1998 09 22 CC Minutes^#U LA QUINTA CITY COUNCIL
LA QUINTA PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES
SPECIAL MEETING
SEPTEMBER 22,1998
Special joint meeting of the La Quinta City Counci*IPIanning Commission was called
to order at the hour of 3:00 p.m. by Mayor Pena, followed by the pledge of allegiance.
Council Roll Call:
PRESENT: Council Members Adolph, Henderson, Perkins, Sniff, Mayor Pena
ABSENT: None
Planning Commission Roll Call
PRESENT: Planning Commissioners Abels, Butler, Kirk, Robbins, Chairman Tyler
ABSENT: None
PUBLIC COMMENT None
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA Confirmed
WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE None
BUSINESS SESSION
1. GENERAL PLAN POLICY DEVELOPMENT.
Mr. Herman, Community Development Director, introduced team members,
Denise Ashton and Mark Blodgett, of David Evans & Associates, and advised
that they would be discussing the policy document. He then reviewed the
General Plan schedule, advising that a second meeting will be held October 8
at 7:00 p.m. to discuss land use and circulation. The General Plan and draft EIR
are expected to be distributed on October 1 5, with the first public hearing
scheduled for October 27. A second public hearing is scheduled before the
Planning Commission on December 22, with final public hearings scheduled
before the City Council on January 5 and 19, 1999.
Denise Ashton, 23382 Millcreek Drive, Laguna Hills, consultant with David
Evans & Associates, gave a brief status report on the update of the General
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Plan, advising that the draft policy development workbook is the result of the
preparation of the draft Master Environmental Assessment and interviews with
Council and staff. In giving an overview of the findings, she advised that in
land use and development, the focus is on regional commercial along Highway
111 and a commercial park designation has been added for job creating uses.
The focus has changed for the Village core area and there has been positive
development taking place in the Cove. The City is underserved by existing
commercial uses and its agricultural uses are in transition. There is a request
for additional tourist commercial and a percepuon of opportunity to provide a
mid-priced hotel.
In regard to population and demographics, she noted that La Quinta is becoming
a year-round City. Population has doubled since incorporation and the growth,
which has impacted public services and facilities and transportation, needs to
be directed through policies in the General Plan. The community character of
the City is largely retirees and more working families with children, which is
increasing the demand on public facilities. There is a need to determine if the
City wishes to retain its agrarian agricultural) image. Highway 111 is becoming
a dominant commercial corridor.
In regard to environmental resources, the City has been diligent in preserving
open space and hillsides. There is an adequate number of parks and emphasis
on parkways and aesthetics as it relates to natural resources. The transition
from agriculture to developnient is resulting in impacts to the City's
environmental resources. The City's visual amenities, such as the surrounding
hillsides, have been retained and La Quinta is one of the richest communities in
the State for cultural resources.
In reviewing a list of hot topics" inipacting the General Plan policy, she advised
that there is a need t6 address the City's sphere of influence and potential
annexation areas out toward Bermuda Dunes and southeast toward the Thermal
Airport. Bermuda Dunes is a window to the freeway and the property to the
southeast provides an opportunity for airport access and stimulation of
economic development. From an environmental standpoint, annexation in either
direction would be good, but it would also require looking at how the policies
are written and what changes may need to be made.
Traffic volumes have increased on Highway 111 and improvements have been
made on Washington Street and Highway 111 to keep pace with development.
There is some concern with having only two north/south corridors. Need a
commitment for public transportation and to be open to alternative modes of
transportation. Need to accommodate growth without affecting main corridors.
In reference to the City's image, she noted its physical setting against the
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mountain, as well as the community view of a clean, well-kept, and graffiti free
community. She spoke about the view from roadways, the suburban low-
density community and quality of life, and the marketing image of high-end
resort living.
She advised that the City has adequate land for parks and is developing an
intricate trail network. She also spoke briefly about future park facilities
versatile mini-parks versus community parks) and alternativ*s to a municipal
golf course. She concluded her report by noting that *he City, which is among
the richest in cultural resources in the State, feels that preservation and
documentation of sites is important. Policies are needed to guide impacts from
t
future development.
