2012 01 17 CC MinutesLA QUINTA CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
JANUARY 17, 2012
A regular meeting of the La Quinta City Council was called to order at the hour of
4:00 p.m. by Mayor Adolph.
PRESENT: Council Members Evans, Franklin, Henderson, Osborne, Mayor Adolph
ABSENT: None
Mayor Adolph led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance
CLOSED SESSION — None
PUBLIC COMMENT
Donald Griffith, 2012 President of the Desert Sands Unified School District, wished
the City Council a Happy New Year; thanked the Council for their continued
support; invited the City Council to participate in the Read Across America program
to be held on March 2, 2012 at Adams Elementary School; provided Dr. Seuss
books for the Council to use for the program; and welcomed the Council to tour
any of the District facilities.
Council Member Henderson asked how long has Mr. Griffith been on the board. Mr.
Griffith stated he has been on the Board for three and a half years.
Council Member Evans asked what time will the Read Across America program
begin. Mr. Griffith explained all schools are integrating the program in their
schedule for the day, and referred Council Member Evans to contact Principal Patty
Rice, Adams Elementary School, to schedule a time.
Mayor Adolph asked if the State is funding Culinary Arts program. Mr. Griffith
explained the State funds all programs through the District, and stated two
students were funded to attend the Orange County Culinary Institute last year, and
students worked as prep -chefs at the Indian Wells Tennis Gardens last year.
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA
Mayor Adolph requested Consent Calendar Item No. 5 be considered separately
from the Consent Calendar.
ANNOUNCEMENTS — None
City Council Minutes 2 January 17, 2012
PRESENTATIONS
Queen Mom Barbara Preston introduced Queen Scheherazade Jordana Totman, and
her Court, Princess Dunyazade Alysha Woodson, and Princess Jasmine Francesca
Parker; the Queen and her Court announced various activities and events scheduled
at the Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival to be held February 17 -
26, 2012.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
1. CORRESPONDENCE FROM MR. STEVE CHERRY DATED JANUARY 9, 2012
Mayor Adolph stated Mr. Cherry would like to attend the next meeting to
make a 30- minute presentation regarding televising City Council meetings;
and suggested the City Council schedule 10 to 15 minutes for his
presentation.
Council Member Evans stated 30 minutes is quite lengthy and conveyed her
support of Mr. Cherry making a 10- minute presentation at the February 7,
2012 meeting.
The City Council concurred.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Franklin /Evans to approve the City
Council Minutes of January 3, 2012, as submitted. Motion carried unanimously.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. APPROVAL OF DEMAND REGISTER DATED JANUARY 17, 2012
2. RECEIVE AND FILE TREASURER'S REPORT DATED NOVEMBER 30, 2011
3. RECEIVED AND FILE REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE REPORT DATED
NOVEMBER 30, 2011 AND INVESTMENT SUMMARY REPORT FOR THE
QUARTER ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2011
4. ACCEPTANCE OF WASHINGTON ' . STREET IMPROVEMENTS AT
EISENHOWER DRIVE AND CALLE TAMPICO, PROJECT 2010 -09
5. APPROVAL TO EXCUSE COMMITTEE MEMBER RICHARD GRAY'S ABSENCE
FROM THE JANUARY 4, 2012 ARCHITECTURAL AND LANDSCAPING
REVIEW COMMITTEE MEETING
City Council Minutes 3 January 17, 2012
6. APPROVAL TO EXCUSE COMMISSIONER MARK WEBER'S ABSENCE FROM
THE JANUARY 10, 2012 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
7. APPROVAL OF AN AGREEMENT WITH WILLDAN FINANCIAL SERVICES TO
PROVIDE CONTINUING DISCLOSURE SERVICES FOR THE CITY OF LA
QUINTA
8. APPROVAL TO PROVIDE ACCOUNTING SERVICES FOR THE COACHELLA
VALLEY VIOLENT GANG TASK FORCE
9. AUTHORIZATION FOR OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR ONE MEMBER OF THE
CITY COUNCIL TO ATTEND THE LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES REVENUE
AND TAXATION COMMITTEE MEETING IN SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA TO
BE HELD JANUARY 19, 2012
10. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION MAKING A DECLARATION UNDER HEALTH
AND SAFETY CODE SECTION 33354.8 REGARDING FORGIVENESS OF
REPAYMENT OF LOANS, ADVANCES, OR INDEBTEDNESS OF THE LA
QUINTA REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY DURING THE PERIOD JANUARY 1,
2010 TO DECEMBER 31, 2011 (RESOLUTION NO. 2012 -003)
11. AUTHORIZATION TO ESTABLISH A "REDEVELOPMENT OBLIGATION
RETIREMENT FUND" TO BE ADMINISTERED BY THE CITY AS SUCCESSOR
AGENCY TO THE LA QUINTA REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AND TO
