1995 01 17 CC Minutes LA QUINTA CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
January 17, 1995
Regular meeting of the La Quinta City Council on January 17, 1995 was called to order at the
hour of 3:00 p.m. by Mayor Pena, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
PRESENT: Council Members Bangerter, Perkins, Sniff, Mayor Pena
ABSENT: One Vacancy)
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA
Mayor Pefia asked that Consent Calendar Item No.7 be removed from the Consent Calendar
and added as Business Item No.6.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION I? was moved by Council Members Sniff/Bangerter to approve the City Council
Minutes of January 3, 1995 as submitted. Motion carried unanimously.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Pefia announced that the La Quinta Day at the Children's Museum" will be held on
January 21, 1995 and all La Quinta residents will receive free admission to view the exhibit on
that day.
PRESENTATIONS None
PlIBLIC COMMENTS
Mr. Arthur Levine, of Lake La Quinta Development, commented on the City's new
subdivision-flag policy. He advised that because Lake La Quinta now has three developers, they
are experiencing difficulty complying with the City's limitation of eight flags per development.
They've submitted a request to the Community Development Department to allow 16 flags with
eight at 47 at Caleo Bay and eight at 48 at Caleo Bay. The proposed flags will be the same type
already used in the development.
Council directed the matter to staff.
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City Council Minutes 2 January 17, 1995
Mr. Robert Tyler, 44-215 Villeta Drive, expressed appreciation to the Council for the reduction
In size of the La Quinta Norte development construction signs, noting they are now less
obtrusive to the area.
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Mr. Seth Ettinger, 78-720 Avenida La Fonda, expressed appreciation to the City for cleaning
out the drainage ditch along Calle Rondo. However, he felt that there's a serious problem with
the capacity of the ditch and the underground drainage pipe under Avenue 52 that directs the
water to the retention pond because the north end of Calle Rondo, near Avenue La Jarita, was
flooded during the last rain. He requested an opportunity to discuss the issue with City staff.
Council directed the matter to staff.
Ms. Lucia Moran, P.O. Box 1305, presented an update on the upcoming Soap Box Derby
scheduled for March 25, 1995. She thanked Council for their support of the event and advised
that six paid registrations have been received and there are another ten waiting for funds. Fund-
raising letters are being mailed and an ad will be placed in the Desert Sun regarding the event
with an entry form attached. She advised that she is sharing the directorship with Don Berry
who has been a great benefit to the event. She commented that Colony CableVision was
instrumental in getting the project started with their financial contribution. Concession booths
for the event are being organized by a volunteer.
In response to Mayor Pefia, Ms. Moran advised that sponsorships are $350 and will cover the
car, shipping, wheels, and a helmet.
Ms. Moran also commended the City on their hard stand against graffiti.
WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE
I. Letter from Desert Chapter Bu&ldi?ng Industry Association. regarding CVAG's
policies relative to Regional Arterial Program Funds.
Mr. Genovese, City Manager, advised that CVAG's Technical Advisory Committee has
taken a position of support for the BIA letter.
BUSINESS SESSION
1. REPORT OF PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION ON PLOT PLAN 94-543
WHICH ALLOWS A RESTAURANT IN THE C-P ZONE; LOCATED
NORTHWEST OF THE INTERSECTION OF WASHINGTON STREET AND
CALLE TAMPICO. APPLICANT: LA QUINTA VILLAGE PROPERTIES.
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City Council Minutes 3 January 17, 1995
Mr. Herman, Community Development Director. presented the plot plan, elevations, and
landscaping plan for the proposed 3,500 sq.ft. Sesamest' restaurant to be located
northwest of Washington Street and Calle Tampico in the La Quinta Village Shopping
Center. The building height, architecture, and materials are compatible with the existing
shopping center buildings. The restaurant will include outdoor seating and a water
fountain. On January 10th the Planning Commission recommended approval of the
project, subject to the conditions of approval.
MOTION It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Bangerter to accept the report of
the Planning Commission action on Plot Plan 94-543 which allows a restaurant in the
C-P-S, located northwest of the intersection of Washington Street and Calle Tampico
applicant, La Quinta Village Partnership. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE
ORDER NO.95-14.