Council then proceeded to open up the five hot topics" for discussion.
Sphere of InfluencelPotential Annexation Areas:
Edith Morrison, 55-230 Rue Marne, Thermal, stated that they prefer to stay
rural and agricultural, but Coachella keeps threatening to annex them. They
want to come into La Quinta, but some are concerned that La Quinta may not
be pro-horsey"
Council Member Sniff pointed out that the City has special considerations for
equestrian uses.
Council Member Henderson noted that Council is aware of their concerns but
she felt there seems to be some mutual understanding that this annexation
would be worth exploring.
Council Member Sniff supported moving forward with an annexation toward the
southeast at an early date. Should seriously consider annexing a part or all of
Bermuda Dunes as well. He felt that annexation toward the southeast would
be a major contributing factor to the City's future and that, although, the
Bermuda Dunes area has some challenges, it should not be abandoned.
Council Member Adolph felt it is important to look at the economic feasibilities
of annexation and agreed with pursuing Bermuda Dunes. The residents there
have some concerns, but would love to come into La Quinta. He felt it is
important to keep the City financially secure, now and in the future.
Council Member Perkins felt the animosity that Bermuda Dunes residents have
felt toward La Quinta has changed, partly due to the happenings of Palm Desert.
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He agreed with looking toward annexation of both areas, noting that the railroad
areas would make good industrial areas.
Council Member Henderson noted that the Kohl Ranch has also expressed some
interest in being annexed. She also supported getting to Interstate 10.
Mayor Pena believed input and participation should be encouraged from the
residents of both areas.
Mr. Tyler understood that, according to his contacts, Bermuda Dunes is still
reluctant to discuss annexation. He believed if Indian Wells' annexation of the
tennis complex area does not go through, that La Quinta should consider
annexing it.
Council Member Sniff noted that there is a gentlemen's understanding that, as
long as Indian Wells is proceeding, La Quinta will not do anything to interfere.
Ms. Ashton advised that that area was not included in the General Plan because
it is in Indian Wells' sphere of influence.
Mr. Tyler felt the impacts should at least be considered. He also suggested the
possibility of annexing the area between Dune Palms Road and Jefferson Street
that is within lndio.
Mayor Pena commented on the difficulties of doing that and felt that it is not
very likely.
Mr. Kirk agreed with annexing the area toward the southeast.
In response to Mr. Butler, Mayor Pena advised that Coachella Valley Unified
School District covers the southeast area.
Mr. Abels agreed with annexation of both areas.
Mr. Robbins agreed and felt freeway access and frontage is important.
Mayor Rena pointed out that La Quinta was always considered to be the elbow
of the valley, but due to the growth, it has become the center. He believed the
area to the southeast would provide an opportunity for planned growth.
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Traffic and Transportation
Council Member Sniff felt there is a need to simplify traffic movement, not only
by improvements and ease of accessibility, but by prioritizing the traffic signals
along Washington and Jefferson Streets. He believed vehicles traveling east
and west should have secondary priority.
Council Member Henderson felt it is important to discuss commercial
development along Jefferson Street. La Quinta may not be looking for
increased commercial development there, but lndio is.
Mr. Genovese, City Manager, advised that lndio, La Quinta, and the County are
working together in planning that area.
Council Member Henderson made reference to various sections of the Land Use
Element Policies and questioned how development of hotels and related tourist-
oriented uses 3.1) could be promoted without neighborhood commercial. She
noted that the Air Quality Element Policies also encourage mixed use
development. She felt there needs to be community input in planning this area.
Mayor Pena felt the City is not trying to discourage neighborhood commercial,
but rather to promote it on ten acres.
Council Member Henderson pointed out that the City has no control over some
of the surrounding properties, which can have an effect on the City*s residents.
Mayor Pena felt that is why the City needs to work with lndio to ensure
compatibility between each City*s land uses.
Council Member Sniff felt too much fragmentation of commerci*l results in
failed businesses and that larger accessible stores are more likely to succeed.
He believed people are willing to travel a reasonable distance to shop.
Mayor Pena pointed out the changes that are taking place in the way people are
shopping through the Internet and that even banks are locating within
supermarkets.
