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2010 10 19 CC MinutesLA QUINTA CITY COUNCIL MINUTES OCTOBER 19, 2010 A regular meeting of the La Quinta City Council was called to order at the hour of 3:30 p.m. by Mayor Adolph. PRESENT: Council Members Evans, Franklin, Henderson, Sniff, Mayor Adolph ABSENT: None PUBLIC COMMENT -None CLOSED SESSION -None Council recessed to the Redevelopment Agency 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 -None CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA -Confirmed ANNOUNCEMENTS -None PRESENTATIONS Mayor Adolph announced the Prestige at PGA West presented a proclamation in appreciation of the City's sponsorship of the event. +»~~~.. Mayor Adolph announced Assemblyman Perez presented a proclamation to the City in observance of the Portals of Poppies art feature dedication. City Council Minutes 2 October 19, 2010 WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS -None APPROVAL OF MINUTES MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Evans to approve the City Council Minutes of October 5, 2010, as submitted. Motion carried unanimously. CONSENT CALENDAR 1. APPROVAL OF DEMAND REGISTER DATED OCTOBER 19, 2010. 2. RECEIVE AND FILE TREASURER'S REPORT DATED AUGUST 31, 2010. 3. RECEIVE AND FILE REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES REPORT DATED AUGUST 31, 2010, AND INVESTMENT SUMMARY REPORT FOR THE QUARTER ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2010. 4. APPROVAL OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH COACHELLA VALLEY ENGINEERS FOR CONSTRUCTION SURVEYING SERVICES. 5. ACCEPTANCE OF MONROE STREET PAVEMENT REHABILITATION IMPROVEMENTS, PROJECT NO. 2009-21. 6. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF "BUSINESS-FRIENDLY PRINCIPLES" AS PART OF THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS (SCAG) DEVELOPMENT OF A SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ECONOMIC GROWTH STRATEGY. (RESOLUTION NO. 2010-062) 7. ACCEPTANCE OF WASHINGTON STREET WIDENING IMPROVEMENTS, PROJECT NO. 2008-18. 8. AUTHORIZATION FOR OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS ASSISTANT ENGINEER II TO ATTEND TRAFFIC SIGNAL OPERATIONS AND HIGHWAY CAPACITY ANALYSIS TRAINING IN LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, NOVEMBER 16-17, 2010. 9. ACCEPTANCE OF ONSITE IMPROVEMENTS ASSOCIATED WITH TRACT MAP 31874-1, CARMELA, TAYLOR WOODROW HOMES, INC. 10. ACCEPTANCE OF ONSITE IMPROVEMENTS ASSOCIATED WITH TRACT MAP 37874-2, CARMELA, TAYLOR WOODROW HOMES, INC. City Council Minutes 3 October 19, 2010 11. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING A SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT WITH RIVERSIDE COUNTY FOR THE USE OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) FUNDS FOR PUBLIC FACILITY AND STREET IMPROVEMENTS ALONG CALLE TAMPICO AND AVENIDA BERMUDAS, AND PUBLIC SERVICE FUNDS FOR THE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB-LA QUINTA UNIT. (RESOLUTION NO. 2010-063) 12. APPROVAL OF A CONTRACT EXTENSION WITH THE PLANNING CENTER FOR PREPARATION OF THE LA QUINTA HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE. 13. APPROVAL TO EXCUSE PLANNING COMMISSIONER MARK WEBER'S ABSENCE FROM THE OCTOBER 12, 2010, PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING. 14. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE CITY'S PARTICIPATION IN THE COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE MORTGAGE CERTIFICATE PROGRAM. (RESOLUTION NO. 2010-064- 15. APPROVAL OF A COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT WITH THE COACHELLA VALLEY WATER DISTRICT FOR THE RELOCATION OF DOMESTIC WATER AND SANITARY SEWER LINES AND CONSTRUCTION OF STORM WATER FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS WITHIN THE ADAMS STREET BRIDGE IMPROVEMENTS, PROJECT NO. 2006-06. 16. ACCEPTANCE OF GRANT OF EASEMENT AND AGREEMENT BY SAM'S REAL ESTATE BUSINESS TRUST, A DELAWARE STATUTORY TRUST, FOR RIGHT-OF-WAY, PUBLIC STREET, UTILITY PURPOSES AND ANCILLARY USES FOR FUTURE STREET IMPROVEMENTS ALONG DUNE PALMS ROAD. MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Franklin to approve the Consent Calendar as recommended and with Item Nos. 6, 1 1, and 14 being approved by RESOLUTION NOS. 2010-062 through 2010-064 respectively. Motion carried unanimously. BUSINESS SESSION 1. CONSIDERATION OF THE COMPREHENSIVE ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2010. Finance Director Falconer presented the staff report. Council Member Henderson asked for the anticipated loss of revenue from the gas sales tax advance. Finance Director Falconer explained the only City Council Minutes 4 October 19, 2010 impact to the City from the State Budget is the 54.8 million supplemental Educational Revenue Augmentation Fund payment; the State is deferring the Highway Users Tax Account (HUTAI payment to the city because of cash flow issues in Sacramento; and stated he is not aware of any take-sways in gas tax as the higher the price of gas the more tax revenue generated. Council Member Franklin referenced page 11 of the staff report, regarding