2010 02 25 CC MinutesLA QUINTA CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL MEETING AND
JOINT SESSION WITH THE PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES
FEBRUARY 25, 2010
A special meeting of the La Quinta City Council was called to order at the
hour of 5:00 p.m. by Mayor Adolph who led the audience in the pledge of
allegiance.
PRESENT: Council Members Evans, Franklin, Henderson, Sniff, Mayor
Adolph
ABSENT: None
PUBLIC COMMENT -None
STUDY SESSION
1. DISCUSSION OF FISCAL YEAR 2009-2010 CITY COUNCIL GOALS.
Assistant City Manager-Management Services Plumlee presented the
staff report.
Council Member Henderson asked for an elaboration of the long-term
Capital Improvement Program (CIP-. Assistant City Manager-
Management Services Plumlee explained the plan is typically for afive-
year period and is being expanded to 15 to 20 years.
City Manager Genovese further explained the CIP correlates with the
Financial Management Plan; staff is compiling a long-range capital
improvement plan to take care of the Redevelopment Agency funding
time limit; staff is not concentrating so much on years 6 to 15, but is
providing the information to the City Council for long-range planning.
Mayor Adolph noted many of the goals presented have already been
completed and some continue to be addressed for accomplishment.
Council Member Henderson conveyed a desire to keep a priority on
legislation regarding funding of homeless shelters outside of city
boundaries.
Special City Council Minutes 2 February 25, 2010
Council Member Franklin stated she would like to see the City have a
state-of-the-art exercise facility included within the goals, noting there
is no facility for residents to use with long hours.
City Manager Genovese explained there is a category in the
Development Impact Fee (DIF) for a community center; and stated it
can be added as a goal.
Mayor Adolph stated the property west of the library would be an
ideal location for this type of facility.
Council Member Evans suggested partnering with Desert Recreation
District to utilize the facility at La Quinta Community Park. Council
Member Franklin stated staff has already tried that option to no avail.
Community Services Director Hylton explained there is over 2,000
square feet of under-utilized space at the La Quinta Community Park
facility and staff would like to make that space functional; if there is a
need beyond that, an expansion for that facility can be considered.
Council Member Evans stated the facility is a beautiful setting for a
fitness center. Community Services Director Hylton stated something
could be done with the current space available and staff can utilize the
space on a short order.
Council Member Franklin asked how such a project could be initiated.
City Manager Genovese cautioned the City Council that the expansion
of the Senior Center was deferred last year from the CIP. Community
Services Director Hylton explained the project was deferred because
of operation costs.
Council Member Henderson agreed a CIP project is not initiated until
funding is identified for operating the facility.
City Manager Genovese stated this forum can be utilized to begin
discussions of the project but cautioned the City Council when
considering the operating budget due to the current deficit. Council
Member Franklin suggested the Recreation District manage the facility.
Council Member Evans referred to Goal No. 6 regarding maintaining
and enhancing fiscal integrity, and suggested continuing to give the
message of our financial stability and integrity. with all of the City
Council goals. City Manager Genovese stated staff can craft that
message into the goals.
Special City Council Minutes 3 February 25, 2010
Council Member Sniff stated fiscal responsibility and safety continue
to be most important; suggested staff look into doing something with
the vacant Sam's Club building such as a theatre, etc.; continue to
support local businesses; conveyed concern about accepting stimulus
funding; continue working with the Arts Foundation and Chamber of
Commerce in a meaningful way; continue looking at SilverRock Resort
to keep expenses down and elevate revenue; be cautious in
participating in "green" programs because of job instability; make an
effort to follow through in obtaining a 40-acre park; look at a program
for homeowners to replace inefficient air- conditioners and
refrigerators.
In response to Mayor Adolph, Council Member Sniff stated a small
program could be implemented to help residents replace inefficient
units. Mayor Adolph stated he has been asked by residents what the
City will do to help with replacing air-conditioners.
Council Member Franklin stated Imperial Irrigation District (IID) has a
program. Assistant City Manager-Management Services Plumlee
explained IID has rebates for energy products and free home and
business energy audits that the City has been marketing; staff is also
researching other programs under AB 811 and working with Coachella
Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) and Riverside County on
the possibility of establishing a regional AB 811 program.
Council Member Sniff stated he has not been made aware of any
programs.
Mayor Adolph stated some residents cannot afford the balance after
receiving a rebate from IID, and the City should look into implementing
a program to assist those residents.
Council Member Sniff addressed the possibility of using the vacant
Sam's Club building as a theatre or entertainment center.
Council Member Henderson cautioned the City Council about operating
costs.
City Manager Genovese stated staff will compile a list to bring back to
the City Council for review, and indicated each goal will be addressed
in one of the strategic plan documents.