Council Member Perkins felt lndio's west boundary is not as important as La
Quinta*s east boundary. The City may not have much success in working with
lndio, but it can reduce its own commercial property that will have an impact
on its residential developments. He felt it is important for both the community
and potential buyers to know what the City is. doing. He believed the City has
made some major strides in improving traffic movement.
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Council Member Adolph felt it is important for the City to use a proportionate
scale in considering developments and he referred to the recent denial for a zone
change for a 20-acre neighborhood commercial development across the street
from a 1 0-acre commercial site. He is not a proponent of traffic signals on
every corner and feels that there are contradictions within the various elements
of the policies, noting that additional air pollution is generated every time
vehicles are made to stop at a traffic signal. He believed they should be
synchronized with each other to mininii ze the problem.
Mr. Tyler advised that he was plea*ed to hear about golf cart use as an
alternative mode of transportation to reduce air pollution, but questioned why
it is not included in the policies. He noted that SunLinehas two routes in the
City, but felt there is a need for better connections.
Mayor Rena advised that SunLine is in the process of adding connections to the
main line.
Mr. Robbins spoke about the problems related to exiting onto Washington Street
and felt that, during the planning stage, accesses onto Washington Street
should be minimized in order to minimize the number of traffic signals.
Mr. Abels agreed and felt that it is important to consider future growth when
street improvements are made.
Mr. Butler stated that he had supported the zone change on Jefferson Street
because it is a major arterial access to La Quinta. He believed services should
be provided on Jefferson as well as on Washington Street, noting that people
traveling to PGA West have to go out of their way to obtain certain services.
He is more concerned about developing Highway 111.
Mr. Kirk believed there is bound to be some contradictions in such a wide range
of policies. As for mixed use development, he felt there are two trends the
larger power centers, which are dominating the area, and neighborhood centers
with coffee shops. More people are going to neighborhood commercial centers
and the General Plan should have some flexibility to make adjustments as
priorities change over time. He believed traffic signals would be more palatable
if they were synchronized. He questioned the commitment to public
transportation and suggested looking to the private sector to provide these
services.
Council Member Henderson agreed that 20 acres of commercial is not needed
on Jefferson Street, but noted that Rancho La Quinta and KSL are proposing
two very large hotels there. She wished to know more about roundabouts,
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noting that there are some dynamic people in the community that are looking
at them.
Mayor Pena believed the City should encourage innovative planning tools. He
also believed that there are developments in the planning stages that will take
care of the needs of the people in those areas.
Council Member Perkins agreed with the private sector being a part of. the
transportation needs; but pointed out that Washington Street and Highway iiV
is one of the busiest bus corners in the valley.
Council Member Sniff agreed that some emphasis should be placed on the
planning of Jefferson Street, working with lndio whenever possible and he felt
roundabouts should be considered.
City Image
Council Member Sniff felt the City's image should be reinforced as often as
possible by stressing its diversity and quality, as well as it being multi-
dimensional. The City has room for all types of people, activities, and
enterprises and it should be kept clean, functional, accessible, and growing.
Council Member Henderson agreed and felt it is critical for the City's good
image in all of these areas to be preserved, in addition to being a fiscally
responsible and sound community. In tying together the City's image with
cultural resources, she referred to the obelisk program and stated that she felt
visual image is as important as psychological image. It will go far in reinforcing
the City's* cultural image. She noted that the valley's historical image has not
been marketed and felt it shQLild be stressed in development that La Quinta is
the only city in the valle# that is a certified l6cal government.
Council Member Perkins noted that, in spite of the City's excellent reputation,
people are still asking where La Quinta is and it seems to get lost in the Palm
Springs concept. He was not sure that the City is doing the right kind of
publicity to bring in people nor the right kinds of commercial businesses. He
believed the City has a tremendous future, but it will depend on what people
outside of the community think of La Quinta.
Council Member Adolph agreed with the need for diversification because he felt
there are other aspects, besides being a resort destination, which the City
should enhance. In addition to being clean, well-kept, and graffiti clean, the
City also has a very low crime rate. Statistical data informs people that this is
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a city where people want to live and it is the residents that are the best
advertisers of theCity.
