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2000 09 26 CC Minutes LA QUINTA CITY COUNCIL MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING HELD JOINTLY WITH THE PLANNING COMMISSION THE ARCHITECTURAL AND LANDSCAPING REVIEW COMMITTEE THE COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION THE CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION AND THE INVESTMENT ADVISORY BOARD SEPTEMBER 26, 2000 A special joint meeting of the La Quinta City Council, Planning Commission, Architectural and Landscaping Review Committee, Community Services Commission, Cultural Arts Commission, Historic Preservation Commission and the Investment Advisory Board was called to order at 4:30 p.m. by Mayor John Pe~a. I. CITY COUNCIL ROLL CALL PRESENT: Council Members Adolph, Henderson, Perkins, Sniff, Mayor Pe~a PUBLIC COMMFNT - None CLOSFD SI=SSION 1. Conference with Real Property Negotiator, Mark Weiss, pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8 concerning potential terms and conditions of acquisition and/or disposition of real property located on the Southeast corner of Highway 111 and La Quinta Center Drive (Assessor's Parcel No. 649-030-057.) Property Owner/Negotiator: Stamco Development Company 2. Conference with Legal Counsel - Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(a) - Pending Litigation, City of La Quinta V. Baden, Case No. INC014012. Council recessed to Closed Session to and until the hour of 5:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. The City Council meeting reconvened with no decisions being made in Closed Session which require reporting pursuant to Section 54957.1 of the Government Code (Brown Act) II. PLFDGF OF ALLFGIANCF Mayor Pe~a led the audience in the pledge to the flag. City Council Special Meeting Minutes September 26, 2000 Joint Meeting with Planning Commission, ALRC, Community Services, CultUral Arts, Historic Preservation Commissions and Investment Advisory Board Page 2 PI ANNING COMMISSION ROll CAll: PRESENT: Commissioners AbeIs, Butler, Kirk, Tyler and Chairman Robbins ABSENT: None ARCHITFCTURAL AND LANDSCAPING COMMITTFF ROI L CALL: PRESENT: Committee Members Bobbitt, Reynolds ABSENT: Committee Member Cunningham PUBLIC COMMFNT - None CONFIRMATION OF THF AGENDA - Confirmed Mayor Pe~a welcomed all those in attendance and introduced Boy Scout Joel Kiener and his father Col. Paul Kiener. Joel is working on a Citizenship Merit Badge, one of the requirements to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout STUDY SFSSION 1. DISCUSSION OF MATTERS OF JOINT INTEREST TO THE MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL, PLANNING COMMISSION AND ARCHITECTURAL AND LANDSCAPING REVIEW COMMITTEE. Mayor Pe~a suggested the meeting be conducted in a question and answer format and he asked the Chairperson of the Planning Commission Steve Robbins to open the discussions. Chairman Robbins asked about the progress of the General Plan update. Director of Community Development Jerry Herman reported the public hearings should be taking place before the Planning Commission near the end of the year 2000. Council Member Henderson inquired how long the Planning Commission would have the General Plan documents to review prior to the first hearing. Director Herman replied there will be a joint study session of the City Council and the Planning Commission held prior to the first Planning Commission public hearing. He said the documents will be available as soon as possible prior to that meeting. Chairman Robbins commented on the cohesiveness of the current Planning Commission and the fact they rarely disagree on basic philosophy. Mayor Pe~a expressed the Council's pleasure with this situation and praised the Commission for their cooperation and thoroughness. Council Member Sniff agreed. City Council Special Meeting Minutes September 26, 2000 Joint Meeting with Planning Commission, ALRC, Community Services, Cultural Arts, Historic Preservation Commissions and Investment Advisory Board Page 3 Commissioner Tyler expressed his concern regarding the number of General Plan Amendments being considered and approved by the City Council. Community Development Director Jerry Herman stated that La Quinta, as a Charter City, can process up to 12 General Plan Amendments per year. He reported that this has allowed the City to implement a "fast track" program to assist in speeding up the development process. Council Member Henderson observed that there has not been an excessive number of amendments when one takes into account the lengthy period of time that has passed since the last General Plan Update. Chairman Robbins concurred and said he feels the City should be concentrating on areas of the City that have not undergone development or areas that may be annexed into the existing City boundaries. Commissioner AbeIs said he likes receiving the Community Development monthly report from staff and asked when the La Quinta Movie Theater is expected to open. A discussion of the progress of the theater ensued and Council Member Henderson shared information that she