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1996 12 10 CC Minutes-O LA QUINTA CITY COUNCIL MINUTES December 10, 1996 Special meeting of the La Quinta City Council of December 10, 1996 was called to order at the hour of 1:00 p.m. by Mayor Pro Tern Perkins, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. PRESENT: Council Members Adolph, Henderson, Perkins, Sniff ABSENT: Mayor Holt arrived at 2:05 p.m.) MOTION It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to excuse Mayor Holt. Motion carried unanimously. PUBLIC COMMENT None STUDY SESSION 1. DISCUSSION REGARDING METHODS OF COMMUNICATING WITH THE COMMUNITY. Council Member Henderson didn't feel that a solution exists that would meet the needs and requirements of everyone, but presented the concept of entering into a contract with the Palm Desert Post for a full page ad, noting that the newspaper is delivered free. The ad would consist of 65 column inches of various types of City news at a weekly cost of $497.25 or $25,857 per year. The Post hopes in the future to have their paper included as an insert in the Desert Sun and to place newspaper stands at the various clubhouses within the gated communities. She was excited about the concept and felt that its a wonderful opportunity for the City to communicate with its residents on a weekly basis. She has invited Nino Eilets, of the Palm Desert Post, to attend this meeting and address any questions the Council may have. Nino Ejlets, 45 Portola brive, Palm Springs, of the Palm Desert Post, advised that he was present to answer questions. Council Member Sniff felt that the idea has possibilities, but was concerned about having enough material to cover a page every week and suggested that every other week might be more reasonable. He questioned the deadline for submittal of material and where the ad would be located v'ithin the paper, as he felt that in order to have the maximum effect it should be on the third page. BIB] 02-03-1997-U01 03:29:26PM-U01 CCMIN-U02 12-U02 10-U02 1996-U02 -OCity Council Minutes 2 December 10, 1 9g6 Mr. Eilets advised that the deadline for each Thursday issue would be the Monday preceding. Regarding placement, he advised that each week, there is currently a page dedicated to La Quinta news including a full-page ad placed by the Chamber for the Mainstreet Marketplace and he suggested placing this ad on the back of that page, utilizing possibly, pages three to five. Council Member Henderson advised that Joan Boiko, of the Palm Desert Post, indicated that they could group La Quinta articles together, possibly ending up with three pages. In response to Council Member Sniff, Mr. Ejlets advised that a caption could be used on the front page to alert readers about the La Quinta section. Council Member Sniff noted that it's imperative for the print to be easily read. In response to Council Member Adolph, Mr. Eilets advised that they have a circulation of 17,000. It's delivered to La Quinta, Palm Desert, Bermuda Dunes, and parts of West lndio through home delivery service as well as by newspaper racks placed in high traffic areas such as Wal-Mart and the La Quinta Car Wash. In response to Council Member Sniff, Mr. Eilets.advised that they're working to get the paper inserted into the Desert Sun and to locate racks at clubhouses for the gated communities and wasn't sure how many are delivered in La Quinta. Council Member Adolph felt it's a good idea and a step in the right direction toward better communication, but noted that not all residents in gated communities receive the Desert Sun. Mr. Eilets advised that a notice would be placed in the paper ahead of time to let residents know about the upcoming La Quinta section. In further response to Council Member Adolph, he said that they currently print news for Indian Wells and the lndio Chamber of Commerce. In response to Council Member Sniff, Mr. Eiletg advised that the City could try it on a six-month basis if they wish. Council Member Henderson agreed with a six-month trial basis and felt that a campaign would be needed to make sure that the community is aware of this effort. BIB] 02-03-1997-U01 03:29:26PM-U01 CCMIN-U02 12-U02 10-U02 1996-U02 -OCity Council Minutes 3 December 10, 1996 Council Member Sniff still felt that every two weeks would be sufficient, noting that it would reduce the cost and be less burden on staff. Council Member Henderson felt that the material that is already being produced would be appropriate for the paper. In response to Mayor Pro Tern Perkins, Mr. Eilets advised that they currently don't deliver in gated communities, but are working toward doing so in the future and racks can be placed at the entrances upon request. Mayor Pro Tern Perkins felt its an interesting and exciting way to inform residents about what is happening in the City and he asked if there was a subscription charge for mailing to which Mr. Eilets responded yes. Council Member Adolph asked if the paper could be delivered by address in gated communities to avoid having papers pile up in the driveways of