1999 01 05 CC Minutesd_V LA QUINTA CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
JANUARY 5, 1999
Regular meeting of the La Quinta City Council was called to order at the hour of 2:00
pm by Mayor Pena, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
PRESENT: Council Members Adolph, Henderson, Perkins, Sniff, Mayor Pena
ABSENT: None
PUBLIC COMMENT None
Council recessed to Closed Session to and until the hour of 3:00 p.m.
CLOSED SESSION
1. Conference with Legal Counsel pursuant to Government Code Section
54956.9(c) Potential Litigation. One Case)
Council reconvened with no decisions being made which requires reporting pursuant
to Section 54957.1 of the Government Code Brown Act).
3:00p.m.
TheMayor and City Council wished everyone a happy new year.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Susan Francis, Executive Director of the La Quinta Arts Foundation, provided the
Council with an update on the Foundation's expansion and development plans. She
advised that their community roundtables were successful and there will be more held
after the Spring Festival. However, they would like to meet with the City Council prior
to the future roundtables to get some input, and asked what format the Council would
prefer.
The Council directed her to meet with staff to work out the details.
Mayor Pena advised that the La Quinta Arts Foundation has been selected for a
documentary on PBS.
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CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA
Mr. Genovese, CiW Manager, asked that acceptance of Bob Hope Chrysler Classic
passes be added to the Consent Calendar as Item No.14.
Council Member Adolph asked that Consent Item No.6 be made Business Session No.
2.
MOTION It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Adolph to add Consent Calendar
No. 14 acceptance of Bob Hope Chrysler Classic passes) and to change Consent
Calendar No.6 to Business Session No.2, as the need to take such action arose after
the posting of the agenda. Motion carried unanimously.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Adolph to approve the City Council
Minutes of December 1 5, 1998 as submitted. Motion carried unanimously.
ANNOUNCEMENTS None
PRESENTATIONS None
WRI#TEN CORRESPONDENCE None
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. APPROVAL OF DEMAND REGISTER DATED JANUARY 5, 1999.
2. ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION ACCEPTING A DONATION FROM SUN
MOUNTAIN ENTERPRISES.
3. APPROVAL OF PARTICIPATION IN THE LIVING FOR YOUR 90'SY' PROGRAM.
4. ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION ACCEPTING A DONATION FROM WAL MART TO
THE SENIOR CENTER.
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5. APPROVAL OF IMPROVEMENT AGREEMENT FOR COMPLETION OF TRACT
28019, THE SEASONS, JIM DAN D., L.L.C.
6. ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY TO OBTAIN STATE
SUMMARY CRIMINAL HISTORY INFORMATION OF PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYEES
AND VOLUNTEERS. SEE BUSINESS SESSION NO.2)
7. ACCEPTANCE OF GRANT DEED FOR RIGHT OF WAY ON MILES AVENUE,
PROJECT NO.98-07, WASHINGTON STREETIMILES AVENUE WIDENING.
8. APPROVAL OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT CHANGE ORDER NO.
1 KEITH COMPANIES FOR AVENUE 50 PAVEMENT REHABILITATION
IMPROVEMENTS.
9. AUTHORIZATION FOR OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR COUNCIL MEMBER
HENDERSON TO ATTEND THE LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING IN SAN FRANCISCO ON
JANUARY 15, 1999.
10. ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CITY OF LA QUINTA U.S.
TREASURY MONEY MARKET ACCOUNT WITH WELLS FARGO BANK.
11. APPROVAL OF SPECIFICATIONS AND AUTHORIZATION TO RECEIVE BIDS
FOR CITYWIDE LANDSCAPE LIGHTING MAINTENANCE.
12. ACCEPTANCE OF CITYWIDE RESTRIPING PROGRAM PROJECT 98-03 AND
AUTHORIZATION TO FILE NOTICE OF COMPLETION.
13. APPROVAL OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT CHANGE ORDER NO.
8 KORVE ENGINEERING FOR MILES AVENUE WIDENING.
14. ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION ACCEPTING PASSES TO THE BOB HOPE
CHRYSLER CLASSIC GOLF TOURNAMENT OT BE HELD JANUARY 18-24,
1999 IN THE COACHELLA VALLEY.
MOTION It was moved by Council Members SnifflAdolph to approve the
Consent Calendar as recommended and as amended with Item Nos. 2, 4, 10 &
14 being approved by RESOLUTION NOS. 99-01 through 99-04 respectively.
Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO.99-01.
