1998 08 04 CC Minutes^O LA QUINTA CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
AUGUST 4, 1998
Regular meeting of the La Quinta City Council was called to order at the hour of
2:00 p.m. by Mayor Pena, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
PRESENT: Council Members Adolph, Henderson, Perkins, Sniff, Mayor Pena
ABSENT: None
PUBLIC COMMENT None
Council recessed to Closed Session to and until the hour of 3:00 p.m.
CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Pena abstained from participating in Item No.2 as he has consistently done in
the past.
1. Conference with legal counsel pursuant to Government Code Section
54956.9(a) regarding existing litigation:
A. Western Empire Industry V. City of La Quinta, Case No.302768.
B. KSLIPeters, Case No.002597
2. 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 southeast corner of
Highway 111 and Adams Street. Property Owner/Negotiator: Chris Clarke.
Note: See Page 1 2 for additi6nal Closed Session items.)
PUBLIC COMMENT
Robert Tyler, 44-215 Villeta Drive, spoke regarding the Garden of Champions tennis
complex currently being proposed at Washington Street and Miles Avenue and the
impact the facility will have on his neighborhood and surrounding properties.
* **
Richard Petri, 78-810 Sunbrook Lane, presented a petition from the residents of Inco
Homes, asking that the development's right-turn only exit be changed to allow left-
hand turns. Under the current situation, residents wishing to travel west on Miles
Avenue must first turn right and make a U-turn in front of fast-moving traffic.
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Kevin McCune, 78-860 Sunbrook Lane, also a resident of Inco Homes, spoke in
support of eliminating the right-turn only and asked the City to make the developer
maintain the perimeter landscaping until alt phases of the development are completed.
Mayor Pena advised that these issues would be referred to staff.
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA
Ms. Honeywell, City Attorney, asked that a Closed Session item be added to the
agenda under Government Code Section 54956.9(a) regarding ongoing litigation,
Hanover v. City of La Quinta and Apollo Case No.085167, advising that information
was received after posting of the agenda that Council needs to consider.
MOTION It was moved by Council Members SniffiPerkins to add a Closed Session
itern to the agenda under Government Code Section 54956.9(a) Hanover v. City of
La Quinta and Apollo, Case No.085167, as the need to take action arose after the
posting of the agenda. Motion carried unanimously.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Perkins to approve the City Council
Minutes of July 20 and 21, 1998, as submitted. Motion carried unanimously.
ANNOUNCEMENTS None
PRESENTATIONS
The Mayor and Council Members presented All School Art Awards to the following
students whose artwork has been displayed at City Hall:
Teresa Addeo Sara Gomez Brittany Montellano
Dawn Aguilar Kristina Hannon Danny Murphy
Laura Amato Brittney Huffman Lauren Orrantia
Max Archuleta Meg Hurley Randy Rodriguez
Sara Asian Jesse Hurtado Jessica Runyon
Ryan Barber Sergio Inzuna Jessica Smith
Jose Barrera Rachel Keplinger Sharon Sniff
Nathan Blain Kaitlyn Kerr Breanna Stringer
Leah Brown Chris Legg Christopher Sullivan
Marsha Duffy Davina Marshall Annellyse Zellner
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WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE None
BUSINESS SESSION
1. CONSIDERATION OF A FUNDING REQUEST FROM THE LA QUINTA CHAMBER
OF COMMERCE FOR MAINSTREET MARKETPLACE.
Mr. Weiss, Assistant City Manager, advised that the FY 1 998/99 Budget
includes $170,000 for contract services with the Chamber of Commerce. Of
that amount, $20,000 was set aside in reserve pending further Chamber
justification. The current contract with the Chamber does not include funding
for the Mainstreet Marketplace program and the proposed funding request in the
amount of $35,000 is for the purpose of producing six Mainstreet Marketplace
events.
