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2010 11 09 CC MinutesSPECIAL JOINT MEETING OF THE LA QUINTA CITY COUNCIL PLANNING COMMISSION ARCHITECTURE AND LANDSCAPING REVIEW COMMITTEE COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION INVESTMENT ADVISORY BOARD HOUSING COMMISSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 9, 2010 A special joint meeting of the La Quinta City Council and La Quinta Boards, Commissions, and Committees was called to order at the hour of 5:00 p.m. by Mayor Adolph. PRESENT: Council Members Evans, Franklin, Henderson, Sniff, Mayor Adolph ABSENT: None Mayor Adolph led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. PUBLIC COMMENT -None CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA -Confirmed STUDY SESSION 1-A. DISCUSSION OF MATTERS OF JOINT INTEREST TO THE MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL, PLANNING COMMISSION, AND ARCHITECTURE & LANDSCAPING REVIEW COMMITTEE (ALRC) INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, PEDESTRIAN LINKAGES, THE WHITEWATER CHANNEL TRAIL, AND WATER CONSERVATION/EFFICIENT LANDSCAPING. PRESENT: Planning Commissioners Barrows, Quill, Weber, Wilkinson, and Chairman Alderson ALRC Members Arnold, McCune, and Thoms ABSENT: NONE Joint City Council/Commission 2 November 9, 2010 Meeting Minutes Chairman Alderson reviewed the progress made since the last joint meeting with the City Council. Commissioner Weber stated the Non-Motorized Transportation Plan will allow the Planning Commission to apply for grant funding; citizens have expressed their desire for bike trails; the City has first-class trails and the next step is to install the canal trail and eventually have trails accessing Palm Springs to Salton Sea. Commissioner Barrows stated the first step is for the City to adopt the Non-Motorized Transportation Plan. Commissioner Quill stated the Planning Commission is requesting the City Council adopt the trails portion of the Non=Motorized Transportation Plan, which will enable the Commission to pursue grant funding for trails. Council Member Sniff asked Commissioner Quill if he is familiar with the Plan. Commissioner Quill confirmed. Council Member Sniff asked if the Commission has considered rail service as a possibility for transportation to and from each end of the Coachella Valley to alleviate traffic on the highways. Mayor Adolph stated Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) should consider railways as it is not an issue for the Planning Commission to address. He further stated a joint effort of all governmental agencies would be needed to make rail service feasible in the Valley. Council Member Henderson asked if the Planning Commission has reviewed the Plan and recommended it to the City Council for adoption. Commissioner Barrows explained the Planning Commission has not officially made a recommendation to adopt the Plan; and further stated the Commission's desire is to discuss the issue with the City Council before presenting a recommendation. Commissioner Quill stated if the City adopts the Plan already adopted by CVAG, it would legitimize the Planning Commission's request for grant funding. Mayor Adolph asked if Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) is involved with the Non-Motorized Transportation Plan. Joint City Council/Commission 3 November 9, 2010 Meeting Minutes Commissioner Quill explained CVWD has been involved in discussions that include trails along the channel, Whitewater River, levies, and other areas where they have jurisdiction. Commissioner Weber stated he drafted a letter supporting the concept for Mr. Steve Robbins' signature. Mayor Adolph asked how the Planning Commission is going to finalize this issue for the City Council's consideration. Commissioner Quill stated the Commission will make a recommendation for the City Council to adopt the Plan. Mayor Adolph conveyed support for the Plan if this is an area the Commission desires to pursue. Commissioner Quill stated Planning Director Johnson has been working to meet with the Cities of Indian Wells and Indio to connect the trails system. Chairman Alderson clarified the connection with those cities is the trail at the Whitewater channel. Council Member Henderson conveyed support for the Plan; also conveyed concern about cities providing funding through taxes and the limited amount of grant funds; and stated funding may not be available when the project is ready to be built. Commissioner Weber stated all that is needed right now is to move forward and start the Plan. Council Member Henderson stated the Council feels the City has already supported trails in the community and that the Plan has already started. Commissioner Weber stated he has heard quotes of 51,000,000 per mile and does not believe it will cost as much for the trails component along the CVWD channel; the engineering has been primarily completed for that component; and the Plan will help the retail vitality on Highway 111 by providing other options of transportation in that area during the next ten to twenty years. Chairman Alderson stated the unit price per mile will vary from area to area. Commissioner Quill stated the Commission is not asking the City to fund the plan; with AB 32, SB 375, and the Greenhouse Gas issues, Joint City Council/Commission 4 November 9, 2010 Meeting Minutes the Plan is one more component to help the City comply with the mandates established by legislation. Council Member Franklin asked about access to the trail. Commissioner Quill explained access