2016 02 02 CC MinutesCITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2016
A regular meeting of the La Quinta City Council was called to order at 3:00 p.m. by
Mayor Evans.
PRESENT: Councilmembers Franklin, Osborne, Pena, Radi, Mayor Evans
ABSENT: None
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON AGENDA - None
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA
Councilmember Osborne requested that Consent Calendar Item Nos. 9 and 10 be
moved to the Business Session for separate discussion and vote. Council concurred.
CLOSED SESSION
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION PURSUANT TO
GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9(d)(1) ALVERIZ ET AL. V. CITY OF LA
QUINTA ET AL., RIVERSIDE COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT CASE NO. PSC 1503161;
BARTON ET.AL. V. CITY OF LA QUINTA ET AL., RIVERSIDE COUNTY SUPERIOR
COURT CASE NO. PSC 1505200
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 PARTY: SILVERROCK DEVELOPMENT, LLC.
UNDER NEGOTIATION: PRICE AND TERMS OF PAYMENT FOR ACQUISITION
AND/OR DISPOSITION OF THE PROPERTY IDENTIFIED
COUNCIL RECESSED TO CLOSED SESSION AT 3:01 P.M.
MAYOR EVANS RECESSED THE CLOSED SESSION AND RECONVENED THE OPEN
SESSION PORTION OF THE MEETING AT 4:01 P.M. WITH ALL MEMBERS PRESENT.
MAYOR EVANS ANNOUNCED THAT THE COUNCIL WILL RECONVENE CLOSED
SESSION AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE OPEN SESSION IN ORDER TO CONCLUDE
DISCUSSIONS
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 1
FEBRUARY 2, 2016
Councilmember Radi led the audience in the pledge of allegiance.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON AGENDA
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Walter Sorenson, La Quinta - Mr. Sorenson provided three residents'
letters and a news article regarding the proposed project at Washington Street and
Avenue 50. Mr. Sorenson spoke against this project by developer Chandi Group USA.
ANNOUNCEMENTS, PRESENTATIONS AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
1. PRESENTATION BY QUEEN SCHEHERAZADE AND HER COURT ON BEHALF OF
THE RIVERSIDE COUNTY FAIR AND NATIONAL DATE FESTIVAL
The 2016 Queen and two Princesses provided information on their accomplishments
and promoted the events and attractions planned for the 70th annual Riverside County
Fair to be held February 12-21, 2016.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. APPROVE MINUTES OF JANUARY 19, 2016
2. AUTHORIZE OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR GOLF, PARKS, AND FACILITIES
MANAGER TO ATTEND THE GOLF INDUSTRY CONFERENCE ON FEBRUARY 7-10,
2016, IN SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
3. APPROVE GRANT DEEDS AND A LOT LINE ADJUSTMENT FOR CONVEYANCE OF
THE WESTERLY PORTION OF A CITY -OWNED LOT ON JEFFERSON STREET,
BETWEEN WESTWARD HO DRIVE AND FIESTA DRIVE, TO INDIAN SPRINGS
GOLF CLUB, LP
4. APPROVE A RECIPIENT FOR THE 2016 SENIOR INSPIRATION AWARD
PROGRAM
5. AWARD CONTRACT TO TRI -STAR CONTRACTING FOR CONSTRUCTION OF
JEFFERSON ROUNDABOUT ART PIECE PEDESTAL PROJECT
6. ADOPT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT WITH COUNTY
OF RIVERSIDE FOR USE OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUNDS
FOR AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT IMPROVEMENTS AND PUBLIC
SERVICE FUNDS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF THE COACHELLA VALLEY — LA
QUINTA UNIT [RESOLUTION 2016-004]
7. SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 533 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
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 2
FEBRUARY 2, 2016
THE TERMS OF THE AGREEMENT; AND FIND THE PROJECT EXEMPT FROM
FURTHER REVIEW PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 15182 OF THE CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
8. AUTHORIZE OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR DEPUTY CITY CLERK TO ATTEND CITY
CLERK ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA TECHNICAL TRAINING FOR CLERKS
SERIES 100 ON MARCH 15-18, 2016, IN RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA
9. pulled by Councilmember Osborne and moved to Business Session for discussion
and separate vote »> AWARD A CONTRACT TO CONSERVE LANDCARE FOR
CONSTRUCTION OF FRITZ BURNS PARK PARKWAY TURF CONVERSION
IMPROVEMENTS
10. pulled by Councilmember Osborne and moved to Business Session for discussion
and separate vote »> AWARD A CONTRACT TO CONSERVE LANDCARE TO
CONSTRUCT THE CIVIC CENTER CAMPUS AND FIRE STATION 70 TURF
CONVERSION IMPROVEMENTS
Regarding Consent Calendar Item No. 5, Mayor Evans noted that the pedestal has
been designed in collaboration with the art piece lender, Goldenvoice. She asked that
once the lighting is installed and operable, the red lights in the eyes be lit during
festival weekends. Councilmember Franklin noted the pedestal can be used for future
art if the Road Runner sculpture loan is ever terminated.
