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2019 12 03 CC MinutesCITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 1 of 9 DECEMBER 3, 2019 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 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 Mayor Evans said she would like to introduce Kathleen Miller-Prunty, Deputy Mayor for the City of Cranford, New Jersey, under Announcements, Presentations, and Written Communications section of the agenda, who was visiting La Quinta. Council concurred. CLOSED SESSION 1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION PURSUANT TO PARAGRAPH (1) OF SUBDIVISION (d) of GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9; NAME OF CASE: THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA, BY AND THROUGH, THE CITY OF LA QUINTA V. BOZEK, RIVERSIDE COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT CASE NO. INM1802766 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) 3. 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 9 DECEMBER 3, 2019 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 4:00 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). Mayor Evans asked the public to join the Council for a moment of silence to honor long-time City of Palm Desert Councilmember Jean Benson, who passed away over the weekend, for her dedicated public service; she was 95 years- old. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Pro Tem Sanchez led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA PUBLIC SPEAKERS: Site Supervisor Kelli Murphy and Assistant Site Supervisor Stephany Lopez with Family YMCA of the Desert La Quinta Child Development Center – presented Council with a “Thank You” card signed by YMCA staff, and thanked Council for the City-donated generator providing back-up power to the center in the event of a power outage, like the one experienced in June, during which the center had to close down as there was no alternative power source available; and said the YMCA provides many affordable child care options for families, including their School Age Care program serving Truman and Ben Franklin Elementary schools providing before and after school care for children in Transition Kindergarten through the 5th grade; Early Childhood Education Preschool Program for ages 2 to 5 years-old; and effective January 6, 2020, the center will launch a new Infant Program, for ages from 3 to 24 months-old; quality meals are provided as part of the programs and the center is open daily from 7 am to 6 pm, including holidays and during the summer when schools are closed. PUBLIC SPEAKER: Beverly Green, CEO with Neuro Vitality Center, Palm Springs – said the organization was the former Stroke Recovery Center, spoke of the services the organization offers, it’s recent natural evolution of care and expansion of services into neuro vitality, including neurology, dementia, and Alzheimer’s, focusing on providing patients with the best overall quality of life, and to better meet the demands and needs of the Coachella Valley. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 3 of 9 DECEMBER 3, 2019 ANNOUNCEMENTS, PRESENTATIONS AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS 1. Added by Mayor Evans >>> INTRODUCE KATHLEEN MILLER- PRUNTY, DEPUTY MAYOR FOR CITY OF CRANFORD, NEW JERSEY Mayor Evans introduced Kathleen Miller-Prunty, Deputy Mayor for City of Cranford, New Jersey, visiting relatives in La Quinta. Council welcomed Ms. Miller-Prunty and presented her with a La Quinta lapel pin. 2. Renumbered from Agenda order >>> SILVERROCK RESORT UPDATE BY PROJECT MANAGER JOHN GAMLIN WITH SILVERROCK DEVELOPMENT COMPANY Project Executive John Gamlin with SilverRock Development Company gave a presentation on the development progress of the SilverRock Resort, including mass and rough grading, temporary Clubhouse, permit submittals, design, and construction timeline. 3. Renumbered from Agenda order >>> LA QUINTA ART CELEBRATION EVENT UPDATE BY PAUL ANDERSON Art Event Producer Paul Anderson said the event name is “La Quinta Art Celebration;” it will be held March 5-9, 2020; introduced Event Director Kathleen Hughes, Volunteer Coordinator Debbie Nelson, and CFO of Scope Services Anil Pisharody; and spoke of the event organization efforts, marketing and promotional campaigns, artist juried process, featured art types, including a digital experience, site event lay-out. CONSENT CALENDAR 1. APPROVE SPECIAL JOINT CITY COUNCIL AND PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES OF OCTOBER 28, 2019 2. APPROVE CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 19, 2019 3. ADOPT RESOLUTION TO INCREASE THE MINIMUM WAGE RATE EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2020, AND AMEND THE CITY’S FISCAL YEAR 2019/20 SALARY SCHEDULE [RESOLUTION NO. 2019-049] 4. AUTHORIZE OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER AND COMMUNITY RESOURCES ADMINISTRATIVE TECHNICIAN TO ATTEND THE CALIFORNIA JOINT POWERS INSURANCE AUTHORITY 2020 RISK MANAGEMENT ACADEMY IN HUNTINGTON BEACH, CALIFORNIA, JANUARY 21-23, 2020 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 4 of 9 DECEMBER 3, 2019 5. APPROVE DEMAND REGISTER DATED NOVEMBER 15, 2019 6. APPROVE AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO AGREEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES WITH RASA FOR ON-CALL MAP CHECKING SERVICES MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Radi/Fitzpatrick to approve the Consent Calendar as recommended, with Item No. 3 adopting Resolution No. 2019-049. Motion passed unanimously. BUSINESS SESSION MAYOR EVANS SAID ALTHOUGH