2. CONSIDERATION OF SPECIAL ADVERTISING DEVICE 95-062 FOR THE
APPROVAL OF TEMPORARY SUBDIVISION FLAGS FOR TRACT 23263
ACACIA. APPLICANT. ACACIA CONSTRUCTION.
MOTION It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Bangerter to approve Special
Advertising Device 95-062, permitting eight temporary flags for the Acacia tract, subject
to conditions of approval. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO.95-15.
3. CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST FOR ANNEXATION OF APPROXIMATELY
117 ACRES LOCATED NORTHWEST OF THE INTERSECTION OF JEFI"ERSON
STREET AND FRED WARING DRIVE. APPLICANT: KURT JOHNSTON,
AGENT FOR THE OWNER.
Mr. Herman, Community Development Director, advised that the applicant's request is
the first step in an annexation process which will include a general plan, pre-annexation
zoning, and a sphere of influence amendment. The subject property is not located within
the sphere of influence of any city.
Mr. Frank Goodman, 78-200 Hidden River, Bermuda Dunes, Chairman of the Bermuda
Dunes Community Council. reminded the Council that the residents of Bermuda Dunes
vehemently opposed a previous annexation attempt by La Quinta. Re advised that they
continue to vehemently oppose the City of La Quinta taking bites" out of Bermuda
Dunes. He referred to results of a previous survey which expressed the extreme wish
of 500+ residents not to be annexed by the City of La Quinta. He questioned the
authorization to continue the annexation process without signed authorization from the
property owner, Mr. Wade Ellis. He advised that the Bermuda Dunes Comrnunity
Council will oppose any annexation effort and will distribute a questionnaire in April
asking Bermuda Dunes residents to voice their wishes regarding any annexation by the
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City Council Minutes 4 January 17, 1995
City of La Quinta. He also questioned why surrounding property owners didn't receive
notification of the proposal.
Mr. Kurt Johnston, P.O. Box 504, Palm Springs, representing the property owner,
Wade Ellis, advised that Mr. Ellis has given his full permission to go forward with the
proposed annexation. Mr. Ellis wishes to be annexed by the City of La Quinta because
it has a well-known name to developers and is easy to work with.
In response to Mayor Pefia, Ms. Honeywell, City Attorney, advised that the City can
initiate its own annexation proceedings without written authorization from the property
owner. However, since LAFCO looks heavily at the owner's interest and considering
the cost involved with an annexation, she advised that it would be best to have a letter
from the property owner on record before proceeding.
Mr. Johnston advised that he would obtain signed documentation from Mr. Ellis.
Ms. Chris Clarke, of STAMKO Development, advised that they own land adjacent to
the subject property and also wish to be annexed by either the City of La Quinta or City
of Indio because of the difficulty raw-land owners encounter when they try to develop
their land within the County of Riverside. They will oppose the proposed annexation of
117 acres to the City of La Quinta unless their adjacent 18 acres are included, as it will
almost make an island out of their property.
Mr. Herman advised that the applicant's request is the first step in an annexation
procedure and is intended to only receive the Council's input. The actual application will
include the property owner's authorization and at that time, surrounding property owners
will be notified of any public hearings.
Council concurred on continuing the matter for two weeks to allow the applicant time to
submit a letter of authorization from the property owner.
MOTION It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Bangerter to continue the
annexation request for 117 acres on the northwest corner of Fred Waring Drive and
Jefferson Street until February 7, 1995 to allow staff time to secure signed approval from
Mr. Wade Ellis and Ms. Chris Clarke. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE
ORDER NO.95-16.
4. CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST TO RELEASE $15,000 TO THE COLLEGE
OF THE DESERT REGIONAL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE CENTER.
MOTION It was moved by Council Members Bangerter/Sniff to continue the request
for funding from the Regional Business Assistance Center to February 7, 1995. Motion
carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO.95-17.
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City Council Minutes 5 January 17, 1995
5. CONTINUED CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST BY AIRTOUCH CELLULAR TO
LOCATE A MONOPOLE AT THE SPORTS COMPLEX.
