2017 01 03 CC MinutesCITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2017
A regular meeting of the La Quinta City Council was called to order at 4:00 p.m. by
Mayor Evans.
PRESENT: Councilmembers Fitzpatrick, Pena, Radi, Sanchez, Mayor Evans
ABSENT: None
Councilmember Radi led the audience in the pledge of allegiance.
Mayor Evans called for a moment of silence in memory of Riverside County Supervisor
John Benoit who died December 26, 2016.
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA
Mayor Evans requested that Consent Calendar Item No. 5 be pulled and moved to
Business item No. 6. Council concurred.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON AGENDA
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Emmanuel Martinez, Imperial Irrigation District - Mr. Martinez
introduced himself to Council and staff as the new Government Affairs Specialist in
the La Quinta office of IID.
ANNOUNCEMENTS, PRESENTATIONS AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
1. PALM ROYALE IMPROVEMENTS
Mark Johnson of La Quinta thanked the City for the beautiful landscape improvements
at Via Seville and Washington Street, which will save millions of gallons of water each
year. Mr. Johnson presented a before -and -after photo power point of the project area.
He said he hoped the work on the remaining landscape improvements in the north La
Quinta area would accelerate now that Measure G has passed.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. AUTHORIZE OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR A COUNCILMEMBER TO ATTEND LEAGUE
OF CALIFORNIA CITIES NEW COUNCILMEMBER ACADEMY IN SACRAMENTO,
CALIFORNIA, IN JANUARY 18 — 20, 2017
2. APPROVE DEMAND REGISTER DATED DECEMBER 16, 2016
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 1 JANUARY 3, 2017
3. ACCEPT NORTH LA QUINTA PARKWAY TURF CONVERSION IMPROVEMENTS
LOCATED ALONG PORTIONS OF WASHINGTON STREET AND VIA SEVILLA —
PROJECT NO. 2016-03A — PHASE 1 (DEL ORO)
4. ACCEPT PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT INSTALLATION IMPROVEMENTS AT
EISENHOWER, SAGUARO, AND VELASCO PARKS FOR MISCELLANEOUS PARKS
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (PROJECT NO. 2013-02A)
5. pulled by Mayor Evans and moved to Business Item No. 6 »> APPROVE
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH GREATER
COACHELLA VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TO INCREASE SPONSORSHIP
FOR CAREERBUILDER CHALLENGE EVENTS
6. ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 552 AT SECOND READING AMENDING CHAPTERS 9.60
AND 9.100 OF TITLE 9 OF THE LA QUINTA MUNICIPAL CODE FOR SPECIAL
EVENT REGULATIONS; CEQA: FIND THE PROJECT EXEMPT PURSUANT TO
SECTION 15061(6)(3)
MOTION - A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Fitzpatrick/Radi to
approve the Consent Calendar Item Nos. 1-4 and 6 as recommended, with Item No. 6
adopting Ordinance No. 552. Motion passed unanimously.
BUSINESS SESSION
1. ADOPT A RESOLUTION APPROVING SITE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 2016-0009,
INCLUDING SITE PLAN, ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN AND LANDSCAPING FOR A
200 -KEY HOTEL, NEW GOLF COURSE CLUBHOUSE, 10 GOLF VILLAS, AND A
RESORT RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT WITHIN PLANNING AREAS 5, 6, AND
10A OF THE SILVERROCK SPECIFIC PLAN LOCATED AT THE SOUTHWEST
CORNER OF AVENUE 52 AND JEFFERSON STREET; CEQA: REVIEWED UNDER
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 2014-1003 AND NO FURTHER REVIEW IS
REQUIRED [RESOLUTION NO. 2017-001]
City Manager Spevacek presented background and timeline contained in the
agreements with SilverRock Development Company and Planning Manager Perez
presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk's Office.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: APPLICANT John Gamlin of Robert Green Co/SilverRock Development
Company - Mr. Gamlin explained that his Company's requested changes to the
Planning Commission's Conditions of Approval Nos. 63, 64, 65, 66 and 67 as detailed in
the January 3, 2017 letter from Robert Green.