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BUSINESS SESSION
1. CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTMENT OF A CITY REPRESENTATIVE TO THE
COACHELLA VALLEY ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP
Mr. Weiss, Assistant City Manager, advised that on December 1 5, 1998, the
City Council authorized a six-month membership in the Coachella Valley
Economic Partnership and asked that the selection of a delegate to serve on the
Board of Directors be agendized for this meeting.
In response to Mayor Pefla, Mr. Weiss advised that the Board is comprised of
those who pay a full membership and the Board then elects the Executive
Committee.
Council Member Sniff suggested that since our membership was intended to be
exploratory and only for six months, that the City Manager should be directed
to delegate someone from staff to attend the meetings to evaluate them and
report back to the Council.
Mr. Weiss advised that Mr. Braken has stated that not all cities have taken
advantage of the opportunity to appoint someone to sit on the Board.
Council supported Council Member Sniff's suggestion.
MOTION It was moved by Council Members Sniff?Henderson to direct the City
Manager to appoint an appropriate member of the City Staff to attend the
Coachella Valley Economic Partnership meetings as the City's representative.
Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO.99-02.
2. CONSIDERATION OF ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY TO
OBTAIN STATE SUMMARY CRIMINAL HISTORY INFORMATION OF
PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYEES AND VOLUNTEERS.
In response. to Council Member Adolph, Ms. Honeywell, City Attorney, advised
that new State legislation has allowed cities to obtain criminal history
information of prospective employees and volunteers. It would be done prior
to hire and only for new hires.
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RESOLUTION NO.99-05
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
AUTHORIZING THE CITY TO OBTAIN STATE SUMMARY CRIMINAL HISTORY
INFORMATION OF EMPLOYEES AND VOLUNTEERS.
It was moved by Council Members Adolph/Sniff to adopt Resolution No.99-05
as submitted. Motion carried unanimously.
STUDY SESSION
1. DISCUSSION OF ISSUES REGARDING SIDE STREET ACCESS TO ARTERIAL
STREETS FRED WARING DRIVE AND MILES AVENUE.
Mr. Vogt, Public Works Director, advised that staff has been receiving a lot of
questions from the residents over the past several months regarding side street
access to Fred Waring Drive and Miles Avenue; so staff has prepared this report
in order to give Council some background, configurations and future planning
for these streets.
Mr. Speer, Senior Engineer, presented the overview, advising that both Fred
Waring Drive and Miles Avenue are arterial streets and that the
questions/concerns broached are those generally related to traffic safety at the
intersections, convenient access in terms of the kinds of turning movements
allowed at the side street intersections) and mobility. Unfortunately, it's not
possible to provide the maximum benefit in each category at a given intersection
due to inherent conflicts in the underlying factors that produce the desired
benefit. As a result, it's necessary to strike a balance in the desired benefits by
decreasing the level of benefit in one category to achieve an improvement
benefit in another category.
He further noted that all streets do not function in the same manner. Some are
designed for convenient direct access while others are designed for high quality
regional circulation. The balance in the competing benefits related to
intersections occurring on these streets is decided when the street is chosen to
perform a certain function. For example, arterial streets are designed for
improved mobility, while residential streets are designed for convenient direct
access to the properties abutting it.
In general terms1 mobility on a given street is inversely proportional to the
number of access points to the street. As the number of access points
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increases, the quality of mobility afforded by the street decreases. Eliminating
direct access to the street from abutting properties is the first step to achieving
improved mobility for a street. The next step is limiting the number of
signalized intersections which is accomplished by specifying the minimum
allowable spacing intervals between full-turn intersections. The latter step
requires a longer view into the future to avoid circumstances that create the
need for signalized intersections.
Implementing the transition from rural to urban is difficult as many of the streets
were already in existence when the City incorporated and were created without
any restrictions. As we become more urbanized1 it becomes necessary to
impose certain restrictions such as limiting turning movements and installing
more signals.
In summary, Mr. Speer stated that it's not possible to provide the highest
conceivable level of convenient access at every side street that intersects Fred
Waring Drive or Miles Avenue without sacrificing the mobility or safety benefit
that is intended for these two arterial streets. Mobility and safety are, in
general terms, inversely proportional with the number of access points and
cross-street connections, which means mobility and safety declines as the
number of access connections with full-turn movements is increased. The
policy that governs intersection locations and affects the turning movements
allowed at an intersection is in the General Plan to guide the City as it grows.
