2017 05 16 CC MinutesCITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 1 of 10 MAY 16, 2017
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, MAY 16, 2017
A regular meeting of the La Quinta City Council was called to order at 3:30 p.m. by
Mayor Evans.
PRESENT: Councilmembers Fitzpatrick, Peña, Sanchez, Mayor Evans
ABSENT: Mayor Pro Tem Radi
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Peña/Fitzpatrick to
excuse Mayor Pro Tem Radi’s absence. Motion passed: ayes 4, absent 1 (Radi).
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA – None
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA
City Manager Spevacek requested the following changes to the agenda:
Introduce new staff members and show a video of the Silverrock golf course
realignment construction progress under the Announcements, Presentations and
Written Communications portion of the meeting.
Continue Consent Calendar Item No. 11; he explained RJ Mayer, applicant and
property owner, submitted a written request for a two-week continuation (the
applicant’s request dated May 16, 2017 is on file in the Clerk’s Office).
Continue Study Session Item No. 1 at the request of Riverside County until a county
representative could attend the Council meeting.
Council concurred and confirmed the agenda as amended.
CLOSED SESSION
1. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS PURSUANT TO
GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.8 FOR PROPERTY LOCATED ON HIGHWAY
111 EAST OF DUNE PALMS (APN 600-020-053)
CITY NEGOTIATOR: FRANK J. SPEVACEK, CITY MANAGER
PROPERTY OWNER: CITY OF LA QUINTA
UNDER NEGOTIATION: PRICE AND TERMS OF PAYMENT AND/OR DISPOSITION
OF THE PROPERTY IDENTIFIED
COUNCIL RECESSED THE OPEN SESSION PORTION OF THE MEETING AND MOVED INTO
CLOSED SESSION AT 3:34 P.M.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 2 of 10 MAY 16, 2017
MAYOR EVANS RECONVENED THE OPEN SESSION PORTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MEETING AT 4:01 P.M. WITH ALL MEMBERS PRESENT EXCEPT COUNCILMEMBER RADI
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).
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Peña led the audience in the pledge of allegiance.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Mr. Mark Johnson, La Quinta – introduced himself and said the La
Quinta resident golfers (LQ Golfers) provided to Council verbal and written comments
on tee times and green fees at the March 21, 2017 Study Session item regarding the
Silverrock development. Additional verbal and written comments were provided on the
proposed Covenants and Amendment No. 2 to Purchase, Sale, and Development
Agreement for the Silverrock development at the April 18, 2017, Business Session item.
He noted the LQ Golfers were disappointed to find out that the covenants were
recorded exactly as originally proposed and the amendments suggested by the LQ
Golfers were not adequately considered. He asked the Council to listen, acknowledge,
and respond to the La Quinta residents; and to consider the feedback of the LQ Golfers
who frequently utilize the golf course, have decades of golf experience, and aim to
maintain and improve the residents’ golf privileges. He expressed his personal
disappointment as he has invested considerable time and resources in trying to make
La Quinta a better community through his service on the Advisory Committee, the
Community Services Commission, and Vote “Yes on Measure G” Committee. He said
the LQ Golfers were excited to work with the Robert Green Development Co. (RGDC)
which has been very responsive to their inquiries. He requested that Council create an
Ad-hoc Committee comprised of Councilmembers, LQ Golfers, and representatives of
the RGDC to review the detailed comments provided by the LQ Golfers on the Silverrock
development covenants and bring appropriate changes to Council for consideration.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Mr. James R. Paul, La Quinta – introduced himself and commended
Council for dedicating their time and service to the City, and for a job well done.
ANNOUNCEMENTS, PRESENTATIONS AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
1. INTRODUCE NEW CITY STAFF
City Manager Spevacek introduced Senior Planner Cheri Flores with the Planning
Division and Office Assistant Mirta Lerma with the Design and Development
Department.
