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1999 01 19 CC Minutesd_V3 LA QUINTA CITY COUNCIL MINUTES JANUARY19, 1999 Regular meeting of the La Quinta City Council was called to order at the hour of 2:00 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 Council recessed to Closed Session to and until the hour of 3:00 p.m. CLOSED SESSION 1. Conference with labor negotiators, Ski Harrison, Tom Hartung, and John Falconer, regarding negotiations with the La Quinta City Employees Association pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6 Meet and Confer Process. 2. Conference with legal council pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(c) potential litigation one case). 3. Evaluation of Council-appointed positions City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.6. See Page 16 for Closed Session announcement.) 3:00 P.M. PUBLIC COMMENT Robert Tyler, 44-215 Villeta Drive, spoke regarding the Dine La Quinta" program and a similar program sponsored by the City that has only one La Quinta restaurant listed. CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA Mrs. Juhola, City Clerk, advised that presentations would be moved to 7 p.m. and that Page 1 5 of the January 5 Minutes has been revised and distributed to Council. BIB] 02-05-1999-U01 04:49:08PM-U01 CCMIN-U02 01-U02 19-U02 1999-U02 d_V3City Council Minutes 2 January 1 9, 1 999 APPROVAL OF MINUTES MOTION It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to approve the City Council Minutes of January 5, 1999, as submitted Page 15 revised). Motion carried unanimously. ANNOUNCEMENTS None WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE 1. LETTER FROM JIM DEMERSMAN RESIGNING FROM THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION. It was noted that a plaque of appreciation would be presented to Mr. Demersman at the 7 p.m. meeting for his service on the Historic Preservation Commission. 2. LETTER FROM DEPARTMENT OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL REGARDING LICENSE APPLICATION FOR CHEZ MONIQUE NO. 6, INC., 78-121 AVENIDA LA FONDA, LA QUINTA. Council Member Adolph wished to have some control over the noise and type of entertainment allowed, noting that the applicant is wanting to extend their operating hours to 2 a.m. and to be allowed to have karaoke and other forms of entertainment. Council concurred on having staff report back on this matter during the evening session. CONSENT CALENDAR Mayor Pena asked that Item Nos. 1 6 and 1 8 be pulled for separate action. 1. APPROVAL OF DEMAND REGISTER DATED JANUARY 19, 1999. 2. TRANSMITTAL OF TREASURER?S REPORT DATED NOVEMBER 30, 1998, FOR THE CITY OF LA QUINTA AND THE LA QUINTA FINANCING AUTHORITY. BIB] 02-05-1999-U01 04:49:08PM-U01 CCMIN-U02 01-U02 19-U02 1999-U02 d_V3City Council Minutes 3 January 1 9, 1 999 3. DENIAL OF CLAIM OF MARCUS L. FULLER, DATE OF EVENT DECEMBER 16, 1998. 4. DENIAL OF CLAIM OF LLOYD TRACY, DATE OF EVENT NOVEMBER 25, 1998. 5. DENIAL OF CLAIM OF MARIO E. VELASQUEZ, DATE OF EVENT DECEMBER 11, 1998. 6. APPROVAL OF LOAN REPAYMENT TO THE GENERAL FUND FROM THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY DEBT SERVICE FUND NUMBER 2. 7. ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION ACCEPTING PASSES TO THE LA QUINTA ART FOUNDATION'S IMPRESSIONAIRE GALA TO BE HELD JANUARY 29, 1999, AT THE PGA WEST CLUBHOUSE. 8. AUTHORIZATION FOR OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR/CITY ENGINEER AND THE SENIOR ENGINEER TO ATTEND THE LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES PUBLIC WORKS OFFICERS' INSTITUTE IN MONTEREY, MARCH 3-5, 1999. 9. AUTHORIZATION FOR OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR TO ATTEND THE 1999 APA NATIONAL PLANNING CONFERENCE IN SEATTLE, WASHINGTON, APRIL 24-28, 1999. 10. AUTHORIZATION FOR OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR THE PLANNING COMMISSION AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR TO ATTEND THE LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES PLANNING COMMISSIONERS' INSTITUTE IN MONTEREY, MARCH 24-26, 1999. 11. AUTHORIZATION FOR OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR COUNCIL MEMBERS AND STAFF TO ATTEND THE INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL OF SHOPPING CENTERS' SPRING CONFERENCE IN LAS VEGAS, NEVADA, ON MAY 23-27, 1999. 12. ACCEPTANCE OF DEEDS OF RIGHT-OF-WAY FOR STREETS ADJACENT TO JEFFERSON PLAZA HOME DEPOT). 13. ACCEPTANCE OF OFFERS OF DEDICATION OF RETENTION BASIN LOTS ON TRACT 23269 LA QUINTA HIGHLANDS) AND TRACT 23935 TOPAZ). Withdrawn/see staff report). 