1986 01 21 CC Minutes" 14I?MINUTES 345
CITY COUNCIL CITY OF LA QUINTA
A regular meeting of the City Council
held at City Hall, 78-105 Calle Estado,
La Quinta, California.
January 21, 1986 7:30 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor John Pena called the La Ouinta City Council ineeting to order at 7:30 p.m.,
and led the Council and audience in the flag salute.
2. ROLL GALL
C\J Present: Council Members Allen, Bohnenberger, Cox, Wolff and Mayor Pena.
Ln Absent: None. Manager Usher, Deputy City Manager Jennings, City Attorney Longtin,
Fresent:City
Co"'munity Development Director Stevens, and Administrative Secretary
Cr) Wright.
PL'BLlC CO??NT
1. Audrey Ostrowsky, P.O. Box 351, La Quinta, suggested the City hire a parliamentarian
in 1986, to ensure that City Council meetings were conducted according to Robert 5
Rules of Order".
2. Jacques Abels, P.O. Box 1416, La Quinta, La Quinta's Director on the C.V. Recreation
and Park District Board, brought the Council up to date on Recreation District
activities. Mr. Abels reported that the District had recently hired a new
District Manager and two new Recre?tion Supervisors, commencing March 1, 1986.
Mr. Abels explained that the new District Manager would begin his duties
February 15, 1986.
4. WRITTEN CO?J\.'ICATlONS
5. COMMENT BY COU\:CIL M??ERS
A. Council Member Wolff thanked Mr. Abels for his updates on Recreation District
business. Mr. Wolff also expressed his sorrow at the passing of Council Member
Mike Wolfson of Rancho Mirage, and spoke in praise of Mr. Wolfson's leadership
abilities and humanitarian activities.
B. Mayor Pena expressed sympathy also for the passing of Council Member Wolfson, and
also to Supervisor Corky Larson, on the passing of her husband Keene Larson.
6. CONSENT CALENDAR
It was moved by Council Member Allen, seconded by Council Member Wolff, to adopt the
Consent Calendar.
Roll Call Vote:
AYES: Council Members Allen, Bohnenberger, Cox, Wolff and Mayor Pena.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
A. Minutes of the regular City Council meeting held January 7, 1986, were approved as
submitted.
B. RESOLUTION NO. 86-6. A RESOLUTION OF ThE CITY COL?NCIL OF ThE CITY OF
LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING DEMA???S.
C. Final Tract Map NO. 20717-4 for Sunrise Co?p3ny at PGA est was accepted as
ubitted.
BIB]
02-27-96-U01
08:40:43AM-U01
CCMIN-U02
01-U02
21-U02
1986-U02
" MINUTES?S City Council
21. 1986
Page Two.
7. HEARl?GS
6. BL'Sl?ESS SESSlO?
A. OkDINANCE 0 8i. AN ORDI?A?CE OF THE ClT? COU?ClL OF THE CITY OF
LA QUl?TA, CALlFORNIA, AMENDINC THE LA Q?INTA
MUNICIPAL CODE, PROHIBITING? THE PARkING OF CERTAIN COMmERCIAL VEHICLES IN ThE ClTY.
The title of the proposed Ordinance was read by Mayor Pena. It was moved by
Council Meuber Cox, seconded by Council Member Bohnenberger, to waive further
reading and adopt Ordinance o. 87.
Council Member Wolff suggested the City Manager explain to the audience the purpose
of the Ordinance. Mr. Usher explained that the Ordinance would prohibit the parking
of certain commercial vehicles in the City, and was an extension of a previously
existing ordinance. Mr. Usher explained that there would now be a City-wide prohi-
bition on parking of large, commercial vehicles those larger than 20' long and
6' high).
Roll Call Vote.
AYES: Council Members Allen, Bohnenberger, Cox, Wolff and Mayor Pena.
OES: one.
ABSENT: one.
ABSTAIN: one.
E. The Deputy City Manager presented a report regarding an agreement between the
City and County of Riverside for a Job Training Partnership Program. Ms. Jennings s
explained that under the Agreement, the City would provide job training servic
for a Public Works Maintenance Worker Trainee, and pa??ent of salary and benefits
would be provided by the County. She explained that the program was for a duration
of 28 weeks, a total reimbursement amount of $2,623.00. Ms. Jennings stated that
the position had been filled, and recommended approval of the Agreement between
the City and County for the Job Training Partnership Progra? JTP), and authorize
the Mayor and City Manager to execute the Agreement on behalf of the City.