points will be provided at major arterials for the Whitewater Channel. Council Member Franklin asked if consideration had been given to the steepness and steps for bike and pedestrian access. Commissioner Weber further explained access would be made at the arterials along Highway 1 1 1 and continue under the street to the other side. l Mayor Adolph stated there are only conceptual ideas to review in the Plan. Commissioner Quill addressed three sections on Highway 111 where no sidewalks exist; pedestrians endanger themselves to walk in these areas because of having to walk in the street in areas with no sidewalks. Council Member Henderson asked how ADA regulations would affect the City providing temporary sidewalks that are susceptible to breaking down by weather and usage. City Attorney Jenson stated she does not know if there are ADA specifications on the length of usage but there are requirements for slopes, etc. Chairman Alderson stated the Commission has reviewed this matter with the Public Works Director and requested he provide information. Public Works Director Jonasson stated staff reviewed the three sections of concern on Highway 111 which comprises roughly 2,000 linear feet; expressed concern about using asphalt for temporary sidewalks because of breakdown over time; and stated it would cost approximately 5300,000 to install sidewalks at two of the three sections because the City would have to acquire the Mannino property on the north side of Highway 11 1 at approximately 5120,000. Commissioner Quill suggested the City consider a way to economically facilitate the installation of sidewalks for three or four years. Mayor Adolph stated the issue is safety for pedestrians. Joint City Council/Commission 5 November 9, 2010 Meeting Minutes Commissioner Weber stated installation of a sidewalk on the north side of Highway 111 would cost well above $300,000. Chairman Alderson stated installation of asphalt sidewalks would be a temporary fix, and conveyed concern about the legal aspect. Commissioner Quill stated a temporary asphalt sidewalk would still be ADA compliant. Mayor Adolph asked what was installed for the temporary sidewalk at Avenue 50 and Washington Street. Commissioner Weber stated it was asphalt sidewalk and asked staff how long it lasted. Public Works Director Jonasson stated the sidewalk lasted five or six years and one of the reasons it was replaced was due to severe warping after two to three years; and stated it did meet all ADA requirements. Commissioner Weber stated concrete will last ten to fifteen years with asphalt lasting three to five years. Council Member Henderson stated staff did not provide the cost for asphalt sidewalks. Public Works Director Jonasson explained there would be a cost savings in materials but the main cost is for plans and preparation to publicly bid the project; and stated concrete is 55 per square foot and asphalt is 53.50 and it would cost well over 5200,000 to install two sidewalks. Chairperson Alderson stated the current situation is mild but has the potential to put the City in a dangerous situation because there is an unsafe walk area. City Attorney Jenson stated she disagreed with the statement as the City has not accepted the improvements for dedication of the property. Commissioner Quill stated the bottom line is that there is a bad situation for pedestrians and we're asking to make it safer for pedestrians; and suggested City maintenance lay desert gold in the areas with no sidewalks. Al_RC Member McCune asked if the City Maintenance Division can provide the work for the improvements instead of going out to bid. City Manager Genovese stated staff can provide a report on the concerns, benefits, and costs to consider installation of temporary sidewalks on Highway 111 if Council desires. Joint City Council/Commission 6 November 9, 2010 Meeting Minutes Commissioner Quill suggested the City Council observe what happens in the areas where there are no sidewalks. Council Member Henderson stated the City Council is aware of the situation. Mayor Adolph suggested the matter be referred to staff to report back to the City Council. Chairman Alderson stated if this was a maintenance factor instead of a public improvement project, the suggestion of the City Maintenance Division performing the work would be applicable. Council Member Evans asked if there .are other areas along Highway 111, including an area near the high school. Commissioner Quill confirmed there are three locations including the high school. Chairman Alderson stated the north and southbound sides of Adams Street at the storm channel are hazardous for students walking to and from the high school. Mayor Adolph explained the pedestrians should cross on the west side and not on the east side; stated there are sidewalks that take pedestrians right down to the wash and across safely. Chairman Alderson referenced a comment at last year's meeting regarding water conservation and addressed a comment made by Mayor Adolph regarding the water table and recharge basin; stated tremendous progress has been made by CVWD, and generally speaking, the water table has risen six feet. Mayor Adolph stated the increase will occur when the Martinez Recharge Station comes into effect, and there will be another 45,000 acre feet going into the aquifer. Chairman Alderson recommended the City Council take a tour of the recharging facility. ALRC Commissioner McCune stated the City must continue to educate the residents about water conservation and consumption; and stated