1995 06 06 CC Minutes LA QUINTA CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
June 6, 1995
Regular meeting of the La Quinta City Council on June 6, 1995 was called to order at the hour
of 3:00 p.m. by Mayor Pena, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
PRESENT: Council Members Bangerter, Cathcart, Perkins, Sniff, Mayor Pef?a
ABSENT: None
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA
Council Member Bangerter asked that the report of the Cultural Affairs Sub-Committee under
Reports and Informational Items) be heard prior to the Study Session.
Mayor Pena expressed concern about maintaining consistency with the various reports
Following a brief discussion concerning this report not having been submitted to the Cultural
Affairs Commission, Council concurred on referring it to the Commission for a report back by
the Commission as possibly a busmess session item.
APPROVAL OF MINUThS
MOTION It was moved by Council Members SnifflCathcart to approve the City Council
Minutes of May 16, 1995 as submitted. Motion carried unanimously.
ANNOUNCEMENTS None
PRESENTATIONS
Mayor Pena presented Kerrie Fitzgibbons, Community Development Clerk Typist, with a plaque
expressing the City's appreciation f6r being chosen to receive the Employee Recognition Award.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Ms. Terry Henderson, 54-711 Eisenhower Drive, spoke regarding the Council's recent action
approving interim improvements at Highway 111 and Wasliington Street, pointing out that traffic
problems there would be relieved when Adams Street opens. She felt that interim improvements
were an unnecessary expense and inconvenience to residents since the Washington Street
widening project will take place during the 1995/96 winter season.
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City Council Minutes 2 June 6, 1995
WRITThN CORRESPONDENCE None
BUSINESS SESSION
CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST FOR FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTION TO THE
PEARL HARBOR SURVIVORS ASSOCIATION
Mr. Genovese, City Manager, advised that on April 18, 1995, Mr. Ken Landis gave a
brief presentation and asked for financial assistance to produce a docurnentary video on
the events related to the bombing of Pearl Harbor which will be used as an educational
tool in the local schools. He advised that the staff report provides additional information.
Council Member Sniff supported pledging financial assistance for the video, but
suggested that a contribution be contingent upon sufficient funds being raised to complete
the project and returned to the City if not.
MOTION It was moved by Council Member Sniff/Mayor Pena to approve a financial
contribution in the amount of $500 to the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association with
monies to be refunded if the project is not completed within one calendar year.
Council Member Perkins advised that he wouldn't support the motion for the same
reason that he recently didn't support a similar financial request by the Desert Holocaust
Memorial Committee. He felt that it was improper use of City funds.
Motion carried with Council Member Perkins voting NO. MINIE ORDER NO.95-
107.
2. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION DENYING WITHOUT PREJUDICE, THE
CABLE ThLEVISION Fl?CHISE TRANSFER REQUEST
Ms. Honeywell, City Attorney, advised that the City has received an extension to the
Transfer Request from Colony CableVision and recommended that the matter be
contmued to June 20, 1995.
MOTION It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Cathicart to continue the matter of
the Cable Television Franchise Transfer Request to the meeting of June 20, 1995.
Motion carried unanimously. ORDER NO.95-108.
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City Council Minutes 3 June 6, 1995
3. CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTMENT OF HONEY ATKINS TO THE
RIVERSIDE COUNTY FREE LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD.
Mrs. Juhola, Administrative Services Director, advised that on May 2, 1995, the Council
accepted the resignation of Myra Bohnenberger from the Riverside County Free Library
Advisory Board. She advised that Honey Atkins was recommended to fill the two-year
term position.
MOTION It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Bangerter to appoint Honey Atkins
to the Riverside County Free Library Advisory Board to fill the unexpired term of Myra
Bohnenberger with the term to expire June 30, 1997. Motion carried unanimously.
MINUTE ORDER NO.95-109.
4. TRANSMITTAL OF FISCAL YEAR 1995196 PRELIMINARY BUDGET FOR RE
CITY OF LA QUINTA AND THE LA QUE?A FINANCING ALYIliORITY.
Mr. Genovese, City Manager, advised that the Council needs to schedule a date to
review the Preliminary Budget.
Council concurred on scheduling a Special Session at 7:00 p.m. on June 22, 1995 to
review the budget.
5. TRANSMITTAL OF TREASURER'S REPORT DATED APRIL 10,1995 FOR THE
CITY OF LA QUINTA AND THE LA QUINTA FINANCING AUTHORITY.
MOTION It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Cathcart to receive and file the
Treasurer's Report for the City of La Quinta, dated April 30, 1995. Motion carried
unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO.95-110.
MOTION It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Bangerter to receive and file the
Treasurer's Report for the La Quinta Financing Authority, dated April30, 1995. Motion
carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO.95-ill.
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City Council Minutes 4 June 6, 1995
6. SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE NO.265.
ORDINANCE NO.265
AN ORDINANCE OF TRE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTION 11.72.030(0) RELATING TO OUTDOOR
BURNING.
It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Bangerter to adopt Ordinance No.265 on
second reading.
Council Member Cathcart felt that the ordinance was over-regulatory and advised that
he would vote against it.
Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Bangerter, Perkins, Sniff, Mayor Pefia
NOES: Council Member Cathcar:
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. APPROVAL OF DEMAND REGISTER DATED JUNE 6, 1995.
2. AWARD OF CONTRACT C?WIDE LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE
CONTRACT PROJECT LMC 9-96.
3. APPROVAL OF COUNTY SERVICE AREA #152 CSA-152) BUDGET FOR
FISCAL YEAR 1995/%.
4. ADOITION OF RESOLUTION ACCEFIING DONATIONS TO THE LA QUINTA
SENIOR CENTER.
5. APPROVAL TO UTILIZE UNUSED CAPITAL FUNDS FOR THE
INS TALLATION OF WROUGHT-IRON FENCING ON THE WEST SIDE OF THE
CIVIC CENTER.
MOTION It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Bangerter to approve the Consent
Calendar as recommended with Item No. 4 being approved by RESOLUTION NO.95-
34. Motion carried unanimously. MIN?? ORDER NO.95-112.
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City Council Minutes 5 June 6, 1995
STUDY SESSION
1. DISCUSSION OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN.
Mr. Herman, Community Development Director, advised that in June, 1994 a summary
of City/Agency fmances were presented to Council. At that time staff outlined a strategy
that involved near-term actions to meet immediate needs and long-term actions to
stimulate economic development and revenue growth.
Mr. Frank Spevacek, of Rosenow Spevacek Group, advised that the purpose of the Plan
is to embark on a program to identify the City's market niche in the Coachella Valley
and develop a strategy for proactively seeking those users to develop in the community.
In the Plan, users, market demand, and available locations will be identified as well as
infrastructure and revenue constraints that could impede the City's ability to accomplish
its goals. He advised that community involvement is a part of the Plan, obtaining input
from various community and business groups that are prime movers and shakers" in the
community. He advised that the City has an opportunity to establish itself in the valley
during the next ten years by capturing some of the development that's moving eastward
in the valley. The Plan will assist in creating a vision for the community, interact the
City's resources with that vision, and position the City to react to development proposals
and proactively seek them. He advised that other communities have retained existing
businesses, located regional malls, auto malls, recreational activities, and quality h6using
by creating a vision and proactively seeking it. The Plan will defme the City's mission
statement, vision, and goals and objectives that can be used to quantify the City's
progress toward achieving those goals.
