2010 12 07 CC MinutesLA QUINTA CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
DECEMBER 7, 2010
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
BUSINESS SESSION
1. CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION CERTIFYING THE OFFICIAL CANVASS
OF ELECTION RETURNS FOR THE GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION HELD
NOVEMBER 2, 2010.
City Clerk Montecino presented the staff report.
RESOLUTION NO. 2010-070
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, RECITING THE FACT OF THE GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION
HELD ON THE SECOND DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2010, DECLARING THE
RESULTS AND SUCH OTHER MATTERS AS PROVIDED BY LAW.
It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to adopt Resolution No.
2010-070 as submitted. Motion carried unanimously.
The City Clerk administered the oath of office to Mayor Adolph, Council
Member Evans, and Council Member Henderson.
CLOSED SESSION -None
Council recessed to the Redevelopment Agency and to and until the hour of 4:00
p.m.
City Council Minutes 2 December 7, 2010
4:00 P.M.
Mayor Adolph led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Mark Moran, P.O. Box 1305, La Quinta, reported the destruction of light fixtures at
the bus stop located in front of the La Quinta Commercial Center; stated the lights
have been continually destroyed since the bus stop was installed; he has been
personally cited for no working lights; the area needs lights and has requested
information for indestructible, vandalism-proof light fixtures from staff. He
requested the citation be revoked and assistance from staff to remedy the
situation.
Council Member Henderson asked Mr. Moran if he was personally cited for the
absence of lights. Mr. Moran confirmed and explained he does not have the
authority to take action on behalf of the property owner.
Mayor Adolph referred to the lighting installed on Calle Tampico near Palm Drive
that are protected from vandalism.
Mr. Moran stated there are heavy-duty steel light fixtures installed along Highway
11 1 in Indian Wells, but he is not aware of what type of lighting is acceptable in La
Quinta.
Council Member Evans suggested lighting components for the Highway 111
landscaping be considered for protection from vandalism.
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Mark Weber, 78-795 Wakefield Circle, introduced Boy Scout, Troop 377 of
Bermuda Dunes, and explained they are working on their citizenship merit badges,
and attending the La Quinta Council Meeting to meet the requirement.
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA -Confirmed
ANNOUNCEMENTS -None
City Council Minutes 3 December 7, 2010
PRESENTATIONS
1. UPDATE FROM COACHELLA VALLEY MOSQUITO AND VECTOR CONTROL
DISTRICT.
Branka Lathrop, General Manager of the Coachella Valley Mosquito and
Vector Control District, introduced Maria Kylis who gave a brief update on
the District.
2. LA QUINTA LIBRARY AND MUSEUM QUARTERLY REPORT FOR JULY
THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2010.
Joanna Wickman, Museum Manager, and Beth Foley, Manager of the
La Quinta Library, presented the quarterly report.
Council Member Henderson commented on the importance of publically
reporting the circulation and attendance numbers at the Library; reported
there were 65,310 library circulations in the first quarter this year and this
quarter there were 57,723 circulations; they issued 758 new library cards
for a total of 28,749 to date.
3. PRESENTATIONS BY THE PALM SPRINGS HOSPITALITY ASSOCIATION
AND THE COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE REGARDING WHETHER THE CITY OF
LA QUINTA AND/OR THE PALM SPRINGS DESERT RESORT COMMUNITIES
CONVENTION AND VISITORS JOINT POWERS AUTHORITY SHOULD TAKE
A POSITION ON THE PROPOSED DETENTION FACILITY IN THE
WHITEWATER VICINITY DUE TO POTENTIAL IMPACT ON THE
HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY.
Karl Kruger, Vice President of Noble House Hotels and owner/operator of the
Riviera Resort and member of the HIBC and the Palm Springs Hospitality
Association; and Paul Nulan, representing Palm Springs Hospitality
Association, spoke regarding the potential impact on the hospitality industry
by the proposed detention facility in the Whitewater area.
Council Member Henderson inquired about the presence of a prison in
downtown Las Vegas, Nevada, and a jail in downtown Riverside near the
Mission Inn. Mr. Nulan confirmed presence of the jail in Riverside and
stated he believes there is a facility in Nevada at State Line near Primm
Valley.
