2016 01 19 CC MinutesCITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2016
A regular meeting of the La Quinta City Council was called to order at 4:01 p.m. by
Mayor Evans.
PRESENT: Councilmembers Franklin, Osborne, Pena, Radi, Mayor Evans
ABSENT: None
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA - Confirmed
CLOSED SESSION - None
Councilmember Franklin led the audience in the pledge of allegiance.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON AGENDA
PUBLIC SPEAKER: The following speakers requested that Ordinance 532 be amended
to permit cannabis deliveries and personal cultivation:
1. Chris Cranfill, La Quinta (business: California's Best Delivery)
2. Courtney Bateman, no address given (business: Live High End)
3. Melanie Dugent, no address given (business: Live High End)
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Paula Simonds, La Quinta - Ms. Simonds of the Desert Cancer
Foundation provided information on a multi -organization event on January 30, 2016.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: The following speakers spoke against the mini -mart and gas station
development proposed at the corner of Washington Street and Avenue 50:
1. Walter Sorenson, La Quinta
2. Dennis Lubas, La Quinta
3. Gordon Kelly, La Quinta
4. Dennis Peck, La Quinta
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Robert Sylk, La Quinta - Mr. Sylk stated that the Concerned Citizens of
La Quinta organization is not affiliated with any other homeowners' group on the issue
of the Washington/Avenue 50 project. Mr. Sylk suggested slowing down the review
process and announced that the developer, Mr. Chandi, will be at the Embassy Suites
on March 3rd at 5:30 p.m. to answer residents' question regarding the project.
At the request of Councilmember Franklin, City Manager Spevacek explained the
project review process the City is required to follow.
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PUBLIC SPEAKER: Dennis Lubas, La Quinta - Mr. Lubas spoke against the Saxony
convention/event center proposed for the former Sam's Club property.
Mayor Evans explained the status of the Saxony convention/event center project.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Deborah Godley, La Quinta - Ms. Godley requested that Council
adopt a ban on puppy mills and a ban on retailers who sell animals from puppy mills.
ANNOUNCEMENTS, PRESENTATIONS AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
1. PRESENTATION OF TEEN COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM
GRADUATION CERTIFICATES
Mayor Evans presented graduation certificates to the Teen Community Emergency
Response Team (CERT) graduates:
Jonathan Lopez
Santiago Magara
Jordan Nadlee
Adrian Padilla
Francisco Rodriguez
Tori Thayer
Kim Saruwatari, Director of Riverside County Emergency Management, thanked the
City and introduced the newly hired Emergency Operations Center Manager for La
Quinta, Alexander "Zander" Johnston.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. APPROVE MINUTES OF DECEMBER 15, 2015
2. APPROVE DEMAND REGISTERS DATED DECEMBER 11, 18, 30, 2015 AND
JANUARY 8, 2016
3. SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 532 ADDING CHAPTER
5.90 TO THE LA QUINTA MUNICIPAL CODE TO PROHIBIT CANNABIS RELATED
USES AND COMMERCIAL CANNABIS ACTIVITIES; AND MAKING A FINDING OF
EXEMPTION UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
4. APPROVE OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR DEPUTY CITY CLERK TO ATTEND
QUARTERLY LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING ON JANUARY 21, 2016, IN SACRAMENTO,
CALIFORNIA
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JANUARY 19, 2016
5. RECEIVE AND FILE REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE REPORTS DATED OCTOBER
31, 2015, AND NOVEMBER 30, 2015
6. ACCEPT AVENUE 52 AT JEFFERSON STREET ROUNDABOUT SIGNING AND
STRIPING IMPROVEMENTS
7. ADOPT RESOLUTION GRANTING CONDITIONAL APPROVAL OF FINAL TRACT
MAP AND SUBDIVISION IMPROVEMENT AGREEMENTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE
ESTATE COLLECTION AT CORAL MOUNTAIN DEVELOPMENT (TRACT MAP NO.
