1994 11 15 CC Minutes LA QUINTA CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
November 15,1994
Regular meeting of the La Quinta City Council on November 15, 1994 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, Perkins, Sniff, Mayor Pefia
ABSENT: Council Member McCartney
MOTION It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Bangerter to excuse Council Member
McCartney. Motion carried unanimously.
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA
Council Member Perkins asked that a Closed Session i?m be added to the agenda regarding an
emergency personnel issue that came up after the agenda was posted.
MOTION It was moved by Council Members Perkins/Sniff to add a personnel item to the
Closed Session agenda under Government Code Section 54957. Motion carried unanimously.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Bangerter to approve the City Council
Minutes of November 1, 1994 as submitted. Motion carried unanimously.
ANNOUNCEMENTS None
PRESENTATIONS None
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mr. Hayden Bower, vice-president of the Friends of La Quinta Senior Center, advised that the
Friends are requesting assurance from the Council that they will remain in control of the
equipment and furnishings they purchase for the Senior Center to protect their use. He
expressed appreciation to the City for building the Center as well as the $40,000 provided to
assist in furnishing it. The Friends have raised a like amount through fundraising efforts,
donating many hours for the purpose of equipping and furnishing the Center. Some of the
audio-visual equipment they have purchased is very expensive. They requested that only trained
personnel be allowed to operate the equipment and that the equipment be used at the Senior
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Center only. He said the Friends and the City Council have the same goals for serving La
Quinta's senior citizens.
Mayor Pena advised that staff is currently developing policies on the use of public facilities and
will take the Friends' concerns under consideration.
Mr. Wally Reynolds, 79-?60 Fiesta Drive, advised that the sewer line was recently extended
along Fiesta Drive and Roadrunner Lane in the Westward Ho area. The City arranged for
laterals to be installed at each lot for future connection, but each homeowner's hook-up cost is
approximately $6,000, which includes $2,000 that the City fronted for the installation of each
lateral. He asked the Council to consider establishing an assessment district to pay the City's
$2,000 portion, thus enabling residents to afford earlier sewer installation.
Mr. Cosper, Public Works Director, advised that the residents must begin the process by
circulating a petition in favor of the assessment district. He advised that road improvements can
be included with the petitioned assessment if the residents wish. Upon receipt of the petition
the Council can consider the assessment district and schedule public hearings.
Mayor Pena asked if the low-income sewer installation assistance program would apply to
residents in the Westward Ho area, once an assessment district has been established.
Mr. Genovese, City Manager, advised that the assistance program can be instituted in any
project area, provided they are low and moderate income units.
Mayor Pena asked if it's necessary to have the assessment district in place before applications
can be received for the assistance program or if it can be project-specific.
Ms. Honeywell, City Attorney, advised that staff will need to examine how the program is
structured to determine if it will only pay for the assessment cost.
Council Member Perkins suggested that a fact sheet be prepared for residents of that area to
inform them of the procedures necessary to form an assessment district.
WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE
Mrs. Juhola, Administrative Services Director, advised that the following additional
correspondence has been received:
1. A letter from Diners Club Matches regarding Business Session Item No.2.
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2. A letter from Planning Commission Chairman Don Adolph relating to Business
Session Item No.3 regarding The Village Task Force.
BUSINESS SESSION
CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF SPECIAL ADVERTISING DEVICE 94-058
TO PERMIT TWO TEMPORARY SIGNS ADVERTISING A HOLIDAY BAZAAR
AT THE NEW SENIOR CENTER. APPLICANT: FRIENDS OF THE LA
QUINTA SENIOR CENTER.
Mr. Herman, Community Development Director, advised that the Friends of the La
Quinta Senior Center have requested permission to locate two signs to advertise their
Holiday Bazaar". The first sign will be located on City property at Avenida La Fonda
and the second on private property at the comer of Highway 1 11 and Washington Street.
MOTION It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Bangerter to approve Special
Advertising Device 94-058 subject to the recommended conditions of approval. Motion
carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO.94-250.
2. CONSIDERATION OF TEMPORARY NO PARKING" ZONES AND SPECIAL
ADVERTISING DEVICE 94-055 FOR THE DINERS CLUB MATCHES GOLF
TOURNAMENT ON DECEMBER 5-11 AT PGA WEST. APPLICANT: IRWIN
KENNEDY.