City Council Minutes 4 December 7, 2010
In response to Council Member Evans, Mr. Nulan stated the location of the
proposed detention center is approximately 11-12 miles from downtown
Palm Springs.
Mayor Adolph asked who owns the property. Council Member Sniff
responded the County of Riverside is the property owner and Mr. Nulan
confirmed it. Mayor Adolph stated it would not be prudent to purchase the
property and not utilize it; and stated the County should have done their due
diligence before considering this use for the property. Council Member
Henderson noted the County owns the other four properties considered for
the facility.
Council Member Sniff expressed astonishment regarding the presentation;
stated the jail facility in Indio is quite an edifice and yet has not destroyed
the City of La Quinta nor the La Quinta hotel; the proposed jail will not
destroy the tourist business; the facility is necessary and will be well-
managed, and is a significant distance from downtown Palm Springs. He
stated he is positive the facility will not damage tourism in Palm Springs or
the Coachella Valley; stated prisoners will be transported on the freeway and
not on local roads traveled by tourists; concern about the facility has been
worked up beyond logic; the facility will be an asset to the County and the
Coachella Valley; and stated the facility is needed to prevent early release of
prisoners.
Mr. Nulan clarified that he did not imply the prisoners would be transported
on local roadways and confirmed they would be transported on the freeway.
Mayor Adolph explained action cannot be taken on a presentation item and
asked if the Council would like for this issue to be brought back for
discussion.
Council Member Evans explained this presentation was made to the Palm
Springs Desert Resort. Communities Convention & Visitors Authority (CVA),
Joint Powers Association Division (JPA-, and a position was requested for
the JPA to support or oppose building of the detention center at the
proposed location at Whitewater; the urgency of the presentation is due to
the deadline of receiving comments on the EIR by next Monday; and
explained the CVA requested the presentation be made to all cities in the
Valley; requested direction from the City Council to report back to the CVA;
and reported CVA opposes the facility.
Council Member Henderson suggested the City remain neutral and Council
Member Sniff agreed.
City Council Minutes 5 December 7, 2010
Council Membe
construction of
timeframe.
r Franklin asked about the proposed timeframe for
the facility. Mr. Nulan stated he does not know the
In response to Council Member Evans, City Manager Genovese explained in
order for the City Council to consider this as a business item it would require
a 4/5 vote to add it to the agenda; and further explained no position would
be implied if Council gives no direction to staff on this matter.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS -None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Evans to approve the Special
Joint City Council/Commission Minutes of November 9, 2010, as submitted.
Motion carried unanimously.
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Franklin to approve the City
Council Minutes of November 16, 2010, as submitted.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. APPROVAL OF DEMAND REGISTER DATED DECEMBER 7, 2010.
2. APPROVAL OF APPROPRIATION OF ADDITIONAL QUIMBY FUNDS FOR THE
COLONEL PAIGE MIDDLE SCHOOL RESTROOM, PROJECT NO. 2010-05.
3. APPROVAL OF THE MEMORIAL TREE PROGRAM UPDATE.
4. APPROVAL OF A REQUEST BY THE CALIFORNIA REGIONAL WATER
QUALITY CONTROL BOARD TO UTILIZE THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS FOR
PUBLIC HEARINGS AND THE CAUCUS ROOM ON JANUARY 20, MARCH
17, MAY 19, JUNE 16, SEPTEMBER 15, AND NOVEMBER 17, 2011, FROM
8:00 A.M. TO 5:00 P.M.
5. ACCEPTANCE OF STATE FUNDING IN THE AMOUNT OF $100,000 FROM
THE SUPPLEMENTAL LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICES FUND (SLESF).
6. ACCEPTANCE OF DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS (NORTHEAST CORNER OF
SIMON DRIVE AND WASHINGTON STREETI, PROJECT NO. 2009-15.
City Council Minutes 6 December 7, 2010
7. ACCEPTANCE OF LAGUNA DE LA PAZ SOUND ATTENUATION WALL
IMPROVEMENTS, PROJECT NO. 2008-01, AND APPROVAL OF CONTRACT
CHANGE ORDER NO. 5.
