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1999 06 29 CC Minutesd_\ LA QUINTA CITY COUNCIL MINUTES SPECIAL MEETING JUNE29, 1999 Special meeting of the La Quinta City Council was called to order at the hour of 1:30 p.m. by Mayor Pena, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. PRESENT: Council Members Adolph, Henderson, Perkins, Sniff, Mayor Pena ABSENT: None PUBLIC COMMENT Kathryn Hull, 77-260 Calle Chillon, encouraged the Council to think creatively about how to make the City unique, particularly when discussing design concepts for The Village. CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA Council Member Adolph advised that he wished to add an item under Mayor and Council Members Items. CLOSED SESSION 1. Evaluation of Council-appointed position, City Manager, pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.6. 2. Conference with City?s real property negotiator, Mark Weiss, concerning propertv located Citywide, and terms of transfer of cable television franchise relating thereto pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8. Property Owner/Negotiator: Media One/Time Warner. Council recessed to Closed Session. Council reconvened with no decision being made in Closed Session which requires reporting pursuant to Section 54957.1 of the Government Code Brown Act). CONSENT CALENDAR None BIB] 07-20-1999-U01 09:32:07AM-U01 ADMIN-U01 CCMIN-U02 06-U02 29-U02 1999-U02 d_\City Council Minutes 2 June 29, 1 999 BUSINESS SESSION 1. CONSIDERATION OF ADOPTION OF THE INVESTMENT POLICY FOR FISCAL YEAR 199912000. Mr. Falconer, Finance Director, advised that the Investment Advisory Board has completed their annual review of the City?s Investment Policy, and has recommended adoption of the policy on a 4-1-1 vote. The Investment Policy contains many changes to clarify the City?s investment policies, but no changes were made to the basic investment philosophy of the City. Council Member Henderson stated that she appreciated getting the minority report, and felt the Board has done a great job in making the policy easier to understand. She was also pleased that the Board Member who voted against the policy actually approved of the document except for the few issues stated in the minority report, and that the Board is prepared to tackle those issues during this next year. Council Member Perkins noted that the Council is the final authority, but appreciated getting the minority report, and felt that it?s helpful. Council Member Sniff agreed, and believed the Board has exercised financial due diligence. RESOLUTION NO.99-82 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE AMENDED INVESTMENT POLICY FOR FISCAL YEAR 199912000. It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to adopt Resolution No. 99-82 as submitted. Motion carried unanimously. Council recessed to Redevelopment Agency and Financing Authority. Council reconvened. BIB] 07-20-1999-U01 09:32:07AM-U01 ADMIN-U01 CCMIN-U02 06-U02 29-U02 1999-U02 d_\ City Council Minutes 3 June 29, 1 999 BUSINESS SESSION....................continued 2. CONSIDERATION OF AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR CONSTRUCTION OF JEFFERSON STREET IMPROVEMENTS FROM AVENUE 54 TO HIGHWAY 111 PROJECT NO.99-05. Mr. Vogt, Public Works Director, gave a brief background of the proposed project, advising that the original bid called for a traffic signal at Jefferson Street and Avenue 52, and that the addendum to the bid included an add-alternate for a roundabout. He advised that the advantages and disadvantages of a modern roundabout were discussed in a study session on June 1, and that on June 7 CVAG's Executive Committee approved Amendment No.2 of the Reimbursement Agreement and MOU for the project's final design and construction from Avenue 54 to Highway 111. The Executive Committee referred the issue of a roundabout to the Technical Advisory Committee and the Transportation Committee, who have since voted to support funding 75% of the costs of a traditional signalized intersection with any costs beyond that for a roundabout being paid by the City. On June 28, the Executive Committee concurred with their decision. He advised that on June 11, 1 999, the bids were opened with Granite Construction being the apparent low bidder at $6,876,876, which includes construction of a traditional signalized intersection. The add-alternate bid for a roundabout is $10,000 less, and does not include right-of-way acquisition costs. The County has approved Amendment No.2 of the MOU, and the City of lndio will consider it at their June 29 meeting. He then reviewed the alternatives available to Council as follows: award a contract to Granite Construction for Jefferson Street improvements from Avenue 54 to Highway ill with a signalized intersection at Avenue 52 and Jefferson Street in the amount of $6,876,876; or, award a contract for the same improvements with a roundabout at Avenue 52 and Jefferson Street in the amount of $6,866,566. Council Member Adolph commented on the $1.8 million difference between the two lowest bids, and isked if there's any guarantee that Granite's bid is