Mr. Herrnan, Community Development Director, advised that the applicant has requested
approval of temporary No Parking" zones and off-site directional signs for the Diners
Club Matches Golf Tournament December 5-11, 1994. A permit to allow two event-
sponsoring inflatable balloons was also requested. He advised that the applicant's
requests are similar to previously-approved special advertising devices for other events
such as the Skins Games and Bob Hope Classic.
In response to Council Member Perkins, Mr. Herman advised that the Sheriff's Office
and Public Works Department have both reviewed the No Parking" zones request.
Lieutenant Denver Pittman, Riverside County Sheriff's Department, advised that the
event is similar to past events and he didn't anticipate any problems with the request.
RESOLUTION 94-70
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA
ESTABLISHING CERTAIN TEMPORARY NO PARKING" ZONES ON
JEFFERSON STREET, PGA BOULEVARD, AND AVENUE 54 DURING A
SPECIAL EVENT TO BE HELD DECEMBER 5, 1994 TO DECEMBER 11, 1994,
INCLUSIVE.
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MOTION It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Bangerter to adopt Resolution No.
94-70. Motion carried unanimously.
MOTION It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Bangerter to approve Special
Advertising Device 94-055 permitting off-site directional signs to the Diners Club
Matches Golf Tournament and approving the two additional devices inflatable balloons)
as requested, subject to recommended findings and conditions of approval. Motion
carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO.94-251.
3. CONSIDERATION OF AN APPOINTMENT OF A CITY REPRESENTATIVE TO
ATTEND A WORKSHOP/INFORMATION EXCHANGE MEETING WITH THE
LA QUINTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.
Mr. Genovese, City Manager, advised that a representative from the La Quinta Chamber
of Commerce was present and available to answer any questions.
In response to Council Member Bangerter, Ms. Dallas, Executive Director of the
Chamber of Commerce, advised that they are requesting a representative from both the
City Council and the Planning Commission, as well as City staff. The initial goal of the
task force is to get a first-hand information exchange going regarding development of
The Village. The number of workshops have not been pre-determined and the task force
will decide if they wish to meet semi-annually, annually, etc. at their first meeting.
Council Member Sniff felt that the City should appoint one member from the City
Council, one member from the Planning Commission, and the Community Development
Director to the task force. He volunteered to serve on the task force and noted that
additional members could be added if needed as the task force evolves.
Mr. Don Adolph, Planning Commission Chairman, advised that the Planning
Commission would appoint a representative to the task force at their next meeting.
MOTION It was moved by Council Members Perkins/Bangerter to appoint Council
Member Sniff, one Planning Commissioner, and one staff member from the Community
Development Department to serve on the committee. Motion carried unanimously.
MINUTE ORDER NO.94-252.
CONSENT CALENDAR
APPROVAL OF DEMAND REGISTER DATED NOVEMBER 15, 1994.
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2. APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE FEE STRUCTURE AND A
STANDARDIZED APPLICATION FORM FOR FILMING IN THE PALM
SPRINGS-DESERT RESORTS AREA.
3. APPROVAL OF EXTENSION TO TIlE WASTE MANAGEMENT CONTRACT
FOR THE RECYCLING BIN REPLACEMENT PROGRAM.
4. APPROVAL OF OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR THE ADMINISTRATIVE
SERVICES DIRECTOR TO ATTEND THE LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES'
NEW LAW AND ELECTION SEMINAR IN SAN DIEGO, NOVEMBER 30-
DECEMBER 2, 1994.
MOTION It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Bangerter to approve the Consent
Calendar as recommended with Item No.2 being approved by RESOLUTION NO.94-
71.
Regarding Consent Calendar Item No.3, Mayor Pena asked if there are any recurring
problems with replacement of the recycling bins.
Ms. Patty Sommerville, representative of Waste Management of the Desert, advised that
the program is monitored closely and there is no record of any recurring replacements.
Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO.94-253.
STUDY SESSION
1. REVIEW OF PROPOSED JEFFERSON STREET ALIGNMENT BETWEEN
AVENUE 58 AND AVENUE 62.