Council Member Wolff asked about the possibility of expansion of this program, and
the probability of bringing in office/clerical staff. Ms. Jennings explained that
the program was supervised by the County, and positions were allocated according to
the County's funding structure. She further explained that an additional position
of Office Aide I had been secured from the County, and that a young woman had
begun employment with the City last week, with the subsequent Agreement to follo?.
It was moved by Council Member Wolff, seconded by Council Member Bohnenberger, to
approve an Agreement between the City and County of Riverside for a Job Training
Progralil, and to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to execute the document on
behalf of the Citv. Unanimously adopted.
C. The Community Development Director presented a report regarding a request for an
off-site sign for Landmark Land Company at Jefferson Street and Avenue 50.
Mr. Stevens explained that the intended sign would identify subdivision sales
Landmark's hotel and tennis club facilities and at Duna La Quinta. Mr. Stever
explained that the Citv currently has a moratoriu? ordi?ance which prohibits
from approving or processing this type of sign. Mr. Stevens further explained at
upon receipt of Landmark's request for this sign, Council had directed Staff to
prepare background information evaluating the proposal and alternatives to the
moratorium? ordinance.
BIB]
02-27-96-U01
08:40:43AM-U01
CCMIN-U02
01-U02
21-U02
1986-U02
" MiN?TES City Council 347
January 21, 1986
Page Three.
Mr. Stevens stated that Staff had presented this information to Council, and
said that the City h3d, to date, expended approximately $1,000 for provision
of City?installed subdivision directory signs currently in use throughout the
City. He noted Staff concerns relative to modification of the current moratorium
ordinance in relation to allowing off-pre?ise advertising signs, espec?ally in
light of the schedule recently provided to Council pertaining to a new sign
ordinance. Mr. Stevens stated that it was Staff's feeling that the moratorium?
should re-?in effect and a sign such as the one requested by Landmark not be
approved. Mr. Stevens further stated that, at Council's request, Staff had
identified several standards as alternatives for consideration in the moratorium
ordinance should Council desire to approve a sign of this type. He explained that
Ln Staff had further provided a detailed list of standards which could be inserted in
the moratorium ordinance should the Council desire to approve a sign of the type
3 requested by Landmark. Mr. Stevens itemized these standards for the Council,
and recommended that if the Council wished to modify the moratorium ordinance to
allow signs of this sort, they adopt, on an urgency basis, an amendment to
Ordinance No. 75, which would insert in Section 1 an exception to allow processing
of plot plan applications subject to Section 3.
At this point, City Attorney Longtin stated that he had prepared, in Ordinance
form, an action to modify the moratorium ordinance, if desired. Mr. Stevens
then explained the procedure which would be used by Landmark to process their
application, if the ordinance amendment were approved.
Council Member Allen pointed Out that Item 2.C. of Staff's suggested standards
would require signs to be 2' less in height than the proposed Landmark sign. He
further questions Staff's suggestion that a $500 fine be imposed for failure
of a developer to remove their sign at the requested time. Mr. Stevens explained
that if an outside contractor were used for sign removal, this would cover the
City's cost; it would be much less it City staff handled the matter. Council
Member Allen also questions the number of allowed signs suggested in Item D one
sign per development).
Mr. Stevens explained that each subdivision could have one sign, for example,
Duna La Quinta could have a sign and the Hotel Tennis Villas could have one
sign. He stated if these were merged onto one sign, then two signs would be
permitted. He cited examples. such as Laguna De La Paz one sign), Villa Vista
one sign), PGA est one sign).
Council Member Wolff questioned the typical" size of a billboard sign, such as how
many square feet. Mr. Stevens stated that they were approximately 12' x 30', or
300'-400' sq. feet. Council Member Wolff urged that Staff have quality control over
these signs, to prohibit a proliferation of unsightly signs. Council Member Cox
explained to Mr. Wolff that this matter had been discussed by the Council during
their study session, and had expressed this concern to Staff.
Council Member Allen asked if a two-sided sign would be acceptable. Mr. Stevens
explained that it would be, up to a certain point.