Doug Yavanian, 78-371 Highway 111, President of La Quinta Chamber of
Commerce, advised that the initial purpose of the Mainstreet Marketplace was
to be an economic development tool for revitalization of The Village. However,
it has evolved into something more and their goal is to make it a regional or sub-
regional event. He noted that Wells Marvin, a business owner in The Village,
has stated that the reason he invested in the area is because of the activity
generated by the street fair events. In order for the street fair to be self-
sufficient, more vendors are needed and in order to have more vendors, more
than four events a year need to be produced. They are proposing, with the
City's assistance, to produce six events starting October 2 and going through
April 1999, and they hope to increase the event to two streets. They intend to
step up their marketing to attract more of the seasonal visitors and to enhance
the quality of the vendors, entertainment, and general family activities.
Betty Harris, 78-371 Highway 111, Project Coordinator for the La Quinta
Chamber of Commerce, advised that they use radio and newspaper, as well as
hotel concierges, to market the Mainstreet Marketplace throughout the entire
valley. The manner in which it is advertised is drawing people's attention to
The Village that normally would not come to the area and people are finding
businesses in The Village that they did not know exists. The dates of the
events are targeted toward the period of time when the most number of people
are in the valley and they hope to draw 3,500-5,000 people.
Mr. Yavanian advised that their market campaign last year reached a group of
seniors in Los Angeles who were coming to the street fair by bus until the event
was canceled because of bad weather. He thanked the City for its support and
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expressed his appreciation for a number of people who have helped make the
street fair events happen.
* Council Member Sniff stated that he has always supported the Chamber, but
was somewhat concerned about their current request because it does not
address the definition of an economic development and business retention
program that Council has asked for. He wanted them to look at the scenario
further and come back with a more broad-based group of suggestions some
new fresh and productive ideas that Council can support in the way of
economic development and business retention. He also noted that their request
is for $15,000 more than Council has set aside. He believed the street fair is
more of a social exercise and suggested this be continued for two weeks to give
the Chamber an opportunity to discuss this issue further and come back with
a more complete, diverse, and effective package that could include the street
fair. He also referred to Palm Desert*s *`dollars'* promotion and his suggestion
for a Thank You for Shopping La Quinta" button, stating that he felt the funds
should be spent on the most effective means of doing a multiple number of
things.
Council Member Henderson agreed somewhat and advised that she was a little
surprised that the Chamber had come back so quickly for the additional funding.
She feels the street fair is unique and fun, but does not necessarily
philosophically agree with the amount of tax dollars that it takes to underwrite
it. She has seen an increase in the funding each year, but not an increase in the
benefit to the business community. She felt the City must be fair in how it uses
tax dollars to promote the business community, whether in the Cove or along
Highway 111, noting that the City's business core is significantly larger than
what exists in The Village. She is looking for all kinds of creative ideas to help
the business community, including having staff look at some type of revolving
fund for businesses to draw from during the slow season and pay back during
the remainder of the year. She supported having two events at the opening and
closing of the season, but also recognized the Chamber's concern about the
competition in getting vendors. She felt regional and/or sub-regional events are
generally put on for the benefit of those particular areas and the purpose of
going to more events would be to be in direct competition with neighboring
cities. She questioned how long they could all be successful if they are drawing
from the same sources. She supported a two-week continuance to give the
Chamber and opportunity to rethink their position and maybe come back with
a better plan for the street fair, but was firm on limiting the funding to the
$20,000 already set aside.
Council Member Perkins advised that he has had some concerns in the past
about the amount of funding being allocated to the Chamber, but felt this year
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they should be given a chance since they have new management. He had
hoped, however, that they would come back with something different than the
street fair. He noted that there is more to do at the Palm Springs street fair
because of the number of stores that are open, but he was not sure what draws
people to the La Quinta street fair, and he questioned if the purpose was
regional or for La Quinta. He is looking for something that will draw people and
businesses to the area and the La Quinta street fair looks more like a block party
to him and he has no interest in going again. He supported asking the Chamber
to re-evaluate their request, advising that he expected the $20,000 to go
toward an innovative program and that he could not support any more than that
for any type of program. He suggested the Chamber take a second look at their
request and come back with something different, advising that he was not sure
better vendors, lighting, and music is the answer.
Council Member Adolph supported the Chamber's request, noting that this
year 5 allocation of $1 70,000 is not much more than last year's amount of
$162,000. He felt the Chamber has been short-changed, given their change in
management and aggressive program, and felt the City shQuld give them a
chance to move forward.
