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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-01-12MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING THURSDAY, JANUARY 12, 2006 CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBER I. CALL TO ORDER - 3:00 P.M. Chairman Ferguson convened the meeting at 3:00 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Member Jean M. Benson Member Buford A. Crites Vice Chairman Richard S. Kelly Member Robert A. Spiegel Chairman Jim Ferguson Also Present: Carlos L. Ortega, City Manager/RDA Executive Director David J. Erwin, City Attorney Sheila R. Gilligan, ACM for Community Services Homer Croy, ACM for Development Services Justin McCarthy, ACM for Redevelopment Stephen Y. Aryan, Assistant to the City Manager Rachelle D. Klassen, City Clerk Mark D. Greenwood, City Engineer/Acting Director of Public Works Amir Hamidzadeh, Director of Building & Safety Philip Drell, Director of Community Development David Yrigoyen, Director of Redevelopment & Housing Frankie Riddle, Acting Director of Special Programs J. Luis Espinoza, Assistant Finance Director Walt Holloway, Battalion Chief, Palm Desert/Riverside County Fire Dept./CDF Steve Thetford, Asst. Chief, Palm Desert Police/Riverside Co. Sheriffs Dept. Grace L. Mendoza, Deputy City Clerk III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - A (Closed Session Items) None IV. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION Request for Closed Session: None MINUTES PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING JANUARY 12, 2006 With Agency Board concurrence, Chairman Ferguson adjourned the meeting at 3:01 p.m. for Closed Session of the City Council. He reconvened the meeting at 4:00 p.m. V. RECONVENE REGULAR MEETING - 4:00 P.M. A. REPORT ON ACTION FROM CLOSED SESSION. None VI. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - Member Buford A. Crites VII. INVOCATION - Chairman Jim Ferguson VIII. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - B None IX. AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS, AND APPOINTMENTS A. PRESENTATION TO RECOGNIZE SUZANNE GREENBERG FOR HER SERVICE TO THE CITY OF PALM DESERT AND ITS ART IN PUBLIC PLACES COMMISSION. On behalf of the Agency Board/City Council, Chairman/Mayor Ferguson presented Ms. Greenberg with an engraved crystal clock, recognizing her for over five years of service with the Art In Public Places Commission. B. PRESENTATION TO RECOGNIZE TERRY SCHEURER FOR HIS SERVICE TO THE CITY OF PALM DESERT AND ITS PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION. On behalf of the Agency Board/City Council, Chairman/Mayor Ferguson presented Mr. Scheurerwith an engraved crystal clock, recognizing his eight years as a Parks & Recreation Commissioner. C. PRESENTATION TO RECOGNIZE SABBY JONATHAN FOR HIS SERVICE TO THE CITY OF PALM DESERT AND ITS PLANNING COMMISSION. On behalf of the Agency Board/City Council, Chairman/Mayor Ferguson presented Mr. Jonathan with a large engraved crystal clock, in appreciation for his 16 1/2 years of service to the City's Planning Commission. 2 MINUTES PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING JANUARY 12, 2006 D. PRESENTATION TO RECOGNIZE CITY OF PALM DESERT/ PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY EMPLOYEES FOR EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE — JANUARY 2006. On behalf of the Agency Board/City Council, Chairman/Mayor Ferguson and Mr. Ortega honored the following employees with a certificate of recognition and a $100 gift certificate for outstanding effort: Pat Conlon, Bernice Gonzales, Janet Moore, Joe Pudis, and Aaron Zamarripa. E. PRESENTATION TO THE PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL BY QUEEN SCHEHERAZADE AND HER COURT AS AMBASSADORS OF THE 2006 RIVERSIDE COUNTY FAIR AND NATIONAL DATE FESTIVAL. MS. BARBARA CRESON, "Queen Mom," presented the Queen's Court: MS. GINGER RAE McCARTNEY, Queen Scheherazade; MS. JESSICA WALLS, Princess Dunyazade; and MS. REMA KIRK-RUIZ, Princess Jasmine. Each of the ladies greeted the Agency Board/City Council and personally invited them and all present to visit and enjoy the upcoming Fair, February 17-26. F. PRESENTATION OF THE COACHELLA VALLEY WATER DISTRICT'S MID -VALLEY PIPELINE PROJECT. MS. PATTI SCHWARTZ, Assistant Director of Engineering for the Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD), reviewed the report she had provided for the Agency Board/City Council in their agenda packets. She made particular note of all the support and advancement in policy that the City of Palm Desert had