Mr. Bohien, Parks & Recreation Director, advised that on November 1, 1994, Council
expressed some concerns regarding health issues related to AirTouch Cellular's proposed
placement of a monopole at the Sports Complex and requested the applicant to supply
research information relating to that issue. He advised that after researching and
discussing the health issue with the applicant, staff believes that the proposed monopole
will not present any health hazards to anyone using the surrounding facilities. He
recommended that the applicant be directed to the Community Development Department
for flirther processing of their application.
Mr. Hardy Strozier, 3151 Airway Avenue, Costa Mesa, representative of The Planning
Associates, advised that they're making this request because of a severe increase in usage
of wireless telephones within the Coachella Valley. He advised that as of 1:00p.m. on
this date, there were 56 911" calls in the valley serviced through AirTouch and
approximately 250 dropped" calls. He introduced Dr. Peter Poulson who gave a brief
presentation regarding the health issue concerns.
Dr. Peter Poulson, an independent consultant, advised that he has worked within the
area for 22 years and with cellular companies for the past four years. He advised that
he obtains the engineering information about a proposed site and calculates the ground-
level power densities that will exist around the site, using the worst-case scenario by
calculating the maximum number of operating channels and transmitted power from the
antennas. He then compares that number with existing standards from the American
National Standards Institute and the National Council on Radiation Protection and
Measurements. Using both standards, he calculated the proposed site to be 600 times
below the standard. He considers the proposed site to be totally safe with minimal
likelihood of any effects whatsoever and virtually non-existent on a sunny day.
Council Member Sniff didn't have a problem with the applicant submitting a formal
application to the Community Development Department. but encouraged them to be more
responsive in the future to requests for information. He noted that the offered lease
payment is far less than amounts received by other entities for use of facilities and felt
that the City should receive an amount commensurate with other agencies.
Council Member Perkins agreed that responses from the applicant have been slow, but
expressed appreciation that Council's concerns have been addressed. He believes that
emergency communication capability through cellular phones is an important issue in the
community and should be a part of the City's emergency preparedness.
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City Council Minutes 6 January 17, 1995
Mayor Pena agreed, noting that there are many areas within the City where cellular
phones cannot transmit and felt that the proposed monopole will be valuable to La
Quinta.
Council Member Bangerter concurred with Council, adding that she now feels
comfortable regarding the health issue concerns.
Mr. Bohien referred to a paragraph within the staff report that alluded to some
communication difficulties with the applicant, but advised Council that the applicant
recently has been very responsive.
MOTION It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Bangerter to direct AirTouch
Cellular to the Community Development Department for processing of their request to
place a monopole at the Sports Complex. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE
ORDER NO.95-18.
6. CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF FINAL MAP AND SUBDIVISION
AGREEMENT AND ACCEPTANCE OF RIGHTS-OF-WAY AND EASEMENTS
DEDICATED FOR TRACT 28019 WILLIAMS DEVELOPMENT.
Mayor Pena abstained due to a conflict of interest and left the dais.
MOTION It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Bangerter to approve the Final
Map and Subdivision Agreement and acceptance of rights-of-way and easements for Tract
28019, Williams Development. Motion carried with Mayor Pena ABSENT. MINUTE
ORDER NO.95-19.
CONSENT CALENDAR
APPROVAL OF DEMAND REGISTER DATED JANUARY 17, 1995.
2. AUTHORIZATION FOR OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR THE DEPUTY CITY
CLERK TO ATTEND AT&T TELECOMMUNICATIONS TRAINING IN LOS
ANGELES, JANUARY 22-27, 1995.
3. APPROVAL OF REQUEST BY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION TO
ATTEND A CALIFORNIA PARKS AND RECREATION SOCIETY
CONFERENCE IN SAN JOSE, MARCH 2-5, 1995.
4. AUTHORIZATION FOR OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR THE SENIOR ENGINEER
TO ATTEND THE GIS AND COMPUTER MAPPING ON DESKTOP SYSTEMS
CLASS IN SAN DIEGO, JANUARY 26-27, 1995.
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City Council Minutes 7 January 17, 1995
5. REJECTION OF CLAIM FILED BY JAN WEBSTER, DATE OF LOSS,
NOVEMBER 19, 1994.
6. APPROVAL OF TITLE hIB CONTRACT WITH RIVERSIDE COUNTY OFFICE
ON AGING.
