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2018 10 02 CC & PC Special Joint MinutesREGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL, AND SPECIAL JOINT STUDY SESSION MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL AND PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2018 CALL TO ORDER A regular meeting of the La Quinta City Council and Special Joint Study Session meeting of the City Council and Planning Commission was called to order at 3:01 p.m. by Mayor Evans. PRESENT: Councilmembers Fitzpatrick, Pena, Radi, Sanchez, Mayor Evans ABSENT: None PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - None CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA City Attorney Irhke asked to pull Consent Calendar Item No. 10 relating to Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to purchase marine safety equipment for the Ironman 70.3 Indian Wells/La Quinta event for a separate consideration due to revisions to the MOU language requested by the City of Indian Wells; a red -line hand-out of the revised MOU was distributed to Council and was made available for the public. Mayor Evans said she would like to pull Consent Calendar Item Nos 7 and 8 and move them to Business Session Item Nos 2 and 3 relating to Award Contract to Elecnor Belco Electric, Inc. for the Highway Safety Improvement Program Intersection Improvements Project (Project No. 2016-01) and Approve Cooperative Agreement with the Cities of Palm Desert and Indian Wells for the Design and Construction of the Washington Street Intersection with Fred Waring Drive (Project No. 2017-01), respectively. Council concurred. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 1 of 19 OCTOBER 2, 2018 SPECIAL JOINT STUDY SESSION — LA QUINTA CITY COUNCIL & PLANNING COMMISSION CLOSED SESSION 1. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION (QUARTERLY REVIEW) PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54957, COUNCIL APPOINTED POSITION - CITY MANAGER 2. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.8 FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT: SILVERROCK RESORT (APNs 770-200-026; 776- 150-021; 776-150-023; 770-060-056; 770-060-057; 770-060- 058; 770-060-059; 770-060-061; 770-060-062; 777-490-004; 777-490-006; 777-490-007; 777-490-012 AND 777-490-014) CITY NEGOTIATOR: FRANK J. SPEVACEK, CITY MANAGER NEGOTIATING PARTIES: ROBERTS. GREEN, SILVEROCK DEVELOPMENT COMPANY UNDER NEGOTIATION: PRICE AND TERMS OF PAYMENT FOR THE SALE OF REAL PROPERTY COUNCIL RECESSED THE OPEN SESSION PORTION OF THE MEETING AND MOVED INTO CLOSED SESSION AT 3: 04 P.M. MAYOR EVANS RECONVENED THE OPEN SESSION PORTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING AT 4: 01 P.M. WITH ALL MEMBERS PRESENT REPORT ON ACTION(S) TAKEN IN CLOSED SESSION: City Attorney Ihrke reported: 1. Closed Session Item No. 1 - no actions were taken that require reporting pursuant to Government Code section 54957.1 (Brown Act). 2. Closed Session Item No. 2 - Council will reconvene the Closed Session portion of the meeting to consider this item after the open session portion of the meeting. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Councilmember Radi led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA PUBLIC SPEAKER: Dale Tyerman, La Quinta - commended Council and Staff for their leadership; expressed his gratitude to Council and Staff, on behalf of the Trilogy community, for their efforts, support, and proactive communication to address the concerns of the Trilogy community; and noted there was still a lot of work to be done in working with the potential new CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 2 of 19 OCTOBER 2, 2018 SPECIAL JOINT STUDY SESSION — LA QUINTA CITY COUNCIL & PLANNING COMMISSION owners of the Andalusia development to move forward with resolutions to the lack of road improvements along Avenue 60 as expeditiously as possible. MR. LENCH'S PUBLIC COMMENT BELOW, ON MATTER NOT ON THE AGENDA, WAS DELIVERED DURING JOINT STUDY SESSION ITEM NO. 3 PUBLIC SPEAKER: Skip Lench, President of Lench Design Studio, La Quinta - said he has been designing and building homes in La Quinta for 30 years; sometimes rules that appear insignificant could inhibit the potential development of a property; spoke about an office building project he developed in the past on Avenida La Fonda; distributed to Council a hand- out consisting of the site plan and floor plan of a conceptual Mountain View Apartments project, currently under preliminary review with Staff, which was made available to the public and included in the agenda packet; asked that Council consider a parking relief to allow placing two additional parking spaces that back -out into the street, which is currently not allowed pursuant to the code; and noted that rules should be evaluated depending on the type of project and the area it is located. ANNOUNCEMENTS, PRESENTATIONS, AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS 1. PROCLAMATION HONORING FIRE PREVENTION WEEK IN LA QUINTA - OCTOBER 7 - 13, 2018 Mayor Evans and Councilmembers presented Battalion Chief DeLaCruz and the fire team with a proclamation honoring Fire Prevention Week in La Quinta and commended them for their service. Battalion Chief DeLaCruz spoke about the Fire Department's safety theme of "Look, Listen, Learn, Be Aware, Fire Can Happen Anywhere" and safety and protection fire measures. 