demonstrated in furtherance of water conservation in the Coachella Valley. She also expressed appreciation for City Landscape Manager Spencer Knight's service to their various committees and programs. She highlighted that the Mid -Valley Pipeline would be a non -potable (untreated water) distribution system for irrigation, which will begin in Indio where the Coachella Valley Stormwater Channel and the All American Canal intersect at approximately Fred Waring Drive (behind Heritage Palms). She said from that point, a proposed 60-inch diameter pipeline would be constructed, continuing along the Stormwater Channel through La Quinta, Indian Wells, and into Palm Desert to the District's wastewater treatment plant on Cook Street. She said from there it will combine with the recycled water system and be distributed in order to maximize use of recycled water. She went on to say the target area for the system would be the Palm Desert - Rancho Mirage -Indian Wells area, extending up to 1-10 to capture the Bob Hope Classic Course, and it will also go as far as the Mission Hills area. Most of the Palm Desert golf courses that currently use recycled water or just groundwater will be encouraged to participate in the project. She noted that there are over 50 golf courses in the project area and that water use by one 3 MINUTES PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING JANUARY 12, 2006 course equals approximately 1,000 acre-feet of water per year, which, with this project, will eventually result in a reduction of 50,000 acre-feet of groundwater use; current annual overdraft of groundwater use is around 140,000 acre-feet. She pointed out that ideally, the Mid -Valley Pipeline Project could cut the Valley's overdraft by one-third; therefore, it is a very important project for the District Board. She said many local, high -profile golf courses already utilized recycled water very successfully (e.g. PGA West, The Tradition, Heritage Palms, Landmark's Terra Lago, and Trilogy). The District is also forming a task force of its staff and golf course superintendents to immediately address any potential issues during design of the project's Phase I. Additionally, she said their agency would work closely with the City in planning and coordinating the construction schedule with the City's street improvements wherever possible; although, it was planned to keep as much of the Pipeline's backbone in the District right-of- way in the Stormwater Channel to avoid City street construction. She said that they would also be doing as much advance notification as possible and providing updates on the process through their newsletter, "Water Wise," and through press releases; the District is also available to make additional presentations to various public groups. It was hoped that they would be ready for construction of Phase I to begin in 2007; Phase II will be designed at the same time so its construction can begin immediately after Phase I. Responding to question, Ms. Schwartz said they haven't been using all the recycled water that is available; but the District planned to do more outreach and better marketing to increase both awareness and usage. She said they were in the process of hiring a recycled water specialist to work specifically with golf course superintendents. In further response, she said because of cost and feasibility issues, their plans for the Mid -Valley Pipeline did not include area south of Highway 111. Vice Chairman/Mayor Pro Tem Kelly remarked that the City was very concerned about the impact to the roads and traffic, and he appreciated Ms. Schwartz's comments about the efforts they've been making and that they'll be using the Stormwater Channel instead of the roadways as much as possible. He cautioned that sometimes pipeline projects required a greater construction space than normal, and traffic flow was a critical issue for the City. He offered that if the Water District provided the City with advance notice, it would do its part to help ensure adequate traffic control. Lastly, he asked if the District would provide periodic updates to the City on project status and what portion of the City would be impacted next, etc., with District staff that was doing the planning for the project in sit-down, face-to-face settings. He felt this would benefit the Pipeline Project greatly, adding that he very much appreciated today's report and was enthusiastic about how this project would supplement the Valley's supply of irrigation water. 