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2. SILVERROCK DEVELOPMENT COMPANY’S GOLF COURSE REALIGNMENT UPDATE
Facilities Director Howlett presented a video showing the construction progress on the
Silverrock golf course realignment project.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Randy Duncan, General Manager SilverRock Resort Golf Course –
introduced himself and provided Council with an update on staff’s efforts to ensure the
La Quinta residents are aware of the current construction and the reduced golf rates to
compensate for the temporary inconvenience until the golf course realignment is
completed.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. APPROVE MINUTES OF MAY 2, 2017
2. APPROVE CHANGE ORDER NO. 1 TO CONTRACT WITH HORIZON LIGHTING, INC.
TO EXTEND CITYWIDE LIGHTING MAINTENANCE SERVICES FOR ONE YEAR
3. APPROVE CHANGE ORDER NO. 2 TO CONTRACT WITH CONSERVE LANDCARE,
INC. TO EXTEND LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE SERVICES FOR ONE YEAR AND
INCREASE CONTRACT AMOUNT
4. APPROVE CHANGE ORDER NO. 2 TO CONTRACT WITH CONSERVE LANDCARE,
INC. TO EXTEND PARK LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE SERVICES FOR ONE YEAR
5. APPROVE AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO THE CONTRACT WITH NELSEN’S JANITORIAL
SERVICE FOR JANITORIAL SERVICES EXTENDING THE TERM ONE YEAR AND
INCREASING SERVICES AND THE CONTRACT AMOUNT
6. APPROVE DEMAND REGISTERS DATED APRIL 28 AND MAY 5, 2017
7. RECEIVE AND FILE REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE REPORTS DATED JANUARY 31
AND FEBRUARY 28, 2017
8. ACCEPT ON-SITE IMPROVEMENTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE RESIDENCE CLUB AT
PGA WEST RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT (TRACT MAP NO. 31627) LOCATED AT
THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF AVENUE 54 AND PGA BOULEVARD
9. ADOPT A RESOLUTION GRANTING CONDITIONAL APPROVAL OF FINAL PARCEL
MAP NO. 36836 ASSOCIATED WITH THE J. PAUL COMMERCIAL BUILDING
LOCATED AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF DUNE PALMS ROAD AND
CORPORATE CENTRE DRIVE
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10. APPROVE AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
WITH TRAFFEX ENGINEERS, INC. FOR CONTRACT TRAFFIC ENGINEER SERVICES
11. pulled at applicant’s request >>> ADOPT A RESOLUTION FOR THE FIFTH
EXTENSION OF CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 2007-105 AND SITE DEVELOPMENT
PERMIT 2006-875, AND THE FIRST EXTENSION OF TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP
35088 LOCATED AT THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF WASHINGTON STREET AND
FRED WARING DRIVE
12 ADOPT RESOLUTION REQUESTING COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE PLACE COLLECTION
COSTS FOR SOLID WASTE HANDLING SERVICES AT SINGLE-FAMILY
DWELLINGS ON TAX ROLLS
13. APPROVE AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH
MICHAEL BAKER INTERNATIONAL TO PREPARE PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS AND
ENGINEER’S ESTIMATE FOR THE EISENHOWER DRIVE RETENTION BASIN
IMPROVEMENTS
14. APPROVE DECLARATION OF SURPLUS
15. APPROVE A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH LANCE, SOLL &
LUNGHARD, LLP FOR ACCOUNTING SERVICES
Councilmembers discussed the level of service and satisfaction expected of the
maintenance services agreements for citywide lighting and landscaping; additional
janitorial services included in the agreement extension; ensuring that landscaping is
included along Eisenhower Drive, to enhance the area; the need to identify the
drainage impacts for Eisenhower Drive before landscaping options can be considered;
and ensuring the construction of Eisenhower Drive is scheduled during the off-season.
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Peña/Fitzpatrick to
approve the Consent Calendar as amended, with Item Nos. 9 and 12 adopting
Resolution Nos. 2017-017 and 2017-018 respectively. Motion passed: ayes 4, absent 1
(Radi).
