2017 03 07 CC MinutesCITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, MARCH 7, 2017
A regular meeting of the La Quinta City Council was called to order at 3:00 p.m. by
Mayor Pro Tem Radi.
PRESENT: Councilmembers Fitzpatrick, Pena, Radi, Sanchez
ABSENT: Mayor Evans*
(*Mayor Evans joined the meeting at 3:30 p.m. during closed session)
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON AGENDA — None
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA
Councilmember Pena asked that Consent Calendar Item No. 9 be pulled for a separate
vote. Council concurred.
CLOSED SESSION
1. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS PURSUANT TO
GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.8 FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT:
SILVERROCK RESORT (APNs 770-200-026; 776-150-021; 776-150-023; 770-
060-056; 770-060-057; 770-060-058; 770-060-059; 770-060-061; 770-060-
062; 777-490-004; 777-490-006; 777-490-007; 777-490-012; 777-490-014
CITY NEGOTIATOR: FRANK J. SPEVACEK, CITY MANAGER
NEGOTIATING PARTIES: ROBERTS. GREEN, SILVERROCK DEVELOPMENT
COMPANY
UNDER NEGOTIATION: PRICE AND TERMS OF PAYMENT FOR THE SALE OF
REAL PROPERTY
2. Continued from February 21, 2017 meeting >>> PUBLIC EMPLOYEE
PERFORMANCE EVALUATION (QUARTERLY REVIEW) PURSUANT TO
GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54957, COUNCIL APPOINTED POSITION — CITY
MANAGER
COUNCIL RECESSED THE OPEN SESSION PORTION OF THE MEETING AND MOVED
INTO CLOSED SESSION AT 3:02 P.M.
MAYOR EVANS JOINED THE MEETING AT 3:30 P.M.
MAYOR EVANS RECONVENED THE OPEN SESSION PORTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MEETING AT 4:04 P.M. WITH ALL MEMBERS PRESENT
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 1 of 9 MARCH 7, 2017
REPORT ON ACTIONS) TAKEN IN CLOSED SESSION:
City Attorney Ihrke reported that no actions were taken in Closed Session on Item No.
1 that require reporting pursuant to Government Code section 54957.1 (Brown Act).
Mr. Ihrke explained that the Council will reconvene the Closed Session portion of the
meeting at the end of the open session to take up discussion of Item No. 2.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Pena led the audience in the pledge of allegiance.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON AGENDA
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Lisa Larson, La Quinta — Ms. Larson, on behalf of Gerald Ford
Elementary School and its Parent Teacher Organization, invited Councilmembers to
attend the school's upcoming Arts Fest 2017 on Wednesday, March 22, 2017, from
5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The event will feature students' art and music performances to
showcase the school's art and music program.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Deborah Hardy Godley, La Quinta — Ms. Godley thanked the City
Council and staff for their team -work with residents, continuous support, and great
cooperation in updating the City's municipal code regarding animals; banning of retail
sales of cats and dogs in the city; supporting the SNIP program; and staff's plans to
hold future pet expos to promote pet training, park etiquette, safety, and health and
wellness. Mayor Evans thanked Ms. Godley for her continued support and
involvement.
ANNOUNCEMENTS, PRESENTATIONS AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS — None
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. APPROVE MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 21, 2017
2. APPROVE MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 23, 2017 SPECIAL JOINT MEETING OF CITY
COUNCIL, CITY BOARDS, AND CITY COMMISSIONS
3. APPROVE DEMAND REGISTERS DATED FEBRUARY 17 AND 24, 2017
4. RECEIVE AND FILE REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE REPORT DATED DECEMBER
3112016
5. ADOPT A RESOLUTION DESIGNATING SPEED LIMITS FOR CERTAIN STREETS
[RESOLUTION NO. 2017-0051
6. ADOPT A RESOLUTION TO REAFFIRM ADOPTION OF ANNUAL ASSESSMENT
FOR COUNTY SERVICE AREA 152; AUTHORIZE RIVERSIDE COUNTY TO
CONTINUE TO LEVY ASSESSMENTS; AND INDEMNIFY AND HOLD THE COUNTY
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 2 of 9 MARCH 7, 2017
HARMLESS FOR LEVYING ASSESSMENTS ON CITY PARCELS [RESOLUTION NO.
