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1997 09 23 CC Minutes0+ LA QUINTA CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES SEPTEMBER 23, 1997 Special meeting of the La Quinta City Council was called to order at 1:30 PM by Mayor Holt, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. PRESENT: Council Members Adolph, Henderson, Perkins, Sniff, Mayor Holt ABSENT: None PUBLIC COMMENT None CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA Confirmed BUSINESS SESSION 1. CONSIDERATION OF PROPOSAL BY TRADITION FOR ENHANCED LANDSCAPING OF WASHINGTON STREET CORRIDOR. Mr. Vogt, Public Works Director, advised that at the last meeting of the City Council, Mr. Ron Gregory, representing Tradition Development, asked that they be allowed to reimburse the City for larger plant materials, more boulders and more decomposed granite in the median on Washington Street in front of the entrance to Tradition as part of the contract the City has underway with Mark Logan Landscape. He added that Tradition would be responsible for cost of both removal of existing plants and installation of new ones. Council Member Perkins suggested that the City consider potted plants on long stretches of stamped concrete. Council Member Sniff concurred. Council Member Henderson supported the upgrade and felt that staff can work out the details. In response to Council Member Adolph, Mr. Vogt advised that stamped concrete is generally used on the noses of medians and extend the entire length of the stacking lane. BIB] 10-21-1997-U01 09:43:36AM-U01 ADMIN-U01 CCMIN-U02 09-U02 23-U02 1997-U02 0+ U City Council Minutes Page 2 September 23, 1 997 MOTION It was moved by Council Members Henderson/Adolph to approve the proposal by The Tradition Development to upgrade the landscaping in the Washington Street median and authorize staff to work out the details. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO.97-i 50. RESOLUTION NO.97-81 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA, ACCEPTING THE DONATION OF ENHANCED LANDSCAPING FROM THE TRADITION FOR THE WASHINGTON STREET CORRIDOR FROM CALLE TAMPICO TO AVENUE 52. It was moved by Council Members Henderson/Perkins to adopt Resolution No. 97-81 as submitted. Motion carried unanimously. STUDY SESSION 1. DISCUSSION REGARDING OPTIONS FOR LIBRARY SERVICES IN THE CITY OF LA QUINTA. Mr. Genovese, City Manager, advised that the library issue has been an emotional and financial issue as well as a service delivery issue. He proceeded to review the history of this matter advising that since incorporation, the City has been part of the County Library System and in light of that, the cost of this service has been paid for from a portion of the local property tax. Through the Redevelopment Agency and the City of La Quinta, the contribution to the library system has historically been in excess of the services received. He advised that the City never considered withdrawal from the county system until there were some funding challenges some of which were posed by the State of California). As a result of recent discussions with the county, library zones were established including a Desert Zone" and the county has contracted out a provider for library services to LSSI. Under the zone arrangement, the library revenue property tax and redevelopment funds) generated in the Desert Zone stays in that zone. However, under that arrangement, there is no return-to-source funding for cities. He pointed, however, that under the management of LSSI, and the efforts of staff and Council Member Henderson) the hours of operation of the La Quinta library have been increased from 20 hours per week to 32 hours per week for the same amount of funding that the County provided the 20 hours. Therefore, he felt that there has been some efficiency of service. BIB] 10-21-1997-U01 09:43:36AM-U01 ADMIN-U01 CCMIN-U02 09-U02 23-U02 1997-U02 0+ 1 City Council Minutes Page 3 September 23, 1 997 Regarding funding, Mr. Genovese advised that the City's contribution to the library system is approximately $450,000 to $500,000 each year. Legislation was recently enacted which allows a city full access to its library property tax if it chooses to withdraw from a county library. A decision to withdraw from the County system poses some complexities including how to fund a library building. Staff is currently analyzing the possibility pf including a library fee in the developer impact fees. In discussions with the cities of Palm Springs and Rancho Mirage neither of which are in the county system) have indicated that we could easily provide the current level of service with the $450,000- $500,000 and perhaps enhance those services substantially. If the City chooses to withdraw from the system, it could contract with LSSI and still provide the services and be a part of the full system-wide program, but it could have an impact on other libraries and their services. If the Council chooses to withdraw, a resolution signifying intent to withdraw would have to be adopted by October 21 St Council Member Adolph commented that last year the *Friends" raised $9,000 from a golf tournament which resulted in six additional hours of operation, so he didn't feel that we