Mr. Speer, Senior Engineer, advised that the Jefferson Street Alignment Study was
initiated in May 1993 during the entitlement process for The Quarry development because
of some concerns voiced by the residents. The alignment study was paid for by The
Quarry developer. Workshops were held with the landowners to determine their needs
and concerns regarding the issue and a proposal was drafted that has been generally well
received. Upon Council's direction, a formal process will begin, which will include
Planning Commission and City Council public hearings.
He referred to a layout of the proposed alignment pointing out that a portion of the
property involved is Bureau of Land Management BLM) property and is considered
wilderness land. Roadways are prohibited on wilderness land, but Congress has agreed
to move the wilderness boundary back far enough to allow Jefferson Street to be routed
around the mountainous rock outcropping. Plans for the proposed Jefferson Street
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alignment have already been incorporated into subdivision plans by two large landowners
in their proposed developments.
The only current opposition is from the Bureau of Reclamation BOR). They own
property where the proposed alignment makes a sweeping curve at the west end of
Avenue 58 near PGA West and that property has been identified as a potential site for
a groundwater recharge basin. Staff will continue to negotiate with them.
Mayor Pena asked if the entire parcel is needed by BOR for the recharge basin.
Mr. Speer advised that further discussions with them need to be conducted to determine
their needs.
Mr. Speer advised that some of the landowners have indicated that they prefer Jefferson
Street to be two lanes. Based on the ultimate build-out of proposed developments in that
area through a traffic study, it was concluded that Jefferson Street should be four lanes
with the exception of a 200-foot portion.
Council Member Perkins expressed concern about the proposed four lanes being
interrupted by a short segment of two lanes and felt the street should be four lanes
throughout.
In response to Council Member Bangerter, Mr. Speer advised that there will be sufficient
reduction in the wilderness BLM land to not impact the alignment of the street.
Council Member Sniff concurred that the street should be four lanes.
in response to Council Member Perkins, Mr. Speer advised that the road width will
allow for a center-turn lane.
Council Member Bangerter complimented staff on a easily-understood report.
Council concurred that staff should proceed with scheduling public hearings for the
proposed street alignment.
REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
All reports were noted and filed.
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DEPARTMENT REPORTS
1. Mrs. Juhola, Administrative Services Director, advised that last year Council canceled
the first meeting in January due to the holidays, and asked if they wished to cancel it
again this year. She noted that City Hall will be closed for the New Years holiday on
Monday, January 2, which is the day before the scheduled City Council meeting.
Council Member Sniff preferred to go ahead with the meeting.
After some discussion it was determined that the decision to continue or cancel the
January 3 meeting will be decided at the December 6 meeting.
All other reports were noted and filed.
MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS' ITEMS
DISCUSSION OF CHARTER CITY STATUS.
Council Member Perkins, advised that Council had previously discussed considering a
charter city status, but decided to wait for the outcome of the City of Palm Springs'
decision to become a charter city. He wanted to know if the Council is still interested
in considering the issue. He suggested that the issue be placed on the ballot for next fall
if the Council is still interested and sufficient information has been obtained. He
supported pursuing its consideration.
Mayor Pena asked Council Member Perkins if he has received any positive or negative
comments from City of Palm Springs representatives regarding their charter city status.
Council Member Perkins advised that the only feedback he's received is that a city
pursuing charter statuS should make every effort to include everything needed in the
initial setup; any changes accomplished after a charter is adopted must be accomplished
through an election process. He believes that charter city status has benefits and
suggested that the issue be scheduled for a study session for Council consideration.
Ms. Honeywell, City Attorney, advised that her previously-prepared report would be
updated and distributed to Council.
Council concurred that the issue should be scheduled for a study session. Staff will
contact the City of Palm Springs to obtain information.
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2. DISCUSSION OF FRITZ BURNS PARK POOL SURVEY.
Mayor Pena abstained due to a conflict of interest and left the dais.
Council Member Perkins advised that he was appalled at the Council's decision on
November 1, to not review the survey regarding the Fritz Burns Park pool program and
also disturbed that the Council failed to recognize a Council Member's request to have
the survey returned to Council for review. He expressed concern that the survey is
scheduled to be distributed to the public without Council's review. He wants to know
if the public is being asked if they are willing to pay for the pool along with asking them
if they would like to have one.