14. ACCEPTANCE OF PROJECT NO. 98-13, CITYWIDE SIDEWALK, HANDICAP RAMPS, AND BUS TURN-OUT IMPROVEMENTS. BIB] 02-05-1999-U01 04:49:08PM-U01 CCMIN-U02 01-U02 19-U02 1999-U02 d_V3City Council Minutes 4 January 1 9, 1 999 15. ACCEPTANCE OF PROJECT NO.98-12, 1997/98 SLURRY SEAL/RESTRIPING PROGRAM. 16. ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION GRANTING CONDITIONAL APPROVAL OF A FINAL MAP AND SUBDIVISION IMPROVEMENT AGREEMENT FOR TRACT 28601, CATELLUS RESIDENTIAL GROUP. See separate action below.) 17. APPROVAL OF AWARD OF CONTRACT TO COONS CONSTRUCTION FOR PARC LA QUINTA UTILITY UNDERGROUNDING, PROJECT NO.98-14. 18. APPROVAL OF FRITZ BURNS PARK/BEAR CREEK BIKE PATH PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, AND ESTIMATE AND AUTHORIZATION TO BID. See separate action below.) 19. ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING A RIVERSIDE COUNTY SERVICE AUTHORITY FOR ABANDONED VEHICLE ABATEMENT REIMBURSEMENT. 20. APPROVAL OF APPLICATION FOR THE 1998/99 FISCAL YEAR BICYCLE LANE ACCOUNT GRANT PROGRAM FOR A REGIONAL CONNECTING BIKE PATH BRIDGE ON HIGHWAY 111 AT DEEP CANYON STORM WATER CHANNEL. MOTION It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Adolph to approve the Consent Calendar as recommended and amended with the exception of Item Nos. 1 6 and 1 8 and with Item Nos. 7, 1 9, and 20 being approved by RESOLUTION NOS. 99-13, 99-14, and 99-15. respectively. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO.99-03. Item No.16 MOTION It was moved by Council Members Henderson/Adolph to approve Consent Calendar Item No. 1 6 Tract 28601 Catellus Residential Group) as recommended by RESOLUTION NO.99-16. Motion carried with Mayor Pena voting NO. MINUTE ORDER NO.99-04. Item No.18 MOTION It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Adolph to approve Consent Calendar Item No.1 8 Fritz Burns Park Retrofit/Bear Creek Bike Path Rest Stops) as recommended. Motion carried with Mayor Pena ABSTAINING. MINUTE ORDER NO.99-05. BUSINESS SESSION None BIB] 02-05-1999-U01 04:49:08PM-U01 CCMIN-U02 01-U02 19-U02 1999-U02 d_V3City Council Minutes 5 January 1 9, 1 999 STUDY SESSION None REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS 1. CVAG Committee Reports Council Member Sniff reported on two issues recently brought before the Energy & Environmental Resources Committee. The first issue dealt with CVAG's proposal to contract with the County to do a Western County Habitat Conservation Plan. He advised that they did not send it forward with a recommendation to the Executive Committee due to a number of concerns such as the 3,900 staff hours involved. Mayor Rena advised that there are concerns from other cities that this will drain resources that we currently have and may be heading in a direction that we don?t want to head. He said that Corky Larson has proposed a meeting with him and the City Manager, but he felt there are other significant issues that need to be raised regarding the direction CVAG is taking. Council Member Henderson noted that the hours involved would require almost two full-time employees and questioned if CVAG has become overstaffed, if they have this kind of staff time available. Mr. Genovese, City Manager, advised that that question was brought up at the Technical Advisory Committee meeting. Council Member Sniff agreed that CVAG may have lost its direction and suggested sending a letter to CVAG in support of the Mayor and City Manager?s negative votes on this issue. Mayor Rena suggested sending a letter to CVAG voicing the City's concerns about their organizational structure, hiring process, etc. In response to Mayor Rena, Mary Thiery, 46-209 Oasis Street, lndio, Legislative Assistant for Supervisor Roy Wilson, advised that the Western County Habitat Conservation Plan is part of the County and the update of the General Plan. She advised that the County did receive proposals from other consultants. Mayor Rena felt those proposals should be reviewed to make sure that CVAG hasn?t underestimated the amount of time this will involve. He felt the Board of Supervisors' action was probably based on Corky?s assurance that CVAG could handle it. BIB] 02-05-1999-U01 04:49:08PM-U01 CCMIN-U02 01-U02 19-U02 1999-U02 d_V3City Council Minutes 6 January 1 9, 1 999 Ms. Thiery felt that that is probably a correct summation, and stated that she could have Robyn Nagle provide staff with the other proposals, as well as a clarification on the County's action. Council Member Sniff noted that Robyn Nagle and her husband have a conflict of interest with this. Council Member Sniff stated that the second issue dealt with the Colorado River Regional Sewer Coalition and their financial problems due to water pollution. They're seeking federal assistance and looking for local legislative support for an effort not dissimilar to the Salton Sea problem. 