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1998 01 27 CC Minutes^"1 LA QUINTA CITY COUNCIL MINUTES SPECIAL MEETING JANUARY 27, 1998 Special meeting of the La Quinta City Council was *called to order at the hour of 1:30 p.m. by Mayor Pena, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. PRESENT: Council Members Adolph, Henderson, Perkins, Sniff, Mayor Pena ABSENT: None PUBLIC COMMENT None CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA Confirmed BUSINESS SESSION None STUDY SESSION 1. DISCUSSION REGARDING THE GENERAL PLAN UPDATE FOCUSING ON COMMUNITY GOAL SETTING. Mr. Herman, Community Development Director, introduced the City's consultant, Denise Ashton, and advised that staff is looking for direction on what issues Council wishes to be addressed in the General Plan update such as the number of single-family vs. multi-family land-use designations and/or increasing rural residential areas for equestrian uses. Pursuant to Council's previous discussions, general policies in the General Plan that are related to cultural resources, will be added as a new element in the General Plan. He advised that no update of the Housing Element is required at this time, as the City currently has a certified Housing Element. In response to Council Member Sniff, Mr. Herman advised that staff hopes to complete the update by the end of this fiscal year. In response to Council Member Henderson, Mr. Herman confirmed that it's an 18-month process and includes community meetings. Denise Ashton, 23382 Millcreek Drive, Laguna Hills, consultant with David Evans & Associates, advised that preparation of a Master Environmental Assessment is the first step in updating the General Plan and they expect to BIB] 03-03-1998-U01 02:32:11PM-U01 ADMIN-U01 CCMIN-U02 01-U02 27-U02 1998-U02 ^"1 I *J City Council Minutes 2 January 27, 1 998 have that completed within 3-4 weeks. The second step is to establish preliminary goals and objectives. Economic considerations are going to be included in the land-use element in order to prepare a General Plan that uses that to benefit the City's future. They're seeking Council's input as a whole in regard to where they see the City going as it relates to economic development, annexations, residential and hotel development, etc., and will follow it up by meeting with Council Members individually. Based on the information received, a goals and policies workbook will be prepared and become the basis for discussions on where the City's land use is going, followed up by a community workshop from w*ich final goals and policies will be established. The next step will be to apply the goals and policies toward land-use and circulation alternatives that will be presented at a second community workshop and once Council has selected one of the alternatives, the consultant will prepare the General Plan. In response to Mayor Pena, Hank Cunningham, 23382 Millcreek Drive, Laguna Hills, of David Evans & Associates, advised that the City's Economic Development Plan is basically from a redevelopment perspective, whereas the General Plan gives an opportunity to take a broader and more long-range view. The anticipated result in terms of economic development, is a vision of what types of land uses will generate revenue for the City. Mayor Pena asked if they would be analyzing Council's goals and objectives from the last update and what has or has not been accomplished to which Ms. Ashton responded no. They'll be analyzing where the General Plan is now and how it differs from Council's current vision. In response to Council Member Henderson, Ms. Ashton advised that a joint meeting will be held with the Planning Commission and Council at the community workshop. Council Member Sniff suggested that they meet with Council first, the Planning Commission second, and then return to Council for final input since it's the Council that makes the final decision. In response to Council Member Henderson, Mr. Herman confirmed that the Planning Commission would review the General Plan before it comes to Council for final adoption and he noted that holding the public forum before both agencies at the same time would save money. BIB] 03-03-1998-U01 02:32:11PM-U01 ADMIN-U01 CCMIN-U02 01-U02 27-U02 1998-U02 ^"1 I * City Council Minutes 3 January 27, 1 998 Council Member Henderson agreed with having a joint meeting and then possibly a follow-up meeting to sort through, and make a decision on those issues there is agreement on. Council Member Adolph felt that zoning and land uses should be looked at, but wasn't prepared to talk specifics at this time. Ms. Ashton advised that they