legitimate, and that thby will not inundate the City with change order requests. Mr. Vogt advised that the bid has been checked, and appears to be proper, noting that the big difference is in unclassified excavation costs. Staff has also confirmed with Granite that they are willing to do the work for the bid amount, and barring some unforeseen conditions, they will be held to it. BIB] 07-20-1999-U01 09:32:07AM-U01 ADMIN-U01 CCMIN-U02 06-U02 29-U02 1999-U02 d_\City Council Minutes 4 June29, 1999 Council Member Perkins pointed out that the City will be involved with a lot of street construction during the winter months, and asked why it seems to always happen during the season. Mr. Vogt advised that the City always tries to minimize the impact to residents and visitors, but noted that this particular project had some funding challenges that the City wasn't able to control. As for the Washington Street improvements led by the County, the City is pushing for completion in November. In response to Council Member Henderson, Mr. Genovese, City Manager, advised that according to the businesses, the season runs generally from January through April. Council Member Henderson advised that the Auto Club operates on the same theory, even though a lot of people arrive before January. Council Member Sniff believed the season has always run from November 1 through Easter, and that it generally always will. He noted that the peak of the season is late February and March. In response to Mayor Pena, Mr. Vogt advised that the City stands to lose $1.3 million in funding if the contract is not awarded by June 30, and that that amount is a portion of La Quinta's share of costs. Council Member Sniff felt that the basic issue before Council at this time is whether to construct a traditional signalized intersection or a modern roundabout at Avenue 52 and Jefferson Street. Larry Lichliter, 80-1 38 Hermitage, supported construction of a roundabout at Avenue 52 and Jefferson Street, and stated that he would support one at the entrance to The Ranch" as well. He believed that a roundabout would help create a unique environment in the City, and that a continuing proliferation of traf i'ic signals is what people are trying to get away from when they come here. Hd felt that the roundabout in Vail, Colorado handles more traffic than Avenue 52 and Jefferson Street ever will, and noted that it can always be changed in 5-10 years if it doesn't work. In response to Mayor Pena, Mr. Lichuter, advised that if a roundabout doesn't work within the first 10 years, KSL will purchase the traffic signals to change it to a traditional signalized intersection. BIB] 07-20-1999-U01 09:32:07AM-U01 ADMIN-U01 CCMIN-U02 06-U02 29-U02 1999-U02 d_\City Counoil Minutes 5 June 29, 1 999 Jay Baden, 47-41 5 Via Cordova, was interested in the concept of a roundabout, but was concerned about having access to his property at the corner. He understood previously that there might be a traffic signal at the canal, or possibly a second roundabout being considered there, and wished to have that opened for discussion. Council Member Henderson advised that she hasn't had much experience using roundabouts, but having looked at the design she can't fault it in anyway, and felt that the number of people running traffic lights is a serious growing problem that must be addressed. Many people are complaining about the number of traffic signals in the City, and although she doesn't like them either, she must support them when the traffic warrants indicate that they're needed. She sees the roundabout as a potential beginning for a visit to how intersections are entered and how traffic gets around town. It may be difficult at first, but she felt an educational program could be done before it's put in service. She supported putting in a roundabout, and was glad that the cost is less than a traditional signalized intersection. She then asked about acquisition of right-of- way. In response to Council Member Henderson, Bob Ross, 74-410 Highway 111, Palm Desert, the City's consultant and Vice President/Office Manager of Robert Bein, William Frost & Associates, advised that a standard intersection would also require acquisition of right-of-way, and that construction of a roundabout would require approximately 1 600 sq. ft. per quadrant. He understood that two of the quadrants would be donated by KSL if a roundabout is constructed, but he wasn't sure what they would do if a traffic signal is installed. Council Member Henderson couldn't find any reason for not supporting a roundabout. Mayor Pena advised that he would support a roundabout if it's not on a six-lane facility, and that he couldn't find anyone who has done one this large. Council Member Adolph advised that Hyannis Port has a roundabout?ut on a six- lane facility, and it works well. He stated that he doesn't like +?traffic signals, and believes that roundabouts are a need for the future. Council Member Perkins advised that his only experience with them has been the Long Beach traffic circle, which he didn't like. However, he supported constructing a roundabout at Avenue 