Mr. Speer then presented slides depicting several intersection situations on both
Fred Waring Drive and Miles Avenue showing intersection spacing, signal
spacing and T" intersections while explaining the uniqueness of each.
A brief discussion ensued regarding the widening and ultimate build-out of Fred
Waring Drive with Council Member Henderson asking if there is anything we can
do to force the County to pave it out to its ultimate right-of-way and Mr. Speer
advised that when the 1/2 cent sales tax increase was approved in 1 988 which
is a 20-year program) there were six streets identified as must build streets"
and Fred Waring Drive is one of them, so it must be built to its ultimate
configuration within the next nine years.
Robert Tyler, 44-21 5 Villeta, addressed the Council, stating that a center lane
that can be used for left turns as motorist need to, eliminates the need for left-
turn pockets and all the confusion that is created by them. He felt that there
are some fundamental errors in the theories presented, adding that unless you
have raised medians, people are going to cross lines and do what is convenient
for them.
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Betty Jean Johnsen, 78-380 Via Sevilla, urged the Council to consider the left
turn lanes as she felt that the u-turns are far more dangerous. She also
expressed concern about the speed of traffic on Via Sevilla as it's often
traveling upwards of 65 miles per hour.
Tricia Ryan, Montero Estates, expressed major concerns about traffic circulation
in the City. She and her husband have found that traffic is a real problem,
primarily because the traffic signals are not synchronized.
In response to Council Member Adolph, Mr. Speer advised that this report was
prepared for the City Council and has not been submitted to the Technical
Traffic Committee.
Council Member Adolph felt that it should be presented to the Technical Traffic
Committee for their expertise prior to the City Council considering any action.
Council Member Perkins felt that this is.an excellent report, but felt that it can
be redefined and made more compatible in certain areas?for the citizens and at
the same time, provide a safe and orderly flow of traffic in the City. He wished
for it to come back to the Council incorporating comments from the citizens.
He noted that with the opening of Miles Avenue and the tennis complex, traffic
will be increasing on Miles. He also noted that off-season traffic is now just
about the same as in-season traffic. He said that whatever we do has to be
reasonable and accepted by the motoring public.
Council Member Henderson also felt that it's an excellent report and pointed out
that what it does is delineate what is currently in place in accordance with the
General Plan. She wished to see the report go before the Planning Commission,
as they need to be aware of the problems with growth; and how new projects
relate with the traffic flow.
Council Member Sniff agreed with the need to synchronize the traffic signals.
He felt that consistency is needed so that the motorist doesn't have to think too
much. Safety has to be the number one priority and mobility is a necessity, in
that we need to accommodate people going both east and west. In order to
accommodate that, there needs to be some limitation of access and some
intersections signalized. Whenever possible, we need to have raised medians
to prevent illegal movements.
Mayor Pena agreed that the signals need to be synchronized also on Highway
111 and valley-wide) and commented that with growth comes challenges in
achieving mobility and good traffic flow. He agreed sending this report to the
Technical Traffic Committee. He also felt that it's essential to have adequate
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traffic enforcement to slow traffic down. He suggested more use of the traffic
speed trailer.
Mr. Vogt advised that CVAG has a valley-wide synchronization program, but it
requires valley-wide cooperation. He added that there is an interconnect being
discussed between the County, CVAG, Indian Wells and Palm Desert on
Washington, which will synchronize the signals from Highway 111 to Country
Club. He added that there will be a street from the Garden of Champions lining
up with Via Sevilla which will be signalized.
Council concurred on directing staff to submit this report to the Technical
Traffic Committee and the Planning Commission.
REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
D. COACHELLA VALLEY MOUNTAINS CONSERVANCY
Council Member Sniff advised that there will be a meeting of the Conservancy
on Monday and asked if Council is in sync with the letter that was sent to the
Conservancy by staff, and if so, that is the stance he will assume.
Council concurred.
Mr. Weiss, Assistant City Manager, noted that he has been advised that they
are not planning to prepare any changes to the proposed legislation as some of
the other cities are supporting it as is.
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
A-i UPDATE ON POTENTIAL BERMUDA DUNES ANNEXATION
Council Member Sniff suggested that the City Manager attend the meeting with
staff and that no one from the Council attend as he felt that it could become
complex and problematic.
Discussion ensued in which Council concurred on the Mayor and City Manager
attending and only providing information about the City since the Council has
nottaken a stance regarding such an annexation.
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Council recessed to and until 7:00 p.m.
7:00p.m.
