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2011 01 04 CC MinutesLA QUINTA CITY COUNCIL MINUTES JANUARY 4, 2011 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, Mayor Adolph ABSENT: Council Member Sniff MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Henderson/Franklin to excuse the absence of Council Member Sniff. Motion carried unanimously with Council Member Sniff absent. PUBLIC COMMENT -None CLOSED SESSION -None Council recessed to the Redevelopment Agency and until 4:00 p.m. 4:00 P.M. Mayor Adolph led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. PUBLIC COMMENT Hal Seay, 52-795 Avenida Obregon, referenced code compliance violations filed against Mr. Phil Pettibone who has appealed a citation for an abandoned vehicle through the Administrative Hearing and Court process; stated the vehicle is not a nuisance; it was recently parked in the driveway for more than 10 days but is usually kept in the garage; it appears Code Compliance is targeting Mr. Pettibone; and clarified the amount of fees Mr. Pettibone owes the City. CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA -Confirmed ANNOUNCEMENTS -None City Council Minutes 2 January 4, 2011 Andrew Davis, 54-785 Avenida Rubio, gave a brief presentation on a potential Eagle Scout project involving the establishment of a memorial park with a plaque in memory of Valley residents that died in the Twin Towers terrorist attack on September 1 1, 2001. Council Member Henderson suggested this request be referred to the Community Services Commission for review and recommendations to the City Council. Mayor Adolph asked where Mr. Davis proposed to establish the memorial park. Mr. Davis explained he envisioned it to be at Fritz Burns Park with a plaque commemorating the local names of those lost in the attack. Mayor Adolph referred to Mr. Davis' letter of request which stated other cities would be solicited to participate in this project, and asked if he had approached other cities as of yet Mr. Davis stated he has not contacted any other cities in the area because he prefers the memorial be located in La Quinta, otherwise he will contact the City of Indian Well or Indio next. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS -None APPROVAL OF MINUTES MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Evans/Henderson to approve the City Council Minutes of December 21, 2010, as submitted. Motion carried with Council Member Sniff absent. CONSENT CALENDAR 1. APPROVAL OF DEMAND REGISTER DATED JANUARY 4, 2011. 2. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION DETERMINING THE AMOUNT OF PROPERTY TAX REVENUE TO BE EXCHANGED BETWEEN THE SOUTHERN COACHELLA VALLEY COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT (SCVCSD) AND THE CITY OF LA QUINTA RELATING TO THE DETACHMENT OF CITY ANNEXATION NO. 11. (RESOLUTION NO. 2011-001) 3. AUTHORIZATION OF OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR ONE MEMBER OF THE CITY COUNCIL TO ATTEND THE LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES REVENUE AND TAXATION COMMITTEE MEETING TO BE HELD IN SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA, JANUARY 21, 2011. City Council Minutes 3 January 4, 2011 4. APPROVAL TO AWARD A CONTRACT TO PRO TECH ENGINEERING CORPORATION TO CONSTRUCT THE EISENHOWER DRIVE AND CABLE TAMPICO SIGNAL INTERCONNECT PROJECT, PROJECT NO. 2009-22, FEDERAL AID PROJECT NO. CML 5433 (011). 5. APPROVAL TO AWARD A CONTRACT TO FLATIRON ELECTRIC GROUP, INC. TO CONSTRUCT THE ADAMS STREET, MILES AVENUE, AND DUNE PALMS ROAD SIGNAL INTERCONNECT PROJECT, PROJECT NO. 2009-24, FEDERAL AID PROJECT NO. CML 5433 (0101. MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Franklin/Evans to approve the Consent Calendar as recommended and with Item No. 2 being approved by RESOLUTION NO. 2011-001. Motion carried with Council Member Sniff absent. BUSINESS SESSION 1. CONSIDERATION OF IMPLEMENTATION OF A 1 % PUBLIC, EDUCATIONAL, AND GOVERNMENT (PEG) CABLE FRANCHISE FEE. Assistant City Manager-Management Services Plumlee presented the staff report. Council Member Henderson asked if the ordinance adopted in 2007 implementing the fee was mandatory. Assistant City Manager-Management Services Plumlee confirmed and explained it must be used for a specific purpose such as publication of City Council meetings, web broadcasting, public safety programs, and general or local interest programs. In response to Council Member Franklin, Assistant City Manager- Management Services Plumlee confirmed if the City opts to delay the fee it would be brought back next year for consideration. Council Member Henderson stated this type of tax sounds good but it is still a tax and this is how taxes grow; stated the City can make a statement to the Federal Government to stop these type of taxes by delaying the fee; and conveyed support for delaying the tax two years. Council Member Evans agreed, and stated if there is ever a need to increase taxes on the residents it's not for video or media production. Council Member Franklin concurred with delaying the tax for two years. City Council Minutes 4 January 4, 2011 Mayor Adolph agreed with atwo-year delay due to the economy; stated taxes in La Quinta are the lowest in the Valley, and he does not see adding