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2000 04 18 CC MinutesLA QUINTA CITY COUNCIL MINUTES APRIL 18, 2000 A regular meeting of the La Quinta City Council was called to order at the hour of 2:00 p.m. by Mayor Pena who led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. PRESENT: ABSENT: Council Members Adolph, Henderson, Perkins, Sniff, Mayor Pena None PUBLIC COMMENT - None CLOSED SESSION 1. Conference with legal counsel pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9, potential litigation, one case. Council recessed to Closed Session to and until the hour of 3:00 p.m. 3:00 P.M. The City Council meeting reconvened with no decisions being made in Closed Session which require reporting pursuant to Section 54957.1 of the Government Code (Brown Act). PUBLIC COMMENT Betty Baskin, 79-865 Pecan Valley, of PGA West Master Homeowners Association, referenced their letter requesting elimination of the sidewalk adjacent to the equestrian/multi-purpose trail along Madison Street. She felt in order to carry out the "shady lane" concept of the area, it should be removed from the approximately 30-foot-wide landscape area, Loretta Duffey, 78-477 Calle Orense, thanked Council for their attention to the need for a wall at the Montero Estates. City. Council Minutes 2 April 18, 2000 CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA Council Member Adolph requested Mayor and Council Members' Items be taken up after the public hearings. Mayor Pe~a requested an item be added as Business Session Item No. 4 regarding Council review of the Planning Commission approval of Site Development Permit 2000-667 for Plaza La Quinta. City Attorney Honeywell noted the issue arose after the agenda was prepared. MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to add as Business Session Item No. 4 the consideration of Council review of the Planning Commission approval of Site Development Permit 2000-667 for Plaza La Quinta as the need arose after the agenda was posted. Motion carried unanimously. APPROVAL OF MINUTES MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Adolph to approve the City Council Minutes of April 4, 2000, as submitted. Motion carried unanimously. ANNOUNCEMENTS - None PRESENTATIONS - None WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE 1. REQUEST BY PGA WEST MASTER ASSOCIATION, INC. FOR CONSIDERATION OF A STREET-LEGAL GOLF CART ORDINANCE. Council concurred to consider this matter during the continued public hearing on May 16 for the General Plan Update. CONSENT CALENDAR Mayor Pe~a requested Item No. 10 be taken up separately due to a conflict of interest. 1. APPROVAL OF DEMAND REGISTER DATED APRIL 18, 2000. City Council Minutes 3 April 18, 2000 TRANSMITTAL OF REVENUE AND EXPENDITURES REPORT DATED FEBRUARY 29, 2000, AND INVESTMENT SUMMARY FOR THE QUARTER ENDING MARCH 31, 2000. 3. TRANSMITTAL OF TREASURER'S REPORT DATED FEBRUARY 29, 2000. DENIAL OF CLAIM FOR DAMAGES FILED BY JOHN VANDERSLUYS, DATE OF LOSS, FEBRUARY 13, 2000. m AUTHORIZATION FOR OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR AN ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER TO ATTEND A TRAINING CONFERENCE GIVEN BY CALIFORNIA ANIMAL CONTROL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION AND STATE HUMAN ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA IN LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA, MAY 3-5, 2000. APPROVAL OF AN AGREEMENT WITH THE COACHELLA VALLEY ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS FOR THE VALLEY-WIDE TRAFFIC SIGNAL SYNCHRONIZATION PROJECT. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION GRANTING CONDITIONAL APPROVAL OF A FINAL MAP AND SUBDIVISION IMPROVEMENT AGREEMENT FOR TRACT 29657, NORMAN ESTATES II, L. L. C. (RESOLUTION NO. 2000-31) m APPROVAL OF A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL PROCESS TO PROVIDE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AND CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT FOR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM PROJECTS 98-19A, 98-19B, 98-19C, AND 98-19D, WITHIN ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 2000-1, INCLUDING THE VILLAGE PROTOTYPICAL STREET. APPROVAL OF A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL PROCESS FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES TO PROVIDE MATERIALS TESTING AND CONSTRUCTION SURVEY FOR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM PROJECTS 98-19A, 98-19B, 98- 19C, AND 98-19D, WITHIN ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 2000-1, INCLUDING THE VILLAGE PROTOTYPICAL STREET. 