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1998 02 17 CC Minutes^1 LA QUINTA CITY COUNCIL MINUTES FEBRUARY 17, 1998 Regular meeting of the La Quinta City Council was called to order at the hour of 3:00 p.m. by Mayor Pena, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. PRESENT: Council Members Adolph, Henderson, Perkins, Sniff, Mayor Pena ABSENT: None PUBLIC COMMENT Robert Tyler, 44-215 Villeta Drive, was concerned about the potential reduction in fire department equipment and personnel at Riverside County Fire Station No. 31 in Bermuda Dunes when the Sun City fire station is built north of 1-10 He felt the changes would be detrimental to North La Quinta, which is the fastest growing area of the City, and hoped that Station No.31 could be maintained at its current force level and additional resources brought in for the new station. He urged the City to work vigorously with the County to determine how to maintain, and even improve, fire protection in North La Quinta. CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA Mr. Genovese, City Manager, asked that Consent Calendar item No.6 be moved to Business Session Item No.8. Ms. Honeywell, City Attorney, recommended adding a Closed Session item that came up after the agenda was posted and that has some urgency to be dealt with. The item is a conference with legal counsel, pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(b)(3)(E), concerning the City's regulation of housing development for single- family houses in the Cove. She advised that a statement threatening litigation has been filed with the City Clerk and is subject to inspection under Government Code Section 54957.5. Mayor Pena asked that Consent Calendar Item No.4 be pulled from the Consent Calendar for separate action due to a conflict of interest. MOTION It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to move Consent Calendar Item No.6 Final Map for Tract 25953, Sonrisa) to Business Session Item No.8; to pull Consent Calendar Item No.4 Acceptance of Improvements to Fritz Burns Park) for separate action: and, to add Closed Session Item No.3 pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(b)(3)(E), concerning the City's regulation of housing development for single-family houses in the Cove, as the need to make these changes came up after the agenda was posted. Motion carried unanimously. BIB] 03-11-1998-U01 04:06:28PM-U01 ADMIN-U01 CCMIN-U02 02-U02 17-U02 1998-U02 ^1 J * City Council Minutes 2 February 1 7, 1 998 APPROVAL OF MINUTES MOTION It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Perkins to approve the City Council Minutes of January 21, 1998, as submitted. Motion carried with Council Members Adolph and Perkins ABSTAINING. MOTION It was moved by Council Members Henderson/Sniff to approve the City Council Minutes of January 27 and February 3,1 998 as submitted. Motion carried unanimously. ANNOUNCEMENTS Riverside County Fire Department Division Chief John McLaughlin introduced Doug McKain as La Quinta's new Battalion Chief. PRESENTATIONS None WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE 1. LETTER FROM DAWN BRENNEIS RESIGNING FROM THE PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION. Council concurred on presenting a plaque and letter of appreciation to Ms. Brenneis for her service on the Parks & Recreation Commission. 2. LETTER FROM IMPERIAL IRRIGATION DISTRICT REGARDING FORMATION OF A JOINT POWERS AUTHORITY. Council Member Henderson suggested scheduling the discussion for a Study Session. Council Member Sniff suggested referring it to staff and the City Attorney and directing staff to agendize it for action, if appropriate, on March 3, 1998. Council Member Henderson wasn't sure the Council was being asked to take action since it's only in the development stages. BIB] 03-11-1998-U01 04:06:28PM-U01 ADMIN-U01 CCMIN-U02 02-U02 17-U02 1998-U02 ^1City Council Minutes 3 February 1 7, 1 998 Ron Hull, 81-600 Avenue 58, Community Relations Supervisor for Imperial Irrigation District lID), advised that they are only looking for input at this point and would be glad to discuss it with Council in a Study Session. Council concurred on directing staff to agendize this matter as a Study Session item on the March 3, 1998 agenda. BUSINESS SESSION CONSIDERATION OF AMENDMENT TO THE LA QUINTA CHARTER AND MUNICIPAL CODE TO REVOKE CHAPTERS 2.80 PARK & RECREATION COMMISSION," CHAPTER 2.85 CULTURAL COMMISSION," AND CHAPTER 2.90 HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION," AND ADDING A NEW CHAPTER 2.75 COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION." Mr. Weiss, Assistant City Manager, advised that the proposed ordinance would replace the Parks & Recreation Commission, Cultural Commission, and Human Services Commission with a nine-member, Community Services Commission that would