1997 05 20 CC Minutes/7 LA QUINTA CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
MAY 20, 1 997
Regular meeting of the La Quinta City Council of May 20, 1 997 was called to order
at the hour of 3:00 p.m. by Mayor Holt, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
PRESENT: Council Members Adolph, Henderson, Perkins, Sniff, Mayor Holt
ABSENT: None
PUBLIC COMMENT
John Pena, 51-910 Avenida Navarro, and his daughter Jaclyn, asked that a crosswalk
be installed at the intersection of Avenue 52 and Avenida Bermudas because of the
number of people using the tennis courts and park area.
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA
Mr. Genovese, City Manager, asked that Business Session Item No. 1 creative
writing class financial request) be pulled from the agenda per the appIicant*s request.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Council Member Adolph advised of a correction on Page 8, changing Mr. & Mrs.
Burden to Mr. & Mrs. Verdin.
MOTION It was moved by Council Members Henderson/Adolph to approve the City
Council Minutes of May 6, 1997 as corrected to read Mr. & Mrs. Verdin." Motion
carried unanimously.
ANNOUNCEMENTS None
PRESENTATIONS
Mayor Holt and the City Council presented Art Achievement Awards to the following
students of La Quinta High School whose artwork was displayed at City Hall:
Erica Abarca Jackie Bentzien Elijah Butler
Danielle Abel Jissica Boltinghouse Estella Cano
Kindra Asaro Brianna Burt Giselle Cano
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Jose A. Delgado Trisha Jeffreys Anna McCue
Virginia Delgado Leah Jones Leisa McKay
Stacie Denten Amber Kitch Nikki Norton
Shaun Encinias Zachary Knoles Miguel Olloque
Rudy Escarsega Daniel Lanier Ricardo Park
Robert Ferraud Alisa Lawson Jennifer Pierson
Fernando Garcia Amanda Lewis Anna Read
Krystal Garcia Ramsey Lucas Gabriel Rios
Maria Gonzales Anthony Martinez Genaro Ruiz
Raul Hernandez Bianca Montes Mia Tarzwell
Edith Herrera Melissa McCormick Ray Taylor
Danny Valencia
Geniene Smith and Sally Diggs presented a plaque to Deputy Tim Basquez on behalf
of the Desert Sands Unified School District's Safe and Drug Free Schools Advisory
Committee, in appreciation of his services as School Resource Officer. They also
thanked the City Council for providing the schools with a School Resource Officer.
WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE
1. LETTER FROM COACHELLA VALLEY RECREATION & PARK DISTRICT CVRPD)
REQUESTING SUPPORT FOR THEIR ASSESSMENT DISTRICT.
Phillip Hoy, 45-871 Clinton Street, Indic, Recreation Supervisor for Coachella
Valley Recreation & Park District, advised that the ballots will be mailed on
June 5th and a hearing will be held on July 23rd.
Council concurred on having the Mayor send a letter of support and indication
of CVRPD's benefit to the City.
2. LETTER FROM PGA WEST RESIDENTIAL ASSOCIATION, INC. REGARDING
INCLUSION OF A HOTEL IN THEIR SPECIFIC PLAN.
Council Member Adolph advised that the residents have some major concerns
with the 65-foot-hotel site in PGA West that Council approved last August
because it*s not in compliance with the City Code and the hearing was held in
the summer when many of them were on vacation and unable to provide input.
He supported bringing the specific plan back to Council for review.
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In response to Council Member Sniff, Mr. Herman, Community Development
Director, advised that the original specific plan was approved in 1 984 and
included a four-story hotel. It was amended to a six-story hotel in 1988 or
1 989 and none of the hotel requirements were changed in the recently-adopted
specific plan.
Council Member Sniff was concerned about it coming up for review in the
summer again, but Mr. Herman advised that it wouldn*t come up until fall.
Council Member Adolph stated that the homeowner associations are concerned
that the property could be sold and the new owners could come in wanting to
build a six-story hotel. Therefore, they wish to see the specific plan amended
to comply with City standards.
In response to Council Member Henderson, Mr. Herman advised that the
specific plan belongs to KSL and either KSL or the City can apply to amend it.
Should the City decide to revisit the document, the processing fees would be
paid by the City and an amendment would take more than three months to
process.
Council Member Sniff felt it should be scheduled for early fall in order to
provide access to the homeowners.
In response to Council Member Perkins, Ms. Honeywell, City Attorney, advised
that legislative documents such as specific plans, are subject to Council review
at any time and taking it back through the process would allow Council to
review and change it if they wish.
Council Member Adolph said there may be other concerns, but the residents*
main concern is the possibility of a hotel being built that would block their
view.
Council concurred on directing staff to bring the specific plan back through the
process.
3. LETTER FROM BIA RELATIVE TO PROCESSING CONTRACT CHANGE ORDERS.
Council concurred on referring this matter to staff.
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4. LETTER FROM DORIS REED REGARDING MAINTENANCE OF UNSOLD
PROPERTIES.
Council Member Adolph advised that he spoke to Mrs. Reed and understood
that the residents are concerned about the lawns of unsold properties not being
kept up at Seasons Villas, as well as the lack of response from staff and
Williams Development. He felt the City should give them some support and
hoped that Code Enforcement could do something by contacting Williams
Development and the Wells Fargo Bank.