2. Traffic Signal Update In response to Council Member Perkins, Mr. Vogt, Public Works Director, advised that the traffic signal at the Von's Shopping Center is ready for operation, but has been delayed by various Caltrans' requirements. Council Member Perkins felt that it's time to put some pressure on Caltrans and for Council to take formal action to get State legislators to do something about Caltrans. In response to Council Member Perkins, Mr. Freeland, Senior Engineer, advised that the signal is ready for the final striping, which is done with activation of the signal. Mayor Pena supported sending a letter to Assemblyman Battin. Council Member Perkins suggested leaving it up to the Mayor and City Engineer on the most effective way to get the signal operational. Council concurred. 3. Avenue 52 Perimeter Wall Council Member Adolph spoke regarding a 50-60 foot gap in the perimeter wall along the north side of Avenue 52, which he understood from staff that KSL would be responsible for when they do an update on their maintenance facility. 4. C. V. Mountains Conservancy Council Member Sniff advised that the Conservancy will soon be providing a written response to the Council's concerns based on the presentation by Katie Barrows. In addition, the California BIB] 02-05-1999-U01 04:49:08PM-U01 CCMIN-U02 01-U02 19-U02 1999-U02 d_V3City Council Minutes 7 January 1 9, 1 999 Fish & Game has indicated that they would like to have a valley-wide summit to discuss the bighorn sheep issue. 5. Palm Springs Desert Resorts Convention & Visitors Bureau Council Member Henderson reported that. the CVB is looking to have a permanent, manned-booth in the lobby of the IMAX Theater and suggested that the City might want to rent one of the 32 back-lit sign sites that will be available. Council Member Sniff felt it would be better to have a manned booth at the airport and Council Member Henderson advised that there are racks at both locations. 6. lID Power Consumer?s Advisory Committee Mr. Robert Tyler advised that the committee will be meeting on February 9 to discuss the JPA situation. He will provide the City with an update after the meeting. All other reports were noted and filed. DEPARTMENT REPORTS C. CATELLUS GROUND-BREAKING CEREMONVI SPECIAL MEETING WITH THE LA QUINTA ARTS FOUNDATION. Mrs. Juhola, City Clerk, advised that the ground-breaking ceremony for the Catellus project has been rescheduled to January27 at 10:30a.m. The special meeting with the La Quinta Arts Foundation is scheduled for January 26 at 3:00 p.m. G-1. REVENUE AND EXPENDITURES REPORT DATED NOVEMBER 30, 1998, AND THE INVESTMENT SUMMARY FOR THE QUARTER ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1998, FOR THE CITY OF LA QUINTA AND THE LA QUINTA FINANCING AUTHORITY. MOTION It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Adolph to receive and file the Revenue & Expenditures Report dated November 30, 1 998, for the City of La Quinta. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO.99-06. BIB] 02-05-1999-U01 04:49:08PM-U01 CCMIN-U02 01-U02 19-U02 1999-U02 d_V3City Council Minutes 8 January 1 9, 1 999 MOTION It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Adolph to receive and file the Revenue & Expenditures Report dated November 30, 1 998, for the La Quinta Financing Authority. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO.99-07. MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS' ITEMS 1. DISCUSSION REGARDING SECURITY IN CITY FACILITIES. Council Member Sniff felt a comprehensive and prompt look should be taken at the security of all the City's facilities in order to provide maximum security for the employees and public that utilize these facilities. He felt that an expert analysis by an outside agency is needed to evaluate the current conditions and to make recommendations for implementation. Employee and public safety and security must be a top priority. He suggested the possibility of placing buzzers in strategic locations to notify the Sheriff's Office of any problem and having the doors secured and locked. Mr. Genovese, City Manager, advised that the mid-year budget review will include funding for various security measures as follows: revised locking mechanisms for the Administration and City Clerk doors; keyless combination locks on employee-use exterior doors; 911 speed-dial capability phone for the dais; improved panic-alert system at the receptionist area; and half doors at all openings in lobby areas. Staff will continue to look at other safety measures for City Hall, as well as other City facilities. Council Member Perkins suggested a