2017 11 21 CC MinutesCITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 1 of 8 NOVEMBER 21, 2017
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2017
CALL TO ORDER
A regular meeting of the La Quinta City Council was called to order at 4:00 p.m. by
Mayor Evans.
PRESENT: Councilmembers Fitzpatrick, Peña, Radi, Sanchez, Mayor Evans
ABSENT: None
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Pro Tem Radi led the audience in the pledge of allegiance.
CLOSED SESSION – None
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA
City Manager Spevacek requested to move Consent Calendar Item No. 6, adopting
Ordinance No. 562 to Business Session Item No. 3. Council concurred.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Debora Hardy, La Quinta – congratulated staff on the success of the
November 18th Village Make event, previewing the City’s plan to make the Village and
Old Town more pedestrian and bicycle friendly, and for the Brew In LQ craft beer
festival. Ms. Hardy thanked staff for their time, efforts, and enthusiasm. She also
expressed her gratitude to staff for completing the pavement on Avenida Montezuma.
ANNOUNCEMENTS, PRESENTATIONS AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS – None
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. APPROVE MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 7, 2017
2. APPROVE DEMAND REGISTERS DATED NOVEMBER 3 AND 10, 2017
3. RECEIVE AND FILE FIRST QUARTER 2017/18 TREASURY REPORTS FOR JULY,
AUGUST, AND SEPTEMBER 2017
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 2 of 8 NOVEMBER 21, 2017
4. APPROVE SPECIFICATIONS, ENGINEER’S ESTIMATE, AND ADVERTISE FOR BID
THE CITY HALL MISCELLANEOUS INTERIOR AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES
ACT IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT (PROJECT NO. 2017-03)
5. AUTHORIZE OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR TRAFFIC SIGNAL SUPERVISOR TO
ATTEND INTERNATIONAL MUNICIPAL SIGNAL ASSOCIATION CERTIFICATION
COURSE IN HAWTHORNE, CALIFORNIA, DECEMBER 4-7, 2017
6. Pulled from Consent Calendar by City Manager Spevacek and moved to Business
Session Item No. 3 >>> ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 562 AT SECOND READING
AMENDING SECTIONS OF TITLES 8, 9, AND 13 OF THE LA QUINTA MUNICIPAL
CODE TO STREAMLINE DEVELOPMENT PROCESS AND STANDARDS; CEQA:
EXEMPT PURSUANT TO SECTION 15061 (b)(2) REVIEW OF EXEMPTIONS –
GENERAL RULE
7. APPROVE RIVERSIDE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION AGREEMENT
FOR FUNDING UNDER SB 821 BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN FACILITIES
PROGRAM, AND APPROPRIATE FUNDING IN FISCAL YEAR 2017/18 BUDGET
8. APPROVE PURCHASE OF A REPLACEMENT HEAVY EQUIPMENT TRUCK FROM
COMMERCE TRUCK & EQUIPMENT SALES FOR TRAFFIC SIGNAL MAINTENANCE
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Peña/Radi to
approve Consent Calendar Item Nos. 1 – 5, 7, and 8. Motion passed unanimously.
BUSINESS SESSION
1. APPROVE CANCELLATION OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF
JANUARY 2, 2018
Council waived presentation of the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk’s Office.
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Peña/Fitzpatrick to
approve cancellation of the regular City Council meeting of January 2, 2018. Motion
passed unanimously.
2. INTRODUCE FOR FIRST READING AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 3.25 OF
THE LA QUINTA MUNICIPAL CODE TO CLARIFY DEFINITIONS AND PROCESSES,
AND ADD AN APPEAL PROCESS SECTION FOR SHORT-TERM VACATION RENTALS
(STVR) [ORDINANCE NO. 563]
Vacation Rental/License Assistant Mendoza, Code Compliance Supervisor Meredith,
Permit Operations Supervisor Sanchez, and Code Compliance Officer Escatel presented
the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk’s Office.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 3 of 8 NOVEMBER 21, 2017
Council discussed the need to reference the California Vehicle Code in Section
3.25.090 (B) – Permit Modification, Suspension and Revocation to ensure safety traffic
control and overnight parking compliance for STVR events; compliance requirements
with the property’s covenants and restrictions; the current number of STVR registered
properties; the City’s progress on making online payments available for business
license and STVR permit applications; and the successful transition to the City’s new
STVR compliance vendor.
MOTION --- A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Radi/Peña to take
up Ordinance No. 563 by title and number only and waive further reading. Motion
passed unanimously.
Deputy City Clerk Radeva read the following title of Ordinance No. 563 into the record:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA,
AMENDING CHAPTER 3.25 OF THE LA QUINTA MUNICIPAL CODE RELATED TO
SHORT-TERM VACATION RENTALS
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Radi/Peña to
introduce at first reading Ordinance No. 563 as recommended. Motion passed
unanimously.