the City website connects to the CVWD's website. ALRC Commissioner Thoms asked if the rebate program is still in effect. Commissioner Weber replied "yes." Joint City Council/Commission 7 November 9, 2010 Meeting Minutes Chairman Alderson asked ALRC Commissioner Arnold if the Trilogy development has installed control devices for sprinklers in the common areas. Commissioner Arnold responded "no". Council Member Franklin asked if any of the homeowner associations (HOA) in the City are aware of the smart controllers for their sprinkler systems; and if there is any progress with informing them. Chairman Alderson and ALRC Commissioner Arnold both indicated they did not know. Chairman Alderson stated CVWD is forming a grant program to remove sod and install desert landscaping in common areas for HOAs. Commissioner Quill explained the proposed program provides funding for HOAs to replace turf landscaping with desert landscaping, and they continue to pay the water rate used for turf landscaping to repay the funding for the conversion; and stated many of the small HOAs are facing financial hardships. ALRC Commissioner McCune stated there are some programs for installing smart controllers; CVWD is not anti-turf but are just promoting efficient water use; CVWD recommends certain types of controllers but there are other controllers that provide the same function and CVWD recognizes them as well; and suggested the information be provided to the HOAs. Mayor Adolph asked staff if they have met with every HOA. Assistant City Manager-Development Services Evans stated staff has not met with all of them; have other programs available and the biggest challenge with HOAs is the magnitude of cost and leveraging the cost with the members; stated we are completing installation of smart controllers in four to five single-family homes per week and the program is working reasonably well. Council Member Henderson stated she believes there was discussion last year regarding distributing the Green Report to the Planning Commission. Assistant City Manager-Management Services Plumlee stated the report is distributed widely for review. Council Member Henderson suggested the Green Report be distributed with the Planning Commission's agenda packets. Joint City Council/Commission 8 November 9, 2010 Meeting Minutes Assistant City Manager-Management Services Plumlee stated staff reaches out on a regular basis to HOAs and boards that are interested in participating with the smart controller program; a green partnership has been established with IID, CVWD, Southern California Gas and attend the meetings; and staff attempts to schedule four to five meetings a year. Assistant City Manager-Development Services Evans stated one challenge at PGA West is that some of the homes are on common lines and water meters. Assistant City Manager-Management Services Plumlee stated there was an opportunity to use smart controllers in the backyard of homes at Trilogy. Mayor Adolph asked what support the ALRC needs from the City Council regarding issues brought before them. Commissioner Thoms commended the City Council on their comments regarding the Highway 111 landscape plans. Council Member Evans asked what participation will the Committee have to move forward with the design based on feedback from the City Council. Commissioner Thoms stated he is very interested in the plan and design, and will be disappointed if it is just a planting plan similar to other areas of Highway 1 1 1; and stated he would like something that reflects La Quinta uniquely. Council Member Evans asked what role the ARIC can play before the City Council's comments are addressed and brought back for consideration. City Manager Genovese stated the ALRC has not previously reviewed public works projects but staff can accommodate if that is the City Council's desire. Council Member Henderson stated some of the concerns were that developments were completed in a hurry and the ALRC was developed to assist with the process; there is certainly merit to submit for the ALRC's review, but unsure if the plans should be sent back for another review upon the City Council's review. Joint City Council/Commission 9 November 9, 2010 Meeting Minutes Commissioner McCune stated the ALRC would like to be available for the Public Works and Planning staff and give a point of view. Council Member Henderson stated the City Council would also have the opportunity to review the ALRC's comments. Commissioner Thoms stated they are currently working on landscape planting on the west side of Washington Street south of Avenue 48; and asked why that project was not brought before the Committee for review. Council Member Henderson stated it was an approved capital project. Public Works Director Jonasson stated the landscape plan is supposed to come before the ALRC shortly as the contractor jumped the gun. Commissioner Thoms stated he has seen things happening more in a residential area rather than the public parkway. Chairman Alderson adjourned the joint Planning Commission meeting. Mayor Adolph recessed the City Council meeting and reconvened it at 6:07 p.m. to meet in joint session with the Historic Preservation Commission. 