Council Member Wolff questioned location of these signs. He questioned how Staff
would handle a situation where a developer might desire to place a sign which was
considered undesirable by the City. Mr. Stevens stated that he felt this could be
handled through proper language requiring signs to be within a certain distance
from the subdivision.
BIB]
02-27-96-U01
08:40:43AM-U01
CCMIN-U02
01-U02
21-U02
1986-U02
"NL"LTES City Council
1986
Following continued lengthy discussion regarding placement, nu?ber, size and
design of signs, and a discussion with Andy Vossler, Project Director of Landmark
Land Company, regarding their needs in this regard, City Attorney Longtin suggested
a review of the substantive text, as follc?s:
* that the signs be located within reasonable proximity of the subdivision;
* that the nu?ber of directory signs per subdivision be set at one;
* change the Section number to 2a instead of 3;
* Section C., sign height, be amended to make it 15' instead of 12';
* Section D., text and heading will be changed to read:
Location, Number and Spacing of Signs:
Subdivision directory signs shall be located within reasonable proximity
to the sLibdivision. No more than one subdivision directory sign for each
subdivision shall be allowed in the City. All such subdivision signs shall
be spaced a distance of at least 1,000' or similar language) between
signs.
* G.4. will be changed to read:
4. The plot plan for the sign shall be null and void, the sign removed and
the cash deposit forfeited. Then the same language down to the word
City, at which point it will read: provided, however, City shall provide
written notice of such unauthorized signs and Applicant shall have a
period of seven 7) working days to correct such violation.
Mr. Longtin then presented the Council with the Ordinance format, as follows:
ORD?ANCE NO. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF ThE CITY
OF LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA, AM??ING ORDINANCE
NO. 75, RELATIVE TO SUBDIVISION DIRECTORY SIGNS AND DECLARING ThE URGENCY THEREOF.
The City Council of the City of La Quinta does ordain as follows:
Section 1. Mr. Longtin explained that Section 1. would be the Section 2.A.
the Council has before them, as amended).
Mr. Longtin further explained the reason for the urgency measure, and read
to the Council the urgency finding pursuant to Section 65858 of the Government
Code of the State of California. Mr. Longtin explained that the effective period
of the Ordinance would be until May 7, 1986, which is the date the urgency
ordinance, in full,expires.
It was moved by Council Member Allen, seconded by Council Member Bohnenberger,
to adopt Ordinance No. 88, as above, on an urgency basis.
Roll Call Vote:
AYES: Council Members Allen, Bohnenberger, Cox, Wolff and Mayor Pena.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
Mayor Pena adjourned the meeting for the purpose of a 5-minute break at
8:37 p.m. Mayor Pena reconvened the meeting at approximately 8:50 p.m.
D. The Community Development Director presented a regarding a Pavement Management
System in the La Quinta Cove area. Mr. Stevens stated that at the request of
Council Member Wolff at the previous Council meeting, Staff had prepared a
report detailing the status of the City's budgeted pavement management system.
Mr. Stevens reported that Staff had started the preliminary work, and asked the
City Engineer to prepare a background memo emphasizing the Cove area to show
BIB]
02-27-96-U01
08:40:43AM-U01
CCMIN-U02
01-U02
21-U02
1986-U02
" MiNUTES City Council
January 2?. 986 349
Pa?e Five.
Mr. Stevens explained that the City Engineer's report discussed the factors involved
in road evaluation nd analysis, to determine the appropriate level of improvement
in various areas. He explained that the report also estimated possible Costs of
road improvement in the Cove area, and evaluates various levels of improvement which
might be done. Mr. Stevens stated that BSI Consultants, Inc., is continuing to work
on this task, but that he had not yet received their schedule for complete pavement
management system. Mr. Stevens stated that it was Staff's intention to use the
pavement study to direct Staff efforts on where to do improvernents in the Capita?
Improvement Program and Street Maintenance Program, basically for next year's budget.
He stated that Staff would also attempt to have the Current street program operate
in a more systematic manner, with more regularly scheduled evaluation and correction
of problem areas undertaken by Staff.
Council Member Allen asked if the report was intended for action or information.
Mr. Stevens responded that it was intended for information only.