4 MINUTES PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING JANUARY 12, 2006 MS. SCHWARTZ said she would share this information with her colleagues as it related to existing domestic water and sanitation projects as well as for the proposed. She said they would be willing to provide updates on the Mid -Valley Pipeline Project in whatever manner the City felt would be most effective. Responding to Member/Councilman Crites, Ms. Schwartz said the District will work on its standards for street repair, noting that this issue was a high priority for their current General Manager. Member/Councilman Crites went on to point out that the District had done outstanding work in supplying water and implementing the latest technology for distribution; however, it seemed difficult to persuade them that using the existing water supply more efficiently was equally important. On the other hand, even Ms. Schwartz had mentioned that Palm Desert was years ahead of the District on a water conservation ordinance and setting an example for use of water -efficient landscaping. In light of the subject project and its cost, he wondered what kind of financial commitment the District would be making to be more efficient with the existing water supply. MS. SCHWARTZ answered that conservation was a huge portion and one of the three elements of the District's Water Management Plan. She added that of the 50-55 projects identified in the Plan, a good number of them were conservation oriented, and she agreed to provide information about the proposed expenditures for these measures. Member/Councilmember Benson thanked Ms. Schwartz for her presentation and also expressed appreciation to CVWD for its landscaping and irrigation system installation at the new Coachella Valley Animal Campus, which she added that those who were directly involved in that project were most grateful. Agency Board Members/City Councilmembers concurred that Ms. Schwartz's presentation was very much appreciated and a welcomed occasion. X. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES of the Regular Redevelopment Agency Meetings of December 8, and December 22, 2005. Rec: Approve as presented. plok MINUTES PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING JANUARY 12, 2006 B. CLAIMS AND DEMANDS AGAINST THE AGENCY TREASURY - Warrant Nos. 121 RDA, 123RDA, 127RDA, 129RDA, 131 RDA, 121-Housing, 124-Housing, 128-Housing, 129-Housing, 132-Housing, and 133-Housing. Rec: Approve as presented. C. CITY'S/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY'S COMPLIANCE ANALYSIS and Investment Reports for October 2005 (Joint Consideration with the Palm Desert City Council). Rec: Receive and file. D. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of the 2006 Master Consultants List for Professional Services (Joint Consideration with the Palm Desert City Council). Rec: By Minute Motion, approve the subject list, as shown in the accompanying staff report, and authorize staff to negotiate agreements with qualified consultants listed therein — each agreement will be for professional services, will not exceed $25,000 in value, and will be presented for ratification at the next regular meeting of the City Council/Redevelopment Agency Board. E. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION to Pay Educational Revenue Augmentation Fund (ERAF) Obligation from Redevelopment Agency Funding Sources (Joint Consideration with the Palm Desert City Council). Rec: By Minute Motion, authorize and direct the City Manager, or his designee, to notify the Riverside County Auditor of the Redevelopment Agency's intent to pay ERAF from Agency funding sources. F. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of Contract Amendment No. 3 to Contract No. R22730 — Civil Engineering Services for the Proposed Single-family and Senior Duplex Housing Project on the 20-acre Site. Rec: By Minute Motion: 1) Authorize Contract Amendment No. 3 in the amount of $20,440 to the subject contract with MSA Consulting, Rancho Mirage, California, for revisions to the rough grading, street and storm drain, water and sewer plans to accommodate the street tree layout design, in addition to revisions to the ADA-accessible sidewalk and driveway detail; 2) authorize the Director of Finance to transfer said funds from contingency to base for the subject contract. 6 MINUTES PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING JANUARY 12, 2006 G. REQUEST FOR ACCEPTANCE OF WORK for Contract No. R23810 — Demolition of the One-story Structure Located at 44-215 San Pascual Avenue (Project No. 961-05) (Vizion's West, Inc., Quail Valley, CA). Rec: By Minute Motion, accept the work as complete and authorize the City Clerk to file a Notice of Completion for the subject project. Upon a motion by Spiegel, second by Kelly, and 5-0 vote of the Agency Board, the Consent Calendar was approved as presented. XI. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER None XII. RESOLUTIONS None XIII. NEW BUSINESS A. REQUEST FOR AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR TRENCHING AND LAYING CONDUIT FOR THE UNDERGROUND DRY UTILITIES PROJECT AT LAGUNA PALMS APARTMENTS (CONTRACT NO. R24710). Member Benson moved to, by Minute Motion: 1) Authorize the award of the subject contract to HCI, Norco, California, in the amount of $243,478.32; 2) authorize a 15% contingency in the amount of $36,521.75 for the project; 3) authorize the Chairman to execute all documents necessary for contract award. Motion was seconded by Kelly and carried by 5-0 vote. B. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION TO ACQUIRE PROPERTY KNOWN AS 43-685 KELSEY COURT (APN 634-241-038) - DESERT ROSE, PALM DESERT. Member Crites moved to, by Minute Motion: 1) Authorize acquisition of the subject property for the purpose of retaining affordability covenants and resale, if necessary, in anticipation of the expiration of the 60-day Right of Refusal Period; 2) approve a Silent Second Trust Deed in an amount necessaryto secure an affordable housing cost pursuant to Redevelopment Law for either a direct sale or Agency sale; 3) authorize the Executive Director to execute any documents necessary to facilitate this transaction — funds are available in the Housing Set -aside Fund. Motion was seconded by Spiegel and carried by a vote of 5-0. 7 MINUTES PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING JANUARY 12, 2006 XIV. CONTINUED BUSINESS A. REQUEST FOR RATIFICATION OF CONTRACT AWARD FOR PROJECT MANAGEMENT SERVICES FOR THE 20-ACRE SITE (FALCON CREST AND LA ROCCA VILLAS) (Continued from the meeting of December 8, 2005). Member Crites moved to, by Minute Motion: 1) Ratify award of Contract No. R23390A to Stantec Consulting, Inc., Palm Desert, California, for the subject professional services in an amount not to exceed $21,200; 2) authorize the Chairman to execute same — funds are available in Account No. 870-4692-466-4001. Motion was seconded by Kelly and carried by 5-0 vote. Member Crites observed that La Rocca Villas' namesake, the Agency's former Director of Housing Teresa La Rocca, was in the audience today. XV. OLD BUSINESS None XVI. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. CONSIDERATION OF THE CONVEYANCE OF A SINGLE-FAMILY LOT TO HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF THE COACHELLA VALLEY, INC., AND APPROVAL OF A DISPOSITION AND DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT RELATING THERETO (NORTHEAST CORNER - PORTOLA AVENUE/EL CORTEZ WAY). Mr. Ortega noted that before the Agency can dispose of property, it must first be announced at a public hearing. He offered that staff was available to provide a short presentation about the project as well. Housing Authority Administrator Janet Moore stated that Habitat For Humanity of the Coachella Valley's Cindy Piper was present and had a few comments for the Agency Board, and Mike Robinson of Ram Development was also present and wanted to share information about the increased energy efficiencies that he will be putting into these houses. She recalled for the Agency Board that about four years ago, Mr. Robinson was the developer in charge of the "blitz build" Habitat project at the corner of Goleta/Portola, and he wanted to do another blitz project. MS. CINDY PIPER, Habitat For Humanity of the Coachella Valley, Inc., expressed, on behalf of Habitat's Board of Directors, its volunteers and committee members, and, most importantly, its homeowners, appreciation for Palm Desert's partnership, generosity, and tremendous support of their 8 MINUTES PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING JANUARY 12, 2006 program. She said of the 21 homes they had built in the Coachella Valley, six of them were located in Palm Desert, and they were very excited about the opportunity to build two more here with the subject and the following donations of land. Additionally, they looked forward to constructing another blitz home, as it garnered a lot of attention for both Habitat and the City of Palm Desert. In answer to question, she said the blitz home was planned for the Portola/EI Cortez site. MR. MIKE ROBINSON, Ram Development, 75-161 Sego Lane, Palm Desert, remarked that he wasn't sure they'd be able to complete the home in 12 hours, but they hoped to do things