Mayor Pena felt that the mission statement should communicate La Quinta's intention to
have a user-friendly atmosphere such as a fast-track permitting process which can be
accomplished in many ways, including delegating more responsibility to departments.
He also wished to include a goal for developing incentives to draw new businesses.
Council Member Bangerter felt that the Plan was a move in the right direction and
wished to see it go forward.
Council Member Cathcart felt that the Plan was too bureaucratic. He believed that the
City already has a vision and was concerned about recreating it to develop a market niche
that can change drastically in a short period of time. He suggested increasing economic
development by identifying the City's current development impediments, work toward
eliminating them, and create incentives for new businesses. He pointed out that The
Village Specific Plan exists, but fees are too high, parking is inadequate, and there's a
lack of infrastructure in the area. He felt that it was useless to identify users until
existing problems are addressed.
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City Council Minutes 6 June 6, 1995
Mr. Spevacek advised that existing development problems are an integral part of the
process. He advised that it's been unclear in the past what incentives were necessary to
attract developments such as regional malls and auto malls and the Plan will examine
zoning regulations, fees, development standards, etc. to determine if they are too
pr6hibitive to facilitate development proposals. The scope of the market study will cover
a five-year period, pinpointing trends in population growth and identifying commercial
and recreational-type businesses that have saturated the valley versus those still available
for capturing. He said that the intention is not to create a bureaucratic-process, but
rather to identify and obtain the markets available to the community, address the current
development impediments, and create development incentives.
Council Member Cathcart felt that solving current impediments should be a major part
of the Plan.
Mayor Pefia believed that community involvement will help identify those impediments.
He asked what the cost of the Plan would be.
Mr. Spevacek advised that the total cost of the Plan would be $75,000 with $30,OOO of
it being for the market demand consultant.
Council Member Cathcart felt that the market demand has already been identified and
was opposed to spending funds to reafftrrn the demand.
Mr. Spevacek advised that the demand wouldn't be reaffirmed, but the Plan would look
at the City's capacity to absorb that demand during the next five-year period. He felt
that it's important to fmd out what markets are in demand and the best way to channel
those markets into the City. A database will be created to enable participation in the
ICSC Conference or to have as a reference for viability when projects are proposed in
the City. He advised that the Plan will include information gathered through various
Council discussions during the last four years regarding what's economically desired for
the community.
Council Member Sniff advised that he gained some insight abeut economic development
planning as a Downtown Planning Advisory Committee member in 1985. He believed
that an overall vision is important as well as a vision for specific areas such as the
Highway 111 corridor for which no current strategic plan exists. He felt that Highway
111 and The Village are the City's primary commercial areas and significant
infrastructure strategy must be developed to make them viable business areas. He
believed that prohibitive costs make it difficult to promote new development in those
are as and that the City needs to assist with infrastructure costs. It may be necessary to
selectively seek commercial businesses because of the excess amount of commercial
business in the valley and the need for readily available consumers. He didn't believe
that the City is an impediment to development, but rather a business-friendly City. He
advised that a vision is useless without financing feasibility for new businesses.
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City Council Minutes 7 June 6, 1995
Mayor Pefia felt that financial consultants should be included in the community
involvement group.
Council Member Cathcart was concerned that the study would become too involved and
lengthy and suggested that community involvement be limited to one meeting. He
wished to see a study done to find out why developments proposed in the past never
occurred.
Mr. Spevacek advised that a previously-proposed hotel failed to develop because the low-
market demand for hotels made financing unfeasible. He stated that other projects could
be examined to fmd out why they were dropped.
Mayor Pefia suggested that developers who have developed businesses in the City during
the last five years, be contacted to fmd out what problems they experienced during the
process and how the City could have eliminated those problems.
Council Member Cathcart referred to the loss of potential businesses in The Village,
pointing out that a specific plan doesn't guarantee development. He didn't believe that
market demand was the reason that those potential businesses failed to develop
Council Member Sniff believed that lack of infrastructure and cost of land are the basic
problems.
Council Member Cathcart felt that the City should try to solve the problems that exist.
Mayor Pefia pointed out that businesses that currently exist in The Village are used by
local residents, but don't draw people from other communities.
Mr. Spevacek advised that destination-oriented developments don't exist in The Village
because conventional financing institutions won't approve loans for unique-type
businesses.
Council Member Sniff felt that it's imperative to receive inltial and continuing input from
the community and to develop a plan to get infrastructure in place, identify means of
financing, and fmd a way to draw consumers through some type of unique drawing
power.
Council Member Cathcart wished to see the infrastructure study be site-specific.
Mayor Pefia advised that property owners along the Highway 111 corridor have
expressed a willingness to develop infrastructure there through an assessment district
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City Council Minutes 8 June 6, 1995
Council Member Bangerter advised that many of the ideas mentioned here were included
in the staff report. She felt that it's important to create a basic vision with input from
people in the community who have been successful and can help the City form a success
story.
Council Member Cathcart felt that a vision should be a minor part of the report because
a narrow vision can limit your possibilities.
Mr. Spevacek advised that the purpose of a vision is to defme a goal for the City so that
accomplishment of that goal can be measured.
Council Member Sniff felt that broad visions provide a sense of direction, but must be
flexible to adjust to economic changes in the community. He felt that the Plan was good
and wished for the City to move forward and begin dealing with these issues, noting that
it's a very competitive field, and look to progress and solutions that are achievable within
a broad vision.
Mr. Spevacek advised that the Plan should be completed by December, 1995.
Council Member Cathcart wished to be careful about being too specific with a vision.
He advised that he dealt with four proposed developments within The Village that failed
to take place during the last three years because the Village Specific Plan, that resulted
from a vision, was so specific that it allowed food, but not cooking on property
proposed for restaurants.
In response to Council Member Sniff, Mr. Genovese, City Manager, advised that specific
plans for Highway 111 and The Village would be looked at once a vision has been
defmed in the Economic Development Plan.
Council Member Sniff concurred with Council Member Cathcart that the Village Specific
Plan has serious impediments and should be revised to be more practical.
Council Member Perkins cautioned that sometimes visions are impractical and
meaningless if the private sector doesn't benefit. He was concerned that there's a lack
of consumers to support three major grocery markets in the City, noting that those
developments resulted from a vision. He believed that a vision must be practical, both
commercially and economically. He felt that the Plan must defme what the City can do
from a practical standpoint and not be limiting.
Council Member Sniff felt that major commercial ventures develop in anticipation of
future business as well as current profits. He advised that businesses choose to take the
risk and the City's responsibility is to facilitate them, but not legislate their choice.
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City Council Minutes 9 June 6, 1995
2. INThRVIEW OF APPLICANTS FOR ART IN PUBLIC PLACES COMMIT?E,
CULTURAL AFFAIIIS COMMISSION, HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION,
INVESTMENT ADVISORY BOARD, PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION,
PLANNING COMMISSION, AND VOLUNTEER ADVISORY BOARD AND
C6NSIDERATION O? APPOINTMENTS.
Mrs. Juhola, Administrative Services Director, advised Council that Robert Frame would
not be available for interview for the Investment Advisory Board, but was still interested
in the position and Bruce Pelletier had withdrawn his application to the Human Services
Commission leaving only two applicants and three vacancies.