MOTION - A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Radi/Pena to
approve the Consent Calendar Items Nos. 1 to 8 as recommended, with Item No. 6
adopting Resolution No. 2016-004. Motion passed unanimously.
BUSINESS SESSION
1. 2015/16 MID -YEAR BUDGET REVIEW AND 2014/15 COMPREHENSIVE ANNUAL
FINANCIAL REPORT (CAFR) FOLLOW-UP
Council waived presentation of the staff report but reviewed various sections of the
CAFR and received clarification from the Finance Director and City Manager.
Councilmembers discussed the money owed to the General Fund by various other
accounts, and requested a study session on this subject at which they would consider
setting a policy requiring pay-off and/or write-off of these General Fund debts.
Councilmembers concurred in the request for a one-page, graphic, quarterly snapshot
of the general fund and reserve fund.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 3
FEBRUARY 2, 2016
MOTION - A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Osborne/Radi to
receive and file the 2015/16 Mid -Year Budget Review report and amend budget
estimates as outlined in the report. Motion passed unanimously.
2. APPROVE SECOND ROUND COMMUNITY SERVICES GRANTS AND FUNDING
REQUESTS
Community Services Supervisor Ambriz presented the staff report, which is on file in
the City Clerk's Office.
The Council Ad Hoc Committee Members who reviewed all applications and made the
funding recommendations, Councilmembers Osborne and Radi, provided the
reasoning behind their recommendations.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Fred Bell, Vice Chairperson of Palm Springs Airport Museum Board -
Mr. Bell explained the free admission, transportation, and lunch program the Museum
provides to all Coachella Valley children. He also explained the Veteran program that
La Quinta's contribution will fund.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Bob Horn, Red Hot Ballroom - Mr. Horn thanked Council for La
Quinta's contribution to the children's after school dance program, which will fund
lessons for 28 children for 28 weeks, twice per week.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Lori Serfling, ACT for MS - Ms. Serfling explained the purpose of their
$1,000 grant request is to purchase a Pride GoGo 4 -wheel Ultra X Scooter for their new
scooter loan program.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Mary French, Coordinator, Quilting for Good Times - Ms. French and
six quitters displayed six of their quilts and thanked Council for their contributions for
supplies used to make quilts for children with cancer. Their organization makes about
100 quilts per year.
MOTION - A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Pena/Franklin to
approve the second round community services grants as recommended by the Council
Ad Hoc Committee with the exception of the Galilee Center. Motion passed
unanimously.
COUNCILMEMBER OSBORNE STATED THAT HE HAS A CONFLICT OF INTEREST DUE
TO A BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP WITH PERSONS RELATED TO THE GALILEE CENTER
AND LEFT THE DAIS DURING THE DISCUSSION AND VOTE ON FUNDING FOR THE
GALILEE CENTER.
MOTION - A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Pena/Franklin to
approve the Council Ad Hoc Committee's recommended funding for the Galilee Center.