has recently received. She said one reason for the delay in opening, has been because the developers have upgraded and reinstailed seating and sound systems to insure the most up-to-date equipment is included in the theater when it opens. Commissioner AbeIs questioned the uses to be included at the new Point Happy Center, stating he was surprised to read the announcement in the newspaper that a hotel would be included. A general discussion among the members of the Council and the Commission concluded a hotel use would have to come back before the Planning Commission for approval and at this juncture it may be more rumor than fact. Commissioner AbeIs also stated he had been approached by Mr. Boudreau of the Cliff House Restaurant about the need for a sidewalk or walkway on the north side of Highway 111 between the Cliff House and the Point Happy development. Council Member Henderson felt a walkway north of the rocky outcropping might be a possibility, in the area that is planned for a bike path. Chairman Robbins expressed his concerns with not providing some kind of an access based on the public safety aspects. He felt Cal Trans or the City or County really needed to "step up to the plate" and address this matter. Mayor Pe~a responded that Cal Trans may need to close that area off somehow and make it known that the area is prohibited to pedestrians. City Council Special Meeting Minutes September 26, 2000 Joint Meeting with Planning Commission, ALRC, Community Services, Cultural Arts, Historic Preservation Commissions and Investment Advisory Board Page 4 Commissioner AbeIs asked the status of the KSL time-share project at Eisenhower and Coachella Drive. Director Jerry Herman advised a completely new project will be submitted by KSL for that property. Commissioner Kirk requested some feed-back regarding the new process with the ALRC and Planning Commission and if the Council thinks it is working well since the City Council reorganized the organizational structure. Council Member Adolph stated he has received positive feed-back from the Building Industry Association (BIA). Commissioner Kirk said he feels from a commissioner's standpoint it is going well but would like to know if the Planning Commission is basically on the same track as the City Council when it comes to policy. He cited recent sign issues and circulation as two areas of concern. Council Member Adolph said the City Council, on occasion, deals with other considerations in these cases and because they do not uphold a Planning Commission recommendation, in no way suggests there is a basic philosophical difference between the Commission and Council. He pointed out that even the Council agrees to disagree from time to time. Council Member Sniff said he feels things are working out much better than in the past. Council Member Perkins commented he feels the Planning Commission provides the most important input and support the City Council receives. He further stated he sees no major problems between the Commission and Council. Mayor Pe~a agreed with Commissioner Kirk that signage is an issue that needs to be addressed and he feels lighting issues are also surfacing as a potential problem area. Commissioner Tyler expressed real concern about the noise and light intrusion from both the Southwest Congregational Church and the Indian Wells Tennis Stadium in the vicinity of Washington and Fred Waring. Architectural and Landscaping Committee Member Bill Bobbitt said he feels the Committee is more effective when it is recognized as being comprised of "specialists" in the areas of architecture and landscaping. He also asked to have the opportunity to provide input on the landscape standards during the General Plan update process. He mentioned such issues as planting the wrong plant materials, particularly trees near pools and sidewalks. He stated the number one problem is tree damage to hardscapes and sees the need to "nip the problem in the bud" by approving a selection of appropriate trees and plant materials. City Council Special Meeting Minutes September 26, 2000 Joint Meeting with Planning Commission, ALRC, Community Services, Cultural Arts, Historic Preservation Commissions and Investment Advisory Board Page 5 Mayor Pe~a commented that the landscape renderings provided by developers present such attractive images that the type of plant material proposed, sometimes doesn't get the consideration it deserves. Council Member Sniff said he would like to see limits on the height of date palm trees placed in the standards. Council Member Henderson stated she has observed some honest dialog going on between the members of the Planning Commission and she believes differences of opinion are healthy. She encouraged the Commission to continue in this manner. Commissioner Butler and Committee Member Bobbitt thanked the Community Development staff for the thoroughness of the staff reports prepared for their respective bodies. Committee Member Frank Reynolds said he feels the ALRC has, for the most part, been able to send most of the developers and applicants, who