ART IN PUBLIC PLACES COMMfrThE
Council proceeded to interview the following applicants for the Art in Public Places
Comittee:
Susan Benay Elaine Reynolds
Michelle Klein Rosita Shamis
Mayor Pen a voted for Michelle Klein, Elaine Reynolds, and Rosita Shamis
Council Member Bangerter voted for Michelle Klein, Elaine Reynolds, and Rosita Shamis
Council Member Cathcart voted for Susan Benay, Michelle Klein, and Elaine Reynolds
Council Member Perkins voted for Michelle Klein, Elaine Reynolds, and Rosita Shamis
Council Member Sniff voted for Michelle Klein, Elaine Reynolds, and Rosita Shamis
MOTION It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Perkins that Sharon Kennedy be
appointed to the Art in Public Places Committee as the La Quinta Arts Foundation's
representative to replace Kay Wolff and that Michelle Klein, Elaine Reynolds, and Rosita
Shamis be appointed to two-year, at-large positions on the Art in Public Places
Committee effective July 1, 1995. Motion carried unanimously MINU.:IE ORDER
NO.95-113.
CULTAAAL AFFAIRS COMMISSION
Council proceeded to interview the following applicants for the Cultural Affarrs
Commission:
Honey Atkins Martin Langer
Susan Benay Archie Sharp
Steve Berliner
Note: Martin Langer was not present
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Mayor Pefia voted for Honey Atkins, Susan Benay, and Steve Berliner
Council Meniber Bangerter voted for Honey Atkins, Steve Berliner, and Martin Langer
Council Member Cathcart voted for Honey Atkins, Susan Benay, and Martin laanger
Council Member Perkins voted for Susan Benay, Steve Berliner, and Martin Langer
Council Member Sniff voted for Honey Atkins, Susan Benay, and Steve Berliner
MOTION It was moved by Council Members SniffiCatlicart to appoint Honey Atkins,
Susan Benay, and Steve Berliner to the Cultural Affairs Commission for three-year terms
effective July 1, 1995. Motion carried unanimously MIN'UTE ORDER NO.95-114.
HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION
The following individuals re-applied for the Human SeMces Connilion.'
Norris Bernard
Kay Wolff
MOTION It was moved by Council Members Perkins/Bangerter to appoint Norris
Bernard and Kay Wolff to the Huinan Services Commission for three-year terms effective
July 1, 1995. Motion carried unanimously. MIN'UTE ORDER NO.95-115.
INv]?TMENT ADVISORY BOARD
Council proceeded to interview the following applicants for the Invesi?ent Advisory
Board:
Robert Frame lee Osborne
Joseph Irwin Ernest Rodriquez
Thomas Lewis Dale Walter
Geoffrey Mott
Note: Robert Frame and Geoffrey Mott were not present.
Council directed staff to prepare an amendment to the Municipal Code expanding the
Investment Advisory Board to seven members and continued consideration of
appointments until the next meeting when first reading of the ordinance is taken up and
that the two applicants who couldn't be present for interviews be interviewed at that time.
Mayor Pefia advised that the Council would complete the interviews for the Parks
& Recreation, Planning Commission, and Volunteer Advisory Board at 7:00 p.m.
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City Council Minutes 11 June 6, 1995
MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS' IThMS
1. Council Member Perkins expressed appreciation for the gracious response received
from Stradling, Yocca, Carison & Roth regarding the change in attorneys.
2. Council Member Perkins felt that the City's development standards need better
definition to prevent developers from making independent changes such as those in the
Cactus Flower development.
3. Council Member Perkins advised that he has observed the traffic along Fred Waring
Drive near the Adams Street intersection and although the site visibility is good, the
speed of traffic is difficult to judge because of the dowriiill grade. He wished to see the
matter referred back immediately to the Traffic Engineer to pursue the installation of
traffic signals as soon as possible.
Mayor Pens suggested the placement of a speed monitor along Fred Waring Drive to
indicate vehicle speed to travelling motorists.
4. Council Member Perkins requested that longer mics be obtained for the dais.
5. Council Member Perkins advised that CVAG Committee members receive a per diem
payment for attending six meetings per year with a maximum of ten meetings being held.
He suggested that Council select a new appointee for the Traffic Committee, as he won't
be attending any flirther meetings without receiving a per diem because of the extensive
amount of time the meetings and research require.
Mayor Pef?a advised that he would make a recommendation to CVAG's Executive
Cornmittee that the policy be reconsidered.
Council recessed until the hour of 7:00 p.m.
7:00 P.M.
Note: Council Member Perkins was absent for the duration of the 7:00 p.m. meeting.
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City Council Minutes 12 June 6, 1995
STUDY SESSION.... continued
2. INTERVIEWS FOR PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION, PLANNING
COMMISSION, AND VOLUNTEER ADVISORY BOARD..................continued
PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION
Council proceeded to interview the following applicants for the Parks & Recreation
Connnission
Norris Beraard Carl Ingram
Dawn Brenneis Iyal Stinebaugh
Mike Davis
Note: Mike Davis was not present.
Mayor Pefla voted for Dawn Brenneis, Mike Davis, and Carl Ingram
Council Member Bangerter voted for Dawn Brenneis, Mike Davis, and Carl Ingram
Council Member Cathcart voted for Dawn Brenneis, Mike Davis, and Carl Ingram
Council Member Perkins was absent.
Council Member Sniff voted for Norris Bernard, Dawn Brenneis, and Carl Ingram
MOTION It was moved by Council Members SnifflCathcart to appoint for three-year
terms on the Parks & Recreation Commission Dawn Brenneis, Mike Davis, and Carl
Ingram effective July 1, 1995. Motion carried with Council Member Perkins ABSENT.
MINUTE ORDER NO 95-116.
PLANNING COMMISSION
Council proceeded to interview the following applicants for the Planning Commission:
Don Adolph
Dan Baxicy
Robert Tyler
Robert Tyler withdrew liis application and urged the re-appointment of Don Adolph.)
Mayor Pefia voted for Don Adolph
Council Member Bangerter voted for Don Adolph
Council Member Cathcrrt voted for Dan Baxley
Council Member Perkins was absent.
Council Member Sniff voted for Don Adolph
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MOTION It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Bangerter that Don Adolph be
appomted to a three-year term on the Planning Commission effective July 1, 1995.
Motion carried with Council Member Perkins ABSENT MINUTE ORDER NO.95-
117
HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION..................contmued
Council Member Sniff suggested that the Council consider Mr. Robert Tyler for the
vacancy on the Human Services Commission.
MOTION It was moved by Council Members Bangerter/Cadicart that Robert Tyler be
appomted to the Human Services Commission for a three-year term effective July 1,
1995. Motion carried with Council Member Perkins ABSENT. MINUTE ORDER
NO.95-118.
VOLUNTEER ADVISORY BOARD
The following individual applied for the Volunteer Advisory Board:
Norris Bernard
MOTION It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Bangerter that Norris Bernard be
appointed to the Volunteer Advisory Board for a three-year term effective immediately.
Motion carried with Council Member Perkins ABSENT. MINUTE ORDER NO.95-
119.
REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
All reports were noted and filed.
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DEPARTMENT REPORTS
B-i. RECOMMENDATION ON UPDATE OF ADULT ENTERTAJNENT
ORDINANCE.