Mayor Pena felt it boils down to the Chamber's intentions. He understood the
Council's concern about meeting the City's goals in economic development and
the manner in which the Chamber is trying to achieve those goals with the
street fair and suggested a subcommittee of the Council meet with the Chamber
to see what goals can be met.
Mr. Yavanian advised that they submitted their funding request so soon due to
the time constraints involved with advertising in the vendor publications. As to
their economic development plan, he felt that it is very carefully defined in the
material they previously presented to Council. It includes a Citywide shop
local" campaign, a very well defined business retention and expansion program,
and outreach program. He advised that they could produce four events for
$20,000, but believe that six events would be better. An allocation of $35,000
for six events will leave them a little short, but they will make up the difference.
He advised that timing is crucial.
Council Member Sniff supported the suggestion of a subcommittee and
continuance of this item to August 18. He pointed out that the Chamber serves
the entire City and that there are other areas such as Ralph's Shopping Center
that are experiencing some stress and are in need of help. He believed the
entire Council is supportive of the Chamber and is only looking to get the best
package for the City.
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Council Member Perkins supported formation of a subcommittee and advised
that he wishes to find a way to support the Chamber in their request.
Mayor Pena and Council Members Henderson and Sniff volunteered to serve on
the subcommittee.
Council Member Henderson felt the Council's intent is not to make the
Chamber's effort more difficult, but rather is relaying the message that they
would like to see that effort insome other format.
MOTION It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to continue the
matter of the funding request from the La Quinta Chamber of Commerce for the
Mainstreet Marketplace to the meeting of August 1 8, 1 998, and request that
the Chamber B6ardlManagement meet and discuss various events that they
might produce economic development scenarios and business retention
scenarios that could give the City of La Quinta a potentially new or modified
program for the use of these funds that can encourage and support business
solicitation and business retention. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE
ORDER NO.98-130.
Mayor Pena advised that two Council representatives would be selected to meet
with the Chamber.
2. CONSIDERATION OF A FUNDING REQUEST FROM THE BOB HOPE CHRYSLER
CLASSIC.
Mr. Weiss, Assistant City Manager, advised that during the FY 1998/99 budget
hearings Council considered the proposed funding request and asked staff for
information relative to security costs. Included in the staff report is
a memorandum from Captain Singerton, of the Riverside County Sheriff's
Office, which indicates that security costs will range from $30,OOO-$60,OOO.
In addition, past costs for soil stabilization and security are identified in a letter
from the Classic organization. He advised that the City of Indian Wells
reimburses the Classic for actual costs related to soil stabilization and private
security.
In response to Mayor Pena, Mr. Weiss confirmed that the City of Indian Wells
has set aside funds for the event in this year's budget.
Council Member Adolph asked if the soil stabilization costs were the
responsibility of the Classic or encumbered by the individual courses and
pointed out that the corner of Jefferson Street and Avenue 54 is covered with
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grass and would not need soil stabilization. He also asked if the County would
be funding the costs related to the Bermuda Dunes course and questioned the
request for $60,000 since the costs range from $30,000-$60,000 and Indian
Wells is setting aside $50,000.
Mr. Weiss did not know what the County is proposing and advised that the
funding provided by Indian Wells is for private security on their own courses and
does not include sheriff costs. He further advised that the cost estimates
provided by Captain Singerton are not broken dbwn by jurisdiction.
Dawn Suggs, 39000 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage, Administrative Director
for the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic, stated that they are very pleased to have
La Quinta as the host city for this year*s event. She advised that they are
required to provide soil stabilization, security, and traffic control on city streets.
In La Quinta, they will be providing soil stabilization for part of the parking area
outside of PGA West because half of it is dirt and possibly an additional parking
area within PGA West. She advised that the soil stabilization costs are the
responsibility of the Classic and that KSL is the only corporation that provides
them with any financial assistance. The City of Indian Wells requires additional
security, which is why they provide the amount of funding they do. Any
unused funds are put back into the community through the various charities that
the Classic supports.