Councilmembers questioned Mr. Gamlin regarding status of schematic plans; use of
glass in clubhouse locker room; Title 24 constraints; undesirability of segregating uses;
bond covenant, and; selling branded goods offsite.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 2 JANUARY 3, 2017
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Paul Quill, La Quinta - Mr. Quill said he would speak as both a
resident and a Planning Commissioner. He said all Commissioners were in favor of the
project but some had concerns about the suitability of the clubhouse design including
adequacy of the square footage, staging area, parking, golf cart circulation, and site
lines.
Councilmembers discussed the improved language provided by Robert Green;
additional reviews going forward, and the collaborative process; cost to the City for
hosting past tournaments; meeting residents' needs in the future, and; ability to
change the building, its uses and programs as the golfing community changes.
City Attorney Ihrke noted that he has reviewed and approved the revised Conditions of
Approval language provided by Robert Green should the Council wish to include it in
the final adopted resolution.
MOTION - A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Radi/Pena to adopt
Resolution No. 2017-001 as amended to include applicant's revised condition
language for Conditions of Approval Nos. 63 through 67 as written in the Robert Green
Company letter to Council dated January 3, 2017:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, APPROVING SITE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 2016-0009 SITE,
ARCHITECTURAL, AND LANDSCAPING PLANS FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A
200 -KEY HOTEL, NEW GOLF COURSE CLUBHOUSE, 10 GOLF VILLAS, AND A
RESORT RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT WITHIN PLANNING AREAS 5, 6, AND
10A OF THE SILVERROCK SPECIFIC PLAN
CASE NUMBER: SITE DEVELOPMENT PERMITS 2016-0009 (SDP2016-0009)
APPLICANT: SILVERROCK DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, LLC
Motion passed unanimously.
MAYOR EVANS RECESSED THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING TO THE HOUSING
AUTHORITY MEETING AT 4:46 P.M.
MAYOR EVANS RECONVENED THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING AT 5:08 P.M. WITH ALL
MEMBERS PRESENT
2. INTERVIEWS AND APPOINTMENTS OF RESIDENTS TO VARIOUS CITY BOARDS
AND COMMISSIONS AND AS CITY REPRESENTATIVES TO THE COACHELLA
VALLEY MOSQUITO AND VECTOR CONTROL DISTRICT AND IMPERIAL
IRRIGATION DISTRICT'S ENERGY CONSUMERS' ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Mayor Evans thanked all applicants for their willingness to serve the City, and
explained the process the Council would follow in conducting the interviews and
selecting new members.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 3 JANUARY 3, 2017
City Clerk Maysels held a random drawing resulting in the following interview order:
1. Imperial Irrigation District, Energy Consumers' Advisory Committee (IID -ECAC)
2. Investment Advisory Board (IAB)
3. Coachella Valley Mosquito & Vector Control Board (Board)
1. IMPERIAL IRRIGATION DISTRICT, ENERGY CONSUMERS' ADVISORY COMMITTEE
One vacancy, four-year term
The following applicants gave a brief presentation on their qualifications:
o George Christopher
o Matthew Scott McPherson
City Clerk Maysels collected, tabulated and announced the votes as follows:
Councilmember Fitzpatrick:
Councilmember Pena:
Councilmember Radi:
Councilmember Sanchez:
Mayor Evans:
G. Christopher
G. Christopher
M. McPherson
M. McPherson
G. Christopher
MOTION - A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Fitzpatrick/Radi to
appoint George Christopher to the IID -ECAC as La Quinta's representative for a term of
four years. Motion passed unanimously.