He was concerned about spending the funds proposed for construction and maintenance
of the pool, noting that the maintenance cost amount alone could fund seven additional
sheriff deputies. He felt that the recent election should warn all public officials that the
public wants government to cut costs, reduce government. and reduce crime. The
planned pool construction will increase costs, increase government, and not reduce crime.
He stated that the City of La Quinta doesn't have a high crime rate presently, but
believed that it will increase as the City grows. He was also concerned about the City's
infrastructure. He felt that the City should consider the difference between what it would
like to have and what it needs. He believed that it's ludicrous for the survey to be
distributed without the Council's review.
Council Member Bangerter apologized if Council Member Perkins was offended relative
to the survey. The reason she believed the survey should go forward without Council's
review was because of the timecrunch, and the need to get survey results before
awarding the construction bid. She had confidence in the staff preparing the survey
because of the success of their other programs. The Parks & Recreation Department
staff are the ones working with the needs of the community and are qualified to know
what questions to ask on the survey. She believed that the Council should *?own"
whatever they put their stamp of approval on and the staff should not be placed in any
uncomfortable or compromising Situation because of any disagreement amongst the
Council. She added that the funds earmarked for the pool project were set aside for the
pool and cannot be used for police protection.
Council Member Sniff said he too had confidence in the staff preparing the survey. He
felt that La Quinta's children and families' needs are paramount; that public safety is
important, but feels that La Quinta is a safe city. The City must address many and
diverse needs that are costly to construct and maintain such as streets and public
facilities. He believed that recreational facilities are an important need of the
community; more important than medians and landscaping.
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Council Member Sniff advised that a portion of the pool funds were allocated from
Landmark Land Company to mitigate the loss of Jefferson Street and the access to Lake
Cahuilla aquatic area and must be used for an aquatic facility. The Quimby funds must
also be used for parks. The Council promised the residents several years ago, that it
would provide a diverse number of recreational services for the residents at the Fritz
Burns Park. He felt it is important and imperative to go forward with the project, noting
several responsive construction bids were received and those bids must be responded to
within 60 days. A survey was done previously, but the current survey is being done to
accommodate those who still have some concerns. He believes that the aquatic center
should be self-funding as much as possible without needlessly restricting its use.
Council Member Perkins believed that the Parks & Recreation staff is very capable, but
because the City Council has the ultimate responsibility and decision, they should review
something this important before it is distributed to the public. He said he wasn't
suggesting that the Landmark designated-funds and the Quimby funds be used for
anything other than parks, but noted they can be used for the betterment of the parks
themselves. He's not sure the City can afford the pool facility and because the actual
cost is still unknown, he's concern that it might become necessary to dip into reserve
funds, or funds for other purposes; thus putting staff in a difficult position. He made
reference to a previous comment by Council Member Sniff regarding the inability of a
current City Council binding a future City Council to current decisions. He felt that
times change and the City's promise to provide the public a swimming pool can be
provided by making arrangements with the school district for use of the high school pool;
thus enabling the City to find out what the actual needs are for a swimming pool. He's
not sure the residents are willing to pay additional taxes to provide a pool at the Fritz
Burns Park. The user fees charged at municipal pools never cover the total expenses
involved. There are many unknowns related to the pool use such as what days and hours
it will be open and what kind of aquatic programs will be offered. He's not sure the
City should continue increasing staff. The Parks & Recreation Department has increased
from one staff member a year ago to possibly seven to nine people to operate the pool.
He felt the pool will be an albatross that the City will regret.
Council Member Bangerter advised that Council will be able to discuss the aquatic
program, hours, etc. when the pool construction bids come before the Council. The
survey results are intended to help the Council to decide what programs are needful.
Mr. Genovese, City Manager, advised that the survey is scheduled for printing within
a few days. The survey questions are aimed at determining what types of programs are
needed.
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CITY COUNCIL REORGANIZATION
1 ELECTION OF MAYOR PRO TEM.
Council Member Perkins advised that last year he suggested rotating the position of
Mayor Pro Tern annually, but recommended that Council Member Bangerter continue
as Mayor Pro Tern for a second year.
