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1997 03 25 CC Minutes. LA QUINTA CITY COUNCIL MINUTES SPECIAL MEETING MARCH 25, 1997 Special meeting of the La Quinta City Council on March 25, 1997, was called to order at the hour of 1:00 PM by Mayor Holt followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. PRESENT: Council Members Adolph, Henderson, Perkins, Sniff, Mayor Holt ABSENT: None PUBLIC COMMENT Gloria Hell, 78-990 Miles Avenue, addressed the Council on the need for street improvements in the area of Vista Dunes Mobile Home Park, noting that all of the surrounding properties have street improvements except for the area in front of the park. Mayor Holt advised that staff would be in contact with her. CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA Confirmed STUDY SESSION 1. DISCUSSION REGARDING THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM FOR 1997198. Mr. Vogt, Public Works Director, presented the Council with a draft Capital Improvement Program CIP) for Fiscal Year 1997/98 through Fiscal Year 2001/2002. He advised that there are some carry-overs from the current year as well as the following additions: 1) monument signs for the City's east and west entrances at an approximate cost of $52,000; 2) eight bus stops on Highway 111 at an approximate total cost of $203,000; 3) a structure cover for the parking lot at the Civic Center at an estimated cost of $20,000; and, 4) as a deferred project,. a childcare facility as requested by the Human Services Commission at a cost of $500,000. He pointed out that any new construction scheduled for operation through the Lighting & Landscape Assessment District, is subject to change due to the provisions of Proposition 21 8 and advised that only cash-in-hand funds will be used for preparing the 1 997/98 portion of these projects. BIB] 06-19-1997-U01 10:31:40AM-U01 ADMIN-U01 CCMIN-U02 03-U02 25-U02 1997-U02 .City Council Minutes 2 March 25, 1 997 Council Member Adolph felt that the estimated costs for the bus stops are extravagant and Mr. Vogt advised that the costs are based on the plans that were recently submitted to Council which included drinking fountains and art work. Council Member Adolph felt the funds could be better used for needed infrastructure. Council Member Sniff wished to see the Dune Palms Crossing moved up on the list as much as possible because it could handle a lot of traffic in the northern part of the City. Mr. Genovese, City Manager, advised that it has already been funded and is scheduled for construction in May or June. Council Member Sniff felt that the Washington Street Bridge-Widening Project south of Avenue 50) is really important, especially if the Tradition project goes forward and he hoped that it could be done next year. He also suggested that an additional mini-park be constructed in the Cove and/or the current one enlarged, noting that the City owns the adjacent 1 Y2 lots. Lastly, he wished to see some consideration given to the issue that surfaced during the Public Comment period regarding improvements to Miles Avenue. In response to Council Member Henderson, Mr. Vogt stated that the Miles Avenue improvements are included in the 1 997/98 CIP. The costs for the Miles AvenuelWashington Street Widening Project increased from last year's figure because of additional improvements. In response to Council Member Henderson, Mr. Freeland, Senior Engineer, advised that Dune Palms Crossing should go to bid in May, barring any unforseen happenings. Council Member Henderson felt that the bus stops are part of the Highway 111 Corridor vision that the City has been working on and she asked if RDA funds could be used for part of it. Mr. Genovese advised that Project Area No.2 funds could be used for the bus stops instead of the General Fund, but the utilization of infrastructure funds would have to be checked out Council Member Henderson felt the project is vitally important to the economic benefit of the community, but preferred to see it funded from somewhere other than the General Fund if possible and she agreed that the Washington Street BIB] 06-19-1997-U01 10:31:40AM-U01 ADMIN-U01 CCMIN-U02 03-U02 25-U02 1997-U02 . City Council Minutes 3 March 25, 1997 Bridge-Widening Project should be moved forward. She asked if there was a substantial increase in cost for the Civic Center Campus Improvements to which Mr. Vogt responded no. Mr. Genovese advised that the amount listed in the CIP is actually less and that this project will use multiple funding sources. In response to Council Member Henderson, Mr. Vogt advised that the Jefferson Street improvements are included in the CIP, but the funding is spread out amongst a variety of funding sources. He recommended that the improvements be completed as an overall project to get a better bid, to be sure of the 50% reimbursement from CVA*, and to qualify for Federal funding should it become available. In response to Council