8. APPROVAL OF PROGRAM SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT NO. 011-N TO
THE CITY OF LA QUINTA MASTER AGREEMENT 08-5433R FOR
CONGESTION MANAGEMENT AIR QUALITY FUNDING TOWARD THE
ADAMS STREET, MILES AVENUE, AND DUNE PALMS ROAD SIGNAL
INTERCONNECT PROJECT, PROJECT NO. 2009-024.
9. APPROVAL OF PROGRAM SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT NO. 012-N TO
THE CITY OF LA QUINTA MASTER AGREEMENT 08-5433R FOR
CONGESTION MANAGEMENT AIR QUALITY FUNDING TOWARD THE
EISENHOWER DRIVE AND CALLE TAMPICO SIGNAL INTERCONNECT
PROJECT, PROJECT NO. 2009-22.
10. APPROVAL OF MEMORANDUMS OF UNDERSTANDING AMONG THE CITY
OF LA QUINTA, DESERT SANDS UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT, COACHELLA
VALLEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT, AND OTHER AGENCIES REGARDING
SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL.
11. DENIAL OF CLAIM FOR DAMAGES FILED BY JUDITH & LEE JONES -DATE
OF LOSS: OCTOBER 27, 2010.
12. DENIAL OF CLAIM FOR DAMAGES FILED BY NEELAM ALLEN -DATE OF
LOSS: NOVEMBER 1, 2010.
13. DENIAL OF CLAIM FOR DAMAGES FILED BY PHILIP YOUNG -DATE OF
LOSS: OCTOBER 23, 2010.
14. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION MAKING CERTAIN FINDINGS PURSUANT TO
HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE SECTION 334451a) AND AUTHORIZING THE
EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS TOWARD THE MILES AVENUE MEDIAN
LANDSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS; APPROPRIATING FUNDS AND APPROVING
INCLUSION OF THE MILES AVENUE MEDIAN LANDSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS
WITHIN THE FISCAL YEAR 2010-2011 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN;
APPROVING THE PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, AND ENGINEER'S ESTIMATE
(PS&E); AND AUTHORIZING STAFF TO ADVERTISE THE PROJECT FOR BID.
(RESOLUTION NO. 2010-071)
15. APPROVAL OF AWARD OF CONTRACT TO CONSTRUCT THE TURF
REDUCTION GREENS PROJECT, PROJECT NO. 2009-18.
City Council Minutes 7 December 7, 2010
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Evans to approve the
Consent Calendar as recommended and with Item No. 14 being approved by
RESOLUTION NO. 2010-071. Motion carried unanimously.
BUSINESS SESSION .........continued
2. CONSIDERATION OF 2ND QUARTER COMMUNITY SERVICES GRANTS AND
FUNDING REQUESTS.
Recreation Supervisor Ambriz presented the staff report.
Council Member Sniff stated he noticed most of the requests were for
S 1,000 or 55,000.
Mayor Adolph thanked the committee for approving the grant to ACT for
MS.
Council Member Henderson stated the application requests were substantial;
made an effort to recognize the good of each of the organizations; and
thanked each one of the applicants for working toward the betterment of the
community.
Mayor Adolph conveyed disappointment about the Soldiers Organized
Services (SOS) not receiving more.
Council Member Evans explained the amount awarded was the maximum
amount allowed.
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Henderson/Franklin to approve
Community Services grant requests as follows: Animal Samaritans SPCA,
55,000; ACT for MS, 52,000; First Composite Group Association, 52,000;
KASE (Keeping Animals Safe Everydayl, 51,000; Stroke Recovery Center,
51,000; McCallum Theatre, 51,000; La Quinta High School Girls Basketball
Booster Club, S 1,000; SOS "Soldiers Organized Services", 51,000;
La Quinta High School Blackhawk Forensics, 51,000; and Rancho Recovery
Centers, S 1,000. Motion carried unanimously.
3. CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTMENT TO COACHELLA VALLEY MOSQUITO
AND VECTOR CONTROL DISTRICT.
There were no changes to the staff report as submitted and on file in the
City Clerk Department.
City Council Minutes 8 December 7, 2010
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to appoint
Robert Cox to serve atwo-year term as the City's representative on the
Coachella Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District Board of Trustees.
Motion carried unanimously.
Council Member Henderson thanked Mr. Cox for his representation on the
Board.
4. CONSIDERATION OF IMPLEMENTATION OF INCREASED DEVELOPMENT
IMPACT FEES (DIF) FOR RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT.