32201) [RESOLUTION 2016-001]
8. ADOPT RESOLUTION GRANTING CONDITIONAL APPROVAL OF FINAL TRACT
MAP AND SUBDIVISION IMPROVEMENT AGREEMENTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE
WATERMARK DEVELOPMENT (TRACT MAP NO. 36762) [RESOLUTION 2016-002]
9. APPROVE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH VACATION RENTAL
COMPLIANCE, LLC FOR SHORT TERM VACATION RENTAL CONSULTING
SERVICES
10. APPROVE REIMBURSEMENT AGREEMENT WITH ND LA QUINTA PARTNERS, LLC
FOR STREET IMPROVEMENTS ON MADISON STREET ASSOCIATED WITH THE
HIDEAWAY DEVELOPMENT (TRACT MAP NO. 29894)
11. ACCEPT MONROE STREET PAVEMENT REHABILITATION IMPROVEMENTS
12. APPROVE REIMBURSEMENT AGREEMENT WITH EAST OF MADISON, LLC FOR
STREET AND RAISED MEDIAN IMPROVEMENTS ON MADISON STREET AND
STREET IMPROVEMENTS ON AVENUE 54 ASSOCIATED WITH MADISON CLUB
DEVELOPMENT (TRACT MAP NO. 33076-1)
13. APPROVE PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, AND ENGINEER'S ESTIMATE AND
ADVERTISE THE LA QUINTA PARK RESTROOM PROJECT FOR BID
MOTION - A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Radi/Franklin to
approve the Consent Calendar as recommended, with Item Nos. 7 and 8 adopting
Resolutions No. 2016-001 and 2016-002 respectively. Motion passed unanimously.
BUSINESS SESSION
1. UPDATE ON SILVERROCK RESORT DEVELOPMENT AND APPROVAL OF THE
GOLF COURSE REALIGNMENT AT SILVERROCK RESORT
City Consulting Economist Jon McMillen presented the staff report, which is on file in
the City Clerk's Office, and Mr. Robert Green of Robert Green Company provided a
project update.
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Councilmembers discussed the distance from the 18th hole to the clubhouse in the
redesign; safety of crossing golfers; usability of front 9 holes during construction and
closing of back 9 during construction; reduced revenue estimates during construction;
additional galley viewing space resulting from redesign; dramatic improvement per
Palmer due to course finish facing the mountain views; expectation that project will be
underway in summer 2016; timeline for displacing current clubhouse; getting the
design right the first time; importance of keeping "Palmer" name for golf course;
timeline for master site infrastructure plans, and; narrowing Silverrock Way to a
friendlier, resort -style lane.
MOTION - A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Franklin/Radi to
approve the golf course realignment at Silverrock Resort as recommended. Motion
passed unanimously.
2. CITY REORGANIZATION PLAN
Deputy City Manager Hylton presented the staff report, which is on file in the City
Clerk's Office.
Councilmembers discussed staffing of the City Manager's Office; the role of the
Economist consultant; the zero cost of the plan; adding "City Treasurer" to
organization chart; adding the task of investment management to the Finance
Department's chart; cross -training administrative staff, and; importance of building
"bench strength" and succession planning.
MOTION - A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Pena/Radi to
approve the City reorganization plan as recommended. Motion passed unanimously.
STUDY SESSION
1. ADVISORY COMMITTEE REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Business Analyst Shove introduced Dennis Byerly, Chair of the Committee, who
presented the staff report, which is on file in the City Clerk's Office.
Councilmembers thanked the Committee Members and discussed the
comprehensiveness and deep understanding of City finances evident by Committee
Members; the valuable recommendations; need to prioritize the numerous
recommendations; need to determine what Measures should go on the ballot and
when; concept of an oversight board to monitor spending if a 1 percent sales tax
increase is to be approved by voters; timeline for placing a Measure on the ballot; the
greater effect of an increase in sales tax and transient occupancy tax on visitors than
on residents; continuance of the Advisory Committee to sponsor a sales tax increase
Measure due to legal limits on City's involvement; method for increasing City fees to
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recover 100 percent of costs involved, and; direction to schedule the matter for an in-
depth study session on the February 16, 2016 Council agenda.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. ADOPT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AN AGREEMENT WITH RIVERSIDE COUNTY
FOR ANIMAL SHELTER, FIELD AND LICENSING SERVICES; SUSPEND
RESOLUTION NO. 99-150; AND ADOPT RIVERSIDE COUNTY'S SCHEDULE OF
FEES FOR ANIMAL IMPOUNDS AND LICENSING FOR THE TERM OF THE
AGREEMENT [RESOLUTION 2016-003]
Animal Control/Code Compliance Supervisor Moreno presented the staff report, which
is on file in the City Clerk's Office.