10. APPROVAL OF PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, AND ENGINEER'S ESTIMATE FOR PROJECT NO. 98-16, FRITZ BURNS PARK FENCING. (See action below) MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Adolph to approve the Consent Calendar as recommended and amended with the exception of Item No. t 0 and with Item No. 7 being approved by RESOLUTION NO. 2000-31. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO. 2000-65. _ . , City Council Minutes 4 April 18, 2000 Item No. 10 MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Henderson/Adolph to approve plans, specifications, and engineer's estimate for Project No. 98-16, Fritz Burns Park Fencing, and authorize staff to advertise the Fritz Burns Park Fencing project for bids. Motion carried with Mayor Pe~a ABSTAINING. MINUTE ORDER NO. 2000-66. BUSINESS SESSION CONSIDERATION OF TWO GRANT APPLICATIONS FOR THE SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL PROGRAMS: 1) INSTALLATION OF SIDEWALKS ON SAGEBRUSH DRIVE AND WASHINGTON STREET AND 2) INSTALLATION OF A TRAFFIC SIGNAL AT AVENIDA BERMUDAS AND CALLE TAMPICO. Management Assistant Casillas presented the staff report on the proposed grant applications. In response to Council Member Sniff, Public Works Director Vogt advised sufficient room exists on Sagebrush for a sidewalk and landscaping and that a small retaining wall may be necessary. Council Member Henderson suggested a four-way stop be installed at Avenida Bermudas and Calle Tampico on a temporary basis until a traffic signal can be installed. Mr. Vogt confirmed the intersection meets the required warrants. In response to Council Member Adolph, Mr. Vogt confirmed additional space will be needed to construct a sidewalk alongside the low-water crossing proposed for the Evacuation Channel. MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Adolph to approve two grant applications for the Safe Routes to School Program, one for installation of sidewalks on Sagebrush Drive and a portion of Washington Street, and one for installation of a traffic signal at Avenida Bermudas and Calle Tampico and prioritize the projects in order listed and direct staff to install a four-way stop at Avenida Bermudas and Calle Tampico at an early date prior to installation of the traffic signal. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO. 2000-67. City Council Minutes 5 April 18, 2000 CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 2.29, SECTION 2.29.040, ARCHITECTURAL AND LANDSCAPING REVIEW COMMITTEE, OF THE LA QUINTA CHARTER AND MUNICIPAL CODE RELATIVE TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION. Assistant City Manager Weiss presented the proposed ordinance amendment as outlined in the staff report. MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Adolph to take up Ordinance No. 342 by title and number only and to waive further reading. Motion carried unanimously. ORDINANCE NO. 342 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING TITLE 2, CHAPTER 2.29.040 (ARCHITECTURAL AND LANDSCAPING REVIEW COMMITTEE) OF THE LA QUINTA CHARTER AND MUNICIPAL CODE TO MODIFY DUTIES OF THE ARCHITECTURAL AND LANDSCAPING REVIEW COMMITTEE. It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Adolph to introduce Ordinance No. 342 on first reading. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: NOES: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: Council Members Adolph, Henderson, Perkins, Sniff, Mayor Pena None None None SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 341 City Manager Genovese advised of a minor change in wording in Section 9.50.020 to read as follows, ". ............ All buildings limited to one story not to exceed 22 feet in height." AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 9.50, SECTION 9.50.020 OF THE LA QUINTA CHARTER AND MUNICIPAL CODE RELATIVE TO RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS (HEIGHT LIMITS AND SETBACKS NEAR IMAGE CORRIDORS - ZOA 2000-065). It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Adolph to adopt Ordinance No. 341 on second reading as amended. Motion carried by the following vote: City Council Minutes 6 April 18, 2000 AYES: NOES: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: Council Members Adolph, Henderson, Perkins, Sniff, Mayor Pe~a None None None CONSIDERATION OF COUNCIL REVIEW OF A PLANNING COMMISSION APPROVAL OF SITE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 2000-667, PLAZA LA QUINTA. Mayor Pe~a felt significant issues were brought up during the Planning Commission meeting to warrant Council review of the application. Council concurred. MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Adolph to direct staff to agendize an appeal of the Planning Commission approval for Site Development Permit 2000-667, Plaza La Quinta, at the first or second meeting in May 2000. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO. 2000-68. STUDY SESSION - None Council Member Adolph left the meeting at 3:30 p.m. REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS Chamber of Commerce Workshop/Information Exchange Committee -- Council Member Henderson reported the Expo is scheduled for June 28 at the Hyatt. The Chamber is planning a fundraiser in the fall and is developing an ongoing working relationship with the auto mall to help in their promotion. Desert Resorts Regional Airport Authority -- Council Member Henderson thanked everyone for attending the Open House for the Desert Resorts Regional Airport Authority and stated she plans to suggest preparation of an annual report for distribution to the cities. League of California Cities - Riverside Division -- Council Member Henderson reported a suggestion was made to prepare a resolution of support to submit at the League of California Cities meeting in the fall regarding sales tax sharing legislation currently being considered by the State legislature. She stated there was no consensus on this issue and it was noted that individual cities are not precluded from presenting City Council Minutes 7 April 18, 2000 resolutions reflecting their positions. She felt this is a very complicated issue and asked for Council's support in directing the City Manager to appoint staff to research this issue and report back to Council. The League feels it's imperative for the cities to come to a meeting of the minds so they can take an official position. Council Member Perkins supported the City taking a strong position with its legislators in opposition to sales tax sharing. Council Member Sniff agreed and asked about the possibility of CVAG addressing the issue. After a brief discussion, Council concurred to direct staff to research the pros and cons of this issue and to report back to Council. Investment Advisory Board Minutes of March 8, 2000 -- Council Member Perkins asked for clarification regarding the percentage limitation on the City's LAIF accounts. Finance Director Falconer advised the Investment Advisory Board is currently reviewing the City's Investment Policy for 2000/2001, which is scheduled to be brought before Council on June 20. Council Member Henderson asked that proposed changes be marked in some manner to distinguish them from the current policy language. All other reports were noted and filed. DEPARTMENT REPORTS 1-B. POTENTIAL MEETING WITH TORRES-MARTINEZ DESERT CAHUILLA INDIANS. City Manager Genovese noted the Council may wish to discuss pending Federal' legislation to be introduced by Congresswoman Bono before meeting with the Torres-Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians. Council concurred to direct staff to prepare an analysis of the pending legislation and agendize it at an early date for discussion. City. Council Minutes 8 April 18, 2000 4-A. BUILDING AND SAFETY DEPARTMENT MONTHLY REPORT. Council Member Perkins requested clarification on the number of completed Code Compliance reports and commented on the number of animal control violations. In response to Council Member Perkins, Building & Safety Director Hartung reported the total completed number contains cases carried over from the last report. He stated the number of vouchers issued under the City's-new spay/neutering program will be included in future reports. Council Member Perkins complimented the Police and Fire Departments on their reports. Council recessed to Redevelopment Agency meeting. Council reconvened and recessed to Financing Authority meeting. Council reconvened and recessed to and until 7:00 p.m. 7:00 P.M. The City Council reconvened with all members present. PUBLIC COMMENT - None PUBLIC HEARINGS PUBLIC HEARING ON CONFIRMING ASSESSMENTS IN PROPOSED ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 2000-1 (PHASE VI) ORDERING THE PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS TO BE MADE AND DESIGNATING THE CITY TREASURER TO COLLECT AND RECEIVE MONEY. The Mayor declared the PUBLIC HEARING OPEN at 7:19 p.m. Public Works Director Vogt presented a staff report on the proposed Assessment District, noting the Engineer's Report reflects the actual amounts of bids opened through April 12 and that the bond financing amount should be City Council Minutes 9 April 18, 2000 changed to 82,690,000 to reflect the total of all bids received up to the present. He advised the ballot totals based on valuation of each parcel as of April 11 are as follows: Zone A - Village Commercial area: Zone B - Village Residential area: Zone C - Westward Ho area: Zone D - Saguaro/Sagebrush/Bottlebrush area: 68.35% yes 51.35% yes 70.33% yes 65.04% yes 31.65% no 48.65% no 29.67% no 34.96% no Mr. Dick Kopecky, Assessment Engineer with