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1985 10 01 CC Minutes$ MINUTES CITY COUNCIL CITY OF LA QUINTA A regular meeting of the City Council held at the La Quinta Community Center, 77-861 Avenida Montezuma, La Quinta, California. October 1, 1985 7:30 p.m. 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Cox called the La Quinta City Council meeting to order at 7:38 p.m. A. The flag salute was led by Mayor Cox. 2. ROLL CALL Present: Council Members Allen, Bohnenberger, Pena, Wolff and Mayor Cox. Absent: None. Also Present: City Manager Usher, Deputy City Manager Jennings, City Attorney Longtin, Community Development Director Stevens, Associate Planner Price, Community Safety Coordinator Hirdler, Planning Commission Chairman Thornburgh and Planning Commission Member Walling. 3. PUBLIC COMMENT A. Suzanne Boodry, Executive Director of the La Quinta Chamber of Commerce, presented a list of suggested goals for the Chamber for 1985-86, which were developed at a Chamber/City goal study meeting held September 23, 1985. Ms. Boodry reported that she was presenting the list for the Council 5 consideration and study. B. Jacques Abels, P.O. Box 1416, La Quinta, the City's representative to the C.V. Park & Recreation Board of Directors and a member of G.P.A.C., discussed the issue of parks and mini-parks in the City, and expressed his opinion that after much consideration, the Committee had evolved several reasons that mini- parks would not be feasible, such as size, undesirable elements, and maintenance of small facilities. C. Marian Ellson, 80-082 Palm Circle Drive, La Quinta, invited all present to attend a candidate's forum to be held by the La Quinta Property Owner's Association, Wednesday evening, October 2, 1985, at 7:30 p.m., at the La Quinta Community Center. Ms. Elison reported the candidate's forum would consist of persons running as candidates on the Desert Sands Unified School District Board, the College of the Desert Board, and Coachella Valley Water District Board. D. Earl Ellson, 80-082 Palm Circle Drive, La Quinta, President of the Chamber of Commerce, explained that the Chamber was initiating a new Chamber/City Coordinating Breakfast at the La Quinta Hotel on Thursday morning, to give these groups a chance to share ideas and talk informally about matters concerning La Quinta. Mr. Elison invited all interested persons to attend. 4. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS A. The City Manager presented a communication from the Coachella Valley Association of Governments relative to joining the Joint Powers Insurance Authority JPIA), and a resolution stating that La Quinta was desirous of becoming a member of the JPIA. Mr. Usher explained that this would not mean that the City would partici- pate in any specific insurance program, but it would enable the City to participate if one of the insurance programs seemed desirable. Mr. Usher further explained that the next program to be studied by the JPIA would be liability insurance, an issue that could affect La Quinta, and therefore recommended Council adoption of the proposed Resolution, as follows: BIB] 02-29-96-U01 11:59:25AM-U01 CCMIN-U02 10-U02 01-U02 1985-U02 $I?iINUT?S City Council October 1, 1985 Page 2. PROPOSED RESOLUTION. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY 0 LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA, TO JOINT THE COACHELLA VALLEY JOINT POWERS INSURANCE AUTHORITY. After discussion, it was the consensus of the Council to delay voting on the proposed Resolution for two weeks to allow further study and complete reading of the resolution. The City Manager stated that it would be scheduled for the Council meeting to be held October 15, 1985. 5. COMMENT BY COUNCIL MEMBERS A. Council Member Allen reported that as of October 1, 1985, Coachella Valley Water District had taken over Southern California Water Company, and cited work done by the City and others which led to this action, and cited cost savings which would accrue to citizens under the new ownership of the water Company. Mr. Allen discussed use of City parks and stressed the need for more parks. Mr. Allen explained that he and Council Member Pena represented the Council on a park study committee for Avenue 50, and expressed his support for future parks. B. Council Member Bohnenberger reported that Coachella Valley Water District had let the contract for construction of the flood control project, and the project would be under construction within the next two weeks. Mr. Bohnenberger also reported that the Council had budgeted funds for 1985-86 for preparation of a Master Drainage Plan for the City, and moved that the Council direct City staff tc immediately begin preparation and solicit proposals from engineering firms to perform this work, which was seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Pena and unanimously adopted. C. Council Member Wolff presented a communication recommending the Council adopt a policy expressing support for human rights in the Union of South Africa, and moved join other cities in California and the Federal government by adopting a policy which states that the City will not knowingly invest its funds with any organization, or purchase any supplies or equipment from any company which operates and/or invests in, or trades with the Union of South Africa. Motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Pena. Roll Call Vote: AYES: Council Members Allen, Pena and Wolff. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: Council Member Bohnenberger and Mayor Cox. ABSENT: None. 0. Council Member Wolff presented a communication proposing a process for finaliza- tion of the proposed La Quinta General Plan, and suggested that when the Council makes their final decision following a joint meeting with the Planning Commission, they receive one final document which represents recommendations from the Planning Commission, G.P.A.C. and staff from which to arrive at the final decision. 6. CONSENT CALENDAR Moved by Council Member Allen, seconded by Council Member Bohnenberger, to adopt the Consent Calendar. Roll Call Vote: AYES: Council Members Allen, Bohnenberger, Pena, Wolff and Mayor Cox. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: None. BIB] 02-29-96-U01 11:59:25AM-U01 CCMIN-U02 10-U02 01-U02 1985-U02 $MINUTE?S City Council October 1, 1985 Page 3 A. Minutes of a regular City Council meeting held September 18, 1985, were approved as submitted. B. RESOLUTION?NO. 85-78. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING DEMANDS. 7. HEARINGS A. Mayor Cox introduced a continued public hearing regarding the La Quinta General Plan and E.I.R./M.E.A., to consider the Hazards, Cultural Resources, Natural Resources, Community Development, Infrastructure and Housing Elements of the proposed General Plan, and asked the Corrrnunity Development Director to present the report from the Planning Commission. Larry Stevens explained that at the last meeting an extensive report had been given presenting the points of view of the Planning Commission, General Plan Advisory Committee and staff with regard to the General Plan document in general, and stated that he had provided the Council with an updated memo outlining issues and requests generated at the Council hearing held September 18th. Mr. Stevens explained that he would not report further unless there were questions, and concluded his presentation at this point. Mr. Stevens further asked the Council for direction on how to resolve the further hearing or review process and any direction the Council would deem appropriate on outstanding issues. Mayor Cox declared the public hearing open at approximately 8:12 p.m. Comments were heard from the following persons: 1) Richard Romer, an attorney representing seven or eight property owners in the commercially zoned downtown area of La Quinta, stated that he would speak on their behalf, and expressed concern over lack of information as to what the General Plan process involved and would accomplish. Mr. Romer further indicated that several citizens had expressed concern regarding the unavailability of information from City Hall as regards the general plan, and expressed particular concern relative to a 5-acre parcel of property owned by Mrs. Frances Hack. Mr. Romer further stated that based upon infor- mation he had received from his clients, the City had not allowed for adequate public participation in the General Plan process. Mayor Cox asked Mr. Romer to contact Mr. Larry Stevens, Community Development Director, for further information, and Mr. Usher stated that while the City had adopted the Countys General Plan, the proposed La Quinta General Plan would constitute an amendment to the already adopted Plan. Mr. Stevens asked Mr. Romer to contact him in the morning. Council Member Wolff asked Mr. Romer to please advise the Council as to the names of his clients. Mr. Romer complied, and stated that his clients were Margaret Miele, Rupert Yessayian, Frances Hack, Al Kerwin, Jim and David Holpman, Audrey Ostrowsky, Larry Cunningham and a Mr. Parker. Council Member Wolff explained that the Council had held three town hall meetings on the General Plan; the Planning Commission had held two public hearings; and the City Council two public hearings, with another hearing scheduled for October 14th, and suggested Mr. Romer inform himself more thoroughly regarding the adequacy of public comment and input allowed in this process. Mr. Romer stated that he had received his information from his clients, and was in agreement. Mayor Cox stated that no decision would be made until all comments had been received from all persons wishing to discuss this matter. BIB] 02-29-96-U01 11:59:25AM-U01 CCMIN-U02 10-U02 01-U02 1985-U02 $MINUTES City Council October 1, 1985 Page 4. 