card-key system as opposed to combination locks and asked if the dais panic button would go directly to the Sheriff's Office or a private firm. Mr. Genovese advised that they are looking at all the options, and that a card key system would cost approximately $4,500. As for the alarm, staff hopes to have it go directly to the Sheriff's Office and is looking for other alternatives to alert staff. Council Member Sniff felt that a PA system could be beneficial. He reiterated that he felt an outside analysis is needed. In response to Council Member Henderson, Mr. Genovese confirmed that the mid-year budget review may contain an analysis of the cost increase for police services, but because of the increased revenues, it's not expected to be a BIB] 02-05-1999-U01 04:49:08PM-U01 CCMIN-U02 01-U02 19-U02 1999-U02 d_V3City Council Minutes 9 January 1 9, 1 999 problem for the remainder of this fiscal year. It will be an issue for future fiscal years. Council Member Adolph felt that Captain Singerton?s department report was very informative. 2. DISCUSSION REGARDING AVENUE 50 MEDIAN LANDSCAPING. Mayor Pena spoke regarding the need to begin the process for landscaping the medians on Avenue 50, noting that discussions have been held with La Quinta Country Club and KSL in regard to them paying for the maintenance costs. Mr. Vogt, Public Works Director, advised that that project is scheduled to be a part of the CIP in March. Should Council decide to proceed, in July staff will have a consultant review the plans to verify that they are still valid. Mayor Pena asked if the project could be expedited and included in the mid-year budget review. Council Member Adolph noted that he asked the same question about a month ago and was told that it would be included in the CIP. Mr. Genovese advised that it's up to the discretion of the Council, but such projects are usually made a part of the CIP process to allow Council the opportunity to analyze the effect of the funding on all the projects. Mayor Pena wished to see it moved forward since the two entities have agreed to take care of the maintenance. Council Member Henderson felt it has earned its right to move forward since these entities have agreed to help. Mr. Genovese suggested using the reserves from the last CIP if it's the appropriate source. Council concurred on directing staff to agendize this matter for the next agenda. BIB] 02-05-1999-U01 04:49:08PM-U01 CCMIN-U02 01-U02 19-U02 1999-U02 d_V3City Council Minutes 10 January 19, 1999 3. DISCUSSION ON THE EMPOWERMENT ZONE. Mayor Pena expressed appreciation and congratulations to Supervisor Wilson on the recent approval of the empowerment zone. Mary Thiery, 46-209 Oasis Street, lndio, Legislative Assistant for Supervisor Roy Wilson, noted that it was approved for $20 million instead of the $40 million that was requested. However, they are trying to get the full amount and will probably be coming back in a few months to ask the City to support their request for the full $40 million. The designation allows access to monies that they've not had access to previously and the funds can be used for housing, infrastructure improvements, job training, etc. Part of the monies are for La Quinta since it is a part of the zone. 4. DISCUSSION REGARDING THE DINE LA QUINTA" PROGRAM. Mayor Pena noted that the Dine La Quinta" program was kicked off today and thanked everyone for their participation. 5. DISCUSSION REGARDING THE BERMUDA DUNES COMMUNITY COUNCIL ANNEXATION MEETING. Mayor Pefla stated that he felt the meeting in Bermuda Dunes was very positive and noted that a number of issues were discussed such as infrastructure improvements, planning, and police and fire protection. Council Member Sniff noted that over 100 people were in attendance and that a lot of good questions were asked. He felt it was very positive and didn't sense any hostility. Mayor Pena understood that they've agreed to form a committee to look at the advantages and disadvantages of being annexed by either La Quinta or Palm Desert. Council Member Sniff felt that there was some concern that they might be annexed in sections and, thereby, lose their territorial integrity. He advised that they were told that the City would not solicit them, but would respond if they approach the City regarding possible annexation. He felt they would be requesting a significant amount of information from both cities. Mayor Pena noted that they applauded La Quinta's Dark Sky Ordinance. BIB] 02-05-1999-U01 04:49:08PM-U01 CCMIN-U02 01-U02 19-U02 1999-U02 d_V3 City Council Minutes 1 1 January 1 9, 1 999 Council recessed to Redevelopment Agency meeting. Council reconvened and recessed to Closed