BUSINESS SESSION
1. APPROVE SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT AND MUTUAL RELEASE, AND RELATED
APPURTENANCE AGREEMENTS, FOR ALVERIZ ET AL. V. CITY OF LA QUINTA ET
AL., AND BARTON ET AL. V. CITY OF LA QUINTA ET AL., RIVERSIDE COUNTY
SUPERIOR COURT, CASE NOS. PSC 1503161 AND PSC 1505200
City Attorney Ihrke presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk’s Office.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 5 of 10 MAY 16, 2017
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Peña/Fitzpatrick to
approve Settlement Agreement and Mutual Release, Appurtenance Agreement (Dunes
Golf Course/Haciendas), and Appurtenance Agreement (Lower Cove), substantially in
forms attached; and to authorize the City Manager to execute agreements on behalf of
the City, accept non-substantive corrections to agreements, and direct implementing
actions pursuant to the settlement. Motion passed: ayes 4, absent 1 (Radi).
2. INTRODUCE FOR FIRST READING AN ORDINANCE REVISING SEVERAL
CHAPTERS OF TITLE 12 OF THE LA QUINTA MUNICIPAL CODE RELATED TO
VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC [ORDINANCE NO. 559]
Principal Engineer Wimmer presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk’s
Office.
Councilmembers discussed the proposed code changes and asked clarifying questions
of staff regarding Section 12.60.010 (Establishment); Chapter 12.60 Loading Zones;
Section 12.08.070 (Traffic engineer – Duties); Section 12.16.070 (Installation at
intersection – Require where); Chapter 12.32 Parking; Chapter 12.69 Golf Carts; Section
12.56.030 (Truck routes – Exemptions); Section 1.09.020 (Authority and fines); Section
1.09.030 (Failure to pay fines); Section 1.01.250 (Vialations public nuisances); and
Section 1.01.200 (Violation – Infraction).
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Fitzpatrick/Peña to
take up Ordinance No. 559 by title and number only and waive further reading. Motion
passed: ayes 4, absent 1 (Radi).
Deputy City Clerk Radeva read the following title of Ordinance No. 559 into the record:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA,
AMENDING SEVERAL CHAPTERS OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE TITLE 12 AND
DELETING CERTAIN SECTIONS OF TITLE 12 RELATING TO VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Fitzpatrick/Peña to
introduce at first reading Ordinance No. 559 as recommended. Motion passed: ayes 4,
absent 1 (Radi).
3. APPROVE SILVERROCK RESORT 2017/18 ANNUAL PLAN
Facilities Director Howlett presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk’s
Office.
Councilmembers discussed the golf carts’ GPS system and its benefits and capabilities;
Silverrock’s proposed marketing budget and its correlation with the City’s branding
efforts; modifying Silverrock’s model of advertising to incorporate the future home of
the Montage brand; metrics on golf patrons’ profile; golf course realignment and
remodel; two percent capital reserve; possibility of utilizing solar power to offset some
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 6 of 10 MAY 16, 2017
of the operational costs in the future; ability for residents to book tee times starting at
5:00 a.m. daily as of May 1; and temporary golf clubhouse.
Council directed staff to schedule the following items for Council’s consideration: 1) the
increase of the golf rates when the realignment is completed and the golf course
reopens in November; 2) the review of the residents’ golf rules, process, fees, and
timing; and 3) to discuss the formation of an Ad-hoc Golf Advisory Committee to assist
with the review of the residents’ golfer benefits.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Mr. Mark Johnson, La Quinta – introduced himself and said the LQ
Golfers reviewed the 2017/18 Silverrock Annual Plan and find the $434,000 operating
loss excessive, and can be reduced through revenue enhancements and expenditure
reductions. The LQ Golfers recommend: reducing the proposed management fee
increase of 4% to the 2016 Los Angeles Consumer Price Index of 1.98%; reduce the
marketing budget from $231,000 to $50,000, instead utilize social media and
Silverrock’s tee time software system; reduce staff by five full-time employees and
increase operations efficiency; raise the green fees as recommended by the Advisory
Committee’s Report and the LQ Golfers; negotiate water rates reduction with CVWD to
agricultural costs; immediately amend the resident tee time reservation system to
seven days, starting at 5:00 a.m. advanced tee time; eliminate the existing golf card
GPS system due to its inaccuracy and realize monthly savings of $4,700; utilize a
consultant to ensure proper care of the lakes; and refer to the report provided to
Council by the LQ Golfers dated March 2017.
