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1999 01 26 CC Minutesd_VE LA QUINTA CITY COUNCIL MINUTES JANUARY 26,1999 Special meeting of the La Quinta City Council was called to order at the hour of 2:00 P.M. by Mayor Pen a, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. PRESENT: Council Members Adolph, Henderson, Perkins, Sniff, Mayor Pefla ABSENT: None PUBLIC COMMENT None Council recessed to Closed Session to and until the hour of 3:00 P.M. CLOSED SESSION 1. Evaluation of Council-appointed position City Wanager, pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.6. 3:00 P.M. PRESENTATIONS 1. PRESENTATION BY I-A QUINTA ARTS FOUNDATION REGARDING THE FOUNDATION'S NEW LAND AND PROPOSED BUILDING PROJECT. Council Member Perkins advised that he resides in Laguna de Ia Paz, and stated for the record that he has discussed the proximity of his residence to this proposed project with the City Attorney and she does not believe that he has a conflict of interest, but they are in the process of obtaining an opinion from the Fair Political Practices Commission. In the meantime, he will continue to participate in the discussions. BIB] 03-01-1999-U01 03:03:08PM-U01 ADMIN-U01 CCMIN-U02 01-U02 26-U02 1999-U02 d_VECity Council Minutes 2 January 26,1999 Kay Wolff, President of the Board of Directors of the La Quinta Arts Foundation proceeded to present the tentative plans for their recently acquired property on Washington Street just south of St. Francis of Assisi Church. She believed that their new Arts Center will offer a major enhancement to the quality of life for the people of La Quinta and will not be in conflict with other arts or cultural groups. They're planning a diverse complex with something for everyone. They hope to have some activities that are non-art related that will draw people into the Center who might otherwise never go to an exhibit. They also plan to expand their services and provide space for other groups to have activities. There is a total of 42 acres, 15 of which were given to the Church for parking and 28 were given to the Arts Foundation. There is some property to the west about five usable acres) which they hope to acquire some day. In response to Council Member Sniff, Ms. Wolff advised that the parking will be along Washington Street which is slightly below grade level. Ms. Wolff continued in advising that the festival grounds are proposed to also be used for soccer. The festival grounds will contain 350 artist spaces; however, they don't plan to go over 300, but room is there if a particular artist wishes to expand into two spaces. For comparison, the current festival grounds allows for 280 spaces. Regarding access, their south entrance almost lines up with Avenue 48 and they will be working with City staff on that issue. They are taking every step to assure the best traffic circulation and the softest of lighting in order to eliminate glare and light spillage onto surrounding property? owners. The parking lot will consist of decomposed granite, with the festival grounds being covered with turf. The amphitheatre will be sunken. An Indian Memorial is planned on the far northwest corner of the grounds. The project will be built in phases. They have an obligation to their benefactor to have the parking lot, festival grounds, and the administration building completed within five years of closing escrow, which is 2003. Council Member Sniff asked if there are any cost estimates available and Ms. Wolff and Ms. Francis advised that they have hired a consultant who is in the process of obtaining cost estimates so that they can begin their fund-raising campaign. Ms. Francis then reviewed the building space which contains a small cafe, class rooms, gallery space, a lecture hall and some visiting artists studio space. Ms. Wolff then reviewed the timeline for completion of the various building phases and what they wish to see happen during the current capital campaign drive. She also reviewed the results of the roundtable discussions. BIB] 03-01-1999-U01 03:03:08PM-U01 ADMIN-U01 CCMIN-U02 01-U02 26-U02 1999-U02 d_VE City Council Minutes 3 January 26,1999 Council Member Sniff expressed concern about how the elevation differences will affect pedestrian circulation, size of sidewalks, and the need to provide adequate parking space for tour buses. Ms. Francis related the fact that they have had meetings with residents of Laguna de Ia Paz to address their concerns and will be making a presentation at their annual meeting of homeowners. They are also meeting with the major developers and businesses within the City. Ms. Wolff advised that the next step is to prepare the documents and expressed hope that the City Council will remember the Foundation when preparing the budget. Mayor Pefla commended the Foundation for their public/private approach and in meeting with the surrounding neighbors and the community as a whole. Ms. Francis advised that they will be making periodic updates to the City Council. There being no further business, it was moved by Council Members Perkins/Sniff to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. R?ectf?lly submifted, City Clerk City of La Quinta, California BIB] 03-01-1999-U01 03:03:08PM-U01 ADMIN-U01 CCMIN-U02 01-U02 26-U02 1999-U02