52 and Jefferson Street on the basis that if it doesn't work, the City can go back to a traffic signal. BIB] 07-20-1999-U01 09:32:07AM-U01 ADMIN-U01 CCMIN-U02 06-U02 29-U02 1999-U02 d_\City Council Minutes 6 June 29, 1 999 Council Member Sniff advised that he doesn't like traffic signals either, but has talked to some people who run traffic schools and are experts on traffic issues that believe you shouldn't force motorists into making too many decisions, particulary unfamiliar drivers. They also believe that in the event of collisions at roundabouts, insurance claims will become a major battle of experts. He questioned why more roundabouts don't exist if they're so good, and felt that there's little or no safety for bicyclists and pedestrians. He also commented on the difficulty of entering a roundabout when traffic is heavy and backed up, especially in trying to change lanes, and preferred trying it on a trial basis in a low-volume residential area. He also felt that it's going to make synchronization of traffic signals on Jefferson Street difficult, and that traffic controls should be consistent. Mayor Pena wasn't opposed to stepping out of the box and trying something new, and noted that La Quinta has done that a lot. He shares some of Council Member Sniff's concerns, and yet agrees with some of the other Council Members' comments regarding the safety of roundabouts, and the fact that they keep traffic moving. He advised that he also dislikes traffic signals. He doesn't have any experience driving roundabouts in Europe, but has seen them in Orange and Long Beach, and has talked to people with different opinions on them. He then showed a segment from a video where Americans were having a hard time trying to drive through a roundabout in Europe. He was concerned about putting the City's first roundabout in a large intersection, instead of trying it in a smaller one. Council Member Henderson advised that someone from the California Highway Patrol Department told her that drivers need to pay more attention when they drive, and although there will probably be some fender-benders at the roundabout, she felt there's less chance for fatalities because the drivers will be paying more attention out of necessity. She felt that a roundabout might be what drivers need to get them to recognize their responsibility, and she was confident that it won't take people very long to understand how to use them. She might tend to agree that the street is too large to be trying a roundabout if major traffic already existed there, but it d?esn't. Mayor Pena pointed out that the presentation on roundabouts was made by someone who builds them, with no opposing viewpoints being presented. He was also concerned about the manner in which this was brought to Council, and the fact that Council didn't have much time to react. In response to Mayor Pena, Mr. Ross advised that in the winter of 1997 the average daily trips ADT) for Jefferson Street south of Avenue 50 was 6,900 BIB] 07-20-1999-U01 09:32:07AM-U01 ADMIN-U01 CCMIN-U02 06-U02 29-U02 1999-U02 d_\ City Council Minutes 7 June 29, 1 999 vehicles per day, and it increased by approximately 5% in 1998. The average vehicles per day south of Avenue 52 was 7,100 in 1997. In response to Council Member Perkins, Mr. Ross advised that handicap ramps are used in roundabouts to signify the pedestrian crossing points instead of painted crosswalks, because it's felt that painted crosswalks provide a safety factor that doesn't actually exist for pedestrians. Council Member Henderson noted that painted crosswalks are being removed from standard streets in some communities for the same reason. Council Member Sniff suggested trying a motion to approve a signalized intersection before dealing with the bid award. Council Member Adolph noted that the Planning Commission and the Traffic Committee have both approved the roundabout, and feel that it's the proper action to take. Council Member Sniff noted that no opposing viewpoints were presented to them either. MOTION It was moved by Council Member Sniff and Mayor Pena to support the concept of a four-way signalized intersection at Jefferson Street and Avenue 52. Motion failed with Council Members Adolph, Henderson, and Perkins voting NO. MOTION It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to award a contract in the amount of $6,866,566 to Granite Construction Company for the construction of Jefferson Street Improvements from Avenue 54 to Highway 111 with a roundabout at Avenue 52, Projec4 No.99-05. Motion carried with Mayor Pena voting NO. MINUTE ORDER NO.99-82. See Page 1 5 for additional discussion and action.) 