part-time residents to which Mr. Ejiets responded yes. Mayor Pro Tern Perkins suggested referring this to staff to determine the work load it would create and to ask for a report back within a reasonable period of time with some suggestions. Council Member Sniff agreed, asking that their report include time and cost estimates for both weekly and bi-weekly publications. Council concurred. Council Member Henderson asked that staff's report include the possibility of including legal advertisements and other publications the City does, as long as the timeframe requirements are met and she asked that those possible savings be included. Council Member Sniff felt that the Desert Sun would have a greater circulation and suggested publishing the legal notices in both papers. In reference to communication in general, he felt that the City should continue to communicate targeted information such as the RV issue, in the same format that that issue was addressed and possibly even expanding it. He felt that having multiple means of communication is important because not everybody reads the same publications. Mayor Pro Tern Perkins agreed with targeting specific areas when needed. BIB] 02-03-1997-U01 03:29:26PM-U01 CCMIN-U02 12-U02 10-U02 1996-U02 -OCity Council Minutes 4 December 10,1996 2 DISCUSSION REGARDING A BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND RETENTION PROGRAM. Mr. Weiss, Assistant City Manager, advised that in September 1 996, the Agency considered options for providing assistance to small businesses in regard to business retention and development such as direct financial assistance, enterprise zone, and a business incubator program. He advised that several financial institutions have been contacted by Rosenow, Spevacek Group RSG), primarily to discuss options available in the direct financial assistance program, including a partnership with lending institutions. Mr. Spevacek, Consultant with RSG, advised that Wells Fargo Bank, Bank of America, Downey Savings & Loan, and Valley Independent Bank have all indicated their willingness to work with the City in establishing a direct financial assistance program, stating that they would look at the Citys proposal and structure a loan or business improvement program to fit the City's needs. They will provide working capital loans for targeted groups such as minority-owned businesses and look to the Agency to provide capital to buy- down loan interest rates or to pay for loan origination fees, etc. They're willing to provide rehabilitation loans for commercial structures, but won't lend to start-up ventures or where repayment is in question. RSG also contacted the Inland Empire Community Development Commission CDC) which is working with local government agencies to place business improvement and development loans within various jurisdictions. He advised that the City of Riverside has put up over $200,000 for working capital to be used to reduce loan costs, to guarantee loans, and to provide direct assistance to the receiving party in combination with the Community Development Commission's funds to underwrite capital loans. The banks and lending institutions whom the City might consider entering into partnership with are looking for specific guidelines and parameters in regard to what the City wishes to achieve. He advised that other options exist with the CDC and Coachella Valley Economic Partnership, or the City could elect to establish such a program on its own if willing to underwrite the staffing and direct loan needs. Council Member Sniff liked the idea and referred to the number of empty stores in the Vons Shopping Center. He felt that it would show the City's willingness to give aid to the business community whenever appropriate, not wishing to take on any burden that normally belongs to private enterprise. He felt that it's important to work with private enterprise, but preferred to support rather than take the lead. He supported working toward the City providing business incubator loans up to five years) to help new businesses locate in the City and BIB] 02-03-1997-U01 03:29:26PM-U01 CCMIN-U02 12-U02 10-U02 1996-U02 -OCity Council Minutes 5 December 10,1996 supported production of a broad menu of all the business opportunities available for financial assistance. He didn't feel that it's the City's role to provide financing, but it can support businesses by buying-down interest rates. He felt that the program should be limited to businesses in La Quinta. Council Member Adolph totally supported working with large and small businesses coming into the City. He was concerned, however, about the City underwriting marginal businesses, noting that each would have to be determined on its own merit. He felt it's important to move forward with this because the City can't continue to support its residential growth without also having business growth. Council Member Sniff pointed out that the lending institutions would be making the loans and would set forth the criteria with the City simply buying-down the interest rates. Tom Freeman, 