Mr. Herman, Community Development Director, advised that letters were sent
to Williams Development and Wells Fargo Bank and according to Williams
Development, Wells Fargo has foreclosed on the properties and is now
responsible for their upkeep. However, it will be approximately four months
before Wells Fargo has control of the properties and the receiver of the Chapter
7 claims there are no funds in the receivership. He advised that staff will
continue to work on the matter.
In response to Council Member Perkins, Ms. Honeywell, City Attorney, advised
that if it's a public nuisance, the City can begin the public nuisance abatement
process, but she felt the most appropriate action would be for Council to direct
staff to investigate the matter further and report back to Council.
Council concurred and directed staff to mail a response to Mrs. Reed.
BUSINESS SESSION
CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST BY THE LA QUINTA SENIOR CENTER*S
CREATIVE WRITING CLASS FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE IN PUBLISHING A
BOOK.
This item was pulled from the agenda see Confirmation of Agenda).
2. CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST BY THE PALM SPRINGS DESERT RESORTS
CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU CVB) FOR ENDORSEMENT OF
PENDING RESOLUTION ACTION BY THE CVB REGARDING CITY
ENDORSEMENT POLICY."
Mr. Weiss, Assistant City Manager, advised that the CVB is requesting the City
to endorse a pending resolution regarding a City Endorsement Policy" which
discourages membering cities from entering into exclusive agreements that
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could negatively impact other cities. The proposed resolution is a result of
controversy related to Palm Springs' campaign with VISA and has been
endorsed by Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and Indian Wells so far. He pointed
out that enforcement and application are a few of the concerns of the policy
and advised that Mike Fife, of CVB, was present to answer specific questions
related to those matters.
In response to Council Member Sniff, Mr. Weiss advised that Indian Wells,
Rancho Mirage, and Palm Desert have voted to endorse the resolution, Palm
Springs voted not to endorse it, lndio is scheduled to consider it on June 4th,
and Cathedral City and Desert Hot Springs have not agendized it.
In response to Mayor Holt, Mike Fife, President of the CVB, advised that the
endorsement the CVB is looking for is more of a conceptual endorsement, as
the resolution actually has no teeth" to it, in which the cities would be
acknowledging an awareness that their actions could have an impact on
neighboring cities. The Hospitality Board would act as the arbitrator in such
situations. There is no intent to be involved in anything other than tourism, nor
is there any intent to ask a city not to enter into relationships or partnerships.
What they don't want is exclusive or preferential arrangements that would
cause potential negative impacts as it happened when Palm Springs entered
into an agreement with VISA and a $1 2 million piece of business was lost as
a result.
In response to Council Member Sniff, Mr. Fife advised that it's not CVB's intent
to tell cities who they can and cannot do business with, noting that it was the
elected officials who proposed the policy, not staff. He pointed out that had
Palm Springs known what the impact would be, they could have entered into
a different type of agreement, but he felt the current awareness would help
preclude it from happening again. He advised that a simple majority vote
minimum of five out of nine jurisdictions) is required for endorsement of the
policy and he agreed that the resolution lacks enforceability, but advised that
changing the by-laws is the only way to put teeth" in it and there's clearly no
consensus for doing that.
Council Member Sniff questioned the ability to know up-front what would harm
another city or to know if the harm is real.
In response to Council Member Sniff, Mr. Fife stated that the most compelling
reason he could give for supporting the resolution is because it was the
Executive Committee, of which Mayor Holt is a member, that requested it. He
advised that the VISA program was known about for months before it was
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adopted and the Palm Springs Mayor tried to convince the other Council
Members not to adopt it because of its potential negative impact.
Council Member Henderson advised that she appreciated the issue, but
preferred the cities address the issue with a volunteer attitude rather than an
unenforceable resolution which she has problems with. She didn't feel that
any city is capable of predicting that which may be available to them tomorrow
and felt that it would be wrong to tie their hands. She hoped each city would
look at the overall picture and look to the CVB for guidance.
Council Member Perkins didn't feel that Palm Springs, knowingly or
deliberately, took their action to cause problems for other cities and felt that
this is an area of individual city responsibility. He commented on the cities'
joint efforts through CVAG and advised that he couldn't support the resolution
and felt that a volunteer basis would be better.
Mayor Holt believed Palm Springs knew what they were doing and pointed out
that their Mayor tried to convince them not to do it. She felt that their actions
were very serious and had a domino effect, which is why the JPA felt
something should be done on a regional basis to prevent further occurrences.
Council Member Henderson wasn't sure that a resolution alone would prevent
future occurrences, but Mayor Holt felt it was a step forward.
Mr. Fife advised that these same questions were raised by other Councils,
particularly those who adopted the resolution and he felt they were trying to
make a statement similar to the voluntary-basis suggestion, but took it one
step further by formalizing the concept. He felt they were concerned that the
seven years of regional efforts to promote tourism might fall apart. He advised
that the volunteer basis has worked well until the Palm Springs incident, which
he felt is why some of the cities have endorsed the resolution in an attempt to
preclude it from happening again.
Council Member Adolph believed each arrangement should be judged on its
own merits and was opposed to the resolution. He felt enforcement would be
difficult and prediction of the future impossible. He believed that it should be
left up to each city, to decide how their decisions might impact other cities and
felt that none of them would wish to do anything that would vastly hurt
another city in the valley.