Member Henderson, Mr. Genovese advised that the amounts listed in the CIP for the Highway 111/Jefferson Street Vicinity Improvements are actually payments pursuant to the Development Agreement with Home Depot. Council Member Henderson felt that the traffic signal at Westward Ho Drive and Dune Palms Road should be watched closely as there may be a need to move it up on the priority list and Mr. Vogt advised that traffic signals on the deferred list are brought up for consideration as traffic warrants are met and their need becomes a health and safety issue. Council Member Henderson didn't feel that she could support a new mini-park in the Cove, but could support expansion of the existing one and felt that the funds set aside $518,000) for the City-wide Park Improvements could be used for some of the deferred improvements. In response to Council Member Perkins, Mr. Vogt advised that the Washington Street Bridge-Widening Project would be designed in FY 1 998/99 and completed by 2001 as currently scheduled in the CIP. The current bridge will be expanded and the project will require a major detour or phasing if the traffic flow is to continue on Washington Street. He doubted that there would be any State funding available to retro-fit the existing bridge and advised that an analysis would determine if it's necessary. Council Member Perkins supported moving this project up on the priority list due to the development of the Cove. He asked if there were any funds committed for bicycle lanes to which Mr. Vogt responded no, but advised that they can be done through striping. Council Member Perkins asked staff to find out if sidewalks can be designated as part of the bicycle path system and BIB] 06-19-1997-U01 10:31:40AM-U01 ADMIN-U01 CCMIN-U02 03-U02 25-U02 1997-U02 .City Council Minutes 4 March 25, 1997 advised that he felt a third fire station will be needed on the north side of the City sometime in the future. Council Member Sniff agreed and pointed out that the City owns land in the northern section. Council Member Henderson suggested identifying it in the CIP for a future year. Mr. Genovese advised that staff has discussed the need with the County and, although, the City will do whatever is needed to see that the services are met, the construction of another fire station would b* their responsibility and would not be addressed in the CIP. It's the City's contention that since the County retains all property tax dollars to provide fire protection, it's their responsibility to construct fire stations as they are needed. He advised that the County has discussed relocating some of their fire stations if the City will provide the space. Mayor Holt hoped that the bus stops could be done for less than currently estimated and supported expansion of the existing mini-park in the Cove and the moving up of the Washington Street Bridge-Widening Project on the priority list. However, she felt that moving it up on the list would be difficult because of the cost. Mr. Genovese advised of two developer contributions of $460,000 and $300,000 that he felt may have a significant impact on moving the project forward. Council Member Adolph referred to the Washington Street improvements and Mr. Vogt advised that the Church and the Arts Foundation are currently discussing this property, but since that area is prone to flooding, the City has contracted with Berryman & Henigar to design a flood facility within the right- of-way and possibly look at parking and improvement of the intersection, taking away the frontage road. However, the right-of-way is less than one acre and the design shows a two-acre basin for a 1 00-year storm, but he felt that a four-acre basin would handle future development. It's not known at this time whether this will be accomplished through development fees or if a developer will build it, but it's included in the CIP until a decision is made in case it's needed for flooding purposes. In response to Council Member Adolph, Mr. Vogt advised that the traffic signal at Avenue 52 and Washington Street would be funded 50% by the Tradition development with the remaining funds coming from the Infrastructure Fund. In regard to potential sound barriers, he didn't know of any except for the one BIB] 06-19-1997-U01 10:31:40AM-U01 ADMIN-U01 CCMIN-U02 03-U02 25-U02 1997-U02 . City Council Minutes 5 March 25, 1997 at Washington Street and Avenue 50. He advised that an analysis of all the City streets was prepared to determine the possible need for other sound barriers which resulted in a guestimate of $21 million, but that figure has been reduced to $1 5 million by including only those areas along major corridors where development currently exists. He advised that staff is looking at requiring developers to install sound walls as a mitigation measure. Council Member Adolph felt that residents prefer openness to walled corridors which he felt was unnecessary if adequate setbacks