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1999 10 19 CC Minutesing -> 10^( LA QUINTA CITY COUNCIL MINUTES OCTOBER19, 1999 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 2:10), Sniff, Mayor Pena ABSENT: None PUBLIC COMMENT None CLOSED SESSION 1. Conference with City?s real property negotiator, Mark Weiss, pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8 concerning potential terms and conditions of acquisition and/or disposition of real property located at the southeast corner of Avenida Montezuma and Avenida Mendoza. Property Owner/Negotiator: La Quinta Historical Society. Council recessed to Redevelopment Agency and to Closed Session to and until the hour of 3:00 p.m. 3:00 P.M. Council reconvened with no decision being made in Closed Session which requires reporting pursuant to Section 54957.1 of the Government Code Brown Act). PUBLIC COMMENT Audrey Ostrowsky, P.O. Box 351, asked why the date trees are being removed at the corner of Eisenhower Drive and Calle Tampico. Council Member Adolph understood from Peter Murray that the property owner feels that the land will be more valuable without the trees. Mayor Pena advised that the City doesn?t have any authority over the matter. * *** ** ** * * BIB] 11-02-1999-U01 09:37:05AM-U01 ADMIN-U01 CCMIN-U02 10-U02 19-U02 1999-U02 ing -> 10^(City Council Minutes 2 October 1 9, 1 999 Joyce Sivley, 79-775 Westward Ho Drive, asked about the status of the sewers, curbs, and gutters in the Westward Ho area, noting that they've been waiting for seven years. Some of the residents don't believe that the improvements will ever be made. CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA Confirmed APPROVAL OF MINUTES MOTION It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Adolph to approve the City Council Minutes of October 5, 1999, as submitted. Motion carried unanimously. ANNOUNCEMENTS None PRESENTATIONS None WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE 1. LETTER FROM THE FAMILY YMCA REQUESTING ASSISTANCE WITH PROJECT DESIGN AND UTILITY IMPROVEMENTS FOR INSTALLATION OF MODULAR FACILITIES FOR CHILDCARE. Council concurred on agendizing this matter for November 2, 1999. 2. LETTER FROM LA QUINTA FAIRWAYS HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION REGARDING IMPROVEMENTS ON AVENUE 50 BETWEEN THE SCHOOL AND WASHINGTON STREET. Council concurred on referring this matter to staff with a report back to Council. Mayor Pena noted that correspondence was also received from Audrey Ostrowsky regarding: improvements in The Village; how to obtain grants; and one-way streets. BIB] 11-02-1999-U01 09:37:05AM-U01 ADMIN-U01 CCMIN-U02 10-U02 19-U02 1999-U02 ing -> 10^(City Council Minutes 3 October 1 9, 1 999 CONSENT CALENDAR 1. APPROVAL OF DEMAND REGISTER DATED OCTOBER 19, 1999. 2. TRANSMITTAL OF TREASURER?S REPORT DATED AUGUST 31, 1999, FOR THE CITY OF LA QUINTA AND THE LA QUINTA FINANCING AUTHORITY. 3. APPROVAL OF RIVERSIDE COUNTY 1RANSPORTATION COMMISSION RCTC) AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR ARTICLE 3 SIDEWALK FUNDS. 4. AUTHORIZATION FOR OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR TWO CODE COMPLIANCE OFFICERS TO ATTEND A TRAINING CLASS GIVEN BY SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS, INC. IN LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA, OCTOBER 22 AND 23, 1999. 5. ACCEPTANCE OF IMPROVEMENTS ASSOCIATED WITH TRACT 28522, PENINSULA GROUP, LLC. 6. APPROVAL OF PROGRAM SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT NO. 003-M TO THE CITY OF LA QUINTA STATE AGREEMENT NO.08-5433 FOR SURFACE TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM STP) FUNDS FOR PROJECT NO.98-17, AVENUE 50 PAVEMENT REHABILITATION IMPROVEMENTS. 7. APPROVAL TO AWARD A CONTRACT TO CONSTRUCT PROJECT NO.98-17, AVENUE 50 PAVEMENT REHABILITATION IMPROVEMENTS PARK AVENUE TO JEFFERSON STREET). MOTION It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Adolph to approve the Consent Calendar as recommended. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO.99-144. BUSINESS SESSION 1. CONSIDERATION OF DESIGNS FOR THE VILLAGE PROTOTYPICAL STREET, VILLAGE COMMERCIAL AREA, AND RESIDENTIAL AREAS. Mr. Vogt, Public Works Director, advised that on June 22 and August 3, 1 999, Council reviewed four concepts and discussed design of the improvements to the circulation of The Village and the prototypical street. The items discussed and preferred by a majority of the Council at that time were: a modern roundabout at Avenida Navarro and Avenida Montezuma; continuance of the one-way street on Avenida Montezuma around the Frances Hack Park); one BIB] 11-02-1999-U01 09:37:05AM-U01 ADMIN-U01 CCMIN-U02 10-U02 19-U02 1999-U02 ing -> 10^(City Council Minutes 4 October 1 9, 1 999 way wye" intersections at Calle Cadiz, Calle Barcelona, Calle Amigo, and Avenida Bermudas; rolled curbs and sub-standard street widths of 24-28' at Calle Cadiz, Calle Barcelona, and Calle Fortuna; alley improvements per City's alley improvement standard; a parking lot witli 1 5 spaces between