a little differently to keep from having to go overnight this time. However, again this time, they wanted to construct the home very quickly and safely with the very best quality. Additionally, this time they wanted to add every possible enhancement they could to make this the most energy efficient home ever built for Habitat For Humanity. He said the City's Office of Energy Management had issued a list of requirements in addition to the new California Energy Standards, and they will adhere to every one of them. Further, he said they planned to implement a number of other measures, such as pushing for 19-SEER (Seasonal Energy Rating) on the air conditioning units to exceed the minimum 14-SEER requirement, which will use much less electricity. For electricity, they would be installing a solar -photovoltaic system of approximately 1,500 - 2,000 watts to further minimize electricity use; the home will also have all water -saving faucets and infrared -type controls as necessary. He went on to say that they would also be including additional insulation that is not even required in the Code, which they'd learned would save energy based on their prior experience -- perimeter foundation insulation, in -floor heating, solar water heating. He said their goal for Title 24 was to exceed 20%-30% energy savings, and they hoped to be able to monitor the energy use and cost savings (i.e., electricity, gas, and water) by comparing it with the last house he built. He thanked the Agency Board for this opportunity. Chairman Ferguson declared the public hearing to be open and invited testimony SUPPORTING or OPPOSING this matter. With no further testimony offered, he declared the public hearing to be closed. Member Benson moved to: 1) Waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 513, approving the conveyance of certain real property located on the northeast corner of Portola Avenue and El Cortez Way (APN 625-061-025) to Habitat For Humanity of the Coachella Valley, Inc., for the purpose of constructing a single-family dwelling to be made available to a very low income family; 2) by Minute Motion, approve a Disposition and Development Agreement (DDA) and a Unit Regulatory and Lien Agreement, substantially as to form; 3) by Minute Motion, authorize the Executive Director or his designee to execute all necessary documents to facilitate the transfer. Motion was seconded by Spiegel and carried by 5-0 vote. 9 MINUTES PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING JANUARY 12, 2006 B. CONSIDERATION OF THE CONVEYANCE OF A SINGLE-FAMILY LOT TO HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF THE COACHELLA VALLEY, INC., AND APPROVAL OF A DISPOSITION AND DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT RELATING THERETO (VIRGINIA AVENUE). Ms. Moore said all of the previous comments applied in this case too; although, while this site will not be a blitz build, the contractor did hope to condense the construction schedule. She advised that this property was located in the Palm Desert Country Club, it was brought to Ms La Rocca's attention several years ago and was acquired for the purpose of providing affordable housing. Chairman Ferguson declared the public hearing open and invited public testimony SUPPORTING or OPPOSING this matter. With no public testimony offered, he declared the public hearing closed. Member Spiegel moved to: 1) W give further reading and adopt Resolution No. 514, approving the conveyance of certain real property located on Virginia Avenue (APN 637-362-002) to Habitat For Humanity of the Coachella Valley, Inc., for the purpose of constructing a single-family dwelling to be made available to a very low income family; 2) by Minute Motion, approve a Disposition and Development Agreement (DDA) and a Unit Regulatory and Lien Agreement, substantially as to form; 3) by Minute Motion, authorize the Executive Director or his designee to execute all necessary documents to facilitate the transfer. Motion was seconded by Kelly and carried by a 5-0 vote. XVII. REPORTS, REMARKS, AND AGENCY BOARD ITEMS REQUIRING ACTION A. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR None B. AGENCY COUNSEL None C. CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS OF THE AGENCY None 10 MINUTES PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING JANUARY 12, 2006 XVIII. ADJOURNMENT Upon a motion by Spiegel, second by Kelly, and unanimous vote of the Agency Board, Chairman Ferguson adjourned the meeting at 5:32 p.m. ATTEST: CH LLE D. KLASSE", SECRETARY) PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY 11