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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Citizens' Advisory Committee for Project Area 4 05/16/2005�E PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEMORANDUM TO: RACHELLE KLASSEN, CITY CLERK FROM: BETH LONGMAN, SENIOR OFFICE ASSISTANT bL-"' DATE: June 28, 2005 SUBJECT: SUBMISSION OF MINUTES FOR THE CITIZENS' ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR PROJECT AREA NO. 4 Attached is a copy of the approved Revised Minutes from the June 20, 2005, meeting of the Project Area No. 4 Committee. The Minutes were revised at the request of Charles Ash to remove a comment regarding signage at golf cart crossings. Please let me know if you have any questions or need additional information. Thank you. I Attachment (as noted) G:WDANSeth Longman\CommltteesTA WMinute Transmlttal.doc PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY CITIZENS' ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR PROJECT AREA NO. 4 REVISED MINUTES MAY 16, 2005 1. CALL TO ORDER A regular meeting was called to order by Chairman Campbell on Monday, May 16, 2005, at 3:00 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Absent: Russell Campbell, Chairman Charles Ash, Member Fred Benford, Member Harry Church, Member Jane Daugherty, Member Robert Duncan, Member Roberta Grubb, Member Douglas Luhring, Member Frank Proulx, Member Sherry Trevor, Member Also Present: Michael Adkins, Code Compliance Officer Lauri Aylaian, Redevelopment Manager Randy Case, Palm Desert Country Club Development LLC Phil Drell, Director of Community Development Mark Greenwood, City Engineer Phyllis Harkins, Homeowner & President of Palm Desert Country Club Association Scott Johnson, Manager of Palm Desert Country Club Richard S. Kelly, Councilmember Shawn Kilpatrick, Code Compliance Officer Rachelle Klassen, City Clerk Spencer Knight, Landscape Manager Beth Longman, Recording Secretary Justin McCarthy, Assistant City Manager/Redevelopment Robert Spiegel, Councilmember Ryan Stendell, Parks & Rec. Planning Technician Steve Thetford, Palm Desert Police Lieutenant CITIZENS' ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR PROJECT AREA NO. 4 MINUTES MAY 16, 2005, III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None IV. CONSENT CALENDAR APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE CITIZENS' ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR PROJECT AREA NO. 4 MEETING OF APRIL 18, 2005. MOTION made by Member unanimously carried, that the approved as presented. V. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None VI. NEW BUSINESS Ash, seconded by Member Duncan, and minutes of the April 18, 2005, meeting be A. REVIEW OF SPEEDING PROBLEMS ON CALIFORNIA AVENUE AND POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS Lt. Steve Thetford of the Palm Desert Police Department reviewed the traffic control programs that have been used in the Palm Desert Country Club area, primarily as they relate to the speeding problems on California Avenue. Traffic enforcement is based on where collisions occur, in particular injury collisions. Lt. Thetford explained that when a complaint is received regarding a particular area, they can use radar boards, an individual patrol car dedicated to the area, saturation patrols where they put multiple patrol cars in the area, motorcycle patrols, or a combination of these methods. There are also devices that can be used to count the number of vehicles using the roads, and to determine what kind of speed issues there are in order to verify the problem. Once it's been determined that there is a speeding problem, they typically put patrol officers at the site to run traffic programs which usually results in reduced speeds, after which the increased patrols are stopped. Lt. Thetford stated that what the traffic team has to remember is that they need to keep checking back on those areas. He wanted to make sure that there are no unrealistic expectations that a patrol would be put in Palm Desert Country Club on a regular basis. They'll do spot checks and come in and run periodic enforcement programs, especially if problems are reported. Lt. Thetford stressed that the best way to report any problems is via the website at www.i)almdesertvolice.orq where his e- mail address and direct phone number can be found. Ms. Harkins thanked Lt. Thetford and the Committee for the quick response that was provided following the last meeting, and for the on- going efforts to curb the speeding problems. She then expressed that, although the homeowners were happy to see the patrols on California GAWD&Beth Longman\COmmttaes\PA f4\Minutes\2005 MinutesVMnutes 051605 d00 2 CITIZENS' ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR PROJECT AREA NO. 4 MINUTES MAY 16, 2005 Avenue, the speeding problem has now moved over to Michigan Avenue. Ms. Harkins does not believe that officer patrols are going to solve the speeding problems in the Palm Desert Country Club area and that a long-term solution is needed. Member Ash commented that while he's satisfied with the results of the traffic program, the officers should vary the areas in which they patrol. Lt. Thetford stated that the recent traffic program was specifically targeted on California Avenue, and that he will work with the traffic team on other options for the area. Member Daugherty stated that another problem area is at the golf cart crossings. She asked if there were some way to slow people down in those areas, particularly on California Avenue. She further commented that there is no signage marking the crossings and several people have reported that they were almost struck