Loading...
2019 04 16 CC MinutesCITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 1 of 11 APRIL 16, 2019 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2019 CALL TO ORDER A regular meeting of the La Quinta City Council was called to order at 3:00 p.m. by Mayor Evans. PRESENT: Councilmembers Fitzpatrick, Peña, Radi, Sanchez, Mayor Evans ABSENT: None PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA – None. CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA City Manager Spevacek requested to add “Distinguished Service Award – Community Services Medal to Tania Huerta” to be presented by La Quinta Police Chief Reynolds, and “Introduce New and Promoted City Staff” under Announcements, Presentations, and Written Communications section of the agenda. Councilmember Sanchez said he would like to comment on Consent Calendar Item Nos. 6, 9, and 13. Councilmember Fitzpatrick said she would like to comment on Consent Calendar Item No. 13. Council concurred. CLOSED SESSION 1. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE APPOINTMENT PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54957, COUNCIL APPOINTED POSITION – CITY MANAGER 2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION SIGNIFICANT EXPOSURE TO LITIGATION PURSUANT TO PARAGRAPH (2) OR (3) OF SUBDIVISION (d) OF GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9 (NUMBER OF POTENTIAL CASES: 1) CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 2 of 11 APRIL 16, 2019 3. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION (QUARTERLY REVIEW) PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54957, COUNCIL APPOINTED POSITION – CITY MANAGER COUNCIL RECESSED THE OPEN SESSION PORTION OF THE MEETING AND MOVED INTO CLOSED SESSION AT 3:02 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 Council will continue consideration of Closed Session items after the open portion section 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: Mr. Steve Cherry, La Quinta – said he spoke in front of SunLine Transit Agency’s Board of Directors requesting that SunLine provide public transit services to Trilogy at La Quinta; and recommended that Council and SunLine collaborate to provide hop-on-hop-off public transit services along Highway 111, between Jefferson and Washington Streets, free of charge. PUBLIC SPEAKER: Mr. Chuck Parker, Palm Desert – said the Salton Sea Coalition is requesting Council’s support to amend the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Imperial and Riverside Counties concerning the Salton Sea and North Lake vision to include ocean water importation; and spoke about the benefits this would have. PUBLIC SPEAKER: Mr. Robert Mueller, Rancho Mirage – said he is speaking on behalf of a number of concerned citizens regarding the Salton Sea’s perilous condition; Riverside County’s plans and ideas to improve the Salton Sea’s condition may not be enduring in their remedy; noted that a salt water import would be a good and enduring solution; and an amendment to the MOU has been prepared and is being circulated throughout the cities in the Coachella Valley requesting their support. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 3 of 11 APRIL 16, 2019 ANNOUNCEMENTS, PRESENTATIONS AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS 1. added >>> DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD - COMMUNITY SERVICE MEDAL TO TANIA HUERTA Riverside County Sheriff’s Department – La Quinta Police Chief Reynolds and Lieutenant Tapp presented Ms. Huerta, a La Quinta resident, with the Distinguished Service Award – Community Service Medal for her commendable actions which saved a life. 2. added >>> INTRODUCE NEW AND PROMOTED CITY STAFF City Manager Spevacek introduced the following new and promoted Staff:  Michelle Lopez, Short-Term Vacation Rental Permit Technician with the Design and Development Department;  Carlos Flores, promoted to Senior Planner with the Design and Development Department; and  Tania Flores, promoted to Management Assistant with the Clerks’ Office. CONSENT CALENDAR 1. APPROVE MINUTES OF APRIL 2, 2019 2. APPROVE MINUTES OF MARCH 19, 2019 3. APPROVE DEMAND REGISTERS DATED MARCH 29 AND APRIL 5, 2019 4. AUTHORIZE OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR THE FINANCE DIRECTOR AND FINANCIAL SERVICES ANALYST TO ATTEND THE GOVERNMENT FINANCE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION ANNUAL CONFERENCE IN LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, MAY 19 – 22, 2019 5. ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 579 ON SECOND READING AMENDING SECTIONS 9.170.020 – DEFINITIONS, AND 9.170.060 – APPROVAL STANDARDS OF THE LA QUINTA MUNICIPAL CODE ADDING SMALL CELL TECHNOLOGY STANDARDS 6. AUTHORIZE SUBMISSION OF GRANT APPLICATION FOR THE RIVERSIDE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION SB 821 BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN FACILITIES PROGRAM CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 4 of 11 APRIL 16, 2019 7. ADOPT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE A PROJECT LIST FOR SENATE BILL 1 – ROAD REPAIR AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT 2017 FUNDING [RESOLUTION NO. 2019-009] 8. ACCEPT 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) 9. AWARD CONTRACT TO UNITED PAVING COMPANY FOR THE PAVEMENT MANAGEMENT PLAN IMPROVEMENTS ON AVENUE 52 BETWEEN SILVERROCK WAY AND JEFFERSON STREET AND MISCELLANEOUS STRIPING, (PROJECT NO. 2018-07/1819PMP) 10. AWARD CONTRACT TO GRANITE CONSTRUCTION COMPANY TO CONSTRUCT THE EISENHOWER DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS LOCATED ON THE WEST SIDE OF EISENHOWER DRIVE BETWEEN AVENIDA FERNANDO AND COACHELLA DRIVE (PROJECT NO. 2015-12B/151612) 11. APPROVE PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, ENGINEER’S ESTIMATE, AND ADVERTISE FOR BID THE LA QUINTA LANDSCAPE RENOVATION IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT LOCATED AT THE LA QUINTA HIGHLANDS DEVELOPMENT, ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF FRED WARING DRIVE AND WEST SIDE OF ADAMS STREET (PROJECT NO. 2016-03D) 12. APPROVE PLANS SPECIFICATIONS, ENGINEER’S ESTIMATE, AND ADVERTISE FOR BID THE LA QUINTA COMPLETE STREETS PROJECT (PROJECT NO. 2015-03) 13. APPROVE PURCHASE OF PREFABRICATED RESTROOM FACILITY FROM PORTLAND LOO, INC FOR THE COVE PUBLIC RESTROOM PROJECT (PROJECT NO. 2018-01) CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM NO. 6 Councilmember Sanchez said the lack of a complete ADA path of travel at these locations was brought up by a resident at the Annual Joint City Council and City Boards and City Commissions meeting on March 27, 2019, and Staff is already working to obtain funding to install the necessary improvements; and encouraged anyone to come forward anytime there is a challenge and let Council know so that it can addressed properly. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 5 of 11 APRIL 16, 2019 Councilmember Fitzpatrick commended Staff for taking such quick actions to address this matter. Councilmember Peña asked that Staff reach out to the resident who brought up the matter at the joint meeting to inform her that actions are being taken to secure funding for the improvements; said the community is the eyes and ears of Council, and encouraged folks to reach out if there is a challenge so that it can be addressed. CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM NO. 9 Councilmember Sanchez said the contractor’s bid cost submitted was much lower than anticipated. Staff said the contractor’s bid did include all items requested and Staff will be closely monitoring the project to ensure the improvements are completed as intended. CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM NO. 13 Councilmember Sanchez said he was pleased to see that the Top of the Cove restroom project is moving forward; and a lot of residents have expressed their gratitude. Councilmember Radi said the cost for this project was high; it is a needed amenity; legislative changes have increased the originally anticipated cost; and he supports it because this item was identified as number one big-rock priority by the community at 2018 Community Workshop. Councilmember Fitzpatrick echoed Councilmember Radi’s comments above. Staff provided an itemized cost analysis of all improvements included in this project, including mobilization and demolition, landscape planting, irrigation, construction, concrete, parking, utilities, Portland Loo restroom unit, design and professional services, survey, inspections and testing, and contingency. MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Fitzpatrick/Radi to approve Consent Calendar Item Nos. 1 – 6, 9 – 11, and 13 as recommended, with Item No. 5 adopting Ordinance No. 579. Motion passed unanimously. COUNCILMEMBER PEÑA RECUSED HIMSELF FROM VOTING ON CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM NOS. 7 AND 12 DUE TO THE PROXIMITY OF REAL PROPERTY TO THE PROPOSED PROJECTS MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Fitzpatrick/Radi to approve Consent Calendar Item Nos. 7 and 12 as CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 6 of 11 APRIL 16, 2019 recommended, with Item No. 7 adopting Resolution No. 2019-009. Motion passed: ayes 4, noes 0, abstain 1 (Peña). MAYOR EVANS RECUSED HERSELF FROM VOTING ON CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM NO. 8 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 MAYOR PRO TEM SANCHEZ ASSUMED THE RESPONSIBILITY OF PRESIDING OFFICER MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Fitzpatrick/Radi to approve Consent Calendar Item No. 8 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 – None. STUDY SESSION 1. DISCUSS DYNAMIC CHANGEABLE MESSAGE SIGNS AS PART OF THE COACHELLA VALLEY REGIONAL TRAFFIC SIGNAL SYNCHRONIZATION PROGRAM Traffic Analyst Gunterson and City Engineer McKinney presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk’s Office. Council discussed proposed sign locations; sign design options and size; whether a dynamic changeable message sign is needed at this time; if installed, the sign should be in the median serving both east- and west-bound traffic; moving forward with the sign infrastructure as part of the Signal Synchronization Master Plan; the proposed sign location does not block sight distance of the traffic signals; sign purpose is solely to alert drivers of traffic- related conditions, and not for advertising; overhead signs are better noticed by drivers than monument signs; cyber security; 10 years is the expected life span of the sign; and installing a decorative rail around the sign if placed in the median for protection against traffic accidents. Council reached consensus and directed Staff to move forward with the installation of the sign infrastructure only. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 7 of 11 APRIL 16, 2019 PUBLIC SPEAKER: Vanessa Moorman, General Manager with Lamar Advertising Company, Palm Springs – said research indicates that drivers view digital signs twice as often as static signs regardless of location; Daktronics digital signs which Lamar uses are reliable, the company is a leader in the industry and stands by its products; there have been no cyber breaches; digital signs have to be monitored; and sign life expectancy is 10 years. Staff said initial installation infrastructure and sign costs are included as part of the CVAG Corridor Synchronization project; the City is responsible for subsequent maintenance and power costs. DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS – item taken out of agenda order 1. CITY MANAGER – LA QUINTA ARTS FOUNDATION UPDATE City Manager Spevacek said he has been communicating with the La Quinta Arts Foundation (LQAF) providing additional information regarding the La Quinta Village Complete Streets project (Project). Last week the LQAF transmitted to the City Amendment No. 4 to the Facility Use Agreement between the City and LQAF which provides for certain use options of the Civic Center Park; the amendment does not change the City’s existing obligations and responsibilities under this agreement; there is a provision stating that the LQAF would have sole right to terminate the agreement if LQAF deemed that the Project has an adverse impact on the use of the Civic Center Park and the parking lots, as well as in doing so the LQAF would assume all liability to the Artists and vendors; the City has expressed its desire to participate in this notification process should a termination occur. Council discussed the agreement terms; including a six-month advance notification provision for terminations; and the timeline of the Project improvements. Council reached a consensus and directed Staff to include a provision requiring a six-month notification for terminations prior to the date of the Art Festival. PUBLIC HEARINGS – After 5:00 P.M. 1. ADOPT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE FISCAL YEAR 2019/20 THROUGH 2023/24 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM [RESOLUTION NO. 2019-010] COUNCILMEMBER PEÑA RECUSED HIMSELF FROM DISCUSSION AND VOTE ON PUBLIC HEARING ITEM NO. 1 – 201503 LA QUINTA VILLAGE COMPLETE STREETS – A ROAD DIET PROJECT ONLY DUE TO THE CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 8 of 11 APRIL 16, 2019 PROXIMITY OF REAL PROPERTY TO THE PROPOSED PROJECT, AND LEFT THE DAIS Mayor Evans noted under Council consideration is the 201503 La Quinta Village Complete Streets – A Road Diet Project only. Management Analyst Mignogna presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk’s Office. Council discussed Staff’s public outreach efforts including mailers and videos to be displayed at local schools; and the research and case studies show that this project increases pedestrian safety and the importance of posting this information on the City’s website, as well as posting “frequently asked questions.” MAYOR EVANS DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING OPEN AT 5:15 P.M. PUBLIC SPEAKER: None. MAYOR EVANS DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED AT 5:15 P.M. MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Fitzpatrick/Radi to adopt Resolution No. 2019-010 approving the 201503 La Quinta Village Complete Streets – A Road Diet Project only: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE FISCAL YEAR 2019/2020 THROUGH 2023/2024 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM Motion passed: ayes 4, noes 0, absent 1 (Peña). COUNCILMEMBER PEÑA RETURNED TO THE DAIS Mayor Evans noted under Council consideration is the remainder of the capital improvement projects as listed in Exhibit A of the proposed resolution. Management Analyst Mignogna and City Engineer McKinney presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk’s Office. MAYOR EVANS DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING RE-OPEN AT 5:30 P.M. PUBLIC SPEAKER: None. MAYOR EVANS DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED AT 5:30 P.M. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 9 of 11 APRIL 16, 2019 MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Fitzpatrick/Radi to adopt Resolution No. 2019-010 approving the remaining capital improvement projects as listed in Exhibit A of the resolution: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE FISCAL YEAR 2019/2020 THROUGH 2023/2024 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM Motion passed unanimously. 