appear before them, away from their meetings happy with the changes and suggestions made. .... The Commission and Council briefly discussed a meeting scheduled by the developers of Wallgreens. The Council and Commission agreed that the flyer announcing both the meeting and the participation of the City and other agencies, such as the Water District, was not appropriate since the developers didn't notify or invite any of the parties named as participants to attend. Council Member Sniff asked the Planning Commission for their feelings regarding annexation of areas to the east of the present City boundaries. Commissioner Rich Butler stated he has concerns about running out of room for Redevelopment projects. Commissioner Kirk outlined what he called "the larger issues", consisting of the matters of signage, the Highway 111 development, the southeast area annexation and density. He said he feels the General Plan Update process offers an excellent opportunity to address these issues. He believes for the long term the General Plan usually works but the really important issues are more short term and even when the General Plan is updated there will still be amendments that come up. He recommended that the City focus on the southeast annexation area, on Highway 111, signs, and density and not spend too much time on the policy language. He said he is enthusiastically in favor of annexing the proposed area. Council Member Sniff said he sees the need to address parks and recreation requirements, density and affordable housing as top priorities. The City Council and Planning Commission discussed the Community Park in the north section of La Quinta and the challenges facing the City with its development. City Council Special Meeting Minutes September 26, 2000 Joint Meeting with Planning Commission, ALRC, Community Services, Cultural Arts, Historic Preservation Commissions and Investment Advisory Board Page 6 They cited lighting, multiple uses, noise, and cost as being areas that may be difficult to resolve. Commissioner Tyler suggested the City Council look at the new "pocket" park being developed by the City of Palm Desert, which he feels is very well designed with a number of good amenities for a small park. Commissioner AbeIs recommended the City work with Imperial Irrigation District to upgrade the landscaping of their properties. Mayor Pe~a questioned the Commission regarding their impressions of the Highway 111 Corridor development. Commissioner Kirk said the General Plan update provides a wonderful opportunity for planning of the undeveloped areas. He suggested it provides a chance to be creative and innovative. Council Member Sniff stated he feels long-range planning needs to be consistent with what has been developed in other areas of the City such as the Village. Commissioner Tyler reported he attended a meeting on Foreign Trade Zones recently. He felt the City's Economic Development staff should be focusing some effort in this area. Council Member Sniff stated has been a good meeting and the minutes need to be "fairly expansive". Mayor Pe~a thanked the Commission and Committee Members and adjourned this joint portion of the meeting at 6:05 p.m. 6:45 P.M. - Meeting Jointly with the Community Services Commission IV. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Commissioners Bechard, Henson*, Rebich and Chairperson St. Johns ABSENT: Davis 1. DISCUSSION OF MATTERS OF JOINT INTEREST TO THE MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL AND THE COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION. Mayor Pe~a called the joint meeting with the Community Services Commission to order at 6:50 p.m. City Council Special Meeting Minutes September 26, 2000 Joint Meeting with Planning Commission, ALRC, Community Services, Cultural Arts, Historic Preservation Commissions and Investment Advisory Board Page 7 Mayor Pe~a announce that Commissioner Davis, who is attending the Olympics in Sydney, Australia had been excused. Mayor Pe~a asked Community Services Director Dodie Horvitz to make a brief staff report prior to opening the meeting up to a question and answer format. Director Horvitz recapped the Commission's notable activities including the meetings with residents of the proposed Community Park neighborhood in North La Quinta and their participation and support of the City Picnic. Mayor Pe~a stated he feels one of the challenges for the Commission in the near future will be the Community Park development. He mentioned the desire on the part of the soccer enthusiasts to have the entire park dedicated as a soccer facility. He also mentioned the lighting of the park may create some dissension. Commissioner Rebich suggested the light level in that neighborhood is already a serious concern and the lights at the high school are very invasive. She asked if there was a way the City could approach the school district about shielding the lights more effectively to alleviate some of the concerns of the residents. *Commissioner Hanson arrived at 7:00 p.m. Council Member Perkins agreed that shielding