by cars while crossing the street. Mr. Case responded that when the course renovation is complete, there will be signage indicating the golf cart crossings. Mr. Greenwood stated that he would not recommend installing stop signs at golf cart crossings because the frequency of golf carts using the crossings isn't high enough and motorists will eventually get into the habit of not stopping. Member Trevor commented that the area near Washington and California Avenue is dangerous if someone is trying to turn into the market due to the landscaping blocking visibility. She asked if something could be done to improve this situation. Mr. Knight stated that he would investigate and do his best to resolve the matter. Member Trevor also asked if there were any restrictions on putting in additional stop signs. Much discussion took place regarding the pros and cons of stop signs and whether they helped or hindered speeding problems. Mr. Greenwood commented that adding stop signs was something they considered carefully because if there are too many stop signs in an area, motorists tend to run them. He further commented that the report provided with the agenda packet attempted to address this matter but was not specific as to location. They did not find any locations on California Avenue where they would recommend installing additional stop signs. Councilman Kelly stated that he and Councilman Spiegel had driven through the area and had a few ideas where some stop signs could be added, and could Mr. Greenwood work with them to see if what they could come up with. Mr. Greenwood replied that he would. Member Luhring commented that the results since the last meeting were surprising and have proven that there is a problem. Now let's move forward and figure out what needs to be done to get it resolved. G tRDA\Beth Lonpmen\Commttees\PA #4Vv4nutest2005 Mhnutesftnutes 051605 Uoc 3 CITIZENS' ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR PROJECT AREA NO. 4 MINUTES MAY 16, 2005, VII. CONTINUED BUSINESS None Vlll. OLD BUSINESS None IX. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS A. INTRODUCTION OF NEW CODE COMPLIANCE OFFICER FOR PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB Mr. Kilpatrick introduced Michael Adkins and stated that he joined the department in January and is the new code compliance officer assigned to the Palm Desert Country Club area. He will be replacing Mr. Kilpatrick on the Committee and any code compliance issues should be addressed directly to Mr. Adkins. B. PROGRESS AT PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB Randy Case reported that work on the Palm Desert Country Club project over the past month primarily involved upkeep and maintenance of the golf course. He reiterated that a security company had been hired and there are now patrols seven days per week from 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m., and that they have been effective. There are also two full-time golf course marshals who patrol Monday through Friday from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. These two days seem to be the worst for trespassing problems, but he believes progress is being made. He further stated that he is working with Ms. Harkins and the homeowners' association, and is continuing to work with Mr. Kilpatrick and Mr. Adkins on the security and trespassing matters. He also needs to sit down with the Sheriff's office to discuss how to treat those who are caught trespassing. Mr. Case stated that they have completed the first phase of the tree trimming and removal program on the golf course with the removal of approximately 50 dead trees and the trimming of about 60 trees. The next phase will involve the trimming and clean up of approximately 250 palm trees. Two applications of fertilizer have been applied and an aggressive watering program is also underway resulting in an improved appearance. Member Benford commented that the mowing has improved. Mr. Case replied that they are mowing aggressively except for the areas that are going to be renovated such as the greens and tees. He reported that all in all, the golf course is looking much better. G.\FDA\Beth Longman\Gommttees\PA 04\N%nutes0005 KnutesUnutes W605 doc 4 CITIZENS' ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR PROJECT AREA NO. 4 MINUTES MAY 16.2005, The temporary relocation of the maintenance facility has been completed. Demolition contractors are being interviewed for the demolition of the clubhouse, the tennis courts, the old maintenance facility, the snack shop, and the two restrooms. Two of the lakes have been drained and the fish relocated. Grading plans have been submitted and the final grading application will be submitted soon. Construction work is expected to begin around the middle of June for the golf course irrigation. The clubhouse demolition will probably lag a little behind because there is some asbestos in the ceiling that must be abated. Mr. Case stated that the attorneys were working out the details of the development and maintenance agreements and that these agreements could, hopefully, be executed by the end of the week allowing them to submit for the necessary permits. Mr. Case expects to be fully under construction for the golf course by the middle of June with completion anticipated by the end of this year. Member Ash inquired about a large hole in the fence at the back of the park. Mr. Case stated that he spoke with Shawn Kilpatrick and that he understands that the Parks Department will fix the fence. Mr. Kilpatrick concurred. Hopefully, the increased security in that area will hinder the re - cutting of the fence. Ms. Harkins stated that