3. CONSIDERATION OF A REPORT ON CABLE TELEVISION FRANCHISE TRANSFER AGREEMENT. Mr. Weiss, Assistant City Manager, advised that Time Warner Cable and Media One have entered into an Asset Exchange Agreement, and that the City's 1 20-day period for reviewing and acting upon the request would have expired on June 28. However, Time Warner has extended the deadline through July 7 to allow time for additional negotiations, as there are still some outstanding BIB] 07-20-1999-U01 09:32:07AM-U01 ADMIN-U01 CCMIN-U02 06-U02 29-U02 1999-U02 d_\City Council Minutes 8 June 29, 1999 issues for which no agreement has been reached. He noted that Council has previously authorized the City Manager to deny the transfer without prejudice if an agreement is not reached, or the matter can be continued to a later date and an additional extension requested. Robert Tyler, 44-215 Villeta Drive, was disappointed that the issue of programming is not addressed in the staff report. He felt that there are more subscribers with Media One than with Time Warner Cable, and believed the Media One subscribers should, as a minimum, be given the right to retain the same programming and channels. He felt that this is the appropriate time to negotiate this issue. Jim Fellhauer, Division President of Time Warner Cable, San Diego Division, stated that the legal scope of the franchise transfer process is limited to a review of the ability of the new operator to demonstrate that it has the legal, financial, and technical qualifications to operate the cable system. He advised that Time Warner Cable is the largest cable operator in the United States, and that they have some of the most technically sophisticated networks in the world, adding that they've been in Palm Springs for 30 years. Although the review process is legally narrow in its focus, they've tried to answer questions that are outside of that focus, and are confident that they can provide good, new, and exciting services to the City. They need to finalize the transfer process quickly so that they can accelerate their plans to launch new services. They've been working with several other communities over the last 1 20 days, and have reached agreements with 8 out of 11. He hoped the Council would pass a resolution to transfer the franchise. Jim Petro, 41-725 Cook Street, Palm Desert, Vice-President of Outer Markets for Media One, felt that they've met the conditions of approval, and have answered the questions of the City's SpecialCounsel. He asked the Council to adopt the resolution approving the transfer. Council Member Sniff felt that it would be inappropriate to discuss this further because Council has given direction to staff, and that's where it should stay. Council Member Adolph stated that he would like to know if Time Warner and Media One have reached a conclusion that they are happy with what the City has asked. Ms. Jensen, Acting City Attorney, didn't feel that this was the proper forum to conduct negotiations, and stated that Time Warner Cable and Media One have not accepted the City's conditions at this time. BIB] 07-20-1999-U01 09:32:07AM-U01 ADMIN-U01 CCMIN-U02 06-U02 29-U02 1999-U02 d_\City Council Minutes 9 June 29, 1 999 Council Member Henderson felt that the City is getting good advice, and that Council needs to continue letting the experts handle the negotiations. Mayor Pena hoped the issue could be wrapped up at the next meeting. No action was taken. 4. CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTMENTS TO THE ARCHITECTURAL AND LANDSCAPE REVIEW COMMITTEE, COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION, CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION, AND PLANNING COMMISSION. COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION three seats available) At this time the following applicants for the Community Services Commission gave a brief presentation on their qualifications and background: Deborah Bechard Michelle Henson MOTION It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to appoint Deborah Bechard and Michelle Henson to two-year terms on the Community Services Commission effective July 1, 1 999. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO.98-83. CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION four seats available) At this time the following applicants for the Cultural Arts Commission gave a brief presentation on their qualifications and background: Ms. Juhola, City Clerk, noted that one of the vacancies is an unexpired term ending June 30, 2000. Jan Blakley Leslie McMiIlan Jackie Rasmussen Elaine Reynolds MOTION It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to appoint Leslie McMillan, Jackie Rasmussen, and Elaine Reynolds to two-year terms and Jan Blakley to an unexpired term ending June 30, 2000, to the Cultural Arts Commission effective July 1, 1999. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO.98-84. BIB] 07-20-1999-U01 09:32:07AM-U01 ADMIN-U01 CCMIN-U02 06-U02 29-U02 1999-U02 d_\City Council Minutes 10 June29, 1999 PLANNING COMMISSION two seats available) At this time the following applicants for the Planning Commission gave a brief presentation on their qualifications and background: Richard Butler Frank Ceja Steve Robbins James Donnelly was not present, and Stewart Woodard withdrew his application) Council Member Henderson wished to see a requirement for all applicants to attend a meeting prior to applying for a vacancy, and she encouraged people to get involved with the commissions before the vacancies exist. Council Member Sniff noted that that requirement was previously eliminated, and replaced with a recommendation to attend at least two meetings. Voting Ballot No.1: Council Member Adolph voted for Richard Butler and Steve Robbins Council Member Henderson voted for Richard Butler and Steve Robbins Council Member Perkins voted for Richard Butler and Frank Ceja Council Member Sniff voted for Frank Ceja and Steve Robbins Mayor Pena voted for Richard Butler and Steve Robbins MOTION It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Adolph to appoint Richard Butler and Steve Robbins to two-year terms on the Planning Commission effective July 1, 1 999. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO. 98-85. ARCHITECTURAL ANC LANDSCAPE REVIEW COMMITTEE one seat available) At this time the following applicants for the Architectural and Landscape Review Committee gave a brief presentation on their qualifications and background. Thomas Devlm A. J. Pittock Frank Reynolds Kevin Leonhard, John Monahan, and Tracy Smith were not present, and Elizabeth Barbarossa and Kahnema Melkesian withdrew their applications) BIB] 07-20-1999-U01 09:32:07AM-U01 ADMIN-U01 CCMIN-U02 06-U02 29-U02 1999-U02 d_\City Council Minutes 11 June 29, 1999 Voting Ballot No.1: Council Member Adolph voted for Frank Reynolds Council Member Henderson voted for Frank Reynolds Council Member Perkins voted for Frank Reynolds Council Member Sniff voted for Frank Reynolds Mayor Pena voted for Frank Reynolds MOTION It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to appoint Frank Reynolds to a two-year term on the Architectural and Landscape Review Committee effective July 1, 1 999. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO.98-86. STUDY SESSION 1. DISCUSSION REGARDING THE CIVIC CENTER MASTER PLAN CONCEPTS. Mr. Freeland, Senior Engineer, presented two concepts, project phasing, site amenities, and projected maintenance costs for the Civic Center Master Plan, noting that Phase 1 of both concepts consists of landscaping and basic amenities. Concept 1 Phase 2) shows the library located in the northwest corner of the campus, with a water feature and potential art feature located in the center of the campus. Concept 2 Phase 2) shows the library west of City Hall, with a water feature and art feature in the center, and provides additional parking along Calle Tampico, adjacent to the library. Phase 1 improvements consist of grading, landscaping, a sculpture court, walkways, and a History of La Quinta Plaza." Phase 1 improvements of both concepts fit into the current budget, and the Phase 2 amenities in both concepts are the same. The budget for Phase 3, which potentially encompasses the library, future City Hall expansion, water feature, and expanded parking, is undetermined at this time. Mr. Vogt, Public Works Director, advised that the sidewalks, irrigation, and landscaping in the Phase 1 improvements will be able to move forward regardless of which master plan the Council selects, and they will provide dust control, as well as an immediate improvement to the campus site. Mr. Freeland advised that the Phase 1 improvements have been designed to resemble a completed project when done. He then presented a list of proposed project amenities with estimated costs, and the projected maintenance costs. BIB] 07-20-1999-U01 09:32:07AM-U01 ADMIN-U01 CCMIN-U02 06-U02 29-U02 1999-U02 d_\City Council Minutes 12 June 29, 1999 In response to Council Member Henderson, Tom Doczi, 2121 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Suite 1, Palm Springs, of TKD & Associates, Inc., advised that the items in the project amenities list are not in any specific order of priority, and will be worked into the budget as they are selected. In response to Council Member Adolph, Mr. Doczi advised that the History of La Quinta Plaza" would consist of history facts about the City embossed on plaques or other materials, and would be separate from the sculpture court. In response to Mayor Pena, Mr. Vogt advised that the future expansion of City Hall is 9,000 sq. ft. under the proposed concepts, but there have been studies indicating an additional 1 5,000 sq. ft. The cost estimates are the same for both concepts since the improvements and amenities are the same. In response to Council Member Adolph, Mr. Freeland advised that the original funding for this project was approximately $900,000. Some of it was used for the street improvements done along Avenida La Fonda as part of the PM1O project Council Member Henderson understood that some of it was also used to purchase a generator for the Senior Center. In response to Council Member Adolph, Mr. Freeland advised that the $656,660 now available is for the Phase 1 improvements, and that the contract for design, including any changes, will be paid from that amount. Council Member Sniff offered the following comments and suggestions regarding Concept 1 Phase 2): the parking on Calle Tampico has been neglected; a better connection is needed between the trellis work and the future library; the library should be located at the northwest corner of the campus; the history plaza should be changed to historical" plaza; the plaza or