Avenida Navarro and Avenida Bermudas south of Calle Tampico) with access provided off of Calle Tampico and Avenida Bermudas; and turf blocks in the grass City parking lot area south of Ace Hardware. The preferences for the prototypical street were: Concept C, which incorporates dou?.d diagonal parking with a sawtooth pattern in the center; water features at either end of Calle Estado; extension widening) of sidewalks; pedestrian crossings at each end by the water features and in the middle of the street; and landscaping with canopy trees in the median and parkways. Other considerations discussed were 10' versus 9'-wide parking stalls and a center sidewalk. He advised that on October 7 a public meeting was conducted at the Senior Center with the residential and business property owners of The Village area, noting that all property owners were notified by mail of the meeting. He then reviewed Attachment Nos. 1-10 of the staff report, advising that there have been two requests from residents to change Avenida Montezuma to a two-way street, and two requests to have it remain as one-way. Concept A previously Concept C) for the prototypical street has 64 9'-wide parking spaces, and Concept B has 58 1 0'-wide parking spaces. He advised that the parking lot on Calle Tampico is designed with 15 9-wide parking stalls, and that 10-wide parking stalls will reduce that number down to 14 parking spaces. If Council wishes, an add-alternate can be included for Avenida La Fonda to remove the medians, augment the outside median islands, and stripe the street to match Calle Estado without the improvements. The curbs would be located so as to provide for future widening of the sidewalks, and irrigation and utility lines would be installed. In response to Council Member Adolph, Eldon Lee, 78-1 20 Calle Estado, of Korve Engineering, advised that 62 parking spaces currently exist on Calle Estado. In response to Council Member Perkins, Mr. Lee advised that double diagonal lines can be used on either parking stall width. Council Member Henderson noted that additional parking will be available next to the alleyways. Council Member Sniff asked if the people requesting a two-way street were property owners in the downtown area, to which Mr. Vogt responded yes. BIB] 11-02-1999-U01 09:37:05AM-U01 ADMIN-U01 CCMIN-U02 10-U02 19-U02 1999-U02 ing -> 10^( City Council Minutes 5 October 1 9, 1 999 Council Member Sniff stated that he spoke to several people who own property on Avenida Montezuma, and they prefer a two-way street. He then asked if the people requesting a one-way street were property owners. Mr. Vogt advised that one is a resident who does not own property on Avenida Montezuma, and the other one is a business owner who owns a business there. Audrey Ostrowsky, P.O. ox 351, read a letter she wrote to Council see Public Comment) regarding the proposed downtown improvements, and advised that the commercial downtown property owners were not notified of this meeting. She was in favor of a two-way street, and believed the one-way street affects property values. She questioned the expenditure for a prototypical street that will reduce parking spaces, and asked why the commercial property owners have had little input in the final decision. Barbara Irwin, 44-065 Camino La Cresta, of the La Quinta Historical Society, advised that she was one of the people who spoke in favor of the one-way street, and Kathryn Carlson, of the veterinarian clinic, was the other person, noting that they are the only viable businesses there at this time. According to Ms. Carlson, none of her clients have complained about the one-way street. She liked the one-way street, and found no reason for changing it. Rupert Yessaylan, P.O. Box 251, stated that he represented a majority of the property owners around the Frances Hack Park, and he referred to a design plan that was part of a Specific Plan adopted in February 1 988, and that depicts Avenida Montezuma as a two-way street. That plan requires gaining additional property from Coachella Valley Recreation & Park District CVRPD), but he didn't see that as a problem. He advised that since the one-way street was instituted, several people have gone out of business or relocated, and have attributed the one-way street as being an important factor in their decision, primarily Schatzi's restaurant at Eisenhower Drive and Avenida Montezuma. He has conducted a preliminary survey which reports 140 people opposed to the one-way street and 1 3 in support. He noted that the traffic safety evaluation conducted by the University of California didn't recommend a one-way street, and he didn't feel that a one-way street is in keeping with the rest of The Village, nor that the 29 one-way signs are in keeping with the City's beautification efforts. He urged the Council to approve a two-way configuration, and noted that the veterinarian clinic property owner supports a two-way street. In response to Council Member Sniff, Mr. Lee advised that the existing right-of- way for Avenida Montezuma