2. PROCLAMATION HONORING CODE OFFICER APPRECIATION WEEK AND LA QUINTA CODE OFFICERS Mayor Evans and Councilmembers presented the City's Code Compliance team consisting of Code Compliance Supervisor Meredith, Code Compliance Officers Campbell, Duchene, Escatel, and Rodarte with a proclamation honoring La Quinta Code Officers and Code Officer Appreciation Week in La Quinta, and commended them for their efforts, dedicated service, and maintaining La Quinta's quality of life. Code Compliance Supervisor Meredith, on behalf of the Code Compliance team, thanked the City's leadership for their invaluable and continuous support. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 3 of 19 OCTOBER 2, 2018 SPECIAL JOINT STUDY SESSION — LA QUINTA CITY COUNCIL & PLANNING COMMISSION 3. PROCLAMATION HONORING POLICE VOLUNTEER MILDRED DONLEY FOR HER PUBLIC SERVICE Mayor Evans and Councilmembers presented Police Volunteer Mildred Donley for her dedicated community service; outstanding community involvement and outreach; ability to connect with the community; and presented her with a proclamation honoring her 11 years of public service. Riverside County Sheriff's Department Captain Reynolds spoke about Mildred Donley's exceptional dedication to public service and expressed her gratitude on behalf of the Riverside County Sheriff's Department. CONSENT CALENDAR 1. APPROVE MINUTES DATED SEPTEMBER 18, 2018 2. EXCUSE ABSENCES FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSIONER DORI QUILL FROM OCTOBER 8, 2018 COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION MEETING AND PLANNING COMMISSIONER PAUL QUILL FROM OCTOBER 9, 2018 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING 3. AUTHORIZE OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR THE CITY CLERK'S ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT AND CITY MANAGER'S MANAGEMENT ASSISTANT TO ATTEND THE CALIFORNIA CITY CLERK'S ASSOCIATION ""NUTS AND BOLTS" WORKSHOP IN BREA, CALIFORNIA, OCTOBER 15-16, 2018 4. AUTHORIZE OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR ANIMAL CONTROL/CODE COMPLIANCE SUPERVISOR AND MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST TO ATTEND THE CALIFORNIA JOINT POWERS INSURANCE AUTHORITY ANNUAL MANAGEMENT ACADEMY IN CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA, OCTOBER 22-25, 2018 5. APPROVE DECLARATION AND DISPOSAL OF SURPLUS EQUIPMENT 6. APPROVE DEMAND REGISTERS DATED SEPTEMBER 7, 14, AND 21, 2018 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 4 of 19 OCTOBER 2, 2018 SPECIAL JOINT STUDY SESSION — LA QUINTA CITY COUNCIL & PLANNING COMMISSION 7. pulled and moved to Business Session Item No. 2 by Mayor Evans >>> AWARD CONTRACT TO ELECNOR BELCO ELECTRIC,. INC. FOR THE HIGHWAY SAFETY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT (PROJECT NO. 2016- 01) 8. pulled and moved to Business Session Item No. 3 by Mayor Evans >>> APPROVE COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY OF PALM DESERT AND CITY OF INDIAN WELLS FOR DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF THE WASHINGTON STREET INTERSECTION WITH FRED WARING DRIVE (PROJECT NO. 2017-01) 9. APPROVE AMENDMENT NO. 5 TO IMPLEMENTAION OF SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH MICHAEL BAKER INTERNATIONAL TO PROVIDE SILVERROCK WAY PLAN MODIFICATIONS (PROJECT NO. 2014-13) 10. APPROVE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) TO PURCHASE MARINE SAFETY EQUIPMENT FOR THE IRONMAN 70.3 INDIAN WELLS/LA QUINTA EVENT MOTION - A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Fitzpatrick/Radi to approve Consent Calendar Item Nos. 1-6 and 9 as recommended. Motion passed unanimously. CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM NO. 10 City Attorney Ihrke said the City of Indian Wells requested revisions to Sections 1.2, 2.11 2.3, 5.2, 8.1, and 8.4 of the proposed MOU after the agenda packet was published; a red -line version of the revised MOU was distributed to Council and made available to the public; City Staff and City Attorney Ihrke have reviewed and concur with the proposed amendments. Council discussed the insurance and registration requirements for the marine safety equipment; notarized certification that the equipment is not contaminated, which will be verified upon delivery; storing the equipment at a facility owned and operated by the Coachella Valley Water District; and the MOU includes a "not to exceed" amount capping the City's financial obligation. MOTION - A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Radi/Pena to approve Consent Calendar Item No. 10 as amended. Motion passed unanimously. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 5 of 19 OCTOBER 2, 2018 SPECIAL JOINT STUDY SESSION — LA QUINTA CITY COUNCIL & PLANNING COMMISSION BUSINESS SESSION 1. APPROVE FIRST ROUND COMMUNITY SERVICES GRANTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018/ 19 Community Resources Manager Calderon presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk's Office. Councilmember Fitzpatrick said she is an Ophelia Project mentor at the Coachella Valley High Schools and any support the Council can give to the project would highly benefit the community; and the Riverside County Sheriff Explorer Post 503 program has been very successful at La Quinta High School and Council should consider opportunities to fund this program every year. Council discussed the high -quality of community program applications received this round; tracking and reporting of activities of starter grant recipient organizations; match grant ratio for Old Town Artisan Studio (OTAS) perhaps being 2-to-1 instead of 1-to-1 match; Staff's discussions with OTAS leadership on the organizations marketing plan to promote programs and services, programming schedule, and operations. PUBLIC SPEAKER: Captain Reynolds introduced Deputy Damien Ruiz, advisor to Thermal Sheriff's Station Explorer Post 503 and said the program does an excellent job of not only introducing youth to a career in law enforcement but also exposing them to leadership and challenges through competitions and posts throughout the United States. Mr. Rees thanked the Council for their consideration and said the Explorer program is non-profit 501(c)(3); its objective is to educate youths, between the ages of 14 to 20 years old, in criminal justice with law enforcement; expose them to the different aspects of the justice system, from law enforcement corrections down to judicial; and described the frequency and strategy of the trainings and competitions. Mayor Evans and Councilmembers took a group photo with the Explorer Post 503 mentors and participants. PUBLIC SPEAKER: Bob Horn, Founder/President of All Things Are Possible, Inc. (ATAP), Palm Desert - said the Caleo Bay is part of the organization's adult program and they have joint efforts on the Ballroom Dancing, Dancing With a Partner, and Music and Motion programs; and thanked Council for their consideration. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 6 of 19 OCTOBER 2, 2018 SPECIAL JOINT STUDY SESSION — LA QUINTA CITY COUNCIL & PLANNING COMMISSION PUBLIC SPEAKER: Sarah Bryant, Executive Director with Desert Cancer Foundation (DCF) introduced Board President Frank Harrison and noted DCF has had great impact on the City of La Quinta, about 30 La Quinta residents were served by DCF last year, which is approximately 20% of the individuals served by the DCF annually, who need financial support to afford a variety of cancer treatments; every dollar of funding raised translates into $10 of cancer care; thanked Council for the City's continuous support, generosity, and partnership with the community, on behalf of DCF; and spoke about DCF's partnership with La Quinta High School and the students' participation in DCF efforts. PUBLIC SPEAKER: Tom Snyder, CEO of Animal Samaritans - said the organization was founded in 1978 and celebrated its 40t" year serving the community and improving the lives of animals and people; spoke about the services the organization provides; noted the grant funds will be allocated to the Adoption Alliance Rescue program; and thanked Council for their continued support. MOTION - A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Pena/Fitzpatrick to approve First Round Community Services Grants for fiscal year 2018/19, as recommended by the Community Services Grant Ad -Hoc Committee for a total amount of $20,500, and adding the match grant of $25,000 to OTAS. Motion passed unanimously. 2. pulled from Consent Calendar Item No. 7 and moved to Business Session by Mayor Evans >>> AWARD CONTRACT TO ELECNOR BELCO ELECTRIC, INC. FOR THE HIGHWAY SAFETY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT (PROJECT NO. 2016-01) City Engineer McKinney presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk's Office. Council discussed the new City street signs and panels that will be installed in early 2019; project funding is a combination of fiscal year 2016/17 Capital Improvement Program HSIP Grant funds of $1,134,300 and Measure A Funds of $126,100, for a total project cost of $1,260,400; complexity of the project; other on -going capital improvement projects to maintain and continuously improve the City's infrastructure; California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) must approve the final project specifications before the City can install fiber optics, which would then upgrade traffic signal synchronization; the multi -agency regional collaborative efforts, including Caltrans and Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG), to CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 7 of 19 OCTOBER 2, 2018 SPECIAL JOINT STUDY SESSION — LA QUINTA CITY COUNCIL & PLANNING COMMISSION synchronize traffic signals on the valley's major arterials such as Highway 111 and Washington Street; grant funds the City received for traffic signal synchronization improvements; and the process to implement this project which starts with securing the funding, followed by design, Caltrans approval, and then construction. MOTION - A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Fitzpatrick/Radi to award a contract to Elecnor Belco Electric, Inc. in the amount of $815,411 for the Highway Safety Improvements Program Intersection Improvements Project. Motion passed unanimously. 