Council Member wolff expressed concerns regarding current status of Citv Streets,
primarily in the Cove area. He stated that he has not observed improvements other
than usual maintenance and repair of potholes. He expressed concern regarding the
generality of the study done, and timelines regarding future improvements and
assessment of repairs and improvements to be done. Council Member wolff strongly
requested immediate action regarding a practical study for repairs and improvement
to facilitate this work being done in the very near future. Mr. wolff requested
a plan which would result in timely Street repair.
The City Manager stated that as a result of Council Member wolff's comments, it
appeared that there were two levels of report that would be useful to the Council:
the first would be a long-range report by BSI addressing the issues of the structure
of the streets in the City's Cove area, for the purpose of being the basis of the
City's long-term capital improvement program. Mr. Usher stated that some of the
more obvious and immediate problems such as potholes and rough intersections could
be addressed by a field inspection and report. Mr. Usher suggested that City staff
go Out and in a concentrated and quick fashion, provide a field report of tho?e
locations where the City could use the funds it presently has budgeted in a mcre
rapid and direct way in this fiscal year.
Mr. Stevens explained that Staff had expended portions of the 1985-86 budget on
such items as materials, drainage work, etc., and were continuing to make the
street program more systematic rather than reactionary. He further explained the
lack of engineering Staff through a portion of the first half of this fiscal year,
which had contributed to Staff delay in response time.
Council Member Cox suggested that the Street Maintenance Foreman be reimbursed on
mileage and utilize his own vehicle to better survey City streets. Mr. Stevens
stated this could be done, but would possible require some budget adjustments to
provide this reimbursement.
Council Member Allen stated that he would like to see a capable Staff mem?er do a
street survey, street by street, and initiate the necessary improvement work,
whether it be slurry seal, patching, etc.
It was the consensus to ask Staff to proceed with a systematic approach to begin
immediate street improvements, with regular progress reports at each Council
study session. It was also recommended to include the Indian Springs area in this
work.
BIB]
02-27-96-U01
08:40:43AM-U01
CCMIN-U02
01-U02
21-U02
1986-U02
"MINUTES City Council
January 21, 1986
pa?6?ix.
E. The Community Development Director presented a report regarding an appeal
of is decision regarding street address. Ann Young, Appelant. Mr. Stevens
reported that Mrs. Young had requested a change of address fro? Avenida
Ramirez to Calle nogales since her home fronts on Calle nogales. Mr. Stevens
reported that, based on Council discussion at the study session, it would be
Staff's intention to modify their pre\ious methods of assigning addresses so
that addresses are assigned based on the location of the front door for corner
parcels if the front door faces a Calle, that would be the address; if the
front door faces the Avenida, that would be the address). Mr. Stevens explained
that if was the Council's desire, he would recoTmnend they approve Mrs. Young's
appeal, at hich time Staff would undertake the necessary change of address
notifications. such as Fire Department, Sheriff's Department, etc.
It was moved by Council Member wolff, seconded by Council Member Cox, to approve
an appeal on behalf of Ann Young regarding street addressing, and direct Staff
to modify their present street address assignment procedure to reflect the Council
desire relative to addressing of corner lots in the Cove. nan?ously adopted.
F. Community Development Director Stevens reported that the Indio Citv Council had
agreed to participate jointlv with La Quinta for the purpose of reconstructing
a portion of Miles Avenue at Jefferson Street. He reported that lndio will be
the lead agency in this reconstruction project, and will begin road plans in
immediate future, probably within the n?xt 45 calendar days. He reported that
a schedule would be forthcoming when available, and that Staff would be
reporting back with budget figures and a request for a budget appropriation,
if necessary.
G. The City Manager reminded the Council that it would be necessary to adjourn this
meeting to February 1, 1986, at 9:00 a.m., at the Embassy Suites in Palm Desert,
for the purpose of a mid?year budget studv session.
9. ADJOURNMENT
It was moved by Council Mernber Cox, seconded by Council Member wolff, to adjourn to
Saturday, February 1, 1986, at 9:00 a.m., at the Embassy Suites in Palm Desert, for
a budget revie? session. Unanimously adopted.
The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of La Quinta was adjourned at
9:37 p.m., on Tuesday, January 21, 1986, at City Hall, 78-105 Calle Estado, La Quinta,
California.
BIB]
02-27-96-U01
08:40:43AM-U01
CCMIN-U02
01-U02
21-U02
1986-U02