any taxes to the residents in the foreseeable future. MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Henderson/Evans to delay implementation of 1 % PEG Cable Franchise Fee for both Verizon California Inc. and Time Warner Cable Inc. for two years. Motion carried with Council Member Sniff absent. STUDY SESSION -None REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport Authority -Council Member Franklin reported a presentation was given by the Airport Land Use Commission regarding the division of land surrounding the airport; and stated the proposed raceway is a compatible land use in the area but there are safety concerns about the warehouse units proposed around the track for the raceway. Council Member Henderson stated there is an opening on the Airport Land Use Commission and asked if Council Member Franklin would be interested in serving on the Commission. Council Member Henderson requested staff provide Council Member Franklin with additional information about the vacancy. Council Member Franklin further reported the Airport Land Use Commission has suggested the Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport could be utilized as a logistics airport in the event of a major earthquake; a recent 52.7 million Federal grant will be used to repave the 1230 runway and taxi runway; and stated the new sheriff's station is 85% complete, and the new CHP facility is underway. IID Energy Consumers' Advisory Committee -Council Member Franklin reported Imperial Irrigation District (IID) has reported Coachella Valley has one of the lowest residential energy rates in Southern California, and its commercial rates are competitive; she has requested the energy cost adjustment from residential invoices be agendized for discussion by the IID Board but it has not happened as of yet. She further reported IID is developing a 12 megawatt Solar Photo Voltaic project in Niland; IID will purchase power over the next six years but the project is behind schedule due to the discovery of Indian artifacts; also, the District has implemented a new GIS project for the linemen to use with laptops to detect leaks in underground line instead of paper maps. City Council Minutes 5 January 4, 2011 C.V. Mountains Conservancy -Council Member Franklin reported the Conservancy has approved a local assistance grant not to exceed $227,500 to the Friends of the Desert Mountains for purchase of property just west of the community of Oasis. Animal Campus Commission -Council Member Franklin reported the Commission is working on legislation for pet groomers to be licensed; the bill has been written but lacks sponsors; and it was suggested pro and con sponsors be sought. All other reports were noted and filed. DEPARTMENT REPORTS 3A. INVESTMENT ADVISORY BOARD (IAB) VACANCY City Clerk Montecino presented the report. The City Council concurred to delay filling the vacancy until the annual recruitment for all City Boards, Committees and Commissions in June 2011. MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS' ITEMS Mayor Adolph stated he was asked at the East Valley Women's Republican Luncheon if the City of La Quinta could provide any assistance to Steve Sanchez during his recovery from his injury; and explained Mr. Sanchez does not have any income or much medical insurance. Council Member Evans stated she would inquire with the financial counselors at JFK Memorial Hospital as to what programs for medical assistance may be available to him. DEPARTMENT REPORTS ..........continued 1 B. UPDATE ON COACHELLA VALLEY ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP (CVEP) Assistant City Manager-Development Services Evans presented the report, and introduced Mr. Thomas Flavin as the new President and CEO of CVEP. Mr. Flavin thanked the City Council for their support in his appointment as CEO; commented on the involvement of local land use being important; and availed himself for any questions. City Council Minutes 6 January 4, 2011 Council Member Henderson asked where the head office is located. Mr. Flavin stated the business office is currently in Palm Desert and will be moved to a building across from the Palm Springs Civic Center in March 2011. Council Member Henderson asked if he was aware of the disappointment of the Eastern Valley because of this move. Mr. Flavin stated he is aware of it and will propose a satellite office in the eastern area. Council Member Henderson stated it will be a challenge to support the expense of two offices; and explained traffic is another challenge in getting to Palm Springs from across the Valley. Mr. Flavin stated a city in the East Valley offered to house a satellite office at minimal cost; explained the job of CVEP as a regional entity is to reach out to companies; and the new facility in Palm Springs provides an opportunity to establish a business center. Council Member Henderson conveyed appreciation for the new facility being near the airport; and stated it is important for all cities in the Valley to work together for the greater good. Council Member Franklin expressed disappointment about the lack of promotion of his taking office as CEO. Mr. Flavin stated he takes some responsibility in the lack of promotion, and stated he took office before the