Council Member Perkins felt that this has created attention to the problem and
that cities will be more cautious in considering how their decisions might affect
other cities.
Council took no action on this matter.
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3. CONSIDERATION OF PROCESS FOR BOARD/COMMISSION INTERVIEWS.
Mr. Weiss, Assistant City Manager, advised that on April 22, 1997, Council
discussed the process for interviewing board and commission applicants and
directed staff to prepare a list of pre-selected questions for Council's review.
Staff asked for direction in regard to the list of questions and to the number of
meetings that applicants should be required to attend as a pre-qualification for
selection.
Mayor Holt felt the process should also be formalized in regard to whether or
not applicants should remain in the room during the interview process and to
the order in which they are interviewed. She felt question No.2 should be
eliminated because it's on the application, Nos. 5 and 12 should be changed
to one or two instead of three objectives and attributes, and that Nos. 8 and
10 should be eliminated because she felt most applicants wouldn't be able to
respond. She stated that she didn't have a problem with Council Members
adding questions as long as they're appropriate and approved by the Council.
Council Member Adolph advised that he has problems with Nos. 2, 8, 10, and
1 2 and stated that he felt one attribute was sufficient.
Council Member Henderson agreed that Nos. 2 and 10 weren't necessary and
felt that Nos. 4 and 11 are extremely good questions that support the need for
applicants to attend two meetings prior to submitting their application. She felt
the commissioners would agree with the two-meeting requirement because of
the appointees that have resigned after attending a few meetings, due to the
meetings not being what they expected.
Mayor Holt felt the reason to reduce it to one meeting was because the
commissions only meet once a month which would make it difficult for
applicants to attend more than one meeting from *he time the vacancy is
advertised until the applications are due.
Council Member Henderson pointed out that the current vacancies have been
advertised since January and that it's not necessary to always make
appointments in June. She further noted that applications can be submitted
anytime there's a vacancy.
Council Member Perkins questioned why applicants should be required to
attend two meetings when it's not a requirement for being on the Council.
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Council Member Sniff didn't feel it*s appropriate to require applicants to attend
the meetings and suggested that it be changed to a recommendation. He
supported having all the applicants remain in the room during the interview
process and advised that he didn't have a problem with the interviews being
conducted in alphabetical order or by random selection. He supported
eliminating Nos. 2, 8 and 10, noting that No. 8 might be beyond the
applicants' scope, and suggested changing No.12 to some" instead of a set
amount of attributes.
Mayor Holt suggesting giving the applicants the list of questions when they file
their application.
Council Member Perkins suggested adding, have you ever attended the
commission meetings," to the list of questions and advised that he prefers
random selection.
Mrs. Juhola, City Clerk, advised that applicants are asked about meeting
attendance ori the application.
Mayor Holt felt that was more appropriate.
Council concurred on candidates remaining in the room during the interview
process, using a random-selection process, eliminating questions 2, 8, and 1 0,
changing questions 5 and 12 to some," recommending meeting attendance
instead of requiring it, and asking the question about meeting attendance on
the application instead of during the interview.
MOTION It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Adolph to approve the
Board/Commission Interview Process as outlined in the discussion. Motion
carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO.97-71.
4. CONSIDERATION OF: 1 CONTRACT SERVICES AGREEMENT FORM AND 2)
CITY GRANT APPLICATION FORM, SCORING/EVALUATION SHEET AND
REVIEW PROCESS.
Mr. Weiss, Assistant City Manager, advised that Council has directed staff to
develop a financial reporting form for those organizations that are funded
through a contract services agreement. A draft form is included in the staff
report. Staff was also directed to review the process for Community Service *
Grants and to formalize that process as well as creating an application form
and review criteria. To that end, staff reviewed the previously-used application
form and updated it.
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Council Member Adolph suggested that the applications be allowed to be
typewritten or legibly printed.
Council Member Henderson stated that she has always liked the community
services grant application, that it is clear and contains all of the necessary
information. She wished to see the same form modified) to be used for
contracts for services. She also referred to the Taxpayers Bill of Rights and felt
that their Form 990 should be attached to all applications. She felt that it
makes good sense and provides the oversight the Council needs to provide as
fiscal managers of taxpayers' funds. She referred to Item No. 7 on the
criteria for scoring asking how you can know if there is a clear need for the
funding without reviewing their budgets. She felt that it's important to require
the budgets for that purpose.
Council Member Sniff pointed out that the scoring sheet is applicable only to
grants--not contracts for services. He didn't feel that it would be appropriate
to use this scoring sheet for contracts they need to be dealt with on an
individual basis wherein they produce a service the Council feels is important
to the people of La Quinta.
Council Member Perkins felt that the scoring sheet should be applied to
contracts--that it provides the Council with additional information.
Mayor Holt felt that it's an excellent scoring sheet for the grant process, but
would not support its use for contracts. However, she wouldn't mind
expanding the contract application to include more information similar to the
grant application.
Council Member Adolph agreed with the Mayor.
Council Member Henderson felt that the scoring sheet would lend consistency
to the process and would indicate to the Council that it would have been given
critical review as to the completeness of the application by staff.
Council Member Perkins felt that the Mayor's suggestion of expanding. the
contracts application form is a good idea and could eliminate the need for the
scoring sheet.
In response to Mayor Holt, Mr. Genovese advised that staff can design an
expanded application form for contracts and bring it back to Council for review.