would like to have Council's input, in broad terms, on what they like or dislike ab6ut the City. Council Member Adolph believed some residents would like to slow down the City's growth to avoid losing the country atmosphere. Council Member Henderson believed growth would continue as long as the City has a critical need to increase its tax base with retail and recreation and as long as people are needed to justify businesses coming here. She felt it's critical for sorhe type of zoning to be created for light manufacturing, but with a buffer between the commercial and residential properties. Mayor Pena felt that residents want to maintain the City's high standard with high-quality developments and that most of them are satisfied with the way the City is going. He believed that they're also pleased with the reputation as a destination resort, golf community and that they wish to preserve the mountains. Council Member Sniff believed the City has done a good job and that minor modifications is all that is necessary. The focus should be on what Council sees the City becoming during the next 5-25 years and then we should build incrementally toward it. He sees La Quinta as a diverse City that is not too large and he felt it's important for Council to determine what they want it to look like when it reaches build-out. The City should be geared toward success and something that people will like. Council Member Perkins agreed that the City has done a good job and felt it's unnecessary to do a complete overhaul on something that is working. He believed many of the issues have already been addressed in the elements and felt they would have been accomplished if they didn't involve money. He didn't wish to lose sight of what Council has already decided to do and was looking for a way to accomplish it. In response to Council Member Henderson, Ms. Ashton confirmed that the update is mandated by the State and she asked for Council's input regarding possible annexation areas, such as Bermuda Dunes. BIB] 03-03-1998-U01 02:32:11PM-U01 ADMIN-U01 CCMIN-U02 01-U02 27-U02 1998-U02 ^"1 J J I City Council Minutes 4 January 27,1998 Council Member Sniff noted that there are other directions to look regarding annexation and Council Member Henderson mentioned extending the City's sphere of influence toward the Thermal Airport. 2-A. DISCUSSION OF CITY COUNCIL GOALS. The Council presented their goals individually as follows: 1. Fast Tracking Development Proposals He felt the development process should be fast-tracked and a checklist prepared to help developers get through the bureaucracy more rapidly. He suggested using an agenda item, or sub-committee that would report back to Council, for developers to seek direction on upcoming projects. He noted that the sub-committee could consist of Council Members on a rotating basis. Council Member Perkins felt a one-stop desk in City Hall for developers would help also. Council Member Henderson preferred the agenda-item idea, believing a sub- committee to be unnecessary. Council Member Sniff believed projects are fast-tracked as much as possible already, but felt if Council was aware of projects ahead of time, that it might prevent some developers from spending a lot of time going through the process only to be denied. Council Member Henderson wished to see the City declared a year-round community and to see it publicized. Mayor Pena agreed and suggested Council consider year-round Council meetings as well, instead of going dark in August. In response to Mayor Pena, Mr. Herman advised that staff provides direction to developers based on the policies or directions received from Council andlor the Planning Commission, but sometimes the developers choose to disregard their recommendations when submitting their proposals. Council Member Sniff felt that some delays are due to the Planning Commission getting bogged down in excessive redesign of projects. BIB] 03-03-1998-U01 02:32:11PM-U01 ADMIN-U01 CCMIN-U02 01-U02 27-U02 1998-U02 ^"1 City Council Minutes 5 January 27, 1 998 Mayor Pena suggested getting input from developers to find out how they feel the City could lessen its regulations and Council Member Sniff suggested a comment form. Council Member Perkins asked if there was some way for staff to discuss upcoming projects with Council before they go through the entire development process to avoid having developers go through the process expecting approval and then be denied. Mayor Pena suggested criteria be developed for defining fast-track projects such as revenue or job generating projects. Council Member Adolph believed 95% of the developers