she had witnessed a little, blue Honda speeding out of the driveway that will ultimately provide access to the permanent maintenance area. This driveway has always been a concern of the association and she believes that it will continue to be a problem. Mr. Case said he would find out who was driving the Honda and put a stop to the speeding. He further stated that they are looking at installing an automatic gate at the driveway entrance that will slowly raise and lower, which should eliminate the speeding problem there. C. REVIEW PROCESS FOR APPOINTING NEW COMMITTEE MEMBERS a In response to a question raised by Chairman Russell at the April 18, 2005, meeting, Ms. Klassen provided an overview of the appointment process for committee members. She stated that applications are accepted at all times from Palm Desert residents, and that the applications are maintained in the City Clerk's office. Approximately once per year, the City Council asks to review all of the applications in order to fill any existing or upcoming vacancies on the approximately 20 committees in existence. In the case of the Project Area No. 4 Committee, only applicants who live within Project Area No. 4 were considered to fill four of the five recent vacancies. Councilman Kelly noted that attempts are made to get representation from all of the different communities within those boundaries. Ms. Klassen stated that interested individuals could contact her to obtain an application. G.WDA1Beth Longman\Corm t1&es\PA 04%Minute8\2005 MmutesWinutes 051605.cioc 5 CITIZENS' ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR PROJECT AREA NO. 4 MINUTES MAY 16.2005, D. UPDATE ON AVENUE OF THE STATES MEDIAN Mr. Knight reported that the majority of the work on this project was complete with only a few punchlist items remaining to clear up. Chairman Russell inquired about the median at Country Club Drive by the Resorter and the school. Mr. Knight stated that the construction specifications were on his desk to be finalized and he hoped to have it out for bid within the next 60 days. E. UPDATE ON FREEDOM PARK Mr. Stendell reported that construction drawings are expected to be complete by May 20 and he hopes to go out to bid and be ready to award the contract by the end of June with completion 9 to 12 months later. He also reported that the City will be able to use a high pressure, reclaimed water line from CVWD for the grass fields. The community garden portion of the park will be located on the south side of the soccer field along Country Club Drive. Parking will be located in that area and the garden will contain about 44 individual plots. Member Grubb asked if there would be room to add lawn bowling at Freedom Park since the Joslyn Senior Center was losing their facility. Mr. Stendell replied that he didn't think there was enough room for that type of amenity at Freedom Park; but he commented that the subject had been discussed at a recent Parks & Recreation Commission meeting. The Commission is researching other possible locations including Civic Center Park. F. REPORT ON STREET RESURFACING PROGRAM IN PROJECT AREA NO. 4 PLANNED FOR SUMMER 2005 Mr. Greenwood reported on the summer 2005 street resurfacing program referring members to the attachment that accompanied the agenda.. The project is expected to cost $1.5 million with some streets receiving a 2-inch overlay of new asphalt, and some streets receiving a slurry seal applied over the existing asphalt. Mr. Greenwood stated that access to all homes would be available at most times, but that it may be necessary for residents to park on adjacent streets for a day or two during the resurfacing. Residents can expect to receive a preliminary notice approximately one week in advance and a secondary notice a day or two prior to work on their street. Notice is typically provided by the contractor. Member Proulx asked if a line would be striped down the middle of Elkhorn Trail because with parking on both sides of the street, cars are forced to the middle of the road. Mr. Greenwood replied that, yes, a center line would be included. GARDA\Beth Longman\Commttees\PA r4tMinutes12005 Mmutes\Mnutes 051605.0oc 2 CITIZENS' ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR PROJECT AREA NO.4 MINUTES MAY 16.2005 Member Ash commented about the number of times that the pavement on Elkhorn Trail had been torn up. Mr. Greenwood responded that he believes it was because Southern California Edison had some facilities related to the electric service for the sewer plant that they did not think required renovation, but following the street repairs they (SCE) determined that renovation was necessary. X.REPORTS AND REMARKS A. COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSON/MEMBERS Member Ash stated that he' would like the Parks Department to enforce the rules in regard to times the park is open for use by the public. Mr. Stendell responded that this topic was discussed at their last Parks and Recreation Commission meeting and that the closing time had been changed from 11 p.m. to 10 p.m. and all lights are shut off at that time. However, because the park is unfenced except for the dog park, it can be difficult to enforce the closing time. A complaint had been received from a resident about someone using the dog park very early in the morning, but after the resident approached the person and explained the situation, it was resolved. B. AGENCY BOARD LIAISONS None C. PLANNING COMMISSION LIAISON None D. STAFF None XI. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 3:43 p.m. WRDAZeth Longmen\CommitteesNPA r4W ,nutes\2005 MnuteslWinutss 051605 doc Beth Longman, Rording Secretary 7