the priority of the Committee should be. M. Councilman Sniff addressed the Committee and stated he felt the Committee should proceed in an orderly fashion and not be consumed with a deadline. It is more important to concentrate on producing a product as quickly as possible rather than trying to meet deadlines. Reports should be regularly made to the Council so the Council can be kept aware of the Committee's progress. N. The Members discussed the need to develop a letter to the property owners and what the contents should be. Member Paul Quill inquired if the Coachella Valley Mountain Conservancy had decided on any form of funding to accomplish their goal. Planning Director Jerry Herman stated that they had asked the Valley cities for seed money to staff the Conservancy and a funding mechanism of Federal grants or some other source would be addressed at a later date. Member Steve Brummel would contact the agency to determine their progress. Members asked if other agencies should be contacted. Planning Director Jerry Herman stated his letter would ask if these agencies knew of any other agencies we could contact. Chairperson Barrows stated she knew of some other agencies that were not on the current list and she would provide Staff with those mailing addresses. O. Member Paul Quill asked Staff if any reasons had been clearly stated as to why the mountains should be preserved. Member Steve Brummel stated that Coachella Valley Water District could supply Staff with information as to how the mountains aid the maintenance of the aquifer, the geology of the mountains, and the names of the different ridges. Member Jackie Johnson asked if the City knew of the migratory route of the animals, or if there were any endangered animals or plants. Chairperson Barrows addressed the question. Member Sharon Kennedy inquired if any of this land could be Indian burial grounds. Discussion followed as the opportunity the Committee had to inform the Community regarding this information. ECCMINS-29 P. Following discussion it was moved by Member Steve Brummel and seconded by Member Sharon Kennedy to adopt Minute Motion 91-001 instructing Staff to draft a letter and survey to the prospective property owners asking for their cooperation in selling their property to the City or another public agency. Unanimously approved. Q. It was further moved by Member Steve Brummel and seconded by Member Jackie Johnson that a second invitation letter be drafted to Federal and State agencies and any other organization asking for their support and input. Unanimously approved. R. In addition it was moved by Member Steve Brummel and seconded by Member Paul Quill that a file be established for the accumulation of facts and information pertaining to the history of the mountains. Unanimously approved. S. Planning Director asked for a clarification as to the method the Committee would like to have these motion accomplished. It was decided that this would be accomplished by mail with the final draft to be approved at the next meeting. VII. OTHER Future meeting dates during the summer would be established at each meeting. VIII. ADJOURNMENT A motion was made by Member Sharon Kennedy and seconded by Member Quill to adjourn to a special meeting on June 26, 1991, at 7:00 A.M. in the La Quinta City Hall, 78-105 Calle Estado, La Quints, California. This meeting of the La Quinta Environmental Conservation Committee was adjourned at 8:31 P.M. ECCMIN5-29 MEMORANDUM FILE Copy TO: HILLSIDE CONSERVATION COMMITTEE MEMBERS FROM: PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT DATE: JUNE 14, 1991 SUBJECT: DRAFT LETTERS TO PUBLIC AGENCIES AND HILLSIDE PROPERTY OWNERS As requested at your May 29, 1991 meeting, Staff has prepared draft letters on the above subject for your review. Please make any changes you feel are appropriate and bring your concerns to your next scheduled meeting of June 26, 1991, at 7:00 PM. We will discuss any changes at that time, but should you have any questions prior to the meeting, contact Jerry Herman or Wally Nesbit. MEMOWN.024/CS -1- IT. SAMPLE DRAFT LETTER TO PRIVATE LAND OWNERS June 14, 1991 Mr. Wally Nesbit City of La Quinta PO Box 1504 La Quinta, CA 92253 SUBJECT: SURVEY OF HILLSIDE PROPERTY OWNERS APN 769-303-998, 769-554-998, 774-774-222, 769-332-449, 769-354-987 Dear Mr. Nesbit: According to the latest updates of the County tax assessment rolls, you are listed as the owner of the above mentioned parcel(s) within the City of La Quinta. The City has recently formed an Environmental Conservation Committee which has the primary task of implementing our Hillside Conservation Zoning District, which was adopted about 2 years ago. This survey letter represents our first formal attempt to solicit all landowners, both public and private, as LTRWN.130/CS -1- to their disposition with regards to preserving the hillside areas of La Quinta. There are many incentives, beyond the obvious beauty of our majestic mountain ranges, for preserving these areas as undisturbed land. o The mountains contain physical watersheds, formed over long geologic periods of time, which affect the potential for flooding as well as a source to replenish our groundwater. o In maintaining the mountains as open space, development is precluded from areas subject to hazards such as rock slides and other geotechnic impacts. o These mountain areas serve as a range