is 80 feet, and the pavement is 1 5-1 8 feet. It will BIB] 11-02-1999-U01 09:37:05AM-U01 ADMIN-U01 CCMIN-U02 10-U02 19-U02 1999-U02 ing -> 10^(City Council Minutes 6 October 1 9, 1 999 accommodate two lanes of traffic with parking on at least one side of the street. Council Member Sniff felt that the number 6f one-way signs on Avenida Montezuma is excessive. In response to Council Member Henderson, Mr. Vogt advised that he wasn?t sure that either design would eliminate many of the signs. In response to Mayor Pena, Mr. Freeland, Senior Engineer, advised that there are two businesses currently operating on Avenida Montezuma, the Historical Society and the eterinarian clinic. Council Member Sniff asked how many property owners there are on Avenida Montezuma, noting that multiple property owners could potentially mean multiple businesses. In response to Mayor Pena, Mr. Vogt advised that he didn?t recall receiving any preference comment from CVRPD, but noted that changing to two-way would require additional right-of-way from the park at the west end. As for the record of accidents, the two single-car accidents that have happened on the one-way street were attributed to driver negligence, not the configuration. In response to Council Member Adolph, Mr. Vogt advised that the urban design plan presented by Mr. Yessayian was forwarded to Korve Engineering, however, that design would require significant reconfiguration of the existing park and existing uses. Council Member Adolph felt the urban design plan could conceivably work, and would flow somewhat better than the two-way street configuration proposed by staff. In response to Council Member Henderson, Mr. Yessayian advised that the urban design plan was prepared by Fox and Peroni. In response to Council Member Henderson, Mr. Vogt confirmed that the urban design plan would provide for some vacation of property back to the property owners at Avenida Navarro and Avenida Montezuma, and at Eisenhower Drive and Avenida Montezuma. In response to Council Member Henderson, Mr. Lee advised that the additional width for the 6? center sidewalk on Calle Estado comes from the travel lane, BIB] 11-02-1999-U01 09:37:05AM-U01 ADMIN-U01 CCMIN-U02 10-U02 19-U02 1999-U02 ing -> 10^( City Council Minutes 7 October 1 9, 1 999 noting that a 6'-wide sidewalk is needed to meet ADA standards. The planter area in front of each parking space is approximately 11 X 9'. Council Member Henderson felt it's difficult to keep shrubs and ground cover looking good in front of parking stalls, and asked how many trees were planned, to which Mr. Vogt responded 1 2. Council Member Adolpn suggested using rock instead of shrubs. Council concurred Mr. Vogt noted that the landscaping can be brought back for further consideration. Council Member Henderson supported Concept B for Calle Estado Attachment No.5) with 10-wide parking stalls. Council Member Perkins agreed, and supported using double diagonal lines for the parking stalls. Mayor Pena concurred. Council Member Henderson supported the substandard street width of 28' for Calle Barcelona, Calle Cadiz, and Calle Fortuna. In response to Council Member Perkins, Mr. Vogt advised that parking would be allowed on both sides of the street, noting that a 4'-wide parking lane is allowed when there is a shoulder area without a curb. In response to Mayor Pena, Mr. Lee advised that the pavement is approximately 18' wide. Council Member Perkins pointed out that parking on both sides of the street will not leave enough room for two lanes of traffic. Mr. Vogt noted that it's a rural area with very little traffic. Mayor Pena pointed out that that is the character of the neighborhood, and what the residents have requested. Council Member Perkins supported keeping the trees, and agreed that these streets are somewhat different from other streets in the area. BIB] 11-02-1999-U01 09:37:05AM-U01 ADMIN-U01 CCMIN-U02 10-U02 19-U02 1999-U02 ing -> 10^(City Council Minutes 8 October 19,1999 Council concurred on the substandard width of 28' for Calle Barcelona, Calle Cadiz, and Calle Fortuna. Council Member Henderson supported the proposed parking lot on Calle Tampico. Council Member Sniff agreed, and supported 1O'-wide parking stalls. Council concurred. Council Member Adolph was concerned about the access on Calle Tampico. Council Member Perkins suggested making the Calle Tampico access an entrance only. Council concurred. A brief discussion then ensued regarding improvements on Avenida La Fonda wherein Council concurred on putting in the necessary infrastructure, both underground and hardscape improvements, as recommended by staff. In response to Council Member Adolph, Mr. Vogt advised that the light standards are more for aesthetics than lighting, but that a pole with dual fixtures can be done if Council wishes. Council concurred on the Type C light standard with a banner and without the City logo, and possibly with dual fixtures. Council Member Adolph was hoping for something more unique to the City in regards to the layout for