2011 12 06 HA MinutesLA QUINTA HOUSING AUTHORITY
MINUTES
DECEMBER 6, 2011
A special meeting of the La Quinta Housing Authority was called to order by
Chairperson Franklin.
PRESENT: Board Members Adolph, Evans, Henderson, Chairperson Franklin
ABSENT: None
PUBLIC COMMENT — None
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA — Confirmed
APPROVAL OF MINUTES - None
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. APPROVAL OF AN APPROPRIATION TO FUND SILENT SECOND
TRUST DEEDS FOR THE FORECLOSED HOME PURCHASE AND SALE
PROGRAM
MOTION — It was moved by Board Members Adolph /Evans to approve
the Consent Calendar as recommended. Motion carried unanimously.
BUSINESS SESSION — None
STUDY SESSION
1. DISCUSSION OF WASHINGTON STREET APARTMENTS SOUND
WALL DESIGN
Jon McMillen, RSG Consultants, reviewed the sound wall design.
Chairperson 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 the sun.
Board 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. Board Member
Housing Authority Minutes 2 December 6, 2011
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.
Board 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.
Chairperson Franklin asked what the length of the bench is.
Consultant McMillen stated the bench will approximately 18 feet long.
Chairperson Franklin stated that size will not make an impact to the
space and conveyed her agreement with Board Member Henderson's
comments of considering more creative options.
Board 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.
Board Member Henderson stated there are many more trees on
Washington Street.
Board 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.
Board Member Hendersorr stated although the Council 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.
Board Member 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.
Housing Authority Minutes 3 December 6, 2011
Board Member Evans stated there is landscaping along Washington
Street and it has thrived with the current traffic.
Board Member Henderson conveyed the appreciation of the design and
staff's effort.
Chairperson 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.
Board 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.
Board Member Henderson asked what the furthest distance is.
Consultant McMillen stated it is approximately 20 feet.
Board Member 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.
Board 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 BOARD MEMBERS' ITEMS — None
PUBLIC HEARINGS -None
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, it was moved by Board Members
Evans /Adolph to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.
Respectf ly submitted,
c
ERONICA j. NTECINO, City Clerk
City of La Quinta, California