2000 01 04 CC Minutesing -> 10_y LA QUINTA CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
JANUARY 4, 2000
A regular meeting of the La Quinta City Council was called to order at the hour of 2:00
p.m. by the City Clerk who adjourned the meeting to 3:00 p.m. due to lack of a
quorum.
An adjourned regular meeting of the La Quinta City Council was called to order at
3:00 p.m. by Mayor Pena, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
PRESENT: Council Members Henderson, Perkins, Sniff, Mayor Pena
ABSENT: Council Member Adolph
MOTION It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to excuse Council
Member Adolph. Motion carried unanimously.
3:00 P.M.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Richard Petri, 78-810 Sunbrook Lane, asked the City to do something about the
per:meter landscaping along Miles Avenue between Adams Street and Washington
Street that is dying due to lack of water.
Council referred it to staff with a report back to Council.
CLOSED SESSION None
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA Confirmed
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to approve the City
Council Minutes of December21, 1999, as submitted. Motion carried unanimously
with Council Member Adolph ABSENT.
ANNOUNCEMENTS None
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PRESENTATIONS None
WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE None
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. APPROVAL OF DEMAND REGISTER DATED JANUARY 4, 2000.
2. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION GRANTING CONDITIONAL APPROVAL OF A
FINAL MAP AND SUBDIVISION IMPROVEMENT AGREEMENT FOR TRACT
28447, RJT HOMES, LLC. RESOLUTION NO.2000-01)
3. AUTHORIZATION FOR OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR THE COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR TO ATTEND THE 2000 NATIONAL AMERICAN
PLANNING ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE, APRIL 15-19, 2000, IN NEW YORK,
NEW YORK.
MOTION It was moved by Council Members Henderson/Sniff to approve the
Consent Calendar as recommended and with Item No.2 being approved by
RESOLUTION NO.2000-01. Motion carried unanimously with Council Member
Adolph ABSENT. MINUTE ORDER NO.2000-01.
BUSINESS SESSION
1. CONSIDERATION OF THE COMPREHENSIVE ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT F R
THE YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1999.
Finance Director Falconer introduced Ken Ali-Iman of Conrad & Associates who
gave a brief report on the FY 1 998/99 audit which shows City revenues
exceeding expenditures by approximately $6 million. He reviewed charts
showing a 20% increase in tax revenues over last year and a steady increase
in General Fund revenues over the last nine years. He commended the City for
receiving another certificate of achievement for excellence in financial reporting.
Council Member Henderson noted a minor correction on Page 1 5 and asked
what portion of the tax revenues are from property tax.
Mr. Falconer advised approximately $2.5 million is sales tax, $3.1 million
transient occupancy tax, and $700,000 to $800,000 property tax.
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Council Member Perkins voiced the need to keep a careful watch on the City?s
investments in LAIF.
MOTION It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to approve,
receive, and file the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the year ended
June 30, 1999, with a correction on Page 15. Motion carried unanimously with
Council Member Adolph ABSENT. MINUTE ORDER NO.2000-02.
2. CONSIDERATION TO AUTHORIZE A CALL FOR BIDS FOR CALLE RONDO
DRAINAGE CHANNEL IMPROVEMENTS.
Public Works Director Vogt briefly reviewed the project's history as outlined in
the staff report and stated staff is recommending the project be bid as two
separate projects one for the wall, dry well and pump, and the other for
landscaping.
MOTION It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Perkins to approve the
revised plans and specifications for the drainage portion of Calle Rondo Drainage
Channel; approve the revised plans and specifications for the landscape portion
of Calle Rondo Drainage Channel; authorize City staff to bid the drainage portion
of the Calle Rondo Drainage Channel; and authorize City staff to bid the
landscape portion of the Calle Drainage Channel. Motion carried unanimously
with Council Member Adolph ABSENT. MINUTE ORDER NO.2000-03.
3. CONSIDERATION OF A THREE-PARTY REIMBURSEMENT AGREEMENT WITH
STAMKO DEVELOPMENT, THE SPANOS CORPORATION, AND THE CITY OF
LA QUINTA TO INSTALL MEDIAN ISLANDS AND MEDIAN ISLAND
LANDSCAPING ON ADAMS STREET FROM AVENUE 47 SOUTH TO
AVENUE 48.
Mayor Pena announced he would abstain as he has consistently done in the
past and left the dais.
Public Works Director Vogt reported Stamko Development and the Spanos
Corporation have been conditioned to complete separate portions of a
landscaped median on Adams Street between Avenue 47 and Avenue 48 with
the remaining portion being the responsibility of the Redevelopment Agency.