1-B. DISCUSSION OF MATTERS OF JOINT INTEREST TO THE MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION (HPC) INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, 2010!2011 WORK PROJECTS AND POTENTIAL GRANT APPLICATIONS, AND PROMOTION OF THE CITY'S HISTORIC RESOURCES. Chairman Wright called the Historic Preservation Commission meeting to order. PRESENT: Commissioners Redmon, Wilbur, Chairman Wright ABSENT: Commissioners Puente, Sharp Chairman Wright gave a brief review of the current projects; and suggested the HPC work together with the Museum and Historical Society. Council Member Henderson stated she is a great supporter of the HPC; and conveyed support for the HPC working with the museum and Historical Society. Joint City Council/Commission 10 November 9, 2010 Meeting Minutes Council Member Evans asked why there is not a dedicated webpage for historical information of the City. Chairman Wright stated there is detailed historical information available that has been collected .since 1994; stated the HPC should be more involved with the Historical Society and Museum functions. Council Member Henderson stated the survey conducted each year enables the City to stay current on required statistics for eligible funding. Chairman Wright confirmed and stated the City Council has offered its support to continue with the surveys to be eligible for grants and certification. Council Member Franklin referenced an adobe structure on the corner of Avenue 58 and Madison Street and asked what the process is for declaring it an historical building. Chairman Wright stated the building is on private property, and explained before any proposed demolition, it must be presented to the HPC and a recommendation would be brought before the City Council. Council Member Franklin asked if there is any notation on the building should the developer wish to demolish it. Chairman Wright explained the building should be photographed and documented, but the City must have permission since it is on private property. City Attorney Jenson explained a procedure exists in the municipal code to declare an historic building, but if the property owner disputes the declaration, the municipal code does not apply. Planning Manager Sawyer stated if the developer were to apply for a grading permit, there must be an environmental review which would trigger the process of declaring it as an historical building and protect it from demolition. Council Member Franklin asked how it receives the designation. Planning Manager Sawyer stated there are criteria established by the State based on the surveys conducted; and most of the properties in the City are eligible for local identification once the designation is established. Joint City Council/Commission 11 November 9, 2010 Meeting Minutes Council Member Henderson stated the La Quinta Hotel & Resort does not have the historical designation because they do not desire it due to the restrictions established by the historical designation. Planning Manager Sawyer explained the current owners of the La Quinta Hotel & Resort have indicated they want to pursue the historical designation and use it as an amenity to promote the resort. Chairman Wright stated he would not be surprised if the Drummond Company was supportive of preserving the building. Council Member Evans asked what the plan is for distributing the brochure. 0 Chairman Wright stated the Commission talked about working with the museum and Chamber of Commerce, La Quinta hotels, restaurants and getting out in front of people. Chairman Wright stated the HPC is working on the content statement to get CLG qualification met; and one of the top priorities is to work with the Historical Society. Mayor Adolph stated he has spoken to the Palm Springs Museum to collaborate with the La Quinta Museum for joint venture programs. Council Member Sniff stated it took four or five years to get the Commission established; and conveyed a desire to acquire information on the physical history of the area. Council Member Evans stated the history, factual information, and Hollywood trivia about La Quinta could attract other industries to the area to capture those moments as the Valley moves forward with the Blueprint from the Coachella Valley Economic Partnership. Commissioner Redmon thanked the Council for supporting the Commissioners' attendance to the annual conference in Pasadena. Chairman Wright adjourned the Historic Preservation Commission meeting. Mayor Adolph recessed the City Council meeting and reconvened it at 6:30 p.m. to meet in joint session with the Investment Advisory Board. Joint City Council/Commission 12 November 9, 2010 Meeting Minutes 1-C. DISCUSSION OF MATTERS OF JOINT INTEREST TO THE MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL AND INVESTMENT ADVISORY BOARD (IA61. PRESENT: Board Members Mortenson, Rassi, Spirtos, and Chairman Park ABSENT: Commissioner Blum Chairman Park congratulated the incumbents on their re-election; reported the Board conducted an extensive review of the workplan and will revisit to make additional recommendations in June 2011; intend to meet with auditors; wish to continue to serve the City Council with liquidity and safety of investments; and stated Local Agency Investment Fund (LAIF) will continue to be a challenge in the future. Council Member Franklin asked if the board members attended the LAIF conference this year. Board Member Mortenson stated the conference was an eye-opening experience; observed the conduct of business personally compared to the technical manner of doing business. Chairman Park stated his experience was learning the good news that some business is conducted personally. Council Member Evans stated there was a limit to investing into LAIF. Finance Director Falconer explained the State raised the maximum permissible investment to 550 million per account but the Board decided