MOTION It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Perkins to appoint Council Member
Bangerter as Mayor Pro Tem for a second term. Motion carried unanimously.
MINUTE ORDER NO. 9?254.
2. REVIEW OF COMMITTEE/BOARD ASSIGNMENTS.
Council Member Sniff asked if any Council Member would be interested in serving in
his place on the Chamber of Commerce Education Committee, noting that the meetings
are held at 5:30 p.m.
After some discussion, Council concurred that the seat on the Education Committee will
remain vacant for the present time.
MOTION It was moved by Council Members Perkins/Bangerter that all other
committees remain the same as the previous year. Motion carried unanimously.
MINUTE ORDER NO.94-255.
Council recessed to Redevelopment Agency meeting.
Council reconvened and recessed to Closed Session and until the hour of 7:00 p.m.
CLOSED SESSION
1. Conference with real property negotiator pursuant to Government Code Section
54956.8 regarding negotiations for proposed commercial development including
price, term of payment for property located at the southwest corner of Highway 111
and Jefferson Street Tim Ealey, negotiator for Midland Properties.
2. Conference with labor negotiator Tom Hartung regarding negotiations with the La
Quinta City Employees Association pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6-
Meet and Confer Process.
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3. Conference with legal counsel concerning potential initiation of litigation pursuant
to Government Code Section 54956.9(C) One Case.
4. Discussion of a personnel matter pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.
7:00 P.M.
PUBLIC COMMENT None
PUBLIC HEARINGS
TENTATIVE TRACT 28034- A REQUEST TO SUBDIVIDE 19 ACRES ON THE
NORTH SIDE OF AVENUE 58 AND 300' WEST OF MADISON STREET INTO
25 SINGLE-FAMILY LOTS. APPLICANT: NEIL KLEINE.
Mr. Herman, Community Development Director, advised that the proposed application
is to subdivide 19 acres into 25 single-family lots. The average lot is approximately one-
half acre, ranging from 19,000 to 43,000 square feet. The Planning Commission
recommended approval of the application on October 25 with no opposition present at
the meeting.
Mr. Neil KIeme, 78-710 Avenida La Fonda, the applicant, advised that they will provide
staff with a project name, noting the previously-selected name conflicted with another
project.
He asked Council to consider amending Condition No.19 which requires a six-foot-high,
solid masonry wall around the perimeter. The rear of the project borders the La Quinta
Sculpture Park which is enclosed with a four-board, equestrian-type fence. He requested
that the masonry wall be required only on the remaining three sides of the project, thus
allow viewing of the sculpture park and lake from the three lots on the rear portion of
the project. He advised that they will construct a central water retention basin as
required in Condition No. 28 and not continue their pursuit to have that condition
changed. He referred to Conditions Nos. 62 and 63 regarding the requirement for
continued monitoring of the project site for archaeological findings. Upon
recommendation of the planning staff, he hired an archaeologist, Dr. Chris Grover, to
do a Phase I archaeological study of the site. The purpose was to determine if there is
any evidence of archaeological findings on the surface of the site, history of
archaeological value on the site, or necessity for further procedures during the process
of the project. Dr. Grover's report states that there is no evidence, or history, of any
archaeological finds on the site and no further monitoring of the site should be required.
Dr. Grover has provided an additional letter which verifies that no additional monitoring
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is required. He asked Council to show that Condition No.62 has been completed and
eliminate Condition No.63.
In response to Council Member Perkins, Mr. Kieme advised that he prefers private lot
retention basins because he felt the lots are large enough to accommodate their own
basins. People buying large lots usually do so to get away from the housing-tract look
which usually has the large retention basin at the end of the street.
Mr. Herman advised that the perimeter block wall was required because the project is
identified as a private, gated-community which calls for security walls. He advised that
having a split-rail fence on the north side is a contradiction in terms, but staff doesn't
have any problem with modifying the condition. He advised that the City has never
received such a variance request before.
Mr. Herman advised that engineering staff strongly prefers a central retention basin as
opposed to individual lot basins. The condition as noted in the staff report is the
condition recommended by the Planning Commission.