the audit difference listed with the Bank of New York investments and cash with fiscal agent, and asked staff to explain the two. Finance Director Falconer explained this is the passed audit adjustment list which represents the book and market value of investments; the market value of investments are higher than book value; investments are purchased throughout the years at a certain value and as interest rates go down, the value of the investments go up; GASB 31 states it is necessary to book investments at fair market value if it is material; the staff report states the investments are at an immaterial value when compared to the total portfolio value of 5181 million and must spread the 5217,000 value among 50 funds. Since it is an immaterial amount, it is not necessary to reflect it in the financial statements. Mayor Adolph commended staff for the tremendous job they are doing. MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Franklin to approve and receive and file the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for the year ended June 30, 2010. Motion carried unanimously. 2. CONSIDERATION OF CIVIC CENTER CAMPUS VETERANS ACKNOWLEDGMENT AREA APPLICATIONS. Community Services Director Hylton presented the staff report. In response to Council Member Henderson, Community Services Director Hylton explained Ted Fasano listed in the staff report is the father (deceased) and Ted W. Fasano is the son. MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Evans to authorize the submitted names to be added to the Veteran's Acknowledgment Area and authorize the expenditure of Art in Public Places funds in an amount not to exceed 51,504 to add the plates and names to the Acknowledgment Area. Motion carried unanimously. City Council Minutes 5 October 19, 2010 3. CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTMENT OF A VOTING DELEGATE TO THE 2010 NATIONAL LEAGUE OF CITIES ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING TO BE HELD IN DENVER, COLORADO, DECEMBER 4, 2010. There were no changes to the staff report as submitted and on file in the City Clerk Department. MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Evans/Franklin to appoint Council Member Henderson as the voting delegate for the 2010 National League of Cities Annual Conference. Motion carried unanimously. STUDY SESSION 1. DISCUSSION OF THE HIGHWAY 111 CORRIDOR LANDSCAPE DESIGN GUIDELINES. Public Works Director Jonasson presented the staff report. Ron Gregory, RGA Landscape Architect, reviewed the Highway 111 Corridor Landscape Design Guidelines. In response to Council Member Henderson, Mr. Gregory explained he has designed medians and parkways for the Cities of Palm Desert and Indian Wells. Council Member Evans noted part of the traffic plan is to divert traffic off of Highway 1 1 1, and inquired about landscaping plans on the alternate routes. Public Works Director Jonasson stated a desertscape theme has been used for medians in general with stamped concrete in the median noses; with lighting and other enhancements added for image corridors that have been identified in the General Plan. Planning Director Johnson further explained a theme or branding has not been designated; and staff felt it was important to begin with the retail corridor in the community. Council Member Henderson spoke in support of moving forward with this project if going to continue to landscape the other corridors identified; stated the signs are distinctive; conveyed appreciation for the architectural presentation, but noted the lettering is too small to read; and suggested the signs be utilitarian by combining the architectural presentation and readability. City Council Minutes 6 October 19, 2010 Mayor Adolph referenced a discussion regarding the monument signs and safety issues of drivers stressing to read the signs. Council Member Evans asked if the LED lighting components are similar to what is used by the Esmeralda Renaissance Hotel signs, which are hard to read at night. Mr. Gregory explained the lighting is designed to give a glowing effect to the sign; and stated he will take the City Council's suggestions in consideration. Council Member Henderson stated she understands that each monument sign will not identify each store. Council Member Evans asked if staff involved any of the businesses on Highway 111 in development of the Highway 111 Design Guidelines. Planning Director Johnson stated input was requested at a community workshop and through General Plan update meetings. Council Member Henderson suggested soliciting the Chamber of Commerce's assistance to communicate with businesses in the community. Mayor Adolph asked if the Highway 111 design is similar to what was approved for Miles Avenue. Public Works Director Jonasson explained landscaping for the two medians are different as the Highway 111 design has a different plant palette. Council Member Henderson asked if the City Council desires to adopt the design for Highway 1 1 1 alone or for all major thoroughfares. Council Member Sniff conveyed concern about the discussion and lack of