are really getting that much more. He understood that RDA funds cannot be used to operate the library, but asked if it can be used for expansion and are there funds in the General Fund to operate it. Mr. Genovese advised that all of those issues are still under discussion and there are some legal issues being resolved. He noted that all of the city's funds would be returned, but there is a question as to whether or not it would be returned to the City or the RDA. If it is returned to the RDA, staff believes that there are mechanisms by which we can still fund the services. He also advised that*the County cannot guarantee 32 hours of services indefinitely. He noted that the current lease for the La Quinta Library is due to expire June 30, 1 998. The City could explore extending that lease, or finding another location. In response to Council Member Sniff, Mr. Wilson advised that the cities of Palm Desert, lndio, Coachella, Cathedral City, Desert Hot Springs, La Quinta and some incorporated areas are in the Desert Zone. In further response, Council Member Henderson advised that the Desert Zone is generating $2 million in revenue to the library system, so La Quinta is a significant contributor. BIB] 10-21-1997-U01 09:43:36AM-U01 ADMIN-U01 CCMIN-U02 09-U02 23-U02 1997-U02 0+ U City Council Minutes Page 4 September 23, 1 997 Council Member Sniff felt that the inequity needs to be satisfied and La Quinta should not be responsible for subsidizing other communities and receiving a reduction in service. He suggested that Council go forward and direct staff to proceed and come back with some solid answers so that we can have full service in a good location. Further, he wished to see a portion of the funds that would be received, to be set aside for a construction fund for a new library on the Civic Center campus. Council Member Perkins agreed, but stressed that if we do withdraw, there needs to be some kind of reciprocal agreement with other libraries so that our residents may utilize services that may not be available in our library. He felt that our responsibility is to look at the feasibility of building our own library as the current one is not sufficient. Council Member Henderson advised that the process has been difficult for everyone and that all of the Zone members recognize the position La Quinta is in. It's clear that our responsibility is to our own community and to the proper expenditure of city funds. She was disappointed that the media has already left this meeting to hear the difficulty and complexity of making such a decision. She pointed out that last year several cities jumped the gun and adopted resolutions of intent to withdraw before they could legally do so, but La Quinta did not we waited and worked with the County and LSSI. She agreed that we need to move forward with a resolution signifying our intent to withdraw and continue to study the issue and work with the County. She added that she has had a call from Supervisor Wilson who is concerned and wants to continue working with us and he understands how important it is that we get a return for our dollar. Council concurred on directing staff to move forward with bringing a resolution to the Council on October 21st signifying our intention to withdraw. Council Member Henderson suggested sending a letter to LSSI expressing appreciation for their efforts in being able to provide 32 hours of service for the same money the County did for 20 hours. Council concurred. Council Member Perkins thanked The Friends of the Library for all their input and efforts and hoped that they will continue providing input through this effort. At this time, the meeting recessed for the Redevelopment Agency meeting. BIB] 10-21-1997-U01 09:43:36AM-U01 ADMIN-U01 CCMIN-U02 09-U02 23-U02 1997-U02 0+City Council Minutes Page 5 September 23, 1 997 Council reconvened and adjourned to Closed Session. CLOSED SESSION 1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9(a) REGARDING EXISTING LITIGATION: STAMKO DEVELOPMENT CO., CASE NO. INC. 000492 COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE, CASE NO. INC 002131 INSURANCE COMPANY OF THE WEST, CASE NO. INC 002476 TRADITION, CASE NO. INC 003070 DR. TYNBERG EMINENT DOMAIN, CASE NO.086851 KSL/COACHELLA VALLEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT, CASE NO. INC 003108 KSLIJ.M. PETERS, CASE NO.002597 LA QUINTA V. DIEHL EVANS, CASE NO.782308: CITY OF ORANGE V. ALABAMA TREASURY ADVISORY PROGRAM, CASE NO. BC 106461; PEOPLE OF STATE OF CALIFORNIA V. STEVEN RUMMONDS, CASE NO. 1NM071412 2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9(b)3(E) REGARDING POTENTIAL LITIGATION ONE CASE) 3. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9(b)3(C) REGARDING POTENTIAL LITIGATION ONE CASE) 4. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9(c) REGARDING POTENTIAL LITIGATION ONE CASE) Council reconvened with no decisions being made which require reporting pursuant to Section 54957.1 of the Government Code Brown Act). There being no further business, the meeting adjourned. Res ctfully submitted, SAUNDRA L. JUHOLA, City Clerk City of La Quinta, California BIB] 10-21-1997-U01 09:43:36AM-U01 ADMIN-U01 CCMIN-U02 09-U02 23-U02 1997-U02