2013 08 06 CC MinutesCITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2013
A regular meeting of the La Quinta City Council was called to order at 3:04 p.m. by
Mayor Adolph.
PRESENT: Councilmembers Evans, Franklin, Henderson, Osborne, Mayor Adolph
ABSENT: None
PUBLIC COMMENT - None
CLOSED SESSION
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL, EXISTING LITIGATION PURSUANT
TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9(a), CITY OF LA QUINTA, ET
AL. v. MATOSANTOS, ET AL., SACRAMENTO COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT
CASE NO. 34- 2013- 80001485
2. CONFERENCE WITH THE CITY'S REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR, FRANK J.
SPEVACEK, PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.8
CONCERNING POTENTIAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF ACQUISITION
AND /OR DISPOSITION OF REAL PROPERTY LOCATED AT DUNE PALMS
ROAD AND HIGHWAY 111 (APN: 600 - 020 -053). PROPERTY
OWNERS /NEGOTIATORS: GEORGE VELARDE
COUNCIL RECESSED AT 3 :05 P.M. TO THE SPECIAL LA QUINTA HOUSING
AUTHORITY MEETING FOLLOWED BY CLOSED SESSION
MAYOR ADOLPH RECONVENED THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING AT 4 :06 P.M.
WITH ALL MEMBERS PRESENT. NO ACTIONS WERE TAKEN IN CLOSED SESSION
THAT REQUIRES REPORTING PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION
54957.1 (BROWN ACT).
Mayor Adolph led the audience in the pledge of allegiance.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Public Speaker: Patricia Ferrara, La Quinta — Ms. Ferrara spoke in opposition to the
high wall constructed on a berm behind Daniel Drive. Mayor Adolph asked Ms.
Ferrara to meet with the Public Works Director to discuss the basis for approvals
granted for the construction of this wall.
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AUGUST 6, 2013
Public Speaker: Tim and Eva Paulson, La Quinta — Mr. and Mrs. Paulson spoke in
opposition to the high wall behind Daniel Drive and the lack of landscaping in right -
of -way land. Mayor Adolph referred them to Public Works Director Jonasson to
provide the information needed.
La Quinta Police Chief Andrew Shouse introduced Dave Walton, the new Assistant
Police Chief.
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA
City Manager Spevacek asked that the City Attorney's verbal report on Closed
Session Item No. 1 be heard after APPROVAL OF MINUTES. Council concurred.
PRESENTATIONS
1. SHERIFF SNIFF PRESENTATION
Sheriff Stan Sniff provided history, background and overview of Sheriff Department
services provided to the City of La Quinta. Will Taylor, Sheriff Department Director
of Finance, presented a PowerPoint detailing the costs and services provided to La
Quinta.
Sheriff Sniff and his representatives answered questions from Councilmembers
regarding the AB109 release of prisoners, the need to build additional jails,
participation in employee contract negotiations, the reasoning for high turnover of
Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs serving La Quinta, concerns regarding the ever -
increasing policing budget, and the need to work with County elected officials to
slow the increases. Sheriff Sniff agreed to look into the time spent by Officers in
booking and transporting offenders in an effort to find a more efficient means to
accomplish this.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS - None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Evans /Franklin
to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of July 16, 2013 as submitted.
Motion passed unanimously.
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Evans /Franklin
to approve the minutes of the special joint meeting of July 16, 2013 as submitted.
Motion passed unanimously.
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AUGUST 6, 2013
CLOSED SESSION ITEM NO. 1 — VERBAL REPORT FROM CITY ATTORNEY
City Attorney Jenson reported that the hearing in the case of City of La Quinta, et
ai., v. Matosantos, et al. is scheduled for August 9, 2013. At stake is $41 million
of City reserve funds.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. DEMAND REGISTER DATED AUGUST 6, 2013
2. CONTRACT WITH 0 & J GOLF CONSTRUCTION, INC., TO RELOCATE
IRRIGATION LINES FOR SILVERROCK CANAL RELOCATION, PROJECT NO.