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MOTION It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Adolph to approve the
Community Services Grant Application Form and Scoring Evaluation Sheet and
Review Process and to direct staff to make the changes requested in the
Contract for Services Agreement and return it to Council at the first meeting
in June.
Council Member Henderson asked if there was any support for including the
IRS Form 990 on the applications. She also suggested that perhaps a way to
determine whether funding should be considered a grant or a contract would
be by the dollar amount being requested/allocated.
Mayor Holt suggested making that decision at the next meeting when the
contract application form is reviewed.
In further response to Mayor Holt, Mr. Weiss advised the date for submitting
grant applications is in September, 50 the Council will know what the budget
is. He noted that there are some applications that are in a gray area, such as
the request of the Sculpture Park and if there is another request for
promotional funds for the Skins Game.
Council Member Sniff felt that large requests like $50,000 or $75,000 should
be separate from grants.
Motion carried with Council Member Henderson voting NO. MINUTE ORDER
NO.97-72.
5. CONSIDERATION OF SELECTION OF A CITY NEGOTIATING TEAM FOR FISCAL
YEAR 1997198 CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS,
INCLUDING CONSIDERATION OF A NEW POSITION TO UNDERTAKE
BUSINESS RETENTION AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES.
Mr. Weiss, Assistant City Manager, advised that there are two issues before
the Council at this time. The first is the selection of a negotiating team for the
Chamber contract and secondly, a request by the Chamber for staffing support
for economic development activities--the Council needs to decide whether to
consider that as a funding request within the City's budget or as part of the
Chamber's contract negotiations.
Council Member Sniff felt that it's important to include the request for
additional staffing as part of the negotiation process. He preferred to see two
Council Members on the negotiating team, but would support having staff
handle it.
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Council Member Henderson agreed that any request for a new position should
take place during the contract negotiations and she further believed that staff
should be authorized to negotiate the contract.
Council Member Perkins believed that the requested staffing should come
under budget discussions--he didn't feel that decision should be made prior to
reviewing the overall budget.
Mayor Holt didn't have a problem with the additional position being a part of
the negotiations, but did feel strongly that staff should be authorized to
negotiate the contract.
Council Member Adolph asked if the intent is for a full-time position and Mr.
Genovese advised that that has not yet been decided.
Council Member Sniff believed that this should be a full-time position, but
would not object to a half-time position everyday for the first year and to see
how well it functions. Further, this person should work from the Chamber
office during outreach type of services.
MOTION It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Adolph to authorize City
staff to negotiate a contract services agreement with the La Quinta Chamber
of Commerce, including consideration of the Chamber's proposal for a position
to undertake business retention and economic development activities.
Audrey Ostrowsky, P.O. Box 351, La Quinta, commented that the Chamber
of Commerce has always refused to open their books and it's illegal ror the
City to give them funds on that basis.
Motion carried with Council Members Henderson and Perkins voting NO.
MINUTE ORDER NO.97-73.
6. CONSIDERATION OF A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT FOR THE
GENERAL PLAN UPDATE CONSULTING SERVICES.
Ms. di lono, Planning Manager, advised that the Consultant Selection
Committee has recommended that the City enter into a Professional Services
Contract with David Evans & Associates for consulting services to update the
General Plan. It will be a 16-month process and include two community
workshops and public hearings.
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In response to Council Member Henderson, Ms. di lono advised that the two
workshops will be held in the early fall.
In response to Council Member Henderson, Mr. Herman, Community
Development Director, advised that staff will start a list of names and
addresses of residents who express interest in attending the workshops so
they'll receive a notice by mail when the workshops are scheduled.
MOTION It was moved by Council Members Adolph/Sniff to authorize the
Mayor to sign a Professional Services Contract with David Evans & Associates
Inc. for consulting services to update the General Plan in an amount not to
exceed $192,020, and to appropriate $192,020 for these services. Motion
carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO.97-74.
7. CONSIDERATION OF AUTHORIZING THE DISTRIBUTION OF AN RFP FOR
AB939 SERVICES FOR FISCAL YEAR 1997/98.
Mr. Herman, Community Development Director, advised that the City has met
its 1 995 State mandate of 25% waste reduction and is progressing well
toward a 50% reduction by the year 2000 due to the programs that have been
implemented and the expansion of curbside and green waste recycling
programs that have been negotiated with Waste Management of the Desert.
Staff recommended that the City hire a consultant to monitor the AB939
program and advised that the City will continue participating with other cities
in the valley on regional waste concerns.
In response to Council Member Adolph, Mr. Herman advised that the
consultant will only monitor existing programs and added that staff is trying to
keep the contract comparable with the existing contract.
Council Member Perkins understood the advantages, but was concerned that
it might cost more.
Mayor Holt felt that if a joint effort was continued, the City would probably get
involved with more programs that would cost more money and Mr. Herman
advised that that's the reason behind staff's recommendation.
In response to Council Member Henderson, Mr. Herman advised that the
telephone book recycling program is part of the Waste Management contract,
but it's coordinated through the AB939 consultant contract to insure
community awareness.
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Council Member Henderson was concerned that there might be a duplication
of paperwork regarding communications which would contribute to the waste
problem and felt that advertising in the newsletter and Palm Desert Post would
be sufficient.