2017-006]
7. ADOPT A RESOLUTION TO APPROVE FINAL PARCEL MAP NO. 36964 LOCATED
AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF CALLE QUITO AND AVENIDA LA JARITA; AND
FIND THE PROJECT EXEMPT PURSUANT TO CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL
QUALITY ACT EXEMPTIONS CLASSES 3, 15, AND 32 [RESOLUTION NO. 2017-
0071
8. APPROVE AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH
HERMANN DESIGN GROUP FOR ON-CALL PROFESSIONAL LANDSCAPE
ARCHITECTURAL SUPPORT SERVICES
9. Pulled by Councilmember Pena for a separate vote >>> APPROVE PLANS,
SPECIFICATIONS, ENGINEER'S ESTIMATE, AND ADVERTISE THE TENNIS AND
PICKLEBALL COURT CONVERSION IMPROVEMENTS AT FRITZ BURNS PARK
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Pena/Radi to
approve Consent Calendar Item Nos. 1 — 8 as recommended, with Item Nos. 5, 6, and
7 adopting Resolution Nos. 2017-005, 2017-006, and 2017-007 respectively. Motion
passed unanimously.
COUNCILMEMBER PENA ANNOUNCED THAT HE MAY HAVE A CONFLICT OF
INTEREST DUE TO THE PROXIMITY OF HIS PROPERTY TO THE PROJECT PROPOSED
BY CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM NO. 9 AND RECUSED HIMSELF FROM ANY
DISCUSSION AND VOTE ON THIS ITEM.
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Radi/Fitzpatrick to
approve Consent Calendar Item No. 9 as recommended. Motion passed: ayes 4, noes
0, abstain (Pena).
BUSINESS SESSION
1. INTRODUCE FOR FIRST READING AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 5.90
AND ADDING CHAPTER 5.91 TO THE LA QUINTA MUNICIPAL CODE, RELATING
TO THE REGULATION OF THE DELIVERY OF MEDICAL CANNABIS IN THE CITY
AND CONFORMING AMENDMENT PURSUANT TO STATE ADULT USE OF
MARIJUANA ACT [ORDINANCE NO. 5551
Management Specialist Villalpando presented the staff report, which is on file in the
Clerk's Office.
Councilmember Pena said the Cannabis Ad Hoc Committee spent months thoroughly
reviewing this item with staff, potential cannabis delivery services, and the City
Attorney, to ensure the proposed ordinance satisfies the needs of the patients, the
delivery service providers, and the City.
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MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Radi/Fitzpatrick to
take up Ordinance No. 555 by title and number only and waive further reading.
Motion passed unanimously.
Deputy City Clerk Radeva read the following title of Ordinance No. 555 into the record:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA,
AMENDING CHAPTER 5.90 AND ADDING CHAPTER 5.91 TO THE LA QUINTA
MUNICIPAL CODE, RELATING TO THE REGULATION OF THE DELIVERY OF
MEDICAL CANNABIS IN THE CITY OF LA QUINTA AND CONFORMING AMENDMENT
PURSUANT TO STATE ADULT USE OF MARIJUANA ACT
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Radi/Fitzpatrick to
introduce at first reading Ordinance No. 555 as recommended. Motion passed
unanimously.
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Management Specialist Villalpando presented the staff report, which is on file in the
Clerk's Office.
Staff said the City lobbyist Gonsalves and Son will provide the Council with a legislative
update in June 2017.
Councilmembers noted that staff updated page no. 126 of the agenda packet, which
was distributed to Council and made available to the public before the start of the
meeting. Brief discussion followed regarding the large amount of state legislation
sent to Governor Brown, 1,059 pieces of legislation.
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Radi/Pena to
approve the Legislative Policy Guide and authorize the Mayor, one Council Member,
and the City Manager to issue letters within the scope of these policies. Motion passed
unanimously.
3. CONSIDER ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP WITH THE COACHELLA VALLEY ECONOMIC
PARTNERSHIP (CVEP)
MAYOR EVANS ANNOUNCED SHE MAY HAVE A CONFLICT OF INTEREST ON
BUSINESS SESSION ITEM NO. 3 DUE TO A BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP. SHE RECUSED
HERSELF AND LEFT THE DAIS DURING THE DISCUSSION AND VOTE ON THIS ITEM.
MAYOR PRO TEMPORE RADI SAT AS PRESIDING OFFICER IN THE MAYOR'S ABSENCE.
City Manager Spevacek and Management Specialist Villalpando presented the staff
report, which is on file in the Clerk's Office.
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PUBLIC SPEAKER: Mr. Joe J. Wallace, CEO and Chief Innovation Officer with CVEP, gave
a presentation on CVEP's membership benefits, 2016 economic impact in the
Coachella Valley, business services provided, activities during fiscal year (FY) 2015/16,
and objectives for FY 2016/17.
Councilmembers discussed CVEP's Executive Committee and Board; CVEP's
contribution in facilitating the relocation of major organizations and businesses to the
Coachella Valley; CVEP's collaboration with valley businesses in advertising
employment opportunities in their newsletter; CVEP's integration with the Coachella
Valley Coalition on events to promote business; services, financial guidance, and
training available to entrepreneurs and existing businesses through CVEP's Business
Services Division; CVEP's ability to facilitate the utilities' permitting and regulatory
process for new businesses; currently available performance metrics and CVEP's
openness and ability to use different metrics, if requested by its members.