Muni-Financial, advised that 591 ballots were mailed and 295 ballots were received with the total vote count for the Assessment District being 59.65% yes and 40.35% no. The totals for the individual zones are as follows: Zone A - Village Commercial area: Zone B - Village Residential area: Zone C - Westward Ho area: Zone D - Saguaro/Sagebrush/Bottlebrush area: 61.43% yes 52.66% yes 68.91% yes 55.67% yes - 38.57% no - 47.34% no - 31.09% no - 44.33% no Mr. Vogt advised the vote is based on the actual ballots received. He further stated an Engineer's Report is anticipated for presentation on June 6, 2000, for the Undergrounding Utility Assessment District in the Village Commercial area (modified) and Westward Ho area. In response to Council Member Henderson, Mr. Kopecky stated the individual assessments will be approximately 17% less than previously estimated. He confirmed property owners will save 10% to 15% for early payoffs of the assessment billings, which will be mailed on Friday, in addition to the interest they will save over a period of 15 years. Audrey Ostrowsky, P. O. Box 351, questioned why the City has waited so long to do these improvements and why Federal funds have not been sought instead of taxing property owners. John Corella, P. O. Box 1058, Coachella, of Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD), requested removal of their four lots from the Assessment District and stated they are willing to enter into an agreement with the City to pay the assessment on the lots if the lots are sold and not used for well-site purposes. As it currently stands, they vote NO on the their four lots. In addition, he voiced concern about the plans not being approved by CVWD. Gerald Eagans, 1950 Market Street, Riverside, attorney representing CVWD, felt there's no benefit in having sewer improvements at the well sites and requested City. Council Minutes 10 April 18, 2000 they be exempted from the Assessment District. He stated they are willing to enter an agreement with the City for payment of the assessment plus accrued interest if the lots are sold. He felt the benefit to CVWD of having septic tanks removed and placed on the sewer system is negligible. There being no further requests to speak, the Mayor declared the PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED at 7:51 p.m. Bill Marticorena, bond counsel with Rutan & Tucker, stated he feels there"s sufficient special benefit to CVWD's four lots to justify the assessment and that the lots should be viewed as developable lots as they currently exist. He advised exempting the lots would necessitate re-starting the process because the $16,000 - $18,000 cost would have to be spread through the entire Assessment District, unless funds in that amount are placed in the construction fund to maintain the parity of the existing levels. He stated under Proposition 218 if Council determines CVWD's lots will receive a special benefit from the sewer improvements then the lots should be treated consistently with how private property is treated. In response to Council Member Perkins, Mr. Marticorena confirmed removing the four lots from the Assessment District would not affect the bulk of the construction costs. He further noted it is possible with the cost decreases that .spreading the costs for these four lots would not increase the assessment amount beyond what was noticed to the property owner and re-noticing may not be necessary. A brief discussion ensued and Council concurred that CVWD's four lots will receive special benefit from the sewer improvements and that the Assessment District should move forward. Council Member Adolph was concerned about the property owners who voted against the Assessment District and felt the City should help subsidize the sewer improvement costs. Council Member Sniff did not feel it would be appropriate, noting previous Assessment Districts were not subsidized by the City. Council Members Henderson and Perkins and Mayor Peffa concurred. MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Perkins to remove the persmeter wall proposed for Saguaro, Sagebrush, and Bottlebrush from the Engineer's Report and modify the Engineer's Report accordingly. City Council Minutes 11 April 18, 2000 Council Member Henderson expressed regret to the property owners for the confusion about the wall costs which will now be handled through Development Impact Fees. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO. 2000-69. RESOLUTION NO. 2000-32 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA, CONFIRMING ASSESSMENTS IN PROPOSED ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 2000-1 (PHASE VI), ORDERING THE PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS TO BE MADE AND DESIGNATING THE CITY TREASURER TO COLLECT AND RECEIVE MONEY. It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to adopt Resolution No. 2000-32 as amended (changing the maximum amount of the proposed assessment to $2,690,000). Motion carried unanimously. Council Member Henderson noted the City will be considering a mini-park in the Saguaro/Bottlebrush/Sagebrush area and is applying for grant funds to construct a sidewalk. An unidentified resident spoke regarding Saguaro and Bottlebrush becoming cul-de-sac streets and voiced concern about insufficient ingress/egress. Mayor Pe~a advised staff will take a look at it. PUBLIC HEARING ON TRACT 27519, REVISION NO. 2, TO ELIMINATE A CONDITION OF APPROVAL REQUIRING EXISTING EUCALYPTUS TREES TO REMAIN ON SINGLE FAMILY LOTS 38-42 AND AMEND THE FINAL MAP TO ELIMINATE A CITY LANDSCAPE EASEMENT FROM A 70-LOT SINGLE FAMILY SUBDIVISION (ALlSO DEL REY) LOCATED ON THE EAST SIDE OF DUNE PALMS ROAD AND SOUTH OF DESERT STREAM DRIVE. APPLICANT: CENTURY CROWELL COMMUNITIES. The Mayor declared the PUBLIC HEARING OPEN at 8:14 p.m. Mayor Peffa stated he would not be participating on this item and left the dais. Planning Manager di Iorio presented the staff report and advised staff is recommending Alternative #3 as outlined in the report. City Council Minutes 12 April 18, 2000 Tom Mulcahey, 79-350 Desert Rock Court, urged Council to retain the trees and voiced concern about the increased traffic on Dune Palms Road. He felt the development should have an additional access. Marty Butler, 44-180 Ocotillo Drive, representing Century Crowell Communities, stated they support the analysis provided by Mr. Gonzales, the Certified Arborist retained by the City. She said her company is concerned about the liability issues related to the trees. In response to Council Member Adolph, Ms. Butler confirmed the development will have exits on Westward Ho Drive and Dune Palms Road. There being no other requests to speak, the Mayor Pro Tem declared the PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED at 8:26 p.m. City Attorney Honeywell advised the requested amendment allows Council to look at issues related to the particular condition but not to impose conditions that might cause a financial hardship to the developer. Council Member Adolph questioned the Arborist's analysis that the trees need deep watering twice a month, noting they have existed for 70 years without it. He supported staff's recommendation for Alternative #3. Council Member Henderson also supported Alternative #3. Mayor Pro Tem Sniff stated he, too, questions the Arborist's analysis and wishes to see as many trees as possible retained. He supported staff's recommendation. RESOLUTION NO. 2000-33 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA, DENYING A REQUEST TO ELIMINATE EXISTING EUCALYPTUS TREES FROM BEHIND SINGLE FAMILY LOTS 38-42 AND APPROVAL TO RECONVEY A CITY LANDSCAPE EASEMENT TO THE HOMEOWNERS' ASSOCIATION FOR TRACT 27519 (REVISION #2) LOCATED ON THE WEST SIDE OF DUNE PALMS ROAD APPROXIMATELY 100 FEET SOUTH OF DESERT STREAM DRIVE (CENTURY CROWELL COMMUNITIES). It was moved by Council Members Henderson/Adolph to adopt Resolution No. 2000~33 as submitted. City Council Minutes 13 April 18, 2000 Council Member Henderson stated she also wishes to see as many trees saved as possible. Motion carried unanimously with Mayor Pe~a ABSENT. PUBLIC HEARING ON TENTATIVE TRACT 29624, A REQUEST TO SUBDIVIDE 2.44 ACRES INTO 10 SINGLE FAMILY LOTS, THREE LANDSCAPE LOTS, AND A PRIVATE STREET LOT LOCATED ON THE EAST SIDE OF ADAMS STREET APPROXIMATELY 360 FEET NORTH OF MILES AVENUE. APPLICANT: WORLD DEVELOPMENT. The Mayor declared the PUBLIC HEARING OPEN at 8:36 p.m. Planning Manager di Iorio presented the staff report. In response to Council Member Adolph, Ms. di Iorio stated the wall facing Adams Street coincides with the pre-school wall to the south and that Condition No. 55 provides two options for constructing the retaining walls on the east side. In response to Council Member Henderson, Ms. di Iorio confirmed the applicant contacted several adjacent property owners regarding the retaining wall on the east side and the majority contacted support putting block on top of the retaining wall. Bruce Mercy, 79-080 Ladera Drive, questioned why a private gated street would be allowed at the end of a residential area and why the Planning Commission rejected the developer's alternative site plan which placed the access on Adams Street. He also questioned why Quinterra homeowners have no say in the plans for the new development and yet they will be using Quinterra's drainage and entrance. He stated he paid a premium price to have a lot at the end of the street and was assured the wall