2. INVESTMENT ADVISORY BOARD one 3 -year term & one term ending 6/30/2017
The following applicants gave a brief presentation on their qualifications:
o Howard Borris not present
o Joseph Johnson appointed to the Housing Commission
o Richard Mills
o Steven Rosen
City Clerk Maysels collected, tabulated and announced the votes as follows:
Councilmember Fitzpatrick: Mills, 3 -yr term & Rosen, term ending 6/2017
Councilmember Pena: Mills, 3 -yr term & Rosen, term ending 6/2017
Councilmember Radi: Rosen, 3 -yr term & Mills, term ending 6/2017
Councilmember Sanchez: Rosen, 3 -yr term & Mills, term ending 6/2017
Mayor Evans: Mills, 3 -yr term & Rosen, term ending 6/2017
MOTION - A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Fitzpatrick/Radi to
appoint Richard Mills to the IAB for a full term of three years, and to appoint Steven
Rosen to the vacancy with term ending June 30, 2017. Motion passed unanimously.
3. COACHELLA VALLEY MOSQUITO & VECTOR CONTROL BOARD one four-year term
The following applicants gave a brief presentation on their qualifications:
o Mario Cespendes
o James Crall not present
o Douglas Hassett
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 4 JANUARY 3, 2017
o Christopher Hopping not present
City Clerk Maysels collected, tabulated and announced the votes as follows:
Councilmember Fitzpatrick: Hassett
Councilmember Pena: Hassett
Councilmember Radi: Hassett
Councilmember Sanchez: Hassett
Mayor Evans: Hassett
MOTION - A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Radi/Sanchez to
appoint Douglas Hassett to the Board for a full term of four years. Motion passed
unanimously.
3. ANNUAL COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS TO SERVE ON VARIOUS OUTSIDE
AGENCIES FOR 2017
Council waived presentation of a staff report, and discussed vacancies and
volunteered for service based on their interests and availability.
MOTION - A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Pena/Fitzpatrick to
appoint Councilmembers as representatives to outside agencies as noted on the
attached list (Attachment 1). Motion passed unanimously.
4. ACCEPT PAVEMENT MANAGEMENT PLAN IMPROVEMENTS ON AVENIDA
BERMUDAS AND EISENHOWER DRIVE (PROJECT NO. 2012-07D)
City Attorney Ihrke explained that three of the five Members of Council have indicated
they may have a conflict of interest on this item, and when this situation arises, the
California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) has a process set forth in
regulation 18705 to randomly select one of the conflicted Members for "legally
required participation" in order to obtain a quorum of at least three members required
to conduct City business.
Mayor Evans announced that she may have a conflict of interest due to the
proximity of this project to property owned on Eisenhower Drive.
Councilmember Pena announced that he may have a conflict of interest due to
the proximity of this project to property owned on Avenida Navarro.
Councilmember Radi announced that he may have a conflict of interest due to
the proximity of this project to property owned on Eisenhower Drive and
Avenida Navarro.
City Manager Spevacek announced that he may have a conflict of interest due
to the proximity of this project to property owned on Avenida Navarro.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 5 JANUARY 3, 2017
MAYOR EVANS, COUNCILMEMBERS PENA AND RADI, AND CITY MANAGER
SPEVACEK LEFT THE DAIS AND EXITED THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS.
City Clerk Maysels followed the procedure set by FPPC regulation 18705 by putting the
names of Mayor Evans, Councilmembers Pena and Radi in a cup and having Deputy
City Clerk Radeva randomly select one name. Councilmember Pena's name was
selected.
COUNCILMEMBER PENA RETURNED TO THE DAIS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE
DISCUSSION AND VOTE ON THIS ITEM BUT BEFORE COMMENCING, CITY ATTORNEY
IHRKE EXPLAINED ONCE AGAIN THAT HE HAD RECUSED HIMSELF DUE TO A
POSSIBLE CONFLICT OF INTEREST DUE TO THE PROXIMITY OF THIS PROJECT TO
PROPERTY HE OWNS ON AVENIDA NAVARRO.
City Clerk Maysels explained that in accordance with the Council's Rules of Procedure
Resolution, the absence of the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem causes the longest -serving
Councilmember to serve as the Presiding Officer, and that Councilmember Pena was
the longest serving Member among the three remaining Councilmembers.