have good things to say about staff and he felt that common sense should dictate when commercial projects should or should not be allowed next to residential areas. He felt it would help staff if Council worked with them in regard to making sure that proposed developments are compatible with surrounding properties. Council Member Sniff suggested extending the radius for public hearing notices. He also felt developers should do their due diligence with the surrounding neighborhood before going too far with their project. Mr. Genovese, City Manager, advised that the issues discussed today would be brought back at a later meeting for further discussion. Council concurred on briefly going through each Council Member*s list of ideas and discussing them further at a later meeting. 2. Public/Private Partnerships Mayor Pena felt that public/private partnerships should be encouraged to avoid duplication of efforts and that the County and neighboring cities should know that La Quinta supports regional approaches whenever appropriate. 3. Charter City lmDacts He suggested listing Charter City Impacts" in staff reports, when applicable, to find out how being a Charter City affects potential projects as well as cost savings. 4. Public Relations Take advantage of press releases and newsletter; media contacts; consider using a consultant for public relations; and, develop a policy on what major events the City wishes to support. BIB] 03-03-1998-U01 02:32:11PM-U01 ADMIN-U01 CCMIN-U02 01-U02 27-U02 1998-U02 ^"1 I I I City Council Minutes 6 January27, 1998 5. Local Contractors Seek qualifications from local attorneys in various applications of the law to assist the City Attorney when needed, as well as qualifications from other contractors. 6. Contracts/Consultants Review the City's contracts and consultants on a periodic basis to make sure the City is getting the most for its money. 7. Fire Department Add a Fire Department Report to the staff reports. Council Member Sniff advised that he wished to see resumes for the new Police Chief and Fire Chief. 8. Suggestion Box Review the suggestion box process and find out if, and how, the suggestions are being implemented. Council Member Perkins suggested mailing a survey to residents and asking them to respond to a list of questions regarding the City's service, providing a space for comments and/or recommendations. Mayor Pena felt a phone survey might be effective on a yearly basis. 9. Community Issues Look at community issues such as code enforcement, traffic flow, and the library. Consider larger signage for the Senior Center and suggested asking CVWD to paint the water tanks up in the Cove to blend in with the environment. 10. Economic Development Pursue the issue with GTE on eliminating long distance within Coachella Valley; attract moderate-priced hotels; look at possible tourist attractions in The Village; consider a Golf Walk of Fame" around the Civic Center Campus; and, make sure the City is proceeding forward with a comprehensive plan on Highway 111. COUNCIL MEMBER SNIFF 1. Frontage Cleanup Clean up the frontage area near the trailer park on Highway 111. 2. CoveMini-Park Designate, and possibly purchase1 a second mini-park site in the Cove to be constructed at a later date. 3. The Village Reduce the size of The Village; develop Calle Estado as a prototype street with street lights, curbs/gutters, and possibly a small plaza; locate the library in The Village; purchase a reasonably-priced BIB] 03-03-1998-U01 02:32:11PM-U01 ADMIN-U01 CCMIN-U02 01-U02 27-U02 1998-U02 ^"1 City Council Minutes 7 January 27, 1 998 building for the Historical Museum; and, begin the process for having a Golf Hall or Walk) of Fame." In response to Mayor Pena, Mr. Genovese advised that the street lights on Calle Estado would be included in the review of the Capital Improvement Program. 4. Miles/Washington Consider developing a master plan, possibly with a mid-priced hotel, school, and affordable housing, for the p*p*Srty at Miles Avenue and Washington Street. 5. Movie Theater Seek a developer to construct a movie theater in the City. 6. Civic Center Improvements Move forward with first-phase improvements to the Civic Center Campus, possibly with an amphitheater. 7. Phase 6 Cove Improvements Complete the Phase 6 Cove Improvements as soon as possible. 8. Election Change the election date back to coincide with the Congressional election cycle to receive greater voter turnout. 9. Council Compensation* Consider a modest increase in Council and/or Redevelopment Agency compensation. In response to Mayor Pena, Ms. Honeywell, City Attorney, advised that Council compensation is a local issue and that compensation for either agency can be revised. 