Mayor Pena agreed that diversity is one of the City*s strong points, not only in
housing, but having residents from all walks of life as well. It has new schools
and is a relatively crime-free community, which is what people look for when
seeking a place to locate. He is pleased with the City*s reputation as a world
class resort community and felt that.image should continueto be projected,
along with a progres*ive and forward-thinking image.
Mr. Tyler questioned the advisability of continuing to promote the view of the
mountains because as the City continues to annex, the ratio changes and it will
change dramatically if Bermuda Dunes and the southeast area are annexed. He
also questioned the high-end resort living image if the City wishes to attract
lower income families for the diversity that is being stressed.
Mr. Kirk questioned the use of suburban and suggested eliminating it from the
General Plan and policies because he did not see La Quinta as a suburb.
Mayor Pena and Council Member Perkins agreed.
Mr. Robbins felt it is important for the City to work closely with the business
community to make sure that they are promoting the City for what it is and not
as Palm Springs."
Mr. Abels believed the Skins Game has done a great deal to promote La Quinta
and advised that he uses it to describe the City*s location. He asked if the
name of the Thermal Airport was going to be changed, to which Council
Member Henderson responded th* the Thermal Airport Authority would be
addressing that issue at their next meeting.
Parks/Public Services
Council Member Adolph questioned the meaning of an alternative" to a
municipal golf course. He believed the City has been moving forward in its
provision of park lands and open spaces within developments and noted that a
public swimming pool has been built. He felt a community center is needed for
indoor activities.
Ms. Ashton advised that one alternative to a municipal golf course would be to
work out an arrangement such as a joint venture with future private courses
instead of acquiring land and building a municipal course.
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Council Member Perkins supported continuing the community park concept and
placing one in North La Quinta like the Fritz Burns Park. He also supported
continuing with the mini-parks. He did not feel that the City should get
burdened with the maintenance and operation of a municipal golf course and
believed working out a deal with a new development might be the way to go.
Council Member Henderson spoke about the City*s trail system, which she feels
very strongly about. She wished to see the bike trail expanded to the oasis in
the Cove and then connected to Lake-Cahuilla. She also wished to see the
oasis expanded. The City has set aside appropriate acreage for parks and she
felt it should always keep the door open for anything, including a municipal golf
course.
Council Member Sniff felt parks should be diverse in size and amenities and that
it is essential to maintain natural open space areas that are secure from
development. He hoped some of the alluvial fan areas could be preserved, as
well as some sand dunes. He also supported a City trail system.
Mayor Pena supported preservation of the hillsides, as well as the dark sky
ordinance, because they attract people to the community and he felt the 400 +
acres at the top of the Cove could possibly be maintained as open space. He
then commented on the need to use other recreational opportunities and to
work with both private and public agencies in order to eliminate duplication of
efforts. He believed a municipal golf course, whether done independently or in
conjunction with a developer, should be raised on the priority list in order to
provide golfing opportunities for those who cannot afford the private courses.
La Quinta is known as the golf capital of the world, but most of its residents
cannot afford to play. He agreed with setting aside some natural open space,
including spme within developments.
Council Member Sniff wished to see a mini-park added every year or two and
some type of signage delineating the natural areas.
Council Member Perkins felt bike and golf-cart lanes should be designated in
City streets.
Mr. Tyler noted that the City has a lot of park land, but few parks. He has tried
to get developers to include dedicated park areas within their developments as
an adjunct to their retention basins, but there is no method within the City for
requiring it. He wished to see the City move away from the dichotomy between
community and neighborhood parks and suggested pursuing an arrangement
with CVWD to turn their well sites into mini-parks. As for a municipal golf
course, he was concerned that it might be considered as competing with the
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private courses. He was supportive of having a community center, but felt it
should be done by the private sector or as a joint venture.
Mr. Abels supported both a community center and a municipal golf course. He
felt a municipal golf course would bring more people into the City.