Calle Estado, but felt the proposed concepts are better than what is existing. He felt it's important for the entire area, from the Civic Center Campus to the Frances Hack Park, to be compatible in design, such as with the standardization of sidewalks, street lighting, and a landscaping theme. He supported Attachment No.5 Concept B), but was concerned about the planter areas next to the sidewalks, noting that people tend to walk through them and step on the plants, and suggested taking a look at that when the landscaping is reviewed. In response to Council Member Adolph, Mr. Lee advised that the planters areas are 3' wide, except for the tree wells which are 5' wide. Ron Gregory, 74-020 Alessandro Drive, Palm Desert, landscape architect, advised that specifics for the plant material haven't been determined yet. BIB] 11-02-1999-U01 09:37:05AM-U01 ADMIN-U01 CCMIN-U02 10-U02 19-U02 1999-U02 ing -> 10^( City Council Minutes 9 October 1 9, 1 999 Council Member Sniff felt the number of trees might be excessive, and that they should not dominate the street. He suggested using seasonal flower beds for color accent, and offsetting the trees along the side from the trees in the center. He felt a center sidewalk would make the street look more complete, and that it would tie the pedestrian crossings together. He also supported using stone or stamped concrete at each end of the street. Council Member Perkins wished to s?e palm trees featured more than canopy- type trees, and questioned whether or not the pedestrian crosswalks would be used. He liked the layout, but wouldn't support a center sidewalk. Council Member Henderson understood that there would be benches in the center of the street at the pedestrian crossings. Council Member Sniff agreed with using ornamental palm trees. Mayor Pen a supported Attachment No.5 Concept B) with 1 O'-wide parking stalls, and Attachment No.8, which shows a clear line-of-sight at each end of the street by the fountain areas. He didn't have a problem with the mid-block pedestrian crossings, and felt that the stamped concrete would help to slow traffic. Council Member Perkins noted that stamped concrete is unsafe for women with high heel shoes. Council Member Sniff suggested using colored concrete or tile. Mr. Vogt advised that staff is looking at pavers for those areas. Council concurred on doing the improvements on Avenida La Fonda as recommended by staff. Council Member Sniff supported the property owners' requests for a two-way street, and noted that it would be consistent with other streets in The Village. Council Member Henderson stated that most of the people she has talked to support a one-way street. They are not property owners, but they use the streets around the park, and feel that a one-way street is safer. She didn't feel that the one-way is inconvenient since it's less than a mile around the park, and felt there's significant increase in the safety factor. She found it difficult to come up with a compelling reason to revert it back to two-way, and felt that the changes at Eisenhower Drive would simplify the intersection and eliminate a lot of signs. She continued to support a one-way street. BIB] 11-02-1999-U01 09:37:05AM-U01 ADMIN-U01 CCMIN-U02 10-U02 19-U02 1999-U02 ing -> 10^(City Council Minutes 10 October 1 9, 1 999 Council Member Perkins liked the roundabout at Avenida Navarro, and felt a one-way street is safer He believed the Eisenhower intersection would be a nightmare if the street is reverted back to two-way. Council Member Adolph was torn between the wishes of the property owners and the safety aspect of the one-way versus two-way street. He liked the design brought forward by Mr. Yessayian more than he liked staff?s two-way street proposal, but supported the one-way stree? dnless the intersection at Eisenhower Drive can be reconfigured. Mayor Pena supported the one-way street because of the safety factor, and he liked the roundabout. Council Member Sniff felt the accident history between the two configurations is fairly close. Council concurred on a one-way street configuration. Council also cdncurred on adding turf block on the City-owned parcel south of Ace Hardware as an add-alternate in the bid. Mr. Vogt understood that the consensus of the Council was to approve the Village circulation concept as follows: one-way street configuration for Avenida Montezuma; substandard street width of 28 feet with rolled curbs for Calle Fortuna, Calle Cadiz, Calle Amigo, and Calle Barcelona; Prototypical Street Concept B with 1 0'-wide parking stalls and no center sidewalk; add-alternate bid for Avenida La Fonda improvements replacing existing medians with raised medians to match Calle Estado, dual parking and sawtooth configuration to be striped for future improvement, and moving the curb to allow for widening of the sidewalk); add-alternate for a parking lot on Calle Tampico with 10'-wide parking stalls and access off of Calle Tampico and Avenida Bermudas with Calle Tampico being a right-turn-in only; light standard Type