10. Transfer Station Work with the County and neighboring cities to develop a trash transfer station. 11. Westward Ho Consider sewer and road improvements for the Westward Ho area. 1 2. Bond Issues Consider refinancing bonds wherever appropriate and use the savings for Phase 6 Cove improvements and the Westward Ho area. Council Member Perkins was opposed to building another park in the Cove before finishing the parks in North La Quinta and advised that he has mixed emotions about increasing Council compensation. BIB] 03-03-1998-U01 02:32:11PM-U01 ADMIN-U01 CCMIN-U02 01-U02 27-U02 1998-U02 ^"1 A * City Council Minutes 8 January 27, 1 998 In response to Council Member Perkins, Ms. Honeywell advised that compensation for the Redevelopment Agency has never been limited and, now that we're a Charter City, Council compensation is a local concern. Council Member Perkins felt the Council should be very cautious in considering an increase in compensation and if the election date is changed, he supported extending Council Member terms one year instead of reducing them. Council Member Sniff advised that he wasn't suggesting that we build another mini-park at this time, but rather seek' property for later construction and he noted that he's suggesting only a modest increase in Council compensation. Council Member Henderson noted that some of the developers wish to use Quimby Funds to utilize their retention basins as parks. COUNCIL MEMBER HENDERSON 1. Registration Index She felt the City should aggressively and actively support the County in purging the registration index, which will give a more accurate picture of voter turnout. Mayor Pena suggested a telephone poll to encourage residents to return the cards. Council Member Perkins questioned the value of using postcards to verify registration, noting that the Registrar's Office won't know that people have moved if the house is vacant or if the new tenants fail to return the cards. 2. Street/Sewer Improvements Consider solutions such as bonds, to move forward with the Phase 6 Cove improvements and Westward Ho area. 3. Economic Development Continue with the adopted Economic Development Plan, seeking a mid-priced hotel and theater. 4. General Plan Update Consider modifications to the General Plan and appoint members of the community to serve on a General Plan Update Committee. 5. Sphere of Influence Expand the City's sphere of influence to the southeast to encompass the Thermal Airport. BIB] 03-03-1998-U01 02:32:11PM-U01 ADMIN-U01 CCMIN-U02 01-U02 27-U02 1998-U02 ^"1 a, I City Council Minutes 9 January 27, 1 998 6. Local Concerns Focus on local concerns such as: traffic right and left- turns), sound walls, storm drains, and gentle" code enforcement of trash cans. 7. Transfer Station Enter discussions with the Cabazon Band of Mission Indians regarding their proposed, trash-transfer station. 8. Development of Cove Oasis/Lake Cahuilla Trail Develop the oasis area at the top of the Cove, possibly into a mini-park, i* conjunction with a usable trail system to Lake Cahuilla. 9. Multi-Use Library Focus during the next year and a half on developing a multi-use library at the La Quinta High School, prior to constructing a City library, possibly on the Civic Center Campus. 10. Council Representation & Reports Establish a policy for Council Members and other appointees, to report back to Council on activities of JPA's, commissions, and committees. 11. Joint Meetings Set an annual date for joint meetings with the Planning Commission. 1 2 The Village Explore the possibility of The Village becoming a transportation-exchange hub for existing attractions in the valley. She felt that drawing people into the area for such a service could result in other needed services such as restaurants and shops. 1 3. Imperial Irrigation JPA Stay informed of lID's plan to develop a JPA and provide input. Mayor Pena noted that the City Attorney is looking at how the City can participate in the deregulation of electrical service. COUNCIL MEMBER ADOLPH He advised that many of his goals have already been mentioned and noted that the goals would have to be prioritized because of insufficient funds to accomplish them all. 1. The Village Use the Infrastructure Fund to get something done in The Village and install lighting on Calle Estado with sufficient wattage to provide outlets for the street fair. BIB] 03-03-1998-U01 02:32:11PM-U01 ADMIN-U01 CCMIN-U02 01-U02 27-U02 1998-U02 ^"1 A J I City Council Minutes 10 January 27, 1 998 2. Hi9hwav 111 Image Monitor development along Highway 111 to make sure that the standards set for landscaping, lighting, etc., are being met. 3. Emergency Fund and Bonds Increase the emergency fund and work on refinancing bonds. 