54-022 Avenida Obregon, Board Chairman for the Inland Empire Bankers Community Development Corporation, advised that the County of Riverside also provided $250,000 to the CDC for administrative costs to ensure that all Riverside County residents could be eligible for loans. They're targeting start-up and minority-owned businesses with loans ranging from $5,000 to 0,00O at an interest rate of prime plus Y2%. Over 200 applications have been received from Coachella Valley and they expect to award the first loans within the next few weeks. In response to Council Member Henderson, Mr. Freeman advised that start-up and minority-owned businesses were targeted because of the CRA rating that banks receive when they participate in such a program. He added that Proposition 209 will have no impact. Council Member Henderson was concerned about targeting the program to minority-owned businesses because it eliminates a large number of companies that need assistance. Mr. Freeman advised that it's difficult for. women, minorities, and small businesses wishing to expand to receive loan approvals. In response to Council Member Adolph, Mr. Freeman advised that a requirement for collateral is determined on a case-by-case basis. The City of Riverside has inquired into their program, but participation hasn't been determined yet. BIB] 02-03-1997-U01 03:29:26PM-U01 CCMIN-U02 12-U02 10-U02 1996-U02 -OCity Council Minutes 6 December 10, 1 996 In response to Council Member Henderson, Ms. Honeywell, City Attorney, advised that the City's program would not be looking specifically at minority- owned businesses; to do so would require further investigation into the effects of Proposition 209 and the City's flexibility as a Charter City. Council Member Henderson felt that the program should be kept open and broad as possible for anyone needing business financial assistance in the City. Council Member Sniff suggested that staff be directed to proceed with this based on Councils discussion and to report back to Council. In response to Council Member Adolph, Mr. Spevacek advised that any expansion of the enterprise zone into La Quinta would require the affirmation of the County, and the cities of lndio and Coachella and at this time there's no such plan. Mayor Pro Tern Perkins felt that the City should encourage business and light industry in order to have sufficient revenues to support the needs of the community. He also felt that the grant program should be used to help generate revenues for the City and once a good financial base has been established, then use it to enhance the Citys cultural needs. He was extremely disappointed that the Chamber hasnt done anything like this, noting that hes not sure what they are doing because of their failure to divulge such information. He believed that the City should help existing businesses whenever possible in order to retain them and hoped that the program would entice business and light industry to come into the City. He referred to Riverside's pilot program and hoped that staff would bring back similar alternatives so that Council could move forward with the program. Council Member Sniff felt that the City Attorney should review the alternatives for any red flags before they're brought back to Council Mayor Holt joined the meeting at 2:05 p.m. 3. DISCUSSION REGARDING THE CIVIC CENTER CAMPUS. Mr. Vogt, Public Works Director, advised that in 1991, TKD Associates developed a conceptual site plan for the Civic Center Campus in order to proceed with the construction of the Civic Ceer and at the present time, approximately five acres remain undeveloped. This area was intended to be BIB] 02-03-1997-U01 03:29:26PM-U01 CCMIN-U02 12-U02 10-U02 1996-U02 -OCity Council Minutes 7 December 10, 1996 advised that much of the current funding would be used to construct sidewalks, curbs and gutters, and needed parking. In response to Council Member Henderson, Mr. Genovese, City Manager, advised that staff hasn't met yet with the La Quinta Arts Foundation to discuss their building plans. Mayor Holt asked if Council wished to propose any changes to the conceptual design. Council Member Sniff wasn't totally comfortable with the design, noting the existence of some imponderables such as the library and Arts Foundation buildings. He felt that any construction at this time should be somewhat generic, making the campus more attractive and to some degree more functional. He supported putting in sidewalks and additional parking along Calle Tampico and felt that any current construction should accommodate the amphitheater in Phase 2. He felt that the general architectural theme of the Civic Center should be carried throughout the campus; that the Louis DeMartino artwork should be installed; and that grass should be planted to eliminate the dust problems. He questioned the administration, engineering and design, and inspection costs of Phase 1 and suggested that they be looked at again for possible reduction. Council Member Adolph advised that he hasn't supported this layout from the beginning, but