Council Member Adolph supported helping with the security costs, but not the
soil stabilization costs, which he felt should be the responsibility of the home
courses.
Council Member Henderson stated that she would be comfortable supporting
$10,000-si 5,000 for local police because that would be funding that would
stay in La Quinta.
Council Member Sniff stated that his first inclination was to deny the request,
but felt, perhaps, a more reasonable solution might be to allocate $1 0,000 for
security. He could not support anything beyond that amount. He felt the
visibility provided by the Classic on a national scale is of some value.
Mayor Pens was supportive of the City providing some funding for security,
noting that there would be heavy traffic over that weekend and that adequate
traffic control is important to minimize the frustration of the residents.
Council Member Perkins felt $20,000 might be a more appropriate amount since
two of the five events would be in La Quinta.
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Mayor Pena suggested this item be continued until September to give Council
an opportunity to receive better clarification from Captain Singerton on the cost
estimates.
MOTION It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to continue the
funding request from Bob Hope Chrysler Classic until September 1 5, 1 998.
Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO.98-131.
A brief discussion ensued regarding the need to establish criteria to evaluate the
value of the various golf tournaments for the purpose of determining funding.
The discussion concluded with the consensus that staff should look into it and
report back to Council.
3. CONSIDERATION OF A FUNDING REQUEST FROM THE GREATER COACHELLA
VALLEY SOAP BOX DERBY.
Ms. Horvitz, Community Services Director, advised that the Greater Coachella
Valley Soap Box Derby is requesting funding in the amount of $1 200 to cover
franchise fees.
MOTION It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Adolph to approve the
funding request by Greater Coachella Valley Soap Box Derby for $1,200, to be
funded from the Special Projects Contingency Fund Account. Motion carried
unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO.98-132.
4. CONSIDERATION OF A FUNDING REQUEST FROM THE COACHELLA VALLEY
COMMUNITY CONCERTS ASSOCIATION.
Ms. Horvitz, Community Services Director, advised that the Coachella Valley
Community Concerts Association is requesting funding in the amount of $5,000
for their annual performances through6ut the Desert Sands Unified School
District.
In response to Mayor Pena, Elaine Lloyd, 77-313 Calle Mazatlan, President of
Coachella Valley Community Concerts Association, advised that the School
District provides the facilities for the program at no cost and the outreach
program itself is funded through grants and personal contributions. They have
1 29 concerts scheduled for this season.
Donna Martin, P. 0. Box 972, of Coachella Valley Community Concerts
Association, advised that the in-kind services provided by the School District are
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not included in their budget. The summary costs are strictly the fees paid to the
musicians, with all other costs being absorbed by the Association.
MOTION It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Adolph to approve the
request for funding of $5,000 for Coachella Valley Community Concerts
Association to be funded from the Special Projects Contingency Fund Account.
Council Member Henderson recommended that the Association, and similar
organizations funded by the City, keep in mind that the Council is looking at the
possibility of not funding organizations in consecutive years.
Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO.98-133.
6. SECOND READING OF ORDINANCES
ORDINANCE NO.325
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A ZONING CODE AMENDMENT TO TITLE 9
ZONING CODE) OF THE LA QUINTA CHARTER AND MUNICIPAL CODE
ZONING CODE AMENDMENTS 97-058 AND 98-061).
It was moved by Counci! Members Sniff/Henderson to adopt Ordinance No.325
on second reading. Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Adolph, Henderson, Perkins, Sniff, Mayor Pena
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. APPROVAL OF DEMAND REGISTER DATED AUGUST 4, 1998.
2. APPROVAL OF FINAL MAP AND SUBDIVISION IMPROVEMENT AGREEMENT
FOR TRACT 23995-3, INCO HOMES.
3. ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION GRANTING CONDITIONAL APPROVAL OF A
FINAL MAP FOR PARCEL MAP 28469, HOME DEPOT.
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4. ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION GRANTING CONDITIONAL APPROVAL OF A
FINAL MAP AND SUBDIVISION IMPROVEMENT AGREEMENT FOR TRACT
28522, PENINSULA GROUP, LLC.