Ms. Honeywell, City Attorney, recommended that, in light of case law during the past
couple of years, the City's Adult Entertainment Ordinance he updated. She suggested
that the matter he discussed at a Study Session on either June 20, 1995 or July 5, 1995.
Ms. Karen Holgate, 45-865 Pawnee, Indian Wells, Executive Director for HOPE,
advised that property for a proposed adult book store is currendy in escrow and she
understood that the La Quinta site was selected hecause the City's Adult Entertainment
Ordinance is less restrictive than other local cities. She asked if the recommended
changes to the ordinance will he commensurate with other local cities as well as County
and State ordinances.
Mayor Pefia advised that the Council wishes the City's ordinance to he as strict as the
law will allow. He pointed out that the City can regulate such facilities, but can't
prohibit them.
Ms. Holgate asked if operation hours would he addressed in the ordinance.
Ms. Honeywell advised that her recommendation will he to have standard regulations for
all such businesses, possibly including operation hours, as opposed to a conditional use
permit format.
Ms. Holgate advised that some communities have included the banning of nudity within
their ordinances while others have chosen to regulate it through interior design
regulations. She advised that liquor licenses aren't allowed when businesses allow total
nudity.
Ms. Honeywell felt more comfortable with addressing the nudity-ban issue under a
separate ordinance. She advised that existing uses are usuauy grandfathered-in.
Ms. Terry Henderson, 54-711 Eisenhower Drive, suggested that perhaps the Village
Specific Plan should he adopted for the Highway 111 area since it's so restrictive and
might he stronger than any adult entertainment ordinance.
Ms. Connie Baty, 78-900 Sonesta Way, advised that a newly-formed citizens group
called Citizens for a Quality Community are watching this issue very closely and will not
accept anything less than what the neighboring cities have done. She felt that it's
important to address this matter quickly and asked if the ordinance could he adopted as
an urgency ordinance.
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City Council Minutes 15 June 6, 1995
Ms. Honeywell advised that the Council would discuss the ordinance at the Study
Session. After the Planning Commission reviews it the Council can adopt it as an
urgency ordinance if they wish.
Ms. Laurie Shields, 44-185 Sonesta Way, advised that she went from business to
business gathering signatures and found that they are very concerned.
Ms. Lee Merriman, 51-345 Avenida Rubjo, was concerned about the growth of such
establishments once allowed in a City and the reduction in property values caused by
them. She supported the adoption of a stricter ordinance.
In response to an unidentified speaker, Mayor Pena advised that staff is currently
investigating a proposed adult book store. The proposed location could possibly be
within 1,000 feet of the high school and if so, would be prohibited.
2. REVIEW OF CONDITIONS AT THE INThRSECTION OU FRED WARING
DRIVE AND ADAMS STREET.
Mr. Cosper, Public Works Director, advised that staff completed a preliminary safety
investigation of the Fred Waring Drive and Adams Street intersection as directed by
Council on May 16, 1995 as a result of a fatal traffic accident at that location, however,
the traffic accident is still under investigation by the Sheriff's Office, so staff, 5
investigation has to remain preliminary at this point. He advised that a traffic signal
wouldn't have had any effect on the majority of the seven accidents which occurred at
that intersection from January 1, 1993 through June 4, 1995 as they were caused by
vehicles drifting into the curb area, a blown tire, driver inattention resulting in rear-end
collision, or failure to yield right?of-way. As a result of investigating the site distance,
it was determined that a vertical?urve rise exists to the west of Adams Street on Fred
Waring Drive, but a vehicle would have to be travelling at a speed of 85 mph during
daylight hours to hit a vehicle pulling out from Adams Street without being seen. During
the night-time hours, the calculation would change and result in a vehicle speed of 75
mph. This calculation was determined by using criteria as defmed in the Highway
Design Manual. He advised that the posted speed limit on Frel Waring is 45 mph with
a design speed of 55-60 mph and based upon their investigation, staff feels that the
current physical configuration allows for proper site distance in both directions. He
advised that a 48-inch stop sign has been installed, a STOP AHEAD pavement legend
has been added and. STOP pavement legends were repainted for northbound traffic on
Adams Street.
The Highway Design Manual requires that certain traffic studies be completed before a
traffic signal can be considered. Traffic counts were taken at that intersection on
October 4, 1994 and May 26, 1995 and resulted in insufficient counts to meet the 11
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City Council Minutes 16 June 6, 1995
warrants. Some of those warrants are expected to be met in the near fliture and it's
advisable for at least one warrant to be met prior to installation of a traffic signal.
However, further studies are advisable because unwarranted traffic signals can lead to
traffic delays on minor streets, sometimes resulting in drivers ignoring the traffic signal
alt6gether and still causing accidents. He felt that once the bridge is completed on Fred
Waring Drive and the traffic signal is installed at Fred Waring and Jefferson Street,
additional warrants might be triggered to support a traffic signal at Adams Street. He
felt that it's certain that sufficient warrants will be met following the completion of
Adams Street between Westward Ho and Miles Avenue and once Adams is opened up
to Highway 111.
Staff recommended that the intersection continue to be monitored and a traffic signal
designed that could be installed within 45 days once sufficient warrants are met. He also
recommended that a traffic signal at Adams Street and Miles Avenue be designed in
conjunction with the Adams Street and Fred Waring Drive signal.
Council Member Cathcart felt that the crossing lines for traffic stopped northbound on
Adams Street were setback too far, making it difficult for drivers to see eastbound
oncoming traffic.
Mr. Cosper advised that the limit lines are designed to stop traffic at a safe distance from
the cross street before the driver proceeds up to and through the intersection, but staff
will check to see if those lines can be pushed forward some.
Council Member Cathcart asked if the 7-second criteria would apply to such a wide
intersection to which Mr. Cosper responded yes.
In response to Council Member Cathcart, Mr. Cosper advised that a Cross Traffic
Ahead" sign would be inexpensive and could be installed along Fred Waring Drive near
the approach to Adams Street, but would have to be removed when a traffic signal is
installed.
Mayor Pena suggested the use of flashing beacons to caution drivers about the upcoming
intersection as well as arranging a loan from the City of Indio of their speed indicator
so drivers are aware of their speed.
Mr. Cosper advised that Sheriff patrols have been increased along that area and a speed
survey is already scheduled.
Ms. Barbara Irwin, 44-065 Camino La Cresta, advised that another traffic accident
occurred at that intersection on June 4th which involved five children. She pointed out
that the accident occurred in spite of staffs recent traffic control improvements and
although the intersection may be well-engineered, the traffic accidents continue to
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happen. She urged Council to approve a traffic signal at that intersection before someone
else is killed.
Ms. Kathy Sadri, 44-125 Ocotillo Drive, felt that a traffic signal should be installed at
that intersection if there's any chance at all that it would prevent a future accident even
if it doesn't meet the warrants. She pointed out that the surrounding area is growing and
she has great difficulty making a safe entrance from Adams Street onto Fred Waring
Drive heading west. She understood that funds are available for a signal and urged the
Council authorize staff to design the signal so that it can be installed as soon as possible.
She advised that many residents won't deal with that intersection, avoiding it by turning
right.
In response to Council Member Cathcart, Mr. Cosper advised that the traffic counts were
within 5-1O? on the four closest warrants.
Council Member Bangerter asked if it's possible that those counts will advance
sufficiently when older students begin attending the high school.