2) Jack Randall, Randall Engineering, supported the Planning Commissions recommendation relative to 8-16 units/acre density on their 32-acre parcel located near Dune Palms and Westward Ho Drive. 3) Lee Brand, 74-075 El Paseo, Palm Desert, representing Western Corporation, spoke in support of an affordable apartment complex near downtown La Quinta, and requested consideration of high density zoning in this area. 4) Bob Cunard, 78-045 Calle Cadiz, La Quinta, requested support for zoning which would allow construction of a fine-dining establishment where his home is presently located, comprising a total of eight lots or three acres. 5) James Altman, a co-owner of property with Mrs. Frances Hack, requested the Council maintain a present zoning status on their property, a 14 acre parcel located just north of Calle Tampico, behind the Circle K. 6) Frances Hack, a resident since 1947, requested Council maintain the present zoning designation of a parcel she owned comprising 6+ acres, located north of and attached to the Circle K property. 7) John Kwake, 2801 San Fernando Road, Los Angeles, requested zoning to allow construction of an exclusive dinner house on property he owns near Lake Cahuilla. 8) Jeff Clarke, 79-885 Fiesta Drive, La Quinta, requested Council support for low-density zoning in the Indian Springs area. 9) Sue De Gasperin, 46-450 Jefferson Street, La Quinta, a member of the La Quinta Planning Commission and General Plan Advisory Committee, discussed land north of the Whitewater Channel, bordered on the west by Washington Street, Fred Waring Drive on the north, Jefferson Street on the east, and explained her views and support for the Planning Commissions recommendation for this area. 10) Earl Ellson, 80-082 Palm Circle Drive, La Quinta, requested a lower density zoning for the Indian Springs area and surrounding property, and expressed concern that a high density zoning for surrounding properties would lower residential home values in the Indian Springs area. 11) Drew Wright, President of 0. right & Associates, requested support for a affordable, walled community located at the corner of Washington Street and Sagebrush on a 40-acre parcel, and requested zoning of low-medium density for this area. 12) Bruce Cathcart, La Quinta Palms Real Estate, addressed the Council regarding inclusion of a 6-acre parcel adjacent to the Hack/Altman property north of Calle Tampico to the commercially zoned area of downtown, and requested that projects currently under submission be processed under the General Plan Amendment so as to avoid further delays. 13) Stanley Sniff, P.O. Box 1414, La Quinta, spoke in support of Louie Campagna in advocating a neighborhood mini-park program for the Cove area as a supplement to larger community parks, and presented results of an informal survey recently done in the Cove relative to this subject. 14) Marian Elison, 80-082 Palm Circle, La Quinta, expressed support for the extension of the Cove commercial area south on Avenida Bermudas to the future Avenue 52 extension. Ms. Ellson stated that this would consti- tute a logical extension of the present commercial area and be very beneficial to all concerned. Ms. Ellson also supported comments from other residents in the Indian Springs area who spoke previously relative to a lower density zoning in this area, along the Whitewater Channel BIB] 02-29-96-U01 11:59:25AM-U01 CCMIN-U02 10-U02 01-U02 1985-U02 $frINUTES City Council Page 5. October 1, 1985 15) Joe Hammer, owner of property located at the southwest corner of Dune Palms Road and Highway 111, commended the Council, Planning Co?ission and General Plan Advisory Committee on the process, expressed concern relative to future development along Highway 111, and requested that areas of consideration in the General Plan not in dispute be dealt with as soon as possible to prevent further delays. 16) Wally Reynolds, 78-690 Fiesta Drive, La Quinta, supported a low-density general plan zone designation for this area and surrounding property. 17) Chris Clark, Los Angeles, stated that she had sat through all public meetings, thanked the Council and Planning Commission for their work, and urged the Council to support a higher density designation for properties located along the Washington Street corridor, near Miles and Fred Waring Drive. There being no further public comment, Mayor Cox declared the hearing closed at 8:58 p.m., and announced that the Council would adjourn for a 5-minute break. Mayor Cox reconvened the meeting at 9:23 p.m. Mayor Cox stated that it was the intention of the Council to adjourn this item to a joint City Council/Planning Commission/G.P.A.C. study session to be held October 14, 1985, at 3:00 p.m. at City Hall. The Community Development Director requested the Council to provide Staff with input relative to their primary areas of concern so that Staff might provide proper information for the upcoming meeting. Council Member Allen expressed principal concern regarding future commercial development along