be comprised of three categories, which formerly would have been represented by the three commissions. He advised that the staff report contains Minutes of the Cultural Commission meeting of January 22, 1 998, and a letter from the Human Services Commission, in response to the proposal. Joan Rebich, 53-810 Avenida Cortez, Member of the Human Services Commission, stated that the Human Services Commission and Parks & Recreation Commission have cooperated with each other on some issues, but advised that, overall, their primary focuses are very different and she wished to see them kept separate. Since the meetings are recorded, she suggested reducing staff attendance and noted that the Commissioners are willing to have their stipends eliminated. She was concerned that none of the commissions would accomplish their goals if the commissions are combined. John Detlie, 48-546 Via Amistad, Member of the Cultural Commission, felt the Cultural Commission was just getting up to steam and that combining the commissions would take some steam out of their progress. He urged Council to postpone combining the commissions for a while. Kathryn Hull, 77-260 CalIe Chillon, Member of the Cultural Commission, advised that the commission will soon be submitting to Council, their Cultural Arts Master Plan. The plan, which will affect all segments of the community, has been highly complimented by various organizations and commissions in the City. She was concerned that its implementation might be diluted or mis-directed if BIB] 03-11-1998-U01 04:06:28PM-U01 ADMIN-U01 CCMIN-U02 02-U02 17-U02 1998-U02 ^1 I * City Council Minutes 4 February 17, 1998 the commissions are combined. In looking at the duties of the new commission, she didn't feel that she could deal with all of the responsibilities and vote intelligently on the various issues, as a volunteer. She believed the City's cultural development is extremely important and urged the Council to review the master plan before making a decision on this issue. Honey Atkins, 52-470 Avenida Madero, Member of the Cultural Commission, advised that the City has taken the cultural lead in the valley with the La Quinta Arts Festival, Roundtable West lunche6ns, historical pageant, and Cultural Master Plan. She urged the Council to not tarnish that image by abolishing the Cultural Commission. Kay Wolff, 77-227 Calle Ensenada, felt having fewer commissions and fewer people would mean less community representation in the City and less La Quinta representation throughout the valley. Tori St. Johns, 53-200 Avenida Montezuma1 believed the commissions have separate duties and urged the Council to keep them separate. Robert Tyler, 44-215 Villeta Drive, stated uif it's not broke, don't fix it." He felt combining the commissions was a ludicrous idea that would lead to a weakening of the objectives of the three groups and he urged the Council to vote against it. Council Member Adolph advised that he has been opposed to combining the commissions since it was brought up last year and hasn't changed his mind. He felt they provide good input and that the Council shouldn't try to fix a system that is working. He supported leaving them as they are. Council Member Perkins has preferred having five members instead of seven from the beginning and noted that there's been a lessening of interest in the vacancies during the last few recruitment periods. He envisioned the Cultural Commission being an umbrella organization for all of the City's cultural activities, including the Art in Public Places program, but felt that it hasn't worked out that way. He wished to retain the Cultural Commission name and wasn't completely sold on combining that commission with the other two, which he felt could be combined. Council Member Sniff advised that he has always supported the commissions, including having seven members, but has heard Council discuss the need to make some modifications numerous times and hold off on receiving applications. However, if combining the commissions is not going to result in any significant savings of staff time and after hearing what the commissions BIB] 03-11-1998-U01 04:06:28PM-U01 ADMIN-U01 CCMIN-U02 02-U02 17-U02 1998-U02 ^1 I 1 City Council Minutes 5 February 17, 1998 have to say, he preferred leaving them in place with seven members, He wished to promptly begin the recruitment process, including questioning of applicants during the interviews, to bring all of the commissions up to full membership by July 1 and felt they could then be reviewed in one year to see how it's w6rking. If there's no support for his suggestion, then he would consider combining the three commissions. Council Member Henderson advised that she's committed tQ supporting*the Cultural Arts Master Plan and will not support taking any of the steam out of it. However, she