Mr Genovese, City Manager, advised that when the RFP comes in, changes
can be made to reduce costs.
Council Member Henderson advised that it was her understanding that the
AB939 program would evolve itself out as the program becomes part of normal
service and she suggested using the funds for educational items such as
SCRAP. She asked if the consultant would have authority to request reporting
forms from Waste Management and be able to audit them to which Mr.
Genovese advised that the contract could be written either way.
Council Member Sniff referred to some past materials he distributed to Council
which indicated that Waste Management has not lived up to their contract. He
felt that EcoNomics is an extremely knowledgeable firm and questioned the
need to make a change.
Mr. Herman advised that an individual contract will give the City more control
over its AB939 program and make it easier to downsize it.
Council Member Sniff pointed out that the previous joint-effort contract
included items that were unique to La Quinta and he asked if there were
problems with the consultant*s service to which Mr. Herman responded no.
Council Member Henderson pointed out that EcoNomics would not be
precluded from responding to the RFP.
MOTION It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Adolph to approve the
request to distribute a Request for Proposals RFP) and authorize staff to begin
the selection process. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO.97-
75.
8. CONSIDERATION OF ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION REAFFIRMING THE
ClTY*S ADOPTION OF THE ANNUAL ASSESSMENT FOR CSA 152,
AUTHORIZING RIVERSIDE COUNTY TO CONTINUE TO LEVY ASSESSMENTS,
AND INDEMNIFY AND HOLD THE COUNTY HARMLESS FOR LEVYING
ASSESSMENTS ON CITY PARCELS UNDER CSA 152.
Mr. Vogt, Public Works Director, reviewed the history behind the CSA 1 52
assessment which is collected and passed on to the City by the County. He
advised that in light of Proposition 21 8, the County has agreed to continue
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collecting the assessment, providing that the funds are only used for exempt
uses and that the City adopt a resolution holding the County harmless. The
cities of Corona, Moreno Valley, Rancho Mirage, and Riverside have adopted
resolutions, but Desert Hot Springs and Palm Desert have not and Palm Springs
will consider it on May 21st.
RESOLUTION NO.97-39
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, MAKING FINDINGS AND RECONFIRMING THE ESTABLISHMENT
AND SETTING RATES FOR THE COUNTY SERVICE AREAS 152 TO FUND THE
CITY'S STREET SWEEPING PROGRAM AND COOPERATE AND MAINTAIN THE
CITY'S DRAINAGE AND FLOOD CONTROL SYSTEMS.
It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Adolph to adopt Resolution No.97-39
as submitted. Motion carried unanimously.
9. SECOND READING OF ORDINANCES
ORDINANCE NO.302
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTION 12.32.120 OF THE LA QUINTA CHARTER
AND MUNICIPAL CODE, EXEMPTING CERTAIN COMMERCIAL VEHICLES
FROM PARKING RESTRICTIONS.
It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Adolph to adopt Ordinance No.302
on second reading. Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Adolph, Sniff, Mayor Holt
NOES: Council Members Henderson, Perkins
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. APPROVAL OF DEMAND REGISTER DATED MAY 20, 1997.
2. TRANSMITTAL OF TREASURER'S REPORT DATED MARCH 31, 1997 FOR THE
CITY OF LA QUINTA AND THE LA QUINTA FINANCING AUTHORITY.
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3. APPROVAL OF A ONE-YEAR CONTRACT EXTENSION, LMC 1995/96 WITH
LUNDEEN PACIFIC CORP., AND APPROVAL OF CONTRACT CHANGE ORDER
NO.2 FOR THE ADDITION OF TRACT 23913, QUINTERRA, AND TRACT
26188, DEL REV, AND FRITZ BURNS PARK MAINTENANCE.
4. APPROVAL OF PROJECTS FOR INCLUSION ON THE REGIONAL
TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM.
5. APPROVAL OF FINAL MAP AND SUBDIVISION AGREEMENT FOR TRACT
27899, CENTURY CROWELL COMMUNITIES.
6. APPROVAL OF FINAL MAP AND SUBDIVISION AGREEMENT FOR TRACT
25363-2, DEL REV AT LA QUINTA NORTE.
7. AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR JEFFERSON STREET RESURFACING, PROJECT
NO.96-01 TO GRANITE CONSTRUCTION, FEDERAL AID PROJECT NO. STPL-
5433001.
8. AUTHORIZATION TO ADVERTISE AND RECEIVE BIDS FOR CALLE TAMPICO
BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN SAFE ROUTE, PROJECT NO.97-04.
9. ACCEPTANCE OF IMPROVEMENTS WITHIN PROJECT NO. 95-10, BEAR
CREEK CHANNEL BIKE PATH, URBAN FORESTRY PROJECT AND
AUTHORIZATION TO FILE A NOTICE OF COMPLETION.
MOTION It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Adolph to approve the
Consent Calendar as recommended. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE
ORDER NO.97-76.
STUDY SESSION
1. DISCUSSION OF SUMMATION ON MEETINGS HELD WITH THE VILLAGE AREA
PROPERTY AND BUSINESS OWNERS REGARDING DEVELOPMENT OF THE
VILLAGE AREA.