Public Works Director Jonasson presented the staff report
Mayor Adolph asked if there is any necessity to increase the fees at this
time. Public Works Director Jonasson explained the amount affects the
City's financial ability to provide public improvements.
James Brownyard, Desert Valley Builders' Association (DVBA), conveyed
support for deferring an increase in the fee at this time.
Chris Mounts, KB Homes, also conveyed support for deferring the fee.
Bill Blankenship, Riverside County BIA, Desert Valley Chapter, thanked the
City Council for their support of past deferrals, and encouraged continuance
of the deferment.
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Evans to direct staff to
continue to defer the implementation of the increase of DIF residential fees
until July 1, 201 1. Motion carried unanimously.
5. CONSIDERATION OF CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL TO CLOSE CITY HALL ON
DECEMBER 23 AND DECEMBER 30, 2010.
Assistant City Manager-Management Services Plumlee presented the staff
report.
Council Member Henderson stated the City Council has supported the
additional half-day off in the past and is not suggesting the City is unable to
provide it this year but feels it is not prudent to give additional time off at
this time; and explained this may be the start of having to pull back from
such allowances.
City Council Minutes 9 December 7, 2010
6.
7
Council Member Sniff made a motion to approve closing City Hall the full day
on both December 23 and December 30, 2010. The motion died for lack of
a second.
CONSIDERATION OF CITY COUNCIL REORGANIZATION.
There were no changes to the staff report as submitted and on file in the
City Clerk Department.
Council Member Franklin nominated Council Member Evans to serve as
Mayor Pro Tempore.
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Franklin/Henderson to select
Council Member Evans to serve as Mayor Pro Tempore. Motion carried
unanimously.
CONSIDERATION OF CITY COUNCIL STANDING COMMITTEE AND OTHER
AGENCY APPOINTMENTS.
There were no changes to the staff report as submitted and on file in the
City Clerk Department.
Mayor Adolph asked if there were any requests from the City Council to
change the appointments.
Council Member Henderson stated the League of California Cities is not an
appointed committee and attends the meetings on the City Council's behalf
as the City Council is a member.
Council Member Henderson extended an invitation to the Council Members
to volunteer as the representative on the Riverside County Transportation
Commission.
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Franklin to continue with
the current appointments of the City Council Standing Committees. Motion
carried unanimously.
City Council Minutes 10 December 7, 2010
STUDY SESSION
1. DISCUSSION OF PROPOSED GENERAL PLAN LAND USE MAP, LAND USE
DESIGNATION CONSOLIDATION, AND GENERAL PLAN GOALS.
Planning Director Johnson presented the staff report
Nicole Criste, Planning Consultant, presented the staff report relative to the
Land Use Map and Designations.
Planning Director Johnson stated there will be additional opportunities for the
general public to provide input in the future.
Mayor Adolph asked if any feedback has been received from the public and if
additional meetings are scheduled. Planning Director Johnson explained the
environmental review processes has just begun, and community meetings
will be scheduled in late winter or early spring. He confirmed staff will be
gathering data and bring it back to the City Council.
Council Member Evans referenced the village commercial area and asked if
there is a need to rezone any of the surrounding properties. Planning
Director Johnson stated the map does not identify the zoning designations
but rather the general plan land use designation; explained the village
commercial designation could continue eastward to the Ralphs Shopping
Center; staff conducted an open house with property and business owners in
the village area who have provided feedback; the sub area focus will extend
just beyond the village land use boundary and other adjacent properties will
be included.
Council Member Evans asked if any change in zoning takes place at that
time. Planning Consultant Criste explained it is subsequent to completion of
the General Plan.
Council Member Henderson stated there might be a question of mixed use
and asked if the current zoning allows for mix use. Planning Consultant
Criste confirmed. Planning Director Johnson stated the current village
commercial zoning also allows mixed use: Planning Consultant Criste stated
the mixed use will be an overlay, which will be established in the zoning
amendment process following completion of the General Plan update.
In response to Council Member Henderson, Planning Director Johnson
confirmed the current general plan and zoning land use designations for the
village area do not include the Ralphs Shopping Center; and the Seasons
development and Ralphs Shopping Center do not fall under the village
City Council Minutes 11 December 7, 2010
guidelines. Planning Consultant Criste further explained the purpose of the
focus area for the Village is to consider gateways and connection points; and
not to expand the village commercial land use and zoning but to make the
surrounding area more cohesive with it.