5. APPROVAL OF THE FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE AGREEMENT FOR LAW
ENFORCEMENT SERVICES BETWEEN THE COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE AND THE
CITY OF LA QUINTA.
6. APPROVAL OF STANDARD TRAINING SITE LETTER OF AGREEMENT WITH
THE OFFICE ON AGING.
7. APPROVAL OF COMMUNITY SERVICE GRANT REQUEST BY THE LA QUINTA
HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
8. APPROVAL OF COMMUNITY SERVICE GRANT REQUEST BY LA QUINTA ON
STAGE.
9. APPROVAL OF A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH THE COUNTY
OF RIVERSIDE FOR THE PROVISION OF LIBRARY SERVICES.
10. APPROVAL OF DECLARATION OF SURPLUS PROPERTY.
MOTION It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Adolph to approve the
Consent Calendar as recommended with Item Nos. 3 and 4 being approved by
RESOLUTION NOS. 98-82 and 98-83 respectively.
Council Member Henderson thanked La Quinta On Stage for including their Form
990 with their funding request.
Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO.98-134.
STUDY SESSION None
REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
All reports were noted and filed.
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DEPARTMENT REPORTS
CITY ATTORNEY USE OF THE CITY LOGO.
In response to Council Member Sniff, Ms. Honeywell, City Attorney, advised
that staff is still researching the City's copyrights for its logo.
MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS' ITEMS
1. DISCUSSION REGARDING THE PROPOSED TENNIS COMPLEX AT
WASHINGTON STREET AND MILES AVENUE.
Council Member Perkins stated that there seems to be some question as to
whether or not the City of Indian Wells will proceed with annexing the property
at Washington Street and Miles Avenue where the proposed tennis complex is
to be built. He felt the City should be prepared to annex the property, should
Indian Wells decide against it, because it would give the City more control over
the proposed development.
Council Member Sniff noted that La Quinta has always deferred to Indian Wells
on that property, but agreed that the City should be in position to move forward
should Indian Wells decide against annexing the area. He felt the area would
be of significant value to the City, with or without the tennis complex.
Council Member Adolph supported the suggestion, as he has felt for some time
that the City should annex the west side of Washington Street whenever
possible in order to protect the City from unwanted development.
2. DISCUSSION REGARDING EXTENSION OF THE POOL PROGRAM AT FRITZ
BURNS PARK POOL.
Council Member Sniff wished to have staff contact CVRPD regarding the
possibility and costs of keeping the pool at Fritz Burns Park open on weekends
through the remainder of September and October.
Council concurred.
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3. DISCUSSION REGARDING CHANGE IN THE ELECTION DATE.
Council Member Henderson wished to have an item agendized for the next
Council meeting in regard to changing the election date to correspond with the
Statewide General Election.
Council concurred.
4. DISCUSSION REGARDING PARAMEDIC SERVICES.
Mayor Pens wished to have staff look into the possibility of enhancing the
City*s paramedic services.
Council concurred.
5. DISCUSSION REGARDING 5B2026.
Mayor Pens advised that the Friends of the La Quinta Library have submitted a
letter requesting that the Council support Senate Bill 2026, which would
provide bonds for construction/renovation of public libraries. He suggested staff
be directed to look at it for a resolution of support.
Council concurred.
Council recessed to Redevelopment Agency meeting.
Council reconvened and recessed to Closed Session until 7:00 p.m.
CLOSED SESSION...............continued
3. Conference with legal counsel pursuant to Government Code Section
54956.9(a) regarding ongoing litigation Hanover V. City of La Quinta and
Apollo, Case No.085167.
Council reconvened with no decision being made which requires reporting pursuant to
Section 54957.1 of the Government Code Brown Act).
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7:00 P.M.
PUBLIC COMMENT None
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. REVISED DEVELOPMENT REVIEW PROCESS ADMINISTRATIVE FEE SCHEDULE
FOR THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.
The Mayor declared the PUBLIC HEARING OPEN.
Ms. di Iorio, Planning Manager, advised that the recent update of the Zoning
Code has made it necessary to revise the current Development Fee Schedule,
which has been in effect since December 1996. Some of the revisions are due
to the creation of new applications for development in the Cove and Village
areas. The other revisions are recommended to better reflect the City*s
development and review process.