4. Commercial Marketing Continue marketing viable commercial facilities, especially a moderate-income-type hotel. 5. Schools Secure a site in North La Quinta for a grade and middle school and work on implementation with the school district. 6. Cove Improvements Strive to complete the street improvements in the Cove. 7. Library Seriously plan for a library on the Civic Center Campus. 8. Annexation Consider annexing the west side of Washington Street north of Highway 111. COUNCIL MEMBER PERKINS He advised that he agreed with most everything that's been mentioned, but questioned using an ad hoc committee to review the General Plan because he felt the staff, Planning Commission, and City Council have that responsibility, and he wasn t sure about using the high school library in development of the library system. The only other goal he suggested Council consider was locating a fire station on the north side of Highway 111, possibly including it on land in one of the future developments. Mayor Pena stated that he wished to see staff's goals as well. Council Member Sniff suggested staff combine Council's goals where appropriate and bring them back on February 1 7th for Council to prioritize. 2-B. ELECTION ISSUES. Mrs. Juhola, City Clerk, presented a brief summary of some election issues, advising that changing the term of the Mayor or making it an appointed position, would require placing it on the ballot for voter approval and could be done in November at an approximate cost of $13,000. In regard to purging the registration rolls, she advised that a second purge will be done in April during BIB] 03-03-1998-U01 02:32:11PM-U01 ADMIN-U01 CCMIN-U02 01-U02 27-U02 1998-U02 ^"1 City Council Minutes 11 January 27, 1998 the Congressional election. If Council wishes, volunteers can be used to conduct a telephone poll, as suggested, to encourage residents to return the postcards. She noted that the latest certified registration figure is 9,376. A decision to change the election date must be made by February 1 999 and, if the date is changed, the City will lose its discount for realigning the election which will result in an increased election cost of at least 10%. Council Member Henderson wished to postpone making a decision on the other issues until a report on the purging of the registration rolls is received. Council Member Sniff felt it's imperative to change the City's election date to coincide with the national election, noting that there's been a significant loss in voter turnout since it was offset. He advised that he supports extending Council Member terms one year to coincide with the national election. In response to Council Member Henderson, Ms. Honeywell, City Attorney, advised that she believed changing the Mayor position to an appointed position would require voter approval, even as a Charter City, but will research it further. Council Member Sniff preferred leaving it as an elected position, noting that it was overwhelmingly approved by the voters. Council Member Perkins felt Council Members should resign their seats on the Council if they decide to run for Mayor. Council Member Henderson felt the City's population has changed a lot and was willing to put the issue before the people again for a vote. Mayor Pena suggested a survey to find out how people feel before spending money to place the issue on the ballot. Council Member Perkins believed some of the residents want the position rotated amongst the Council. * Council Member Henderson noted that the Council is left with a vacancy when a Council Member moves up to the Mayor position and she felt that Council owes it to the community to address how that vacancy will be filled in such instances. Council Member Sniff noted that the Council can't bind a future Council. BIB] 03-03-1998-U01 02:32:11PM-U01 ADMIN-U01 CCMIN-U02 01-U02 27-U02 1998-U02 ^"1 I J City Council Minutes 12 January 2?, 1 998 Council recessed to and until the hour of 5:30 p.m. to a Joint Session with the Desert Sands Unified School District in the District's Administration Offices for the purpose of reviewing the District*s Facilities Master Plan, a copy of which is on file in the City Clerk's Office. All Council Members were present. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned. Respec*ully submitted, SAUNDRA L. JUHOLA, City Clerk City of La auinta, California BIB] 03-03-1998-U01 02:32:11PM-U01 ADMIN-U01 CCMIN-U02 01-U02 27-U02 1998-U02