2013 -06
3. MONROE STREET MEDIAN LANDSCAPING MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT
AND ACCEPTANCE OF OFF -SITE IMPROVEMENTS ASSOCIATED WITH
TRACT MAP NO. 31681 -3, ANDALUSIA, CORAL OPTION I, LLC
4. DONATION FROM CRITES, GIBBONS, AND EDWARDS FOR KITCHEN
EQUIPMENT AT FIRE STATION #70
5. TRAFFIC SIGNAL MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT BETWEEN CITY OF LA
QUINTA AND CITY OF PALM DESERT
6. DENIAL OF CLAIM FOR DAMAGES FILED BY MANUEL S. OCHOA, JR; DATE
OF LOSS — JANUARY 19, 2013
7. AMENDMENT TO PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH TRI -STATE
LAND SURVEYORS AND CIVIL ENGINEERING, INC. FOR CONSTRUCTION
SURVEYING SERVICES
8. AGREEMENT BETWEEN CITY OF LA QUINTA AND COACHELLA VALLEY
WATER DISTRICT FOR ADJUSTING VALVES AND MANHOLES RELATED TO
STREET IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS
9. Pulled for discussion by Councilmember Evans > > > AGREEMENT WITH
DESERT SANDS UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR FUNDING AND
PLACEMENT OF THREE SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS
10. Pulled for discussion by Mayor Adolph > > > AMENDMENT TO THE CITY'S
LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH RIVERSIDE COUNTY
11. RESOLUTION ADOPTING RECORDS RETENTION SCHEDULE FOR CITY
DEPARTMENTS AND APPROVING DESTRUCTION OF RECORDS IN
ACCORDANCE HEREWITH [RESOLUTION 2013 -0361
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AUGUST 6, 2013
12. EXCUSE COMMISSIONER ROBERT WILKINSON'S ABSENCE FROM THE
JULY 23, 2013 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
13. EXCUSE COMMISSIONER ED ALDERSON'S ABSENCE FROM THE JULY 23,
2013 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
14. Pulled and moved to Business Item No. 3 by Councilmember Osborne > > >
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS TO OBTAIN DESIGN -BUILD SERVICES FOR LA
QUINTA COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTER, PROJECT NO.
2013 -11
15. RESOLULTION SUPPORTING THE REDESIGNATION OF RIVERSIDE COUNTY
AS A RECYCLING MARKET DEVELOPMENT ZONE [RESOLUTION 2013 -0371
16. AUTHORIZE OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR TWO COUNCIL MEMBERS AND CITY
MANAGER TO ATTEND A MEETING WITH THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND COURT HEARING IN SACRAMENTO,
AUGUST 8 -9, 2013
17. PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH THE TALL MAN GROUP FOR
REAL ESTATE ANALYSIS AND APPROVAL OF APPRORIATION
18. GRANT OF EASEMENT AND AGREEMENT FOR DRAINAGE PURPOSES ON
FRED WARING DRIVE FROM LA QUINTA PALMS HOMEOWNERS
ASSOCIATION
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM NO. 4 — Mayor Adolph requested that staff send a
thank -you for this generous donation.
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Evans /Osborne
to approve the Consent Calendar Items 1 through 8, 11 through 13, and 15
through 18, as recommended, with Items 11 and 15 adopting Resolution Nos.
2013 -036 and 2013 -037 respectively. Motion passed unanimously.
MOTION — A motion was made and
Henderson to approve Consent Calendar
passed unanimously.
seconded by Councilmembers Evans/
Item No. 10 as recommended. Motion
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM NO. 9 — Councilmember Evans explained that the City
was currently paying 50% of the cost for two School Resource Officers (SRO) and
100% of the cost for the third SRO. If $41 million of City reserve funds are taken
by the State and redistributed to taxing agencies, including the school district, and
if the school receives additional funding as a result of the Governor's new tax, the
City should evaluate the school's ability to fully fund all the SROs. She said the
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 4
AUGUST 6, 2013
City must strike a balance and keep a good relationship with the schools. She
proposed changing the term of the agreement from two years to one year.
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Evans/
Henderson to approve Consent Calendar Item No. 9 amending the agreement term
to cover Fiscal Year 2013/2014 only. Motion passed unanimously.
STUDY SESSION - PART 1
1. TECHNOLOGY IMPROVEMENT UPDATE
Cindy Henson, Henson Consulting, Chris Escobedo, Assistant to City Manager, and
Terry Deeringer, Human Resources /General Services Manager presented the staff
report, which is on file in the City Clerk's Office.
Councilmembers provided the following direction to staff:
• Councilmember Osborne — be mindful that staff does not become so dependent
on technology that they no longer know the reasons behind their actions.
• Councilmember Evans — add team leaders and due dates to the charts provided
in the report. Add to the new job descriptions the knowledge of technology and
software required for each job.
• Councilmember Franklin — provide an outlet for employees who may not grasp
the technology changes as fast as others may.
• Councilmember Henderson — offer training to all employees.