2. ADOPT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE SPECIFIC PLAN 2018-0003 TO MODIFY LANDSCAPING AND SIGNAGE STANDARDS WITHIN PLANNING AREA 1 AND PERMIT INDOOR SELF-STORAGE AS AN ALLOWABLE USE IN PLANNING AREA 3 OF THE CENTRE AT LA QUINTA SPECIFIC PLAN; CEQA – EXEMPT PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 15301 AND 15302 [RESOLUTION NO. 2019-011] Senior Planner Flores presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk’s Office. Council discussed standard approval authority for final landscaping plans and sign programs; and whether auto-storage is allowed as part of the proposed self-storage use amendment. MAYOR EVANS DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING OPEN AT 5:30 P.M. PUBLIC SPEAKER: Mr. David Rose on behalf of Epic Management, Temecula – gave a brief overview of the proposed project for the former Sam’s Club vacant building, including Flor & Décor, a self-storage facility, landscape, street, and parking lot renovations; exploring feasible uses for the former gas station area; and said this project is a very strategic opportunity. Council discussed this could be an opportunity to evaluate the final landscaping plans for this project and explore creative solutions to mitigate the sea of asphalt that exists. PUBLIC SPEAKER: Dale Tyerman, La Quinta – spoke in support of exploring alternative solutions to mitigate the existing sea of asphalt of this project instead of simply replacing dead plants, particularly because the proposed uses do not require the large number of parking spaces that are available; and encouraged Council to seek creative solutions for the use of that space. MAYOR EVANS DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED AT 5:52 P.M. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 10 of 11 APRIL 16, 2019 MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Radi/Sanchez to make a finding that this project is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Sections 15301 Existing Facilities and 15302 Replacement or Reconstruction of the California Environmental Quality Act. Motion passed unanimously. MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Radi/Sanchez to adopt Resolution No. 2019-011 approving Specific Plan 2018- 0003 for the Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan, subject to the attached findings: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A SPECIFIC PLAN FOR THE CENTRE AT LA QUINTA LOCATED ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF HIGHWAY 111, BETWEEN ADAMS STREET AND DUNE PALMS ROAD, AND FINDING THE PROJECT EXEMPT FROM ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW PURSUANT TO CEQA GUIDELINES SECTIONS 15301 AND 15302 Motion passed unanimously. DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS All reports are on file in the City Clerk’s Office. MAYOR’S AND COUNCIL MEMBERS’ ITEMS Councilmember Peña reported he and Mayor Pro Tem Sanchez attended the California Cannabis Control Summit held April 10-11, 2019, at the Holiday Inn in Sacramento, California. Councilmember Peña said a new Chinese restaurant, Palm Tree Palace, opened at the Jefferson Plaza commercial center located at the northwest corner of Jefferson Street and Highway 111. Mayor Evans reported on her attendance at the Veterans Expo held on Saturday, April 6, 2019, at the Riverside County Fair Grounds in Indio. Mayor Evans reported on her attendance at the Desert Healthcare District’s (DHCD) Community Listening Forum held on April 11, 2019, at the La Quinta Medical Center, to receive community feedback on the passing of Measure BB which expanded DHCD’s current Cook Street boundary to encompass the remainder of the city of Palm Desert, as well as the cities of Indian Wells, La Quinta, Indio, Coachella, and the unincorporated areas around the Salton Sea, such as Thermal and Mecca; and what are the needs of these additional areas. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 11 of 11 APRIL 16, 2019 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 organizations’ meeting:  CVAG TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE  RIVERSIDE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION (RCTC) La Quinta’s representative for 2019, Councilmember Radi reported on his participation in the following organizations’ meeting:  PUBLIC SAFETY CAMERA SYSTEM AD HOC COMMITTEE  SUNLINE TRANSIT AGENCY La Quinta’s representative for 2019, Councilmember Sanchez reported on his participation in the following organization’s meeting:  LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE – RIVERSIDE COUNTY CHAPTER COUNCIL RECESSED THE OPEN SESSION PORTION OF THE MEETING AND MOVED INTO CLOSED SESSION AT 6:09 P.M. MAYOR EVANS RECONVENED THE OPEN SESSION PORTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING AT 8:03 P.M. WITH ALL MEMBERS PRESENT REPORT ON ACTION(S) TAKEN IN CLOSED SESSION: City Attorney Ihrke reported no actions were taken in Closed Session that require reporting pursuant to Government Code section 54957.1 (Brown Act). ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:03 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. Respectfully submitted, MONIKA RADEVA, City Clerk City of La Quinta, California