3. pulled from Consent Calendar Item No. 8 and moved to Business Session by Mayor Evans >>> APPROVE COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY OF PALM DESERT AND CITY OF INDIAN WELLS FOR DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF THE WASHINGTON STREET INTERSECTION WITH FRED WARING DRIVE (PROJECT NO. 2017-01) City Engineer McKinney presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk's Office. Council discussed the traffic congestion issues with this intersection that triggered recommendations from the City's Traffic Engineer, as well as the Traffic Engineers from the neighboring Cities of Palm Desert and Indian Wells, to institute triple left -turn lanes to improve traffic flow; collaborative funding of this project with CVAG funding 75%, and the three cities splitting the remaining 25% based on their respective ownership of the signals; if no improvements are installed the intersection's current "C" grade would go down to 7" grade by 2025 based on traffic analyses. MOTION - A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Radi/Pena to approve a cooperative agreement with the Cities of Palm Desert and Indian Wells for the design and construction of the Washington Street intersection with Fred Waring Drive Project; and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement. Motion passed unanimously. PUBLIC HEARINGS - None THE REMAINING ITEMS ON THE AGENA WERE TAKEN OUT OF ORDER AND PRIOR TO THE SPECIAL JOINT STUDY SESSION BETWEEN THE LA QUINTA CITY COUNCIL AND PLANNING COMMISSION CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 8 of 19 OCTOBER 2, 2018 SPECIAL JOINT STUDY SESSION — LA QUINTA CITY COUNCIL & PLANNING COMMISSION DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS All reports are on file in the City Clerk's Office. 1. UPDATE ON JACQUELINE COCHRAN REGIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY JOINT POWERS AUTHORITY (JPA) TERMINATION City Manager Spevacek presented the department report, which is on file in the Clerk's Office. Council discussed the Air Show, which would continue to be held every two years alternating between Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport and Hemet - Ryan Airport; reasons for dissolving the JPA, which was formed in the earlier years when the Coachella Valley cities were still in the process of annexing land, mainly to ensure cities were aware of Riverside County development efforts; and lack of authority of each jurisdiction under the JPA over Riverside County. MAYOR'S AND COUNCIL MEMBERS' ITEMS Mayor Evans announced that La Quinta will hold its annual State of the City event on October 12, 2018, at 12:00 noon, at the Embassy Suites La Quinta, and invited the public to attend and receive an update on the City's on -going and future efforts. REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS La Quinta's representative for 2018, Mayor Evans reported on her participation in the following organizations' meetings: • CVAG EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE • GREATER PALM SPRINGS CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU • LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES DELEGATE La Quinta's representative for 2018, Councilmember Pena reported on his participation in the following organizations' meetings: • CVAG VALLEY -WIDE HOMELESSNESS COMMITTEE • EAST VALLEY COALITION Mayor Evans said the City received correspondence from Riverside County stating that the Board of Supervisor passed a resolution declaring a shelter crisis in the unincorporated areas of the County, which would allow the County to receive funds from the State of California's Homeless Emergency Aid Program (HEAP), authorized by SB 850. This item will be scheduled for Council consideration at the October 16, 2018, Council meeting. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 9 of 19 OCTOBER 2, 2018 SPECIAL JOINT STUDY SESSION — LA QUINTA CITY COUNCIL & PLANNING COMMISSION La Quinta's representative for 2018, Councilmember Radi reported on his participation in the following organizations' meetings: • COACHELLA VALLEY ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP • SUNLINE TRANSIT AGENCY La Quinta's representative for 2018, Councilmember Sanchez reported on his participation in the following organization's meeting: • ANIMAL CAMPUS COMMISSION COUNCIL RECESSED THE OPEN SESSION PORTION OF THE MEETING AND MOVED INTO CLOSED SESSION AT 5:17 P. M. MAYOR EVANS RECONVENED THE OPEN SESSION PORTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING AT 6: 02 P.M. WITH ALL MEMBERS PRESENT REPORT ON ACTION(S) TAKEN IN CLOSED SESSION: City Attorney Ihrke reported no actions were taken on Closed Session Item No. 2 that require reporting pursuant to Government Code section 54957.1 (Brown Act). SPECIAL JOINT STUDY SESSION