PUBLIC COMMENT
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. TENTATIVE TRACT 27519- A REQUEST TO SUBDIVIDE 17.6 ACRES INTO 70
SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL UNITS AND OTHER COMMON LOTS LOCATED
SOUTH OF DESERT STREAM DRIVE AND WEST OF DUNE PALMS ROAD.
APPLICANT: CENTURY-CROWELL COMMUNITIES.
The Mayor declared the PUBLIC HEARING OPEN.
Mr. Herman, Community Development Director, presented staff report advising
that this matter was continued from the December 1 5, 1 998 Council meeting.
The request is to subdivide 17.6 acres into 70 single-family residential and other
common lots with private streets located south of Topaz development and west
of Dune Palms Road. The lot sizes are 7,920 sq. ft. and larger. They are
typically 60' in width by 132' in length.
The- Planning Commission has recommended certification of a mitigated negative
declaration ot environmental impacts and approval of the Tentative Tract Map
with conditions and findings.
The continuance dealt with the issue of removal of trees. The applicant has
prepared a plan that shows the existing trees and is proposing to save the trees
which are secured by a new Condition No.92 which provides for an easement
for them and it will be dedicated to the Homeowner's Association for
maintenance.
Jim Brenneis, 79-365 Desert Stream, appreciated the time and efforts of the
City and Century Crowell in the matter of the trees. He also surfaced his
concern about the way the proposed tract is layed out in that there will be two
lots to the rear of their properties. He asked if there is anything that can be
done to even up the lot lines.
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Larry Kunkle, 79-345 Desert Stream, expressed the same concern about the
fact that the lot lines don't line up, creating two lots in the rear of their
properties. He was also concerned about the difference in elevation and that
these homes are going to bl9ck their views of the mountains.
Kim Balch, 79-355 Desert Stream, felt that the split in the lot lines is going to
decrease their property values and was also concerned about the difference in
elevation. He also expressed concern about the speed of? traffic on their street.
Sean Huber, 79-375 Desert Stream, expressed appreciation for the efforts made
on saving the trees. Regarding the layout, he said that he's never seen anything
like this and was opposed to it.
Ed Knight, 1 535 South ID" Street, San Bernardino, representing Century Crowell
Communities, advised that they were very diligent in trying to match the lot
lines with the Topaz tract. They are attempting to make this tract as
compatible with the Topaz tract which they also built) as possible. These
homes will all be single-story and the pads will match the existing pads as
nearly as possible. He advised that having more than one lot in back of another
is not uncommon. He also noted that these lots are much deeper than those in
the Topaz tract, resulting in the homes being about 60' from the rear property
line.
In response to Council Member Adolph, Mr. Knight advised that none of the
pads in this tract will be higher than those to the north. However, there is a
small hill where the trees are that will have to be retained.
Council Member Henderson questioned the process of removing a diseased or
unsafe tree. Ms. Honeywell, City Attorney, advised that the intent of Condi(ion
No.92 is to give that authority to the Homeowner's Association as part of their
responsibility to maintain the trees.
Council Member Sniff expressed concern about the use of the term in
perpetuity" in Condition No.92, as that term means forever" and no tree lasts
forever.
Council Member Henderson asked if there are other developments in the City in
which there are staggered lots adjacent to an existing tract and Mr. Herman
proceeded to enumerate a few of them which included The Estancias and
Painted Cove.
Joe Soneji, 74-140 El Paseo, Civil Engineer for the project, advised that they are
very close to matching the elevation of the pads with the ones to the north
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they will either be the same or will be a foot lower. The staggered lot lines is
a situation which is currently existing in all of the cities of the Valley. The
highest roof ridge line will be 17'.
Jim Brenneis, asked if the lots could be graded 8' to 10' below the elevation to
the north in order to protect their views.
Tom Mulcahy, Desert Rock Court, wished to see some guarantee that the
elevations will remain the same. He also stated that the Environmental
Assessment doesn't mention that there will be two schools built on Dune Palms
Road. Also, consideration needs to be given to the traffic that will be generated
by The Gardens of Champions.
There being no one else wishing to speak, the Mayor declared the PUBLIC
HEARING CLOSED.
Council Member Sniff expressed concern about the staggered lots and hoped
that the developer could make some accommodation to match them, noting that
it would result in a loss of two lots. He felt that the effort to save the trees
was commendable.
Mayor Pena commented that these are some of the things that happen when a
community begins to experience growth staggered lots, elevation differences,
etc.), pointing out that it also happened in the Cove. Regarding the effect the
staggered lots will have on property values--there's really no way of knowing
that.
