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2012 11 20 CC MinutesCITY COUNCIL MINUTES TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2012 CALL TO ORDER A regular meeting of the La Quinta City Council was called to order at 3:30 p.m. by Mayor Adolph. PRESENT: Council Members Evans, Franklin, Henderson, Osborne, Mayor Adolph ABSENT: None. PUBLIC COMMENT - NONE CLOSED SESSION 1. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS, SKI HARRISON AND TERRY DEERINGER, REGARDING NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE LA QUINTA CITY EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54957.6 MEET AND CONFER PROCESS The City Council recessed to closed session at 3:30 p.m. The City Council reconvened the City Council meeting at 4:13 p.m. with all Members present. PUBLIC COMMENT Public Speaker: James Joseph Stenson, La Quinta - Mr. Stenson stated that he lives at Hadley Villas Senior Apartments. He thanked Council for attending past ceremonies at the complex and invited the Council to attend Hadley Villas Flag Ceremony on December 7, 2012 at 8:45 a.m. CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA City Manager Spevacek recommended that Consent Calendar Item No. 7 be pulled and rescheduled for the December 18, 2012 Council meeting. Council concurred. City Manager Spevacek announced that it was a year ago today that former City Manager Tom Genovese passed away and on behalf of staff, wished to remember CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 1 NOVEMBER 20, 2012 him on this day. Mayor Adolph called for a moment of silence in memory of Tom Genovese. PRESENTATIONS 1. UPDATE FROM THE COACHELLA VALLEY ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP Mr. Tom Flavin, Chief Executive Officer of Coachella Valley Economic Partnership provided 'an update on the two core programs, business development and workforce excellence. Mr. Flavin handed out a two -page summary entitled: CVEP RETURN ON INVESTMENT (ROI) STATEMENT [on file with the City Clerk]. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS — NONE APPROVAL OF MINUTES MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Council Members Evans /Franklin to approve the City Council minutes of November 6, 2012 as submitted. Motion passed unanimously. CONSENT CALENDAR 1. RECEIVE AND FILE REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE REPORT DATED SEPTEMBER 30, 2012 2. RATIFY APPLICATION SUBMISSION TO AND ACCEPTANCE OF CALIFORNIA OFFICE OF TRAFFIC AND SAFETY FOR THE SOBRIETY CHECKPOINT GRANT PROGRAM FUNDING FOR FISCAL YEAR 2012/2013 3. ACCEPTANCE OF WASHINGTON STREET IMPROVEMENTS AT AVENUE 48, PROJECT NO. 2010 -06 4. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION GRANTING APPROVAL OF FINAL PARCEL MAP 36241, JEFFERSON SQUARE, REGENCY MARINITA — LA QUINTA, LLC [Resolution No. 2012 -0641 5. APPROVAL OF DEMAND REGISTER DATED NOVEMBER 20, 2012 6. RECEIVE AND FILE TREASURER'S REPORT DATED SEPTEMBER 30, 2012 7. pulled > > > ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION TO EXTEND THE TIME FOR COMPLETION OF THE OFFSITE AND ONSITE IMPROVEMENTS FOR PARCEL MAP 29052, LUNDIN DEVELOPMENT, BLP DESERT, LP CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 2 NOVEMBER 20, 2012 MOTION - A motion was made and seconded by Council Members Franklin /Osborne to approve Consent Calendar Item Nos. 1, 2 and 4, 5, 6, with Item No. 4 adopting Resolution No. 2012 -064. Motion passed unanimously. MOTION A motion was made and seconded by Council Members Henderson /Franklin to approve Consent Calendar Item 3. Motion passed with 4 ayes, 0 nays, 1 abstain (Council Member Evans abstained due to the proximity of this project to her residence). BUSINESS SESSION - NONE STUDY SESSION 1. DISCUSSION OF SILVERROCK RESORT DEVELOPMENT City Manager Spevacek explained that changes in the economy have generated renewed Developer interest in the SilverRock property. This is the beginning of a long process to find a development entity with which the Council is comfortable working. This phase is not final; it is just the beginning of the process. Economic Development /Housing Manager Powell presented the staff report. First Presenter - Beverly Park Development Group Mr. Brian Adler presented the group's proposal. Mr. Adler said he will focus on accomplishments and the evolution of the plan since his last presentation. The 80,000 square foot wing off the hotel will be reduced to around 40,000 square feet. A community shopping plaza will be created on the 13.79 acres known as the "dog bone" piece. This will be the ultimate family shopping and dining experience which is inclusive of La Quinta residents and the entire Coachella Valley. The 13.79 acres will also hold a children's area with rides such as a carousel and train, farmers' market, music, on -going shows, the latest entertainment and environment - control technology, parking, water features, and possibly hotel staff housing Regarding the hotel, Mr. Adler stated that fractional sales are no longer part of his proposal. All keys will be 100% percent applicable to Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) at all times. Their number of keys is now at 715 consisting of 402 villas and pavilions and 313 keys within the three hotels. Mr. Adler said that he will be assembling the finest firms in each required field of expertise to plan and execute the SilverRock vision, including Turner Construction. He noted that a 100% completion bond will be posted. The project will be extremely eco- friendly, create 1,000 plus jobs, and work with College of the Desert to design curriculum for an educated hospitality workforce. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 3 NOVEMBER 20, 2012 In response to Council Member Evans, Mr. Adler confirmed that his group still intends to build the entire development at once rather than in phases. Council Member Osborne confirmed that construction will be 100% bonded for completion. Mr. Osborne observed that most of the community- related activities would occur in the dog bone area of the property. In response to Council Member Franklin, Mr. Adler said the convention center will be approximately 75,000 square feet, the pavilions (P3) will be about 2,600 square feet, and the villas (V1) will be 2,400 square feet. The V2 area requires further study; it may be set aside for future development so they have flexibility to add, popular types of rooms or activities. At the request of Council Member Franklin, Mr. Adler explained the concept for including staff apartment housing on the grounds (at the top of the dog bone). In response to Council Member Henderson, Mr. Adler said that the apartments be restricted to employees only and would be part of their contract - for rent only. He clarified for Ms. Henderson that the performance bond would be put up by Turner Construction as a condition of the group's contract with them. Council Member Henderson stated that she is still cautious due to the economy and suggested that sometimes phasing looks good due to the commitment. She also expressed her concern that the concentrated audience which provides business for Old Town would be the same audience for his resort. Ms. Henderson said she wondered if there was any value in creating that much competition. Mr. Adler responded that the shopping- dining component was added based on. input from Council but it was not necessary to his project, however, if it is desired, it will be a state of the art, high - quality place to be. Mayor Adolph requested that space for parking for area events continue to be included in the design. Mayor Adolph confirmed that the group would provide a critical path timeline for the project. Second Presenter - Discovery Land Company Steve Adelson and Tom Collapy of Discovery Land Company, and Don Vita of Vita Planning & Landscape Architecture, San Rafael presented the group's proposal. Mr. Adelson said that in order to be successful, the project must be a collaboration between Discovery Land and the City. A developer's track record is an important factor, and Discovery Land has two large, successful projects in La Quinta. Mr. Vita said that the team has refined designs since the last presentation. It's a big project that will see many real estate cycles before it's completed. He said the CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 4 NOVEMBER 20, 2012 sense of place is already there with the spectacular mountains, so their plan is to accentuate and add to that. Some of the core ideas include desert appropriate architecture and landscaping, cultural and historical references, and understanding the demographics today and in the future. It will be a mixed -use destination with different types and levels of housing, retail, entertainment, hospitality venues, and attractive amenities. Walkability and connectivity will create a cohesive environment. Mr. Vita noted that there have been a few tweaks to the previously presented plan. It complements, not competes with La Quinta's downtown. The project will contain real resident - serving commercial retail such as a dry cleaner, coffee shop or FedEx store within walking distance for residents. The street will be pedestrian designed where the cars are the guests, and be anchored at either end with hospitality uses on public plazas. A mix of different types of residential are included such as single homes, townhomes, higher -end branded residential, exclusive residential centered around a clubhouse, and academy villas. Due to the distance of the dog bone section from the main property, Mr. Vita said they believe a