7. MOVED TO BUSINESS SESSION ITEM NO.6.
8. APPROVAL OF PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION WORK PLAN.
MOTION It was moved by Council Members. Sniff/Bangerter to approve the Consent
Calendar as amended and as recommended. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE
ORDER NO.95-20.
STUDY SESSION None
REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
Mayor Pena advised that Kay Ladner, with the Coachella Valley Recreation & Park District, will
give her report when she arrives. All other reports were noted and filed.
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
1. Ms. Honeywell, City Attorney, advised that escrow closed on the Burkett/Washington
Square transaction and the City now has an easement to Adams Street allowing future
connection to Highway 111.
She advised that the Charter City Update was submitted to Council for their review and
further direction to staff. She advised that cases have occurred during the last year that
continue to provide support for charter cities to have fairly-expansive municipal power
under their charters. The update Includes two radically different types of charters from
the Cities of San Marcos and Palm Springs. She suggested that the issue be scheduled
for a study session if the Council wishes to consider it further.
Council Member Perkins was in favor of scheduling it for a study session to consider
placing the issue on the November ballot. He asked what the deadline was for placing
it on that ballot.
Mrs. Juhola, Administrative Services Director, advised that the deadline would be
sometime in August.
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Mayor Pena suggested that a study session be delayed until March to allow time for the
soon-to-be-appointed Council Member to become familiar with the issue.
Council Member Sniff wished to have a critique and analysis prepared regarding what
a City can do as a Charter City versus a General Law City prior to scheduling a study
session.
Ms. Honeywell advised that the update includes a summary of all the cases in this area.
A Charter City has direct control over all municipal affairs that are not preempted by the
State and a General Law City only has powers that are delegated by the State.
Council Member Sniff asked if the Redevelopment Agency would be affected by a
change to a Charter City.
Ms. Honeywell advised that the issue doesn't have any bearing on redevelopment law;
however, as a Charter City, the City could be given authority to accomplish things that
only the Redevelopment Agency can do presently.
In response to Council Member Sniff, Ms. Honeywell advised that there are close to 500
cities in California and approximately 80 of those are Charter Cities.
In response to Council Member Perkins, Ms. Honeywell confirmed? that all General Law
City powers can be retained under a Charter City by including a provision that retains
all municipal affairs, including those given by the State to General Law Cities. A charter
is only as limited or expansive as the City creates it to be.
Council Member Sniff asked if the State can preempt a city's charter.
Ms. Honeywell advised that they cannot unilaterally. The courts tend to look at the
individual issues to determine if they are more of a local concern as opposed to a
regional concern. During the last five years there has been a trend in the courts to
recognize more local municipal affair power in the Charter Cities.
2. Mr. Cosper, Public Works Director, reviewed the Fleet Maintenance Program which is
an attempt to enhance the City's fleet of vehicles, light equipment, and heavy equipment.
The program outlines a budgeting mechanism that identifies cost components necessary
to maintain a fleet at a life-cycle standard. A life-cycle standard for vehicles and
equipment involves factors such as frequency and types of maintenance, a scheduled
replacement program, salvage costs and needs of the City to accomplish current and
future work as determined by the current inventory of vehicles and equipment and the
size of the City's work force. Based on the current inventory, the annual cost for
maintenance is $61,036, split between the Building and Safety Department and the Public
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Works Department. The maintenance workload requires an additional 1A
mechanic/maintenance position. Approximately $41,270 per year should be deposited
into the Fleet Replacement Fund. He hen reviewed the vehicles/equipment that need to
be added over the next three years. All of these items will be considered in preparing
the FY 1995/96 operating budget.
MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS' ITEMS
DISCUSSION OF COUNCIL'S RULES OF PROCEDURES.
Council Member Bangerter felt that the City Attorney and/or Council should review
the Council's Rules of Procedures since one of the policies was recently found to be
ambiguous.
Council Member Sniff believed that the Council's Rules of Procedure should be clearly
understood and consistent with Roberts Rules of Order. He also believed that words
such as shall,' which a legal imperative and should." which is a moral" imperative,
need to be better defined.
Mayor Pena commented that Roberts Rules of Order are far more extensive than the
Rules of Procedure and are more difficult to understand. It's important that the Rules
are clear and understandable.