Council Member Sniff asked if the tract meets all of the necessary and required
City standards and Mr. Herman advised that it does and the City Attorney
confirmed same.
Council Member Sniff felt that there are some potentially legitimate concerns,
but if this development has conformed to all of the necessary and legal
requirements, he didn't see that the City has any option but to proceed.
In response to final questions by Council, Mr. Soneji advised that the street is
designed at the minimal grade allowed by the City. If the grade were any lower!
it would not drain. Mr. Herman also advised that the house elevations will be
going back to the Planning Commission for approval.
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RESOLUTION NO.99-06
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, CERTIFYING A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION OF
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT FOR ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 98-370 FOR
TENTATIVE TRACT MAP 27519, TO ALLOW THE SUBDIVISION OF 17.6
ACRES INTO 70 SINGLE FAMILY LOTS AND OTHER COMMON LOTS IN THE
LOR ZONING DISTRICT.
It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to adopt Resolution No.99-
06 as submitted. Motion carried unanimously.
RESOLUTION NO.99-07
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A 70 SINGLE-FAMILY AND OTHER COMMON LOT
SUBDIVISION ON 17.6 ACRES LOCATED ON THE WEST SIDE OF DUNE
PALMS ROAD, 100 FEET SOUTH OF DESERT STREAM DRIVE. APPLICANT:
CENTURY CROWELL COMMUNITIES.
It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to adopt Resolution No.99-
07 with amended Condition No.92 to remove the term in perpetuity" and to
clarify that the trees are to be maintained as long as they are in good health and
not a danger to health and safety. Motion carried unanimously.
2. CONSIDERATION OF ADOPTING PROPOSALS AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO SUBMIT APPLICATIONS TO RIVERSIDE COUNTY ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT AGENCY FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT
FUNDS FOR FISCAL YEAR 1999-2000.
The Mayor declared the PUBLIC HEARING OPEN.
Mr. Herman, Community Development Director, presented staff report advising
that this is the Council's opportunity to take public testimony on applications
for Community Development Block Grant Funds. The City anticipates allocation
of approximately $1 37,000. To date, the City has received five applications for
* public improvements and four applications for public service as follows:
Public Improvement:
City of Quinta $107,000 Curb, gutter, sidewalk and ADA
handicap ramps on Desert Club
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Foundation for the $ 5,000 Renovation of existing facility
Retarded of the Desert and equipment
Shelter from the Storm $ 6,335 Contract to build and install
storage cabinets, classroom
shelving and linen closets
ABC Recovery Center, Inc. $ 3,500 Contribution toward construction
6f ten bungalow transitional
housing units grant
College of the Desert $ 20,000 Fiber Optic rewiring of key
educational buildings
Public Service:
Desert Aids Project $ 10,000 Comprehensive In-Home care and
case management
Boys & Girls Club $ 30,000 Fee Waiver/Reduction Program
La Quinta Unit
Department of Public $ 724 Emergency Cold Weather
Social Services/County Shelter Program Services
of Riverside
Community Access Center $ 7,960 Housing Referral Services
Mr. Herman advised that staff is recommending allocation of $30,000 to the
Boys & Girls Club, La Quinta Unit for their fee waiver/reduction program, and
$107,000 to City of La Quinta for curb, gutter, sidewalk and ADA
improvements on Desert Club.
Jim Ducatte, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club, expressed thanks and
appreciation to the City Council for their support of the children and the Boys
& Girls Club. He noted that their annual Pumpkin Patch is a fund raiser for the
La Quinta Unit which they plan to continue. They are in the fifth year of the
Building Horizon Program in which high school students are learning
construction skills. The CDBG funds have been used for the past several years
for scholarships to allow youth to come to the club who otherwise would not
be able to.
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Ronald Turner, 55-327 Firestone, President of College of the Desert Foundation,
asked for Council's consideration of assisting with matching funds for a grant
from the State. He noted that La Quinta represents 8 1/2% of their total
enrollment. They have raised $1 million from private sources and are now
attempting to raise the remaining $250,000 from Valley Cities.
Gene House, Executive Director of the College of the Desert Foundation, spoke
to the value of College of the Desert to the Coachella Valley, not or?ly in
providing an educational opportunity, but also to its economic infrastructure.
It's important that they have the newest technology and the best equipped
classrooms as possible in order to continue to provide the quality of education
they have been providing. He advised that out of 70 community college
districts in the State, they came in second only to the Los Angeles Community
College District. The reason they scored so hire was due to the critical need
here to make these improvements and because of their proven tract record in
carrying out multi-million dollar projects in excellent fashion.