residential use is best for that area. Next to the round - about, there will be a golf academy and a public park with ball fields or other needed amenities. This park area can be used for overflow parking during events. In response to Council Member Henderson, Mr. Adelson said that their letter of financial qualifications has been submitted to staff, and although they wish to keep that confidential for now, it can be shared with Council. Regarding Council Member Henderson's questions about the housing planned, Mr. Adelson said that the housing is being contemplated for the dog bone section because they are struggling with connectivity to the main core and felt that perhaps pre -paid TOT sales of residential in that area would work, but they are flexible to considering other uses. Mr. Adelson said none of the residential is single family homes and would be TOT driven — it is consistent with their original presentation. Mr. Adelson explained the phasing plan which would start with the boutique hotel and retail. In addressing Council Member Henderson's concern regarding attracting vibrant retail that can generate business all year, Mr. Adelson said it would be done by broadening the market appeal, extending the prime season into the shoulder season and then into the off - season and negotiating percentage rents for some tenants. He said that the type of retail planned will be a draw to the project and contribute to atmosphere of excitement. In response to Council Member Osborne, Mr. Collapy said all units in the core area would be hotel rooms (about 512) or rentals. He said the majority of all units on the property would be "warm beds ", perhaps 800 -900 keys, generating TOT. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 5 NOVEMBER 20, 2012 Mr. Adelson responded to Council Member Osborne's concern that finishing the project will be dependent upon sales of units by confirming that to be the case and adding that conventional hotel financing is extremely tight. They plan to build something the City is immediately proud of, and a project that will create a buzz, which will in turn draw users and development. Mr. Adelson said that hotels rely heavily on debt sources to make themselves viable, and those sources are constrained these days. Without the debt source, developers need a lot of equity but this does not provide the return on investment that most investors require in a hotel. Down the road, the 450 -key hotel will be more viable once the retail and boutique hotel are operational and amenities are in place. He said that if any company will be able to get the financing, it will be Discovery Land and they believe the phasing is the most prudent way to proceed. Mr. Collapy added that if there is a lag between phases, each phase is designed so that there is no obvious gap in appearance. In response to Council Member Evans, Mr. Collapy explained that although it's still conceptual, they anticipate that Phase 1 would include the 60 -room boutique hotel, 10,000 square feet of retail, and golf course. Phase 2 would consist of 60 -100 units, and then the large TOT - generating hotel would follow approximately 4 -5 years (or sooner if possible) after Phase. 1 depending upon the market, and the success of Phase 1. In response to Council Member Franklin, Mr. Adelson said that a golf clubhouse would not be built at the same time as the golf course, but would initially be run out of the boutique hotel. Ms. Franklin asked why visitors would be drawn to the project with just the Phase 1 amenities. Mr. Adelson said that Discovery Land's level of service as well as its large number of passionate followers will be the draw as will the intimate hotel, unique retail, good restaurants and entertainment. He said Discovery Land has started with less so they are very confident that at a site such as SilverRock they can create the buzz very quickly. Council Member Franklin expressed concern about the residential components generating TOT. She also said that she does not get a feeling of synergy, warmth or excitement from Phase 1, nor does she see it as an inclusive project for residents. Mr. Adelson explained that the project was designed not just for residents of the project but for the whole community, and this is done partly through programming such as storytelling, farmers' markets, festivals, and art fairs. It will be very welcoming, and open with no gates. Mr. Vita showed depictions of the amphitheater planned for public gatherings, waterfront restaurants, and outdoor dining cafes. He also showed activities associated with the large hotel in Phase 2. In response to Mayor Adolph, Mr. Adelson stated that they would provide a critical path and phasing schedule. Regarding the canal currently running through the property, Mr. Adelson said that its