COUNCILMEMBER PENA SERVED AS PRESIDING OFFICER FOR THIS AGENDA ITEM.
Councilmembers waived presentation of a staff report, and complimented staff for
completing the project on time and under budget.
MOTION - A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Fitzpatrick/Sanchez
to accept pavement management plan improvements on Avenida Bermudas and
Eisenhower Drive (Project No. 2012-07D) as recommended.
Motion passed: ayes 3, noes 0, absent 2 (Evans, Radi).
MAYOR EVANS, COUNCILMEMBER RADI AND CITY MANAGER SPEVACEK RETURNED
TO THE DAIS.
MAYOR EVANS RESUMED THE DUTY OF PRESIDING OFFICER FOR THE REMAINDER
OF THE MEETING.
5. ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 553 AT SECOND READING AMENDING SEVERAL
CHAPTERS OF TITLE 9 OF THE LA QUINTA MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO THE
BUILD -OUT PLAN FOR THE LA QUINTA VILLAGE, INCLUDING VARIOUS
DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS ASSOCIATED THERETO
City Attorney Ihrke explained that three of the five Members of Council have indicated
they may have a conflict of interest on this item, and when this situation arises, the
California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) has a process set forth in
regulation 18705 to randomly select one of the conflicted Members for "legally
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6 JANUARY 3, 2017
required participation" in order to obtain a quorum of at least three members required
to conduct City business.
Councilmember Pena announced that he may have a conflict of interest due to
the proximity of his property to the Village area.
Councilmember Radi announced that he may have a conflict of interest due to
the proximity of his property to the Village area.
Councilmember Sanchez announced that he may have a conflict of interest
due to a business relationship with a property owner within the Village area.
COUNCILMEMBERS PENA, RADI AND SANCHEZ LEFT THE DAIS AND EXITED THE
COUNCIL CHAMBERS.
City Clerk Maysels followed the procedure set by FPPC regulation 18705 by putting the
names of Councilmembers Pena, Radi and Sanchez in a cup and having Deputy City
Clerk Radeva randomly select one name. Councilmember Pena's name was selected.
COUNCILMEMBER PEN A RETURNED TO THE DAIS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE
DISCUSSION AND VOTE ON THIS ITEM BUT BEFORE COMMENCING, CITY ATTORNEY
IHRKE EXPLAINED ONCE AGAIN THAT COUNCILMEMBER PENA HAD RECUSED
HIMSELF DUE TO A POSSIBLE CONFLICT OF INTEREST DUE TO THE PROXIMITY OF
HIS PROPERTY TO THE VILLAGE AREA.
Councilmembers waived presentation of a staff report.
MOTION - A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Fitzpatrick/Pena to
adopt Ordinance No. 553 at second reading:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA AMENDING SEVERAL CHAPTERS OF TITLE 9 OF THE LA QUINTA
MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO THE BUILD -OUT PLAN FOR THE LA QUINTA
VILLAGE, INCLUDING VARIOUS DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS ASSOCIATED
THERETO
Motion passed: ayes 3, noes 0, absent 2 (Radi and Sanchez)
COUNCILMEMBERS RADI AND SANCHEZ RETURNED TO THE DAIS FOR THE
REMAINDER OF THE MEETING
6. pulled by Mayor Evans from Consent Calendar No. 5 and moved to Business for
separate discussion and vote »> APPROVE AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH GREATER COACHELLA VALLEY
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TO INCREASE SPONSORSHIP FOR CAREERBUILDER
CHALLENGE EVENTS
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7 JANUARY 3, 2017
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Katie Stice, Regional President, Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of
Commerce - Ms. Stice provided information on past and upcoming events and was
available to answer Councilmember's questions.
Councilmembers discussed the benefits to La Quinta if the Amendment is approved;
the role of Desert Classic Charities this year, and; promoting the Block Party during
Chamber events.