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Pena/Fitzpatrick
directing staff to allocate funds for the CVEP annual membership as part of FY
2017/18 proposed budget. Motion passed: ayes 4, noes 0, abstain 0, absent 1 (Evans).
MAYOR EVANS RETURNED TO THE DAIS AT 4:49 P.M. AND RESUMED THE DUTY OF
PRESIDING OFFICER FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE MEETING.
STUDY SESSION
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Finance Director Campos presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk's
Office.
Councilmembers discussed the Investment Advisory Board's (IAB) existing duties and
responsibilities; expanding the IAB's duties to include oversight of Measure G funds;
the appropriate membership of the board and possible increase from five members to
seven, or nine; required professional qualifications for the members; potential impacts
on the efficiency and decision-making process of the board due to increased
membership; the opportunity for residents and business owners to be involved in the
oversight of Measure G funds; the importance of retaining members with institutional
knowledge, and; changing the IAB's name to Financial Advisory Commission (FAC).
PUBLIC SPEAKER: George Batavick, La Quinta — Mr. Batavick said he has served on the
IAB for two years and is currently the Chairperson. He noted he is in support of
expanding the IAB duties and increasing the membership to seven.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Dick Mills, La Quinta — Mr. Mills said he serves on the IAB and is in
support of expanding the IAB duties to include oversight of Measure G funds. He is
also supportive of increasing the membership, but expressed concern that too big of a
group would not be very efficient.
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PUBLIC SPEAKER: Mark Johnson, La Quinta — Mr. Johnson said there is a lack of youth
involvement in the City and recommended that the Council explore opportunities to
attract the City's youth.
Councilmembers discussed that the City used to have a Youth Commission and would
like to see youth participation in items that directly impacts them, which could
interest them and provide a pathway for youth involvement.
Council concurred and directed staff to: 1) Rename the IAB to a commission; 2)
Expand the responsibilities of the IAB to include citizen oversight of Measure G fund; 3)
Appoint the existing IAB members to the new commission; 4) Expand the membership
to seven to allow for greater community involvement and input; 5) Maintain the
existing professional qualification requirements — three member to have financial
background, and four general members; and 6) Maintain the existing quarterly
meeting schedule, which allows special meeting to be scheduled as needed.
2. DISCUSS SHORT-TERM VACATION RENTAL PROGRAM (STVRP) 2016 PROGRESS
AND 2017 GOALS
DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR JONASSON RECUSED HIMSELF DUE TO
OWNING STVRP REVENUE GENERATING PROPERTY. MR. JONASSON LEFT THE
COUNCIL CHAMBER DURING THE DISCUSSION OF THIS ITEM.
Management Specialist Mignogna, Management Analyst Isaac, Public Safety Manager
Mendez, and Code Compliance Supervisor Moreno presented the staff report, which is
on file in the Clerk's Office.
Councilmembers discussed the number and type of vacation rental complaints, mostly
noise related; repeat offenders and their locations; code compliance officers rotation
schedule during the Coachella and Stage Coach festivals, response times, and the
collaboration with law enforcement; STVRP application process and inspections;
tracking mechanisms for properties located within gated communities; issuing STVRP
permits for such properties and the required Homeowner Associations' approvals;
maintaining a list of registered STVRP properties, monitoring them, and addressing the
ones that are not registered, and; resident venues to report concerns, the response
process, and relevant citations.
Councilmembers commended staff for efficiently and constructively managing the
STVRP, keeping administrative costs to a minimum, enforcing compliance, and
fostering the program's growth over the last few years; and emphasized the
importance of sustaining the program and allowing it to grow organically.
Councilmembers further discussed the need to ensure that the outstanding 1,200
non -registered STVRP properties are brought to compliance going forward; the
additional staff time needed to do that and the continued monitoring and
maintenance of these properties; making the application available online to improve
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 6 of 9 MARCH 7, 2017
process efficiency; business license application process; insurance requirements;
staff's efforts to collect residents' feedback through community workshops, and;
available in-house and consultant alternatives to manage the STVRP.
Councilmembers supported the proposed name "Vacation LQ"; and concurred in their
desire to sustain and allow the STVRP to grow organically; and to continue to pursue
non-compliant rentals utilizing the processes that currently exist and the resources
available. They directed staff to explore and model the areas -phased code
compliance approach applied by the Code Compliance Division, and; to research what
consultants offer to facilitate these efforts.
3. DISCUSS NORTH LA QUINTA LANDSCAPE RENOVATION
DESIGN AND DE VEL OPMENT DIRECTOR JONASSON RE -JOINED THE MEETIN6 A T
6.•10 P.M.
Principal Engineer Wimmer presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk's
Office.