Mr. Robbins agreed that it would be nice to have an affordable golf course, but
did not consider the rates of Palm Desert's muni-course as affordable. He
suggested if one is built, that it be nice, but not necessarily a w6rld class" golf
course. He also commented on the poor condition of the sports complex and
the need to improve the ballfields.
Mr. Butler noted that equestrian use is an alternative sport and he felt the trail
system should be acknowledged.
Council Member Henderson felt the Council is supportive of turning retention
basins into parks. As for the condition of the sports complex, she felt the
problems could be fixed if the use of it was stopped for a day.
Mr. Genovese advised that one of the challenges with the sports complex is
that it is a joint agreement wijh the school district. In addition, the daily use
makes repairs very difficult to accomplish, as well as general maintenance such
as reseeding of the lawns. The City is continuing to work with the school
district to find some method by which to handle this problem. As for retention
basins, many are privately owned. Those dedicated for public use are included
in the Lighting and Landscaping Assessment District, but the City has tried to
preclude further additions to the Assessment District because of Proposition
218 and having to fund the additional areas through the General Fund. The
complexities that exist in.trying to make improvements to City parks also exist
when adding amenities to retention basins and there is a shortage of available
Quimby Funds. Discussions have been held with local developers regarding
creative ideas for making improvements to retention basins.
In response to Mr. Tyler, Mr. Genovese advised that many of the Quimby
Funds, which are limited to park acquisition and some improvements, have been
expended on existing parks. Developers may contribute funds or dedicate park
lands, but the City cannot require them to make improvements. The City's
intent with the Catellus project is for those facilities to be private through a
homeowners association.
Mr. Tyler suggested for future developments that maintenance and liability of
parks within those developments be included in the responsibilities of the
homeowners association.
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Mr. Genovese noted that there could be some resistance on the part of the
developers to open up the parks to the public.
Council Member Sniff suggested the possibility of preserving and/or developing
an agricultural area with date palms and/or citrus trees, much like Indian Wells
has done with a date garden adjacent t&their Civic Center. He felt it could
become a form of a park.
Mayor Pena agreed with having something along those lines.
In response to Council Member Henderson, Mr. Herman, Community
Development Director, advised that the Native American Habitat Preservation
Park referred to on Page 1 7 is an existing policy. The habitat is proposed on
property west of the La Quinta Arts Foundation. The property is also being
considered for development by KSL.
Council Member Perkins felt that canyon sh6uld be preserved if p6ssible.
Council Member Adolph noted that the policies call for a variety of means to be
used to preserve the citrus orchards and date gardens, but many of them are
not being maintained. He felt there should be a method for requiring the
streetscape to be maintained with a row of live trees along the street.
Mayor Pena agreed.
Council Member Sniff agreed with preserving agriculture in landscaping, but felt
it would be a significant community asset to have a small agricultural resource
that would actually be maintained and operated and the crops harvested.
Cultural Resources
Council Member Sniff felt the City*s cultural resources are an important
component to the City*s diversity and that it is important to work with the
various cultural organizations in the City.
Council Member Adolph felt that it is a very important aspect of the City, noting
that the City is known for its art festivals. The City needs to enhance it and
find ways to move forward, utilizing those in the community that are cultural
minded.
Mr. Herman noted that the term cultural" is used here in the archaeological and
palenotological aspects of the City, rather than the cultural arts.
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Mayor Pena pointed out that the City has moved forward in establishing its
historical preservation ordinances.
Mr. Tyler noted that the City has a historical museum and many cities surround
their museums with a park-like setting, much like the agricultural preserve that
Council Member Sniff has suggested.
Rosita Shamis, 78-955 Del Monte Court, Cultural Arts Commissioner, adyised
that at. a *ecent conference in Palm Desert, everyone was saying that:
*everything happens in La Quinta when,it comes to culture and education,*' and
she was concerned that the cultural arts aspect of the City is not being
addressed in the report.
Mayor Pena advised that the next joint meeting will be held on October 8 at
7:00 p.m. to discuss land use and circulation issues.
MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS* ITEMS None
There being no further business, it was moved by Council Members SnifflAdolph to
adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.
Re ctfully submitted,
AUNDRA
L. JUHOLA, City Clerk
City of La Quinta, California
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