to remain at 540 million per account; the City has an overall investment cap of 30% of our portfolio, which is 5147 million cash, even though the Investment Policy allows up to 80% of the 5147 million. Council Member Henderson stated LAIF has always been an issue with the Board and City Council in regard to limitation and the political aspect. Finance Director Falconer stated he believes it got down to 25%. Council Member Henderson stated the tenor of the political world has been to lean toward LAIF in one direction or another; the City continues to have a very conservative approach with LAIF and she Joint City Council/Commission 13 November 9, 2010 Meeting Minutes asked if the Board has seen it the same in the political world. Board Member Mortenson confirmed. Council Member Henderson asked if he has observed decision-makers leaning toward a conservative approach in the financial world. Board Member Mortenson stated the lean toward a conservative approach may have played a role in personal beliefs but not how the funds are invested. Council Member Henderson stated at one time there was a concern about overloading the Board and those decisions would be based on "leanings," which is why the City has a conservative approach about LAIF; the City has let the investment creep up to 30% and it would be interesting to receive a report on the increase. Board Member Mortenson stated who knows how much is political and in essence supporting a certain belief. Council Member Henderson suggested the Board think about the issue personally and discuss it; stated there are limits established by LAIF, and asked what the City can do with the money. Finance Director Falconer stated the City has an Investment Policy and there are limits established for investing in certain categories. Council Member Henderson asked if there is more money that the categories allow to invest. Finance Director Falconer explained as the portfolio decreases, hopefully property taxes will increase in January and allow more room; and stated we may have to look at alternative investments or short-term treasury bills. Council Member Sniff stated LAIF has had some bad investments and enormous losses. Finance Director Falconer explained CaIPERS has a different investment focus and has had a significant amount of losses but LAIF has not had any losses. Council Member Sniff asked where CaIPERS invests their money. Finance Director Falconer explained out of 51.7 billion, 5600 million were invested in U.S. Treasuries. In response to Council Member Sniff, Finance Director Falconer stated he is not aware of any secure investments at this time. Joint City Council/Commission 14 November 9, 2010 Meeting Minutes Finance Director Falconer stated PERS invests in hedge funds, equities, bonds and have a lot more risk. Mayor Adolph noted the interest shown on the PERS annual statement is tremendous at 6 or 8%, and he has not received nearly as much in other investments. Chairman Park cautioned against investing in hedge funds; and stated the future challenge when interest increases will be where to invest the City's funds as the investment policy restricts where it can go. Board Member Spirtos commended the Board and staff; and stated it is phenomenal that the city continues to adopt a balanced budget in the current economic situation. Council Member Sniff asked the Board what clever or new financial device they would recommend to increase the City's income in the next six months. Board Member Mortenson stated the investment policy statement is secure; and what we should be concerned about is monitoring our debt which is deflating the dollar. Chairperson Park noted you have to take risks to receive returns. Council Member Sniff agreed there must be some precarious risk to receive a higher income, but no one can command anything. Chairman Park stated La Quinta is the envy of other cities. Mayor Adolph stated the City must stay the course until the economy improves. Council Member Sniff asked if there are other municipal investment boards in the Valley. Finance Director Falconer stated Palm Desert has one and Indio has a finance committee. Council Member Franklin conveyed pride in the Board and the work they do. Chairman Park adjourned the Investment Advisory Board meeting. Joint City Council/Commission 15 November 9, 2010 Meeting Minutes Mayor Adolph recessed the City Council meeting and reconvened it at 7:00 p.m. to meet in joint session with the Community Services Commission. 7-D. DISCUSSION OF MATTERS OF JOINT INTEREST TO THE MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL AND COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION. PRESENT: Commissioners Blakeley, Engel, Lawrence, Leidner, and Chairperson Fitzpatrick ABSENT: None Chairperson Fitzpatrick congratulated the incumbents for their election to office; acknowledged the generosity of the Council to provide educational, healthy programs to La Quinta at low cost; credited staff for working with the community; noted the City received an award for its participation in the Coachella Valley Healthy Living program and in tough economic times is keeping recreational programs for its residents. Chairperson Fitzpatrick conveyed appreciation for the completion of long-awaited capital improvement projects; and stated the Commission feels it is important to continue looking for additional property for a sports complex. Commissioner Leidner conveyed appreciation for his reappointment; stated he receives many inquiries regarding additional dog parks and