PREPARE AN ADMINISTRATIVE BUDGET FOR THE CITY AS SUCCESSOR
AGENCY
MOTION — It was moved by Council Members Evans /Franklin to approve the
Consent Calendar as recommended and amended with the exception of Item
No. 5 and with Item No. 10 being approved by RESOLUTION NOS. 2012-
003. Motion carried unanimously.
ITEM NO. 5
APPROVAL TO EXCUSE COMMITTEE MEMBER RICHARD GRAY'S ABSENCE
FROM THE JANUARY 4, 2012 ARCHITECTURAL AND LANDSCAPING REVIEW
COMMITTEE MEETING
Mayor Adolph asked if it would be the Council's pleasure to approve this excusal
with a warning to Mr. Gray.
Council Member Henderson asked how long has Commission Member Gray been on
the Committee. Planning Director Johnson explained a long -term business matter
had arisen which demanded Committee Member Gray travel out of the area; stated
City Council Minutes 4 January 17, 2012
Committee Member Gray has missed the December 2011 and January 2012
meetings; and further stated Committee Member Gray was very concerned of
missing the meetings and has expressed his commitment to serve on the
Agricultural and Landscaping Review Committee.
Mayor Adolph asked staff to speak to Committee Member Gray on the importance
of participating and attending the meetings as an appointed Committee Member.
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Evans /Henderson to approve and
excuse Committee Member Richard Gray's absence from the January 4, 2012
Architectural and Landscaping Review Committee. Motion carried unanimously.
BUSINESS SESSION
1. CONSIDERATION OF SELECTION OF EXECUTIVE SEARCH FIRM FOR CITY
MANAGER AND FINANCE DIRECTOR RECRUITMENTS, AWARD OF
CONTRACT FOR RECRUITMENT SERVICES, AND APPROPRIATION OF
FUNDS
Interim City Manager Weiss presented the staff report.
The following firms gave a brief presentation of their background and
qualifications:
Bob Murray and Associates
Ralph Anderson & Associates
Peckham & McKenney
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Franklin /Evans to select
Peckham & McKenney as the executive search firm for recruitment of a City
Manager and Finance Director.
Council Member Osborne stated the selection of Peckham & McKenney is a
good choice, especially with their experience in California and with the City
of La Quinta.
Mayor Adolph stated all of the firms would have done a good job; explained
it's the City Council that will be giving direction for the recruitment; and
conveyed his support of the motion.
Motion carried unanimously.
City Council Minutes 5 January 17, 2012
MOTION — It was moved by Council Members Evans /Osborne to authorize
the Interim City Manager to enter into a Contract Services Agreement with
Peckham & McKenney in a form approved by the City Attorney, and
appropriate funds in the amount of up to $53,500 from the General Fund
Reserves. Motion carried unanimously.
2. CONSIDERATION OF ATHLETIC HONORS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AREA
APPLICATIONS
The staff report remained unchanged and on file in the City Clerk
Department.
MOTION — It was moved by Council Members Evans /Franklin to approve the
addition of the names of Ron Davis and Tyler Brown to the Athletic Honors
Acknowledgement Area and ceremony. Motion carried unanimously.
3. CONSIDERATION OF AN EXTENSION TO THE AGREEMENT TO SHARE
TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX REVENUE WITH L.Q. HOSPITALITY, LLC
FOR THE HOMEWOOD SUITES LOCATED AT 45 -200 WASHINGTON
STREET
Economic Development /Housing Manager Powell presented the staff report.