Councilmembers discussed the accelerated landscape renovation schedule originally
reduced from ten to seven years, and now even further to only three years; required
additional maintenance for the retention walls; mechanisms used to prioritize the
different project areas and make them appealing for bids while ensuring economies of
scale to achieve efficiency; identifying appropriate funding sources; importance of
community branding; established City priority projects based on information received
from the Community Workshop held in January 2017; projects funded with Measure G
funds must be reviewed and approved by the citizen oversight committee; public
safety component; potential savings of water, maintenance, and future increase of
construction cost and wages; suitable areas for art placements; and the prominence
of refreshing the community's parkways.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Mr. Chris Hermann, Palm Desert — Mr. Hermann, Consultant with
Hermann Design Group, answered Council's questions regarding potential future cost
savings, maintenance, lighting, and plant and art placement.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
COUNCILMEMBER PENA ANNOUNCED HE MAY HAVE A CONFLICT OF INTEREST DUE
TO THE PROXIMITY OF HIS PROPERTY TO THE PROJECT PROPOSED BY PUBLIC
HEARING ITEM NO. 1. HE RECUSED HIMSELF AND LEFT THE DAIS DURING THE
DISCUSSION AND VOTE ON THIS ITEM.
1. ADOPT A RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO THE OLD TOWN LA
QUINTA SPECIFIC PLAN 2016-0002 (SP 2002-058) REMOVING THE VILLAS AT
OLD TOWN PART B AND FIND THE SPECIFIC PLAN AMENDMENT EXEMPT
PURSUANT TO CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT SECTION 15183
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 7 of 9 MARCH 7, 2017
PROJECTS CONSISTENT WITH A COMMUNITY PLAN, GENERAL PLAN OR
ZONING [RESOLUTION NO. 2017-0081
Associate Planner Flores presented the staff report, which is on file in the City Clerk's
Office.
MAYOR EVANS DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING OPEN AT 6:48 P.M.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: None
MAYOR EVANS DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED AT 6:48 P.M.
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Radi/Fitzpatrick to
adopt Resolution No. 2017-008 as recommended:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA,
APPROVING A SPECIFIC PLAN AMENDMENT TO REMOVE THE VILLAS AT OLD
TOWN PART B FROM THE OLD TOWN SPECIFIC PLAN, AND FIND THE PROJECT
EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
CASE NUMBER: SPECIFIC PLAN 2016-0002 (SP 2002-058, AMENDMENT 2)
APPLICANT: CITY OF LA QUINTA
Motion passed: ayes 4, noes 0, abstain 0, absent 1 (Pena).
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS
All reports are on file in the City Clerk's Office.
City Attorney Irhke provided an update on the recent court ruling regarding emails
and text messages from personal devises that deal with public business are subject to
the Public Records Act and guidance criteria provided by the courts for these
communications.
MAYOR'S AND COUNCIL MEMBER'S ITEMS
Councilmembers discussed strategies to attract youth involvement and to obtain
feedback and recommendations from the local school districts.
Councilmembers discussed the successful turn out for the State of the City and the
unveiling of the SilverRock development's major hotel brands — Montage La Quinta
and Pendry La Quinta.
Councilmember Radi mentioned the successful turn -out of the 31St annual La Quinta
Art Festival; Council is looking forward to seeing the art piece selected by
Councilmembers Fitzpatrick and Sanchez installed; commended staff for organizing
the X -Park probe which was very informative and generated a lot of discussion; the
mural unveiling at Harry S. Truman Elementary School; and the memorial service for
Mr. John Polak at Saint Francis Church. He noted Mr. Polak was a Navy Officer and a
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 8 of 9 MARCH 7, 2017
respected gentleman who was always encouraging and supportive of Council and the
work of the City.
Mayor Evans along with Lieutenant Walton welcomed the California Parks Association
who held a safety, disaster preparedness, and crime prevention conference at the
Embassy Suites hotel.
REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
La Quinta's representative for 2017, Mayor Evans reported on her participation in the
following organizations meeting:
• CVAG EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
La Quinta's representative for 2017, Councilmember Radi reported on his participation
in the following organization meeting:
• SUN LINE TRANSIT AGENCY
COUNCIL RECESSED THE OPEN SESSION PORTION OF THE MEETING AND
MOVED INTO CLOSED SESSION AT 7:11 P.M.
MAYOR EVANS RECONVENED THE OPEN SESSION PORTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MEETING AT 8:30 P.M. WITH ALL MEMBERS PRESENT
REPORT ON ACTION(S) TAKEN IN CLOSED SESSION:
City Attorney Ihrke reported no actions were taken in Closed Session on Item No. 2
that require reporting pursuant to Government Code section 54957.1 (Brown Act).
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, a motion was made and seconded by
Councilmembers Pena/Fitzpatrick to adjourn at 8:31 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
l
MONIKA RADEVA, Deputy City Clerk
City of La Quinta, California
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