off-leash areas; and thanked the City Council for moving forward with the capital improvement projects including the Seasons Park with a large dog park and the expanded dog park at Pioneer Park. Council Member Evans stated she was amazed to learn that each home has two to three dogs; and stated there is a tight network of dog owners and they are informed of the capital projects proposed. Council Member Henderson stated the city is doing well to provide many services but conveyed concern about being able to continue maintenance of dog parks if cutbacks become necessary and the burden on the community; residents have requested the City provide different types of dog parks to accommodate their pets; stated the children in the community come first; owners are responsible for their pets and the city has assumed a great deal of the responsibility; will be very cautious in considering additional dog parks in the future; addressed increasing the fee for landscape and lighting to provide Joint City Council/Commission 16 Meeting Minutes November 9, 2010 additional funding for maintaining dog parks; and stated these issues should be discussed when considering what amenities the community desires. Council Member Evans stated we are a healthy eating, active-living city; some families utilize the trails and those who own dogs are walking them whether in a park or not. Council Member Henderson state continue subsidizing the programs; consider the impact. the City may not be able to and is asking the Commission to Council Member Evans stated it is not just about dog parks, it is about the environmental and community embracement of dogs; and the City has some flexibility. Commissioner Lawrence stated the Commission receives interaction continually and understands Council Member Henderson's point. Chairperson Fitzpatrick stated there is a limited amount of space and the issue is very real; if you continue to build, more will come, and end up with an impact to each facility that may be detrimental to the use. Council Member Franklin stated she is anxious to see how well residents use and maintain the dog parks. Commissioner Leidner stated the City is aware of the problem in the Cove and the lack of responsibility of dog owners on the trails. Mayor Adolph stated the City is dealing with an image of the City, and it is good to promote the fact that the City is providing recreation for its residents at this time despite the current economic condition. Commissioner Lawrence reported the Commission is working with the Planning Commission on development of the Whitewater Channel Trail; stated the trail creates an alternate mode of transportation, adds another recreational amenity in the community; and the Commission is seeking grants to provide funding. Council Member Franklin stated CVAG just adopted the Non-Motorized Transportation Plan and the Planning Commission will be presenting it to the City Council for adoption. Joint City Council/Commission 17 November 9, 2010 Meeting Minutes Commissioner Lawrence stated the Commission is collaborating with the Desert Recreation District to establish joint use of the La Quinta Community Center. Mayor Adolph asked if collaboration will include the Senior Center as well. Community Services Director Hylton explained staff is currently working with the District to utilize a portion of the Community Center building for an exercise program. She explained staff got involved with the District to establish a joint agreement to repurpose the use of the Community Center, maximize the use of the building, and service the residents better; and further explained although Stan Ford is still with the District at this time, the Board of Directors assigned Kevin Kalman to this venture. Council Member Evans commended staff for their efforts and conveyed disappointment about the lack of responsiveness from the Desert Recreation District. Community Services Director Hylton stated staff at the District has recently been willing to discuss trading programs and joint use of facilities. Mayor Adolph stated it is good news that staff is moving forward with this venture. Chairperson Fitzpatrick stated she attended the last meeting of the District Board of Directors and they were very receptive and supportive of the venture. Council Member Franklin stated she established a challenge between the Cities of La Quinta and Palm Springs during the next calendar year while attending the First Annual Luncheon of the Healthy Collaborative; and asked how the program will be monitored. Community Services Director Hylton explained a wellness program will be established for each community and be tracked by a website; and stated the Healthy Collaborative will be establishing the programs and forward the information to each city. Commissioner Engel thanked the City Council for their support for cultural and historical programs; and thanked staff for updating the Art in Public Places Program. Joint City Council/Commission 18 November 9, 2010 Meeting Minutes Commissioner Blakely stated the Commissioners have a good relationship with each other; successful events include Art Under the Umbrellas, Blues and Brews, wine tasting; the City residents support all the events; and conveyed enjoyment in participating on the Commission. Council Member Henderson asked the Commission to consider visiting the concept and a policy for painting the signal light boxes; explained there are two places residents cannot differentiate the signal box from a clutter of other art pieces at an intersection