golf museum should be farther west toward the library; the lake should be oval or circular with a sculpture island and pedestrian bridges; the water in the lake should circulate and contain some type of ornamental fish; the DeMart!?o art piece should be located on the sculpture island or immediately west of City Hall; the sidewalk around the sculpture island could double as a golf walk of fame; the small stage area is good; there's a need to expand City Hall to the west for more offices and on-site storage; there's also a need for an additional employee parking area on the south side; and perhaps an additional building on the grass area south of the employee parking lot. BIB] 07-20-1999-U01 09:32:07AM-U01 ADMIN-U01 CCMIN-U02 06-U02 29-U02 1999-U02 d_\ City Council Minutes 1 3 June 29, 1 999 Council Member Perkins suggested that the City's Emergency Operations Center EOC) could be expanded there, and that space could be utilized for other things. Mayor Pena suggested looking at using the employee exercise room for a storage area. Council Member Sniff liked the idea of a lake with a geyser, but really liked the idea of having a sculpture island. In response to Mayor Pena, Mr. Doczi advised that the proposed lake is about the same size as the one in the Palm Desert Civic Center. Council Member Henderson agreed with locating the library at the northwest corner of the campus, and felt that if there is a golf museum, it should face Calle Tampico. She understood that the walkways would include the golf walk of fame, as well as the Cultural Arts Commission's ideas on enhancing it with artwork. She was concerned about putting the sculpture court in the center of the lake due to not knowing how large the island would have to be to accommodate the sculpture with the people. Mr. Doczi noted that in Concept 1 the lake wraps around the sculpture court to give the effect that it's on an island. Council Member Henderson liked Concept 1, but wished to see a better connection between the golf museum and the library. Council Member Adolph liked Concept 1 Phase 2), but wasn't sure that another golf museum is needed, noting that the Historical Society has a room for golf, the Tradition has a golf museum, and KSL is planning one. He liked the location of the library, and suggested a few shade structures with benches and drinking fountains. He agreed with the future expansion of City Hall, and liked the idea of a sculpture fountain, especially one that children could play in when it's hot. Council Member Perk;.?s liked the location of the library, but wasn't sure that the walkways would be used that much. He agreed with the need for covered rest areas and drinking fountains, as well as the future expansion of City Hall. He felt that if there's a need for another golf museum, it should be near the Historical Museum, and advised that he liked having something in the center of the lake with an arched bridge. He suggested looking at expanding the EOC, and perhaps use the current space for storage. He liked the general layout of the concepts, but suggested that the lake be constructed before turf is put down. BIB] 07-20-1999-U01 09:32:07AM-U01 ADMIN-U01 CCMIN-U02 06-U02 29-U02 1999-U02 d_\City Council Minutes 14 June29, 1999 Mayor Pena liked the library location, and wished to see additional space included for future City Hall expansion just south of the proposed area. He, too, wasn't sure about the golf museum, but felt a building pad for something should be in that location. He liked the lake and the pattern of the walkways, and felt the walkways would be used a lot, especially by the seniors. He wished to see an historical exhibit of plants, citrus, date palms, etc., and agreed that shade structures would be nice, especially if situated to allow a view of the mountains. Council Member Sniff questioned what the depth of the lake would be and if fencing would be needed. He also suggested that if palm trees are planted, they be put in a small area, or perhaps clustered along the entrance from Avenida La Fonda, along with some citrus trees. In response to Council Member Sniff, Mr. Doczi advised that the lake will have a gradual slope and be 6-10 feet deep. Council Member Sniff questioned what water source would be used, and reiterated his wish to have an island in the center of the lake. He felt a 40,000 sq. ft. lake would be big enough for a decent sized island. Mayor Pena pointed out that the concepts should show the existing putting green at the Senior Center. Council Member Henderson agreed with looking at putting in the lake before spending money for turf. Mr. Doczi advised that the cost estimate for grading and landscaping is $450,000, and does not include a lake, which is estimated at $150,000. Approximately $75,000 would be saved by not turfing that area, and there might be some additional savings in the grading. Mr. Vogt noted that the cost estimate for geysers in the lake is $75,000, which woyd use up the turf savings. He advised that the grading and landscaping, la?e with geysers, and sidewalks total $720,000. Council Member Henderson questioned the idea of