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2019 02 19 CC MinutesCITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 1 of 11 FEBRUARY 19, 2019 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2019 CALL TO ORDER A regular meeting of the La Quinta City Council was called to order at 4:00 p.m. by Mayor Evans. PRESENT: Councilmembers Fitzpatrick, Peña, Radi, Sanchez, Mayor Evans ABSENT: None PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Pro Tem Sanchez led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA – None CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA Mayor Evans said she will recuse herself from discussion and vote on Consent Calendar Item No. 10 due to a potential conflict of interest stemming from the proximity of her residence to the proposed project, and asked Mayor Pro Tem Sanchez to act as presiding officer during consideration of this item. Councilmember Peña said he will recuse himself from the discussion on Study Session Item No. 1 due to a potential conflict of interest stemming from item being a potential source of income. Council concurred. CLOSED SESSION – None ANNOUNCEMENTS, PRESENTATIONS, AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS - None CONSENT CALENDAR 1. APPROVE MINUTES DATED JANUARY 15, 2019 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 2 of 11 FEBRUARY 19, 2019 2. EXCUSE ABSENCE FOR FINANCIAL ADVISORY COMMISSIONER LOPEZ FROM THE FEBRUARY 13, 2019 FINANCIAL ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING 3. AUTHORIZE OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR BUILDING OFFICIAL TO ATTEND CALIFORNIA BUILDING OFFICIALS ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING IN SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, MARCH 19-21, 2019 4. ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 578 ON SECOND READING AMENDING SECTIONS OF TITLES 1 AND 3 OF THE LA QUINTA MUNICIPAL CODE TO ALLOW FOR INCREASED FINES RELATED TO SHORT- TERM VACATION RENTALS IN COMPLIANCE WITH STATE LAW 5. RECEIVE AND FILE REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE REPORT DATED DECEMBER 31, 2018 6. RECEIVE AND FILE SECOND QUARTER 2018/19 TREASURY REPORTS FOR OCTOBER, NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER 2018 7. APPROVE DEMAND REGISTERS DATED JANUARY 25, AND FEBRUARY 1, 2019 8. AUTHORIZE PURCHASES WITH PALMS TO PINES PRINTING FOR UP TO $80,000 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018/19 9. APPROVE DECLARATION AND DISPOSAL OF SURPLUS EQUIPMENT 10. pulled for a separate vote by Mayor Evans >>> AWARD CONTRACT TO HARDY & HARPER, INC FOR AVENIDA BERMUDAS AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT LOCATED ON AVENIDA BERMUDAS AT CALLE NOGALES AND CALLE MADRID, (PROJECT NO. 2018-02), COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROJECT NO. 4.LQ.32-18) 11. APPROVE PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, ENGINEER’S ESTIMATE AND ADVERTISE FOR BID THE JEFFERSON STREET SIDEWALK GAP CLOSURE PROJECT LOCATED ON THE WEST SIDE OF JEFFERSON STREET BETWEEN AVENUE 50 AND DEREK ALAN DRIVE (PROJECT NO. 2017-06) MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Radi/Fitzpatrick to approve Consent Calendar Item Nos. 1 – 9 and 11 as CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 3 of 11 FEBRUARY 19, 2019 recommended, with Item No. 4 adopting Ordinance No. 578. Motion passed unanimously. MAYOR EVANS RECUSED HERSELF FROM VOTING ON CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM NO. 10 DUE TO A POTENTIAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST STEMMING FROM THE PROXIMITY OF HER RESIDENCE TO THE PROPOSED PROJECT IMPROVEMENTS MAYOR PRO TEM SANCHEZ ASSUMED THE RESPONSIBILITY OF PRESIDING OFFICER CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM NO. 10 MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Fitzpatrick/Radi to approve Consent Calendar Item No. 10 as recommended. Motion passed – ayes 4, noes 0, abstain 1 (Evans). MAYOR EVANS RE-ASSUMED HER CAPACITY OF PRESIDING OFFICER FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE MEETING BUSINESS SESSION 1. APPROVE PILLARS OF THE COMMUNITY NOMINATIONS Management Analyst Torres and Management Assistant Calderon presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk’s Office. MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Radi/Fitzpatrick to approve the Pillars of the Community nominees Mark Johnson and Sally Shelton as recommended by the Community Services Commission. Motion pass unanimously. 