Under the proposed Reimbursement Agreement, Stamko will complete the
improvements and be reimbursed by the City and the Spanos Corporation for
their percentages of the project. The City's portion will be paid through the
Development Impact Fee.
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Christine Clarke, 2205 N. Poinsettia Avenue, Manhattan Beach, of Stamko
Development Company, reviewed the footage amounts each entity is
responsible for completing and noted contributing percentages should be
changed as follows: City 21.19%; Stamko 27.12%; and Lake
La Quinta/Spanos Corporation 51.69%. She also voiced concern about what
it would take to increase the City's contribution should the costs exceed
$56,700.
City Attorney Honeywell noted the agreement calls for all three entities to
deposit their estimated amounts in an account that the City will monitor as the
work is completed and it provides for all parties to contribute an additional 1 5%
if needed.
City Manager Genovese suggested increasing the amount to $75,000 to ease
Ms. Clarke's concerns, noting the appropriation would not be a commitment of
funds and that staff will endeavor with Ms. Clarke to keep the costs as low as
possible.
MOTION It was moved by Council Members Henderson/Perkins to authorize
the City Manager to enter into a Reimbursement Agreement between the City
of La Quinta, Stamko Development, and the Spanos Corporation to install
median islands and median island landscaping on Adams Street from Avenue 47
south to Avenue 48 contingent upon the approval of the City Attorney as to the
form and wording of the agreement; and authorize the appropriation of $75,000
from the City Infrastructure Fund to be used as the City of La Quinta's
contribution. Motion carried unanimously with Council Member Adolph and
Mayor Pena ABSENT. MINUTE ORDER NO.2000-04.
4. CONSIDERATION OF MEETING DATES, TIMES, AND LOCATION FOR
COMMUNITY MEETINGS IN THE THERMAL AREA.
There were no changes to the staff report as submitted and on file in the City
Clerk's Office.
Council Member Sniff suggested a Council sub-committee take part in the
meetings, similar to what was done in Bermuda Dunes.
Council Member Perkins felt the entire Council should be present and suggested
holding a special meeting in the area.
City Attorney Honeywell advised she would look into potential exceptions in the
Brown Act for the Council to meet outside of City limits.
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After a brief discussion Council concurred to direct staff to schedule meetings
on February 7 with the Thermal Community Council at either Coachella Valley
High School or the Imperial Irrigation District Office at 7:00 p.m. and with the
Torres Martinez Indian Reservation representatives at noon. The structure of
the Council/staff group will depend on who the tribe and Thermal group want
to meet with.
5. CONSIDERATION OF KSL'S REQUEST THAT THE CITY OF LA QUINTA
MODIFY ITS POSITION ON THE PROPOSED NATIONAL MONUMENT
DESIGNATION.
Community Development Director Herman reviewed the new boundary map for
the proposed National Monument, advising the boundary is higher than the toe
of the slope in some oases and some residential units are within the boundaries
of the proposed monument.
Bill Havert, 45-480 Portola Avenue, Palm Desert, Executive Director of
C. V. Mountains Conservancy, stated the purpose of the legislation is to
enhance the likelihood of getting congressional funding to BLM and the Forest
Service and for acquisition of lands from willing sellers within the National
Monument boundaries. It does not preclude development. He felt any exclusion
of lands within city boundaries would leave the National Monument without any
real meaning and believed the legislation should be kept simple and with clear
focus to avoid having it die in Congress, which could result in the President
declaring it a National Monument by executive order. They are working with
Congresswoman Bono?s Office and other agencies to work out the issues
involved.
Jim Kenna, Manager of Palm Springs Office Bureau of Land Management,
agreed with keeping the legislation simple and felt it should not include a buffer
zone.
Steve Robbins, P.O. Box 1058, Coachella, of Coachella Valley Water District,
stated the District basically supports the National Monument designation but
cautioned that Federally-owned property usually precludes anything taking place
on the property, including water reservoirs. They feel it will make everything
more difficult to accomplish because of the higher environmental standards it
will create, and they encourage the cities to pay careful attention to the
boundaries and related implications.
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Dick Welsh, 50-505 Grand Traverse Avenue, voiced concern about property
rights and encouraged the Council to make sure all the bases are covered
instead of buying into the simplicity" thing.
Jacque Becker, 77-620 California Drive, Palm Desert, was concerned about how
the designation will impact 200 acres he owns in the Santa Rosa Mountains.