Jefferson Street and future density in the area north of the Whitewater Channel, primarily along Washington and Jefferson Streets. Council Member Bohnenberger expressed concern regarding higher density uses at the corner of Washington Street and Calle Tampico, which he felt would eventually be a major, scenic corridor into the downtown area, and expressed a desire to see policy statements developed which would govern setback and development in this area; Mr. Bohnenberger also stated that he would like to see the northern area of the City along with zoning of other cities and the County in this area to determine what other jurisdictions are doing in this area. Mayor Pro Tern Pena concurred with both Council Members Allen and Bohnenberger as his areas of concern. Council Member Wolff stated that he would like to see included in the General Plan under Section 17-9, Policy 5.22, that every bus stop in La Quinta will have a sheltered or roofed facility. Mr. Wolff said that SunLine is ready to contribute financially to such a plan, and stated that he felt additional costs should come frorn the City, with developers of new projects assessed an amount to provide for same at new locations. Council Member Wolff also strongly endorsed the comments made by Stanley Sniff regarding mini-parks in the Cove, equipped with picnic tables, play equipment and use of desert landscaping. Mr. Wolff said that he felt there was a real need for this type use, and recommended their location near school bus stops in the Cove. Council Member Wolff also expressed concerns about the City in the year 2000, and expressed fears that it the City would be comprised of walled communities and gated developments, which he felt were counter-productive to a cohesive community, and asked that this matter be discussed at the study session on October 14th. BIB] 02-29-96-U01 11:59:25AM-U01 CCMIN-U02 10-U02 01-U02 1985-U02 $i?INL'TES City Council October 1, 1985 Page 6. Mayor Cox asked to see further information regarding mini-parks; expressed concern about future density around the Indian Springs area; supported a higher density zoning along Washington Street, north of the Whitewater Channel; asked for more information about changes along Washington Street, north of Avenue 50; expressed concern about commercial development on Jefferson Street; expressed a desire for more discussion relative to the La Quinta Cove downtown area and address ways to assist businesses wishing to establish a business in the downtown area; discussed ways to deal with zoning along Desert Club Drive and suggested a mixed use type zoning for this area; and asked that applications which had been on hold pending outcome of the General Plan process should be processed as soon as possible Community Development Director Stevens explained that all current applications were being processed at the present time. Mayor Pro Tern Pena asked the Community Development Director when the architectural study for the downtown area would be completed, and indicated that he would like to see the results of this study prior to making a final decision regarding the downtown commercial area. Mr. Stevens explained that the contract for the architectural design manual would take six weeks, and other tasks would add additional time to completion of this study. He suggested adoption of policies that support preparation of that specific plan and the architectural guidelines. Discussion between the Council and Staff occurred relative to processing of the General Plan following approval. It was then moved by Council Member Bohnenberger, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Pena, to continue this item to a joint study session meeting among the Council, Planning Commission, and General Plan Advisory Committee to be held( October 14, 1985, at 3:00 p.m., at City Hall. 8. BUSINESS SESSION A. The City Manager presented a report regarding access road development at the Avenue 50 park, and said that the City had budgeted $150,000 towards development of the first phase for FY 1985-86, which would consist of turf placement and minimal Jmprovements in the area from Avenue 50 back to the access road. Mr. Usher reported that while it was hoped the School District would participate in some portion in the cost of the access road development, it now was indicated that State funds were unavailable for this use. Mr. Usher reported that preliminary estimates for construction of the access road would be $80,000, and Avenue 50 improvements totaling approximately $60,000, including landscaping to a depth of 12'. Mr. Usher stated that the road improvements could be done within the City?s budget, but very little would be left for first phase park development, and asked for Council guidance and direction as to what extent the City's commitment should be. After discussion, it was moved by Council Member Wolff, seconded by Council Member Bohnenberger, to ask Staff to seek