near Old Town. Commissioner Lawrence asked if the idea is to determine a maximum amount of signal boxes to be painted. Council Member Henderson explained the signal boxes on Highway 111 should be painted the same color of the building adjacent to them; and requested the Commission become familiar with the Art in Public Places program and be able to explain what it is, and the limitation of expending the funds for art. Chairperson Fitzpatrick stated the Commission has tried to be sensitive to the location of the signal boxes; and agreed with Council Member Henderson's comments and to be aware of the potential of visual noise around the signal boxes. Mayor Adolph noted Imperial Irrigation District installs the signal boxes without any consideration of the position of the boxes; and the City needs to insist the signal boxes be set back and landscaping provided around it. Chairman Fitzpatrick adjourned the Community Services Commission meeting. Mayor Adolph recessed the City Council meeting and reconvened it at 7:30 p.m. to meet in joint session with the Housing Commission. 1-E. DISCUSSION OF MATTERS OF JOINT INTEREST TO THE CITY COUNCIL AND HOUSING COMMISSION. PRESENT: Commissioners: Dorsey, Leidner, Chairperson La Rocca ABSENT: Commissioners Jamison, Polanco Joint City Council/Commission 19 November 9, 2010 Meeting Minutes Chairperson La Rocca thanked the City Council for their appointments to the Commission; stated they have had one meeting; and asked each Commissioner to introduce themselves to the City Council. Commissioner Dorsey stated she has been a tenant of a City-owned property for nine years, and looks forward to serving on the Commission. In response to Council Member Henderson, Commissioner Dorsey stated she has no immediate opinions of the Commission and is becoming familiar with the Commission. Commissioner Leidner stated she has been a resident of the City for eight years and enjoys living in the City; works in real estate; has rental property and is able to see both sides of the tenant/landlord relationship; and congratulated the City Council for working through two-thirds of the State mandate for low-income housing. Chairperson La Rocca stated she has been in the City for eight years; enjoys living in the City; has extensive experience in City government and enjoys being able to work in a different capacity; has been able to tour Vista Dunes; and is looking forward to review future projects. Assistant City Manager-Development Services Evans reviewed Item No. 2 of the staff report regarding the acquisition and rental of homes in the Cove; stated the City will be venturing out to rent a number of the homes to renters not participating in the Section 8 Housing Program to gain occupants in vacant rentals; and explained the Housing Commission will review rental applications and help staff transition the program from the Redevelopment Agency to the Housing Authority. In response to Council Member Evans, City Attorney Jenson explained the income level is the determinate for qualifications as a renter. Assistant City Manager-Development Services Evans further explained when the program was established there were sufficient Section eight vouchers available and the units were occupied. Chairperson La Rocca stated the Commission is looking forward to tour all the low-income housing projects in the City; and the Commission is anxious to learn about the program. Joint City Council/Commission 20 November 9, 2010 Meeting Minutes Commissioner Leidner asked if future developments will continue to include the high building standards established by Vista Dunes. Council Member Henderson stated it is very costly to build at the LEEDS standard; there are other ways to meet those standards without receiving the certification; and the City's effort will be to reach the standard but not qualify for the program. Mayor Adolph stated there are projects coming forth in the future and the City Council will be sensitive in that standard environment when working with the developers. Chairperson La Rocca questioned how the City has been able to build affordable housing without any community resistance. Council Member Henderson commended staff for their efforts in communicating with the community prior to development of affordable housing. Council Member Evans stated the City Council desires to make sure that the projects blend in the community. Council Member Sniff stated the City Council was sensitive to the quality of affordable housing in the community prior to development of the buildings. Chairperson La Rocca stated many City residents have conveyed to her that it is difficult to tell the Vista Dunes development is low- income housing. Commissioner Leidner stated most residents do not recognize the developments as affordable housing units. Council Member Franklin stated both Wolff Waters and Vista Dunes projects are beautiful developments, and looks forward to the Commission touring both of them; and commended staff for their communication efforts to the community prior to development of the housing units. Chairperson La Rocca stated the Commission is looking forward to serving the City Council. Chairperson La Rocca adjourned the Housing Commission meeting. Joint City Council/Commission 21 November 9, 2010 Meeting Minutes ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, it was moved by Council Members Sniff/Franklin to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. Respec ully submitted, VERONICA J. NTECINO, City Clerk City of la Quinta, California