location is a collaborative effort but Discovery CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6 NOVEMBER 20, 2012 Land is flexible in that they can plan around it or participate in determining its course. Mayor Adolph said that he shares Council Member Franklin's concern that the project must produce significant TOT revenue to the city. He reminded developers that the city purchased the SilverRock property for two reasons: (1) to produce an ongoing revenue stream. to the city and (2) to provide an affordable golfing facility to residents. The Mayor stated that he was pleased to see a black box entertainment component because the city lacks movie theatres and a performing arts center. In response to Council Member Henderson, Mr. Adelson said that the boutique hotel was not designed for large group events, but it could accommodate a group of 100 -150. He explained that on any given night, 60 hotel rooms and an estimated 70% of residential units would be available to the public. Third Presenter - Meriwether Management Group Graham Culp, Garrett Simon, and John Gamlin presented the group's proposal. Mr. Culp stated that their plan has not changed in any substantial way since it was first presented in October. He noted that at the last presentation, they introduced Sterling Bay Companies as their master plan, capital partner, which has committed to spend approximately $30 million. Since then, they have focused on identifying best -in -class developers for other segments of the project. Robert Green Companies, a Southern California hotel developer is one, and another is Lewis Group of Companies which were Presenters to Council at the last meeting. Lewis Group is a well- respected developer who has expressed interest in working with Meriwether on the retail and residential components. Mr. Culp said that Meriwether has advanced their plan to the point where an exclusive negation agreement would allow them to discuss the project more succinctly, especially the capitalization. It would also allow them to speak with confidence and in more detail to the city's desires for the project. Mr. Gamlin said that they had a concept plan, phasing plan, and an eight -year timeline to help to answer Council's questions. Economic sustainability must be imbedded in the project so that it's still appealing in 30 years to 100 years. Council Member Franklin said she likes this plan and the inclusiveness of it. Mr. Gamlin put the company's timeline on the screen in response to Council Member Franklin's request and summarized it. Approvals would be completed and Phase 1 construction would begin in 2014. Full build out would take six years. Mr. Gamlin said that a critical mass must be created but not all in one area; layers of things must be happening to feed off each other and be synergistic. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7 NOVEMBER 20, 2012 In response to Council Member Franklin, Mr. Gamlin said that their plan is not obstructed, impeded or dependent upon the canal; they can and will work around it in.its current configuration or any reconstruction of it. Mr. Gamlin looks forward to being included in discussions with the water district and the city on the matter. In response to Council Member Osborne, Mr. Gamlin said that the golf course has not yet been plugged into the timeline because its construction is a variable driven by the hospitality component. Mr. Osborne informed Meriwether that SilverRock currently sees 45,000 rounds per year. Mr. Gamlin acknowledged it and explained that their plan allowed for phasing in the golf course by starting with nine holes. He suggested that the public recreational land be further discussed and analyzed to consider some innovative products unlike anything in the Valley today. Meriwether see SilverRock as the Eastern flank of the hospitality market and as such, it needs to be compelling. In response to Council Member Henderson, Mr. Gamlin said that the plan has three different product types which work together and connect to the mixed -use village. The three types are two boutique hotel sites, a resort hotel, and a resort residential village. In the current plan, the resort - residential village has 146 units with vertical building to start in 2016 and completion in 2020. Prior to 2016, 150 flats will be built starting in 2015, which is the soonest this rcould, be built given the soft work and infrastructure that would have to precede construction. These units will immediately contribute to TOT through rentals or in -lieu fees. In response to Council Member Henderson's question as to what will draw visitors to this project. Mr. Gamlin said that it will be the elements of the plan, including the unique retail which will make the critical difference. It will be forward thinking and