alternative District funds for the construction of the Avenue 50 access road but if unavailable, the City pick up the cost. Unanimously adopted. B. The Community Development Director presented a status report on architectural services related to the Downtown Plan, and reported that Staff had met with the Peridian Group concerning performance of additional work tasks related to the Plan. He explained that each task has now been defined and identified, but the consultant would not be able to provide cost or timeliness until October 4th, which would therefore delay final decisions on this matter until October 15th. Mr. Stevens further reported that costs were estimated at between $10,000 $15,000, and a full report would be presented at the Council meeting of October 15, 1985. BIB] 02-29-96-U01 11:59:25AM-U01 CCMIN-U02 10-U02 01-U02 1985-U02 $i?MINUTES City Council October 1, 1985 Page 7. C. The Community Development Director presented a report regarding temporary and permanent subdivision directory signs, and explained that Staff contacted a number of firms who previously received bid packages and determined that bids were not submitted due to the complexity of sign design and inadequate time for bid preparation. Mr. Stevens reported that as a result, Staff would reorganize bid specifications into two bid packages, redistribute bid packages and widen the scope of bid distribution to include general contractors. He advised the Council that revised bid specs would be mailed the week of September 30th, bids submitted October 31st, and Council award of bid around November 5, 1985. Mr. Stevens reported that he had met with representatives of Anden Corp. to discuss their offer to assist with a temporary sign program, and requested Council direction about proceeding with the temporary program. It was moved by Council Member Allen, seconded by Council Member Wolff, to direct Staff to proceed with informal procedures relative to temporary directory signage within a two week period. Unanimously adopted. D. The Community Development Director presented a status report regarding City entryway and identification signs, and indicated that action taken on Item 8.C. above would be interpreted by Staff to include similar action on Item 8.D. E. The City Manager reported that Item 8.E. had been withdrawn to allow time for proponents of the resolution adequate time to prepare a presentation to the Council, to be given at the meeting to be held October 15, 1985. F. The Community Safety Coordinator presented a report regarding award of bid for a City animal control vehicle, and reported that two bids were received: Mavron, Inc., of Warsaw, Indiana, $20,877.99 and Norwalk Toyota, $22,062.84, and recommended Council acceptance of the bid from Mavron, Inc., in the amount of $20,877.99. Moved by Council Member Wolff, seconded by Council Member Allen, to accept the bid from Mavron, Inc., in the amount of $20,877.99, for a 1986 Chevrolet 3/4 Ton pickup truck, with animal control body. Unanimously adopted. G. The Community Development Director presented a status report relative to the Noel Jensen building permit, and said that the Council had reviewed this matter in November/December, 1984, and had given Mr. Jensen a schedule to complete building and construction so as to avoid a public nuisance abatement. Mr. Stevens reported that while Mr. Jensen has made considerable progress, he has failed to adhere to the given schedule and has fallen six weeks behind schedule, with City Staff unable to contact Mr. Jensen regarding his failure to comply with the given timeliness. Mr. Stevens explained that Staff was authorized to abate the nuisance without further hearing, but asked Council for direction relative to abatement or additional time extensions to allow completion of the project. It was the consensus of the Council to direct Staff to attempt additional contact with Mr. Jensen, and report back at the meeting of October 15th. G. The City Manager presented a report regarding allocation of Industrial Develop- ment bonds, and explained that October 15, 1985, was the deadline to file a notice to retain unused 1985 Industrial Development Bonds with the State. Mr. Usher recommended the Council authorize him to perform said filing. Moved by Council Member Pena, seconded by Council Member Bohnenberger, to authorize the City Manager to file for retention of the Citys unused portion of Industrial DeveloDment Bonds with the nanimoii?1? d?nf?d BIB] 02-29-96-U01 11:59:25AM-U01 CCMIN-U02 10-U02 01-U02 1985-U02 $i?INL'TES City Council October 1, 1965 Page 8. 9. ADJOURNMENT Moved by Council Member Bohnenberger, seconded by Council Member Allen, to adjourn. Unanimously adopted. The regular meeting of the City Council held October 1, 1965, was adjourned at 10:28 p.m., in the La Quinta Corr?unity Center, 77-661 Avenida Montezuma, La Quinta, California. BIB] 02-29-96-U01 11:59:25AM-U01 CCMIN-U02 10-U02 01-U02 1985-U02