Ms. di lono, Planning Manager, advised that in March, three meetings were
held with property owners and business owners to discuss the specific plan for
The Village. The main topics of discussion were: 1) the need for both City
and private funding for development costs; 2) reducing the art focus in favor
of more cafes, shops, and entertainment uses; 3) the need for regional
attraction as opposed to tourism; 4) additional allocation of funds for The
Village for marketing efforts, street maintenance, and dust control; 5) less
domination of art theme, but still providing a specified area in The Village for
the Arts Festival; 6) financing alternatives for street improvements; 7) the need
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to fund projects that stimulate investment and interest; 8) better interaction for
Village businesses to participate in events in their area 9) creation of a Village
task force; and, 10) direct attention to immediate needs such as lighting,
pedestrian improvements, street repairs, and landscaping.
Mr. Herman, Community Development Director, advised that a Cal Poly urban
design class is working with the Chamber and is expected to make a
presentation and recommendation on June 25th.
Mayor Holt wished to have it brought back at a Special Study Session.
Council Member Sniff didn't feel that it's too late to do something constructive
in The Village and suggested that it be divided into subsections wherein the
infrastructure needs and costs could be developed for each area with a logical
progression for installation. He further suggested that a task force, consisting
of one or two Council Members, at least six property owners, and two
members at large, be appointed to address this issue. He noted that the City
has dealt with this for a long time without any progress and he felt that
subsections may be the way to go.
Council Member Perkins wasn't sure it's the way to go, but agreed that
something must be done, stating that he's always wanted to scrap the specific
plan and start over. He felt the City should take a hard look at The Village and
get the property owners involved and, hopefully, get something going before
November. He wished to include this in the budget discussions to decide what
can and cannot be done.
Audrey Ostrowsky, P.O. Box 351, felt that streets are the greatest need in
The Village and questioned why they're being built everywhere except The
Village, noting that those being constructed south of the Civic Center will have
to be reconstructed when sewers are installed. She commented on the Art
Foundation's use of downtown property to park during the Art Festivals and
felt that the only way to have a downtown is to move the Arts Festivals out.
She believed art galleries are wonderful culturally, but not economically and
suggested the City spend money for street improvements to bring in new
businesses instead of giving it to non-profit organizations.
Council Member Henderson agreed that there may have been some mis-
guidance of funds over the years when infrastructure was needed and that the
specific plan has probably hindered development in The Village, but she didn't
know how to move forward without forming a task force which she felt usually
carries a cloud with it. She noted that $200,000 has been set aside for capital
improvements in the upcoming budget.
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Council Member Adolph felt that everyone is wanting the same thing and that
it will take a cooperative effort by everyone to make it work, noting that the
meetings were attended mostly by staff.
In response to Mayor Holt, Mr. Herman advised that upon the conclusion of Cal
Poly's presentation on June 25th, their vision on how to proceed will be
brought to Council in July. It will then be reviewed by the Planning
Commission and brought back to Council, hopefully, on August 5th.
Council Member Sniff felt the main issue is lack of funding and asked for
support in dividing the area into subsections.
Mr. Genovese advised that it could be included in the next discussion. He
noted that the challenge is not knowing what the potential development Is.
Mayor Holt advised that she wished to reconsider Business Session Item No.9.
A brief discussion ensued regarding the policy for reconsidering a vote and Ms.
Honeywell, City Attorney, advised that Council has adopted its own procedure for
such action with there being no special consideration for seconding the motion and
she then read the related section of Council's Rules of Procedure.
MOTION It was moved hv Mayor Holt and seconded by Council Member Perkins to
reconsider Business Ses Item No.9. Motion carried with Council Members
AdolphiSniff voting NO:. *UTE ORDER NO.97-77.
BUSINESS SESSION................continued
9. SECOND READING OF ORDINANCES.
ORDINANCE NO.302
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTION 12.32.120 OF THE LA QUINTA CHARTER
AND MUNICIPAL CODE, EXEMPTING CERTAIN COMMERCIAL VEHICLES
FROM PARKING RESTRICTIONS.
Council Member Adolph advised that he has supported the ordinance because
he wished to help Mr. Donlin by giving him six months to purchase equipment
that meets City Code.
In response to CQunciI Member Adolph, Mr. Hartung, Building & Safety
Director, advised that staff has not enforced the Code with Mr. Donlin, but
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they haven't made any promises either. He advised that he was uncomfortable
about stretching the non-enforcement out for six months.
Mayor Holt felt that Council has sympathized with Mr. Donlin, but she was
concerned that this is something that could go on and on.
Mr. Hartung advised that staff would continue to be reasonable in working with
Mr. Donlin, but reiterated that he didn't feel it could go on for six months.
MOTION It was moved by Mayor Holt and seconded by Council Member
Henderson to deny Ordinance No.302.
Motion was withdrawn.
MOTION It was moved by Mayor Holt and seconded by Council Member
Perkins to deny the second reading of Ordinance No.302. Motion carried with
Council Member Sniff voting NO. MINUTE ORDER NO.97-78.
Council Member Perkins noted that there hasn't been a big rush to take
advantage of the change, but stated that he wasn't sure it's proper to change
an ordinance for one person.
2. DISCUSSION REGARDING LEAF BLOWERS.
Mr. Herman, Community Development Director, advised that on April 1 5,
1 997, staff was directed to research the regulation of leaf blowers in the
neighboring cities and to bring options back to Council for their consideration.