flexible. They intend to design an environment that becomes a destination to the national and international markets.that the Coachella Valley serves. In response to Mayor Adolph's concerns, Mr. Culp said that they would expect the requirement to provide completion and performance bonds to be part of their agreement with the city, and they in turn would require the same from their development partners. Public Speaker: Richard Rowland of Plan B Resolution Advisors — Mr. Rowland said that he recently submitted to the city a Letter of Interest to develop the SilverRock property with the Desert Star group who is currently developing a game preserve/ golf resort in South Africa, He said he believes his group has the solution to the concern about drawing people to the site. Mayor Adolph directed Mr. Rowland to meet with staff to explore adding his proposal for consideration. City Manager Spevacek asked for direction to Council as to how they would like to proceed. He said Council- could direct staff to work with a particular developer CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 8 NOVEMBER 20, 2012 under an exclusive negotiation agreement or direct staff to issue a request for qualifications. Council could also direct staff to engage additional developers for further discussions. Council Member Osborne said that the plans did not contain enough economic and timeline detail for him to judge which would be preferable. Council Member Evans said that based on the two presentation sessions, and the comfort -level component discussed, she would like to discuss the possibility of entering into an Exclusive Negotiation Agreement (ENA) with Meriwether. They provided the timeline, they asked for the ENA, they are prepared to start going into detail, everything they presented is encompassed in all the other proposals, all Council Members seem to like the elements of their plan as presented, and they have a clear focus on TOT being the prime driver of what the city is trying to accomplish in this project. Council Member Osborne stated that he likes the proposal from Beverly Park which has committed to constructing the entire project all at once and will be bonded to do so. It could be the difference between a project being completed over ten years as opposed to five years, and the revenue generated in years' six to ten has to be considered. Council Member Henderson said that she agrees with Council Member Osborne, but also sees pros and cons with each developer. Council Member Franklin stated that she agrees with Council Member Evans because she is very comfortable with that group and does not like the exclusiveness of Mr. Adler's plan. Ms. Franklin said that all her questions have been answered and she would like to move forward with the Meriwether group. She was impressed that the group started with the Specific Plan, did an overlay and increased the amount of TOT to the city. The group is very concerned with the financial aspect of providing TOT to the city which is important. Mayor Adolph said he would like time to study every proposal before deciding. There was a consensus among Council to decide the matter on December 18" City Manager Spevacek said that this item will be brought back to Council as a Business Item on December 18, 2012. He added that in the interim, he would be available to answer specific questions or conduct any preliminary analysis that would assist Council in their selection. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 9 NOVEMBER 20, 2012 2. DISCUSSION OF THE 2012 UPDATE OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEE (DIF) STUDY City Manager Spevacek provided background. Public Works Director Jonasson presented the staff report. In response to Council Member Osborne, Consultant Nickerson of NAI clarified the cost of preparing the update. Mr. Nickerson also explained that tourists contribute to park facilities through DIF payments from the hospitality industry collected when the hotel is built. Mr. Nickerson explained for Council Member Henderson the distinction between Quimby Act land dedications or fee -in -lieu requirements and DIF fees as outlined on page 4 -1 of the November 2012 Draft Development Impact Fee Study report. He said that the park fees collected under the DIF program are for capital improvements only; Quimby Act fees are for the purchase of land to build parks upon. Mr. Nickerson stated that Quimby funds buy land, DIF funds build on it. He said that Quimby Act fees are separate fees from those for DIF, aka AB1600 requirements. In response to Council Member Henderson, Mr. Nickerson explained why some other cities have such high fees. He said it is a factor of the formula used, the amount of vacant land and the population level. Public Speaker: Tom Cullinan, Indian Wells — Mr. Cullinan