Richard Oliphant, 77 -900 Avenue of the States, Palm Desert, stated he
understands the financial challenges of the City and the request of a two -
year extension may be a stretch, and further stated a one -year extension
would be acceptable.
Council Member Henderson stated this matter is not a redevelopment issue,
but a decline of revenue for most; the City may go to the taxpayers for
additional revenue, and must be able to justify the actions of the City Council
before asking for revenue from the taxpayers; conveyed her appreciation of
suggesting a one -year extension; and suggested this matter be considered
during the budget process.
Mr. Oliphant stated he was hoping to get an answer this evening.
Council Member Henderson asked if RSG Consultants conducted an
assessment of the ability to obtain financing. Redevelopment Consultant
Spevacek stated RSG Consultants was not able to obtain an assessment for
additional financing; and explained sharing the transient occupancy tax
increased their net profit from 6% to 10% in the last operating year and
adds to the bottom line and supports collateral for loans.
City Council Minutes 6 January 17, 2012
Council Member Henderson asked what the occupancy was for last year.
Redevelopment Consultant Spevacek reported that the occupancy was about
55% over the past three years. It was 57.4% from January to July 2009,
52.5% in January 2010 and this year the rate is at 62.8 %. Mr. Oliphant
explained the hotel must obtain a rate of 63% to break even.
Council Member Evans asked if payments to the CIBC, Inc. a Delaware
Corporation (CIBC) have been paid up to this point. Mr. Oliphant explained
payments haven't been made to CIBC, but to a lock -box account where
excess revenue has been paid into the lock -box which is available only to the
bank.
Council Member Evans asked with the agreement expiring next month, are
the bankers arriving with a proposed year -to -year agreement. Mr. Oliphant
confirmed. Council Member Evans stated the City Council may be having
this same discussion again next year, and is unsure if the consideration of
extending the agreement will help or hurt Homewood Suites; and conveyed
her concern of setting a precedent.
Council Member Osborne stated it is good to see the occupancy rate rising
this year; stated the maximum was $300,000, and $260,000 has been paid,
leaving roughly $96,000; if were to grant the extension for one year and
leave the $300,000 maximum, it is unknown if the funds would be depleted
within one year; and asked if the remaining funds would be expended within
one year. Redevelopment Consultant Spevacek confirmed the funds would
be depleted and explained last year they generated $136,000 of payments
and this year they have received approximately $43,000 in payments, and in
another six months the $30,000 will be achieved.
Council Member Evans asked when the next payment will be made. Mr.
Oliphant stated another payment is due in January 2012. Council Member
Evans stated the amount of the January 2012 payment is unknown and will
be expended from the remaining amount of $96,000. Redevelopment
Consultant Spevacek confirmed.
Council Member Osborne suggested approving a one -year extension and
retaining the $300,000 limit; stated 60% is better than nothing at all; the
hotel has brought in Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) to the City; and would
be in favor of extending for one year with the limitations in place.
Council Member Franklin conveyed agreement with comments made by
Council Member Osborne; stated must look at the bigger picture because the
hotel also has staff that create employment; conveyed her support with the
suggestion of a one -year extension and retaining the maximum of $300,000;
City Council Minutes 7 January 17, 2012
and stated this is the time the City needs to reach out and help businesses
be successful.
Council Member Henderson stated she has held conversations with citizens
who have indicated their support of the City helping local businesses; stated
the City must use caution as it will not be able to continue to do so for much
longer; and conveyed her support to extend the agreement for one year.
Council Member Evans stated she supports the extension of one year; and
asked if the one -year extension will make a difference. Mr. Oliphant
explained the extension will make a difference as opposed to meeting with
the bankers empty- handed.
Mayor Adolph asked who owns Homewood Suites. Mr. Oliphant explained
the company is held by LQ Hospitality, which is owned by Dennis French
and himself. Mayor Adolph stated the City needs to be sensitive of
businesses especially with those who live in the Valley, and assist them to
remain viable; and conveyed his support of extending the agreement for one -
year to help with the hotel.