having two geysers and two bridges over the lake, and asked if the geysers could be pre-plumbed, to which Mr. Doczi responded that he would check into it. Council Member Perkins advised that Laguna de Ia Paz uses the water from their lake to irrigate the common areas, and felt the City might want to consider doing the same thing. BIB] 07-20-1999-U01 09:32:07AM-U01 ADMIN-U01 CCMIN-U02 06-U02 29-U02 1999-U02 d_\ City Council Minutes 1 5 June 29, 1 999 Council Member Henderson felt that lighting would be necessary if there's going to be walkways. Council Member Sniff wished to see some consideration given to having colored sidewalks. Kathryn Hull, member of the Cultural Arts Commission, believed simple is sometimes better, and that putting too many things in a small area can be overwhelming. She liked the idea of a focal point for the DeMartino art piece, but felt plans should be made to place other art sculptures along the walkways. She liked having a place to sit and enjoy the view of the landscape and mountains, and the idea of a nature garden. She also wished to see colored and designed walkways with places along the way to stop and look at something. She believed that everything could be artistically done, and yet be functional, and advised that the Commission would like to share some of their ideas with the architect. Elaine Reynolds, member of the Cultural Arts Commission, liked the concept with the art piece near the edge of the lake, rather than on an island, and the idea of ground art in the sidewalks to appeal to children as well as adults. She advised that the Commission feels that it's important to plan for the placement of the art pieces in the beginning of the project. Mr. Genovese, City Manager, advised that the design will be revised and brought back to Council based on Council's feedback today. MOTION It was moved by Council Member Sniff and seconded by Mayor Pena to reconsider Business Item No.2 Jefferson Street Improvements). Mayor Pena wished to discuss how to memorialize Mr. Lichliter's offer to pay for the traffic signals should the roundabout not work, and to change his vote on the project. Mr. Genovese, City Manager, advised that upon Council's direction st?ff will pursue an agreement with KSL and bring it back to Council. Motion carried with Council Member Perkins voting NO. MINUTE ORDER NO.99-87. BIB] 07-20-1999-U01 09:32:07AM-U01 ADMIN-U01 CCMIN-U02 06-U02 29-U02 1999-U02 d_\City Council Minutes 1 6 June 29, 1 999 BUSINESS SESSION..............continued 2. RECONSIDERATION OF AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR CONSTRUCTION OF JEFFERSON STREET IMPROVEMENTS FROM AVENUE 54 TO HIGHWAY 111 PROJECT NO.99-05. Mayor Pena wished to have staff memorialize Mr. UchIiter?s offer to pay for the traffic signal if a roundabout doesn't work. Council Member Sniff agreed. MOTION It was moved by Council Members SnitfiPerkins to award a contract in the amount of $6,866,566 to Granite Construction Company for the construction of Jefferson Street Improvements from Avenue 54 to Highway 111 with a roundabout at Avenue 52, Project No.99-05. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO.99-88. MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS' ITEMS 1. DISCUSSION REGARDING SPEED BUMPS VERSUS SPEED HUMPS. Council Member Adolph spoke regarding the issue of speed bumps vs speed humps that was discussed at the last meeting, and noted that there are two speed humps on PGA Boulevard if anyone wishes to drive over them to see what the difference is between the two types. He felt that the speed humps slow down traffic with less jarring to the vehicle. Mayor Pena noted that the Public Works Department is researching to see if speed humps can be put on public streets. 2. DISCUSSION REGARDING COUNCIL MEMBER ADOLPH'S WRITTEN COMMENTS FOR MEETING OF JUNE 22, 1"?99. Council Member Adolph advised that prior to the Special City Council meeting of June 22, he submitted his written comments on four agenda items to be read at the meeting. The comments were for the benefit of the constituents at the meeting as well as the Council. He learned from one of the residents that his comments were not read. He didn't know of anything in the City's statutes that denies him the right to have his comments read at the City Council meeting, and felt perhaps that his constitutional rights had been violated. He advised that in the future, he will have a friend in the audience read his BIB] 07-20-1999-U01 09:32:07AM-U01 ADMIN-U01 CCMIN-U02 06-U02 29-U02 1999-U02 d_\ City Council Minutes 17 June29, 1999 comments for him. He further advised that his intent in submitting his comments was simply to let the residents know how he feels on the various issues. Mayor Pena noted that the remainder of the Closed Session would be continued to the next meeting. There being no further business, it was moved by Council Members Sniff/Adolph to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. Respectfully submitted, L /?AUNDRA t'. J?4?A, City Clerk City of La Quinta, California BIB] 07-20-1999-U01 09:32:07AM-U01 ADMIN-U01 CCMIN-U02 06-U02 29-U02 1999-U02