at Ladera Drive would not be torn down. He was concerned the noise from the motorized gate would affect the property value of his home and noted the developer's survey did not include the residents who live on the affected street. Nell Ludlam, 79-130 Ladera Drive, questioned why the proposed development would not be subject to the CC&Rs of the Quinterra homeowners association and urged Council to refer the project back to the Planning Commission and recommend they take a second look at the Adams Street access plan. City. Council Minutes 14 April 18, 2000 Alex Londos, 79-090 Ladera Drive, stated it was his understanding, when he purchased his home, that a church was proposed on the adjacent property and that Ladera Drive would not be a through street. He has some concerns about extension of the wall and questioned why survey information was presented at the Planning Commission after the public comment period had ended and affected residents were not allowed to rebut it. Jennifer Phelps, 79-110 Ladera Drive, spoke in opposition to Ladera Drive being a through street. Ken Stittsworth, 74-111 Highway 111, Palm Desert, representing World Development, stated they went to 75 homes for the survey and received 41 signatures in support of the proposed development. The homes in the proposed development will start at $219,000 and range from 2,100 sq. ft. to 2,500 sq. ft. and will have three-car garages. As for compatibility, he stated the theme is almost identical to the original Quinterra development. The entry gate will be recessed into the development and a turn-around area will be provided. He advised the Adams Street access design was drafted at the request of staff and was never considered an alternative plan. That plan requires a 9% grade into the project and increases the lot elevations next to the existing development four to five feet. He noted Ladera Drive was planned as a through street under the original Quinterra plans. He added that all construction traffic will enter from Adams Street. In response to Council Member Perkins. Mr. Stittsworth stated the entry gate, which is recessed approximately 30-35 feet, was added to slow traffic in response to a homeowner's concern about her children's safety. In response to Council Member Henderson, Ms. di Iorio confirmed the elevation difference with the Adams Street access plan is closer to three feet. Council Member Sniff questioned why the Adams Street access plan would not work if it will work during construction. Mr. Stittsworth stated the temporary access will not impact the lot elevations. He also felt the Adams Street access plan would create more opposition because of the raised elevations and increased traffic on Adams Street. In response to Mayor Pe~a, Ms. di Iorio advised the grade elevation at Adams Street is 90 feet and the elevation of the street at the cul-de-sac is 81 feet, which' covers a distance of approximately 250 feet. City Council Minutes 15 April 18, 2000 In response to Council Member Sniff, Mr. Stittsworth stated Adams Street is not the most desirable access to the project. Jim Snellenberger, 79-720 Iris Court, of World Development, stated his firm will do the project as staff directs but pointed out that staff has concerns about adding an additional access on Adams Street. He then reviewed the existing and proposed accesses along Adams Street. In response to Council Member Sniff, Public Works Director Vogt advised the accesses on Adams Street are full-movement accesses. As for the Adams Street access plan, he noted there are challenges such as: adding an additional access onto Adams Street; a steep grade at the entrance; close proximity to a major intersection (Miles Avenue); additional fill would be required; the back wall would become a partial retaining wall; and the lot elevations would be increased. Mayor Pefia asked about the possibility of sharing an access on Adams Street with the pre-school. Mr. Snellenberger stated they were told the City does not allow residential developments to share an access with commercial projects. In response to Council Member Perkins, Mr. Snellenberger stated one of the house plans is identical to one used in the original Quinterra tract. In response to Council Member Adolph, Mr. Vogt confirmed drainage from the site is required to use the existing retention basin. In response to Mayor Pefia, Ms. di Iorio advised the conditions of approval for the Quinterra tract map, approved in 1993, call for a temporary closure of Ladera Drive. A church was previously proposed for this property and the site plan did not call for access onto Ladera Drive but that plan expired. James Phelps, 79-110 Ladera Drive, noted the residents who signed the developer's survey live