BUSINESS SESSION
1. PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH FOX LAWSON &
ASSOCIATES TO CONDUCT A CLASSIFICATION AND COMPENSATION
STUDY
Human Resources Manager Deeringer presented the report, which is on file in the
City Clerk's Office. City Manager Spevacek explained the services that Henson
Consulting versus those that Fox Lawson & Associates will provide.
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Henderson/
Franklin to approve the agreement with Fox Lawson & Associates as
recommended. Motion passed unanimously.
2. FORMATION AND APPOINTMENT OF TWO MEMBERS TO AN AD HOC
COMMITTEE TO REVIEW GRANT REQUESTS
Councilmembers waived presentation of the staff report.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 5
AUGUST 6, 2013
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Evans /Osborne
to form an ad hoc committee and to appoint Councilmembers Evans and Franklin to
the Ad Hoc Committee to review grant requests. Motion passed unanimously.
MAYOR ADOLPH RECESSED THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING AT 6:22 P.M.
MAYOR ADOLPH RECONVENED THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING AT 7:02 P.M.
PUBLIC COMMENT - None
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. RESOLUTIONS TO APPROVE PLANS TO SUBDIVIDE AN APPROXIMATELY
7.3 ACRE SITE INTO ELEVEN LOTS, LOCATED NEAR THE SOUTHWEST
CORNER OF MADISON STREET AND CALLE CONCHITA [RESOLUTION 2013-
038, RESOLUTION 2013 -0391
Planning Manager Sawyer presented the staff report, which is on file in the City
Clerk's Office.
Mayor Adolph declared the PUBLIC HEARING OPEN at 7:06 p.m.
Public Speaker: None
Mayor Adolph declared the PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED at 7:06 p.m.
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Evans/
Henderson to adopt Resolution No. 2013 -038 entitled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA ADOPTING A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION OF
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT AND ASSOCIATED MITIGATION MONITORING
AND REPORTING PROGRAM PREPARED FOR TENTATIVE TRACT MAP
36403. CASE: ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 2012 -621
APPLICANT: CONSTANCE SCHIVARELLI
Motion passed unanimously.
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Evans/
Henderson to adopt Resolution No. 2013 -039 entitled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA APPROVING TENTATIVE TRACT MAP 36403. CASE:
TENTATIVE TRACT MAP 36403, APPLICANT: CONSTANCE SCHIVARELLI
Motion passed unanimously.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6
AUGUST 6, 2013
2. RESOLUTION APPROVING PLACEMENT OF PUBLIC NUISANCE ABATEMENT
ASSESSMENTS ON 2013/2014 PROPERTY TAX ROLL [RESOLUTION 2013 -0401
Community Development Director Johnson presented the staff report, which is on
file in the City Clerk's Office.
Mayor Adolph declared the PUBLIC HEARING OPEN at 7:10 p.m.
Public Speaker: None
Mayor Adolph declared the PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED at 7:10 p.m.
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Franklin/
Henderson to adopt Resolution No. 2013 -040 entitled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, ASSESSING LIEN AND PROVIDING FOR COLLECTION ON TAX
ROLLS ON CERTAIN PROPERTY FOR COSTS OF ABATEMENT OF PUBLIC
NUISANCE.
Motion passed unanimously
3. RESOLUTION FOR A FIFTH EXTENSION OF TIME FOR SITE DEVELOPMENT
PERMIT 2003 -762 FOR A 208 -UNIT SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY
LOCATED AT THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF WASHINGTON STREET AND
AVENUE 50 [RESOLUTION 2013 -0411
Planning Director Sawyer presented the staff report, which is on file in the City
Clerk's Office.
Mayor Adolph declared the PUBLIC HEARING OPEN at 7:16 p.m.
Public Speaker: Roger Green, VP of Development for WestLiving, Carlsbad, CA —
As a representative of the developer, Mr. Green explained the need for the fifth
extension.
Mayor Adolph declared the PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED at 7:22 p.m.
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Evans/
Henderson to adopt Resolution No. 2013 -041 entitled:
RESOLUTION APPROVING A FIFTH TIME EXTENSION FOR SITE
DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 2003 -762, INCLUDING ARCHITECTURAL, SITE,
AND LANDSCAPING PLANS FOR LA PALOMA. CASE NO: SITE
DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 2003 -762 EXTENSION 5, APPLICANT:
WESTLIVING, LLC.
Motion passed unanimously
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7
AUGUST 6, 2013
COUNCIL RETURNED TO THE EARLIER PORTION OF THE AGENDA TO TAKE UP
UNFINISHED ITEMS.