BETWEEN THE LA QUINTA CITY COUNCIL AND PLANNING COMMISSION (6:00 p.m. or shortly thereafter) A special Joint Study Session between the La Quinta City Council and Planning Commission was called to order at 6:04 p.m. by Mayor Evans and Chairperson McCune. CALL TO ORDER — Planning Commission PRESENT: Commissioners Bettencourt, Currie, Proctor, Wright, and Chairperson McCune ABSENT: Commissioners Caldwell and Quill Chairperson McCune asked Mayor Evans to act as presiding officer for the Planning Commission during the special Joint Study Session meeting. STUDY SESSION — City Council and Planning Commission 1. DISCUSS HIGHWAY 111 CORRIDOR (CORRIDOR) VISIONING CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 10 of 19 OCTOBER 2, 2018 SPECIAL JOINT STUDY SESSION - LA QUINTA CITY COUNCIL & PLANNING COMMISSION Planning Manager Perez presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk's Office. Council and Planning Commission discussed types of incentives that could be offered to business owners, perhaps not financial, but in the form of collective design plans or other services that would benefit the community in general and would facilitate the landscape improvements for individual shopping center owners; conducting an audit to identify the existing development standards, related limitations, and compare it to what an area plan would allow for businesses; existing individual specific plans (SP) guidelines, and the ability to keep SP guidelines as part of an area plan; existing setback requirements and the need to evaluate what would constitute an optimal use of that land; possible benefits in amending the 65' setback along the Corridor to encourage pedestrian connectivity and increase visibility of each development; the landscape buffer zone requirements from 25 years ago is outdated in light of recent mixed -use overlay zone efforts to mitigate and soften the sea of asphalt; evaluating the need for the 50' canal setback, if there isn't safety perils, and implementing pedestrian access north -south points for businesses located north of Highway 111; developing landscape standards that are maintainable and realistic, while aesthetically pleasing; potential disadvantage to individual business owners of not having SPs compared to having a uniform Corridor area plan that ties in the entire Corridor; mixed -use overlay zone is within the development framework of the General Plan, and included in the environmental review conducted at that time, thus, an area plan would not require an Environmental Impact Report (EIR); ability to have a hybrid incorporating individual shopping center SPs and an area plan; the importance that business owners are engaged in this process to ensure that any expansion or redevelopment of the Corridor is economically beneficial to them and the community as a whole; alleviating existing parking restrictions; Highway 111 business owners know best what type of development would increase traffic and generate more business for the area; and these improvements will take a long time to develop. Council and Planning Commission further discussed that an area plan would also create a sense of collegiality between all business owners along the Corridor and an opportunity for them to share and bench -test their visions with surrounding businesses; the Urban Land Institute's (ULI) recommended three districts along the Corridor consisting of: 1) Art and Entertainment district near the Century La Quinta movie theater, 2) Retail and Recreation district near the auto dealerships and CV Link; and 3) Hospitality and Mixed - Use district near the future Marriott hotel, and possibility of pedestrian connectivity between the north and south; ability to develop the back side, CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 11 of 19 OCTOBER 2, 2018 SPECIAL JOINT STUDY SESSION - LA QUINTA CITY COUNCIL & PLANNING COMMISSION north of the Corridor and connect it to CV Link; possible need for a traffic analysis depending on the type of improvements proposed; CV Link stops, access points, and signage; establishing a CV Link -La Quinta marketing strategy; CVAG efforts to secure a grant for the Cities of La Quinta, Indio, and Coachella, to create a music and art pedestrian/bike/scooter activated corridor along Avenue 48 that ties in with the music festival destinations, but also ties in with the Corridor improvements; re-evaluating the Corridor setbacks would increase business visibility and possibly allow for expansion; access points and connectivity to CV Link being a key component of the Corridor's visioning; need to develop several visual conceptual development options of the Corridor's connectivity with CV Link to share with business owners; need to continue to revisit the City's development guidelines and allow flexibility to better align the code with current market and economic conditions; collaborating with businesses and allowing trial programs to evaluate efficiencies; looking at new and different ways to do landscaping in the desert, particularly in parking lots, and getting away from placing trees in squares that would eventually die because