HomeMy WebLinkAboutDesert Breezes HOA - Reconstruction of Fred Waring and Mitigtion of NoiseCity of Palm Desert
Office of the City Manager
MEMORANDUM
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Carlos L. Ortega, City Manager
Date: April 28, 2005
Subject:: Desert Breezes Homeowners Association Letter dated April 18, 2005
The City Council received a request from the Desert Breezes Homeowners Association
relative to the reconstruction of Fred Waring and the mitigation of noise that will be created
by traffic on Fred Waring.
Since this letter was addressed to the entire City Council, I am putting the item on the April
28 agenda along with staff s response to the issues raised in the letter.
CARLOS'L. Opl�_GA
City Manager
CLO:kr
Attachment
MEc INGrD,-ATE `7
1�'T� r t' edff-G,�IED TO
-�
PASSED TO 2ND READING
* Witu city uouncii coueu'iieuce,
consideration of this matter was
deferred to the second meeting
in May, as requested by the Desert
Breezes Association Board of
Directors.
CITY OF PALM DESERT
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM
To: Carlos L. Ortega, City Manager 1,2azxc� of &
From: Michael Errante, Director of Public Works
Date: April 21, 2005
SUBJECT: Desert Breezes Homeowners Association Letter, Dated April 18, 2005
The City of Palm Desert received a letter on April 18, 2005 from the Desert Breezes
Homeowners Association requesting the City Council's consideration in erecting a sound wall on
the east side of Fred Waring Drive from the entrance of Desert Breezes to the driveway of the
commercial building. The following represents staff s response to the points raised in the letter.
1. The Fred Waring entrance on the east and west side, of Desert Breezes needs to match
from an aesthetic point of view.
Response:
The appearance of the wall will not change from its current appearance. The project proposes to
remove and reconstruct existing wall, between Warner Trail and Entrada Las Brisas, in -kind. In
other words, the wall will be reconstructed and present the same appearance as the existing wall.
The new wall will simply be slightly higher to mitigate noise. In addition, any existing
landscape materials disturbed during the wall reconstruction will be replaced.
2. The future can only bring more noise and traffic and the sound wall will be needed at
some point. The front of the timeshare units, on the east side, function as their
backyard which is where guest sit out and enjoy peace and tranquility of the desert.
Response:
The noise study prepared as part of the adopted Environmental Document measures the existing
noise levels and forecasted the noise levels expected from future traffic through the year 2020.
The existing noise level was measured at 62 decibels (dBA). The noise levels on the east side of
Entrada Las Brisas was forecasted to be 64 decibels (dBA) in 2020. The City's Noise Element
considers 65 dBA acceptable in outside spaces within residential areas. According to the Noise
Study, no modifications are necessary to existing wall on the east side of Entrada Las Brisas.
3. The sound study, on pages 13 through 18 shows a decibel reading of 64 on the east side,
only one decibel away from the recommended intervention of a sound wall.
Response:
As previously discussed, the Noise Study projects the traffic related noise level to be 64 dBA in
the year 2020. This is an acceptable noise level and does not require additional mitigation.
4. In a letter from Mike Errante, Director of Public Works, Desert Breezes was informed
the "project encompasses the area between California Avenue and Washington Street.
The project will provide a new block wall along the Fred Waring side of your property.
The new wall is intended to reduce the amount of traffic noise you may experience over
the coming years." This letter was distributed to all 371 units.
Response:
The letter referred to was written as an introduction letter for the Design Consultants use in
contacting all of the residents affected by the project within the entire project limits. The letter
was not specifically written to the Desert Breezes Homeowners. In addition, the letter was not
intended to, nor did it, scope the type of wall improvements to be provided at the Desert Breezes
location.
S. Laurie Walker from WEC, the city's consultant, has met with homeowners on an
individual basis, and in a group presentation, held at our clubhouse. Laurie was
extremely knowledgeable about options for the wall with regard to height and design.
Response:
The WEC Corporation is a professional engineering firm under contract to coordinate with those
residents affected by the proposed sound wall improvements. Laurie Walker is assigned to
provide the Community Liaison services on behalf of the Cities of Indian Wells and Palm Desert.
Ms. Walker's job was to coordinate the proposed wall improvements. Ms. Walker was not
responsible for establishing the project's scope or limits.
6. A sample of the proposed wall was brought to the Desert Breezes Clubhouse and has
been on display for homeowners to see. This sample has columns with a rock design on
the columns that is similar to the Fred Waring monument sign at the entrance to Desert
Breezes. We respectfully request the rock design on the column to match the type of
color of rock on this monument sign. Laurie Walker was provided with the name and
phone number of Bogart Masonry to assist in obtaining this rock.