Session as delineated on Page 1, to and until 7:00 p.m. 7:00 P.M. PUBLIC COMMENT None PRESENTATIONS Mayor Pena presented a plaque to Jim Demersman in appreciation for his service on the Historic Preservation Commission. PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. CERTIFICATION OF A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT FOR ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 98-374 AND APPROVAL OF GEOMETRIC LAYOUT AND CONCEPTUAL LANDSCAPE PLANS FOR THE WASHINGTON STREET BRIDGE WIDENING FROM AVENUE 50 TO THE I-A QUINTA EVACUATION CHANNEL CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO.98-09. The Mayor declared the PUBLIC HEARING OPEN. Mr. Fuller, Assistant Engineer, advised that this project involves the widening of the existing Washington Street bridge over the La Quinta Evacuation Channel, and that staff is looking for certification of the environmental assessment, approval of the conceptual landscaping and geometric layout and various aesthetics related to the bridge construction. The bridge, which will include six lanes of traffic, a six-foot-wide median, six-foot-wide sidewalks on both sides, and decorative bridge railing and barrier walls, will be extended 43 feet to the west, 1 3 feet to the east, and have a finished bridge width of 96 feet. The project will include the following improvements to Washington Street: six lanes of traffic divided by an 1 8-foot-wide median; completion of parkway improvements south of the bridge; and construction of sidewalks and parkway improvements along the west side of Washington Street north of the bridge. Parkway improvements on the east side will be deferred until the adjacent BIB] 02-05-1999-U01 04:49:08PM-U01 CCMIN-U02 01-U02 19-U02 1999-U02 d_V3City Council Minutes 1 2 January 1 9, 1 999 property is developed. The project will also include construction of retaining walls and perimeter walls and modification of the Avenue SoANashington Street traffic signal. He presented slides showing the areas on both the north and south sides of the bridge, including propQsed landscaping improvements and advised that the current landscaping improvements within the street right-of-way adjacent to Duna La Quinta will be removed to allow widening of the street. The greatest impact of the project is the 14' high retaining wall and 6' high perimeter wall at the northwest corner of the bridge. He reviewed the landscaping plan and advised that a deviation from the standard median treatment is recommended to coordinate with the proposed decorative improvements on the bridge. In order to accommodate bike lanes along with six lanes of traffic, the lanes widths will be reduced from 13', 12', and 14' to 11' and 12'. Two southbound thru-lanes at Avenue 50 will be provided along with dedicated right-turn lanes in both directions, and a striped lane will be provided for traffic on Avenue 50 making a right turn onto Washington Street directing them to the middle lane to avoid potential conflicts at the bus stop area. He advised that the impacts to Duna La Quinta removal of existing landscaping improvements in the right-of-way and replacement of the perimeter wall with a varying height retaining/perimeter wall) could have been minimized had the County provided for a standard landscape setback when that project was developed. The retaining walls are required to provide for construction of the ultimate improvements. The height of the retaining wall at the bridge is 1 4' with a 6' high wall on top of that for a total of 20'. The wall height decreases with the grade moving toward Avenue 50. As a result of meeting with the homeowners association, a fractured-rib texture is proposed for the retaining wall, as well as a block wall with pilasters to duplicate as much as possible the existing block wall. He confirmed that the telephone poles will be removed by lID. In regard to the environmental impacts, it has been determined that appropriate mitigation can reduce them to less than significant amounts and that a Negative Declaration can be certified. This project has also given the Council a unique opportunity to incorporate art into a public works project. As a result of previous Council direction, an artist's concept has been developed into a final design which he presented by use of a digital representation. Associated with these decorative items, are aesthetic choices associated with the color of decorative railing, color of the concrete barrier, and the type of median treatment. He presented a color palette representing the choices of colors available. Regarding the landscaping of the bridge median, a maintenance-free landscape treatment, such as river