the environment would not sustain them; possibly integrating parking into bigger landscaped areas that are conducive to people coming into the property to visit pop-up stores; sustainability of current brick -and -mortar stores and parking requirements in light of the evolving e-commerce; partnering with Sunline to provide transportation to the Corridor; using fabrics that are aesthetically pleasing and provide shade instead of landscaping that requires constant maintenance and watering; and allowing exceptions to the existing guidelines that would enable businesses to grow and expand, and create a more lucrative vision, would constitute incentives. Council and Planning Commission further discussed that the incentives offered to the auto dealerships are not financial, but tied into landscape and sidewalk capital improvements of the City's property along the auto dealerships frontage, which will benefit both the City and the businesses; and the rate of return on this capital improvement investment is greatly outweighed by revenues that would be generated for the City by the dealerships over the next 10 years. PUBLIC SPEAKER: Curtis Barlow, MBA, JD, Executive Vice President/Partner with Coldwell Banker Commercial Lyle & Associates, representing Jack Tarr and the owners of the Washington Shopping Center - said it was very admirable of the City's leadership and commended Council and the Planning Commission for undertaking this project, particularly for the community outreach to engage property owners and receive their input; attended the ULI report presentation of the Corridor visioning back in May; there are several large undeveloped parcels along the Corridor, which are great CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 12 of 19 OCTOBER 2, 2018 SPECIAL JOINT STUDY SESSION - LA QUINTA CITY COUNCIL & PLANNING COMMISSION opportunities for developing north -south connectivity; particularly the gap in Corporate Center Drive, if the street is developed through, it would create a 200' band against the edge of the wash/CV Link where restaurants with large patios could be developed, even create an entire boulevard of specialty restaurants; the drought has affected what used to be a very attractive green landscaping belt on both sides of Highway 111 and it is forcing us to look at landscaping entirely different because we don't have enough water to support it; allowing mixed -use and residential development as part of the area overlay is very beneficial, and would allow senior housing development opportunities for areas that have stayed undeveloped for a long time because they were unattractive to businesses. Mr. Curtis commended the City's leadership again for their efforts to engage the community and property owners. Council and Planning Commission discussed the importance of community engagement and that it is an integral part of this process to ensure long term success and sustainability of the Corridor; and that market and economic conditions often dictate community needs. Council and Planning Commission reached a consensus and expressed support to create a Corridor Area Plan that would provide a set of design guidelines, traffic analysis, and code revisions; conduct an audit of the Corridor SPs; allow business owners to retain aspects of existing SPs that facilitate and are vital for their business operations; assess current Corridor zoning standards; ability to offer incentives by establishing more efficient building and development approval processes; Option 2, as proposed by Staff, provides an opportunity for the City to engage business owners and get vital feedback; and to evaluate the project comprehensively in concert with the Avenue 48 music and art corridor and CV Link. 2. DISCUSS AMENDMENTS TO THE CENTRE AT LA QUINTA SPECIFIC PLAN (SP 1997-029) Assistant to the City Manager Villalpando presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk's Office. Staff proposed two options to move forward: Option 1: • Amend the existing SP, approximately a 90-day process, to modify a) the existing sign standards to allow a stand -along sign program for the auto dealerships; and CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 13 of 19 OCTOBER 2, 2018 SPECIAL JOINT STUDY SESSION - LA QUINTA CITY COUNCIL & PLANNING COMMISSION b) the parkway landscaping scheme and to facilitate the vehicle display pads. vehicle display standards • Process a Site Development Permit to approve signage program. • Relocate the existing sidewalk onto City property. landscaping plan and Option 2: • Leave the frontage landscaping and sidewalk as -is. • Enforce current code requirements on landscape maintenance and vehicle display in the parkway and City right-of-way. Council and Planning Commission discussed Staff's ability to initiate the study for a Corridor's Area Plan instead of the 90-day SP amendment; the SP amendment would be a much quicker process and could be incorporated into the area plan later on; the need to move forward with the auto dealerships' landscaping, sidewalk, and signage improvements as soon as possible; there are no financial incentives