C with dual fixture) in the median; and add-alternate for turf block on City property south of Ace Hardware. MOTION It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to approve the Village circulation concept as follows: with Avenida Montezuma as a one-way street; a substandard street width of 28 feet for the Village residential streets of Calle Fortuna, Calle Cadiz, Calle Amigo, and Calle Barcelona; Prototypical Street Concept B with 10-wide parking stalls and no center sidewalk); add- alternate for Avenida La Fonda improvements replacing existing medians with raised medians to match Calle Estado, dual parking and sawtooth configuration striped for future improvement, and moving the curb to allow for widening of BIB] 11-02-1999-U01 09:37:05AM-U01 ADMIN-U01 CCMIN-U02 10-U02 19-U02 1999-U02 ing -> 10^( City Council Minutes 11 October 1 9, 1 999 the sidewalk); add-alternate for parking lot on Calle Tampico with 10'-wide parking stalls, access off of Calle Tampico and Avenida Bermudas, and Calle Tampico to be right-turn-in only); light standard Type C with dual fixtures) in the median; and add-alternate for turf block on City property south of Ace Hardware. Council Member Perkins wished to have staff look at the possibility of removing some of the directional signs on Avenida Montezuma. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO.99-145. Mayor Pena advised that in order to accommodate members of the audience, the Council would receive Public Comment on Study Session Item No.1 at this time. Leeanne Brock, 78-675 Forbes Circle, advised that when she bought her home on Forbes Circle, she understood that it would be a cul-de-sac, but now it's the only through street in the development to Washington Street, and if left turns on Las Vistas are eliminated, the traffic will increase on Forbes Circle. Therefore, she asked that some type of barricade or speed bumps be put in on Forbes Circle if left turns on Las Vistas are eliminated. James Humberd, 79-409 Horizon Palms Circle, read a letter to Council, urging them not to eliminate the left turns, but rather to install a few traffic signals and re-stripe the street to make proper use of the three eastbound lanes. He felt that the U-turns necessitated by elimination of left turns would cause traffic accidents and increase the City's liability. Robert Tyler, 44-21 5 Villeta Drive, noted that when this issue was discussed in 1 993, Council voted to allow left turns from Las Vistas into a merging left-turn center lane. Since then Las VistasiSeeley Drive has become a major collector street with most of its northbound traffic turning left, and he felt the Council should consider how elimination of left turns will affect the residents. Not only will it be inconvenient to turn right before making a U-turn on Fred Waring Drive, but it will also be more unsafe than making a left turn off of Las Vistas. It will also increase traffic in the residential areas, and defeat the purpose of a collector street, which is to expedite the flow of traffic. He pointed out that left turns are allowed on Highway 111 in lndio, which has a lot of driveways, and questioned why La Quinta would be more restrictive than Caltrans and/or lndio. He further noted that the left turn on Las Vistas has existed for over 1 0 years, and that according to Caltrans, turning privileges are difficult to take away once they've been granted. He urged Council to allow left turns, and to direct staff to come up with an alternative to better facilitate left turns, perhaps even a roundabout. BIB] 11-02-1999-U01 09:37:05AM-U01 ADMIN-U01 CCMIN-U02 10-U02 19-U02 1999-U02 ing -> 10^(City Council Minutes 12 October 19, 1999 Debra Kramer, 78-680 Alden Circle, voiced concern about how the increase in traffic at Seeley Drive and Miles Avenue will affect the safety of children if left turns are eliminated at Fred Waring Drive, noting that there's a school bus stop on Miles Avenue just west of Seeley Drive. Furthermore, traffic backed up on Seeley Drive at Miles Avenue will block Alden Circle. She urged the Council to take a second look at this, and felt it would be a big mistake to eliminate left turns onto Fred Waring Drive. Council Member Henderson asked if anyo?e had talked to the School District about moving the bus stop, to which Ms. Kramer responded no, adding that it's important for the bus stop to be close to a safe house because of kidnaping attempts. Mayor Pena encouraged the residents to check with staff and to watch for newspaper notices regarding any further meetings on this issue. BUSINESS SESSION..................continued 2. CONSIDERATION OF AWARD OF A CONTRACT TO GRANITE CONSTRUCTION FOR PROJECT NO.99-10, AVENUE 54 RESURFACING. There were no changes to the staff report as submitted to the City Council by the Public Works Department and on file in the City Clerk's Department. MOTION It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to award a contract to Granite Construction for Project No.99-10, Avenue 54 Resurfacing, in the amount of $100,391, and utilize $41,450 from the Public Works Street Maintenance Contract Service Account #1 01-454-609-000. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO.99-146. 3. SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE 336. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 2.70, SECTIONS 2.70.020 AND 2.70.030 OF THE LA QUINTA CHARTER AND MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO THE INVESTMENT ADVISORY BOARD. It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Adolph to adopt Ordinance No.336 on second reading. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Adolph, Henderson, Perkins, Sniff, Mayor Pena NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None BIB] 11-02-1999-U01 09:37:05AM-U01 ADMIN-U01 CCMIN-U02 10-U02 19-U02 1999-U02 ing -> 10^( City Couhcil Minutes 1 3 October 1 9, 1 999 STUDY SESSION 1. DISCUSSION OF ISSUES REGARDING SIDE STREET ACCESS TO ARTERIAL STREETS, FRED WARING DRIVE AND MILES AVENUE. See Pages 11 and 1 2 for public comments on this item.) Mr. Speer, Senior Engineer, advised that the three key issues related to side street access to Fred Waring Drive and Miles Avenue are traffic safety, convenient access, and mobility. It's not possible to achieve maximum conceivable benefit in each category at the same intersection, as mobility is inversely proportional to convenient access. There are two urban street classifications arterial and residential. Arterial streets serve a larger portion of the community, and provide a high level of mobility and low level of convenient access, whereas residential streets serve a smaller portion of the community and provide a high level of convenient access and low level of mobility. Factors that degrade mobility are traffic signals, especially uncoordinated traffic signals, si?gle-la?e roads, and side friction factors such as parking. Mobility is achieved by eliminating or limiting factors that degrade mobility, such as direct access from abutting property, frequency of intersections, and traffic signals. The General Plan defines Fred Waring Drive as a major arterial with six lanes of traffic and 2,600 feet between full-turn intersections. Miles Avenue is defined as a primary arterial with four lanes of traffic and 1 200 feet between full-turn intersections. The General Plan allows for restriction of left turns, with left-turn outbeing the most hazardous, and left-turn in being allowed if space permits. He 8dvised that left-turn restrictions improve safety by reducing lane crossings, and improve mobility by reducing the need for signals. Left-turn restrictions make it necessary to provide alternative circulation opportunities such as making U-turns on the arterial street, or by using other residential streets that connect to the arterial street. The City is transitioning from a rural environment without turning restrictions to an urban environment with widened streets and increased traffiQ volume where turning restrictions improve traffic safety. L H? advised that the Technical Traffic Committee reviewed this issue, and that it was pointed out that two broadside injury accidents have occurred at Las Vistas due to left turns, and that the left-turn pocket at Galaxy Drive is too * short and causing vehicles to stack in the travel lane. Additional comments included a suggestion to install an acceleration lane for La Quinta Palms, similar to what is currently in place at Las Vistas, and it was noted that it's very difficult to eliminate a turning movement once it has been granted. This issue has also been reviewed by the Planning Commission which offered the following comments: urged error on the side of mobility; favored more signals on Fred BIB] 11-02-1999-U01 09:37:05AM-U01 ADMIN-U01 CCMIN-U02 10-U02 19-U02 1999-U02 ing -> 10^(City Council Minutes 14 October 19, 1999 Waring Drive to slow down traffic; avoid alternate routes through neighborhoods; questioned wisdom of U-turn preference over left-turn; and all Commissioners concurred with adopting a case-by-case access plan for each intersection. Mr. Vogt, Public Works Director, advised that Fred Waring Drive and Miles Avenue have been designated as major and primary arterials for approximately 35 years. The current issu? or discussion is mobility versus convenient access, with the understanding that having more turning movements spaced closer may, in the future, warrant traffic signals, possibly closer than the General Plan Circulation Element currently allows. Mayor Pena noted that the residents are asking for convenience and accessibility. Council Member Sniff felt that the residents' concerns should be considered, and that if there is an error, it should be on the side of the residents' needs. He suggested the possibility of changing the distance between traffic signals. Mayor Pena noted that that would mean changing the General Plan. Council Member Perkins advised that he agrees with the staff report, and felt that the residents are wrong, but believed the Council has to represent the residents who live in the area. He