Council noted it would be more appropriate to consider an increase of the green fees
after the golf course construction is completed; revenue enhancements are
temporarily impaired due to the on-going golf course improvements and the
temporary club house; the management fee increase of 4% is a contractual obligation
and effective through the term of the agreement; negotiating water rate reduction
with CVWD is not within the scope of the Silverrock Resort 2017/18 Annual Plan; Robert
Green Company has already expressed support to create an Ad-hoc Golf Advisory
Committee and the process is underway; the GPS discrepancy will be explored, but the
system serves additional benefits as outlined by Mr. Duncan earlier; as of May 1
residents are able to book tee times starting at 5:00 a.m. daily. Council thanked Mr.
Johnson for the comments and said the additional components will be considered at a
future meeting.
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Peña/Fitzpatrick to
approve the Silverrock Resort 2017/18 Annual Plan as recommended and to add
language requiring marketing collaboration between the Silverrock Resort, the future
Montage hotel, and the City. Motion passed: ayes 4, absent 1 (Radi).
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STUDY SESSION
1. pulled at applicant’s request >>> DISCUSS A REQUEST BY RIVERSIDE COUNTY
FOR THE CITY TO TAKE OVER ABOUT 2,000 FEET OF LAKE CAHUILLA ROAD
BETWEEN THE QUARRY DEVELOPMENT ENTRANCE AND LAKE CAHUILLA PARK
MAYOR EVANS TOOK UP PUBLIC HEARING ITEM NO. 1 SCHEDULED FOR 5:00 P.M.
PUBLIC HEARINGS (taken up at 5:05p)
1. HOLD PUBLIC HEARING ON REQUEST FOR A TWO-YEAR TIME EXTENSION FOR
SITE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 2016-0008 (SDP 2015-0004, LA PALOMA) FOR A
208-UNIT SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY LOCATED AT THE NORTHEAST CORNER
OF WASHINGTON STREET AND AVENUE 50
Planning Manager Perez presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk’s Office.
MAYOR EVANS DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING OPEN AT 5:12 P.M.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Ms. Susan Dillman, La Quinta – introduced herself and said the
proposed project was a very suitable development for the parcel and the residential
community around it. She inquired if the applicant has the ability to increase the
density or building height of the project to make it economically feasible due to the
additional costs that will be incurred based on the Coachella Valley Water District’s
(CVWD) requirements to line the storm water channel adjacent to the site with
concrete. Staff replied La Quinta’s development standards remain in effect and to
pursue such changes the applicant would have to amend the specific plan and current
zoning designation for the parcel.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Mr. John Rimback, President of West Living, landowner and applicant,
Carlsbad, California – introduced himself and said the applicant had never entered into
any agreement to sell the property and always had the intention to develop the
project. He provided details on the original project approval in 2004 and subsequent
progress timeline and extensions; additional CVWD requirements in 2015 to line the
storm water channel with concrete for flood control, which triggered further regulatory
agencies approvals; and the cause for the delay due to CVWD’s pending drainage study
expected to be completed in the next six months.
Discussion followed regarding the “for sale” sign on the property in 2015 when the last
extension was granted; the demand for senior housing in La Quinta; reasons for the
project’s development delay; other senior housing, assisted living, and memory care
projects in the City developed during the same period which are now operational; the
importance of the City providing continuity of care facilities for its residents; the
additional improvement requirements imposed by CVWD and the pending drainage
study; the project’s financial stability and the inability to secure a loan based on a
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 8 of 10 MAY 16, 2017
temporary permit; the anticipated project’s development timeline; and amending the
requested two year time extension to a more reasonable time period to allow the
applicant to show progress.
Mr. Rimback provided CVWD’s meeting minutes dated April 3, 2017, for the record,
which provided information on the required flood wall elevation height.
MAYOR EVANS DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED AT 5:38 P.M.
Councilmembers discussed the delay of the project; the pending CVWD drainage study;
the challenge of securing financing with a temporary permit; and a reasonable time
frame to extend the project.
MAYOR EVANS RE-OPENED THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 5:44 P.M.
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Fitzpatrick/Peña to
continue Public Hearing Item No. 1 to the June 6, 2017 Council meeting and directed
staff to prepare a resolution for Council’s consideration to approve a project time-
extension for up to six months and to require the applicant to provide a progress
update before the time extension lapses. Motion passed: ayes 4, absent 1 (Radi).