The only local jurisdictions with specific regulations are Indian Wells, Cathedral
City, Rancho Mirage, and Palm Desert and they are as follows:
IndianWells: electrically-powered blowers may be used by occupants; gas-
powered blowers may be used by golf courses between September 1 5th and
December 1st; hours of operation are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through
Friday and 9:00a.m. to 5:00p.m. on Saturday; use is also restricted within 10
feet of windows, doors, or mechanical air ducts.
CathedralCity gas or electrically-powered blowers may be used; hours of
operation are 8 0O a.m. to 8:00 p.m. in residential areas and 7:00 a.m. to 8:00
p.m. in all other areas.
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Rancho Mirage hours of operation are 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. with no use
allowed on Sundays and holidays except by City Manager permission; hours
of operation for golf courses are 5:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., every day of the year.
PalmDesert: hours of operation are 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through
Friday, and 9:00 am. to 12:00 noon, Saturday and Sunday; use is also
restricted within 10 feet of any operable window, door, or mechanical air duct.
Council Member Perkins preferred banning leaf blowers altogether, but
suggested that staff bring the issue back to Council with a proposal for
potentially banning their use on Saturdays and Sundays, which he felt was
reasonable, or at least setting reasonable hours of operation. He further
suggested that use be restricted within 10 feet of houses and air conditioning
Systems and that some concession be given to golf courses.
Council Member Henderson advised that she, too, wished to completely ban
their use, but didn't feel that it would work because of the need. Her gardener
has stopped using his and she felt people should be considerate of others when
they do use them. She agreed that golf courses should be given extra
consideration, but pointed out that some residents live adjacent to a golf
course and she questioned how that would be dealt with. She wished to see
a good-faith effort made and suggested that the City look at its own landscape
contract to find out what equipment is being used and perhaps show a
neighbor*y approach to this issue by beginning the restrictions in-house.
Council Member Perkins advised that he liked Section 11.96.060(D) of
Cathedral City's ordinance in regard to controlling the hours of operation.
Council Member Sniff didn't have a problem with leaf blowers, but felt that
restricting the hours of use would be logical. He also agreed with handling golf
courses differently.
Council Member Perkins concurred.
Mr. Genovese, City Manager, advised that when this issue is brought back to
Council at a Special Study Session, it will include a discussion on how it would
impact the City's own landscape contract.
Council recessed to Closed Session to and until the hour of 7:00 p.m.
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CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Holt abstained from participating in Item No.3 and one of the four cases listed
under Item No.1 as she has consistently done in the past.
1. Conference with legal counsel pursuant to Government Code Section
54956.9(c), concerning potential initiation of litigation four cases).
2. Evaluation of Council-appointed position City Attorney, pursuant to
Government Code Section 54957.6.
3. Conference with legal counsel pursuant to Government Code Section
54956.9(a), regarding existing litigation Stamko Development Co., Case No.
INC. 000492.
7:00P.M.
PUBLIC COMMENT None
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. TENTATIVE TRACT 28444- SUBDIVISION OF 38.36 ACRES INTO 69 SINGLE-
FAMILY AND OTHER COMMON LOTS LOCATED ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF THE
SOUTHERN TERMINUS OF PGA BOULEVARD AND WEST OF MADISON
STREET, ABUTTING THE TOM WEISKOPF AND JACK NICKLAUS
TOURNAMENT GOLF COURSE. APPLICANT: KSL LAND CORPORATION.
The Mayor declared the PUBLIC HEARING OPEN.
Ms. di lono, Planning Manager, presented the staff report pointing out the
location of the proposed tract on a map and advised that the property in
question is zoned R-0 Low-Density Residential) and is subject to the provision
of Specific Plan 83-002, Amendment No.3. The proposed lot sizes range from
12,750 sq. ft. to 30,983 sq. ft. and will have access to Jack Nicklaus
Boulevard and Winged Foot with locked) emergency accesses proposed on
PGA Boulevard and Madison Street.
The Planning Commission reviewed the Tract Map on April 22, 1 997, and
recommended approval subject to the conditions contained in the staff report.
Alex Bowie, 4920 Campus Drive, Newport Beach, an attorney representing
Coachella Valley Unified School District, addressed the Council referencing
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Condition No.39 of the original approval of Specific Plan 83-002. He advised
that in April 1 996, a lawsuit was filed for Declaratory Relief to resolve some
of these issues with KSL. At that time, KSL took the position that certain
matters occurred in Bankruptcy Court regarding whether they purchased
certain lands from Landmark Land Co. of California or Landmark Land Co. of
Delaware. At about the same time, Amendment No. 3 came into being.
CVUSD's position is that, if it*s the City's position that Condition No.39 has
been rescinded as a result of Amendment No.3, it'S not legally permissible for
the Council to approve this Tract Map. The two reasons for their position is
based on Resolution 84-31 which approved the Specific Plan and if Condition
No.39 was rescinded, then the zoning on this property was invalidated, which
they don't believe the Council did. Additionally, an Environmental Impact was
prepared which contained Condition No.30 which basically says the same
thing as Condition No.39. He stated that Condition No.39 provides that
applicants shall pay a per-unit school development fee as determined by the
Desert Sands and Coachella Valley Unified School Districts in accordance with
the school mitigation agreements as approved by the La Quinta City Council
and in effect at the time of the issuance of building permits." He then
reviewed what he saw as the City's procedure in making amendments and
deleting conditions, which he didn't believe was followed in this instance. He
commented that the difference between the statutory school fees and the fees
they would be entitled to under the agreement they signed with Landmark Land
Co. the previous owner) and accepted by the City) is $1,256,000 versus
$6,256,000. He questioned that if it was the City's intent to remove Condition
No.39, thus impacting the District in this manner, what kind of notice was
given.