Mr. Herman advised Mr. Becker?s property is not within the proposed
boundaries.
Wayne Hancock, 55-920 PGA Boulevard, of KSL Land Corporation, urged the
Council to be concerned about exposure of developable lands adjacent to the
proposed National Monument and felt any approved legislation should address
what?s already happening in the area since the proposed boundaries are adjacent
to developable properties. He also encouraged the Council to withdraw its
endorsement of the draft legislation and reviewed changes they propose to the
legislation as outlined in Attachment 2 of the staff report.
John Gamlin, 41-865 Boardwalk, Suite 111, Palm Desert, of Coral Mountain
Development, commented on the potential economic impacts of having a
National Monument adjacent to developments and referenced the environmental
record related to the Eagle Mountain Landfill as a good example of what can
happen to a development when there?s a National Monument/Park nearby.
Katherine Heichel, 44-095 Calico Circle, felt the buffer zone may not be large
enough and asked for any future meetings where action is to be taken on this
issue to be held in the evenings so more members of the community can
provide input.
Council Member Sniff encouraged each speaker to forward their comments to
Congresswoman Bono's Office and felt any response by the Council should be
made after the draft legislation has been received. He suggested a continuance
to February 1.
Council Member Henderson was concerned about the City being on record
supporting something that no longer exists and the possibility of the President
declaring it a National Monument based on what the cities approved last April.
She also has concerns about the buffer zone and believed it?s critical for the
map to be a part of the legislation. She felt the City should continue supporting
the National Monument designation but not based on what was approved in
April.
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Mayor Pena continued to have the same concerns about the legislation he had
last April and noted the public is concerned about retaining access to the lands.
Council Member Perkins felt the Council should support the concept but
withdraw its support given last April. He wants to protect the mountains in a
reasonable manner and felt something should be done quickly.
Council Member Sniff read portions of the resolution adopted last April and
noted it's very generic and does not mention the draft legislation or a map.
MOTION It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to rescind the
approval given in Resolution No.99-50 and indicate support for the process of
input to Congresswoman Bono's Office to develop draft legislation for a
National Monument designation to go forward. Motion carried unanimously
with Council Member Adolph ABSENT. MINUTE ORDER NO.2000-05.
MOTION It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Perkins to direct staff to
bring back a progress report on January 1 8, 2000, regarding draft legislation
leading toward a possible National Monument designation. Motion carried
unanimously with Council Member Adolph ABSENT. MINUTE ORDER NO.
2000-06.
6. SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE 337
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 3.14, SECTION 3.14.010 OF THE
LA QUINTA CHARTER AND MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO AUTHORIZATION
OF SIGNATURES FOR CITY WARRANTS.
It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to adopt Ordinance No.337
on second reading. Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Henderson, Perkins, Sniff, Mayor Pena
NOES: None
ABSENT: Council Member Adolph
ABSTAIN: None
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STUDY SESSION
1. DISCUSSION REGARDING THE ART IN PUBLIC PLACES ORDINANCE
CONTINUED FROM THE MEETING OF DECEMBER 7, 1999).
There were no changes to the staff report as submitted and on file in the City
CIerk?s Office.
Council Member Henderson stated she was looking for support to remove the
Art in Public Places APP) fee from new single-family residential units and have
it apply to commercial projects only.
Council Member Sniff referred to the residential and commercial amounts on
Attachment 10 and was concerned removal of the residential fee would reduce
the program to little practical value.
Mayor Pena pointed out the commercial amount nearly doubled last year. He
was not in favor of completely eliminating the residential fee but suggested
reducing it 50% this year and next year on a three-year basis, which would
result in it being somewhat gone after the third year.
Council Member Henderson felt commercial growth will continue and keep the
program going.
Council Member Perkins believed Council Member Henderson has a point and
questioned the program accomplishing what was intended and where art pieces
would be placed if the City had them.
Mayor Pena noted some of the art pieces could be put in public parks. He felt
the Council should wean away from it, then decide whether or not to continue
the program.
In response to Council Member Sniff, Community Services Director Horvitz
reported the current balance in the APP Fund is approximately $320,000. She
noted, however, the Cultural Arts Commission recently allocated up to that
amount for the Civic Center Campus.
City Manager Genovese advised the figures in Attachment 1 0 do not include
actual commitments by developers.
Council Member Henderson agreed with cutting the residential in half.
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Council Member Perkins suggested commercial developers donate
playground/park equipment, etc. instead of contributing funds toward art pieces.