offered to the auto dealerships, instead the City is investing in landscaping and sidewalk capital improvements of the City's property along the auto dealerships' Highway 111 frontage, which will benefit both the City and the businesses; the rate of return on this capital improvement investment is greatly outweighed by revenues that would be generated for the City by the dealerships over the next 10 years; the proposed improvements would allow the dealerships to construct vehicle display pads to effectively display their product, which is currently below eye -level; recent market conditions show an increase of used car sales, which must be properly displayed as usually used cars are not part of the dealership brand; and the current sinking dealerships' terrain was not natural and it was intentionally created due to the SP requirements. Council and Planning Commission further discussed the need to have a set number of vehicles allowed to display per dealership, improve the temporary sign displays, and maintain the landscaping; there being three different land owners - the City, common area owned by the auto dealerships association, and individual -dealership land; what other associations of businesses might exist between property owners along Highway 111, and would the Corridor Area Plan impact these associations and how; SPs establish specific zoning requirements related to the areas they cover, which would not be superseded by the area plan; SPs can be rescinded only with the property owners approval; the successful design and implementation of a Corridor Area Plan is contingent upon joint collaboration between the City, property owners, and associations; the City has worked with the auto dealerships for three years to achieve consensus for the proposed improvements; possibility CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 14 of 19 OCTOBER 2, 2018 SPECIAL JOINT STUDY SESSION - LA QUINTA CITY COUNCIL & PLANNING COMMISSION that the new owners of the Chevrolet Cadillac dealership will also participate in these efforts; Council and Planning Commission reached a consensus and directed staff to initiate Option 1, as outlined above, followed by Option 2. COUNCILMEMBER PENA LEFT THE DAIS AT 7: 22 P.M. �. DISCUSS PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO TITLES 9 AND 13 OF THE LA QUINTA MUNICIPAL CODE RELATED TO FLAGPOLES, GARAGE SPACES, AND LOT LINE ADJUSTMENTS TO STREAMLINE DEVELOPMENT PROCESSES AND STANDARDS FLAGPOLES Associate Planner Flores presented the information on ground -mounted flagpoles for single-family homes contained in the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk's Office. Council and Planning Commission discussed the proposed maximum height for ground -mounted flagpoles would be set at 20'; flagpole lighting cannot be regulated by the City; importance to include federal Flag Etiquette - Standards of Respect with flagpole applications; the City cannot legally regulate flagpole content displays, homeowner associations can because they are not governmental entities; currently homeowners are able to mount flag holders on the structure of homes; homeowners would have to obtain a building permit to install a ground -mounted flagpole in their yard; federal law dictates flag protocol; however, governmental entities cannot enforce it against civilians who are not following it, without violating their first amendment rights; existing flagpoles exceeding 20' in height would be grandfathered in under the City's legal non -conforming code; City flagpole regulations would have to be content neutral; if displayed content does not constitute protected speech as ruled by the Supreme Court or lower courts, such as pornography, it would be considered objectional and would not be protected; and City regulations would be drafted so to allow Staff the ability to address non -protected content, which could be included in the Ordinance, or as an enabling Resolution pursuant to the Ordinance, and as part of the building permit. Council and Planning Commission reached a consensus and directed staff to move forward with establishing standards on flagpoles for single-family homes and bring the item back for Planning Commission and Council consideration and approval. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 15 of 19 OCTOBER 2, 2018 SPECIAL JOINT STUDY SESSION - LA QUINTA CITY COUNCIL & PLANNING COMMISSION CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 16 of 19 OCTOBER 2, 2018 SPECIAL JOINT STUDY SESSION — LA QUINTA CITY COUNCIL & PLANNING COMMISSION GARAGE SPACES Associate Planner Flores presented the information on additional garage spaces requirements contained in the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk's Office. Council and Planning Commission discussed considering driveway spaces as parking spaces; definition of a garage under the code is very specific and does not count driveways, carports, or golf cart garages as garage spaces; recent requests for bedroom expansions from larger estates that already have three- and/or four -car garages; and the increased number of garage spaces was in an