There being no one else wishing to speak, the Mayor declared the PUBLIC
HEARING CLOSED.
RESOLUTION NO.98-84
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, AMENDING RESOLUTION 96-94, ADOPTING THE FEE SCHEDULE
TO TITLE 9 ZONING CODE AND RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO.96-94.
It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to*adopt Resolution No.
98-84 as submitted. Motion carried unanimously.
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2. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT NO.98-361 RECOMMENDATION FOR
CERTIFICATION OF A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION OF
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: SPECIFIC PLAN 85-006 AMENDMENT NO.3, AND
TENTATIVE TRACT 28447 CONSIDERATION OF ANNEXATION OF THREE
PLUS ACRES ON THE NORTH SIDE OF AVENUE 54 APPROXIMATELY 1,500
FEET WEST OF JEFFERSON STREET; AND ANNEXATION OF 1.7 PLUS ACRES
ON THE EAST SIDE OF PARK AVENUE APPROXIMATELY 1,100 FEET NORTH
OF CALLE TAMPICO INTO THE SPECIFIC PLAN AREA; AND RE-SUBDIVISION
OF A PORTION OF TRACT 24889 AND THE 1 7-ACRE ANNEXED SITE INTO
49 SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL LOTS ON THE WEST SIDE OF NECTAREO,
NORTH OF NISPERO AND ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF MANDARINA, WEST OF
MANGO WITHIN THE CITRUS. APPLICANT: KSL LAND CORPORATION.
The Mayor declared the PUBLIC HEARING OPEN.
Ms. di Iorio, Planning Manager, advised that the proposed Specific Plan
Amendment consists of annexation of two parcels into the boundaries of
Specific Plan 85-006. The subdivision is within the Citrus project of The Ranch
Specific Plan formally Oak Tree West) along Nectareo and Mandarina Streets.
The applicant is proposing to annex a 1.7-acre parcel and a 3-acre parcel and
to subdivide a 11.66-acre parcel into 49 single-family residential lots and three
lettered lots. The lots range in size from 7,425 sq. ft. to 12,624 sq. ft. On
July 14, 1 998, the Planning Commission recommended approval on a 5-0 vote,
subject to findings and conditions of approval.
In response to Council Member Adolph, Ms. di Iorio advised that the property
across the street is single-family residential and that the compatibility review
process would be the next step of this project.
Deborah Cesaric, 4920 Campus Drive, Newport Beach, an attorney with the
firm of Bowie, Arneson, Wiles, & Giannone, representing Desert Sands Unified
School District, referred to their letter of June 1 9, 1 998, which outlined their
concerns about the tract's impacts on the School District. She advised that the
School District is asking the Council to deny the Mitigated Negative Declaration
for the environmental assessment because they feel it does not comply with
CEQA and is in violation of all applicable laws regarding mitigation payments for
school districts and facilities. In addition, they had requested in their letter that
any.public hearing notices be sent to both the School District and their law
office, which was not done and is why they did not attend the Planning
Commission hearing. They only learned of the Council hearing by reviewing the
agenda. She also referred to their letters of July 20 and July 21, which further
related their concerns and comments on the project and asked for a response
from staff, which they have not received. They strongly disagree with staff's
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findings that, *`school fees mitigate the project's impacts to a level of
insignificance." In an effort to work with the developer and in the interest of
fairness and goodwill, they proposed a partial mitigation of $3.93 per sq. ft.
that would cap out at $7,900. She noted that, potentially, the project could
generate 1 000 children and impact the School District by $20 million, with
statutory school fees only providing $7 million. Under their proposal, it would
provide $16 million. If the homes were age-restricted, the School District would
only be looking for $0.31 per sq. ft. She advised that they believe the
Mitigated Negative Declaration and the environmental assessment lack factual
basis for the statement that no evidence has been provided," and that the
initial environmental study was deficient because it did not show why statutory
school fees are not sufficient. In citing three cases, she noted that the City is
entitled to request full mitigation from the developer because of the proposed
Specific Plan Amendment, and that the School District is not limited to the
$1.93 per sq. ft. impact fee. Again she urged Council to deny the Mitigated
Negative Declaration and to resubmit the initial study for circulation and to
require KSL to enter into a mitigation agreement with the School District. She
further requested a response from staff in regard to the Notice of Determination
for Tract 28797, which was approved on July 20, as well as the currently
proposed Specific Plan Amendment and Tract 28447.