accomplishment; commented on the need to create a unique identifiable Highway 111 in the City and a corridor of uniqueness; major streets are different and should be treated different; there is a lack of unifying character in the design and it appears to be cluttered; light standards and signage should be uniform along Highway 1 1 1; need to come up with permanent, stationary, and static items, and then insert planting in between; should be unique from other cities in the valley; there are too many trees; it should be unique and generally a vertical definition; and need to incorporate open areas. Mr. Gregory stated he understands the suggestions and is open to meet with Council Member Sniff for further discussion. Council Member Sniff further conveyed concern about continuing the Spanish style throughout the City, and suggested Mediterranean or Moroccan style. He also suggested areas of turf be included for accent in open areas. Council Member Evans stated she likes the bell tower concept City Council Minutes 7 October 19, 2010 Mayor Adolph stated the aesthetics should be attractive for visitors driving in the City. Council Member Franklin asked if there is a sense of urgency with this project. Public Works Director Jonasson explained upon completion of Phase II of the Highway 111 widening project, staff began design of the un- landscaped medians on Highway 1 1 1 and it is staff's desire to bring back the designs before pursuing the next step. Council Member Franklin stated the planted pots will be susceptible to vandalism; the directional signs are too gaudy; the entry monument should be the same on both sides; conveyed dislike for the Cypress trees and suggested the use of Date Palm trees; suggested the use of stamped concrete at the major intersections; voiced agreement with Council Member Sniff and Mayor Adolph regarding the inclusion of open space with Date Palm trees and supports the use of artificial turf. Public Works Director Jonasson explained stamped concrete will be included in the crosswalks only at major intersections. Council Member Sniff stated it was not his intention to suggest a proliferation of Cypress trees, but rather a few throughout the corridor; stated a sense of uniqueness can be included in the monuments, signs, entry monument from one end of the corridor to the other. Council Member Henderson agrees maintenance of Cypress trees can be a challenge but a few should be included; the plant palette is beautiful but she conveyed concern about the visibility from one side of the street to the other; suggested incorporating rocks with color and shape that are indigenous to the area and that the project be constructed during the summer months. Council Member Sniff noted many of the trees and plants do not transplant well in the summer months. Council Member Henderson stated her concern was impact of traffic during installation of the pavers which should be done during the summer months to reduce the impact to traffic. Public Works Director Jonasson stated staff will review the suggestions and bring back the revised Highway 111 Design Guidelines and median design to the City Council for approval. 2. DISCUSSION OF THE WASHINGTON STREET AND HIGHWAY 111 TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT "TSM"/TRANSPORTATION DEMAND MANAGEMENT "TDM" CORRIDOR STUDY. Public Works Director Jonasson presented the staff report. City Council Minutes 8 October 19, 2010 Georgina Vivian, VP VRPA Technologies, introduced Eric Rohr, and Dr. Cary Coleman, and presented the Project Background/Purpose of the Washington Street & Highway 11 1 TSMITDM Corridor Study. Mr. Rohr reviewed the Traffic Systems Management (TSM) component, and Dr. Coleman reviewed the Transportation Demand Management (TDM) component of the study. Mrs. Vivian reviewed the next steps for Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) and local agencies, and concluded the presentation. Council Member Henderson noted the Riverside County Transportation Commission has already implemented some of the suggested programs. Public Works Director Jonasson stated Public Works and Planning Department staffs are looking at this to see what makes sense to incorporate into the General Plan Update. Planning Director Johnson further explained there are current TDM standards in the municipal code and once this document is adopted, staff will revisit the ordinance for possible revisions; staff will also make sure within the Circulation Element of the General Plan to recognize by policy the importance of practical TDM measures that would work in the Coachella Valley. In response to Council Member Henderson, Public Works Director Jonasson stated the City of La Quinta is not the only city adopting the TDM, but this is the first step in suggesting recommendations to CVAG for other communities to implement as well as La Quinta. He further explained the TSM measures within the city limits could be constructed by the City, but the TDM component would be most effective if was reviewed and approved by CVAG. Council Member Henderson stated this study will be