Mayor Pena noted the Civic Center Campus would provide an opportunity to use
the APP Fund and felt a total elimination of the residential amount would hurt
the program.
Council Member Perkins agreed to cutting the residential fee in half.
Council Member Sniff supported cutting the fee in half and taking a look at it
again next year.
Mayor Pena agreed.
Council concurred to direct staff to bring back a modified fee schedule.
Mr. Genovese stated staff will also provide an analysis on how a future
reinstatement of a higher amount might trigger any Proposition 218 or other
concerns.
REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
League of California Cities Council Member Henderson reported the Desert Division
has asked for input on the League's proposed 5% increase in dues.
Mayor Pena stated he did not have a problem with it.
Council concurred.
* ** * * ** ** * *
All other reports were noted and filed.
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
I. POLICE CHIEF REPORT.
Council directed staff to send a letter of appreciation to the Sheriff's
Department commending them on their efforts and performance during the Y2K
standby.
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MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS' ITEMS None
Council recessed to Redevelopment Agency meeting.
Council reconvened and recessed to and until 7:00 p.m.
7:00 P.M.
Council reconvened with Council Members Henderson and Adolph absent.
PUBLIC COMMENT None
PRESENTATIONS None
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING ON TENTATIVE TRACT MAP 27519 ALISO
DEL REY) TO ELIMINATE A CONDITION OF APPROVAL REQUIRING GOLF
COURSE SCREENING ALONG THE SOUTH BOUNDARY LOCATED ON THE
EAST SIDE OF DUNE PALMS ROAD AND SOUTH OF DESERT STREAM DRIVE.
APPLICANT: CENTURY CROWELL COMMUNITIES.
The Mayor declared the PUBLIC HEARING OPEN at 7:03 p.m.
Community Development Director Herman presented a verbal report as outlined
in the staff report.
Marty Butler, 44-180 Ocotillo Drive, representing Century Crowell Communities,
advised of concerns about moving forward while the property is still in escrow.
Council concurred to continue this item for 30 days.
MOTION It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Perkins to continue the
public hearing to eliminate a condition of approval on Tentative Tract Map
27519 Century Crowell Communities) for golf course screening to February 1,
2000. Motion carried unanimously with Council Members Adolph and
Henderson ABSENT. MINUTE ORDER NO.2000-07.
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2. PUBLIC HEARING ON TENTATIVE TRACT MAP NO 29457 A REQUEST BY
T. D. DESERT DEVELOPMENT FOR APPROVAL OF A RESIDENTIAL
SUBDIVISION OF 262 LOTS AND OTHER COMMON/MISCELLANEOUS LOTS
ON 277.9 ACRES LOCATED ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF AVENUE 48 AND WEST
OF JEFFERSON STREET IN RANCHO LA QUINTA.
The Mayor declared the PUBLIC HEARING OPEN at 7:06 p.m.
Community Development Director Herman presented the report as outlined in
the staff report
There being no requests to speak, the Mayor declared the PUBLIC HEARING
CLOSED at 7:07 p.m.
RESOLUTION NO.2000-02
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE SUBDIVISION OF 277.9 ACRES INTO 262
SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL UNITS AND OTHER COMMON AND
MISCELLANEOUS LOTS IN RANCHO LA QUINTA SPECIFIC PLAN 84-004;
TENTATIVE TRACT MAP 29457 T. D. DESERT DEVELOPMENT).
It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Perkins to adopt Resolution No.
2000-02 as submitted. Motion carried unanimously with Council Members
Adolph and Henderson ABSENT.
3. CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING ON GENERAL PLAN LAND USE ALTERNATIVES.
Mayor Pena noted this is a continued public hearing from November 1 6, 1 999.
Community Development Director Herman reviewed the updated Recommended
Land Use Map, and overlay map showing the City?s proposed designations and
land use designations of adjacent jurisdictions and advised the map has been
forwarded to the traffic engineer to begin the analysis.
Council Member Sniff suggested the neighboring jurisdictions be clearly
delineated on the overlay map.
Council concurred to continue the public hearing to March 7, 2000.
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MOTION It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Perkins to continue the
public hearing on General Plan Land Use Alternatives to March 7, 2000. Motion
carried unanimously with Council Members Adolph and Henderson ABSENT.
MINUTE ORDER NO.2000-08.
There being no further business, it was moved by Council Members Sniff/Perkins to
adjourn the meeting at 7:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
JUNE S. GREEK, City Clerk
City of La Quinta, California
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