Mr. Cosper advised that it's possible, but felt that the greatest impact will be when the
improvements on Adams Street are completed.
Council Member Sniff felt that design should move forward on the traffic signal since
the warrants should be met relatively soon. He believed that residents in the area have
a legitimate concern.
Council concurred.
In response to Council Member Bangerter, Mr. Cosper advised that staff would install
flashing beacons.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Mayor Pef?a advised that Items No.5 and 6 on the Public Hearing Agenda would be heard prior
to Items No.1-4.
6. CONSIDERATION OF FEE INCREASE FOR WASTE COLLECTION, LANDFILL
DISPOSAL, LANDFILL CLOSURE, AND AB 939 COMPLIANCE TO BE
PLACED ON THE CITY TAX ROLLS.
Mr. Herman, Community Development Director, advised that Waste Management of the
Desert has requested an increase of 75% for waste collection services, the current
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$38.50 per ton pass-through for County landfill disposal and landfill closure costs, and
an increase of.05 cents per household from 29 cents per month to 34 cents per month
for the AB 939 Compliance Fee The annual assessment for each parcel will he $116.64
or $9.72 monthly. The AB 939 Compliance proposal will generate approximately
$110,000 in annual revenues leaving a shortfall of $32,000 which will he paid from the
General Fund. Proposed programs to he implemented are telephone book recycling,
Christmas tree recycling, ordinance modifications, local workshops with businesses, bin
replacement, etc.
He advised that Council could approve the proposed rates or modify them, but the annual
assessment cannot be more than $125.44 as advertised in the public hearing notice.
In response to Mayor Pena, Mr. Herman advised that the monthly rate increased by
$0.10.
The Mayor declared the PUBLIC HEARING OPEN.
Patty Sommerville, General Manager, Waste Management of the Desert, advised that
she was present to answer any questions.
Mayor Pena no?ed that the City's contract with Waste Management will he expiring next
year and suggested that talks begin soon regarding that renewal process. He suggested
discussion regarding variable can rates, automated collection and increased recycling.
Ms. Sommerville advised that she has written to the City Manager to hegin those talks.
Council Member Sniff questioned some of the details related to variable pricing and
referred to the possibility of a tnansfer station with a MRF capability and asked if the
contract will have to he amended to commit the waste stream to this process and Ms.
Sommerville advised that that will have to be looked at.
There being no one else wishing to speak, the PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED.
RESOLUTION NO.95-35
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALifORNIA, APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE REPORT PRESCRIBING
THE CHANGES FOR RESIDENTIAL PARCELS FOR CITY-FURNISHED
REFUSE COLLECTION FOR 1995-96 AND DIRECTING THAT SUCH CHARGES
BE COLLECTED ON THE TAX ROLLS.
It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Cathcart to adopt Resolution No.95-35 as
submitted. Motion carried with Council Member Perkins ABSENT.
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5. APPEAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION APPROVAL OF PLOT PLAN 95-552
FOR A SALES CENTER WITH MODEL COMPLEX ON THE WEST SIDE OF
PGA BOULEVARD, IMMEDIATELY SOUTH OF THE TENNIS COMPLEX AND
EIGHT NEW PRODUCTION UNITS FOR USE IN PGA WEST. APPELLANT:
BOB SARDELLA; APPLICANT: KSL RECREATION CORPORATION.
Mr. Herman, Community Development Director, advised that Mr. Sardella has filed an
appeal of the Planning Commission's action to allow a sales center and model complex
with a total of nine units with one to be utilized as a sales center. Access would come
off of a private street PGA Boulevard into a centralized parking lot. The proposed
units are one store, spanish mediterranean architecture ranging in size from 2,065 sq. ft.
to 4,542 sq. ft. The units comply with the compatibility Ordinance No.242, which
pertains to partially constructed projects.
The appellant believes that the project violates the CC&R's and has submitted documents
which he feels supports his appeal. In his appeal, he also talks about temporary
structures within PGA which have previously received approval.
Mr. Herman noted that the applicant has requested a modification to Condition No.15,
as submitted to Council, which the Fire Marshall has concurred with. Also, a letter has
been received from The Monarch Group stating that the PGA Homeowner's Association
and KSL have reached an agreement as it relates to the models resulting in five additional
conditions to the approval if the Council desifes.
The Mayor declared the PUBLIC HEARING OPEN.
Bob Sardella, 57-646 Interlachen, appellant, believed that the application is invalid
because the signatory is not that of the owner and he has been advised by City Staff that
the signatory did not have written authorization to execute the application. Additionally,
the application states that the owner is KSL Recreation Corp., while the public hearing
notice states that the applicant is KSL PGA West Corp. He then related the ownership
of various parcels as obtained from a title company. He felt that a major concern of his
is identifying who it is they are dealing with and who is resp6nsible for the development,
construction and maintenance of the land and who is responsible for paying their fair
share to the homeowner's associations, and felt that it should be equally important for
the City to know who they're dealing with. He felt that the application needs to be re-
submitted under a proper signature and by a proper applicant and should be in conformity
with the currently approved PGA West Community Plan, as well as maintaining the
integrity of the development as a gated community. He added that he has found no
provisions to grant an extension of time for the removal of temporary structures and no
provisions to allow more than one unit per lot without a surety hond being posted.
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Chevis Hosea, 56-150 PGA Blvd., Director of Real Estate for KSL Recreation Corp.,
advised that the proposed development actually upgrades the product at PGA West, takes
the sales and model home function of selling new homes at PGA West, and places it
along PGA Blvd., out of the residential neighborhoods, which would normally be an
imposition to the residential neighborhoods. Regarding the ownership issue, they have
27 entities involved in this company across the country with several of them being here
in La Quinta. The have subsequently submitted to the Community Development
Department, the proper ownership records and apologized for any inconvenience.
However, regardless of ownership, the issue before the Council is whether or not this
project is compatible and they believe it is. He added that they have no problem with
the requested conditions in the letter from The Monarch Group. He advised that there
will be a request to convert the sales center plot plan application into a residential
neighborhood at some point in the future and it is at that time, the residential restrictions
would be imposed and, therefore, hoped to avoid any additional conditions at this time.
In response to Mayor Pena, Ms. Honeywell, City Attorney, advised that the owner of
record can give permission to KSL Recreation, but it should be on file with the City in
writing.
John Sayre, Vice President and Corporate Officer of all of the entities of KSL
Recreation, proceeded to give authorization for KSL Recreation and its affiliates to be
the applicant for this submission.
Mayor Pena referred to Mr. Sardella's concern about the homeowners knowing who is
the owner of record to enforce the CC &R' 5 and Mr. Sayre advised that the appropriate
entity will take the position of recognizing the CC&R requirements that these units would
fall under.
Council Member Sniff asked if Mr. Sayre is empowered to give verbal authorization and
Ms. Honeywell advised that they should follow-up such authorization in writing.
A' Newkirk, 55-111 Firestone, felt that KSL has a lot of foresight and they are
committing a large investment to PGA West and he offered them the best of success.
Paul Chasey, President of PGA West Homeowners Assoc., said that they feel the
proposed products are compatible with what's existing and the scheme of araanging them
around the bye hole" is appropriate. Also, it keeps access to the sales center direct
from PGA Blvd. They do have some conditions they wished to see enforced when these
model units are ultimately sold as residences.