In response to Councilmembers' questions, Mr. Moreno stated that the City will be
adopting all Riverside County animal -related fees for the duration of the agreement;
County staff will respond to calls to identify snakes; County staff will enforce the City's
Municipal Code provisions; the term of the agreement is one year with an option to
extend twice for one year terms; County staff will respond on weekends and
afterhours to emergencies, and will provide backup to their staff, but will not preclude
assistance from City staff if circumstances warrant; the County has animal control
officers who are residents of La Quinta, and; there will be a transition period.
MAYOR EVANS DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING OPEN AT 6:46 P.M.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Lisa Blodgett, La Quinta - Ms. Blodgett spoke against raising any
impounding or licensing fees and against contracting with the County for any animal
services. She spoke in favor of the City hiring its own animal control staff and running
its own no -kill animal shelter and offered to assist in its operation.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Valerie Masi, Indio - Ms. Masi spoke against contracting animal
control to the County and recommended the City hire its own animal control
personnel.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Frank Corvino, Deputy Director, County Animal Services - Mr. Corvino
explained the services the County would be providing to La Quinta and addressed
some of the negative comments made by the two former public speakers. He said
that the cities of Indio, Desert Hot Springs and Rancho Mirage also contract with the
County for certain animal services. Mr. Corvino provided statistics on impounded dogs
and on the hours the Officer assigned to La Quinta would work.
Code Compliance Supervisor Moreno stated that the City is exploring offering office
space to the County's Animal Control Officer at City Hall so that s/he is integrated into
City culture.
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JANUARY 19, 2016
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Deborah Godley, La Quinta - Ms. Godley raised questions about the
County agreement and suggested it may be more cost effective for the City to hire its
own officer. She also stated that the City needs to closely monitor the County's
operation of the shelter and animal -related fees need to be reduced, not increased.
Code Compliance Supervisor Moreno answered Ms. Godley's questions regarding
provisions of the agreement.
MAYOR EVANS DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED AT 7:14 P.M.
Councilmembers discussed responsible versus irresponsible pet owners; the one year
test period of the agreement; the need for the City to stop subsidizing fees; Palm
Springs' admirable operation and its 1,500 volunteers; Councilmembers' knowledge
and positive view of the County shelter based on years of participation on the Animal
Campus Board; the City's intent to closely monitor activities and the agreement; the
prompting to respond to residents' requests for more proactive code compliance
activity by relieving City Officers of animal -related responsibilities; the adoption of
County fees to align them with fees charged by surrounding cities, and; the role
contractors play as part of the La Quinta team and the expected level of service to
residents.
MOTION: A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Pena/Radi to
approve an agreement with Riverside County for animal shelter, field and licensing
services, to suspend Resolution No. 1999-150, and adopt Riverside County's Schedule
of Fees for animal impounds and licensing for the term of the agreement.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, APPROVING AGREEMENT WITH RIVERSIDE COUNTY FOR
ANIMAL SHELTER, FIELD AND LICENSING SERVICES; SUSPEND
RESOLUTION 99-150; AND ADOPT SCHEDULE OF FEES FOR ANIMAL
IMPOUNDS AND LICENSING FOR THE TERM OF THE AGREEMENT
Motion passed unanimously.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Kim Hardee, Thousand Palms - Ms. Hardee spoke of her experience
working in animal clinics and stated that the City needs to offer residents a way to
comply with requirements.
Mayor Evans invited Ms. Hardee to work with City staff in designing ways to provide
animal services to residents.