BUSINESS SESSION
3. CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM NO. 14 [moved here for discussion and vote]
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS TO OBTAIN DESIGN -BUILD SERVICES FOR LA
QUINTA COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTER, PROJECT NO. 2013 -11
Councilmember Osborne said that this project should be put on hold until the status
of the two unknowns with the State are resolved, the needs for the SilverRock
development are known, and recreation investment north of Highway 111 is made.
Councilmember Evans said there are funds dedicated for this project and it is a
jump -start to what will be developed at SilverRock. The improvement is needed
because the City is losing folks to other facilities.
Councilmember Henderson said that this project was discussed thoroughly and
approved during budget review and nothing has changed. She said she is pleased
to move forward with the project but highly recommends that the facility's name
remain as the "Senior Center" even if the addition is named something else. It
could be a joint facility if desired.
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Evans/
Henderson to approve a request for proposals to obtain design -build services for a
La Quinta community health and wellness center, Project No. 2013 -11.
Motion passed: ayes 4, noes 1 (Osborne)
STUDY SESSION - PART 2
2. GOREQUIEST /GOENFORCE REPORTING SYSTEM UPDATE
Public Works Director /City Engineer Jonasson presented the staff report, which is
on file in the City Clerk's Office.
Councilmembers provided the following direction to staff:
• Councilmember Evans — explore prioritizing frequent items and adding a link
option to Facebook, the City website and other digital ads. Also, put an article
in the next GEM reporting on the usage and info to download the app.
Director Jonasson said he intended to focus on one item per month, like Got
Graffitti? Use GoRequest! He added that he will be working with the GoRequest
company to interface with the new workflow software.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 8
AUGUST 6, 2013
3. BRAND IDENTITY REVIEW
Recreation Supervisor Larson presented the staff report, which is on file in the City
Clerk's Office.
Direction provided to Staff:
• Councilmember Osborne - Regarding the position statement, Mr. Osborne
said to remember that 40% of the city is not tucked away in the Cove, it is
north of Highway 111.
• Councilmember Franklin - Regarding the brand position statement, Ms.
Franklin asked, what is the historic charm of the Village? It is a vague
statement. She has a problem with the GEM OF THE DESERT identity
because it does not say anything about the city. She would like some
choices brought back to Council. In order to attract tourists, Ms. Franklin
said that a slogan that tells visitors /new residents why they would want to
come is needed.
• Mayor Adolph - Regarding GEM OF THE DESERT, it has taken decades to
get recognition for La Quinta as the GEM of the DESERT and not just a city
"near Palm Springs." He said it should be built up and promoted further; it
would be a mistake to change this slogan at this stage of the game.
• Councilmember Henderson - Never liked "GEM OF THE DESERT" but it is
now part of the City's consciousness. She requested that staff consider
changing the wording "quaint setting" and "historic charm of the Village"
because Old Town may be charming but it is not historic.
• Councilmember Evans - "Active living" phrase seems thrown in. She said La
Quinta is a young town with history, progressive yet old. It is peaceful yet
buzzing with energy. Regarding GEM OF THE DESERT brand, it should be
kept and expanded. She explained that La Quinta is the hidden gem that
people need to come and explore; a gem is special, valued, and kept. The
brand is still applicable. Perhaps something else can be added to go along
with GEM OF THE DESERT.
• Mayor Adolph - La Quinta has its own identity and SilverRock development
will add a unique, unsurpassed facility. He said that some time ago, another
promotional group brought in oversized imitation gems. Perhaps staff can
play with that concept.
Director Hylton stated that staff would tweak the message and bring it back to
Council.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 9
AUGUST 6, 2013
REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
As La Quinta's representative for 2013, Councilmember Franklin reported on her
participation in the following organization's meetings:
• ANIMAL CAMPUS COMMISSION
• COACHELLA VALLEY ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP
As La Quinta's representative for 2013, Councilmember Osborne reported on his
participation in the following organization's meetings:
• IID ENERGY CONSUMERS' ADVISORY COMMITTEE
As La Quinta's representative for 2013, Mayor Adolph reported on his participation
in the following organizations' meetings:
• CVAG EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
• SUNLINE TRANSIT AGENCY
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
1. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT — UPDATE ON TRACT MAP NO. 32879,
GRIFFIN RANCH
Public Works Director /City Engineer Jonasson presented the staff report, which is
on file in the City Clerk's Office. Information only, no action taken.
MAYOR'S AND COUNCIL MEMBER'S ITEMS - None
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, a motion was made and seconded by
Councilmembers Evans /Franklin to . adjourn at 8:32 p.m. Motion passed
unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
SUSAN MAYSELS, City Clerk
City of La Quinta, California
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