2009 08 04 CC MinutesLA QUINTA CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
AUGUST 4, 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 Evans, Franklin, Henderson, Sniff, Mayor Adolph
ABSENT: None
PUBLIC COMMENT -None
CLOSED SESSION
1. Conference with legal counsel -anticipated litigation -initiation of litigation
pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.91c) (one matter).
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
E.J. Rummel, 48-533 Vista Tuscan, stated common area fees have increased
tremendously at Laguna De La Paz and requested information on implementing
solar energy for residents."
Mayor Adolph suggested Mr. Rummel meet with Assistant City Manager-
Development Services Evans.
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA
City Manager Genovese announced Business Item No. 4 is pulled from the agenda
and will be rescheduled at a later date.
City Council Minutes 2 August 4, 2009
Council Member Sniff requested to make a comment on Item No. 9 before
approving the Consent Calendar.
ANNOUNCEMENTS -None
PRESENTATIONS
Wesley Algreen, 81-923 Villa Real, Indio, gave a presentation of the Coachella
Valley Economic Partnership regarding the Coachella Valley Blueprint.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS -None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Franklin to approve the City
Council Minutes of July 21, 2009, as submitted. Motion carried unanimously.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Member Sniff spoke regarding Item No. 9 and expressed concern about the
quality of the art panels based on the illustrations provided.
Community Services Director Hylton explained the art program is a two-step
process; the preliminary renderings done by elementary school children will be
enhanced by high school students prior to installation of the art panels.
Terry Riley, representing SCRAP, confirmed the next step is to add color,
dimension, and texture.
Council Member Sniff stated he is okay with the item as long as what has been
presented is not the completed project.
Council Members Henderson and Franklin, and Mayor Adolph disclosed for the
record that they are members of the La Quinta Arts Foundation.
1. APPROVAL OF DEMAND REGISTER DATED AUGUST 4, 2009.
City Council Minutes 3 August 4, 2009
2. APPROVAL OF THE PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, AND ENGINEER'S ESTIMATE
(PS&E) AND AUTHORIZATION TO ADVERTISE FOR BID THE VILLAGE
ENHANCED PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS AND TRAFFIC CALMING DEVICES,
PROJECT NO. 2008-04.
3. APPROVAL OF A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) TO OBTAIN
PROFESSIONAL LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES TO PREPARE
THE PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, AND ENGINEER'S ESTIMATE (PS&E) OF
PROBABLE CONSTRUCTION COSTS FOR THE HIGHWAY 111 MEDIAN
ISLAND LANDSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS, PROJECT NO. 2009-03.
4. APPROVAL OF THE PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, AND ENGINEER'S ESTIMATE
(PS&E), AND AUTHORIZATION TO ADVERTISE FOR BID THE LION'S GATE
SIDEWALK AND LANDSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS, PROJECT NO. 2009-17.
5. APPROVAL OF THE PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, AND ENGINEER'S ESTIMATE
(PS&E), AND AUTHORIZATION TO ADVERTISE FOR BID THE NEW TRAFFIC
SIGNAL AT DESERT CLUB DRIVE AND AVENUE 52, PROJECT NO.
2008-02.
6. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION GRANTING CONDITIONAL APPROVAL OF A
FINAL MAP FOR TRACT MAP 36089, DOLPHIN PARTNERS, INC.
(RESOLUTION NO. 2009-065)
7. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION TO EXTEND THE TIME FOR COMPLETION
OF THE ONSITE IMPROVEMENTS FOR TRACT MAP 31349, MOUNTAIN
VIEW COUNTRY CLUB, TOLL BROTHERS, INC. (RESOLUTION 2009-066)
8. APPROVAL OF A CONTRACT SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH THE
LA QUINTA ARTS FOUNDATION.
9. APPROVAL OF THE DESIGN FOR THE FOUR SEASONS PANEL PROJECT IN
THE CHILDREN'S CLASSROOM AT THE LIBRARY.
10. APPROVAL OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT (PSA) WITH DOMINY AND ASSOCIATES ARCHITECTS FOR
DESIGN SERVICES ASSOCIATED WITH PHOTO VOLTAIC SOLAR PANELS
FOR FIRE STATION 32, PROJECT NO. 2008-03, AND A COMPRESSED
NATURAL GAS (CNG) FUELING STATION FOR PHASE I OF THE
CORPORATE YARD, PROJECT NO. 2007-08.
City Council Minutes 4 August 4, 2009
11. APPROVAL TO APPROPRIATE FUNDING AND APPROVE THE PLANS,
SPECIFICATIONS, AND ENGINEER'S ESTIMATE (PS&E), AND
AUTHORIZATION TO ADVERTISE FOR BID THE HIGHWAY 111 TRAFFIC
SIGNAL EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT AND INTERCONNECT PROJECT,
PROJECT NO. 2008-16.
12. APPROVAL OF THE PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, AND ENGINEER'S ESTIMATE
(PS&E), AND AUTHORIZATION TO ADVERTISE FOR BID THE JEFFERSON
STREET WALL AND SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENTS, PROJECT NO. 2009-16A.