felt by making the proposed ordinance effective July 1 st, that it could still be accomplished and suggested that if it's not completed by that time, that an ad hoc committee be formed to continue it. She also felt that the Youth Accountability Board deserves the City's support and believes, as she has stated before, that the dedication shown by those who have worked on it, will continue to exist in a combined commission and would have brought the program into the community anyway. She believed the City has too many commissions and memberships that are too large, taking up too much time from staff which hasn't been increased. The Council is responsible for seeing that the proper amount of staff time is allowed and she believed that all the work could be done with a new combined Community Services Commission. Mayor Pena noted that it's not Council's intent to lessen the value of any commission nor to get rid of them, but rather to see if there's a way to the commissions more functional, given the staff time available. The intent is to develop a commission to encompass several issues and, thereby, allow staff to give more support to one commission than they currently give to three. Community participation is important, but he believed*some issues would be better served by ad hoc committees. He noted, in regard to the commissions having distinct interests, that the Council Members also have varying interests, but are able to come together and each provide insight on all of the issues that come before them. He didn't believe the work of the commissions would be diluted by combining the commissions, nor was it Council's intent to do so and he felt that every segment of this diverse community should be represented. He felt perhaps Council Member Sniff's suggestion could be considered, but he felt a nine-member commission would provide as good a product as three commissions would. He pointed out that the commissions would be brought into line through attrition, not by disbanding them and appointing new commissioners. Council Member Perkins felt it's important for the Cultural Commission to be allowed to bring their current work to a successful conclusion. He's suggested combining the Human Services Commission and Parks & Recreation BIB] 03-11-1998-U01 04:06:28PM-U01 ADMIN-U01 CCMIN-U02 02-U02 17-U02 1998-U02 ^1 I * City Council Minutes 6 February 17, 1998 Commission, with the intent of including the Cultural Commission in three or four months. Council Member Henderson supported combining the three commissions at the end of the fiscal year which would leave all the c6mmissions intact until July 1 St If the Cultural Commission*s Master Plan is still not done by then, an ad hoc committee, which would have a single focus, could be formed. Council Member Perkins advised that he would support that. Council Member Adolph has a problem with appointing ad hoc committees because decision making is the responsibility of the commissions. He wished to have them present their own ideas to Council, rather than uparrot** what they feel the Council wishes. In response to Council Member Adolph, Mrs. Juhola, City Clerk, advised that after receiving the resignation from Dawn Brenneis, the Parks & Recreation Commission has only three members. An annual recruitment was conducted last Spring and when there weren*t enough applicants to fill the vacancies, she continued the recruitment process until Council directed that it be stopped. There are approximately four applications on file at this time. Council Member Sniff suggested taking no action on this ordinance, advising that he would support reducing the commission memberships down to five members. He wished to see the commissions kept intact for now and to advertise for applicants to see what kind of interest there is in the community. Council could review it again in June if there*s not enough interest to fill the vacancies. Council Member Perkins felt this issue has been discussed and delayed too many times and wished to see a decision made, noting that modifications could always be made up until July 19t Council Member Henderson didn*t see a reason for delaying it any further and trying the recruitment process again. In response to Mayor Pena, Ms. Honeywell, City Attorney, advised that the effective date of the ordinance is up to Council. She advised that the Parks & Recreation Commission would have a quorum, even with only three members, as long as a majority of the sitting members are present. BIB] 03-11-1998-U01 04:06:28PM-U01 ADMIN-U01 CCMIN-U02 02-U02 17-U02 1998-U02 ^1 I * City Council Minutes 7 February 17, 1998 Council Member Adolph preferred having seven members on a commission, but if they are reduced to five members, he wished to see it done through normal attrition. Council Member Henderson questioned why there wouldn't