has watched people drive on the wrong side of the dividers in order to make a left turn, rather than turn right and go to the next intersection to make a U-turn. He?s also watched them make a right turn then immediately make a U-turn, which he felt is more hazardous than allowing an acceleration lane. He felt the City may be creating more of a traffic hazard by prohibiting left turns? and suggested looking at developing acceleration lanes to try to accommodate the residents that live in the area. He believed if drivers don't agree with a traffic regulation, they will violate it, and that it's safer to make a left turn than it is to go right a few hundred feet and make a U-turn. Mayor Pena felt it might be beneficial to get some of the residents in the area to meet with staff to find out what the residents are looking for. Their two major concerns seem to be slowing down the traffic, and turning left onto Fred Waring Drive from Las Vistas. Council Viember Adolph felt driver inattention is the reason for most accidents. After driving these streets, he has found them easy to get in and out of because the visibility is great. He disagreed that a U-turn is safer than a left turn, and supported changing the General Plan if needed. BIB] 11-02-1999-U01 09:37:05AM-U01 ADMIN-U01 CCMIN-U02 10-U02 19-U02 1999-U02 ing -> 10^( City Council Minutes 1 5 October 1 9, 1 999 Council Member Sniff suggested the possibility of installing medians. Council Member Henderson noted that Fred Waring Drive is a Measure A street that is designated as a six-lane facility with a median, which the developers are contributing funds toward. She believed the problem is going to get worse before it gets better, and supported looking at getting a median installed. Mayor Pena noted that a median could accommodate a left-turn lane. Council Member Henderson referred to the Planning Commission's comment to take the intersections on a case-by-case basis, and questioned what kind of planning that is for a City. She pointed out that the General Plan is currently under review, and that this issue has been brought forward so that any changes can be incorporated into the General Plan if needed. She asked if the case-by-case" was for existing circumstances or if it's to be written in as part of the General Plan. Ms. Honeywell, City Attorney, advised that the City looks at individual things, but has certain standards in the General Plan that it tries to uphold. There may be a need to write some criteria in the General Plan that will allow for unusual circumstances, but she advised against having a General Plan that's written so loosely as to result in a debate with each developer, noting that it's difficult to tell one developer no1' without being accused of being arbitrary and capricious. A subset of standards may be needed to allow for some variation, but even at that, the City should develop some criteria as to when closer intersections will be allowed. In response to Mayor Pena, Mr. Vogt confirmed that rumble strips dots on the pavement) are effective in slowing traffic, but noted that they are also noisy. Mayor Pena felt some additional speed enforcement would help in the short term. In response to Council Member Adolph, Mr. Vogt confirmed that staff does discuss the circulation pattern of developments with developers before they start laying out their project, but sometimes they want full access and their parcel isn't located where the General Plan calls for the full access to be. He noted that some cities allow acceleration lanes in commercial districts, but post signs disallowing it during peak hour flow, which would raise an enforcement issue. He understood the consensus of Council was for 1) staff to meet with residents in the area to discuss what they're looking for, 2) increased police enforcement on Forbes Circle, and 3) for staff to bring a plan back in a Business Session that shows areas where there are no choices and the spacing between BIB] 11-02-1999-U01 09:37:05AM-U01 ADMIN-U01 CCMIN-U02 10-U02 19-U02 1999-U02 ing -> 10^(City Council Minutes 1 6 October 1 9, 1 999 intersections) that would come from that, prior to the General Plan update so that changes can be incorporated if needed. Council recessed to and until 7:00 p.m. 7:00 P.M. PUBLIC COMMENT None PRESENTATIONS The Mayor and Council Members presented art awards to the following La Quinta Boys & Girls Club students whose artwork has been displayed at City Hall: Nissa Alejos Erik Jenkins Jackie Munoz Nicole De Oliveira Erika Lara Kaira Murdock Brittnee Eggers Leslie Latta Melody Serna P. J. Espinoza Alyssa Lawler Christina Tatro Perlita Gomez Vanessa Leath Amanda Thompson Tiffany Hintze Gabriella Lujan Adam Titone Amber Villanueva PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. STREET VACATION CASE NO.99-039 VACATION OF A PORTION OF THE SERVICE AND EMERGENCY VEHICLE EASEMENT ON VISTA VENTURA. The Mayor declared the PUBLIC HEARING OPEN. Mr. Vogt, Public Works Director, advised that the proposed vacation includes portions of the