Mayor Adolph commented on a newspaper article regarding the
financial stability of the City and its reserves amount.
Special City Council Minutes 4 February 25, 2010
Mayor Adolph recessed the Special City Council meeting at 5:27 p.m. and
reconvened it at 5:35 p.m. in joint session with the Planning Commission.
Chairman Alderson called the Planning Commission meeting to order.
PRESENT: Commissioners Barrows, Quill, Weber, Wilkinson, Chairman
Alderson
ABSENT: None
PUBLIC COMMENT -NONE
STUDY SESSION
2. JOINT DISCUSSION OF THE GENERAL PLAN UPDATE WITH
MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL AND PLANNING COMMISSION.
Planning Director Johnson presented the staff report; and introduced
Nicole Criste, consultant with Terra Nova. She then introduced the
firm and consultants who will be working on the General Plan Update
project.
Planning Director Johnson, Consultant Criste, Public Works Director
Jonasson, Assistant City Manager-Development Services Evans, and
Community Services Director Hylton reviewed the land use,
transportation, economic development, sustainability, and quality of
life components of the General Plan, respectively.
Council Member Franklin asked how sustainability is weaved into the
General Plan. Planning Director Johnson explained it could be
incorporated as a quality of life item by addressing various items such
as providing connectivity of pedestrian traffic, upgrading air/heating
units, and promoting other modes of transportation. Council Member
Franklin asked if there is any way to encourage solar power under
sustainability. Planning Director Johnson confirmed that solar would
be covered and explained staff would also suggest design standards
for heat reduction from the sun.
Planning Commissioner Weber explained IID has partnered with the
City to assist residents with implementing requirements from AB 811.
Special City Council Minutes 5 February 25, 2010
Planning Director Johnson explained that sustainability would include
adding policies to the General Plan and can be utilized by the City
Council when reviewing programs for implementation; and further
explained other staff members are working on the update process with
the Planning Department.
Planning Director Johnson reviewed the need to identify the General
Plan Boundary as a preferred alternative during the update process,
along with City limits and spheres of influences.
Mayor Adolph turned the meeting over to Chairman Alderson for
comments from the Planning Commission.
Chairman Alderson asked if this would be an appropriate time to
address specific questions the Planning Commission has regarding
proposed trails and equestrian interaction. Planning Director Johnson
stated staff would like to see comments focus on the General Plan
boundary but is willing to answer any questions. Council Member
Sniff suggested focusing on the future of City boundaries.
Planning Commissioner Quill stated the boundaries are wide open to
include any area. Planning Director Johnson explained the City is
mandated by State law to establish a General Plan boundary that, at a
minimum, includes the current City limits
In response to Council Member Sniff, Planning Director Johnson
confirmed we are looking at the boundaries for the next 25 years.
Planning Commissioner Quill stated staff has discussed incorporating
the Vista Santa Rosa (VSR) area, and although Indio has initiated
annexation of that area, suggested including that area within the
boundary; there will be activity along the Santa Rosa slopes to the
southeast; and suggested considering making the area economically
viable before annexing.
Planning Commissioner Barrows requested an explanation of the
difference between 'the General Plan and sphere of influence maps.
Planning Director Johnson explained there is essentially no limit with
the General Plan boundary and that other agencies are not prevented
from annexing those areas until a sphere of influence is established.
Planning Commissioner Barrows stated she does not understand how
the General Plan land use map is established. Consultant Criste
explained the General Plan boundary changed several times during the
Special City Council Minutes 6 February 25, 2010
Fiscal Year 2000-2002 process; staff began with Planning Area No. t
which was coterminous with the sphere of influence because LAFCO
acted on the sphere of influence afterwards and the General Plan was
updated; explained at the time the extension included up to what is
now the current sphere of influence map, and then the Kohl Ranch
Specific Plan was added in the stage expansion of the boundary.
Planning Commissioner Barrows stated the Kohl Ranch is currently not
in the sphere of influence. Consultant Criste confirmed. Council
Member Henderson stated at one time both areas were referred as
Planning Areas 1 and 2. Planning Director Johnson identified the Kohl
Ranch area as being just south of the airport.
Chairman Alderson stated the General Plan can be in any form we
want it and asked if we are obligated to what we establish as the
future City boundaries. Planning Johnson stated we are not obligated
to annex properties within the General Plan boundary and explained
there are two issues: we must include existing City limits within the
boundary; and if the direction is given to include just a portion of the
existing spheres of influence within the boundary, this would need to
be addressed with LAFCO.
Chairman Alderson stated VSR has been proven to not be financial
feasible to annex and the sphere influence of the General Plan is
separate from the inclusion of that area. Planning Director Johnson
confirmed.
Planning Commissioner Quill stated he believed the existing sphere of
influence should be our boundary excluding Kohl Ranch.