Mr. Herman advised that the purpose in requiring archeological monitoring during the
grading process is because artifacts turned up by the bulldozer will otherwise be
disregarded. This condition is per CEQA requirements. This area is rich in
paleontology sea shells) and staff prefers to have that monitored to handle CEQA and
the environmental impacts of development in that area. He read a portion of Dr.
Grover's letter which advised that an archeologist should be contacted if any artifacts
turn up during grading. The required monitoring is not for the single-family house
construction but intended for construction of roads, retention area and any trenching for
utilities if needed.
In response to Council Member Sniff, Mr. Herman confirmed that staff was satisfied
with the conditions referred to as they are written in the staff report, but didn't have a
problem with modifying Condition No.19.
Ms. Honeywell, City Attorney, preferred the original language in Condition No.28 as
opposed to the modified language recommended by the Planning Commission.
Mr. Cosper, Public Works Department, advised that he is comfortable with the original
language or modified version of the Planning Commission; however, based on the lot
sizes, he felt the most suitable type of retention basin is the common basin, not private
individual lot basins.
Ms. Honeywell advised that the language concerned her because she doesn't want
developers to be misled into thinking that on-site, individual retention basins are actively
under consideration by Council when actually it is against the recommended policy.
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Mayor Pena advised that the policy issue could be discussed in the Joint Planning
Commission meeting scheduled later in the evening.
Ms. Honeywell advised that, currently, the City doesn't have a specific policy, but the
policy staff is trying to develop will require common retention basins.
Council Member Perkins asked Mr. Cosper how private lot, retention basins are
monitored.
Mr. Cosper advised that if private lot retention basins are allowed special conditions
would be placed on the project to ensure that proper design and maintenance of such
basins would be enforced through CC&Rs of the homeowner's association. The problem
with private lot retention basins is that once a homeowner fills his retention basin with
a pool, etc., his water is then pushed into his neighbor's property. The homeowner's
association can enforce the policy by requiring the homeowner to reconstruct the
retention basin, provided a pool hasn't been put in its place. If a private lot retention
basin situation existed, the City would require an irrevocable easement to allow the City
to maintain those facilities. He advised that the City of Rancho Mirage allows these
individual basins on minimum lot sizes of one acre and other cities have allowed them
on two-acre minimum lots.
The Mayor declared the PUBLIC HEARING OPEN. There being no one wishing to
speak, the Mayor declared the PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED.
MOTION It was moved by Council Members Sm.ff?Perkins to maintain the language
of Condition No. 19, requiring the wall; that the original language be returned to
Condition No. 28, and retain Condition Nos. 62 and 63 as-is. Motion carried
unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO.94-256.
RESOLUTION NO.94-72
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION FOR
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 94-283 FOR TENTATIVE TRACT MAP 28034
AND APPROVING THE MITIGATION MONITORING PLAN FOR THE
PROJECT.
It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Bangerter to adopt Resolution No. 94-72.
Motion carried unanimously.
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RESOLUTION NO.94-73
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, APPROVING TENTATIVE TRACT 28034 WITH REVISED
CONDITIONS; A REQUEST TO CREATE A 25-LOT SINGLE-FAMILY
SUBDIVISION.
It was moved by Council Member Sniff/Bangerter to adopt Resolution No. 94-73.
Motion carried unanimously.
Council recessed to Closed Session as delineated on Page 10.
Council reconvened.
JOINT STUDY SESSION WITH THE LA OUINTA PLANNING COMMISSION
A joint meeting of the La Quinta City Council and Planning Commission was called to order at
the hour of 8:00 p.m. by Mayor Pena and the roll call for the Planning Commissioners was as
follows:
PRESENT: Planning Commissioners Abels, Anderson, Barrows, Butler, Gardner,
Newkirk, Chairman Adolph
ABSENT: None
1. DISCUSSION OF REVISION TO THE CITY OF LA QUINTA SUBDIVISION
ORDINANCE.
Mr. Cosper, Public Works Director, advised that the City's 1982 adopted subdivision
ordinance is currently being reviewed for comprehensive revisions The purpose is to
bring it in line with the General Plan and Zoning Ordinance. On October 18,1994,
Council authorized staff to work with the consultant, NBS/Lowry, to complete a
comprehensive revision to the City's subdivision ordinance. He advised that staff needs
comments from the Council and Planning Commission to make the revisions.