be a savings in staff time if three commissions are combined into one meeting. Mr. Weiss advised that the ordinance proposes a nine-member commission, consisting of three categories with expertise in three different areas, but not necessarily requiring regular meetings of the three groups that would*require staff support. Forming actual sub-committees would require noticing of the meetings. He advised that reducing the number of members and number of meetings would result in savings up front as well as having fewer meetings for staff to support. In response to Council Member Adolph, Mr. Weiss advised that staff support usually consists of one person to help organize and run the meetings, one person to run the tape machine and take minutes, and sometimes an additional person to provide technical expertise, but there's no set number for how many staff members will attend Council Member Henderson believed staff support helps guide the commission meetings and that without staff taking minutes of the meetings, the records wouldn't be adequate because the tapes aren't always very clear. She listens to the meeting tapes and sees areas that overlap from one commission to another and believed combining the three commissions into one commission would accomplish a lot. She supported moving forward with the ordinance. MOTION It was moved by Council Members Henderson/Perkins to take up. Ordinance No.315 to be effective July 1 * by title and number bnly and waive further reading. Council Member Sniff questioned when the nine members would be selected and Council Member Henderson felt it could be done anytime prior to the effective date. Council Member Sniff advised that he couldn't support the motion because he didn't understand the basic underlying rationale for taking the action at this time. In response to Mayor Pena, he stated that during the Study Session, he understood combining the commissions would bring about a significant savings in staff time, but doesn't see that now and he felt the current vacancies are due to a lack of recruitment and encouragement from Council for people to apply. BIB] 03-11-1998-U01 04:06:28PM-U01 ADMIN-U01 CCMIN-U02 02-U02 17-U02 1998-U02 ^1 I * City Council Minutes 8 February 17, 1998 Mayor Pena advised that he understood the savings would be greater, but also that the expertise of staff support would be better focused. He wished to move forward with the ordinance and meet with the commissions between now and July. Council Member Sniff questioned the urgency of moving forward with an ordinance that won't be effective until July 1 * and suggested holding this issue in abeyance until June 1st*tO give Council an opportunity to meet with the c6mmissions. Council Member Perkins felt moving forward with the ordinance would force Council into taking a good hard look at the commissions, instead of continuing to put it off. In response to Mayor Pena, Mr. Genovese, City Manager, advised that a new Community Services Director would be in place within 30-45 days and in regard to saving staff time, he advised that there would be more savings if the subcommittees meet the same day. Mayor Pena had some concerns with the language in the ordinance and advised that he would support a continuance for up to 30 days to give Council time to meet with the commissions. He suggested meeting informally with the commissions individually, but on the same day. Council Members Henderson and Perkins advised that they would support a 30- day continuance. Motion was withdrawn. MOTION It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Adolph tb continue the matter of the Parks & Recreation Commission, Human Services Commission, and Cultural Commission to March 1 7, 1 998 and in the interim, schedule meetings with the various commissions under discussion. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO.98-25. 2. CONSIDERATION OF AMENDMENT TO THE LA QUINTA CHARTER AND MUNICIPAL CODE AMENDING CHAPTER 2.65 ART IN PUBLIC PLACES COMMISSION" AND INVESTMENT ADVISORY BOARD" TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF COMMISSION MEMBERS FROM SEVEN 7) TO FIVE 5). MOTION It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to continue the matter of the Art in Public Places Commission and Investment Advisory Board to March 17, 1 998. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO.98-26. BIB] 03-11-1998-U01 04:06:28PM-U01 ADMIN-U01 CCMIN-U02 02-U02 17-U02 1998-U02 ^1 J 1 City Council Minutes 9 February 17, 1 998 3. CONSIDERATION OF RECOMMENDATION BY CITY LIBRARY COMMITTEE REGARDING LIBRARY LOCATION AND HOURS OF OPERATION. Mr. Wilson, Management Assistant, advised that after reviewing several potential sites, the City Library Committee has recommended the three following sites in order of priority: 1) the vacant Mario's Garden Cafe which is approximately 5,000 sq. ft.; 2) the vacant Petrie's in the Wal-Mart Center. which is approximately 7,600 sq. ft.; and 3) the vacant Thrifty Drugstore in Plaza La Quinta which is approximately 10,000 sq. ft. Issues considered by the committee were traffic, accessibility, security, ambience, building readiness, restroom facilities, and the June * opening date. The recommended hours of operation are contained in the staff report. The County has received 4-6 responses to their RFP for a library location and will review and schedule site tours within the next two weeks. If Council approves the committee's recommendation, a formal recommendation should be forwarded to the County for consideration. Council Member Sniff supported the committee's recommendations, but asked if the committee had considered how much time and work, including ADA requirements, would be needed to get the sites ready for use to which Mr. Wilson responded yes, but noted that the County will use their expertise in making the final decision. Mayor Pena thanked the committee for their work on this issue. MOTION It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to approve the recommendations of the City Library Committee regarding the library location and hours of operation and to forward the recommendations to the County of Riverside. Council Member Perkins had some concerns with the recommendations. He didn't support the Mario's site, noting that it's smaller than what the County has indicated that they would be willing to support; the area is dark, making night-time hours of operation a security concern for children and women; it's hard to find if you don't know the area; and, he questioned the cost of maintaining the grounds. He also didn't support the Wal-Mart Center Petrie's) site. He felt it's poorly designed, a considerable walking distance from the bus stop, and not a particularly safe place at night time. He supported the Vons Plaza La Quinta) site, because it's well lit and conveniently located near Vons where people are coming and going, as well as near the bus stop. He felt the hours of operation are confusing. He supported having the library open some hours in the evening and because it gets dark early during the winter months, BIB] 03-11-1998-U01 04:06:28PM-U01 ADMIN-U01 CCMIN-U02 02-U02 17-U02 1998-U02 ^1 I * City Council Minutes 10 February 1 7, 1 998 he felt Mario's is a poor site from a security point of view. He preferred the Vons site and more continuity in the hours of operation. Council Member Henderson advised that her initial idea was to have a site easily accessible for North La Quinta and it was hard for her to move from that position. However, after visiting the Mario's site, she now feels that it will make a beautiful place for a library. She noted that the committee has prioritized three sites to recommend, but the County will consider many concerns such as cost of rehabilitation, lighting, safety issues, etc. before making a decision. In regard to the schedule, she advised that the committee felt strongly about maintaining current library hours as much as possible. The schedule recommended by the committee calls for the library to be open six days a week instead of five and opening at noon on Sunday because of the library-wide assessment that libraries don*t function very well early on Sunday. She supported the recommended site list and schedule. Council Member Adolph advised that the committee had many of the same concerns, but Mario has agreed to work with the City in upgrading whatever is necessary for the lighting. He felt it would be a beautiful site for a library. Council Member Perkins felt that Mario*s is not a safe area for a library, especially at night. Council Member Henderson noted that the evening hours in the schedule may not work out. In response to Council Member Sniff, Mr. Wilson advised that the County will review the sites using their own criteria and then negotiate the sites with the City. Council Member Sniff felt that Council's concerns should be forwarded with the recommendations. Mr. Wilson pointed out that both parties must agree upon the site. Motion carried with Council Member Perkins voting NO. MINUTE ORDER NO. 98-27. BIB] 03-11-1998-U01 04:06:28PM-U01 ADMIN-U01 CCMIN-U02 02-U02 17-U02 1998-U02 ^1 j 1 City Council Minutes 11 February 1 7, 1 998 4. CONSIDERATION OF THE LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT BLOCK GRANT ADVISORY BOARD'S RECOMMENDATION FOR EXPENDITURE OF GRANT FUNDS. There were no changes to the staff report as submitted to the City Council by the City Manager's Department and on file in the City Clerk's Department, indicating the recommendation of the Local Law Enforcement Block Grant Advisory Board to use the grant funds for purchase of. video cameras and film vaults, and to pay for increased patrol times during high activity patrols. MOTION It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to approve the Local Law Enforcement Block Grant Advisory Board's recommendation for expenditure of grant funds. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO. 98-28. 5. CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTMENT OF TWO COUNCIL MEMBERS TO SERVE ON THE CIVIC CENTER ART PURCHASE COMMITTEE DURING THE I-A QUINTA ARTS FESTIVAL. There were no changes to the staff report as submitted to the City Council by the Community Development Department and on file in the City Clerk's Department. MOTION It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Adolph to appoint Council Member Henderson and Mayor Pena to the Civic Center Art Purchase Committee and authorize a 10% leeway over the $3,000 amount and appropriate the funds. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO.98- 29. 6. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE CITY ENGINEER TO PREPARE THE PRELIMINARY ENGINEER'S REPORT FOR LANDSCAPE & LIGHTING ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 89-1 FOR FISCAL YEAR 1998/99. There were no changes to the staff report as submitted to the City Council by the Public Works Department and on file in the City Clerk's Department. BIB] 03-11-1998-U01 04:06:28PM-U01 ADMIN-U01 CCMIN-U02 02-U02 17-U02 1998-U02 ^1 J * City Council Minutes 12 February 1 7, 1 998 RESOLUTION NO.98-12 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA, DIRECTING THE CITY ENGINEER TO PREPARE THE PRELIMINARY ENGINEER'S REPORT FOR LANDSCAPE & LIGHTING ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 89-1 FOR FISCAL YEAR 1998/99. It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to adopt Resolution No.98- 1 2 as submitted. Motion carried unanimously: 7. SECOND READING OF ORDINANCES ORDINANCE NO.314 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA, REVOKING CHAPTERS 6.04 AND 6.05 AND ESTABLISHING REVISED CHAPTERS 6.04 AND 6.05 OF THE LA QUINTA CHARTER AND MUNICIPAL CODE WHICH SETS FORTH REFUSE DISPOSAL AND RECYCLABLE MATERIALS. It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Adolph to adopt Ordinance No.314 on second reading. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Adolph, Henderson, Perkins, Sniff, Mayor Pena NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None 8. CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF FINAL MAP AND SUBDIVISION IMPROVEMENT AGREEMENT FOR TRACT 25953, SONRISA. Mr. Vogt, Public Works Director, recommended approval of the Final Map and Subdivision Improvement Agreement contingent upon the approval of the outstanding items listed in staff's memorandum submitted to Council on February 1 7, 1 998 by the City Attorney and Public Works Director. Betty Williams, 43-725 Monterey Avenue, Suite C, Palm Desert, of Oliphant & Williams Associates, Inc., advised that the original bonds will be delivered on Wednesday and that the financing is in place. BIB] 03-11-1998-U01 04:06:28PM-U01 ADMIN-U01 CCMIN-U02 02-U02 17-U02 1998-U02 ^1 J j City Council Minutes 1 3 February 17, 1 998 MOTION It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to approve the Final Map and Subdivision Agreement for Tract 25953 Sonrisa) contingent upon approval of the items listed in the staff report dated February 17, 1 998 by the City Attorney and Public Works Director. In response to Council Member Adolph, Ms. Honeywell, City Attorney, advised that this is a new concept whereby the common areas will be owned and maintained. by a separate entity, instead of being overseen by a homeowners association. If it works well, it may be a good model for the future. In response to Mayor Pena, she advised that the City will be looking to the property manager owner) to maintain the common areas. The concept is somewhat a result of Proposition 218 and the City*s inability to add additional landscaping areas into its Landscape & Lighting Assessment District. In response to Council Member Adolph, Mr. Vogt confirmed that no permits would be issued until all items have been completed. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO.98-30. CONSENT CALENDAR As noted under Confirmation of Agenda, Consent Calendar Item No.4 was pulled from the Consent Calendar for separate action. 1. APPROVAL OF DEMAND REGISTER DATED FEBRUARY 17, 1998. 2. TRANSMITTAL OF TREASURER'S REPORT DATED DECEMBER 31, 1997. 3. APPROVAL OF ONGOING RENTAL USE OF THE SENIOR CENTER BY NEW LIFE COMMUNITY CHURCH. 4. ACCEPTANCE OF IMPROVEMENTS TO THE FRITZ BURNS PARK PROJECT NO.97-07 AND AUTHORIZATION TO FILE NOTICE OF COMPLETION. See action below.) 5. APPROVAL OF OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDING & SAFETY TO ATTEND THE CALIFORNIA BUILDING OFFICIALS' ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING IN COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA, MARCH 8-11, 1998. 