Council Member Adolph questioned the number of children expected to be
generated by the project, noting that PGA West has approximately 24.
Ms. Cesano advised that they are not required to look at projects on an
individual basis and have to prepare for the worse case scenario. Since this is
a single-family residential development, the potential is there.
Ms. Honeywell, City Attorney, advised that, since the Specific Plan Amendment
is a legislative act, Council is entitled to consider whatever evidence they deem
to be appropriate, as to whether the changes in the Specific Plan are adequately
mitigated by the conditions required of the developer. The decision is up to the
discretion of Council.
Ms. Cesano advised that they are willing to sit down and meet with City staff
and the developer. They feel that, contrary to what is stated in the Mitigated
Negative Declaration, they have provided evidence.
In response to Mayor Pena, Ms. Honeywell advised that, since the School
District's representative is present and has had an opportunity to express their
concerns, she did not feel that that alone would be a reason to have to continue
this item.
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Chevis Hosea, 55-920 PGA Boulevard, Vice President of Land and Commercial
Development for*KSL Land Corporation, advised that they have an approved
mitigation agreement that the Desert Sands Unified School District has been
honoring since they acquired the property. He noted that their developments
are basically designed as second home communities and that they have little or
no primary communities. They are currently trying to settle litigation with
Coachella Valley Unified School District over the same issue and, although they
are proposing to add land under the Specific Plan Amendment, the density of
the project will actually be reduced. He also noted that, if in fact, these are
second homes and the homeowners are already paying school impact fees at
their first home, they are actually being double taxed.
Wayne Hancock, 55-920 PGA Boulevard, of KSL Land Development, agreed
with Mr. Hosea's comments and felt this is too early in the process to be
discussing this issue, noting that they are simply adding three acres to a larger
parcel at this point. As their plans develop, he felt the School District would
find out that there wilt be no impact from Oak Tree West on the school system
and that it does not merit the rates they are requesting. He urged Council to
stay with the prior agreement.
Chris Byrd, of MDS Consulting, stated that he and his family have lived in PGA
West for six months, but are purchasing a home elsewhere in the City because
it is not a family-type community.
There being no one else wishing to speak, the Mayor declared the PUBLIC
HEARING CLOSED.
Mayor Pena felt that the project's school impact fees would mitigate the impact
on the school district.
Council concurred.
RESOLUTION NO.98-85
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, CERTIFYING A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION OF
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT, FOR ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 98-361
PREPARED FOR SPECIFIC PLAN 85-006, AMENDMENT NO. 3, AND
TENTATIVE TRACT MAP 28447, LOCATED ON THE WEST SIDE OF
JEFFERSON STREET, NORTH OF AVENUE 54 AND SOUTH OF AVENUE 50
KSL LAND CORPORATION).
It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to adopt Resolution No.
98-85 as submitted. Motion carried unanimously.
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^O City Council Minutes 1 7 August 4, 1 998
RESOLUTION NO.98-86
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, APPROVING AMENDMENT NO.3 TO SPECIFIC PLAN 85-006
KSL LAND HOLDINGS, INC.)
It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Adolph to adopt Resolution No.98-86
as submitted. Motion carried unanimously.
RESOLUTION NO.98-87
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, APPROVING TENTATIVE TRACT MAP 28447 TO ALLOW A
49-LOT SUBDIVISION ON APPROXIMATELY 11.66 ACRES KSL LAND
CORPORATION).
It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Adolph to adopt Resolution No.98-87
as submitted. Motion carried unanimously.
There being no further business, it was moved by Council Members Henderson/Adolph
to adjourn.
Res*ectfuIIy submitted,
*SAUNDRA L. JUHOLA, City Clerk
City of La Quinta, California
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