Mr. Jim Morrisey, consultant with NBS/Lowry, advised that the revision process is
intended to receive initial comments from the City Council and Planning Commission for
the purpose of incorporating them into the revision of the subdivision ordinance, which
will be drafted and returned to the City Council and Planning Commission for review.
He reviewed the following:
* the overall subdivision ordinance revision process
* the document format
* issues and provisions to be included in the ordinance
* updating of the ordinance
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He advised that they have reviewed the City's General Plan and Zoning Ordinance and
participated with staff in a field trip of the City. The General Plan is the foundation of
the City's development decisions and the subdivision ordinance will reflect many of the
provisions contained within the General Plan, as well as be consistent with the State
Subdivision Map Act. An environmental review is also underway. He suggested
development of a review committee that should include one or two land developers. Two
public workshops will be held for public comments and a second joint Council and
Planning Commission workshop will be held to review the draft ordinance. He proposed
that two public hearings be held before the City Council and the Planning Commission.
He advised that the document format will be user friendly, but will be reviewed by the
City Attorney to ensure it meets state law. He referred to an attachment which showed
potential format modifications that will make the ordinance easier to read.
In regards to issues and provisions to include in the ordinance, he advised that some
additions are needed, such as vesting tentative maps, to ensure that the City Code is up-
to-date and meets the criteria of state law. He suggested the following provisions be
included in the ordinance:
* a list of potential development conditions required and optional)
* application and processing procedures
* special design issues
* health related criteria
* definitions
* an index
He advised that the ordinance will be on computer disk and can be updated by staff as
needed. He asked for comments from the Council and Planning Commission,
specifically on the city review committee and composition of that committee.
Council Member Perkins liked the idea of across the counter" information being readily
available as well as a one stop desk" concept and asked if those two ideas were in the
plans. He felt that the City's reputation will be enhanced if the process is made easier.
Mr. Morrisey advised that would require merging information from various departments.
A punch list" could be developed that would direct developers to the appropriate
departments and?or staff applicable to their development plans, as well as designating
contact people who have a broad knowledge of the various works of each department.
Mr. Cosper advised that staff will pursue establishing a one stop desk" concept.
Mayor Pena advised that the City had a one stop desk" staff person at the City's
previous facilities and asked what position handled that desk.
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City Council Minutes 16 November 15, 1994
Mr. Herman, Community Development Director, advised that the position was a
Development Technician and added that staff will look at reinstating that concept.
Mayor Pejia suggested that developers/homeowners be asked what aspects of the
development process they find cumbersome.
Planning Commissioner Adolph asked what parameters are used to define subdivision.
Mr. Cosper advised that it is any division of property or combining of property.
Planning Commissioner Adolph asked if one commercial parcel would fall into the
category of subdivision.
Mr. Herman advised there are two types of subdivisions; four lots or less is a parcel map
and five lots or more is a tentative tract map or a subdivision.
Mr. Morrisey suggested that the city review committee be a small working committee
of approximately seven members. He recommended the following as members: a land
developer, a second consultant, a past Planning Commissioner, and a staff member.
Planning Commissioner Anderson suggested that a member of the Building Industry
Association be invited to sit on the committee.
Mayor Pena concurred with having some type of representation from the
builder/contractor industry.
Council Member Sniff believed a nine-member committee would allow a more diverse
and comprehensive group.
Planning Commissioner Gardner asked how extensively the ordinance will be revised and
what the estimated timeframe is to complete the revisions.
Ms. Honeywell advised that it needs to be totally revised.
Mr. Cosper advised that the consultant is on a 200-working day schedule to complete the
revisions.
In response to Mayor Peija, Mr. Cosper advised that the next step will be to establish the
working group and schedule meetings.
Council Member Perkins concurred with Council Member Sniff that the committee
should include a minimum of nine members, believing all applicable occupations should
be represented.
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City Council Minutes 17 November 15, 1994
After some discussion, Council and Planning Commission advised that they will supply
staff their committee member recommendations at their next meetings.
Council recessed to Closed Session as delineated on Page 10.
Council reconvened with no action being taken.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
SAUNDRA L. J JUHOLA, City Clerk
City of La Quinta, California
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