2009 10 12 CSC MinutesCOMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION
MINUTES
October 12, 2009
CALL TO ORDER
A regular meeting of the Community Services Commission was called to order at
5:32 pm by Chairperson Spirtos.
Commissioner Leidner led the Pledge of Allegiance.
PRESENT: Commissioners Biegel, Brodsky, Darroch, Fitzpatrick, Lawrence,
Leidner, and Chairperson Spirtos
STAFF PRESENT: Edie Hylton, Community Services Director; Steve Howlett, Golf
& Parks Manager; and Angela Guereque, Senior Secretary
PUBLIC COMMENT -None.
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA
Motion - It was moved by Commissioners Fitzpatrick/Biegel to confirm the agenda.
Motion carried unanimously.
Director Hylton presented the staff report. Presentation given by Heather Engel,
Director of Communication, Coachella Valley Water District.
California is in its 3rd year of statewide drought with 2008 being the driest
spring/summer on record. State Water Project deliveries are adversely affected by
court rulings. Snow levels remain low and expected long-term climate changes
offer little upside. The Governor's State of Emergency calls fora 20% voluntary
reduction in water use. Many agencies are implementing mandatory restrictions.
How does the above affect the Coachella Valley? Imported water supply will be
reduced; the ability to recharge the aquifer will be hindered; the 20% reduction
goal may become mandated; water districts may resort to rationing or "water
cops;" and tighter scrutiny on the desert from across the State.
The 2002 CVWD Water Management Plan goals are to reduce agriculture water
use by 12% by the year 2015 (currently achieved a 12% reduction); to reduce golf
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water use by 5% by the year 2010 (currently achieved a 12.5% reduction); and to
reduce domestic water use by 10% by the year 2010 (currently achieved a 6%
reduction).
Groundwater Replenishment for the Coachella Valley includes the Thomas E. Levy
Groundwater Replenishment Facility which began full scale operation this summer
and benefits the entire eastern Coachella Valley. Imported water from the Colorado
River will replenish 40,000 acre-feet annually.
The new tiered rates billing system can result in a water savings of 22% - 37%.
This system will reward efficient irrigation use and target and reduce wasteful
water use.
CVWD has a landscape ordinance which sets limits on new developments and golf
courses for more strict water allowances (20-25% grass landscaping maximum).
Golf courses are limited to four acres of grass per hole and are encouraged to plant
desert landscaping for non-playable areas. The ordinance also requires smart
controllers and 24" grass area setbacks for all new homes.
CVWD has various valley wide conservation and education programs including:
landscape workshops for residents; seminars for landscape professionals; HOA
irrigation audits/analysis; do-it-yourself homeowner audit on web site; smart
controller program for homeowners and large landscapes; low-interest loans; and
public outreach and education.
CVWD has a cooperative partnership with the City of La Quinta which includes: a
landscape conversion program; water wise help line; City Hall conversion; and
public outreach.
Commissioner Fitzpatrick asked if the landscape ordinance can be imposed on
developments that have stopped construction. Ms. Engel stated the ordinance is
imposed on any new construction after 2007.
Tom Doczi, TKD Associates, presented the current water efficient landscape
conversion project for the Civic Center Campus. This project includes
approximately 100,000 sq ft 12 to 2 '/z acres) of water efficient landscape
conversion. Turf will remain where is it being utilized and conservation areas will
be along the perimeter of City Hall. The main areas of conversion include the
corner of Washington Street and Calle Tampico; the south entrance to City Hall;
and the perimeter along Avenida La Fonda. These areas will be converted to desert
landscape with drip irrigation systems. This project will save approximately
1,727,880 gallons per year of water.
Commissioner Fitzpatrick suggested that the landscape maintenance contractors
maintain the plants in their native state.
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Chairperson Spirtos asked what geographical areas CVWD covers. Ms. Engel
stated CVWD domestic water coverage includes part of Cathedral City, Rancho
Mirage, Indian Wells, Palm Desert, La Quinta, Thousand Palms, Salton Sea, and
parts of North Indio.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. Approval of September 14, 2009 Minutes
Motion - It was moved by Commissioners Biegel/Brodsky to approve the minutes
as submitted. Motion carried unanimously.
CONSENT CALENDAR -None.
PUBLIC HEARING -None.
BUSINESS ITEMS -None.
STUDY SESSION
1. Discussion of Joint Meeting Items for October 27, 2009
Director Hylton presented the staff report.
Chairperson Spirtos suggested the Commission thank the City Council for their
continued support of the arts.
Commissioner Fitzpatrick suggested adding dialog regarding the proactive
maintenance plan for playgrounds and the need for a large dog park space.
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
1. Monthly Department Report for September 2009
COMMISSIONER ITEMS
Report from Commissioners Regarding Meetings Attended.
Commissioner Fitzpatrick attended the Afternoon Tea. She stated that many of the
seniors told her they enjoy the variety of programs and events held at the Senior
Center and appreciate the low cost.
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2. Calendar of Monthly Events
Artist Appreciation Day will be held on November 4, 2009.
Commissioner Training will be held on November 14, 2009.
PUBLIC HEARING -None.
OPEN DISCUSSION
Commissioner Fitzpatrick asked if the Commission would be attending another Art
& Parks Tour. Director Hylton stated that the tour will be held every other year.
ADJOURNMENT
It was moved by Commissioners Brodsky/Biegel to adjourn the Community Services
Commission meeting at 6:49 p.m. Motion carried unanimously.
NEXT MEETING INFORMATION:
A Regular Meeting of the Community Services Commission to be held on November
9, 2009 commencing at 5:30 p.m. in the City of La Quinta Study Session Room,
78-495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, CA 92253.
Submitted by:
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Angela Guereque
Community Services Senior Secretary