6. SEE BUSINESS SESSION ITEM NO.8. BIB] 03-11-1998-U01 04:06:28PM-U01 ADMIN-U01 CCMIN-U02 02-U02 17-U02 1998-U02 ^1 A * I City Council Minutes 14 February 17, 1998 MOTION It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to approve the Consent Calendar as amended and recommended. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO. 98-31. Item No.4 MOTION It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Adolph to accept Project No. 97-07, Fritz. Burns Park Improvement Project as 100% complete, as of January 8; 1998; authorize the City Clerk to file a Notice of Completion with the Office of the County Recorder; and authorize staff to assess $1,500 in liquidated damages for late completion and release retention in the amount of $1 6,083.20, 35 days after recordation of the Notice of Completion. Motion carried with Mayor Pena ABSTAINING. MINUTE ORDER NO.98-32. STUDY SESSION None REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS All reports were noted and filed. DEPARTMENT REPORTS G. TRANSMITTAL OF REVENUE & EXPENDITURES REPORT DATED DECEMBER 31, 1997. MOTION It was moved by Council Members Henderson/Sniff to receive and file the Revenue & Expenditures Report dated December 31, 1997. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO.98-33. Mayor Pena advised that he was approached by a member of the Indio City Council regarding the possibility of a regional fire station between Indio/La Quinta/Riverside County and he suggested staff be directed to meet with Indio to discuss the matter. Mr. Genovese, City Manager, advised that staff has been in discussions with the Fire Department regarding these needs. BIB] 03-11-1998-U01 04:06:28PM-U01 ADMIN-U01 CCMIN-U02 02-U02 17-U02 1998-U02 ^1 I ii City Council Minutes 15 February 1 7, 1 998 MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS' ITEMS 1. DISCUSSION REGARDING SETTING A DATE FOR JOINT MEETING WITH THE PLANNING COMMISSION. Council Member Henderson suggested setting a date for a joint meeting with the Planning Commission. Council concurred on directing staff to schedule' a joint meeting with the Planning Commission on a Planning Commission meeting date at perhaps 4:00 p.m. 2. DISCUSSION REGARDING CITYWIDE PHOTOGRAPHY. Council Member Sniff suggested having a photographer take some photographs and videotape of the wildflower areas of the City to use for promotional purposes. Council concurred and directed staff to have it done. 3. DISCUSSION REGARDING LA QUINTA HIGH SCHOOL BAND. Mayor Pena commented on the non-participation of the La Quinta High School Band in the Date Festival Parade. Council concurred on the Mayor writing a letter to the Band Director to inquire as to why the band did not participate. Council recessed to Redevelopment Agency meeting. Council reconvened and recessed to Financing Authority meeting. Council reconvened and recessed to Closed Session to and until the hour of 7:00 p.m. BIB] 03-11-1998-U01 04:06:28PM-U01 ADMIN-U01 CCMIN-U02 02-U02 17-U02 1998-U02 ^1 J * City Council Minutes 1 6 February 1 7, 1 998 CLOSED SESSION Mayor Pena abstained from participating in Item No.1 as he has consistently done in the past. 1. Conference with City's real property negotiator pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8, concerning the potential terms and conditions of acquisition and/or disposition of real property located at the southwest corner of Highway 111 and Adams Street. Property OwneriNegotiator: Chris Clarke. 2. Conference with legal counsel concerning ongoing litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(a) City of La Quinta V. Tynberg Case No. 088851. 3. Conference with legal counsel concerning threat of litigation regarding the City's regulation of housing development for single-family houses in the Cove pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(b)(3)(E). 7:00 P.M. PUBLIC COMMENT None PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. SPECIFIC PLAN 85-006, AMENDMENT NO.2 OAK TREE WEST) TO PERMIT MINIMUM 6,000 SQ. FT. LOTS HAVING A 55-FOOT WIDTH IN THE OAK TREE WEST SPECIFIC PLAN AREA IN THE FUTURE. APPLICANT: KSL LAND HOLDINGS. The Mayor declared the PUBLIC HEARING OPEN. Ms. di Iorio, Planning Manager, presented the staff report, advising that the Specific Plan Amendment will permit minimum 6,000 sq. ft. lots with 55-foot widths in the Oak Tree West Specific Plan area which consists of the Citrus Country Club and a vacant area bounded by Avenue 52, Jefferson Street, Avenue 54, and the mountains on the west. The current requirement is for 7,200 sq. ft. lots with 60-foot widths. The request has been reviewed by the Planning Commission and they have recommended approval, subject to conditions, and it was noted that a Conditional Use Permit application to permit a polo field had been