effort to ensure short-term vacation rental (STVR) properties have sufficient parking for the allowed number of guests and do not take away street parking from full-time residents. AT THIS TIME PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTER NOT ON THE AGENDA WAS PROVIDED BY MR. SKIP LENCH, WHICH IS REFLECTED UNDER THE "PUBLIC COMMENT" SECTION OF THE AGENDA. PUBLIC SPEAKER: Chris Herman, President/CEO of Hermann Design Group - said he has a STVR in La Quinta, that he is considering moving into and would like to convert a room which is currently an extension of the master bedroom and it is not being utilized effectively, into a separate bedroom, but in order to do that, he would have to add another garage space to the property; this additional garage space requirement was enacted in an effort to control the number of allowed visitors in STVR; talked about the number of allowed guests for his STVR based on the number of bedrooms and the available parking accommodations; spoke about the need for a nexus between development parking requirements and the City's efforts to soften and mitigate the seas of asphalt and reevaluate parking design; noted the difference in additional garage space requirements pursuant to the code dependent on whether the home is a STVR or owner occupied; noted he submitted written comments on this item prior to the meeting, which were distributed to Council, made available to the public, and included in the records; and requested that Council and Planning Commission consider the implications of requiring additional garage space in further detail and perhaps amend this to include language that permits an occupancy to off- street parking ratio that aligns with the current bedroom to occupancy ratio. Council and Planning Commission discussed the parking requirements were amended because there were STVR homes that were being built -out into seven/eight-bedroom places and creating parking challenges for the surrounding residents; the ability to empower Staff to make discretionary decisions based on project types and circumstances, and ability to appeal CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 17 of 19 OCTOBER 2, 2018 SPECIAL JOINT STUDY SESSION - LA QUINTA CITY COUNCIL & PLANNING COMMISSION Staff's decisions to the Planning Commission or Council; perhaps allowing the homeowner to demonstrate to Staff the ability to meet parking requirements based on the number of bedrooms on a case -by -case basis; existing parking provision are specific that additional parking cannot result in any new street curb cuts; the need to amend the code to eliminate specific parking regulations, if the direction is to grant Staff discretionary power; amending the code would take approximately 90 days; Council and Planning Commission reached a consensus and directed Staff to prepare a code amendment that would only require an additional garage space if the existing home has only two garage spaces; revisit allowing driveway spaces to be considered as parking spaces, not only enclosed space, if they are not resulting in new street curb cuts; and bring the item back for Planning Commission and Council consideration and approval. COMMISSIONER BETTENCOURT STATED FOR THE RECORD THAT HE HAS A BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP WITH HERMAN DESIGN GROUP RELATED TO DESIGN SERVICES FOR PROPERTIES NOT LOCATED IN LA QUINTA. LOT LINE ADJUSTMENTS (LLA) Associate Planner Flores presented the information on lot line adjustments contained in the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk's Office. Council and Planning Commission discussed allowing reduction of lots through a LLA was reasonable. Council and Planning Commission reached a consensus and directed staff to prepare a code amendment that would allow for parcel mergers to occur via a LLA if the number of lots is being decreased, which is consistent with the Subdivision Map Act, and bring the item back for Planning Commission and Council consideration and approval. Council and Planning Commission commended Planning Manager Perez for his dedication, efforts, and expertise; thanked him for his assistance; and wished him success in his new endeavor. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, a motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Fitzpatrick/ Radi to adjourn the regular City Council meeting and the special Joint Study Session meeting between the City Council and Planning Commission at 8:05 p.m. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 18 of 19 OCTOBER 2, 2018 SPECIAL JOINT STUDY SESSION - LA QUINTA CITY COUNCIL & PLANNING COMMISSION Motion passed: AYES - Councilmembers Fitzpatrick, Radi, Sanchez, Mayor Evans; Planning Commissioners Bettencourt, Currie, Proctor, Wright, and Chairperson McCune; NOES - None; ABSTAIN - None; ABSENT - Councilmember Pena; Planning Commissioners Caldwell and Quill. Respectfully submitted, i r� MONIKA RADEVA, City Clerk City of La Quinta, California CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 19 of 19 OCTOBER 2, 2018 SPECIAL JOINT STUDY SESSION — LA QUINTA CITY COUNCIL & PLANNING COMMISSION