Jim Saul, 57-136 Merion, representing PGA West II Residential Association,
Inc., addressed the Council on the matter of the PGA West Specific Plan,
Amendment No.3. They asked that there be no further approvals given for
PGA West without review and approval of the Homeowner's Association, until
the City Council has an opportunity to review the Specific Plan, as the
residents have some major concerns, specifically with the height of the hotel.
They have no objections to the Tentative Tract before the Council at this time.
Mr. Genovese, City Manager, noted that earlier in the meeting 3:00 PM
session), the Council directed staff to begin processing a review of the Specific
Plan for PGA West shortly after summer.
Chevis Hosea, Vice President of Commercial Land Development for KSL,
advised that the tract before Council at this time is the least dense of any tract
they've built to-date. It is a continuation of their intent to reduce it from a
condominium neighborhood to a detached neighborhood with lower density.
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He further commented that KSL paid a lot for the development rights based on
certain entitlements. The homeowners bought into PGA West based on the
Specific Plan which should have been properly disclosed when they purchased
their property. Any adjustment to their entitlements could materially affect
them in terms of millions of dollars.
There being no one else wishing to speak, the Mayor declared the PUBLIC
HEARING CLOSED.
Ms. Honeywell, City Attorney, advised that the School District*s concern is
related to some of the environmental documents that were relied upon for the
amendment to the Specific Plan, which was an entire *`restatement" of the plan,
unlike the earlier ame*drnent which deleted certain conditions. So, many of
the conditions that were a part of the original plan, unless they were re-
incorporated into the amendment, are no longer a part. Mr. Bowie's concern
is that the original environmental was used for Amendment No.3 and contains
the earlier Condition No.39 which requires that an agreement be entered into.
His point being, that the same conditions are on the environmental, so how can
the conditions on the Specific Plan be changed. If you turn to the Mitigation
Measure No.30 in the original environmental it simply says that the applicant
shall pay a per-unit school fee as determined by the school district. If you
compare that with what is in the amended Specific Plan you will find that it is
very similar.... not requiring an actual agreement. It's up to Council to make
the findings, but she suggested that a decision by Council that the current
State-mandated requirements, which were not in effect at the time of the
original specific plan, could be deemed as adequate to meet the requirement
in the EIR that school fees be paid and that they be determined by the school
district. She added that the Specific Plan * not before the Council at this time
and that these issues should have been raised at the time Amendment No.3
was before the Council.
In respon *;o Council Member Adolph, Ms. Honeywell advised that anyone
could name the City in a lawsuit at any time, but she believed that the lawsuit
that is currently ongoing, has to do with an agreement that is either in place
or not in place between those two parties.
Council Member Sniff asked if anything could be gained by a two-week
continuance and Ms. Honeywell advised that it would enable staff to take a
closer look at all of the documents.
Council Member Adolph supported a continuance.
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Council Member Perkins didn't wish to stymie good development, but felt that
this City Council has always looked favorably upon the school districts and he
hoped that somewhere in between, there could be some happy ground that will
make everyone feel comfortable. He understood that delays are costly, but felt
that the issue before Council is worthy of some further study.
In response to Council Member Henderson, Ms. Honeywell stated that the only
thing new she has not had an opportunity to review is the specific condition
in the EIR. The only other opportunity that a delay would provide, would be
to allow the interested parties to have further discussions to see if they can
come to some understanding.
Council Member Henderson felt that this is an awkward Situation because the
information is not new. She felt that it involves the developer and the school
district and that it will get solved either in or out of court. She saw no reason
not to approve it this evening.
Mayor Holt agreed with Council Member Henderson's comments.
MOTION It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Perkins to continue
consideration of Tentative Tract Map 28444 until the next meeting June 3,
1997). Motion carried with Council Member Henderson voting NO. MINUTE
ORDER NO.97-79.
REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
Riverside County Free Library Advisory Committee Council Member Henderson
reported that at the last meeting, the committee discussed various bid proposals for
the operation of the library system, but unfortunately, she didn*t see anything in the
proposals that would please this City.
All other reports were noted and filed.
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DEPARTMENT REPORTS
F-i. TRANSMITTAL OF THE REVENUE & EXPENDITURES REPORT DATED MARCH
31, 1997 FOR THE Cliv OF LA QUINTA AND LA QUINTA FINANCING
AUTHORITY.
MOTION It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Adolph to receive and file
the Revenue & Expenditures Report for the City of La Quinta. Motion carried
unanimo* MINUTE ORDER NO.97-80.
MOTION It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Adolph to receive and file
the Revenue & Expenditures Report for the La Cuinta Financing Authority.
Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDFR NO.97-81.
MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS* ITEMS None
Council recessed to Redevelopment Agency meeting.
Council reconvened and recessed to Closed Session as delineated on Page 18.
Council reconvened with no decision being made which requires reporting pursuant
to Section 54957.1 of the Government Code Brown Act).
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
Respec Ily submitted,
SAUNDRA L. JUHOLA, City Clerk
City of La Quinta, California
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