of the high school lights would be a very good idea. He also questioned if the sports field lights ate on all night. Director Horvitz responded the lights are on a satellite timing device that unfortunately malfunctions fairly regularly and the lights don't go off at all. Commissioner Bechard suggested it would be very helpful if information about modification of the high school lights could be available prior to the next community meeting. Commissioner Bechard questioned the City's future park plans. City Manager Tom Genovese stated the City Council recently approved a Request for Proposal (RFP) to update the parks master plan and future expansion will be a part of that planning.' Council Member Adolph said the development of property located at Miles and Washington is planned to include a community park. Council Member Sniff suggested the Commission give some thought to the naming of the Community Park and recommended it be kept simple, for example La Quinta Community Park. In response to Mayor Pe~a, Commissioner Bechard said one of the requests the Commission hears often from the High School age residents is for a Teen Center. City Council Special Meeting Minutes September 26, 2000 Joint Meeting with Planning Commission, ALRC, Community Services, Cultural Arts, Historic Preservation Commissions and Investment Advisory Board Page 8 Council Member Henderson expressed the opinion that teens really do not want a "structured" program. She said she feels they would prefer to have a place to "hang out", but not necessarily a place to go for planned activities. Chairperson St. John asked if the recent "open swim" night for the teens was successful. Director Dodie Horvitz responded that only about 20 people artended. Commissioner Hanson asked if the City could do a survey to look at what the teens themselves would like to have in the way of recreation programs. Council Member Sniff said the City has done many surveys and the responses are always the same, a Teen Center and a skateboard facility are repeatedly listed. Council Member Henderson discussed the idea of holding a regular Friday night teen dance at the recreation facility at Lake Cahuilla. She felt this could be combined with an evening swim party at that location in the summer months. Council Member Perkins commented, it has been his observation that teenagers do not like anything that is "sponsored" by the school or the City. Council Member Sniff asked what the plan is after the meeting in October with the residents of the Community Park area. A general discussion took place which covered identifying the other areas of interest for the Community Park site such as a dog park, fire station location, playing fields and picnic areas. Commissioner Hanson felt some emphasis should be placed on golf facilities for the public as a part of future parks and recreation planning. Council Member Henderson advised that staff is presently investigating the possibility of an 18-hole putting course being located in the Village. She outlined that this would consist of putting greens being located at the Civic Center Campus and various restaurants and businesses in the Village to increase interest in the area and provide some diversity. Mayor Pe~a thanked the Commissioners for their input and adjourned the joint meeting with the Community Services Commission at 7:26 p.m. 7:30 P.M. - Meeting Jointly with the Cultural Arts Commission 1. DISCUSSION OF MATTERS OF JOINT INTEREST TO THE MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL AND THE CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION. V. ROLL CALL: PRESENT: Commissioners Diamond, McMillan, Reynolds, Woodard, Chairperson Shamis ABSENT: None City Council Special Meeting Minutes September 26, 2000 Joint Meeting with Planning Commission, ALRC, Community Services, CultUral Arts, Historic Preservation Commissions and Investment Advisory Board Page 9 Mayor Pe~a called the joint meeting with the Cultural Arts Commission to order at 7:30 p.m. Chairperson Shamis stated the Commission would like to individually cover five very important subjects and requested permission to have each member address a particular subject with the Council. Mayor Pe~a suggested she might wish to begin. Chairperson Shamis spoke regarding communications between the City Council and Commission. She asked that the City Council meet with the Cultural Arts Commission more frequently. She also said she would prefer to return to the seven (7) member commission to accommodate the number of important tasks the Commission has. She addressed the upcoming Cultural Arts Symposium and asked that the City Council share with the Commission their vision of what the role of the Cultural Arts Commission should be. Commissioner Elaine Reynolds spoke regarding the Temporary Art program. She asked that the City Council consider paying for the installation of loaned artwork and for the required liability insurance for temporary art pieces. She stated she has been speaking with representatives of KSL about financing this and locating temporary art in