2. APPROVE CONTRACT SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH ECONOLYTE SYSTEMS, INC TO PURCHASE AND INSTALL THE CENTRACS ADVANCED TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SYSTEM TO MANAGE THE CITY’S SIGNALIZED INTERSECTIONS Traffic Management Analyst Gunterson presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk’s Office; and noted Exhibit D – Insurance Requirements of the proposed Agreement for Contract Services will be amended to include cyber insurance. Council discussed Centracs Advanced Traffic Management System (CATMS) will be on a continuous upgrade schedule, thus almost eliminating an end-of- life scenario; cyber insurance requirements and associated costs; Federal CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 4 of 11 FEBRUARY 19, 2019 grant funds secured for the installation of fiber optic traffic signal controllers; regional efforts through CVAG to synchronize Highway 111 traffic signals throughout the Coachella Valley which requires City contribution of 20% of the total project cost; Econolyte Systems develops its own traffic management software, they are not a reseller, and currently provides traffic-related services to the City, thus ensuring a seamless transfer from the City’s current software to the new one; and analysis of other companies’ traffic software, services, and costs. MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Fitzpatrick/Radi to approve Contract Services Agreement with Econolyte Systems, Inc., not to exceed $142,300, to purchase and install Centracs Advanced Traffic Management System to manage the City’s signalized intersections, as amended to require cyber insurance; and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement. Motion passed unanimously. STUDY SESSION COUNCILMEMBER PEÑA RECUSED HIMSELF FROM DISCUSSION OF STUDY SESSION ITEM NO. 1 DUE TO A POTENTIAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST STEMMING FROM THE ITEM BEING A POTENTIAL SOURCE OF INCOME AND LEFT THE DIAS AT 4:17 P.M. 1. DISCUSS POSSIBLE MOTORIZED SCOOTER OPERATIONS Interim Senior Planner Flores, Code Compliance Supervisor Meredith, and Public Safety Manager Mendez presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk’s Office. Council discussed CVAG Transportation Committee considered this item from a regional standpoint and gave direction to conduct a study to identify best practices, how other cities are dealing with motorized scooter (Scooters) operations, implementing licensing requirements and collecting fees related to these services, which then in turn can be used for active transportation improvements, so that local cities can use the data and analysis in drafting their regulations and requirements; use of public transit is dependent on solving first mile – last mile challenges; the City’s Vehicle Abatement Municipal Code provisions allow Staff to collect Scooters if certain provisions are met; no urgency ordinance is necessary at this time to ensure Staff has the ability to deal with Scooters should the need arise; Scooters companies’ business model does not include a depot locations for pick-up and drop-off or docking stations; local bicycle rental operators can expand their inventory and rent out Scooters and will be subject to applicable state regulations, such as cannot ride on sidewalks, etc.; state definitions differentiate between standard CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 5 of 11 FEBRUARY 19, 2019 bicycles, electric bicycles, and motorized scooters; this is a new venture and it should be explored further; Scooters users must have a valid driver license per state law to prove that they are over 18 years-old; some operators do have on the ground staff, and also offer users incentives to charge the Scooters before returning them for use; use of geo-fencing to limit Scooters use within a certain geographic area; the City’s municipal code has provisions that prohibit the use of Scooters on City property designated as a pedestrian mall, plaza, or public gathering area, however the City can designate areas where Scooters are allowed; consider deploying a pilot program and stationing deployment areas near affordable housing developments and monitor the use; importance that the City initiate a pilot program, it should be with a dynamic fleet based on usage, at a specific geo-fence area to ensure safety, for approximately 60 days to collect data and evaluate the community’s reaction; if Scooters are taken outside of the geo-fence limits, the operators continue to charge the user until Scooters are moved returned to the approved geographic area; waiting to see CVAG’s study and how Scooters use might be implemented on CV Link and how that would tie in with the City’s Highway 111 connectivity and walkability efforts; Scooters are part of the future alternative transportation; educating motorists; auto storage is not currently allowed in the City and if Scooters are allowed the City would have to adopt an ordinance to address this; safety concerns; mitigating Scooters becoming an “eye-sore;” using Scooters at night in areas that are not lit; and Goldenvoice has indicated that Scooters will not be allowed on festival grounds. PUBLIC SPEAKER: Ms. Elisa Guerrero, La Quinta – said she owns Old Town Peddler; spoke in support of Scooters as an upcoming alternative transportation option; expressed concerns about Scooters permitted in Indio that may end up in La