MOTION — It was moved by Council Members Franklin /Henderson to
authorize the Interim City Manager to execute an amendment to extend the
agreement for 12 months, and maintain the maximum payment cap amount
of $300,000. Motion carried unanimously.
4. CONSIDERATION OF AN EXTENSION TO THE AGREEMENT TO SHARE
TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX REVENUE WITH VILLAGE RESORT, LLC, A
SUBSIDIARY OF CHICAGO TITLE, FOR THE EMBASSY SUITES HOTEL
LOCATED AT 50 -777 SANTA ROSA PLAZA
Economic Development /Housing Manager Powell presented the staff report.
Council Member Henderson asked if the hotel may close during the summer
months and re- opening during the season months. Economic
Development /Housing Manager Powell confirmed.
Manager Eric Seise, Embassy Suites, conveyed his appreciation with the
responsiveness and transparency in his interaction with staff; stated the
hotel has lost $6 million with $600,000 in just the last year; requesting an
extension of the existing agreement for one year.
Council Member Henderson asked if there is a way to close part of the
building. Mr. Seise stated there is no significant savings of closing part of
the building.
City Council Minutes 8 January 17, 2012
Council Member Henderson stated the Council knew it was going to be a
challenge to have a hotel in the Village, and does not know what it will take
to turn the occupancy around. .
Mr. Seise stated over the last three years the hotel has seen an improvement
in occupancy; and has been proactive with tinforming occupants of the
events held in Old 'Town.
Council Member Henderson stated the City is in the same situation with
declining revenue.
Council Member Evans asked if there is some type of collaborative with the
Palm Desert Embassy Suites because many out -of -town visitors are referred
to the Palm Desert property. Mr. Seise stated the property address does not
appear on GPS many times, but the La Quinta property is aggressively
promoting the site.
Council Member Henderson asked who the current management company of
the hotel is. Mr. Seise stated the hotel management company that has been
managing for the last two years is North View Hotel Group.
Council Member Franklin referred to the last page of Attachment 2 of the
staff report, which depicts a significant increase of occupancy from 2010 to
2011; and conveyed her support of extending the agreement for one year
with a cap, given the hotel's track record, but would have to decline if
requested again.
Council Member Osborne stated the hotel has been involved in the
community and conveyed his appreciation for it doing so; stated the City has
made a tremendous effort over the last five years to bring events and
activities to the Old Town area; and stated his challenge is if the extension is
approved, it may not change the closure of the hotel during the summer.
Mr. Seise stated his responsibility is to retain employees, and reported there
have been no lay -offs or reduction in benefits; and stated if provided a one -
year extension, the hotel will remain open during the summer months.
Mayor Adolph stated he would be a hypocrite if he did not extend the same
extension to Embassy Suites as he did to Homewood Suites; stated Embassy
Suites and the Hilton companies have more money than the City; and
conveyed his support of a one -year extension contingent upon the hotel
staying open.
City Council Minutes 9 January 17, 2012
Council Member Evans stated sometimes adjustments need to be made
across the budget, and at times in the area of part-time and full -time
employees. Mr. Seise explained vacant management positions were not
filled and agreed with Council Member Evans comments.
Mr. Seise asked if the one -year extension begins from the October 2011
expiration date. Staff confirmed.
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Evans /Franklin to authorize
the Interim City Manager to execute an amendment to extend the agreement
for 12 months, and maintain the maximum payment cap amount. Motion
carried unanimously.
The City Council recessed to and until 7.00 p.m.
7:00 P.M.
PUBLIC COMMENT - None
PRESENTATIONS - None
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER A RESOLUTION ADDING
CERTAIN ALTERNATIVE CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL TO FOUR TRACT
MAPS ALLOWING THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF RAISED MEDIANS
IN LIEU OF TRAFFIC SIGNALS FOR TRACT MAPS 25500 -4, 28603 -1,
28838 -1, AND 29147 -1, KSL LAND CORPORATION, AND APPROVING A
CASH PAYMENT FOR REMAINING OFFSITE IMPROVEMENTS ASSOCIATED
WITH TRACT MAP 28960
Council Member Franklin announced a potential conflict of interest exists due
to the proximity of her residence to the project, and must recuse herself from
this matter. Council Member Franklin left the dais and the meeting.