There being no one else wishing to speak, the Mayor declared the PUBLIC
HEARING CLOSED.
Council Member Sniff supported the $30,000 for the Boys & Girls Club and also
supported an allocation of $7,000 to College of the Desert with the remaining
$100,000 to the City's street improvement project.
Council Member Henderson asked if the College of the Desert application meets
the requirements of the CDBG criteria and Mr. Herman advised that the
application would have to be submitted to the County and they would make
that determination. Mr. House added that he was certain that the income level
of a majority of the students will qualify their application.
Council Member Perkins stated that he was impressed with the job that College
of the Desert is doing and supported an allocation of $10,000. He also
supported the $30,000 to the Boys & Girls Club with the remaining funds being
allocated to the City's street improvement project.
In response to Council Member Adolph, Mr. Vogt, Public Works Director,
advised that there are funds available for Desert Club Drive from the refinancing
of the bonds, but those funds could be freed up for other projects if the CDBG
funds are utilized.
Council Member Adolph supported the request of the Boys & Girls Club and also
supported at least $10,000 for College of the Desert with the remaining funds
being allocated for the City's street improvement project.
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Mayor Pena also supported the Boys & Girls Club commenting on their value to
the community and also supported the requested $20,000 to College of the
Desert with the remaining funds being allocated for the City's street
improvement project.
Council Member Henderson also supported the requested $30,000 for the Boys
& Girls Club and because the City has its infrastructure program moving
forward, she could support the $20,000 allocation to College of the Desert.
Council Members Perkins and Sniff stated that they, too, would support
$20,000 to College of the Desert.
RESOLUTION NO.99-08
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING PROPOSALS, REPROGRAMMING FUNDS, AND
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO SUBMIT APPLICATIONS FOR
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUNDS FOR FISCAL YEAR 1999-
2000.
It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Adolph to adopt Resolution No.99-08
allocating $30,000 to the Boys & Girls Club, $20,000 to College of the Desert,
and the remaining funds of $87,000 to the City of La Quinta. Motion carried
unanimously.
3. TENTATIVE TRACT MAP 23773, EXTENSION #1, FOR APPROVAL OF A ONE-
YEAR TIME EXTENSION FOR UNRECORDED TRACT PHASES 4-7 CONSISTING
OF 77 SINGLE-FAMILY LOTS WITHIN 20.75 ACRES WITHIN STARLIGHT
DUNES. APPLICANT: CENTURY-CROWELL COMMUNITIES.
The Mayor declared the PUBLIC HEARING OPEN.
Mr. Herman, Community Development Director, advised that the Planning
Commission has recommended approval of the one-year time extension for
Tentative Tract Map 23773.
There being no one wishing to speak, the Mayor declared the PUBLIC HEARING
CLOSED.
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d_VCity Council Minutes 16 January 5,1999
RESOLUTION NO.99-09
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY QF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A QNE-YEAR TIME EXTENSION FOR TRACT 23773
PHASES 4-7) CONSISTING OF 77 SINGLE-FAMILY LOTS ON 20.95 ACRES
LOCATED 110-FEET NORTH OF AURORA WAY AND 250-FEET WEST OF
ADAMS STREET. APPLICANT: CENTURY CROWELL COMMUNITIES.
It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Hendersdn to adopt Resolution No.99-
09 as submitted. Motion carried unanimously.
4. ZONING CODE AMENDMENT 98-602 TO AMEND CHAPTER 9.140.000
HILLSIDE CONSERVATION REGULATIONS TO ALLOW FENCING TO MITIGATE
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AS A PERMITTED USE.
The Mayor declared the PUBLIC HEARING OPEN.
Mr. Herman, Community Development Director, presented staff report advising
that this is a zoning code amendment to Chapter 9.140 of the La Quinta Charter
and Municipal Code. The request originated with the recent lawsuit settlement
between the Tradition Club and the California Department of Fish and Game.
Pursuant to the settlement agreement, the Tradition is required to request that
the City consider allowing the installation of fencing at the edge of its project.
Such fencing is not permitted within the Hillside Conservation Overlay Zoning
District at this time. In order to allow such fencing, the HC Zoning District
would have to be amended to include it in the list of permitted uses.
The Planning Commission has conducted a public hearing on the requested
amendment and has recommended denial of the request.