Quinta, collecting Scooters from gated residential communities, and safety; said a survey conducted of Old Town Peddler customers has shown a strong dislike of Scooters operations based on all of the items already discussed, such as safety, “eye-sore,” parking where not allowed, etc.; Old Town Peddler does not plan on expanding its operations to include Scooters in the near future because the main user demographic is not prevalent in La Quinta; noted one of the City’s established values is “aesthetics and beauty” and Scooters may adversely impact that; and expressed support of a pilot program to evaluate operations and gage the community’s response. Council discussed a pilot program would show whether there is a need for Scooters in the City; the Calle Tampico active transportation improvements would be a great opportunity to test Scooters; unlike bicycle rentals where a user has to pick-up and drop-off at a certain locations, the appeal of Scooters is that increases user mobility, while it reduces responsibility as it can be dropped-off anywhere in the geo-fence area, and there is no concern for the CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 6 of 11 FEBRUARY 19, 2019 safety of the property; the City can identify that gated residential communities are not within the geo-fence, then the onerous is on the user because they will be charged until the Scooter is returned within the approved area; resident input would be more meaningful after a pilot program; the use of Scooters docking stations is not part of the business model of the operators; docking stations are helpful in providing guidance and parameters to users; possibly solicit community feedback on Scooters as part of the CV Link project and the La Quinta Village Complete Streets active transportation improvements; and working with the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce to engage the business community that works with them to provide feedback. Council reached a consensus not to take any action on Scooter operations at this time, to use opportunities such as the CV Link project, the La Quinta Village Complete Streets active transportation improvements, the Highway 111 Corridor Area Plan, etc. to educate and engage the community that Scooters are not currently allowed but alternative options are being explored. PUBLIC SPEAKER: Ms. Kylie Grenier, La Quinta – said the focus should be on first mile – last mile uses and expressed support of a pilot Scooters program centered around housing developments where folks are in need of the first mile – last mile trip to catch the bus and determine what the full-time community’s needs are instead of centering it around the Coachella festivals; and noted this would allow an opportunity to show value to the community and not attract the emotional response usually related with the festivals. Council discussed based on the findings of CVAG’s study, SunLine Transit Agency could be appointed as Scooters coordinator to work with the operators to coordinate and facilitate the first mile – last mile uses, and SunLine is willing to do so. COUNCILMEMBER PEÑA RETURNED TO THE DIAS AT 5:16 P.M. 2. DISCUSS THE CITY’S RECYCLING EFFORTS/INITIATIVES Assistant to the City Manager Villalpando presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk’s Office. Council discussed the effects of China’s ban of recyclable imports by 2020 on Burrtec Waste & Recycling Services (Burrtec) who relies on selling recyclables to China to offset the cost for providing services, which allows them to keep resident rates down; and long-term recyclable alternatives. PUBLIC SPEAKER: Michael Veto, Director of Municipal Services with Burrtec, Palm Desert – said the majority of Burrtec’s recycling used to go to China; CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 7 of 11 FEBRUARY 19, 2019 since the ban, it is being distributed to Vietnam, the Philippines and other countries; service cost for recycling used to be off-set by selling the commodity, but the market is shrinking and this is a world-wide problem; noted Burrtec is increasing their educational efforts via tags and stickers that will be placed on waste bins to show what is acceptable; residents are not using the recycling containers properly which in turn results in Burrtec having to spend more time and efforts to sort through the waste to separate actual recyclable materials; new legislature will require residential food waste; spoke about Burrtec’s efforts to achieve residential recycling compliance via education and providing residents with warnings if recycling bins are not used appropriately; described the process through which Burrtec separates recyclable waste; and noted countries that buy the recyclable waste will return it if it is over 0.5% polluted and will stop allowing it if it occurs three times. PUBLIC SPEAKER: Renado Gouldlock, District Environmental Coordinator with Burrtec – spoke about what recyclable materials are still acceptable; Goldenvoice’s recyclable efforts; and noted it takes more energy to create virgin materials than to use recyclables. 