rock or rock and soil, is recommended. BIB] 02-05-1999-U01 04:49:08PM-U01 CCMIN-U02 01-U02 19-U02 1999-U02 d_V3 City Council Minutes 1 3 January 1 9, 1 999 The Architectural Landscape Review Committee and the Planning Commission have reviewed this project and recommended approval. No negative comments have been received, but a petition was submitted at the Planning Commission meeting requesting the use of roundabouts in lieu of traffic signals at Avenue 50 and Washington Street. Mr. Vogt, Public Works Director, pointed out that the bridge will be constructed to its ultimate configuration of six lanes and reduced down to four lanes at Avenue 50 where the exclusive right-turn lane ends. Mayor Pena commented on the height of the wall and felt the view from the base could be quite imposing for residents on both sides. After a brief discussion, Council concurred on having staff come back with a computer-enhanced slide with possible alternatives for minimizing the view impacts. In response to Council Member Perkins, Mr. Fuller advised that the bridge will be 1 25 feet long with three lanes in each direction, a 6' wide median, and sidewalks on both sides. In response to Council Member Adolph, Mr. Fuller advised that the bridge will be constructed in two stages to allow traffic to continue flowing across the bridge. In response to Mayor Pena, Mr. Fuller advised that the 1 8' wide median will narrow to 6' at the bridge. Mark Gallenegro, 78-496 Calle Seama, spoke regarding the traffic noise and suggested a realignment of the approach to Avenue 50 and the bridge to provide enough space for a 12' high berm on the west side of Washington Street from Eisenhower Drive to Avenue 50 to abate the traffic noise. He noted that a noise abatement study began almost 10 years ago, and he felt attention to this situation is long overdue. Carol Krause, of Duna La Quinta, was concerned about potential health hazards due to the increased air pollution, and she felt the view impacts might lower their property values. Mayor Pena suggested a two-week continuance to see if there is some way to mitigate the view impact of the wall. BIB] 02-05-1999-U01 04:49:08PM-U01 CCMIN-U02 01-U02 19-U02 1999-U02 d_V3City Council Minutes 14 January 19, 1999 In response to Council Member Henderson, Mr. Vogt advised that the project has to be awarded prior to June 30 to take advantage of SB 300 funding. Mayor Pena suggested a continuance to the special meeting on January 26. Pat Sommerville, 999 Town & Country Road, Orange, of Holmes & Narver Inc., design consultants for the project, felt they could probably provide a rough photo within a week, and pointed out that the retaining wall is only 5 feet 11 feet with the sound wall) at the end of the existing residential in Duna La Quinta, therefore, the wall isn?t 20 feet high the entire length. He noted that any use of landscaping to minimize the impacts would have to be worked out with Duna La Quinta since they own the property adjacent to the wall. As for the schedule, the right-of-way acquisitions cannot begin until the environmental documents are approved. He felt that a delay could hurt the overall project schedule. Ms. Honeywell, City Attorney, advised that aesthetics is part of the environmental analysis. However, the environmental can be approved with an understanding that some type of planting or wall enhancement will be required to provide additional mitigation. Council Member Sniff preferred waiting until the special meeting to deal with the entire project at one time. In response to Council Member Adolph, Mr. Vogt advised that there is insufficient right-of-way next to the bridge to slope the area and construct a shorter retaining wall. In regard to a sound barrier, he noted that the General Plan calls for six lanes on Washington Street and that constructing a sound barrier berm would leave insufficient space for that expansion. In addition, staff is proposing to leave the cross-hatched southbound lane as is to provide the opportunity for three southbound lanes in the future. Council Member Adolph wished to see some options left open for the possibility of a sound barrier wall north of Avenue 50 in the future. Council Member Henderson didn?t see a problem with approving the project and leaving the door open to address the additional landscaping and other aesthetic issues at a later meeting. Mr. Fuller advised that staff held several meetings with the homeowners association and residents who will be impacted the most to include them in the pre-design process. BIB] 02-05-1999-U01 04:49:08PM-U01 CCMIN-U02 01-U02 19-U02 1999-U02 d_V3City Council Minutes 1 5 January 1 9, 1 999 Mayor Pena stated that