Mr. Herman noted for the record, that a letter was received dated December 1 6,
1 998 from the United States Department of Fish and Wildlife indicating their
support for the amendment.
Council Member Adolph asked who would make the determination if the fencing
is necessary and Mr. Herman advised that the City would make such
determination.
Kevin Brennan, with California Department of Fish and Game, addressed the
Council in support of the proposed amendment as they feel that fencing is
necessary to separate the Big Horn Sheep from potentially lethal consequences
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associated with urban development. He advised that they have documented
mortality of Big Horn Sheep in urban areas. He referred to the fencing at the
Big Horn Golf development in Palm Desert and said that it can hardly be seen.
In response to Council Member Adolph, Mr. Brennan advised that there are 280
Big Horn Sheep statewide and half of that number are in the Santa Rosa
Mountains and the San Jacinto Mountains. Of those, about 80-95 of them are
located in the mountains in back of La OUINTA.
Council Member Adolph commented on the amount of time he spends on the
golf course and has never seen a Big Horn Sheep, except in the Rancho Mirage
area.
Council Member Perkins stated that he is a supporter of protecting the sheep,
but he's never seen one either. He had a problem with the fencing and wasn't
convinced that a fence is going to protect the sheep, if indeed they are in these
mountains.
Ken Corey, with United States Fish & Wildlife, spoke in support of the proposed
amendment.
There being no one else wishing to speak, the Mayor declared the PUBLIC
HEARING CLOSED.
RESOLUTION NO.99-10
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, DENYING THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT ALLOWING FENCING
AS MITIGATION TO CHAPTER 9.140 HILLSIDE CONSERVATION OVERLAY
DIST$ICT.
It was moved by Council Members SniffiHenderson to adopt Resolution No.99-
10 as submitted. Motion carried unanimously.
5. SITE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 97-608, AMENDMENT #1 FOR APPROVAL OF
AN AMENDMENT TO A PREVIOUSLY-APPROVED SITE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT
FOR THE RESORT EMPLOYEE PARKING LOT TO DELETE CONDITIONS #32
AND #38 WHICH PERTAINS TO CONSTRUCTION AND TIMING OF
EISENHOWER DRIVE STREET IMPROVEMENTS FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED
ON THE EAST SIDE OF EISENHOWER DRIVE, SOUTH OF SO? AVENUE.
APPLICANT: KSL LAND CORPORATION.
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The Mayor declared the PUBLIC HEARING OPEN.
Mr. Herman, Community Development Director, presented staff report advising
that KSL submitted a request to delete Condition Nos. 32 & 38 pertaining to the
construction and timing of required Eisenhower Drive improvements between
Avenue 50 and the La Quinta Evacuation Channel. Staff could not support the
request, but recommends that these conditions be modified to read as follows:
32(A)(1) Eisenhower Drive Primary Arterial) Completion of primary arterial
street improvements on the east side of the centerline from
Avenue 50 south approximately 540 feet, including a full-width
landscaped median and a six-foot wide meandering sidewalk. The
City will allow a left turn pocket at the project entry if the
applicant provides sufficient right-of-way width for a median
configuration which prevents left-out movement.
32(A)(2) Eisenhower Drive Primary Arterial) Deferred) Completion of
primary arterial street improvements on the east side of the
centerline from approximately 540 feet south of Avenue 50 to the
La Quinta Evacuation Channel, including a full-width landscaped
median and a six-foot wide meandering sidewalk. The applicant
shall design the improvements and secure the cost of construction
until required by the City.
38. The applicant shall install all off-site street and sidewalk improvements
required to be constructed within six months of the opening of the
parking lot for use by employees. The applicant shall install all deferred
off-site street and sidewalk improvements within five years of the
opening of the parking lot for use by employees, unless otherwise
required by the City.
Mr. Herman advised that what these modifications mean is that the
requirements regarding Eisenhower improvements were separated as to those
that need to be completed within six months after the opening of the parking
lot and those that are deferred for up to five years which is approximately 540
feet south of the intersection of Eisenhower and Avenue 50. For further clarity,
it is those improvements that are subject to further modification if KSL modifies
the fairways and if they find an alternate site for its employee parking lot.
The Planning Commission has reviewed the request and has recommended
approval of the staff's recommended modification to these conditions.
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In response to Council Member Henderson, Mr. Vogt, Public Works Director,
advised that under Condition No. 32(A)(2), the City could require the
improvements if it finds that KSL is not going to reconfigure their land and
relocate their parking lot; or if it becomes necessary to widen the bridge and add
lanes.