the median near the La Quinta resort. She also stated she has spoken with Mr. Ed Kibbey of the BIA who said, while he does not favor this program, he would not oppose it. Mayor Pe~a asked in what capacity Commissioner Reynolds had been speaking with these individuals. She responded she was just trying to help the City get one of the Commission's programs accomplished. Mayor Pe~a cautioned that commitments should not be made by an individual Commissioner without the express direction of the Council and concurrence of the other members of the Commission. Commissioner Woodard suggested the discussion of Temporary Art should be confined to the general subject, not to site specifics. Council Member Perkins stated he would oppose placement of temporary art in the medians because of safety concerns and possible driver distraction that this might CaUSe. Council Member Sniff said he feels this program needs to be investigated thoroughly by the City Attorney and if the problems can be worked out, the City Council would then look into designating an appropriate site, Council Member Henderson pointed out an important factor to consider is the cost of installation of temporary art. She felt the installation required for some large pieces of artwork, on a temporary basis, could be cost prohibitive, City Council Special Meeting Minutes September 26, 2000 Joint Meeting with Planning Commission, ALRC, Community Services, Cultural Arts, Historic Preservation Commissions and Investment Advisory Board Page 10 Commissioner Denise Diamond spoke to the subject of discretionary funds for the use of the Cultural Arts Commission. She outlined projects that could be done if the Commission had some discretionary funds at its disposal. One such project might be the creation of a catalog of the art collection located in City Hall. She felt a self- guided tour with a brochure describing the pieces, their location, and a short biography of the artist would be an excellent project. Mayor Pe~a explained that, under the Government Code, only the City Council is authorized to approve expenditures of public funds. He advised that the Council sets aside discretionary funds each year during the budget process and should the Commissions have a special project they would like to have funded, they may request that the Council consider it. Commissioner Woodard asked what happens with funds raised by a program put on by the Cultural Arts Commission. Mayor Pe~a said he is not able to answer that question at this time but he would explore it with staff. Commissioner Leslie Mc Millan spoke regarding the need to have performing arts events play a strong part in the City's Cultural Arts program. She indicated holidays and the City's birthday would be perfectly suited for variety performances featuring dancing, singing, talent shows, etc. Council Member Adolph advised that "La Quinta On Stage" is in the process of reorganizing with new expertise taking on leadership. He said they should be ready to present some performances by next year. Mayor Pe~a asked the Commission to present the Council with a plan for a program of this kind. Commissioner Stewart Woodard spoke regarding the strong influence golf has on the City of La Quinta. He encouraged the City to look at golf courses as settings for public arts and suggested the City prepare a self-guided tour brochure to the various locations such as the City of Brea has done. Commissioner Woodard suggested the City Council give the Commission some guidelines for the type of art they feel is most appropriate for areas such as the Civic Center campus. Mayor Pe~a asked that the Commission turn this request around and that they provide the Council with recommendations along these lines. Council Member Sniff stated he feels the Civic Center should have art that is "uncluttered' and reflects a historic theme as well as a desert influence. City Council Special Meeting Minutes September 26, 2000 Joint Meeting with Planning Commission, ALRC, Community Services, Cultural Arts, Historic Preservation Commissions and Investment Advisory Board Page 11 Council Members Henderson and Perkins both expressed their convictions that the City Council should not be giving directions that are too specific, since visual art is not something that can be defined in that way. Council Member Perkins further stated recommendations should be coming to the Council from the Commission, not the other way around. Council Member Sniff felt the Commission should not feel they are not being taken seriously because the Council does not always agree with their recommendations. Commissioner Diamond said she feels the Commission's role needs to be as a bridge from the City to the Art community. She sees the Commission in a position to nurture relationships with local artists during the planning and implementation phases and the Council's role to make the decisions regarding final selection of Art in Public Places. Council Member Henderson said she feels meetings need to be productive but the Commission should not feel pressured to accomplish