Council Member Osborne stated he has reviewed the minutes and audio
recordings of the discussion held previously on this matter.
City Attorney Jenson announced a determination from a third party, La
Quinta Palms Realty, has been received stating Mayor Adolph is eligible to
participate in this matter.
Public Works Director Jonasson presented the staff report.
City Council Minutes . 10 January 17, 2012
Council Member Osborne stated no improvements would be installed if
warrants are met. Public Works Director Jonasson confirmed.
Mayor Adolph asked if any changes to the improvements were going to be
made, would the residents be notified in the future. Public Works Director
Jonasson explained the developer could install traffic signals when warranted
without notification, but if they were to install any other improvements other
than traffic signals, the residents would be notified.
The Mayor declared the continued PUBLIC HEARING OPEN at 7:14 p.m.
Jon Rodrigue, KSL Land Corp., thanked the City Council for recommending
to meet with staff and the Madison Street Access Committee to work
toward a solution; stated after meeting with Madison Street Access
Committee, KSL is in agreement with staff recommendation.
Mary Caldwell, 57419 Colonial, Member of the Board of Directors Masters
Association, stated the Board supports the Madison Street Access
Committee.
Karen Pelletier, 54526 Southern Hills, thanked staff for listening to the
Madison Street Access Committee's concerns, and for the City Council to
listening to their safety concerns of the worm medians; and stated the
Committee is in agreement with staff's recommendation.
Jerry McDonald, Manager of PGA West Fairways Homeowners' Association,
thanked City Council for continuing this public hearing to enable season
residents to attend the meeting; and thanked the City Council for their
decision as recommended.
David Stearns, 57231 Medina, conveyed his support of the previous
speakers and the Madison Street Access Committee.
There being no additional requests to speak, the Mayor declared the
PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED at 7:21 p.m.
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Henderson /Evans to adopt
Resolution No. 2012 -004 and approve the following recommendations:
a. Tract Map No. 25500 -4, accept cash or a letter of credit in the amount of
$430,000 as satisfaction for the future design and construction of the
traffic signal at the Winged Foot access to Tract 25500 -4 on Madison
City Council Minutes 11 January 17, 2012
Street (PGA West Residential Area 1 and Eagle Bend entrance) when
warranted; and
b. Tract Map No. 28603 -1, accept cash or a letter of credit in the amount
of $215,000 as satisfaction for the future design and construction of
one -half of the traffic signal at the Weiskopf access to Tract 28603 -1 on
Madison Street (Master Series entrance) when warranted; and
c. Tract Map No. 28838 -1, accept cash or a letter of credit in the amount of
$215,000 as satisfaction for the future design and construction of one -
half of the traffic signal at the Legends Way access to Tract 28838 -1 on
Madison Street (Master Series entrance) when warranted; and
d. Tract Map No. 29147 -1, accept cash or letter of credit in the amount of
$31,000 as satisfaction for the design and construction of one -half of the
median modification at the Troon Way access to Tract 29147 -1 on
Madison Street (Legends and Summit entrance) and $30,000 as
satisfaction for the future design and construction of the entrance
modification at the Black Diamond access to Tract 29147 -1 on Avenue
58 (Pasadera and Summit entrance) when warranted; and
e. Tract Map No. 28960, accept cash or letter of credit in the amount of
$856,000 as satisfaction for the future design and construct
approximately three quarters of the full right -of -way off -site
improvements along a length equal to the length of the PGA West
Specific Plan 83 -002 development fronting Avenue 58 and accept cash
or letter of credit of $107,500 as satisfaction for the future design and
construction of 25% of the traffic signal at Avenue 58 and Madison
Street when warranted.