SHE SERVES AS A BOARD MEMBER ON THE MICKELSON FOUNDATION, A NON-PROFIT ENTITY, PURSUANT TO CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 1091.5, THERE IS NO CONFLICT OF INTEREST AS IT IS A NON-STIPEND VOLUNTEER POSITION 1. APPROVE AGREEMENT WITH THE MICKELSON FOUNDATION, INC. FOR THE AMERICAN EXPRESS GOLF TOURNAMENT FROM 2020 THROUGH 2024 FOR IN-KIND PUBLIC SAFETY, RECYCLING SERVICES, AND MARKETING COLLABORATION TO HOST THE EVENT Marketing Manager Graham presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk’s Office. Council discussed that the City’s agreement with the Mickelson Foundation, Inc. offers the same services in lieu of monetary compensation as compared to the City’s past agreement with Desert Classic Charities for the same event. PUBLIC SPEAKER: Pat McCabe, Tournament Director with Mickelson Foundation, Inc. – said generally the lay-out for the 2020 American Express PGA Tour golf event is very similar to events held in the past, including event access points; the agreement does include a timeline to obtaining the required City permits; the concert series has been upgraded featuring country music star Luke Bryan and rock and roll legend Stevie Nicks; attendance is anticipated to double due to the featured artists; increased security presence is being coordinated with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department; traffic control and path of travel will be similar to prior events; ticket costs range from $35 to $50 depending on the day of attendance; and ticket sales are caped. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 5 of 9 DECEMBER 3, 2019 Council commended the event producers and sponsors for elevating the quality of the event MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Radi/Sanchez to approve an Agreement for Contract Services with Michelson Foundation, Inc. for The American Express Golf Tournament for 2020 through 2024 for in-kind services to host the event; and authorize the City manager to execute the agreement. Motion passed unanimously. 2. APPROVE CONTRACT SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH MATRIX CONSULTING GROUP TO CONDUCT A FIRE SERVICE DELIVERY STUDY Public Safety Manager Mendez presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk’s Office. Council discussed the agreement calls for the Fire Service Delivery Study to be completed by the end of March 2020; the City’s agreement for contract services with Riverside County Fire Department (RCFD) is in effect until June 2021, which will allow Staff a year to negotiate the terms of the new agreement with the RCFD; Matrix Consulting Group has conducted approximately 350 fire studies for agencies located throughout California and the United States, and has extensive experience with Cal Fire and RCFD; the annual fire property tax revenue the City receives, and the continuing rising costs for fire services delivery; importance to conduct the study and have data to guide the decision-making process, implement adequate checks and balances, and be fiscally responsible; collaboration is imperative in this process; and the metrics will help the City mitigate future cost increases. MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Fitzpatrick/Sanchez to approve Contract Services Agreement with Matrix Consulting Group to conduct a fire service delivery study, for a total not to exceed amount of $39,900 dollars; and authorize the City manager to execute the agreement. Motion passed unanimously. STUDY SESSION – None CITY HALL ANNUAL OPEN HOUSE MAYOR EVANS RECESSED THE MEETING FOR THE CITY’S ANNUAL OPEN HOUSE MEET AND GREET AT 5:05 P.M. MAYOR EVANS RECONVENED THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING AT 6:01 P.M. WITH ALL MEMBERS PRESENT CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 6 of 9 DECEMBER 3, 2019 PUBLIC HEARINGS – After 6:00 P.M. 1. INTRODUCE AN ORDINANCE AT FIRST READING TO APPROVE ZONE CHANGE 2019-0002, AND ADOPT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE VARIANCE 2019-0001 AND SITE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 2019-0002 FOR A 2,790 SQUARE-FOOT DRIVE- THROUGH FACILITY; CEQA: FIND THE PROJECT CONSISTENT WITH ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 91-187 (2019-0002); PROJECT: STARBUCKS; LOCATION: NORTHWEST CORNER OF WASHINGTON STREET AND CALLE TAMPICO [ORDINANCE NO. 582 AND RESOLUTION NO. 2019-050] Senior Planner Flores presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk’s Office. Council discussed the height of the light fixtures; lighting will be LED; pedestrian path of travel; drive-through stacking capacity, and exiting into an interior street traffic circulation; Planning Commission’s recommendation to add plants or a low-bearing wall as barrier between the parking lot and the proposed outside patio; this project will reduce the total number of parking spaces in the center; and traffic signal timing at the Washington Street and Village Shopping Center intersection, and ability to increase the turning left- lane to two dependent on the vehicle count. MAYOR EVANS DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING OPEN AT 6:20 P.M. PUBLIC SPEAKER: Kayman Wong, representing the property owner, LQ Investments – said they were excited to open a new Starbucks in La Quinta; and answered Council’s questions with regards to average wait time for drive- through customers; designated parking for mobile order pay (MOP) orders; comprehensive demographic studies allow Starbucks to custom select the products it offers to best match the demands of the community, in this case a reserve