exist. However, he recognized that the current problem at Montero Estates should be addressed. Council Member Sniff supported the recommended allocation of funds for the bus stops, pointing out that it may not all be used. He felt that whatever is done on Highway 111 should be first-class and that it should make a very strong statement to tourists. He agreed with expanding the existing mini-park and wished to see it done this year with additional play equipment and felt that perhaps additional mini-parks could be considered in the future. He also felt that walls should be de-emphasized and that more emphasis should be placed on landscaped berms that are more attractive and less visually offensive. In response to Council Member Henderson, Mr. Speer, Senior Engineer, advised that the west side of Jefferson Street adjacent to Home Depot) will be widened to handle three southbound lanes and dual left-hand turn lanes onto Highway 111, but it will only be striped for two lanes until the bridge on the south side of the highway is widened. Highway 111 will also be widened to have the capacity for three westbound lanes, but there will be no additional improvements on the south side of the highway. The storm channel embankments will be lined with concrete and two traffic signals will be installed, one at Jefferson Street and Vista Grande and the other on Highway 111 at the most*westerly entrance to Home Depot. Council Member Henderson understood that the improvements at Jefferson Street and Highway 111 were going to be a joint effort between La Quinta and lndio with La Quinta taking the lead. Mr. Speer advised that there was a joint application for Federal funding, but the funding was awarded to another project and it will be a few years before another application is submitted. The improvements planned here amount to approximately 25% of the overall improvements. In response to Council Member Adolph, Mr. Speer advised that the improvements do not call for median construction on Highway 111 at this time, BIB] 06-19-1997-U01 10:31:40AM-U01 ADMIN-U01 CCMIN-U02 03-U02 25-U02 1997-U02 .City Council Minutes 6 March 25, 1 997 but rather a painted median because any median construction in that area would be a joint venture with lndio. In response to Council Member Perkins, Mr. Genovese advised that the landscaping along the wall on Washington Street would be included in Council's consideration of a bid award sometime within the next few meetings. 2. DISCUSSION REGARDING USE OF OBELISKS FOR STREET SIGNS. Mr. Vogt, Public Works Director, advised that on October 1, 1 996, Council directed staff to investigate the possibility of using obelisks for street signs throughout the City. In reviewing the design, he advised that the obelisk would be about six feet high and have a solar panel on the top that would create illumination for approximately six hours. The cost of the solar panels and light fixtures, including installation, is approximately $106. He advised that the City currently has about 270 obelisks that can be retro-fitted by staff for about $106 each and new obelisks can be purchased and installed for about $306 each. A total of 500 obelisks will be needed to place one at each intersection, resulting in a total estimated cost of $99,000 and $13,250 for annual maintenance. He recommended starting the program with major arterial streets, followed by collector streets and local residential streets, noting that all future developments could be required to install the obelisks as part of their conditions of approval. He advised that for $30,000, the existing obelisks can be retro-fitted in a pilot program which would allow staff an opportunity to review them for efficiency and effectiveness, obtain public opinion, and evaluate any occurrences of vandalism. He further advised that no funding source has been identified for this program. Council Member Henderson was opposed to modifying the appearance of the existing obelisks and wouldn't support placing solar fixtures on the top unless they substantially conform to the existing design. She noted that the City's Economic Development Plan calls for a street scape that creates a sense of arriving and she felt that this program would provide an identity and unifying factor for the community. She advised that both the Historic Preservation Commission and the Art in Public Places Commission support the program and seven different corporations, both small and large, have written letters of support in regard to forming a sponsorship program; one of them has even made a commitment to purchase the first five obelisks. She didn't feel that anything should be done until there's a lot of input and support received from the community and suggested that an ad hoc committee be formed to work with an engineer for the purpose of getting a firmer sense of the overall costs and the feasibility of using a solar fixture on top and to put together a BIB] 