expressed concern that the Avenue 58 extension, which would terminate at Madison Street, has been excluded from this DIF study update. It has been part "of the study in the past and he requests that it be included again even though their Reimbursement Agreement was on hold until they get their easement agreement with . the Bureau of Reclamation to go over the dike. Director Jonasson responded that in the case of Avenue 58, .defined as a two -lane secondary modified artery, its benefits were not clear outside the developments it serviced. Director Jonasson would like time to examine Avenue 58 extension closer to evaluate the component the development community as a whole should be contributing to that project. Public Speaker: Gretchen Gutierrez, CEO of The Desert Valley Builders Association — Ms. Gutierrez distributed a letter to Council which is on file in the City Clerk's Office. Ms. Gutierrez stated that her organization has looked at the study extensively and they are comfortable with the study so far. There has been an exceptional amount of review. She said that there is only one item they would like to have continuing input and that is round - abouts versus signaled intersections. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 10 NOVEMBER 20, 2012 Public Speaker: Bill Blankenship, CEO, Riverside County Building Industry Association - Mr. Blankenship requested more time to review it. Mayor Adolph recessed the City Council meeting at 6:56 p.m. Mayor Adolph reconvened the City Council meeting at 7:05 p.m. with all Members present. PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE LA QUINTA MUNICIPAL CODE, SECTION 9.150, PARKING, AND OTHER SECTIONS RELATED THERETO, ALLOWING FOR TANDEM PARKING PROVISIONS. APPLICANT: CITY OF LA QUINTA Planning Director Johnson presented the staff report. Mayor Adolph declared the Public Hearing Open at 7:08 p.m. Public Speakers: NONE Mayor Adolph declared the Public Hearing Closed at 7:08 p.m. MOTION - A motion was made and seconded by Council Members Franklin /Osborne to take up Ordinance No. 505 by title and number only and waive further reading. Motion passed unanimously. City Clerk Maysels read Ordinance No. 505 into the record: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CERTAIN SECTIONS OF TITLE 9 (ZONING) OF THE LA QUINTA MUNICIPAL CODE, SPECIFICALLY: SECTION 9.50.090 A, RELATING TO RC DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS; SECTION 9.60.060 B.1, RELATING TO GARAGE AND CARPORT SETBACKS; SECTIONS 9.150.080 B.11 RELATING TO WHEN TANDEM PARKING. IS PERMITTED AND THE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS APPLICABLE TO SUCH PARKING MOTION - A motion was made and seconded by Council Members Franklin /Evans to introduce Ordinance No. 505 on first reading. Motion passed unanimously. REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS Greater Palm Springs Convention and Visitors Bureau - Council Member Evans distributed a booklet entitled: "The Economic Impact of Tourism in Greater Palm Springs" which captures the essence of what drives the economy in the Coachella Valley. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 11 NOVEMBER 20, 2012 Coachella Valley Association of Governments, Energy & Environmental Committee — Council Member Evans reported that the meeting was held at the Salton Sea where the County's plans for it were reviewed. It's a great plan but it may be difficult to get funding from the State. Coachella Valley Association of Governments, Conservation Committee — Council Member Evans reported that the multi- species habitat plan was reviewed and is on track. Coachella Valley Association of Governments, Transportation Committee — Council Member Henderson reported on solutions presented by Supervisor Benoit's office to solve the Interstate 10 traffic jams. Solutions include frontage roads in both directions, signage, and movable gates but there is no dedicated funding source, only a $10 million grant to start. Coachella Valley Association of Governments, Public Safety Committee — Council Member Henderson reported that the City of La Quinta's letter regarding AB109 was delivered. According to the status report 'received, 21 criminals have been released in La Quinta for "post release community supervision." League of California Cities — Council Member Henderson reported that they discussed ways to address AB109. Ben Benoit' was appointed to the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD). The League has had no dues increase since 2007, but to maintain the current level of legal involvement with AB26, the League will request from members, a voluntary 10% of annual dues donation to the legal fund. Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG), Homelessness Committee — Council Member Osborne reported that Roy's Shelter received $315,000 in funds from the Department of Social Services. The Friends of Roy.'s organization is a new 501(c)(3) non - profit which will receive $75,000 ($50,000 personnel, $25,000 supplies) of these funds to hire someone for one year to secure grants, subsidies and other funding for the long term. In 2018, CVAG will stop asking cities to fund Roy's Shelter. Animal Campus Commission — Council Member Franklin reported that the adoption event in Rancho Mirage went very well. Cal Bio Mass Inc. - Council Member Franklin reported on the meeting she attended with County Supervisor Benoit, Mayor Adolph, AQMD staff, and Michael Hardy regarding Cal Bio Mass Inc. Mr. Hardy reported that he is installing a misting system around the perimeter of the property, which is expected to reduce or eliminate odors. Mr. Hardy is searching for 80 to 100 acres to relocate his business. The amount of green waste he processes is amazing and La Quinta is his CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 12 NOVEMBER 20, 2012 biggest customer for green waste. Cal Bio Mass has been cited for water leaching from under the piles. Mayor Adolph added that additional actions will be taken if the misting system .does not solve the odor problem, and Mr. Hardy agreed to stop operations during the holidays. Council Member Franklin pointed out that if the County revoked Cal Bio Mass Conditional Use Permit, it would not solve the problem because Mr. Hardy can walk away - it is not his land. Council Member Evans suggested that Council communicate the results of this meeting to the residents of Trilogy. Sunline Transit Agency - Mayor Adolph reported that three Sunline buses were sent out to collect food for Valley food banks and they collected 13 tons of food. DEPARTMENT REPORTS City Manager Spevacek asked if Council wanted to consider closing City Hall for the four hours it is scheduled to be open on Monday December 24' and Monday December 31st. Council unanimously directed the City Manager to close City Hall all day on December 24' and 31 55 . MAYOR'S AND COUNCIL MEMBER'S ITEMS Mayor Adolph asked Public Works Director Jonasson to research the installment of a crosswalk on Adams Street in mid -block leading to the park. Director Jonasson said a hawk- system may be the best solution but the cost is approximately $ 100,000. Director Jonasson said he will present solutions as part of the CIP program. Council Member Henderson said that the stop sign on Avenue 54, east of Madison, east bound, is too far back from the intersection. Director Jonasson will have it checked. Council Member Evans asked staff to add to the CIP list, the traffic signal proposed by the Esplanade residents at Jefferson & Dunbar. The cost was to be shared with the City of Indio, who may now have the funds due to development in that area. Mayor Adolph corrected The Desert Sun article because the City Council never demanded that Cal Bio -Mass shut down its operation. Mayor Adolph said he contacted The Desert Sun to correct several articles stating that the City Manager of La Quinta's salary is over $200,000, and discovered that The Desert Sun staff was uninterested in correcting the mistake. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 13 NOVEMBER 20, 2012 Mayor Adolph reported that. resident Mark Weber is interested in serving on the IID- ECAC representing the City. City Attorney Jenson advised that nothing precludes Mr. Weber from sitting on both the IID -ECAC and the City's Planning Commission. Mayor Adolph informed Council that he has been inundated by communications from Linda Gunnett, and feels it's a form of harassment. The Mayor suggested that there be a limit to the time Council and staff spends responding to Ms. Gunnett's questions and accusations because it is beyond the point of being reasonable. It was the consensus of Council to stop responding to Linda Gunnett's communications except when a response if required by law. The City Council recessed at 7.49 p.m. to the meeting of the City as Successor Agency to the dissolved La Quinta Redevelopment Agency, followed by the La Quinta Financing Authority and the La Ouinta Housing Authority meetings The Mayor reconvened the City Council meeting at 7.53 p.m. with al/ Members present. PUBLIC COMMENT - NONE PRESENTATIONS - NONE The City Council recessed to continue Closed Session at 7.54 p.m. The Mayor reconvened the City Council meeting at 8.07 p.m. with all Members present. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, it was moved and seconded by Council Members Evans /Franklin to adjourn this meeting at 8:07 p.m. Motion passed unanimously Respectfully submitted, % SUSAN MAYSELS, Cly Clerk City of La Quinta, California CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 14 NOVEMBER 20, 2012