withdrawn. In response to Council Member Adolph, Ms. di Iorio advised that the old Specific Plan only specified front and side-yard setbacks. BIB] 03-11-1998-U01 04:06:28PM-U01 ADMIN-U01 CCMIN-U02 02-U02 17-U02 1998-U02 ^1 J Ij City Council Minutes 17 February 17, 1 998 Mike Walker, 55-940 PGA West Boulevard, General Manager of PGA West Residential Association, asked if the amendment would allow two-story, 28- foot, single-family homes or if it's a condition of the current Specific Plan. He understood that lot sizes and widths were all that would be addressed in the amendment, not a change that would indicate the possibility of two-story homes. Ms. di Iorio advised that that is addressed in the RL zoning designation, not the Specific Plan. Mr. Walker stated that the homeowners association is requesting a 150-foot buffer zone along the full length of Avenue 54, between Jefferson Street and the All American Canal, similar to the buffer zone indicated adjacent to Avenue 52 and Jefferson Street for the area adjacent to PGA West Residential Association. Chevi8 Hosea, 55-120 PGA West Boulevard, Vice President of Land & Commercial Development for KSL Development Company, advised that they are trying to create consistency by converting condominium and duplex lots to single-family detached units. They have no objections to a 150-foot buffer zone along Jefferson Street and Avenue 54. In response to Council Member Henderson, Mr. Hosea advised that the location of houses and improvements close to Avenue 52 haven't been determined yet. In response to Council Member Henderson, Ms. di Iorio advised that the current height restriction is 28 feet and that primary arterials are limited to one-story units. She noted that the Table in Condition of Approval No.4 sets a maximum height of 22 feet and one-story structures within 150 feet of Avenue 52 and Jefferson Street and that Avenue 54 could be added. In response to Mayor Pena, Mr. Hosea advised that the Kennedy Ranch will be included in a future amendment. Council Member Adolph asked if they intend to abandon Avenue 54 and create a new gated community or tie it in with PGA West. He felt the temporary wall should be replaced if the two developments aren't going to be tied together and he also asked about the homeowners association. Mr. Hosea advised that they're considering several different plans at this time and hope to have more clarification on it within the next few months, but will see about making some improvements to the temporary wall. He's BIB] 03-11-1998-U01 04:06:28PM-U01 ADMIN-U01 CCMIN-U02 02-U02 17-U02 1998-U02 ^1 J * City Council Minutes 18 February 17, 1 998 recommending one homeowners association for the balance of their properties with independent cost centers. There being no one else wishing to speak, the Maydr declared the PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED. RESOLUTION NO.98-13 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY bF LA QUIN#A, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING AMENDMENT NO.2 TO SPECIFIC PLAN 85-006 KSL LAND HOLDINGS, INC.) It was moved by Council Members Henderson/Sniff to adopt Resolution No.98- 13 as amended, adding Avenue 54 to Table 1. Motion carried unanimously. 2. TRACT MAP 28470, AMENDMENT NO.1 TO REVISE CONDITION NO.79 OF CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO.97-28, TO CHANGE THE 17-FOOT, MAXIMUM BUILDING-HEIGHT RESTRICTION WITHIN A 335-FOOT CORRIDOR TO 24-FOOT MAXIMUM BUILDING-HEIGHT RESTRICTION WITHIN 150-FOOT CORRIDOR EAST OF THE ULTIMATE RIGHT-OF-WAY OF AVENIDA BERMUDAS. APPLICANT: TRADITION CLUB ASSOCIATES, CIO WINCHESTER DEVELOPMENT CO., LLC. Mr. Herman, Community Development Director, requested this item be continued to March 3, 1 998. MOTION It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Adolph to continue consideration of Tract Map 28470 to March 3, 1 998. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO.98-34. Council Member Perkins spoke regarding noticing requirements and asked staff to give some consideration to extending the distance from 500 feet to 1 000 feet. The City Attorney announced that the City Council concluded a closed session under Government Code Section 54956.9(a* and approved a settlement for eminent domain case total amount of $225,000 pursuant to final order of condemnation; and authorized appropriation of up to $225,000 from Project Area No.2 funds. The vote was unanimous. BIB] 03-11-1998-U01 04:06:28PM-U01 ADMIN-U01 CCMIN-U02 02-U02 17-U02 1998-U02 ^1 LII City Council Minutes 19 February 17, 1998 Council recessed to Closed Session as delineated on Page 15. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned. Re ctfully submitted, SAUNDRA L. JUHOLA, City Clerk City of La Quinta, California BIB] 03-11-1998-U01 04:06:28PM-U01 ADMIN-U01 CCMIN-U02 02-U02 17-U02 1998-U02