Bob Sardella, advised that Landmark owns a piece of property right in the middle of this
project and KSL can't give a waiver for something they don't own. The most significant
thing that has happened is that if they will go on record as standing 100% behind what
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is approved, then there is no problem. But in the meantime, there is the problem of
laandmark owning this piece in the middle.
Chevis Hosea advised that if records show that Landmark still owns a piece of property
there, then that's in error and will be straightened out.
Irwin Golds, advised that the preliminary title report shows KSL Recreation as the
owner, not Landmark.
JIni Saul, President of Residential Association No.2, echoed the comments of Paul
Chasey and called the Council's attention to the letter submitted by the three homeowners
associations which memorializes the agreements as they understand them that have been
entered into between KSL and the homeowners associations. They support what KSL
is doing at PGA West, but they expect them to be governed by the same rules and
regulations as the rest of the homeowners are.
Council called a brief recess for the City Attorney to review the conditions requested by
The Monarch Group.
There being no one else wishing to speak, the Mayor declared the PUBLIC HEARING
CLOSED.
MOTION It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Cathcart to deny the appeal of Bob
Sardella and uphold the action of the Planning Commission approving Plot Plan 95-552
with the following modification of conditions:
Upon sale of these models for use as single-family residences for use by third-party
purchasers, KSL will:
1. a) Complete the perimeter wall in front of the model complex;
b) Eliminate the entrance off PGA Boulevard;
c) Refurbish the PGA Boulevard median to its original condition;
d) Tie the street adjacent to the models into Cedar Crest, an existing street;
e) Armex homes and appropriate common areas into PGA West II Residential
Association.
2. Modification of Condition No.15 Paved road suitable for Fire Deparrment access
shall be provided within 150-feet of each building. Fire Departrnent access roads
in excess of 150-feet shall be equipped with a turn-around. All fife apparatus access
roads shall be an unobstructed width of not less than 12 feet.
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3. That KSL submit an authorization letter with the appropriate documentation as to the
owner of the property.
Motion carried with Council Member Perkins ABSENT. MINUTE ORDER NO.95-
120.
SPECIFIC PLAN 9?025, GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT 9?O47, CHANGE OF
ZONE 9?077 FOR THE GREEN CONSISTING OF 277 HOME SITES ON 331
ACRES LOCATED IN SECTION 29, TOWNSHIP 6 SOUTH, RANGE 7 EAST,
SBBM, EAST OF JEFFERSON STREET EXTENSION SOUTh OF AVENUE 58.
APPLICANT: WINCHESTER DEVELOPMENT COMPANY.
la. CERTIFICATION OF THE FINAL EIR AS ADEQUATE AND COMPLETE,
RECOGNIZING OVERRIDING CONSIDE?ONS TO CERTAIN ADVERSE
IMPACTS AND RECOGNIZING SIGNIFICANT, BUT MITIGATIBLE
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS DUE TO PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION.
lb. GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT 9?O47 FROM OPEN SPACE TO VERY-
LOW-DENSITY, LOW-DENSITY RESIDENTIAL, MEDIUM DENSITY, AND
OPEN SPACE.
ic. CHANGE OF ZONE 9?077 FROM HILLSIDE CONSERVATION TO
SINGLE-FAMILY R-1), MULTI-FAMILY R-2), AND HILLSIDE
CONSERVATION.
id. SPECIFIC PLAN 9?025 FOR A PROPOSED RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT
CONSISTING OF 277 HOMESITES ON APPROXIMATELY 331 ACRES.
MOTION It was moved by Council Members Bangerter/Sniff to take the matters
pertaining to The Green from the table. Motion carried unanimously with Council
Member Perkins ABSENT. MINUTE ORDER NO.95-121.
Mr. Herman, Community Development Director, advised that the proposed project
consists of 277 homesites on 331 acres in Section 29, east of Jefferson extension and
south of 58th Avenue. The project has not changed from the Council's previous
consideration. However, he advised that a new configuration of the Boo Hoff Trail has
been submitted which he proceeded to present and recommended that the applicant be
afforded the opportunity to consider the revised option as a mitigation in the EIR and as
a condition of approval to be agreed upon by both the applicant and the Community
Development Department.
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The Mayor noted that the public hearing was previously closed, but public testimony was
accepted, but would not be made a part of the public hearing testimony for this matter.
Hal Summers, 52-050 Madero, presented a map to clarify the new configuration of the
Boo Hoff Trail to bring it into the mountains and keep it away from traffic on Jefferson
Street, if it can be worked out with the developer and the Bureau of Land Management
and other entities involved.
Joan Taylor, 1800 South Sunrise Way, Palm Springs, representing the Sierra Club,
believed that there is a need for mitigation for the bighorn habitat and provision of
optimum trails access.
Bill HiI'Inan, President of Desert Riders and C.V. Trails Council, advised that their
concern was with the trail running alongside the roadway and if it can get away from the
street, it will eliminate maintenance problems for the City and would also eliminate the
safety factor. He added that the Trails Council will maintain the trail.
Craig Bryant, Applicant, suggested that the configuration of the trail be left to the
developer and the people concerned. He also asked that Condition No.6 be amended
to require the City to notify him 30 days prior to the expiration; that Condition No.88
be amended to include unless future ordinances passed by the City make this condition
unnecessary, also, said open space shall include provisions for necessary public utility
facilities
Council concurred on not making the requested modifications.
RESOLUTION NO.95-36
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE crrv OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, CERTIFYING THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT
PREPARED FOR SPECIFIC PLAN 9?O25 AS BEING ADEQUATE AND
COMPLETE; RECOGNIZING THE OVERRIDING CONSmE?ONS TO
CERTAIN ADVERSE IMPACTS; AND RECOGNIZING THE SIGNIFICANT
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS WHICH CANNOT BE AVOIDED, BUT WHICH
CAN BE REASONABLY MrrIGATED, IF THE PROPOSED PROJECT IS
IMPLEMENTED, INCLUDING THE ALTERNATIVE ROUTE TO THE BOO
HOFF TRAIL AS DESCRIBED BY THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
DIRECTOR.
It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Bangerter to adopt Resolution No.95-36 as
amended including the alternative route to the Boo Hoff Trail as stated by the
Community Development Director. Motion carried with Council Member Perkins
ABSENT
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MOTION It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Bangerter to support the approval
of this section of the composite General Plan Resolution noted as Item No.4 GPA 94-
047). Motion carried with Council Member Perkins ABSENT. MINUTE ORDER NO.
95-122.
MOTION It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Bangerter to take up Ordinance
No.266 by title and number only and waive further reading. Motion carried with
Council Member Perkins ABSENT.
ORDINANCE NO.266
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, REZONING CERTAIN PROPERTY WITHIN THE CITY AS
DESCRIBED IN CHANGE OF ZONE CASE NO.94-077.
It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Bangerter to introduce Ordinance No.266 on
first reading. Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Bangerter, Cathcart, Sniff, Mayor Pei?a
NOES: None
ABSENT: Council Member Perkins
ABSTAIN: None
RESOLUTION NO.95-37
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, APPROVING SPECIFIC PLAN 94?25.
It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Bangerter to adopt Resolution No.95-37 as
amended with a modified condition that the developer shall submit to the Community
Development Department, a detailed construction plan for an equestrian trail
accommodation into the project. The plan shall include access, signage, and detailed
design. The plan shall be approved prior to approval of any Tentative Tract Map. The
trail may be located in the mountainous area or along Jefferson Street. Motion carried
with Council Member Perkins ABSENT.
