2011 12 06 RDA MinutesLA QUINTA REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
MINUTES
DECEMBER 6, 2011
A regular meeting of the La Quinta Redevelopment Agency was called to
order by Chairperson Henderson.
PRESENT: Agency Members Adolph, Evans, Franklin,
Chairperson Henderson
ABSENT: None
PUBLIC COMMENT - None
CLOSED SESSION - None
1. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE APPOINTMENT PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT
CODE SECTION 54957(b), TITLE: INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
The Redevelopment Agency recessed to Closed Session to and until the hour
of 4:00 p.m.
4!00 P_M_
The Redevelopment Agency meeting was reconvened with no decisions
being made in Closed Session which require reporting pursuant to
Government Code Section 54957.1 (Brown Act).
PUBLIC COMMENT - None
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA - Confirmed
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION - It was moved by Agency Members Evans /Adolph to approve the
Redevelopment Agency Minutes of November 15, 2011 as submitted.
Motion carried unanimously.
Redevelopment Agency Minutes 2
December 6, 2011
MOTION — It was moved by Agency Members Evans /Franklin to approve the
Joint City Council /Redevelopment Agency Minutes of November 21, 2011 as
submitted. Motion carried unanimously.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. APPROVAL OF DEMAND REGISTER DATED DECEMBER 6, 2011
2. APPOINTMENT OF INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND APPROVAL
OF CONTRACT WITH THE INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
MOTION — It was moved. by Agency Members Evans /Franklin to approve the
Consent Calendar as recommended. Motion carried unanimously.
BUSINESS SESSION — None
STUDY SESSION
1. DISCUSSION OF WASHINGTON STREET APARTMENTS' SOUND
WALL DESIGN
Economic Development /Housing Manager Powell presented the staff
report.
Jon McMillen, RSG Consultants, reviewed the sound wall design.
Agency Member Franklin asked why seating provided along
Washington Street. Consultant McMillen explained a southern gate
would be provided to the property and providing seating along
Washington Street would enable tenants to rest from sun.
Agency Member Henderson asked if there were more than one seating
area proposed. Consultant McMillen stated there are two seating
proposed, one at the southern and one at the northern entrance of the
property; and further stated the wall is over 610 feet long and the
seating areas will break up the monotony of the wall. Chairperson
Henderson stated something must be done to break up the expansion
of the wall, but does not endorse a seating area as they will not
provide adequate shade; and requested staff to think of more creative
opportunities to enhance the wall.
Redevelopment Agency Minutes 3 December 6, 2011
Agency Member Evans stated there wasn't an opportunity to approach
arts in public places because of the time frame of submitting the
design; and there may be future opportunities to enhance the wall
with public art.
Agency Member Franklin asked what the length of the bench is.
Consultant McMillen stated the bench will approximately 18 feet long.
Agency Member Franklin stated that size will not make an impact to
the space and conveyed her agreement with Chairperson Henderson's
comments of considering more creative options.
Agency Member Adolph asked if the design includes any
enhancements to the brick on the wall. Consultant McMillen
explained the existing wall would be reduced down to the plane of the
street level and add block similarly to the Mediterra Apartment
complex wall to the south, and contrast with vertical pilasters.
Chairperson Henderson stated there are many more trees on
Washington Street.
Agency Member Adolph asked what the space from the sidewalk to
the wall is. Consultant McMillen stated there is four feet of landscape
area from the sidewalk to the wall.
Agency Chair Henderson stated although the Agency promotes La
Quinta as a walking community, even though we are not; and asked if
there is much foot traffic from the residents of the property and
access this particular area of the sidewalk. Consultant McMillen
stated currently there isn't much foot traffic from the residents in that
area; and explained much of the traffic from the south is from
students jumping the wall and cutting through the property, and with
the improvements, the students will be forced to walk on Washington
Street to access Hidden River Road.
Agency Chair Henderson stated the design will be creating an
enhancement to provide access to Hidden River Road. She further
stated maintaining the landscape in that area on Washington Street
will be difficult due to the traffic.
Agency Member Evans stated there is landscaping along Washington
Street and it has thrived with the current traffic.
Chairperson Henderson conveyed the appreciation of the design and
staff's effort.
Redevelopment Agency Minutes 4 December 6, 2011
Agency Member Franklin asked if the wall will be built on top of the
two feet of the existing wall, and how the construction of the wall will
incorporate the two components of brick.
Consultant McMillen explained the construction of the wall design is
up coming in the presentation and continued the review of the design.
Agency Member Adolph asked what the .distance between the wall
and the nearest building structure. Consultant McMillen explained the
distance varies throughout the property but the nearest is 18 feet.
Chairperson Henderson asked what the furthest distance is.
Consultant McMillen stated it is approximately 20 feet.
Agency Chair Henderson asked how much property is visual between
the curb and oleander trees. Consultant McMillen explained currently
the distance is approximately nine feet with the existing sidewalk
being six feet wide, but the current landscaping and sidewalk will be
removed to undergrounding of the utilities.
Agency Member Adolph stated the design will be an improvement to
the current situation. Consultant McMillen stated staff is hopeful the
property will be enhanced.
CHAIR AND AGENCY MEMBERS' ITEMS - None
PUBLIC HEARINGS - None
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, it was moved by Agency Members
Adolph /Evans to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.
Respec Ily submitted,
VERONICA J ONTECINO, Secretary
City of La Quinta, California