2. INTRODUCE AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE EXISTING DEVELOPMENT
AGREEMENT WITH RREF II -CWC LAQ, LLC. FOR THE SIGNATURE PROJECT SITE
TO REMOVE TWO PARCELS (LOTS 97 AND T) FROM THE TERMS OF THE
AGREEMENT; AND FIND THE PROJECT EXEMPT FROM FURTHER REVIEW
PURUSANT TO SECTIONS 15182 OF THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL
QUALITY ACT [ORDINANCE NO. 533]
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Principal Planner Nesbit presented the staff report, which is on file in the City Clerk's
Office.
MAYOR EVANS DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING OPEN AT 7:39 P.M.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: None
MAYOR EVANS DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED AT 7:39 P.M.
MOTION - A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Franklin/Pena to
take up Ordinance No. 533 by title and number only and waive further reading.
Motion passed unanimously.
City Clerk Maysels read the following title of Ordinance No. 533 into the record:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO A DEVELOPMENT
AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN THE CITY OF LA QUINTA AND RREF II -CWC
LAQ, LLC. CASE: DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT 2015-0001 (DA 2006-011,
AMENDMENT NO. 1)
MOTION - A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Franklin/Pena to
introduce Ordinance 533 on first reading. Motion passed unanimously.
MOTION - A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Franklin/Pena to
confirm the California Environmental Quality Act determination stated in Section 2 of
Ordinance No. 533, which states that this Amendment is exempt from further review
pursuant to Section 15182. Motion passed unanimously.
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
All reports are on file in the City Clerk's Office.
4. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
B. SAXONY WIND UP EVENT UPDATE
Planning Manager Perez provided the update.
Councilmembers discussed the hours City staff has spent on moving this Temporary
Use Permit (TUP) along and the fees due to cover those costs; expectation that a
building permit will be issued this week; owner's cut back on the extent of the
remodel; the process for Council review of the TUP; requirement not to exceed certain
sound levels, and; the value of having a successful project in this vacant building.
MAYOR'S AND COUNCIL MEMBER'S ITEMS
In response to Councilmember Osborne, Assistant Police Chief Walton provided a
report on the City's turkey and ham give-away during the holidays.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7
JANUARY 19, 2016
Councilmember Osborne requested enlarged report attachments in the future,
particularly maps and financial charts, and if an attachment is designed in color,
provide to Council in color not shades of grey.
Councilmember Radi reported that the Taste of La Quinta was a phenomenal event.
With the new incoming Chamber of Commerce CEO, Mr. Radi stated that it's time to
explore ways to leverage the mature Taste of La Quinta brand.
Mayor Evans thanked staff for a successful Community Workshop on January 16th;
announced that the Career Builders Challenge golf tournament was underway;
recognized the loss of a great La Quinta advocate, Chris Romero; noted the event
she'll attend to launch the building fund for Old Town Artisan Studio, and; explained
her participation on the panel at the final plenary session for the Clinton health
Summit.
REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL
La Quinta's representative for 2016, Mayor Evans reported on her participation in the
following organizations meeting:
CVAG COACHELLA VALLEY CONSERVATION COMMISSION
CVAG ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE
La Quinta's representative for 2016, Councilmember Franklin reported on her
participation in the following organization meeting:
COACHELLA VALLEY MOUNTAINS CONSERVANCY
La Quinta's representative for 2016, Councilmember Osborne reported on his
participation in the following organizations meeting:
CVAG PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
IID ENERGY CONSUMERS' ADVISORY COMMITTEE
La Quinta's representative for 2016, Councilmember Pena reported on his
participation in the following organization meeting:
ANIMAL CAMPUS COMMISSION
La Quinta's representative for 2016, Councilmember Radi reported on his participation
in the following organization meeting:
RIVERSIDE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, a motion was made and seconded by
Councilmembers Franklin/Pena to adjourn at 8:43 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.
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Respectfully submitted,
Digitally signed by Susan Maysels
DN: serialNumber=j4r7111g1 ppsr45f,
c=US, st=California, I=La Quinta,
o=Susan Maysels, cn=Susan Maysels
Date: 2016.02.03 08:27:52 -08'00'
SUSAN MAYSELS, City Clerk
City of La Quinta, California
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 9
JANUARY 19, 2016