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2. SPECIFIC PLAN 94-026, GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT 95-049, FOR THE
TRAVERTINE CONSISTING OF 2,300 RESIDENTIAL UNITS, TWO GOLF
COURSES, RESORT HOTEL AND COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT ON 909i
ACRES LOCATED IN SECTION 3, 4, 5, AND 33 OF TOWNSHIP 5 AND 6,
RANGE 7 EAST SBBM. APPLICANT: TRAVERTINE CORPORATION.
2a. CERTIFICATION OF THE FINAL EIR AS ADEQUATE AND COMPLETE,
RECOGNIZING OVERRIDING CONSIDE?ONS TO CERTAIN ADVERSE
IMPACTS AND RECOGNIZING SIGNIFICANT, BUT MITIGATIBLE
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS DUE TO PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION.
2b. GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT 94-059 FROM LOW-DENSITY
RESIDENTIAL TO NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL, LOW-DENSITY
RESIDENTIAL, TOURIST COMMERCIAL GOLF COURSE OPEN SPACE.
2c. SPECIFIC PLAN 94-025 FOR A PROPOSED RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT
CONSISTING OF 2,300 HOMESITES, TWO GOLF COURSES, RESORT
HOThL AND COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT ON APPROXIMATELY 909
ACRES.
Mr. Herman, Community Development Director, advised that the proposed project
consists of 2,300 residential units, two golf courses, a resort hotel and a commercial
development on 909 acres located in Sections 3,4,5 and 33 of Township 5 and 6, Range
7 East. The staff report contains a summary of issues left unresolved as the previous
meeting on this matter. These issues concern the trails, bighorn sheep and the schools.
This evening, the Council received a revised issue relating to the trails and the
developer's consultant recommends that if a trail easement is recommended by the
Planning Commission, this trail easement may meander within the 300-foot setback in
order to maximize its aesthetic value. Regarding the bighorn sheep, the solution is to
implement the mitigation measures recommended in the fmal EIR. Relative to the issue
concerning the schools, the property owners have agreed to continue negotiations in an
attempt to substantiate an adequate and fair mitigation measure. Subsequently, the City
has received faxes from the attorney for the school district and from the applicant which
essentially states that Travertine has offered $2.72 per square fQot of assessable space for
the residential portions uf the project to be paid at the time of building permit issuance.
Whereas, the school district is proposing an assessment of $6.75 per square foot within
a five-category range with caps of $3,325 to $9,000. In addition, the school district is
requesting a two-week continuance to allow the district and Travertine to continue
discussions regarding the school mitigation. Travertine does not support a continuance.
The fmal issue relates to Condition No.104 re: arterial streets in which Council has
received the verbiage for such.
Mayor Pena questioned what the school impact fee is district-wide.
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Arto Nuutinen, attorney for Coachella Valley Unified School District advised that the
requested impact fee is for this project only and is not a district-wide fee. He advised
that they are requesting a continuance to continue discussions with the developers.
Mayor Pena asked the City Attorney if the project can be approved subject to the
developer meeting the law in place at the time building permits are pulled and Ms.
Honeywell advised that is the Council's prerogative. She advised that in accordance with
State Law, it's up to the Council to decide if, in making this legislative decision to
approve the zoning and specific plan and to be in conformity with the General Plan, and
based on the evidence, the Council has to decide whether they think the school's impacts
are being sufficiently mitigated or not, whether it's based on the State's-mandated amount
or if it requires more that's the Council to decide.
Craig Bryant, Applicant, advised that they have met with the Fish and Game people
since the last Council meeting in which the Fish and Game Department was asked to
modify its view of its demand for copious amounts of additional property for bighorn
sheep. This request came after it was revealed that there currenfly exists, over 300 sq.
miles for 130 bighorn sheep; the Fish and Game is not completely sure of the amount
of land available for bighorn sheep; and the Fish and Game is aware of the land
exchange. He noted that 160 additional acres in the Martinez Slide area has been
dedicated as a buffer area for the sheep and the developer of Travertine has agreed to
offer additional buffer area for the sheep even though he was never required to do so
when the land exchange was made.
Regarding the school district impact fees, a meeting with school officials was held with
school officials. He proceeded to review the impact he would expect to be made by this
project upon the school. He stated that the $2.72 per square foot provides reasonable
mitigation. In conversations with Travertine 5 attorney, the school district agreed to this
offer in light of the fact that $2.72 is within 2% of what the District wanted in their letter
of June 5, 1995. This represents a 60% increase of what is required by State law and
in the eyes of CEQA, is reasonable.
Mr. Bryant then reviewed the following requested modifications:
Condition No.7 Increase the approval from 4 years to 10 years in light of the
magnitude of the project)
Mayor Pena felt that a ten-year approval would be more appropriate in connection with
a Development Agreement than on a Specific Plan.
Condition No.22- That the minimum dwelling unit size be reduced to 1,400 sq. ft.
for detached units.
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Mr. Herman advised that 1,400 sq. ft. is the minimum for both detached units and
condominiums. Affordable units are allowed a smaller square footage.
Condition No.26 Second sentence to read This setback shall consist of a naturalized
trail corridor along the tow of the slope for hliing and equestrian
use, which shall be. within a 200' corridor.
Mr. Bryant felt that in light of the excessive mitigation that has already been given to the
Fish and Game Department that the open space setback be reduced from 300' to 200' and
that within that setback, that the boo hoff trail could be so aligned.
Condition No.35 Reduce the 300' to 200'.
Condition No.102 Suggested the same language as in The Green and suggested that
a detailed construction plan" be changed to a detailed conceptual plan".
Condition No.101 Asked that the school mitigation fee be established at $2.72 per
square foot.
In response to Mayor Pena, Ms. Honeywell advised that it's within the Council's
discretion to decide what should be required in the way of a school impact fee, but they
can elect to give up that right and require whatever the State requires at the time of
pulling building permits the Council could either require an impact fee as required by the
State at the time of pulling building permits, the Council just needs to fee comfortable
that they are adequately addressing the school's impact. She pointed out that the school
district need not agree to the impact fee decided upon.
Arto Nuntinen, advised that ordinarily, they would request that the condition imposed
on new developments be such that it would require the developer to enter into an
agreement with the school district rather than coming up with an amount before they've
had an opportunity to evaluate whether or not it's acceptable. He then referred to a letter
from the him dated June 2nd in which the impacts are broken down.
Mayor Pena advised felt that there's an issue of fairness, in that the same fee should be
imposed district-wide and not just units located in La Quinta.
The Mayor declared the PUBLIC HEARING OPEN.
Joan Taylor, 1800 South Sunrise Way, Palm Springs, representing the Sierra Club
proceeded to relate what transpired when the land exchange took place. Her
understanding was that it was a value to value" exchange. Furdier, she understood that
the 160 acres in the Martinez Slide area was deducted from the exchange value.
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There being no one else wishing to speak, the Mayor declared the PUBLIC HEARING
CLOSED.
Regarding the school impact fee, Mayor Pena contmued to feel that it's a matter of
fairness in that developments in the entire district should be paying the same impact fee.
Council Member Cathcart concurred and felt that the school district has not taken into
account the low impact that this development should have. It should have a lower impact
per household than in households in other parts of the district.