Response:
It is unfortunate that WEC misunderstood the scope and limits of the proposed sound wall
improvements adjacent to Desert Breezes. The purpose of the project was to mitigate noise from
the Fred Waring Drive Improvements. The purpose was not to reconstruct and enhance the
perimeter wall in its entirety. The project budget does not provide for the reconstruction any
existing walls except where the Noise Study recommends mitigation is necessary. With this
said, the City might consider changing the construction materials of the wall so long as Desert
Breezes agrees to pay any costs above what the City is responsible for. In addition, the City
might consider reconstructing the wall east of Entrada Las Brisas as part of the project if Desert
Breezes agrees to pay the additional costs. The cost for the construction of the wall is currently
estimated at $185 to $225 per linear foot. Considering the wall east of Entrada Las Brisas is 880
linear feet, the cost would range between $162,800 to $198,000 dollars.
7. The wall addition announcement was well publicized in the recent election of Desert
Breezes board members.
Response:
Again, it is unfortunate that bad information was publicized within the Homeowner's
Association. Staff can not turn back the clock. Steps have been taken to ensure this type of
misinformation is not released again. In fact, WEC is no longer being considered for the
Construction Management Services necessary to construct the proposed wall improvements.
8. Desert Breezes has always operated in concert with the City of Palm Desert's goals. For
example, Desert Breezes was one of the first homeowners associations, to remove the
turf on its perimeters to promote and install drought tolerant landscaping and drip
system without assistance from the Coachella Valley Water District or the City of Palm
Desert. Desert Breezes was touted at a recent water symposium as an example of how
an association, by converting to drought tolerant landscaping, can save money on water
usage and landscape maintenance. In addition, Desert Breezes, with assistance from
Mayor Crites, jumped on the recycling bandwagon to assist the City of Palm Desert in
its efforts.
Response:
The City of Palm Desert appreciates its working relationship with the Desert Breezes
community. However, has to carefully consider the expenditure of public funds on a case by
case basis. The City can not expend funds to mitigate impacts that do not exist.
9. Desert Breezes also shares the City Council's concern on the height of walls with regard
to the "Alamo Effect". Therefore, we respectfully request a wall with columns and
landscaping for aesthetic purposes and in keeping with the overall wall design of Fred
Waring.
Response:
Again, the purpose of the project was to mitigate noise from the Fred Waring Drive
Improvements. The purpose was not to reconstruct and enhance the perimeter walls of
surrounding residential developments. The project budget does not provide for the
reconstruction any existing walls except where the adopted Noise Study recommends mitigation
is necessary.
1
Michael ErranteBector'bf Public Works
cc: Homer Croy, Assistant City Manager for Development Services
Mark Greenwood, City Engineer
Armando Rodriguez, Senior Engineer
P./13/2895 21:19 760346551U
Vesert sreezes Oomeowrters ,Association
clo vesert aejort NamgeMMt
73 550-A&ssandro Suite 5
Palm Desert, CA 92260
.AprH 18. 2M Sent via fiumimibs * 3a1.71M
Nimble Msyoe ad 1Kembm offt City Council
City of Palm Desert
F,w Sound A . , ,. � . 1� Wa1i at Deserrt Sr s
Dear Humble myor and Council Membom
We nopecdWly r+eg>te 11 the COUNT VIS 002111' mien in aaetigg a so=d WO an the east
s ofFrmd wam sum 1meQfnwC Btu to *cd aftb.
.. , , , � :1 iteawidang at Fled waai� s>ad Wsshingtoa m match tteti aeuAd waq rise~ oitg is
• s>r,� � � of lsred w� fi+am warmer Tzas7 m >� �, . oaf Dcscrt
•fir .: n'I:,1 d. irr
Brttewa. We believe this wall is ugme o[y ftw the PAowb* rea,9mr.
1. The Pad daring eakremoe, am the said a>td west aide, o�Aegert Bt,�ces nee+cl8 to
meecic ftow as ecthodo port of vieov
2. The On= cm mly bum more noise mW uvf c sad the sound waZ wM be
==dad at sown pout'~ •1' w fivoi of am dm iwmw uaics, CU do a4a side, Mm dou
as tt * tucwerd which i3 whoreg, , i sit out sad agoy Peace sad twiquiHty of
the demut.
3. 7U soUmd shady. oa paws 13 dmisb is, sbows a dedbel reading of 64 oa the
seat "% only sae derm''W away Snm tbs . , , , coded immentiwo of a sound
vw0.
4. Ilt a letter ftm Nebo Eh=te, Dirsetm of Public Wmim Kett &at= Was
ioAxmed tb* "p oja>z aaiapasses the ace; t :. , � 1 � , . Calilbraia Avaua and
WasWngtm Street. 7U pt wilt pseviide a :m w blo& wall. mkwS the Fred
Waring tide Orya tc it 1 . r i, o 0.1. The new "w A 9s mtoaded to redum tba aiti aw of
traffic node you rimy 4 over the cxunh* youa." Ibis laden was
cr.,, -7bated to sD 371 units.