3. DISCUSS THE CITY’S PARKWAY AND MEDIAN LANDSCAPES Facilities Director Howlett presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk’s Office. Council discussed the great parkway and median landscape improvements made north of Highway 111, the importance of adequate maintenance, and addressing areas south of Highway 111 that need improvements; establishing a maintenance/improvement plan; defining what constitutes maintenance – weed abatement, pruning, irrigation check, plant replacement, refreshing aggregate or decomposed granite, etc, and who is responsible for it – contractor or Staff; need for landscaping and median improvements along Avenue 52; importance to ensure landscape improvements are aesthetically pleasing and result in less maintenance and costs; improvements do not have to match exactly existing landscaping; establishing a prioritized list of landscape improvement needs based on current condition; both desert-scape and lush landscape styles appeal to different folks; mixing seasonal with desert-scape plant pallet; and incorporating art and lighting into the landscaping. Council reached a consensus and directed Staff to establish a program that identifies needed improvements south of Highway 111, and prioritize and prepare a plan for capital improvement projects (CIP) going forward; identify maintenance responsibility between contractors and Staff, and how and when it can be implemented. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 9 of 11 FEBRUARY 19, 2019 of the Highway 111 Corridor, including rotating the building so that it does not face Highway 111, incorporating connectivity and walkability elements to make it more urban and inviting, using local plant pallet, and pavers to reduce the impact of asphalt. Council discussed the landscaping can be used to create a sense of place and belonging of the hotel development to the image corridor. Council discussed the purpose of the Highway 111 Corridor Area Plan is to provide flexibility, analyze the existing Specific Plans, make businesses more visible, and provide improvement and revisioning options; the Planning Commission comments regarding this item and inappropriate decorum during the January 22, 2019, Public Hearing; the community has expressed support of concentrating commercial developments along the Highway 111 Corridor; and the City has a responsibility to bring projects that enhance economic development while protecting the image corridor. MAYOR EVANS DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED AT 6:47 P.M. MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Peña/Radi to adopt Resolution No. 2019-002 to: A. Certify Environmental Assessment 2018-0005, and adopt Mitigated Negative Declaration under the California Environmental Quality Act; and B. Approve Specific Plan 2018-0002 (Specific Plan 2008-085, Amendment 1) to allow for commercial and/or mixed-use development on the northern portion of the Highway 111 and Dune Palms Specific Plan, subject to the attached Findings and Conditions of Approval; A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA CERTIFYING AN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT TO ADOPT A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION, AND APPROVING AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO THE HIGHWAY 111 AND DUNE PALMS SPECIFIC PLAN, LOCATED ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF HIGHWAY 111, APPROXIMATELY 300 FEET EASE OF DUNE PALMS ROAD CASE NUMBERS: ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 2018-0005 SPECIFIC PLAN 2018-0002 (SP 2008-085, AMD 1) APPLICANT: CITY OF LA QUINTA Both motions passed unanimously. DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS All reports are on file in the City Clerk’s Office. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 8 of 11 FEBRUARY 19, 2019 MAYOR EVANS CALLED FOR A BRIEF RECESS AT 6:01 P.M. MAYOR EVANS RECONVENED THE COUNCIL MEETING AT 6:13 P.M. WITH ALL MEMBERS PRESENT PUBLIC HEARINGS – After 5:00 p.m. 1. ADOPT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE SPECIFIC PLAN 2018-002 (SP 2008-085, AMENDMENT 1) TO REVISE NORTHERN PORTION OF SPECIFIC PLAN AREA FOR HIGHWAY 111 AND DUNE PALMS SPECIFIC PLAN AMENDMENT; CEQA: CERTIFY ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 2018-0005; AND ADOPT MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION [RESOLUTION NO. 2019-002] Interim Senior Planner Flores presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk’s Office. Council discussed the Highway 111 and Dune Palms Specific Plan (Plan) that was originally created in 2010 and Staff prepared the proposed Plan amendment (Amendment) currently under consideration; the existing Embassy Suites hotel in the La Quinta Village varies between 55 and 48 feet in height; the potential mixed-use development of the Old Town Villas had the potential