he was leaning toward moving forward with the project because he didn't want to risk losing the Federal funding. In response to Council Member Adolph, Mr. Fuller advised that those homeowners which staff met with are in support of the project because the wall will shield their view of the road surface and help alleviate some of the noise problems. Council Member Sniff supported moving forward, and although he sympathized with the Montero Estates residents, he felt that it's a separate issue that shouldn't be deferred much longer. In response to Council Member Perkins, Ms. Honeywell advised that any consideration of a sound barrier wall north of Avenue 50 would be a separate project and require its own environmental study. There being no one else wishing to speak, the Mayor declared the PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED. Council Member Adolph advised that he's in favor of roundabouts in given areas, but feels that the community needs to become familiar with how they are used before utilizing them in major intersections. Council Member Henderson agreed that the sound wall was a separate issue, and she understood that staff was supposed to be researching some solutions for the problem. She suggested that staff update the Council on their research at the special meeting. In response to Mayor Pena, Ms. Honeywell advised that the project could be approved with an additional mitigation measure added to the environmental resolution, requiring sufficient planting materials as approved by staff or Council) to be used to provide adequate screening. She recommended adding a third finding to the environmental resolution as follows: that an additional mitigation measure to the mitigated Negative Declaration be added requiring a landscape plan to soften the effect of the retaining wall and to determine a final paint-pallette choice to be approved by the City Council. BIB] 02-05-1999-U01 04:49:08PM-U01 CCMIN-U02 01-U02 19-U02 1999-U02 d_V3City Council Minutes 1 6 January 1 9, 1 999 RESOLUTION NO.99-17 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA, CERTIFYING A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT FOR ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 98-374 PREPARED FOR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT 98-09. It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to adopt Resolution No. 99-17 as amended with the addition of a third finding with language as recommended by the City Attorney). Motion carried unanimously. RESOLUTION NO.99-18 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT 98-09. It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to adopt Resolution No. 99-18 as submitted. Motion carried unanimously. MOTION It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Adolph to approve the geometric layout of the street and traffic striping improvements associated with Capital Improvement Project 98-09. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO.98-08. Council Member Henderson asked that an update be provided to Council on staff's research on the sound wall issue. Staff advised that they would provide an estimated schedule for that update at the special meeting. The City Attorney announced that the City Council has concluded a Closed Session under Government Code Section 54956.9(c) and has determined to terminate for cause a contract with Art Fernandez for an art piece in the park and has authorized the City Attorney's office to file a complaint for recovery of damages under the contract. WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE.................continued 2. LETTER FROM DEPARTMENT OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL REGARDING LICENSE APPLICATION FOR CHEZ MONIQUE NO. 6, INC., 78-121 AVENIDA LA FONDA, LA QUINTA. See Page 2 for earlier discussion.) Mr. Herman, Community Development Director, advised that the Village Commercial Zoning District regulations allow for live or recorded music, BIB] 02-05-1999-U01 04:49:08PM-U01 CCMIN-U02 01-U02 19-U02 1999-U02 d_V3City Council Minutes 1 7 January 1 9, 1 999 including karaoke. The only way the establishment would be subject to review is if the use is changed by more than 50% or if they add onto the building by at least 25%. Hours of operation are not addressed in the Municipal Code, but they can be limited during review of the conditional use permit application. There being no further business, it was moved by Council Members Sniff/Adolph to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. Resp ctfully submitted, SAUNDRA L. JUHOLA, City Clerk City of La Quinta, California BIB] 02-05-1999-U01 04:49:08PM-U01 CCMIN-U02 01-U02 19-U02 1999-U02