S. Leonia Wanner $om WM the Ws cool mdtsatr bu met wft bmt mum on an
i»dividutd basis, sad in a arm* Pcegedta6au- betel at ow *bhouse. I mmW was
Received Aprle-Z006 08:tt
11ror7803488818
To -PALM DESERT PUBLIC 1 Pan 002
Received Apr-18-05 08:18" From-r60341r088 To -PALM DESERT CITY CLE Pep at
hcW and
.1y kkwwledgeable about the options for the vMU vrftrcgwW
design.
6. A sample cf x= proposed wall was 6m m*U io the Desert Bt+semes Ciubbom and
has been an display for homooarners to see. This sample hss eohmans with a rock
design ci n- that is simaas bo the Fed W , .. , , ,1 04n at the
ent == to Desert Bream . We nepoc =qua * tba vo c dMIGM petit tba
colutm w oc1 the types sad color of nxk va *is moummeas rig. Laurie
wan=was provMded wn ibe name and pbM as=rcbec ofDgpRt MWIMY IV
assist in obtaining this rock.
7. The waff addition sass;, ;. , . 2 was V" pdbgiciaed in the recent electron Of
Desert Bfwwss board fambers.
8_ De=z3%FP,1 bas always s , :1 in cA v)M the CWy of Palm DeNweS
goals. For eunqA-,Dewt Breen w was one of dw first h, , I , esar rintionk
to ranove the turf oo its - - --- S s w pr omcft and iostell dot toiar - -
Ian Is- i -ing aad the drip syst= „khowt sodatswe A Coacbeils v n.Y We*w
maid or to City of Palm Pcwt: Desert Brams wn Um*pd at a wa m
.I j a w le W . w , M as aD = aa7ple of boar an eSlOdmdoi% by cannaft to drm;ot
' OM= lance can save money cm wear and dsdswps aa�afiotdoaaoa
in DesW Brew, wig wd'snoe fMM II oa Crier, *n ed an the
recycft bandwagon to assist the City of Palm Desert in If s AIM, -- 2
9. Desert Breeaes &Jso sirarss t%s Qty ComnYs oawoQ oe the b,cWw cfvAtUs with
regard to the "Alsace Eft.' Tt .. Y. - , we rmspectfidbr request a waU with
avI and iaadxap* thr J! .1. pprposcx and in keephg with d w overall
wall dcegp of Fred Wwin&
Iftbere are wW queojons, piem Od bee to aoubwt Claft Fiaerty at 360466oe at Tom
AaboaoeAcb at 360-4169.
DesertBxums8,omeowners Amoaistion
Card CaliwQ% Paopacty W
Portbc Bwrd
Arrest Breesne Caws dt MaAssocUtdon
lace iwd Apr-10-2006 06:22 From-7609460918 To -PALM DESERT PIBI.IC V Pap 007
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04/27/2005 20:50
7603469918
DESERT RESORT MGMT
PAGE 01
DATE:
April 28, 2005
TO:
City of Palm Desert
�
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-V�
Attn: Rochelle, City Clerk
�.
�
Fax # 340-0574
r- m
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Ornn
FROM:
Carol Calhoun, Property Manag
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Desert Resort Management
=
7O o
0
RE:
Desert Breezes Association
VI
In
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D n
Postpone Wall Issue
N
rn
On behalf of the Board of Directors for Desert Breezes please review the !following
information and request. Two of the: Directors are out of town and anoth6r is dealing
with a medical issues, the staff report has not been received or reviewed, the Board may
wish to comment on the staff report and are therefore respectfully are requesting a
continuance to the second council meeting in May.
As discussed on the phone, please fax the staff report to (760) 346-9919.
Thank you.
P.O. Box 4772 - Palm Dosart, CA 92241 -4772
73-5SO Alessandro, Suites • Palm Desert, California • 760.346.1161 - FAX IT60.346.9918
r=moll:drm@drmintemet.com • www.drmintametcom
Received Apr-28-05 08:43am From-T603459918 To -PALM DESERT CITY CLE Pale 01
CIiV Of P H [ M 0ESERi
73-510 FRED WARING DRIVE
PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA 92260-2578
TEL: 760 346-o6i i
FAX: 760 340-0574
info( palm-deserc.org
May 3, 2005
Ms. Carol Calhoun
Property Manager
Desert Breezes Homeowners Association
c/o Desert Resort Management
73-550 Alessandro, Suite 5
Palm Desert, California 92260
Dear Ms. Calhoun:
Subject: Consideration of a Letter from Desert Breezes
At its regular meeting of April 28, 2005, the Palm Desert City Council considered the subject
matter and took the following action:
With City Council concurrence, consideration of this matter was deferred to the
second meeting in May, as requested by the Desert Breezes Association Board
of Directors.
A copy of the staff memorandum with the City Council action stamp affixed thereto is
enclosed for your files. If you have any questions or require any additional information,
please do not hesitate to contact us.
Sincerely,
RCHDEAELLE.KLASSN,CMC
CITY CLERK
RDK:mgm
Enclosure (as noted)
cc: Carlos L. Ortega, City Manager
G:\CityGrMGlorie MartinezlettersZesert Breezes Homeowners Association.doc
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