vital to the General Plan Update process and encouraged staff to find out what is already implemented and expand on it. Council Member Sniff commented on the importance of planning ahead; stated Adams Street should have continued to the south to accommodate north/south traffic; and suggested finding out the purpose of the vehicle trips. Mrs. Vivian explained CVAG has conducted regional destination studies and much of the traffic on Highway 111 does not originate from La Quinta. Council Member Sniff conveyed concern about the end result and main purpose of this program; requested changing the peak hours and suggested City Council Minutes 9 October 19, 2010 universal employee parking areas. Mrs. Vivian confirmed Council Member Sniff's concerns have been identified in the report; and by undertaking this TSM/TDM study, the City has taken a step forward to implement short and long term solutions to traffic congestion in the city. Council Member Sniff noted the City has worked hard to build shopping in La Quinta and does not want to discourage traffic because of public transportation. Mayor Adolph commented on people being hesitant to take alternative transportation; suggested more concentration on synchronizing traffic signals; stated the demand for public transportation is not as great as hoped; and he doesn't see that the programs recommended in the study will be implemented in the near future. Council Member Sniff stated cities are trying to attract visitors to the valley and that increases traffic. Council Member Henderson commented on the need to promote the use of Adams Street and Dune Palms Road to access Highway 1 11; on how installation of a third left-turn lane had improved traffic movement at Eisenhower Drive and Washington Street; and asked if something similar is being considered for Calle Tampico. Public Works Director Jonasson stated staff is looking into third left-turn lanes from eastbound Calle Tampico to northbound Washington Street, from Avenue 48 westbound to southbound Washington Street, and north and southbound Washington Street onto Highway 111. Council Member Henderson asked about the potential of closing some of the breaks in medians at Avenue 48 and Washington Street. Public Works Director Jonasson stated there are no plans to close the medians on Avenue 48 and that for the most part the medians are closed on Washington Street in La Quinta except where there are signals. However there are numerous openings in the medians north of La Quinta on Washington Street; so, the proposals to close medians are for north of Fred Waring Drive in Palm Desert and County areas. He further explained that the areas north of Fred Waring Drive are included as part of the report for submittal to CVAG and that the City of Palm Desert would be involved at that point. Council Member Sniff stated there is potential for self correction with people traveling at different times or using alternative routes. Council Member Evans conveyed appreciation for the traffic improvements made by staff; and suggested collaboration with corporations and employers to implement the existing programs. City Council Minutes 10 October 19, 2010 In response to Council Member Henderson, Mrs. Vivian confirmed these are national level of service numbers. Council Member Henderson asked about adopting our own level of service numbers and City Attorney Jenson confirmed it can be done. Public Works Director Jonasson explained it has been done in neighboring jurisdictions and staff can look into it. REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS Coachella Valley Health Collaborative (CVHC) -Council Member Franklin reported the CVHC held their first luncheon and presented awards to various organizations for their promotion of healthy living; and stated a Top Advocate award was presented to the City. C.V. Mountains Conservancy -Council Member Franklin reported October 18`" is the kickoff of the Santa Rosa/San Jacinto National Monument 10`h anniversary. Council Member Franklin stated the Portal of Poppies dedication was well organized and the artwork is beautiful, and requested an update on potential vandalism to the art piece. Community Services Director Hylton explained the artist is returning to address the issue of the exposed bolts to prevent vandalism. Palm Springs Desert Resort Communities Convention & Visitors Authority -Council Member Evans reported the Authority has made an offer to Scott White as CEO, and is awaiting execution of the agreement. All other reports were noted and filed. DEPARTMENT REPORTS Council Member Henderson commented on the Art in Public Places Strategic Plan and suggested the public art displayed in the city be filmed and shown at the museum. MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS' ITEMS -None PUBLIC HEARINGS -None City Council Minutes 11 October 19, 2010 ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, it was moved by Council Members Sniff/Evans to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. Respec ully submitted, VERONICA J. ONTECINO, City Clerk City of La O rota, California