RESOLUTION NO. 2012 -004
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, ADDING AN ALTERNATIVE CONDITION OF APPROVAL FOR
TRACT MAP NO. 29147 -1 AND APPROVING A CASH PAYMENT FOR THE
REMAINING OFF -SITE IMPROVEMENTS ASSOCIATED WITH TRACT MAP
NO. 28960
Motion carried by a vote of 4 -0 -1, Council Member Franklin absent.
City Council Minutes 12 January 17, 2012
BUSINESS SESSION (continued)
5. CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTMENTS TO CITY COUNCIL STANDING
COMMITTEES AND OTHER AGENCIES
City Clerk Montecino presented the staff report.
MOTION It was moved by Council Members Franklin /Henderson to appoint
Council Member Osborne as the City representative on the Coachella Valley
Association of Governments (CVAG) Valley -Wide Homeless Committee; and
III) Energy and Consumers' Advisory Committee. Motion carried
unanimously.
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Henderson /Franklin to appoint
Council Member Evans as the City representative on the CVAG Coachella
Valley Conservation Commission; CVAG Energy & Environmental Resources
Committee; Palm Springs Desert Resort Communities Convention & Visitors
Authority. Motion carried by a vote of 4 -0 -1, Council Member Evans absent.
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Evans /Adolph to appoint
Council Member Henderson as the City representative on the CVAG Public
Safety Committee; CVAG Transportation Committee; Riverside County
Transportation Commission; and the Alternate to the Palm Springs Desert
Resort Communities Convention & Visitors Authority. Motion carried by a
vote of 4 -0 -1, Council Member Henderson absent.
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Evans /Henderson to appoint
Council Member Franklin as the City representative to the Coachella Valley
Mountains Conservancy; Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport Authority; and
Alternate to the Sunline Transit Agency. Motion carried by a vote of 4 -0 -1,
Council Member Franklin absent.
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Evans /Franklin to appoint
Council Member Osborne as the Alternate City representative on the CVAG
Coachella Valley Conservation Commission `' and CVAG Energy &
Environmental Resources Committee. Motion carried by a vote of 4 -0 -1,
Council Member Osborne absent.
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Henderson /Evans to appoint
Mayor Adolph as the City representative on the CVAG Executive Committee;.
Sunline Transit Agency / Sunline Services Group; and Alternate on the
Riverside County Transportation Commission. Motion carried by a vote of
4 -0 -1, Mayor Adolph absent.
City Council Minutes 13 January t7, 2412
All other appointments remained the same.
STUDY SESSION - None
REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
Animal Campus Commission - Council Member Franklin reported Supervisor John
Benoit announced the County is looking at a 28% cut in revenue and stated the
Animal Campus facility will not be able to operate if there is a reduction of staff
without the help of volunteers; Palm Desert Council Member Cindy Finerty was
elected as Chair, and La Quinta Council Member Kristy Franklin as Vice Chair; the
Campus received a $10,000 grant from the American Society for the Prevention of
Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA); and further reported the annual adoption event held in
Rancho Mirage adopted out 235 dogs.
CV Mountains Conservancy - Council Member Franklin. announced Buford Crites is
the new Chair; approved a $66,000 grant to the Friends of 10 acres in the Santa
Rosa Fan Palm area, and a 10 to 20 -acre area in Section 5; and the Conservancy
prepared a Resolution in honor of the late Stanley Sniff and requested the City
frame and present it at a future meeting.
III) Energy Consumers' Advisory Committee - Council Member Franklin reported
the Nylan power station is 85% complete and finished construction under budget,
and it will be connected in late 2012; and a unit in El Centro is 80% complete and
will go online before summer.
Chamber of Commerce Workshop /Information Exchange Committee - Council
Member Franklin reported a commercial development update on the elderly -care
facility was provided; discussions were held about Humana and the events being
held during the Humana Challenge; the annual Car Show will be held on January
29', and the Taste of La Quinta will be held on March 17"; the Fitness Center is
doing well and bringing in a profit; the website is being redesigned with a new
logo; announced the Mayor's Luncheon will be held on February 2n and other
elected officials in the area have been invited to attend; and further reported a chili
cook -off, evening parade, and fireworks are planned for July 4, 2012.