13. APPROVAL OF AN AGREEMENT TO AMEND THE REDEVELOPMENT PLAN
BY AND BETWEEN THE CITY OF LA QUINTA, THE LA QUINTA
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY, THE COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE, AND THE
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY FOR THE COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE.
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Franklin to approve the
Consent Calendar as recommended and with Item Nos. 6 and 7 being
approved by RESOLUTION NOS. 2009-065 through 2009-066 respectively.
Motion carried unanimously.
BUSINESS SESSION
1. CONSIDERATION OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY BOARD 2009-2010 WORK
PLAN.
Finance Director Falconer presented the staff report.
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Henderson/Evans to approve
the Investment Advisory Board 2009-2010 Work Plan. Motion carried
unanimously.
2. CONSIDERATION OF 1S' QUARTER COMMUNITY SERVICES GRANTS AND
FUNDING REQUESTS. ,
Community Services Director Hylton presented the staff report.
City Attorney Jenson recommended that a separate action be taken on the
award of grant to the Arthritis Foundation.
Council Member Evans disclosed she currently chairs the Arthritis
Foundation.
City Council Minutes 5 August 4, 2009
Council Member Henderson disclosed she is a member of the Historical
Society.
Council Member Franklin disclosed she is a Member of the Chamber of
Commerce, La Quinta Historical Society, and Coachella Valley Recreation
Foundation.
Mayor Adolph announced he is also a member of several of the entities
receiving grants.
Paul Merrigan, representing Desert Classic Concours d'Elegance, reported on
the event held previously in Palm Springs and stated it will be moved to the
La Quinta Resort this year; stated this event. draws the highest economic
class of the country.
Ralph Vick, 49-499 Eisenhower Drive, stated he has observed the economic
impact to the community that is generated from the Desert Classic Concours
d'Elegance event; and thanked the City for its support for the event.
Guglia Lawrence and Marcy Alean, representing Healing Horses Therapeutic
Riding Center, expressed appreciation for the recommendation to approve a
grant in the amount of 52,000; and stated there have been tremendous
budget cuts of programs for the disabled from the State.
Eric Olson, 54-700 Avenida Carranza, Managing Director/Associate Artist
Director for La Quinta Playhouse, explained their efforts for branding the
Playhouse and Old Town area as an art destination in the community. He
conveyed appreciation of the recommendation for funding and requested
further consideration be given for a greater amount to apply toward
marketing the branding of the area.
Jim Rothglatt and Lewis Bryant, representing INCIGHT, explained the
purpose of the program.
In response to Council Member Henderson, Community Services Director
Hylton reviewed the process for marketing grant applications over 55,000.
She confirmed that the marketing grants are awarded from the Community
Services Grant program budget, and that detailed marketing plans were
submitted to the Marketing Committee. Recreation Supervisor Ambriz stated
the marketing plans are available for review in the Community Services
Department.
Council Member Henderson conveyed concern about precluding the
Concours d'Elegance from receiving additional funding if the 55,000 grant is
City Council Minutes - 6 August 4, 2009
awarded. Mayor Adolph stated the event would not be precluded from
consideration of a separate funding request. Council Member Henderson
stated the grant request should be removed from the marketing grant
program for consideration.
Council Member Franklin questioned the merging of marketing grants into the
Community Services Grant program.
Council Member Sniff stated he feels it was a mistake.
Council Member Henderson stated marketing grant applications should be
reviewed by the Marketing Committee before they are submitted to the City
Council for consideration, and not go through the grant program.
Council Member Evans agreed the Marketing Committee should review
marketing grant applications to evaluate the value of the marketing plan in
comparison to the funding request.
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Evans to approve a
Community Services Grant for Desert Classic Contours d'Elegance in the
amount of 55,000. Motion carried by a vote of 4-1, Council Member
Henderson dissenting.
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Franklin to approve a
Community Services Grant 'for the La Quinta Chamber of Commerce in the
amount of 55,000.
Mayor Adolph voiced concern about approving the grant request because the
City Council recently approved an additional appropriation of 520,000 for the
Contract for Services Agreement with the Chamber of Commerce.
Council Member Evans noted that appropriation was for contractual services
to produce the newsletter, and that the City Council recommended they
apply for grant funding for the lease component.
Motion carried by a vote of 3-2 with Mayor Adolph and Council Member
Henderson dissenting.
Council Member Sniff suggested approving the remaining grant requests with
one motion. City Attorney Jenson noted a separate action should be taken
on the Arthritis Foundation because Council Member Evans has a conflict
and needs to abstain.
City Council Minutes 7 August 4, 2009
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to approve a
Community Services Grant for the Arthritis Foundation in the amount of
55,000. Motion carried 4-1 with Council Member Evans abstaining.
Council Member Henderson requested the La Quinta Playhouse grant request
be taken up separately.