Planning Director Johnson explained if the VSR area is included in the
General Plan boundary, staff would recommend the General Plan
update process not include a detailed land use plan but that a
comprehensive land use sub-area plan be created at a later date; and
recommended City Council establish policy within the General Plan for
a sub-area plan to be established prior to annexing VSR properties.
Council Member Henderson asked if the land use designation for VSR
would be left primarily residential and at the current density of four
units per acre. Planning Director Johnson confirmed.
Consultant Criste explained the intent is that the sphere of influence
land use map would not change, but there would be policy direction to
conduct master planning following the General Plan update; the
General Plan is a vision for the future of La Quinta and is a policy
Special City Council Minutes 7 February 25, 2010
document with expansion being easterly and southeasterly; and stated
if it is the City's desire to include the eastern sphere as a placeholder
for planning in the future.
Planning Commissioner Barrows voiced concern about including VSR
because of the fiscal impact and quality-of-life issues; she is not sure
about any benefits in including it within the boundary; there have been
many changes within the current boundaries and she expressed
concern about including the area for the future. She further stated if
the area is not included in the General Plan, the City will not be able to
plan for it in the future. Council Member Henderson stated not
including it at this time does not preclude the City from including it in
the future and planning for it; the area is currently in our sphere and if
the City of Indio wants to include it within their boundary, we would
be involved with the annexation process with LAFCO.
Consultant Criste stated the annexation would be a public process and
includes public hearings. Council Member Henderson further explained
the process conducted by LAFCO.
Council Member Franklin asked if we are doing boundaries and have
City limits, why wouldn't we want the sphere of influence included.
Planning Director Johnson explained we have to plan for the properties
included in the General Plan boundaries and take them into account as
part of the update process; explained if. VSR is all residential the City
would have some issues with land use and fiscal impact.
Planning Commissioner Quill stated removing VSR from the General
Plan boundary would send a message that we are done with that area.
Council Member Franklin stated that was her question and asked for
the worst case scenario.
Consultant Criste explained the sphere of influence will not change but
the perception of a lack of interest would have an effect if LAFCO
proceedings occur.
Council Member Henderson agreed removal would send a lack of
interest message, and conveyed support for eliminating it from the
General Plan by submission of an application to LAFCO for removal.
Planning Commissioner Wilkinson expressed support for moving
forward with the annexation of VSR, north of Avenue 54 and south of
Avenue 52; include an area for park use; start working in areas
outside the County's Redevelopment Project Area to eliminate the
Special City Council Minutes 8 February 25, 2010
fiscal problem, create a barrier to the County, and then later annex the
rest of the area.
Planning Commissioner Weber stated the issue is whether or not we
want to expand the City; expressed concern about the City growing
too much; need to be cautious about what signal we send regarding
the sphere of influence; must have a balanced mix and not be pigeon-
holed into one lifestyle; should not release our sphere ot.influence and
we would send the wrong signal if it is given up; stated there is
potential for industrial use for the area; the City is able to balance land
use within the sphere of influence; and stated it may make economic
sense in the future.
Chairman Alderson stated almost every election candidate addresses
whether we want the City to be bigger; if the City released the VSR
area, we would not have the opportunity to expand the areas or piece-
meal annexation of the areas; if the General Plan is limited up to the
sphere of influence, and the City of Indio annexes the area, we would
give up that area.
Council Member Henderson stated that. we eliminate our planning
rights to the area if we eliminate the current sphere of influence; the
purpose of this discussion is to figure out what makes sense for the
future; stated the City should include the sphere of influence; and
stated staff may be suggesting to exclude the Kohl Ranch and the
area above Avenue 52.
Planning Commissioner Quill stated his understanding is to make the
General Plan boundaries the same as the sphere of influence. Council
Member Henderson confirmed.
Planning Commissioner Wilkinson asked if we have made any
commitments with Kohl Ranch about inclusion of the sphere of
influence.
Consultant Criste stated staff has not contacted Kohl Ranch; and
explained the area is under the County's specific plan and can be
developed as such.
Planning Commissioner Wilkinson stated people have made purchases
in the area thinking it would be annexed into the City.
Planning Commissioner Barrows asked if components of the General
Plan update process will consider land use designation in the sphere of
Special City Council Minutes 9 February 25, 2010
influence. Planning Director Johnson stated staff has not identified
that effort being included in the General Plan update process as it is a
sensitive matter and will not receive the attention and level of detail
needed to properly plan for the future of this area.
Planning Commissioner Barrows stated staff is looking at the visionary
aspect and future impacts, and opportunities for the VSR area.
Planning Director Johnson confirmed.
Council Member Henderson stated there would be a connection if the
City were going to design asix-lane road that connects to a two-lane
road in that area, and that situation would create a connection in the
land use between the City and sphere of influence.