Motion passed: ayes 4, noes 0, absent 1 (Osborne)
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 4
FEBRUARY 2, 2016
COUNCILMEMBER OSBORNE RETURNED TO THE DAIS FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE
MEETING.
3. AWARD A CONTRACT TO CONSERVE LANDCARE FOR CONSTRUCTION OF FRITZ
BURNS PARK PARKWAY TURF CONVERSION IMPROVEMENTS [moved from
Consent Calendar #9]
Principal Engineer Wimmer presented the staff report, which is on file in the City
Clerk's Office.
Councilmember Osborne expressed concern with the expenditure of reserve funds for
turf conversion, and the priority given turf conversion over the landscape
improvements needed in certain area in the northern part of La Quinta.
Councilmember Pena questioned the planned desertscape design and suggested
alternatives such as drought -resistant grasses, or caged rock formations, or letting the
existing grass die to save water.
Councilmember Radi noted that the turf conversion was set as priority by Council as a
result of the Governor's mandate to cut water use and there is no indication that the
mandate will be lifted. He stated that the alternative is to pay fines to keep the grass
in these areas green but the more prudent approach would be to set policy for the use
of money saved as a result of turf conversion projects. Mr. Radi said that if there was
no State mandate or excess water use fines, he would support moving the northern
area landscaping improvements to top priority.
Councilmember Franklin said that Councilmember Osborne does not stand alone in his
opinion of the needs in the northern portion of the City. She said the north side is
being neglected while the turf being converted at the parks and fire station looks fine.
Mayor Evans said the turf conversion projects are about maintaining the quality of the
community, being good stewards, and following through on the projects that Council
already budgeted, discussed and prioritized. She explained that City funds have
already been spent to prep these project based on Council -set priorities and although
the need is acknowledged, funds are not available for all projects, all at once.
MOTION - A motion was made and seconded by Councilmember Radi/Mayor Evans to
award a contract to Conserve Landcare for construction of Fritz Burns Park parkway
turf conversion improvements.
Following discussion, the motion passed: ayes 3, noes 2 (Osborne, Pena).
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 5
FEBRUARY 2, 2016
4. AWARD A CONTRACT TO CONSERVE LANDCARE TO CONSTRUCT THE CIVIC
CENTER CAMPUS AND FIRE STATION 70 TURF CONVERSION IMPROVEMENTS
[moved from Consent Calendar # 10]
Golf/Parks/Facilities Manager Howlett presented the staff report, which is on file in the
City Clerk's Office.
Councilmembers maintained the same positions and opinions as that expressed
during discussion on Item No. 3 above.
MOTION - A motion was made and seconded by Councilmember Radi/Mayor Evans to
award a contract to Conserve Landcare for construction of the Civic Center Campus
and Fire Station 70 turf conversion improvements.
Motion passed: ayes 3, noes 2 (Osborne, Pena).
STUDY SESSION
1. DISCUSS STRATEGY FOR LANDSCAPE AND LIGHTING DISTRICT TURF
CONVERSION
Public Works Director Jonasson presented the staff report, which is on file in the City
Clerk's Office. Chris Hermann, CEO/President, Hermann Design Group, Inc. presented
the findings of his report dated January 27, 2016 on turf conversion options in certain
areas in north La Quinta.
Councilmembers discussed the various options, timelines, funding, plant density,
hardscape materials, artificial turf, water savings, maintenance, design consistency,
access to retention basins, poor condition of areas around Palm Royale, and priority
areas.
By consensus, Councilmembers provided the following direction to staff:
Eliminate plant material between curbs and sidewalks to save on the cost of
plants, irrigation and maintenance.
Study the option of improving corners first, then high-speed areas.
Study the option of eliminating plant material and irrigation along high-speed
stretches and create designs using decomposed granite, rocks and boulders.
In developing the timeline, consider prioritizing deteriorating areas that if left too
long will cost substantially more to bring up to La Quinta standards.