MOTION - A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Radi/Sanchez to
approve Amendment No. 1 to the Memorandum of Understanding with the Greater
Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce as recommended.
Motion passed unanimously.
STUDY SESSION
1. EVENT STRATEGIES FOR 2017/18
Management Assistant Torres and Marketing/Events Supervisor Graham presented the
staff report, which is on file in the Clerk's Office.
Councilmembers discussed the basics of the allocation of events chart; the 19th -Hole
Block Party; keeping the Library and Museum open during the block party and possible
means to draw event goers to those facilities; including the Library and Museum in
future City birthday party events; format this year and promotions planned to increase
Block Party attendance; economic development purpose of the Block Party; means of
measuring event attendance; Chamber of Commerce involvement; leverage gains if
work with other entities; necessity of having City staff to drive events and direct
partners; means of capturing data at events and getting participants to sign up for
future event promotions; contracting with professional event organizers with staff as
liaison; promotion of events; locating events in multiple areas of the City; inviting the
National B -B -Q event back to the City; partnering with and sharing data with the
visitors' bureau; widespread use of The GEM publication; attracting event attendees
from surrounding communities; Community Services Commission weigh-in on events;
updating the Community Needs Assessment; partnering with the school districts more
often and utilizing their websites; consideration of cost in determining events, and;
importance of allowing staff flexibility to quickly create events when fads arise like the
Pokemon-Go evenings.
The Council was in agreement with staff's guiding principles, and the event categories.
Mayor Evans requested that a master event calendar be prepared for distribution to
entities interested in hosting events.
PUBLIC HEARINGS - None
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 8 JANUARY 3, 2017
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS
All reports are on file in the City Clerk's Office.
City Attorney Ihrke reported that he received a sample ordinance from the Imperial
Solar Union concerning "Net -Energy Metering" for purposes of residential solar uses
and asked for Council direction regarding reviewing and researching related
regulatory issues. Council directed the City Attorney to research the matter and report
back.
MAYOR'S AND COUNCIL MEMBER'S ITEMS
Regarding Supervisor John Benoit's funeral, Councilmembers asked City Manager
Spevacek to send flowers from the City or a donation -in -lieu -of flowers if preferred by
his family.
City Attorney Ihrke reported that he is finalizing the ordinance regarding cannabis
delivery, and briefly explained some of the effects of the passage of Proposition 64.
Councilmembers requested a study session report on the full effects of the
legalization of personal recreational marijuana use and cultivation on the City's
existing regulations.
REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS - None
CLOSED SESSION
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL — EXISTING LITIGATION PURSUANT TO
GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9(D)(1). ALVERIZ ET AL. V. CITY OF LA
QUINTA ET AL., RIVERSIDE COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT CASE NO. PSC 1503161;
BARTON ET AL. V. CITY OF LA QUINTA ET AL., RIVERSIDE COUNTY SUPERIOR
COURT CASE NO. PSC 1505200
COUNCIL RECESSED THE OPEN SESSION PORTION OF THE MEETING AND MOVED
INTO CLOSED SESSION AT 7:21 P.M.
MAYOR EVANS RECONVENED THE OPEN SESSION PORTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MEETING AT 7:37P.M. WITH ALL MEMBERS PRESENT
REPORT ON ACTION(S) TAKEN IN CLOSED SESSION:
City Attorney Ihrke reported no actions were taken in Closed Session that require
reporting pursuant to Government Code section 54957.1 (Brown Act).
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 9 JANUARY 3, 2017
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, a motion was made and seconded by
Councilmembers Pena/Fitzpatrick to adjourn at 7:38 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Digitally signed by Susan Maysels
DN: cn=Susan Maysels, o=City of La Quinta, ou=Clerk's
Office, email=smaysels@la-quinta.org, c=US
Date: 2017.01.18 07:49:26 -08'00'
SUSAN MAYSELS, City Clerk
City of La Quinta, California
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 10 JANUARY 3, 2017