Council concurred on accepting the offer of the developer of paying $2.72 per square
foot with a cap of $6,000 per unit or the State required fee, whichever is greater.
In response to Council Member Sniff, Mr. Herman advised that the district is charging
$1.72 in other parts of the City to which Council Member Sniff felt that should be some
consistency and felt that the offer of $2.72 might be a dangerous precedent and doesn't
appear to be fair.
Council Member Cathcart commented that the developer is probably aware of the
precarious nature of the school district and their current problems, so they have offered,
in a good gesture, to overly mitigate.
RESOLUTION NO.95-38
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL dF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, CERTIFYING THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT
PREPARED FOR SPECIFIC PLAN 9?O26 AS BEING ADEQUATE AND
COMPLETh; RECOGNIZING THE OVERRIDING CONSIDERATIONS TO
CERTAIN ADVERSE IMPACTS; AND RECOGNIZING THE SIGNIFICANT
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS WHICH CANNOT BE AVOIDED, BUT WHICH
CAN BE REASONABLY MITIGATED, IF THE PROPOSED PROJECT IS
IMPLEMENTED.
It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Bangerter to adopt Resolution No.95-38 as
submitted. Motion carried unanimously with Council Member Perkins ABSENT.
MOTION It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Bangerter to support the approval
of this section of the composite General Plan Resolution GPA 95-049). Motion carried
unanimously with Council Member Perkins ABSENT. MIUTE ORDER NO.95-123.
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City Council Minutes 29 June 6, 1995
RESOLUTION NO.95-39
A RESOLUTION OF THE C? COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, APPROVING SPECIFIC PLAN 94-026
It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Bangerter to adopt Resolution No.95-39 with
the following modifications:
Condition No.26 changing buffer" to set-back" and changing that setback to 100-
feet natural and 200-feet wide golf corridor.
Condition No.35 changing 300-feet" to 200-feet."
Condition No.101 The greater of the State required amount or the City's amount of
$2.72 per sq. ft. for school impact fees with a cap of $6,000 per unit.
Condition No.104 addition of new c6ndition re: access)
Condition No.102 re: Boo Hoff Trail to read the same The Green, but changing the
words construction plan" to conceptual plan."
Motion carried unanimously with Council Member Perkins ABSENT.
3. CONSIDERATION OF GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT 95-048- AMENDMENT
TO REALIGN JEFFERSON STREET SOUTH OF AVENUE 58.
3a. CERTIFICATION OF THE MITIGAThD NEGATIVE DECLARATION.
3b. GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT 95-048 RECONF?(;URATION OF STREET
ALIGNMENT.
Mr. Speer, Engineering Supervisor, presented an historical perspective regarding the
realignment of Jefferson Street advising that it became an issue in 1993 during the
development of The Quarry. During the development entitlement process for that
project, landowners in the vicinity raised questions regarding the fliture improvement of
Jefferson Street. Therefore, The Quarry developers were conditioned to perform and pay
for an alignment study. That study was completed by The Keith Companies in
conjunction with public meetings attended by the landowners. He noted that mitigation
measures are proposed that will mitigate any potential significant adverse impacts to a
level that is less than significant. Therefore, a mitigated Negative Declaration of
environmental impact has been prepared for certification.
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City Council Minutes 30 June 6, 1995
The proposed alignment has been processed through the Planning Commission and they
have recommended approval.
Mr. Speer then proceeded to review the proposed alignment which attempts to balance
constructability with the interests of affected property owners, public agencies, and the
wilderness/wildlife proponents. The only outstanding issue known at this point is
obtaining BLM's consent. However, BLM will not comment on the alignment, or
consider providing the needed right of way until the City submits an application for the
right of way along with an environmental study prepared pursuant to the National
Environmental Protection Act, which the City is not prepared to do at this time.
However, there is a condition in the approval for the Travertine Specific Plan requiring
the developer to pay for the environmental study that the BLM requires.
He advised that the alignment as proposed represents the best consensus alternative
within the stated limits. It is the alignment desired by landowners in the immediate area
and provides a looped right-of-way network in this part of the City that works well for
utilities, public safety, and transportation.
The Mayor declared the PUBLIC REARING OPEN.
There being no one wishing to speak, the PUBLIC REARING WAS CLOSED.
RESOLUTION NO.95-40
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, APPROVING CERTIFICATION OF A NEGATIVE
DECLARATION OF ENIIIRONMENTAL IMPACT FOR ENVIRONMENTAL
ASSESSMENT 95-293, PREPARED FOR GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT 95-048
JEFFERSON STREET ALIGNMENT).
It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Bangerter that Resolution No.9548 be adopted
as submitted. Motion carried unanimously.
MOTION It was moved by Council MembersiBangerter that the Council support
approval of this section of the composite General Plan Resolution noted in Item 4 of the
Public Hearing agenda. Motion carried unanimously. MITTTE ORDER NO.95-124.
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City Council Minutes 31 June 6, 1995
4. ADOPTION OF COMPOSITE RESOLUTION FOR GENERAL PLAN
AMENDMENTS NOTED IN PUBLIC REARING NOS. 1, 2, AND 3 BY
ANNOUNCING FINDINGS, CONFIRMING ENVIRONMENTAL
DETERMINATION AND ADOPTING AN AMENDMENT TO THE LA QUINTA
GENERAL PLAN FOR GPA 9?047, 94-O?, AND 94-049.
The Mayor declared the PUBLIC REARING OPEN.
There being no one wishing to speak, the PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED.
RESOLUTION NO.95-41
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, ANNOUNCING FINDINGS, CERTIFYING A MITIGATED
NEGATIVE DECLARATION AND AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT
WITII A STATEMENT OF OVERRIDING CONSIDERATIONS, AND ADOPTING
AMENDMENTS TO THE GENERAL PLAN OF LA QUINTA.
It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Cathcart that Resolution No.95-41 be adopted
as submitted. Motion carried unanimously with Council Member Perkins ABSENT.
MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS' ITEMS
DISCUSSION OF APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS FOR REPEAThR FOR
VOLUNTEERS FOR INCREASED PUBLIC SAFETY PROGRAM VII'S).
Council Member Catbcart advised that the City may be receiving some forfeiture funds
and suggested that the Council appropriate some flinds to be used for a repeater for the
radios for use by the VIPS Program in the northern area of the City, with those funds
to be repaid from the forfeiture funds when they are received. He asked that this matter
be placed on the next agenda for consideration.
Council concurred.
Council recessed to Closed Session.
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City Council Minutes 32 June 6,1995
CLOSED SESSION
1. Conference with legal counsel regarding anticipated litigation pursuant to
Government Code Section 54956.9(B) one case).
2. Conference with real property negotiator Ned Millis pursuant to Government Code
Section 54956.8 regarding potential acquisition of property located at 77-885 Avenida
Montezuma Appilcant: La Quinta Historical Society.
3. Conference with labor negotiator Tom Hartung regarding negotiations with the
City of La Quinta City Employees Association pursuant to Government Code Section
54957.6.
4. Public Employee Performance Evaluation Council-appointed position of City
Manager pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.
Council reconvened with no decision heing made which requires reporting pursuant to
Section 54957?1 of the Government Code Brown Act).
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
DRA L. A, City Clerk
City of La Quinta, California
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