Council Member Osborne stated he has resigned from the La Quints Chamber of
Commerce Board as of last week.
CVAG Public Safety Committee - Council Member Henderson acknowledged and
thanked Paul Hess for giving a presentation of the Community Emergency
Response Team (CERT) program and stated staff members from other cities were
very impressed.
City Council Minutes 14 January 9 ,7,:2012
CVAG Transportation Committee — Council Member Henderson reported there have
been on -going discussions of obtaining $56,000 for the Parkway Project and stated
Supervisor John Benoit is attempting to negotiate for the funding.
League of California Cities — Council Member Henderson reported she will be
leaving tomorrow for a Revenue & Tax Committee meeting in Sacramento; and
stated a Board meeting is scheduled for next week.
CVAG Energy & Environmental Resources Committee — Council Member Evans
reported discussion of grant funding for the Parkway project was held, and stated
the City of Coachella is seeking grant funding for other needs that are more
important than developing the Parkway Project.
All other reports were noted and filed.
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
1. CITY MANAGER
Interim City Manager Weiss stated one of the tasks the City is charged to
complete as the Successor agency of the La Quinta Redevelopment Agency;
is to select seven members for the Oversight Committee along with the
County of Riverside; Supervisor Benoit has requested each City Manager in
the County to recommend a member of their community to serve on the
Committee. Interim City Manager Weiss requested the City Council schedule
a special meeting for Tuesday, January 24, 2012 at 5:00 p.m. to consider
recommendations of community members for the Committee.
Mayor Adolph requested information of the positions and duties entailed of
the Committee. Interim City Manager Weiss explained summary of the
duties charged by the legislation including the. dissolution of the
Redevelopment Agency assets, distribution of tax- increment funds, and
qualified individuals should be familiar with the concept of redevelopment;
and stated he has contacted a few people that would be qualified to serve
on the Committee. He further stated the position will require some time
commitment and there is no compensation provided.
City Attorney Jenson explained it is anticipated the Oversight Committee
meetings will be scheduled at a designated time, of.the month and held at the
Coachella Valley Association of Governments' office in Palm Desert, with all
nine oversight committees in the County of Riverside scheduled to meet
sequentially; stated Supervisor Benoit had considered being a member of all
City Council Minutes 15 January 17, 2012
nine Committees, but is considering to appoint a staff member to participate
due to the time commitment; she further explained the 'member of the
Public' appointee must be a La Quinta resident, which is one of seven
members, with two appointees by the Mayor, one additional appointee by
the Supervisor, and three appointees from either school related or largest
taxing agency; and further explained the duties of the Committee with all
nine oversight committees eventually merging into one.
Council Member Henderson asked if the recommendation the City Council
will be considering is one of the appointments by Supervisor Benoit. Interim
City Manager Weiss confirmed. City Attorney Jenson clarified this appointee
recommendation is separate from the two appointees made by the Mayor.
It was the consensus of the City Council to schedule a special meeting on
Tuesday, January 24, 2012 at 5:00 p.m.
Council Member Franklin asked if the City Council will be recommending one
or can there be three names recommended. Interim City Manager Weiss
stated it would be best to recommend more than one name for the
Supervisor to choose from due to the time commitment.
Council Member Osborne asked if the recommended persons must be a
resident of La Quinta. City Attorney Jenson stated that point was debated,
but as she read the statute it states 'members from the public -at- large', but
the Supervisor is interpreting it to be a member of the community.
MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS' ITEMS
Council Member Franklin stated the Humana Challenge Kick -Off Breakfast was a
tremendous event; and noted that a separate, complimentary section has been
established for military personnel to view the tournament.
Mayor Adolph stated he will begin using a pedometer distributed at the .Humana
Wellness Walk as $10 will be donated to local charities for every mile walked.
Council Member Osborne stated he had an out -of -state trip scheduled previously to
being appointed to the Council, and will not be in attendance at the February 7,
2012 meeting.
City Council Minutes 16 Jaquary 17,, 2012
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, it was moved by Council Members Osborne /Evans
to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
�-
VERONICA J. MONTECINO, City Clerk
City of La Quinta, California