end of 2010 to immerse himself in the organization. Mayor Adolph asked when results of the Blueprint will be presented to local agencies in the Valley. Mr. Flavin stated the organization has quantifiable goals and will have the business plan ratified by the Board of Directors this first quarter; and the organization is currently working with companies as they present themselves to the Valley. Council recessed to the Redevelopment Agency meeting, and to and until 7:00 P.M. zon P_nn_ PUBLIC COMMENT -None PRESENTATIONS -None City Council Minutes 7 January 4, 2011 PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING AONE-YEAR EXTENSION OF TIME FOR VILLAGE USE PERMIT 2007-039 TO CONSTRUCT TWO 7,045 SQUARE-FOOT OFFICE BUILDINGS. APPLICANT: DAVID CHAPMAN INVESTMENTS. Planning Director Johnson presented the staff report. In response to Council Member Evans, Planning Director Johnson confirmed the City Council has the option of extending this to one year from today but typically extensions are given from the approval date. Council Member Henderson requested clarification about the shared parking. Planning Director Johnson stated the parking stalls will be shared exclusively between the restaurant and the two office buildings. Mayor Adolph expressed concern about the parking and asked if the new building at the corner of Desert Club Drive and Avenue 52 will create a parking problem on the street. He also asked if the parking requirement is four spaces short. Planning Director Johnson explained if both buildings were occupied with just medical facilities, there would be a shortage of 4 parking spaces; explained an additional 23 parking stalls have been included in front of Palmer's Restaurant; and stated parking is not anticipated to have a greater impact on Desert Club Drive. Council Member Henderson asked if 176 parking stalls are adequate for the project. Planning Director Johnson confirmed and explained 20 to 23 parking spaces will be added in front of Palmer's Restaurant; and stated Desert Club Drive was designed for on-street parking. Council Member Henderson expressed concern about a clash in the use of parking stalls between the new building and Palmer's Restaurant, but additional parking stalls in front of the restaurant may help alleviate the problem. In response to Mayor Adolph, Planning Director Johnson confirmed the development meets the parking requirements. City Council Minutes 8 January 4, 2011 Council Member Evans stated the office buildings will be closed when the restaurant needs parking spaces for valet parking, and there are plenty of spaces in the parking lot. The Mayor declared the PUBLIC HEARING OPEN at 7:14 p.m. Skip Lench stated he lives northeast of the proposed development and an agreement has been established between the developer and the neighbors regarding the parking. Mayor Adolph asked if the lighting issue from the development has been resolved. Mr. Lench stated staff rectified the lighting situation promptly. There being no additional requests to speak, the Mayor declared the PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED at 7:16 p.m. RESOLUTION NO. 2011-002 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING AONE-YEAR TIME EXTENSION OF VILLAGE USE PERMIT 2007-039 FOR TWO 7,045 SQUARE-FOOT OFFICE BUILDINGS WITHIN THE VILLAGE COMMERCIAL DISTRICT. APPLICANT: DAVID CHAPMAN INVESTMENTS (January 4, 2012). It was moved by Council Members Evans/Henderson to adopt Resolution No. 201 1-002 as submitted. Motion carried with Council Member Sniff absent. JOINT PUBLIC HEARING BETWEEN THE CITY COUNCIL AND REDEVELOPMENT OGFNCY 2. JOINT PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER ADOPTION OF i4 RESOLUTION APPROVING A DISPOSITION AND DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AND CORAL MOUNTAIN PARTNERS, L.P. TO LEASE PROPERTY LOCATED SOUTHEAST OF DUNE PALMS ROAD AND HIGHWAY 111 FOR THE PURPOSE OF CONSTRUCTING AND OPERATING AFFORDABLE RENTAL HOUSING. Assistant City Manager-Development Services Evans presented the staff report; and Redevelopment Consultant Spevacek presented the financial aspects of the proposed development. The Mayor declared the PUBLIC HEARING OPEN at 7:24 p.m. City Council Minutes 9 January 4, 2011 John Durso, Coral Mountain Partners, L.P., stated Mr. Michael Shovlin and he are happy to have the opportunity to propose this development. There being no additional requests to speak, the Mayor declared the PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED at 7:25 p.m. RESOLUTION NO. 2011-003 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A DISPOSITION AND DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE LA QUINTA REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AND CORAL MOUNTAIN PARTNERS, L.P. FOR PROPERTY LOCATED SOUTHEAST OF THE INTERSECTION OF DUNE PALMS ROAD AND HIGHWAY 111. It was moved by Council Members Franklin/Henderson to adopt Resolution No. 2011-003 as submitted. Motion carried with Council Member Sniff absent. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, it was moved by Council Members Evans/Franklin to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. Respectf ly submitted, C/J ~////`7(/ VERONICA J. NTECINO, City Clerk City of La Quinta, California