06-19-1997-U01 10:31:40AM-U01 ADMIN-U01 CCMIN-U02 03-U02 25-U02 1997-U02 . City Council Minutes 7 March 25, 1997 sponsorship program. She believed that the obelisks should be optional and not required for gated communities. Council Member Perkins believed that it's an excellent identification program for the City because of its uniqueness, but felt that the obelisks should be somewhat taller at major intersections. He also felt that reflective lettering should be used instead of solar panels and that the obelisks should be installed as close to the corner as possible. He further felt that putting a donor's name on a small plaque at the base would provide incentive for the sponsorship program. He advised that he could readily support the program if the solar panels are eliminated because it would reduce the costs and he supported starting the program with major intersections, then moving to the residential areas. Council Member Sniff felt that the obelisks have a significant uniqueness and historical charm and that the basic concept has merit, but he was concerned about the cost and the ability to secure them from vandalism. He suggested placing a solar panel on top of the existing street signs, noting that they're difficult to read at night due to their height. He supported the idea of the obelisks and was willing to work with an ad hoc group, but felt that more information was needed before taking any action. Council Member Adolph advised that he couldn't support anything that would modify the design and that's what he felt the solar caps would do. He didn't have a problem with the obelisks themselves and agreed with using reflectorized lettering, noting that it would help retain the dark sky that is exemplary of the Cove. Mayor Holt agreed with not changing the obelisk design and wished to see a pilot program budgeted for the next fiscal year. Mr. Genovese, City Manager, advised that staff would outline a pilot program without the solar panels and with reflectorized lettering. Council Member Henderson felt that the obelisks shouldn't be any taller than five feet without the solar cap except for those located at major intersections. Council Member Sniff pointed out that not all of the existing obelisks are of the original design; some have been modified and others are facsimiles created by a different company. He didn't have a problem with staff bringing it back to Council, but questioned what direction they should be given. BIB] 06-19-1997-U01 10:31:40AM-U01 ADMIN-U01 CCMIN-U02 03-U02 25-U02 1997-U02 .City Council Minutes 8 March 25, 1 997 Council Member Henderson felt the consensus was that nothing should be done to disturb the integrity of the original obelisks except to clean them up as necessary. In regard to a pilot program, she felt that discussions should continue with the business community and that firmer costs should be obtained. Mayor Holt felt that staff should present Council with a few different options for a pilot program. Council Member Adolph asked if staff had contacted any manufacturers of concrete statues and Mr. Vogt responded no, but advised that they would do so when formulating a pilot program for Council's consideration. He added that staff would also incorporate the possibility of using plaques on the obelisks for donor's names in an effort to enhance a sponsorship program. Council Member Sniff commented on the importance of firmly securing the obelisks to the ground in order to keep them from tipping over. Council Member Adolph suggested using an earth-toned colored concrete as opposed to grey. Council concurred. 3. DISCUSSION REGARDING AN INTRA-CITY SUMMER BUS PROGRAM. Mr. Hartung, Building & Safety Director, presented the staff report and submitted a map depicting SunLine's current routes as well as a potential route that would be 25 miles long. The route would cost about $8,400 for five hours a day, five days a week. In response to Council Member Henderson, Mr. Hartung advised that there is only a few dollars difference in cost between a 44-passenger and a 20- passenger bus. He further advised that there shouldn't be any problem using the larger bus at Lake Cahuilla. In response to Council Member AdQlph, Mr. Hartung advised that it was staff's intent to utilize some of Sun Line's bus stops to provide easier transition for transferees, but it will have to be confirmed with SunLine. Council Member Adolph suggested having a next stop" indicator on the front to keep passengers from getting on the wrong bus. He also asked if a survey had been done in an attempt to estimate the usage to which Mr. Hartung BIB] 06-19-1997-U01 10:31:40AM-U01 ADMIN-U01 CCMIN-U02 03-U02 25-U02 1997-U02 . City Council Minutes 9 March 25, 1 997 responded no but advised that the recreation brochure could be utilized for advertising and if there's insufficient usage, the service could be canceled. Council Member Sniff felt that it's important to have some indication