too much at any given meeting. She suggested, rather than being rushed to make decisions, the Commission should feel free to continue a business meeting, to allow them time to be comfortable with their recommendations. Commissioner Woodward stated presentation of a written rationale for the Commission's recommendations might be helpful the next time they are presented to the City Council. Mayor Pe~a thanked the Commissioners for their participation and adjourned this portion of the joint meetings at 8:10 p.m. 8:20 P.M. - Meeting Jointly with the Historic Preservation Commission V. ROLL CALL: PRESENT: Commissioners: Irwin, Sharp, Chairperson Wright ABSENT: Commissioners: Mitchell, Puente 1. DISCUSSION OF MATTERS OF JOINT INTEREST TO THE MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL AND THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION. Mayor Pe~a opened the joint session at 8:20 P.M. and suggested the members of the Commission individually speak to any questions or concerns they might have. Commissioner Barbara Irwin stated she is very happy with the newly approved curation program and she suggested that the City's office trailer might be used for this program after the construction company completes their work in the Village. City Council Special Meeting Minutes September 26, 2000 Joint Meeting with Planning Commission, ALRC, Community Services, CultiJral Arts, Historic Preservation Commissions and Investment Advisory Board Page 12 Chairman Bob Wright also spoke about the curation program and described a visit by the Commission to a facility designed for this purpose in Fort Irwin. He also stated he feels the Commission needs to expand the cataloging of historic residences in the Cove area. Commissioner Irwin said she feels the "Desert Club Housing" built in the 1940's has become historic and should be catalogued. Council Member Sniff questioned what the Commission means by "Desert Club Housing." Commissioner Irwin responded she wasn't able to provide specific addresses but she was referring to the concrete block housing that was constructed in the 40's. Council Member Sniff stated there weren't too many of those houses and they were scattered in different blocks, basically ending at Avenida Ensenada. Mayor Pe~a said he would very much like to see an oral and/or written history prepared on the development of the Cove area. Commissioner Irwin reported that the Historic Preservation Commission staff reports have a standardized format and the reports themselves are so comprehensive they are historically significant. She thanked the staff for all their efforts. Commissioner Sharp, in response to Council Member Henderson, said as a newly appointed commissioner, he is very impressed with the operation of the Historic Preservation Commission. Council Member Perkins thanked the Commission for having the ability to involve the City Council in the construction of the museum. Mayor Pe~a thanked the Commission and adjourned this joint portion of the meeting at 8:41 p.m. 8:45 P.M. - Meeting Jointly with the Investment Advisory Board V. ROLL CALL: PRESENT: Commissioners: Irwin, Chairperson Osborne ABSENT: Commissioners: Olander, Mahfoud, Lewis, Moulin and Filice 1. DISCUSSION OF MATTERS OF JOINT INTEREST TO THE MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL AND THE INVESTMENT ADVISORY BOARD. Mayor Pe~a called the joint meeting with the Investment Advisory Board to order at 8:45 p.m. City Council Special Meeting Minutes September 26, 2000 Joint Meeting with Planning Commission, ALRC, Community Services, Cultural Arts, Historic Preservation Commissions and Investment Advisory Board Page 13 Council Member Perkins stated his pleasure with the recommendations from the Investment Advisory Board (lAB). He said with the expertise of the members of the lAB and the members of City staff involved in making investments he feels La Quinta is in good financial condition. Council Member Sniff said the Advisory Board was created as the result of an unfortunate situation that occurred but it's establishment turned out to be of significant benefit to the City Council. Commissioner Irwin asked if the board is providing the Council with the product they are looking for. Council Member Adolph responded he is very well satisfied with the recommendations from the board and has a great deal of confidence in their combined abilities. Council Member Henderson thanked the board for the education they have provided her. She said as a result of the formation of the Investment Advisory Board and their annual reports, she feels she is much more knowledgeable in the area of investment planning. Chairman Osborne stated the board is planning to look seriously at the GSE question in the upcoming months. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, it was moved and seconded by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to adjourn the Joint City Council/Boards, Committees and Commissions meeting at 8:52 p.m. The motion carried unanimously. Respectfully submitted, City Clerk, City of La Quinta, California