Council Member Perkins agreed that Roberts Rules of Order are not easy to understand,
but agreed that they should be followed when possible. He also wished to see the
Council's Rules better defined.
Council Member Bangerter believed that the Council's Rules state that Roberts Rules of
Order are used when a point of order is not addressed in?the Rutes, but agreed that the
Council needs to make a determination as to when they wish to deviate from Roberts
Rules of Order.
Council concurred on directing the City Attorney to review the Council's Rules of
Procedure and bring it back to the Council in a Study Session.
2. DISCUSSION OF ADAMS STREET AND DUNE PALMS ROAD WHITEWATER
CHANNEL CROSSINGS.
Council Member SnIUU advised that he requested that this issue be placed on the agenda
because of its paramount importance to the City, especially to those residents needing
access to the northern part of the City. The two crossings were expected to be completed
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City Council Minutes 10 January 17, 1995
before the beginning of the 1994/95 school year. Therefore, he asked staff to update the
Council on the reasons for the delays.
Mr. Cosper, Director of Public Works, presented a brief history of the two crossings
beginning with their destruction during the Whitewater River Channel flooding in January
and February, 1993. FEMA funds were applied for to repair the two crossings, both by
the City and the Desert Sands Unified School District, and $157,000 was received for
the two projects. A cooperative agreement was reached between the City and the school
district in April, 1994 to complete the design and construction of both crossings. In
May, 1994 both entities were informed by Coachella Valley Water District CVWD) that
both crossings would require invert stabilizers, which increased the cost of both crossings
from $157,000 to $750,000. The decision was made to complete the design and seek
additional funding for the Adams Street crossing first, since it was unlikely that funding
would be approved for both, and design plans were submitted to CVWD July 1st.
CVWD informed the City that Federal policy changes required the City to obtain a
permit from the Army Corps of Engineers, Water Quality Control Board, and the
Department of Fish and Game and those permits were received by September 1st. The
final encroachment permit was issued by CVWD on October 23rd and the school district,
who is the construction coordinator for the project, issued a change order to Granite
Construction to complete the work on the Adams Street crossing. Granite Construction
moved equipment to the site to begin construction on January 3, 1995, but the City
stopped the project on January 4th because of flooding in the channel. Construction will
begin again when the channel is dry and construction is estimated to take six to eight
weeks.
Mr. Cosper advised that the City applied for additional funding from FEMA for the
Dune Palms Road crossing because of the increase in project costs due to the design-
requirement changes to the crossing. Staff feels that the appeal process looks favorable,
but the 90-day appeal period ends at the end of January, 1995. The school district is
negotiating with CVWD for partial reimbursement for the invert stabilizer at the Adams
Street crossing. He suggested that the City will do the same for the invert stabilizer at
the Dune Palms Road crossing. Gaining approval of the Adams Street crossing involved
seven different agencies. In addressing current traffic-circulation problems, staff has
reviewed the circulation patterns around the high school and instituted traffic-safety
measures at intersections where traffic has been increased. No traffic-related complaints
have been received since he first two weeks of the school year.
Council Member Sniff commended staff on their efforts to complete these two projects
and urged them to continue seeking funding for the Dune Palms Road crossing.
In response to Council Member Perkins, Mr. Cosper advised that the crossings would
have been washed-out again during the recent flooding if they had been replaced under
the previous design standards, but would have survived under the new design standards.
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3. DISCUSSION OF LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES PLANNING
COMMISSIONER'S INSTITUTE IN MONTEREY IN MARCH.
Council Member Perkins felt that the League of California Cities Planning
Commissioner's Institute is an important conference and each Planning Commissioner
willing to allocate their time should be allowed funding to attend, but there is approved
funding for only four of the seven Commissioners to attend.
Mr. Herman, Community Development Director, advised the Council that all seven
Commissioners have indicated a desire to attend the conference.
Mayor Pena agreed that the conference is important, but felt it was especially important
that the new Comrnissioners attend.
In response to Council Member Sniff, Mr. Herman advised that there were only five
Commissioners last year and all five attended the conference.