of who will be using this service and where they might want to go and then determine the timing along the routes and the location of the bus stops. He felt that liability should be considered and asked if there would be a charge for the service or if it would be free. He questioned who would monitor the program and make sure that it's run effectively, that the buses are clean, and that the drivers are courteous. In regard to a bus stop at Adams Park, he pointed out that the residents there don't want to encourage use of the park by people outside of the neighborhood. He asked why the Fritz Burns Park and the shopping areas aren't included on the route and he wished to see a survey done to confirm the need before implementing the program. Mayor Holt felt that user fees could offset some of the costs. She also noted that the original purpose of the program was to provide bus service to areas that aren't currently serviced by SunLine and since there are no SunLine bus stops near Adams Park, she felt that this would accommodate residents in that area who may need transportation to other locations in the City. She felt that the program is worthwhile enough to try for four weeks. Council Member Perkins didn't feel that shopping areas should be included in the route since they're already serviced by SunLine and he felt that the program should be put in place for 30 days to find out what the need is instead of circulating a survey. He believed it's important for the bus service to Lake Cahuilla to get people there and back in a reasonable time period and within a reasonable distance from their homes. He didn't know how a potential ridership could be determined unless it's through a questionnaire with a return postcard or through advertising. He felt that there should be a minimal charge for the bus service and didn't have any qualms about trying it as an added service to the residents to further enhance the City's recreational opportunities. Council Member Sniff felt that a minimum of two bus stops would be needed in both the Cove and the northern section. He questioned how the residents were supposed to avail themselves of this service and asked where the bus stops for the Cove would be located. Mr. Hartung advised that the proposed route was for discussion only and that he felt Fritz Burns Park would be an excellent bus stop for the Cove. BIB] 06-19-1997-U01 10:31:40AM-U01 ADMIN-U01 CCMIN-U02 03-U02 25-U02 1997-U02 . I, City Council Minutes 10 March 25, 1997 Council Member Sniff pointed out that some residents may have to walk 1-1112 miles to avail themselves of a bus stop to go only a 1/2 mile or so further down the road. Council Member Henderson noted that would be the case, regardless of the bus service provided. She noted that the argument for a pool at Fritz Burns Park has been that Cove residents could walk there and she pointed out that the original intent in providing this service was to pick them up at the park and transport them to either Lake Cahuilla or the La Quinta High School pool. Council Member Sniff felt*that it's important for the bus service to be as functional as possible to give a maximum opportunity for success. He asked what months the service would be provided and Council Member Henderson felt that June and July would be best because it's too hot in August. Mayor Holt suggested checking with the La Quinta Hotel to find out if any of their guests would utilize the bus service. Mr. Hartung advised that part of the intent of the proposed routes and bus stops was to provide easy transition for SunLine transferees. Mr. Genovese advised that staff would bring back a report to Council that includes dates of the program, finalization of routes, and user fees. Council concurred on charging a nominal fee. Council Member Adolph felt that it's important to advertise the service to give it a good chance of being successful and asked for a report on how it will be advertised to the community. Mr. Hartung advised that the Desert Sun, Palm Desert Post, Chamber of Commerce Newsletter, and the Parks & Recreation brochure could be utilized for advertising. Council Member Henderson suggested sending a notice to all of the Commissioners. Council Member Perkins was concerned that adding too many stops would affect the amount of time it takes to get to Lake Cahuilla and back and Mr. Hartung advised that it's about 53 minutes. BIB] 06-19-1997-U01 10:31:40AM-U01 ADMIN-U01 CCMIN-U02 03-U02 25-U02 1997-U02 .City Council Minutes March 25, 1997 Council Member Sniff asked if staff planned to access SunLine's bus stops and Mr. Hartung advised that he would check with SunLine to see if there are any problems in doing that. There being no further business, it was moved by Council Members Sniff/Adolph to adjourn. Re* ectfully submitted, AUNDRA L. JUHOLA, City Clerk City of La Quinta, California BIB] 06-19-1997-U01 10:31:40AM-U01 ADMIN-U01 CCMIN-U02 03-U02 25-U02 1997-U02