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Franklin to approve the
following grant requests; Soroptimist International of La Quinta, 54,050;
Coachella Valley Community Recreation Foundation, 53,000; Healing Horses
Therapeutic Riding Center, 52,000; La Quinta Historical Society, 52,000;
Desert ARC, 51,500; Truman Elementary School, 51,500; INCIGHT, 51,000;
and La Quinta High School Tough Guys & Gals Do Dance, 52,000. Motion
carried unanimously.
In response to Council Member Henderson, Community Services Director
Hylton stated the La Quinta Playhouse is not currently on the Marketing
Committee, but their entertainment and cultural events have been included in
the City's promotional materials. Council Member Henderson inquired about
the Marketing Committee's recommendation. Community Services Director
Hylton stated the Marketing Committee recommended matching funds up to
510,000. Council Member Henderson stated she could support that
recommendation because it worked well when the City provided them with
matching funds before.
Council Member Franklin explained the Ad Hoc Committee felt since the City
provided funding previously to help the Playhouse get established, that they
need to find other sources of funding.
A brief discussion ensued about setting a timeframe for the matching funds
to be received.
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to approve
the Marketing Committee's recommendation of a Community Services Grant
for the La Quinta Playhouse for up to 55,000 based on matching funds
received by September 30, 2009. Motion carried 3=2 with Mayor Adolph
and Council Member Franklin dissenting.
JoAnn Monachello-Prahl, representing La Quinta High School Tough Guys &
Gals Do Dance, thanked the City Council for approving their grant request.
City Council Minutes 8 August 4, 2009
3. CONSIDERATION OF FUNDING FOR THE DESERT RESOURCE CENTER
OPERATIONS IN THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS.
Community Services Director Hylton presented the staff report.
In response to Council Member Henderson, Community Services Director
Hylton stated it is the understanding of staff that the City of Indio will not be
contributing to the Desert Resource Center because they already provide
funding to two local facilities.
MOTION - It was moved by Council Member Sniff to decline the request at
this time. Motion failed due to lack of a second. A brief discussion ensued
wherein the motion was restated and seconded by Council Member Evans.
(See amended motion below)
Mayor Adolph stated the community has expressed their support if the
facility was closer to the east end of the Valley.
Council Member Sniff stated he understands the need for help but feels
separate consideration should be given to supporting facilities in the east end
of the Valley; and stated it does not make sense for La Quinta to help fund a
facility in the west end of the Valley.
Council Member Franklin commented on homelessness being a regional
issue; and conveyed support for considering funding for facilities in the east
end of the Valley on a future agenda.
Council Member Henderson stated she has previously suggested
opportunities be investigated to support the local facilities. She agrees
homelessness is a problem and the State's responsibility but they are
transferring that responsibility to the counties. She stated she could support
the motion to deny the request if it includes direction to have an item
agendized in October to consider funding for the two facilities in the City of
Indio (Martha's Village and the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission) with
backup information included in the report from the two organizations.
AMENDED MOTION: It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Evans to
decline the funding request for the Desert Resource Center and direct staff
to agendize an item in October 2009 for consideration of funding for
Martha's Village and the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission. Motion carried
unanimously.
City Council Minutes 9 August 4, 2009
4. CONSIDERATION OF AN ART PURCHASE AGREEMENT WITH MERIDIAN
PROPERTY COMPANY AND NANCY AND LARRY CUSH FOR THE
INSTALLATION OF A GLASS TILE MURAL AT PLAZA CALLE TAMPICO.
This item was pulled from the agenda -see Confirmation of Agenda.
5. CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION DESIGNATING SPEED LIMITS FOR
CERTAIN LOCAL STREETS.
There were no changes to the staff report as submitted and on file in the
City Clerk Department.
RESOLUTION NO. 2009-067
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, DESIGNATING SPEED LIMITS FOR CERTAIN LOCAL STREETS.
It was moved by Council Members Henderson/Sniff to adopt Resolution No.
2009-067 as submitted.
In response to Mayor Adolph, Public Works Director Jonasson explained only
one street will have a change in the speed limit.
Motion carried unanimously.
STUDY SESSION -None
REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
All reports were noted and filed.
DEPARTMENT REPORTS -None
MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS' ITEMS
Council Member Sniff referenced the current street-widening project on Highway
1 1 1 at Point Happy and asked why the project will take four months.
Public Works Director Jonasson explained the timeframe enables safe removal of
rocks on the mountain; and stated due to incentives in the contract, the contractor
City Council Minutes 10 August 4, 2009
will be trying to complete the project ahead of schedule. He further explained there
is a penalty clause in the contract if the contractor finishes the project late.
Council Member Sniff conveyed appreciation to facilitate the project ahead of
schedule.
PUBLIC HEARINGS -None
There being no public hearings, the City Council recessed to the Redevelopment
Agency meeting and to Closed Session as delineated on Page 1.
The City Council meeting was reconvened and the City Attorney announced the
City Council took action to direct staff to pursue litigation.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business the meeting was adjourned.
VERONICA~MONTECINO, City Clerk
City of La umta, California