three to four blocks away from Ladera Drive. Mr. Mercy asked if the gate is required in order for the proposed development to have narrower streets without sidewalks. City Attorney Honeywell advised the development is designed for private streets and will have its own homeowners association but is not required to have a gate. She added the gate was added as a traffic-calming measure. City Council Minutes 16 April 18, 2000 Mr. Mercy asked the Council to continue this matter and direct staff to bring back other options. Mayor Pefia asked if the applicant would be agreeable to a continuance in order to work out some of the issues with the homeowners. Mr. Snellenberger felt the Planning Commission hearings were for that purpose and stated they did not contact residents on Ladera Drive because they knew the residents were upset and did not wish to get into a confrontation with them. Mr. Ludlam suggested if the access remains off of Ladera Drive, the new tract should be legally merged with the Quinterra tract so the CC&Rs cover both areas and there's a mutual obligation. There being no further requests to speak, the Mayor declared the PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED at 9:47 p.m. Council Member Sniff recommended a two-week continuance to give the developer an opportunity to contact the affected residents on Ladera Drive and talk to staff about the feasibility of an access on Adams Street. Council Member Adolph agreed and wished to see staff work with the developer on the feasibility of an Adams Street access with grading that does not raise elevations abutting existing developments. He also asked for larger grading plans to be provided. Council Member Perkins stated he would go along with a continuance but is not supportive of an additional access on Adams Street. As for the grading, he did not wish to see the elevations lowered causing drainage against the wall nor raised so high it would be objectionable to the adjacent homeowners. He suggested the possibility of moving the gate another 10 feet into the proposed development. Council Member Henderson stated she would support a continuance but felt an access on Adams Street is unlikely. Mayor Pefia supported two Council Members and staff meeting with the developer and homeowners to try to work something out. Council concurred to direct staff to provide larger exhibits of the grading elevations and existing ingress/egress points on Adams Street at the May 2 meeting. City Council Minutes 17 April 18, 2000 MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Adolph to 1) continue the public hearing on Tentative Tract 29624 for World Development to May 2, 2000, to give the developer an opportunity to work with staff and consult with affected homeowners on Ladera Drive, and 2) direct staff to schedule a joint meeting between representatives of the homeowners and developer, staff, and two Council Members (Council Members Henderson and Sniff). Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO. 2000-70. After a brief discussion, Council concurred to schedule a joint meeting with representatives of the homeowners and the developer on April 21 at 9:00 a.m. at City Hall. MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS' ITEMS 1. DISCUSSION OF MONTERO ESTATES SOUND WALL COMMUNITY MEETING. Council Member Adolph stated he received a phone call from a Montero Estates resident who asked him about a meeting the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem had with the homeowners regarding the sound wall. He was not aware of the meeting and was concerned about things moving forward without all of the Council being aware of what is happening. Mayor Pe~a stated he and Mayor Pro Tern Sniff attended the meeting at the request of homeowners and they told them the sound wall is included in the Capital Improvement Program which will be coming before the Council for approval. Council Member Adolph felt the entire Council should be notified when one or two Council Members are invited to attend a meeting with residents. Council Member Perkins disagreed and noted Council Members often talk to their constituents without other Council Members being aware of the meeting. Mayor Pe~a explained it was an informal meeting where they provided information on what is happening in the City. He added he often speaks before various groups for that purpose and has never felt the need to inform the Council. City Council Minutes 18 April 18, 2000 ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, it was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to adjourn at 10:15 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. Respectfully submitted, JUNE S. GREEK, City Clerk City of La Quinta, California