for a number of species of flora & fauna, some of which are listed as endangered. Two of these faunal species are the Bighorn Sheep, and the Prairie Falcon, which may range into the Santa Rosa Mountains above La Quinta. o A great deal of prehistory is evident in these mountains. Numerous Indian camps, caves and trails emanate through the Santa Rosa Mountains. LTRWN.130/CS -2- o The mountain trails also provide a significant recreational opportunity for hikers and equestrians. For these reasons, the City is requesting all hillside area property owners to respond to the enclosed survey. Please take a few minutes to fill out this survey and return in the enclosed self addressed stamped envelope. Your input is extremely important to our decisions for implementing procedures to preserve our hillside areas. Very truly yours, JERRY HERMAN PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR JDH:ccs LTRWN.130/Cs -3- CITY OF LA QUINTA HILLSIDE PROPERTY SURVEY Please be aware that answers to any of these questions do not commit you to any obligation with regards to your property. At this time these questions are purely exploratory in nature and are only to be used as an indicator of current sentiment of Hillside property owners. Addition space is provided for any comments or elaboration on your answer. 1. Would you be willing to sell or exchange your hillside property? 2. If so, how much of your hillside land holding(s) would you be willing to sell or exchange? 3. Would you be willing to dedicate any of your hillside property to the City of La Quinta or any other public agency? 4. Currently, all or part of your hillside land holdings are designated as Open Space on the La Quinta General Plan Land Use Map. Would you be adverse to keeping your property zoned for no development? 5. Would an incentive program, such as purchase or transfers of development rights, affect your decision to develop or sell your hillside property? SAMPLE DRAFT LETTER TO PUBLIC AGENCIES WITH LAND HOLDINGS June 14, 1991 Mr. Wally Nesbit City of La Quinta PO Box 1504 La Quinta, CA 92253 Dear Mr. Nesbit: r The City of La Quinta is currently conducting property owner surveys and requesting support for the preservation of the City's hillside areas through a program of public acquisition of these lands. Tax records indicate that your agency has land holdings within our hillside study area. The City has become aware that some agencies may be working towards the sale of these lands to private development interests. This would be in conflict with our goals and objectives relative to the hillside above La Quinta. The City recently formed an Environmental Conservation Committee, with the primary goal of studying procedures and possible programs for implementing our Hillside Conservation Zoning District. Naturally, we would be concerned about any LTRWN.131/CS -1- potential development proposals at this early stage of our study of implementing measures. on behalf of the Environmental conservation Committee and the La Quinta City Council, the City respectfully requests that you keep us informed of any potential development interests regarding your hillside property. This would be mutually beneficial, as the current Hillside Conservation Zoning may significantly restrict the type of development envisioned by a potential developer/buyer. It is important to us to have your cooperation and support, as well as to keep you informed of our activities. Should you have any questions, please contact the undersigned. Very truly yours, Jerry Herman Planning & Development Director JDH:ccs LTRWN.131/CS -2- SAMPLE DRAFT LETTER TO SUPPORT AGENCIES June 14, 1991 Mr. Wally Nesbit City of La Quinta PO Box 1504 La Quinta, CA 92253 Dear Mr. Nesbit: The City of La Quinta is currently trying to address the issue of Hillside Preservation. Although we have had a Hillside Conservation Zoning District in effect for approximately two years, we have been wrestling with implementation concerns for most of that time. The City recently formed an Environmental Conservation Committee, which has as its primary function, the task of developing an implementing program for the current Hillside Conservation Zone Designation. Our goal is to work with private property owners to transfer hillside lands into public ownership without interfering with private owners' ability to capture the value of their property. The City is interested in preserving all property within our Open Space land use designation in its natu;al state. Aesthetics is only one of several significant factors which LTRWN.132/CS -1- have become more and more important over the past years. This letter is our request to you for assistance in our endeavors to obtain our goal of hillside preservation. We would like to receive any information you may have regarding your land acquisition policies and procedures with regards to this type of program. We also ask for your written support for our Committee and it's efforts, and invite your organization's representatives to attend any of our Environmental Conservation Committee meetings to offer guidance and input. Hopefully, we can form a strong working relationship and achieve a common goal which is beneficial to all involved. Should you have any questions, please contact the undersigned. Very truly yours, Jerry Herman Planning & Development Director JDH:ccs LTRWN.132/CS -2-