Council Member Henderson asked if that area could be included in the
guidelines or if the assumption is that it will be included when this is brought
back to the City Council. Planning Consultant Criste stated the guidelines
are in zoning rather than the General Plan; the focus area description will be
in the general plan and any follow up to make the focus area consistent will
be considered in zoning.
Council Member Henderson stated she recalls LAFCO setting the sphere of
influence boundary at Calhoun Street. After a brief discussion, Planning
Director Johnson confirmed the current General Plan map presented
represents the final decision made by LAFCO in 2006.
Council Member Sniff urged staff to be extremely cautious in implementing
state mandates as some are being discredited and should not be involved in
the planning process; and conveyed his caution for global warming, green
house gases, and blueprint terms.
Mayor Adolph stated direction to staff is to continue cautiously.
REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
Council Member Henderson complimented Public Works Director Jonasson for the
conduction of the Public Works Intern Program.
League of California Cities - Council Member Henderson referenced a letter
distributed about the overwhelming support of Proposition 22; stated Orange
County and several of the cities were disappointed the League would not take a
solid position for Proposition 23, and have decided to establish an independent
agency; a planning meeting was held for next year's goals which include strong
partnership for a stronger golden state, sustainable and secure public retirement
systems, and the use of webinars and Internet to reduce travel. Additionally, the
general assembly passed a resolution regarding medical use of marijuana.
Palm Springs Desert Resort Communities Convention & Visitors Authority -Council
Member Evans reported a reception will be held at the Rancho Mirage office for
new CEO, Scott White.
City Council Minutes 12 December 7, 2010
CVAG Executive Committee -Mayor Adolph reported Mayor Lupe Watson was
assigned to SCAG as the representative for the eastern valley.
SunLine Transit Agency/SunLine Services Group -Mayor Adolph reported the issue
of taxicab service continues.
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All other reports were noted and filed.
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
1. City Manager.
City Manager Genovese reported staff has scheduled a meeting with the
Cities of Coachella and Indio regarding potential park discussions, and will
report back in January 201 1.
3-A. JANUARY 4, 2011, CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETINGS.
Council Member Franklin suggested cancelling the December 2155 meeting,
and continuing any scheduled items to the January 4, 201 1 meeting.
Finance Director Falconer stated the mandated annual financial reports for
the Redevelopment Agency and bond disclosure reports are scheduled for
the December 21, 2010. City Manager Genovese stated staff can schedule
Consent Calendar items only for the December 2151 meeting, and added there
may or may not be a closed session item.
B. PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.
In response to Mayor Adolph, Public Works Director Jonasson stated he has
been in contact with Ms. Junken regarding the Palo Verde development and
staff has made some progress with the developer; conduit has been
installed; the landscaping plans have been submitted for approval; trees have
been ordered and the developer will attempt to install the landscaping before
the Christmas holiday.
Council Member Evans asked what type of tree was approved in the final
plans. Public Works Director Jonasson stated the developer will be installing
Date Palm trees with smaller plants at the base of the trees. Council
City Council Minutes 13 December 7, 2010
Member Henderson commented on the need for all parties involved to be
patient.
10. POLICE DEPARTMENT.
Mayor Adolph requested Police Chief Gregory report on the operation
conducted in the Eastern Valley this morning. Police Chief Gregory reported
a number of Federal search and arrest warrants were served in the Eastern
Valley including the Cities of Coachella and Indio; 105 arrests were made
and several were deferred to the State system; and stated there were a few
warrants served in the La Quinta Cove and the northern part of the City. He
conveyed the department's appreciation for the involvement of La Quinta's
designated officers.
MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS' ITEMS
Council Member Franklin commented on the Blue Light Ceremony held by the Police
Department on Monday; stated it was a moving experience and commended staff
for their assistance in preparing the event.
Council Member Franklin asked all to keep Mr. Steve Sanchez in their thoughts
during his recovery.
PUBLIC HEARINGS -None
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, it was moved by Council Members
Sniff/Henderson to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.
Respect dilly submitted,
G~
VERONICA . MONTECINO, City Clerk
City of La Quinta, California