Council Member Sniff felt that the current funding should be used to send the new
Comrnissioners who haven't attended before and request them to bring back material for
the other Commissioners to review. He disagreed with sending all seven Commissioners,
noting that the City has many Commissions and it could be costly for the City if all
members of these Commissions were sent to the various conferences available. He felt
that attendance to these conferences should be rotated on an annual basis between the
members involved. He suggested that this matter be reviewed during the next fiscal
year's budget.
Council Member Perkins advised that laws change yearly and it's important that the
Commissioners are kept updated. He didn't feel that information received at a
conference can be brought back and presented in the same manner. He believed that the
Planning Commission is the City's most important Comrniss?ion and the benefit they wil?
receive from attending the conference is worth the cost.
Council Member Bangerter believed the conferences are worthwhile and understood why
the entire Commission wishes to attend, but felt that the Council should be concerned
about the funding and believed the issue should be reviewed during the budget process.
Council Member Perkins believed that a person must attend a conference to understand
the full-benefit received from attendance as opposed to reviewing materials returned from
a conference.
In response to Mayor Pefia, Mr. Herman advised that the conference will be held March
22-24, 1995 and will cost an additional $3,000 for all seven Commissioners to attend.
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City Council Minutes 12 January 17.1995
Mayor Pefia didn't have a problem with sending all seven Commissioners, but felt it
should be discussed with a full Council and the Finance Director to determine where the
funding will come from.
Council Member Sniff felt that if this matter is to be discussed further all of the
Commissions should be included in that review.
Mayor Pefia suggested a policy relating to conference attendance.
Council Member Bangerter felt that the Council needs to look at the value of the
conference and how it might benefit the Planning Commission as opposed to other
Commissions.
Mayor Pefia suggested hat further discussion regarding the Planning Commissioners
attendance at the March conference be scheduled for the February 7th Council meeting
and discuss the policy during the mid-year budget review.
Council Member Sniff felt that all Commissions should be discussed at the same time.
Council directed the City Clerk to check with the League of California Cities to find out
what yearly-conferences are available that would apply to any of the City's Commissions.
REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS...................continued
Ms. Kay Ladner, Board Member of Coachella Valley Recreation & Park District,
advised that she was elected to the Coachella Valley Recreation & Park District two
years ago after having served on La Quinta's Community Services Commission and
Planning Commission. She sought a seat on the District Board because she was
dissatisfied with its perfortnance, but feels that the District has improved since Don
Martin was hired as the General Manager. She asked the City to increase their
utilization of the District's facilities so as not to duplicate costs to the residents. The
District currently manages five pools and several parks and recreational facilities.
Mayor Pefia expressed appreciation to Ms. Ladner for her presentation on the District
and agreed that the City should utilize the District's services. He wished to see the City
and District enter into some kind of cooperation to provide recreational services for the
cornmunity.
Ms. Ladner advised that she has strived to have District funds returned to the community
by upgrading the District's facilities in the La Quinta Park.
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Council Member Sniff concurred that Ms. Ladner has done a great job and suggested that
the Coachella Valley Recreation & Park District continue to work with the City's own
Park & Recreation Department to compliment each other's efforts.
Council Member Perkins felt that this issue is on-going and should be continually
reviewed by the City to obtain the best recreational programs for the City. He agreed
that the City and District should work cooperatively.
Council recessed to Redevelopment Agency meeting.
Council reconvened and recessed to Closed Session to and until the hour of 7:00 p.m.
CLOSED SESSION
1. Conference with real property negotiator pursuant to Government Code Section
54956.8, regarding negotiations for proposed commercial development including
price and term of payment for property located at the southwest corner of Higbway
111 and Jefferson Street Tim Ealey, negotiator for Midland Properties.
2. Conference with legal counsel concerning potential initiation of litigation pursuant
to Government Code Section 54956.9(c) one case.
7:00 P.M.
Council reconvened with Mayor Pena absent.
PUBLIC COMMENT None
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT REQUEST FOR A ONE-YEAR TIME
EXTENSION FOR A PREVIOUSLY-APPROVED PROJECT TO REMODEL AND
ENLARGE AN EXISTING 1,581 SQUARE FOOT, ONE-STORY, COMMERCIAL
BUILDING ON 18 ACRE AT 78-100 CALLE TAMPICO. APPLICANT: MR.