MAYOR EVANS CALLED FOR A BRIEF RECESS AT 5:45 P.M.
MAYOR EVANS RECONVENED THE COUNCIL MEETING AT 5:54 P.M. WITH ALL
MEMBERS PRESENT EXCEPT COUNCILMEMBER RADI
STUDY SESSION - Continued
2. FISCAL YEAR 2017/18 PROPOSED BUDGET
Finance Director Campos and Community Resources Director Escobedo presented the
staff report, which is on file in the Clerk’s Office.
Councilmembers discussed in detail the three available options to reduce the rising
police services costs. Council concurred with Options 1 and 2, and parts of Option 3,
and directed staff to proceed with: switching the Special Enforcement Team to non-
dedicated status; reducing Special Enforcement Fund by $50,000; reducing the funding
for School Resource Officers from 1.5 to 0.5 for Desert Sands Unified School District;
and freezing the vacant Special Enforcement Team Officer position.
Council requested that staff provide an update on police hours at the June 6, 2017,
meeting; and the cost for training volunteer reserve deputies through the Riverside
Sheriff’s Department’s academy.
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Councilmembers further discussed the reduced projected deficit; the unfunded
community events and marketing items; Bear Creek Trail annual maintenance costs;
Library and Museum AV upgrades; and Museum events and exhibits improvements.
Council expressed support of the proposed marketing; community programs and
activities; and Brew in LQ expansion items; and requested that staff provide a profit
and loss statement from the Art on Main Street event; and the Museum’s existing
funding and event allocations, before these two items could be considered.
Councilmembers discussed tasking the Financial Advisory Commission to review and
advise Council on reducing the deposits of the emergency reserves and establishing a
police reserve account.
Councilmembers discussed records management staffing requests and processes;
prevailing wage; upcoming state legislature that will further affect the City’s ability to
use contract services; CalPERS retirement liability; and importance of succession
planning. Council expressed support of the records management staffing request.
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS
All reports are on file in the City Clerk’s Office.
City Manager Spevacek reported the following items:
The Silverrock golf-related items will be scheduled as a Study Session item for
the June 20, 2017 Council meeting.
Staff will schedule a Special Joint Meeting of the City Council with the City’s
Boards and Commissions for July 18, 2017, to discuss protocol, mission, and
work programs.
Council will present Design and Development Director Tim Jonasson with a
retirement proclamation at the June 6, 2017, Council meeting.
MAYOR’S AND COUNCIL MEMBERS’ ITEMS
Councilmember Sanchez commended Roy Grace, Chief of Police, and Lieutenant David
Walton, Assistant Chief of Police for their creativity and cooperation in working with
staff to achieve savings on the City’s agreement with the Riverside Sheriff’s
Department for the 2017/18 fiscal year.
Mayor Evans reported on her attendance of the La Quinta High School Summer Social
fundraising event on May 13, 2017, and the school’s recognition of their partnership
with the City.
Councilmember Fitzpatrick report on her attendance of the Southern California
Association of Governments 2017 Regional Conference and General Assembly, May 4-5,
2017, at the JW Marriott in Palm Desert.
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REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
La Quinta’s representative for 2017, Mayor Evans reported on her participation in the
following organizations meeting:
CVAG COACHELLA VALLEY CONSERVATION COMMISSION
CVAG ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE
CVAG EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
GREATER PALM SPRINGS CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SUBCOMMITTEE
La Quinta’s representative for 2017, Councilmember Fitzpatrick reported on her
participation in the following organization meeting:
COACHELLA VALLEY MOUNTAINS CONSERVANCY
DESERT RECREATION DISTRICT COMMITTEE (Fitzpatrick & Radi)
La Quinta’s representative for 2017, Councilmember Peña reported on his participation
in the following organization meeting:
CVAG PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
CVAG VALLEY-WIDE HOMELESSNESS COMMITTEE
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, a motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers
Peña/Fitzpatrick to adjourn at 7:21 p.m. Motion passed: ayes 4, absent 1 (Radi).
Respectfully submitted,
MONIKA RADEVA, Deputy City Clerk
City of La Quinta, California