Condense the ten-year timeframe by increasing the annual allocation from
$500,000 to $750,000.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Mark Johnson, Engineering Director, Coachella Valley Water District
(CVWD) - Mr. Johnson explained that negotiations were underway to improve the
landscaping along the Palm Royale wall. He agreed that plantings between curbs and
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6
FEBRUARY 2, 2016
sidewalks are not advisable. Mr. Johnson reminded attendees that since inception,
water management has always been a tenet of CVWD, long before the Governor's
conservation order. He asked the City to factor into its calculations the increase in the
cost of water soon to be implemented by CVWD to cover its cost of conservation
programs and chromium -6 compliance.
PUBLIC HEARINGS - None
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
All reports are on file in the City Clerk's Office.
Community Resources Report on ban of animal sales at pet stores: By consensus of
Council, staff was directed to draft an ordinance banning retailers from selling animals
bred in "puppy mills". Further, the definition of "puppy mill" is not to include backyard
breeding by residents whose animal has one litter a year.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Deborah Godley, La Quinta - Ms. Godley spoke against "puppy mills"
and in support of the proposed ban.
MAYOR'S AND COUNCIL MEMBER'S ITEMS
Councilmember Radi reported on the cancer outreach event and expressed his
support for increasing the City's promotion assistance throughout the year.
Councilmember Pena reported on the Career Builders tournament and requested that
a thank-you/congratulatory letter be sent from the City to Career Builders and
partners.
Councilmember Osborne reported on the success of the block party and suggested it
be held every year.
Mayor Evans reported on the success of the Clinton Foundation's Day of Action at the
La Quinta High School; announced the Chamber of Commerce's annual luncheon
presenting the State -of -the -City by the Mayor and Councilmembers scheduled for
Thursday, February 4, 2016, and; the Chamber of Commerce's car show scheduled for
Saturday, February 6, 2016.
REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL
La Quinta's representative for 2016, Mayor Evans reported on her participation in the
following organization's meeting:
GREATER PALM SPRINGS CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7
FEBRUARY 2, 2016
La Quinta's representative for 2016, Councilmember Franklin reported on her
participation in the following organization's meeting:
SUNLINE TRANSIT AGENCY
La Quinta's representative for 2016, Councilmember Osborne reported on his
participation in the following organization's meeting:
IID ENERGY CONSUMERS' ADVISORY COMMITTEE
La Quinta's representative for 2016, Councilmember Pena reported on his
participation in the following organizations' meetings:
CVAG VALLEY -WIDE HOMELESSNESS COMMITTEE
CVAG EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE as Alternate
CANNABIS AD-HOC COMMITTEE
La Quinta's representative for 2016, Councilmember Radi reported on his participation
in the following organizations' meetings:
RIVERSIDE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
CVAG TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
COACHELLA VALLEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT COMMITTEE
COUNCIL RECESSED THE OPEN SESSION PORTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
AND RECONVENED CLOSED SESSION AT 7:00 P.M.
COUNCIL RECONVENED THE OPEN SESSION PORTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MEETING AT 7:43 P.M. WITH ALL MEMBERS PRESENT
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT ON ACTIONS TAKEN IN CLOSED SESSION:
Item No. 1: City Attorney Ihrke reported that pursuant to Government Code section
54957.1(a)(2), the City Council unanimously approved the continued defense of the
City in the two listed lawsuits to be handled by California Joint Powers Insurance
Authority legal counsel, Daniel Spradlin of Woodruff, Spradlin & Smart.
Item No. 2: City Attorney Ihrke reported that no actions were taken on Item No. 2 in
closed session that requires reporting pursuant to Government Code section 54957.1
(Brown Act)
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, a motion was made and seconded by
Councilmembers Franklin/Pena to adjourn at 7:46 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Digitally signed by Susan Maysels
DN: serialNumber=j4r7111g1 ppsr45f, c=US,
st=California, 1=La Quinta, o=Susan Maysels,
cn=Susan Maysels
Date: 2016.03.02 07:55:29 -08'00'
SUSAN MAYSELS, City Clerk
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 8
FEBRUARY 2, 2016