Planning Director Johnson stated staff will be looking at all the
elements for the area and the basic land use pattern of low density
residential, including whether the housing .element needs to be
updated to reflect this.
Council Member Henderson stated the residential land use includes the
build-out density at three units per acre.
Planning Commissioner Weber asked if that impacts the affordable
housing numbers. Consultant Criste explained the housing numbers
are based on City limits, not sphere of influence.
Planning Director Johnson stated as long as the sphere of influence is
included, the City will have to account for it when the Housing
Element is updated as is now required by SB 375.
Planning Commissioner Weber stated that would be a potential
negative because we don't know if we will need to plan for that area.
Planning Director Johnson explained it will only relate to the sphere of
influence.
Planning Commissioner Weber stated the other negative is we would
have to utilize resources with the potential of it not being a part of the
City; why would we want to remove it when planning for residential
quality of life, we won't have our hand in the game; and stated he is
not supportive of eliminating Kohl Ranch from the sphere of influence.
Council Member Evans stated the City should not give up land for the
potential of growth; asked if there is an optimum population number
for which we can provide services.
Special City Council Minutes 10 February 25, 2010
Consultant Criste explained there is no magic number; the California
Housing Association establishes numbers and they are used as the
basis for future growth, and in turn, the City needs to incorporate that
information in the planning process; and stated there is a need to plan
for the population yet balance the population growth with other land
uses that fiscally tip the balance evenly.
Planning Commissioner Barrows stated the residents have asked how
it would affect them if the City were to annex VSR; she is not
suggesting giving up the sphere of influence; and stated the City
should clarify the impact to residents.
Council Member Evans stated we should not change the sphere of
influence or General Plan land use map, and possibly add to it.
Council Member Henderson stated she assumes Council Member
Evans might be thinking about the airport and explained we have had
that discussion before; being through this process before stated she is
willing to remove the Kohl Ranch area; conveyed support to .include
the current sphere of influence as it is, eliminate Kohl Ranch to
Harrison Street, and remove the area north of Avenue 52; and
responded to comments made by Planning Commissioner Quill
regarding significant growth in the slopes to the east.
Council Member Henderson stated she is unsure if the City can
consider including any properties to the north beyond the the Darby
Road sphere. Consultant Criste explained that area abuts Bermuda
Dunes, which is within the Palm Desert sphere boundary. Council
Member Henderson stated staff would have to explore if the City
wants that area. Consultant Criste confirmed. Council Member
Henderson suggested staff research annexing the Darby Road area.
Consultant Criste stated there was some investigation about the
interest in that area but it was pushed back.
Council Member Henderson stated she fully supports the current
sphere of influence with the three units to an acre plan; and stated
growth is going to happen and the City needs to be in the position to
address it in the future.
Council Member Sniff stated over the next 25 years there will be
minor changes to the boundaries; will find changes are not as dramatic
as in the past; suggested taking a good look at what is going on right
now and how it will accelerate; need to be cautious and judicious; and
'recommends we deal with current boundaries and look at all adjacent
Special City Council Minutes 1 t February 25, 2010
lands as to what could potentially happen with them. He asked if
population is an issue for discussion tonight. Planning Director
Johnson explained population is not an issue tonight.
Planning Director Johnson further explained population and land use
will be reviewed at a later time.
Council Member Franklin conveyed support for the boundaries
depicted on the General Plan map, which includes the sphere of
influence.
Mayor Adolph stated some residents feel we should not expand the
City; he feels that is short-sightedness and that the City should plan
for the future and maintain the current sphere of influence; the next
25 years is unknown and he hopes what the City Council decides now
will be beneficial to the City.
Mayor Adolph stated the consensus of the City Council and Planning
Commission is to include the current spheres of influence and City
limits within the General Plan boundary.
Council Member Henderson stated the agreement between the Cities
of La Quinta, Coachella and Indio was for Jackson Street to be the
boundary of the sphere of influence, and the VSR remain intact; and
further explained it was LAFCO's decision to include the entire VSR
area in the sphere of influence.
Planning Director Johnson thanked the City Council and Planning
Commission for the discussion and the direction given; reviewed the
next steps of providing a monthly status report; stated staff is
planning a community meeting in April 2010; and announced the next
joint City Council/Planning Commission meeting is scheduled for June
or July 2010 wherein General Plan designations and population will be
discussed.
Commission Chairman Alderson adjourned the Planning Commission meeting.
Special City Council Minutes 12 February 25, 2010
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, it was moved by Council Members
Henderson/Evans to adjourn the Special City Council meeting. Motion
carried unanimously.. '
Respectf fy submitted, ~/
VERONICA J. TECINO, City Clerk
City of La Quinta, California