AUGUSTIN MARTINEZ.
Mr. Herman, Community Development Director, reviewed the site plan and elevations
for the project which includes an existing 1,581 sq.ft. building and a proposed 930 sq.ft.
addition. He advised that approval of the applicant's one-year time extension request will
automatically extend a variance that was approved in conjunction with the Conditional
Use Permit. The variance was to allow a reduction in the setback on Avenida Bermudas
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from 25 feet to 6 feet for the new addition; permitted a single driveway entrance on Calle
Tampico approximately 56 feet from Avenida Bermudas; and allowed off-site parking
and minor architectural variances. A building permit has been issued for the remodel of
the existing building, but the permit for the addition will not be issued until the parking
requirements are satisfied.
Council Member Sniff advised that a number of people have inquired as to why the
property has not been properly maintained and he questioned why the poor maintenance
has been allowed.
Ms. Honeywell, City Attorney, advised that the time extension can be conditioned to
require proper maintenance of the property.
Mr. Hartung, Building & Safety Director, advised that the applicant recently began
cleaning up the property as directed by staff, but it is not yet complete.
Council Member Sniff advised that he wouldn't support approval of the time extension
unless the project is conditioned to be cleaned up.
Mr. Martinez. 78-100 Calle Tampico, applicant. advised that he wished to open the
business and then complete the renovations. He will begin the clean-up during the
upcoming weekend because he expects to remodel the parking lot and landscaping within
two weeks of the engineering department's approval of the plans.
The Mayor Pro Tern declared the PUBLIC HEARING OPEN. There being no one
wishing to speak. the Mayor Pro Tern declared the PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED.
Council Member Perkins advised that he also has received many calls regarding the bad
condition of the property and agreed that the project should be conditioned to require
proper maintenance.
In response to Council Member Perkins, Ms. Honeywell advised that the public hearing
could be continued to give the applicant time to clean up the project or a condition could
be added to the project that would require it to be cleaned up and inspected within a
given period of time; failure to comply would make the extension invalid.
Council Member Perkins favored continuing the hearing for 60 days or until such time
as the property is brought up to City Code.
Mayor Pro Tern Bangerter suggested giving the applicant two weeks to clean it up and
then inspect it every 30 days to make sure that he is continuing to maintain it.
Ms. Honeywell advised that a specific condition could be added to the project that
requires a certain maintenance level.
Mr. Herman suggested two options to the Council: 1) continue the public hearing to
allow time for the property to be cleaned up; or 2) grant a one-month extension, subject
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to a re-inspection of the property to verify that the site has been properly cleaned and if
so, then automatically grant an 11-month extension, and add another condition that
requires the applicant to maintain the property in an acceptable manner for the lifetime
of the Conditional Use Permit.
Mayor Pro Tern Bangerter and Council Member Perkins concurred with the suggestion
to condition the project.
RESOLUTION NO.95-03.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, ANNOUNCING FINDINGS AND APPROVING A ONE-YEAR
TIME EXTENSION FOR A PREVIOUSLY-APPROVED CONDITIONAL USE
PERMIT WHICH ALLOWED CONSTRUCTION OF A SECOND-STORY
ADDITION AND ENLARGEMENT OF THE EXISTING ONE-STORY BUILDING.
It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Bangerter to adopt Resolution No.95-03 with
amended conditions as follows:
1. The property must be cleaned within 30 days and upon passing inspection, the
extension will be automatically extended for 11 months.
2. The applicant must maintain the property henceforth in an acceptable manner to the
City of La Quinta and failure to maintain the property will allow the City to revoke
the Conditional Use Permit once it is brought back to the City Council.
Motion carried unanimously with Mayor Pena ABSENT.
Mrs.?juhola, City Clerk, advised that ten applicati6ns have been received to-date for the Council
vacancy and asked the Council if they would like to consider beginning the interviews at an
earlier hour than 7:00 p.m. on 3anuary 24, 1995.
Council concurred on beginning the meeting at 6:00 p.m.
MOTION It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Bangerter to adjourn. Motion carried
unanimously.
AUNDRA L. JU LA, City Clerk
City of La Quinta, California
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