Vista Ventura private street right-of-way and totals 2,965 sq. ft. This portion of the service and emergency vehicle easement is not needed for other property owners access, or for improved accessibility to residential properties, and there are no street improvements within the proposed vacation area. He advised that the parcel was originally designed as a driveway access for Lot #54, but is no longer needed since that lot was merged with Lot #53. The Planning Commission has reviewed the vacation and found it in BIB] 11-02-1999-U01 09:37:05AM-U01 ADMIN-U01 CCMIN-U02 10-U02 19-U02 1999-U02 ing -> 10^( City Council Minutes 1 7 October 1 9, 1 999 conformance with the General Plan and Circulation Element. He advised that notices were posted on the property and published in the Desert Sun. There being no one else wishing to speak, the Mayor declared the PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED. RESOLUTION NO.99-141 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA, VACATING A PORTION OF THE VISTA VENTURA SERVICE AND EMERGENCY VEHICLE EASEMENT IN THE MOUNTAIN ENCLAVE ESTATES, TRACT 25237 STREET VACATION NO.99-039). It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Adolph to adopt Resolution No.99-141 as submitted. Motion carried unanimously. REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS League of California Cities Council Member Henderson reported that several non- controversial resolutions were discussed at the League Conference meeting last week, including a resolution in opposition of colored tire treads. Palm Springs Desert Resorts Convention & Visitors Bureau Council Member Henderson advised that due to a lack of quorum, no action was taken at the last meeting, but the Airport Marketing Committee is planning to merge with the Airline Services Committee, which means that the Airline Services Committee will be going away and may not be asking the City for funding each year. Riverside County Free Library Advisory Committee Council Member Henderson advised that the position recently vacated by Robert Atkins may not need to be filled because that committee may be going away due to a lack of need. All other reports were noted and filed. BIB] 11-02-1999-U01 09:37:05AM-U01 ADMIN-U01 CCMIN-U02 10-U02 19-U02 1999-U02 ing -> 10^(City Council Minutes 1 8 October 1 9, 1 999 DEPARTMENT REPORTS G-1. REVENUE AND EXPENDITURES REPORT DATED AUGUST 31, 1999, FOR THE CITY OF LA QUINTA AND THE LA QUINTA FINANCING AUTHORITY. MOTION It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Adolph to receive and file the Revenue & Expenditures Report dated August 31, 1999, for the City of La Quinta. Motion carried unanimoL'?ly. MINUTE ORDER NO.99-147. MOTION It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Adolph to receive and file the Revenue & Expenditures Report dated August 31, 1999, for the La Quinta Financing Authority. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO. 99-148. MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS' ITEMS 1. DISCUSSION REGARDING A THERMOMETER READER BOARD. Council Member Sniff suggested the possibility of having an electronic message reader board on the Civic Center Campus to provide information to the public. Mayor Pena wasn't sure that he would like one on the Civic Center Campus, and asked what the City's regulations are regarding reader boards. Mr. Herman, Community Development Director, advised that he would look into it and report back to Council. 2. DISCUSSION REGARDING POST OFFICE LOCATION. Council Member Sniff understood that the Post Office may have decided against installing modulars on City property for a temporary facility, and felt perhaps that the City could facilitate the location of the new facility by either providing land at a reasonable rate or by helping them secure something to get it located where the City would like to have it. He wished to encourage them to keep a satellite open in The Village. In response to Mayor Pena, Mr. Herman, Community Development Director, advised that the City has not heard back from the Post Office on whether or not they want to move forward with the modulars. BIB] 11-02-1999-U01 09:37:05AM-U01 ADMIN-U01 CCMIN-U02 10-U02 19-U02 1999-U02 ing -> 10^( City Council Minutes 1 9 October 1 9, 1 999 Council Member Sniff understood that they were considering putting another trailer on the current site. Council Member Henderson stated that she originally felt that the City should do whatever it could to help the Post Office get a temporary site in The Village so that they would recognize how the City feels about having the facility stay in The Village, but then there was some consideration about whether or not the Council wanted them to tear up the parking lot. There being no further business, it was moved by Council Members Adolph/Sniff to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. Respectfully submitted, t;;jm? PHYLLIS MANLEY, Deputy City Clerk City of La Quinta, California BIB] 11-02-1999-U01 09:37:05AM-U01 ADMIN-U01 CCMIN-U02 10-U02 19-U02 1999-U02