bar for MOPs; the new building will allow Starbucks to better construct the space and get more ‘usable’ space for its customers; no additional lease restrictions will be imposed on the commercial center due to Starbucks’ relocation; the zone change increases the allowed types of uses; owner’s plans and efforts to revitalize the center; the center’s leases are not sustainable based on the market’s economic state; and will communicate to the owner the City’s and the community’s desire to revive the center. PUBLIC SPEAKER: Elisa Guerrero, La Quinta – said she is not in support or opposition of the project; she is a frequent Starbucks patron; the existing traffic leaving the center via La Quinta Village shopping center at time creates CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 7 of 9 DECEMBER 3, 2019 a traffic congestion and should be taken under consideration; importance to note that the new building will increase the rate of vacancy in the center; Council must exercise caution and not set a precedent that drive-through facilities are allowed in the Cove; and the property owner has not shown interest in improving the state of the center. Council discussed this center abuts Washington Street which makes the zone change viable, thus not setting a precedent that drive-through facilities will be allowed in the Cove; other commercial centers in the Cove abut interior streets, such as Calle Tampico, which is going through major renovations to slow down traffic, increase pedestrian connectivity, and encourage the use of alternative transportation options. MAYOR EVANS DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED AT 6:35 P.M. Council directed Staff to explore options to widen the turning lane capacity at the Washington Street and Village Shopping Center intersection, perhaps through striping; bring this matter for Planning Commission review after six months of operations to evaluate if revisions are necessary; and ensure adequate pedestrian path of travel north-bound from the center into the adjacent housing development. MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Fitzpatrick/Radi to take up Ordinance No. 582 by title and number only and waive further reading. Motion passed unanimously. City Clerk Radeva read the following title of Ordinance No. 551 into the record: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE ZONING MAP FROM NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL TO COMMUNITY COMMERCIAL FOR ASSESSOR’S PARCEL NOS. 770-020-015 THROUGH 770-020-021 CASE NUMBER: ZONE CHANGE 2019-0002 APPLICANT: KAIDENCE GROUP MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Fitzpatrick/Radi to introduce at first reading Ordinance No. 582 as recommended. Motion passed unanimously. MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Fitzpatrick/Radi to adopt Resolution No. 2019-050 approving Variance 2019- 0001 and Site Development Permit 2019-0002, and find the project consistent with Environmental Assessment 91-187, subject to the Findings and Conditions of Approval: CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 8 of 9 DECEMBER 3, 2019 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA, RECOMMENDING CITY COUNCIL APPROVE A VARIANCE AND SITE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT, FOR A NEW 2,790 SQUARE FOOT DRIVE-THROUGH STARBUCKS AND FIND THE PROJECT CONSISTENT WITH A PREVIOUSLY APPROVED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT CASE NUMBERS: VARIANCE 2019-0001, SITE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 2019-0002, ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 2019-0002 APPLICANT: KAIDENCE GROUP Motion passed unanimously. DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS All reports are on file in the City Clerk’s Office. 9. POLICE – QUARTERLY REPORT JULY – SEPTEMBER 2019 Council discussed the average response time for Priority 1 incidents, and how one incident can greatly affect the average. MAYOR’S AND COUNCIL MEMBERS’ ITEMS Mayor Pro Tem Sanchez reported on his attendance at the Rancho La Quinta Thanksgiving welcoming luncheon for marines from 29 Palms marine base, and there was a great turnout. Councilmember Peña reported he, Mayor Evans, Mayor Pro Tem Sanchez, and Councilmember Radi attended the Citizens on Patrol annual appreciation dinner, held on November 22, 2019, at the Trilogy Santa Rosa Clubhouse Ballroom. Councilmember Peña said he and Mayor Pro Tem Sanchez attended the annual tree lighting ceremony at the La Quinta Resort & Club, held on November 30, 2019, at 5 pm, at the Plaza. Councilmember Fitzpatrick said when residents pull permits to hold fireworks, the City will post the permit information on its website and advertise it in the Gem to create awareness for neighboring residents, so they may take precaution for their animals. Councilmember Radi said he attended the kick-off event for the formation of SSG James Perez athletic scholarship for the La Quinta High School athletic club. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 9 of 9 DECEMBER 3, 2019 REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS La Quinta’s representative for 2019, Mayor Evans reported on her participation in the following organizations’ meetings:  CVAG EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE  GREATER PALM SPRINGS CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, a motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Radi/Fitzpatrick to adjourn at 6:51 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. Respectfully submitted, MONIKA RADEVA, City Clerk City of La Quinta, California