to go up to 60 feet in height for architectural elements and 48 feet in height for the rest of the building; the definition of an image corridor as stated in the General Plan protects scenic resources, street scapes, and threats from inappropriate and unattractive land uses, inadequate landscaping and parking, excessive and inappropriate signage, high walls, berms and overhead power lines that block or degrade views, as well as creating a sense of place in La Quinta and the experience it offers based on its view-shed, parkways, and architectural elements combined; benefits of discussing the Amendment and proposed hotel development with the City’s Highway 111 Corridor Area Plan consultant, Rangwala Associates; and importance of connectivity between projects. MAYOR EVANS DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING OPEN AT 6:33 P.M. PUBLIC SPEAKER: Brandon Welker, Development Team with Sunridge Properties, Arizona – spoke about the company’s experience with hotel developments and noted it currently specializes in developing only Marriott brand properties; the company was originally planning a Marriott development in Indian Wells which fell through; they really liked La Quinta and decided to build the development here; the Development Team has worked closely with Staff to ensure the proposed development is in line with the City’s visioning CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 10 of 11 FEBRUARY 19, 2019 1. CITY MANAGER City Manager Spevacek reported grading permit for the mass grading of the SilverRock Resort site was issued today. 4. COMMUNITY RESOURCES – PUBLIC SAFETY CAMERA SYSTEM OUTREACH AND SUREY Council discussed the Staff’s outreach efforts and timing; ensuring resident comments and feedback are appropriately routed and recorded; and concurred with the need to advance the timing of the third-party independent survey. 5-A. MADISON STREET WIDENING PROJECT UPDATE Council discussed that due to physical constraints the contemplated multi-use path along Madison Street, between Avenues 50 and 52, is not feasible, and it will be filled with decomposed granite instead of concrete. MAYOR’S AND COUNCIL MEMBERS’ ITEMS Councilmember Peña said there has been an influx of graffiti around the City; Lieutenant Tapp provided general police findings related to graffiti. Councilmember Radi said he, Mayor Evans and Councilmember Peña represented the City at the Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball held to raise funds for Cal State University San Bernardino Palm Desert Campus hospitality management program at the JW Marriott Desert Springs in Palm Desert on February 16, 2019. Mayor Evans said she represented the City at the President’s Day Parade at the Riverside County Fair and Date Festival in Indio on February 18, 2019. Mayor Evans said she provided an update on La Quinta at the Desert Valley Builders Association luncheon today held at the Agua Caliente Resort & Casino in Palm Desert; will provide an update to the Building Industry Association Coachella Valley Mayor’s Luncheon scheduled for March 20, 2019 at the Palm Valley Country Club in Palm Desert; and will be meeting with the civics group from Trilogy next week. Mayor Evans said she was contacted by Desert X with a request for reconsideration. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 11 of 11 FEBRUARY 19, 2019 Mayor Evans requested that Staff schedule for a future agenda a Study Session discussion on Economic Development encompassing Staff’s efforts, the Highway 111 Corridor Area Plan efforts by Rangwala Associates, East Valley Coalition, Coachella Valley Economic Partnership, and what is the plan going forward. Council concurred. REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS La Quinta’s representative for 2019, Mayor Evans reported on her participation in the following organizations’ meeting:  CVAG COACHELLA VALLEY CONSERVATION COMMISSION  CVAG ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE La Quinta’s representative for 2019, Councilmember Fitzpatrick reported on her participation in the following organization’s meeting:  DESERT RECREATION DISTRICT COMMITTEE (Fitzpatrick & Radi) La Quinta’s representative for 2019, Councilmember Peña reported on his participation in the following organizations’ meeting:  CVAG PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE  EAST VALLEY COALITION La Quinta’s representative for 2019, Councilmember Radi reported on his participation in the following organizations’ meeting:  CVAG TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE  COACHELLA VALLEY ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP – VENTURE CAPITAL TASK FORCE  SUNLINE TRANSIT AGENCY ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, a motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Radi/Fitzpatrick to adjourn at 7:10 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. Respectfully submitted, MONIKA RADEVA, City Clerk City of La Quinta, California