Following further discussion and a brief recess, Mr. Herman suggested that the
last sentence of Condition 32(A)(2) be changed?to read The applicantshall
secure the cost of design and construction until the improvements are
completed." He recommended that in Condition No.38, the verbiage following
the comma in the last sentence be changed to read unless required to be
constructed earlier by the City."
Council Member Sniff expressed concern about the uncertainty and ambiguity
of the future improvements.
In response to Council Member Adolph, Mr. Herman gave a brief history of this
site development permit, advising that it was for the corner of Eisenhower and
Avenue 50. The original plan was to construct a maintenance building along
Avenue 50, but they subsequently removed the maintenance building and kept
it over by the old Calle Tampico site, and they chose to put golf or residential
units along Avenue 50 and then they put the employee parking lot on the
interior. Since that was approved, they have been searching for an alternate
site for employee parking, which the City is insisting on for the hotel, so they
built this employee parking lot and it was conditioned to have the improvements
along Eisenhower for the entire development; and they sought and applied to
modify Eisenhower, recognizing that they still have to build the parking lot
whether they called it temporary or permanent. The only issue before the
Council is how much improvements they want on Eisenhower at this time. The
Planning Commission is recommending that the only portion of Eisenhower
required to be built now is 540 south of Avenue 50 on the east side and defer
the remaining portion until KSL decides on a firm design.
Council Member Henderson understood that this is a compromise condition to
secure the improvements with the City having the ultimate authority to speed
up improvements if it becomes necessary; and at the same time, we're working
with the applicant on some potential changes.
Chevis Hosea, representing KSL, advised that they have acquired the 68 acres
to the north of the hotel 38 of which are developable) and have opened escrow
on the two adjacent properties which will provide another 30 developable
acres. This will provide for expansion of the resort and some ancillary needs,
such as parking. They are currently in design of those areas in terms of trying
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to create a parking facility for the resort which will alleviate the need for this
facility. This is why they are asking for more time to study these issues. They
currently have a $300,000 parking lot and would like not to spend a million
dollars on off-site improvements to park there. He pointed out that the portion
being deferred is the portion the City has the authority to require at any time.
In response to Council Member Sniff, Mr. Vogt advised that widening of the
bridge is in the CIP as a deferred project, so there is no time line for the project.
RESOLUTION NO.99-li
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, APPROVING AMENDMENT #1 TO SITE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT
97-608 IN THE LA QUINTA RESORT AND CLUB SPECIFIC PLAN AREA.
It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Adolph to adopt Resolution No.99-il
as amended incorporating the changes outlined by Mr. Herman). Motion carried
unanimously.
6. TENTATIVE TRACT MAP 26855 REVISED), FOR APPROVAL TO SUBDIVIDE
33.8 ACRES INTO 95 SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL UNITS AND 11 COMMON
LOTS LOCATED EAST OF JEFFERSON STREET, SOUTH OF S0? AVENUE.
APPLICANT: BROOKFIELD CALIFORNIA LAND HOI-Dl?GS; INC.
The Mayor declared the PUBLIC HEARING OPEN.
Mr. Herman, Community Development Director, advised that the requested
revis!on to Tentative Tract Map 26855 adds 10.8 acres, all fronting on
Jefferson Street allowing the subdivision access to line up with Pomelo Drive
on the west side of Jefferson Street and adds 22 residential lots to an already
approved tract making it 33.8 acres and consisting of 95 residential lots and
other common lots.
The Planning Commission has reviewed the revised map and recommends
approval subject to conditions.
Council Member Adolph questioned Common Lot K" and Mr. Herman advised
that it is conditioned to remain Undevelopable Open Space."
Council expressed concern about that lot not being maintained properly and
concurred on amending Condition No. 81 to require the Homeowner's
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Association to maintain it.
There being no one wishing to speak, the Mayor declared the PUBLIC HEARING
CLOSED.
RESOLUTION NO. 99-12
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, GRANTING APPROVAL OF TENTATIVE TRACT 26855 TO
ALLOW A 95-LOT SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL SUBDIVISION AND
MISCELLANEOUS COMMON LOTS APPROXIMATELY 33.8 ACRES.
APPLICANT: KEITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.
It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to adopt Resolution No.99-
12 with Condition No.81 being amended. Motion carried unanimously.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned upon motion by Council
Members Sniff/Adolph. Motion carried unanimously.
Res ectfully submitted,
SAUNDRA L. JUHOLA, City Clerk
City of La Quinta, California
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