a lot of money was spent on it and he felt that it should be resolved without spending a lot more now. He pointed out that the street from Calle Tampico to the Senior Center is not included in the design and hoped that it would be constructed in such a manner that it wouldn't be necessary to tear it up later on. He felt that the amphitheater concept is great, but was concerned about its usage and suggested excluding questionable areas from the design at this time in order to incorporate a greenbelt and meandering walkways between the Civic Center and the Senior Center, leaving other areas unimproved until the plans are more certain. Council Member Perkins wasn't sure there's enough parking, but felt that the ingress and egress to the parking area on Calle Tampico is fine. He felt that Council should be areful in what.they place in the remaining five acres and hoped to see a library and maybe even a fire station located there. He felt that the campus should be reserved strictly for government facilities and not non profit organizations or private enterprises. He wasn't against meandering sidewalks, but questioned how many people would use them and advised that BIB] 02-03-1997-U01 03:29:26PM-U01 CCMIN-U02 12-U02 10-U02 1996-U02 -OCity Council Minutes 8 December 10, 1 996 only a three-day event and felt that the campus should be completed in phases with each phase leading to the next. Council Member Henderson questioned using prime property along Calle Tampico for parking, noting the traffic increase expected there. In response to Council Member Henderson, Mr. Genovese advised that due to recently receiving funding for this project and a related street improvement project south of the campus site, staff anticipates asking for authori2ation to distribute an RFP for the conceptual and eventual design of this facility. Until the design for the PM1 0 project south of the campus is completed, it's not known how much of the bond proceeds will be available for the campus improvements. Council Member Henderson understood that some of the funds would be used for curb and gutter improvements as well as a greenbelt area, but she couldn't support using the funds for additional engineering and design costs until sufficient funds exist to move forward with the entire project. Mayor Holt agreed that the parking area should be expanded and wished to see the campus continue toward a cultural arts theme with a library. She felt that an amphitheater would be used extensively and wished to see the campus used for the art festivals. Council Member Sniff supported moving forward with the parking area, sidewalks, and grass in the center of the campus, leaving the west end undeveloped due to the current uncertainty of the library and Arts Foundation buildings. He felt that street and sidewalk access between Calle Tampico and the Senior Center is important. Council Member Perkins felt that the amphitheater would be the least expensive and most used of anything proposed for the campus. He questioned there being sufficient parking to hold the art festivals at this site and felt that the Arts Foundation would take up valuable space needed for a library and an amphitheater. Mayor Holt wasn't ure that it's feasible to locate the Arts Foundation on the campus according to them in which case she felt other uses should be explored besides the two art festivals. Council Member Perkins supported planting some type of ground cover to BIB] 02-03-1997-U01 03:29:26PM-U01 CCMIN-U02 12-U02 10-U02 1996-U02 -OCity Council Minutes 9 December 10, 1996 Council Member Sniff didn't support putting in pads for the art festival and hoped that the Arts Foundation would eventually locate in The Village because he felt that the campus would be extremely confined once the library and additional parking are constructed. He felt that locating the Arts Foundation and/or Historical Museum in The Village would provide a major fmpetus there. Mr. Genovese advised that staff would be contacting the Arts Foundation and that Engineering would be requesting authorization to distribute an RFP for the preparation of a design concept for the campus, pointing out the possible need to spend funds now for engineering to avoid tearing up the area in the future. He anticipated having $400,OOO-$500,000 to grade and grass the area as well.. as to construct pads for any future development. Council Member Perkins wished to have staff come back with cost estimates rather than send it out to a consultant for further studies. Council Member Adolph suggested putting in shade structures and drinking fountains. Mayor Holt concurred. Council Member Sniff stressed the importance of staff speaking with the Arts Foundation about the possibility of locating them on Agency property in The Village. There being no further business, Council Members Sniff/Perkins moved to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. Re ectfully submitted, AUNDRA L. JUHOLA, City Clerk City of La Quinta, California BIB] 02-03-1997-U01 03:29:26PM-U01 CCMIN-U02 12-U02 10-U02 1996-U02