3. Moved from Consent Calendar Item No. 6 >>> ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 562 AT
SECOND READING AMENDING SECTIONS OF TITLES 8, 9, AND 13 OF THE LA
QUINTA MUNICIPAL CODE TO STREAMLINE DEVELOPMENT PROCESS AND
STANDARDS; CEQA: EXEMPT PURSUANT TO SECTION 15061 (b)(2) REVIEW OF
EXEMPTIONS – GENERAL RULE
City Manager Spevacek and Planning Manager Perez presented the staff report, which
is on file in the Clerk’s Office.
City Attorney Ihrke said Ordinance No. 562 would have to be re-introduced if Council
would like to amend the language to include the proposed nine-words revision to
Section 9.150.080 subdivision (K)(3)(c) of the Municipal Code recommended by the
public comment received after Ordinance No. 562 was introduced on November 7,
2017.
Council reached a consensus to move forward with adopting Ordinance No. 562 as
introduced and directed staff to bring back the suggested additions at a later time.
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Fitzpatrick/Radi to
adopt Ordinance No. 562 at second reading. Motion passed unanimously.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 4 of 8 NOVEMBER 21, 2017
ANNOUNCEMENTS, PRESENTATIONS AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS – Continued
Riverside County Fire Chief LaClair introduced James Wadund, a long time La Quinta
resident, graduate of La Quinta High School, former explorer with the Fire Department,
who recently graduated from the College of the Desert Fire Academy, and was
selected for Michigan Career and Technical Institute paramedic training program. Mr.
Wadund’s goal is to return and serve La Quinta after he completes his training.
Mr. Wadland thanked the Council and the City for providing high-quality education
and ample volunteer opportunities to its youth, which have enabled him to engage
with the community and give back as a young adult.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA – Continued
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Denise Wilson, President and CEO of Desert Jet located at the
Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport in Thermal – provided a brief history of the
company, its services, and growth; explained she entered into an agreement with
Riverside County in 2015 to build a new facility for Desert Jet which has now been
revoked; and asked for Council’s support in getting this project back on track.
Councilmember Peña said Riverside County Board of Supervisors will be providing a
report on this matter to the Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport Commission (JCRAC).
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Steve Main, General Manager, Desert Jet Charter Division, VP of
Business Development – said the team of Desert Jet would like to attend the next
JCRAC meeting and participate in the discussion on this matter.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Brad Elliot, General Manager, Desert Jet Center Division– spoke of the
unique and exceptional services Desert Jet offers to its customers and the benefits the
company brings to the local community. Mr. Elliot reiterated Desert Jet team’s desire
to attend the next JCRAC meeting and be able to participate in the discussion on this
matter.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: James Logue, General Manager, Desert Jet Maintenance Division–
spoke of the employment opportunities Desert Jet offers to the local community in the
field of aircraft maintenance.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Chris Little, Chief Marketing Officer, Desert Jet – spoke of the
diversity of services Desert Jet offers and its growth potential; and asked for Council’s
support of this project.
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STUDY SESSION
1. RECEIVE AND FILE FISCAL YEAR 2016/17 GENERAL FUND YEAR-END BUDGET
REPORT
Finance Director Campos presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk’s
Office.
Council discussed general fund revenue sources and expenses; carryovers and overall
general fund budget savings by all departments for fiscal year 2016/17.
Council concurred on the overall financial health and stability of the City and said it is
very well managed. Council commended staff for the well prepared 2016/17 General
Fund Year-End Budget Report which was easy to follow and understand; and asked
that it be made available online.
2. DISCUSS A MULTI-AGENCY PARTICIPATING AGREEMENT FOR COACHELLA
VALLEY REGIONAL TRAFFIC SIGNAL SYNCHRONIZATION PROGRAM BETWEEN
COACHELLA VALLEY ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS AND PARTICIPATING
CITIES OF LA QUINTA, CATHEDRAL CITY, DESERT HOT SPRINGS, COACHELLA,
RANCHO MIRAGE, INDIO, PALM DESERT, PALM SPRINGS, AND THE COUNTY OF
RIVERSIDE
Management Specialist Mignogna and Traffic Signal Maintenance Supervisor
Gunterson presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk’s Office.
Council discussed the terms of the multi-agency participating agreement for Valley
regional traffic signal synchronization; the use of Congestion Management Air Quality
federal funding; the consistency of this project with the overall regional economic
efforts throughout the Coachella Valley; the infrastructure required to achieve signal
synchronization between the multiple agencies and associated costs; the need to
update the City’s traffic signal equipment which was installed in the late 1980s;
autonomous vehicles connectivity with traffic signals; ensuring the traffic signal
equipment upgrade, secured by the City’s federal grant, provides sufficient bandwidth
to support the valley-wide signal synchronization as well as autonomous vehicles,
signal observation cameras, and any perceived future needs; anticipated disruption of
traffic during the installation/upgrade of conduits; no conduit installation would be
required for La Quinta, only minor encroachments; ensuring the Dune Palms bridge
project includes the installation of traffic conduits and fiber-optics; determining the
level of access to the City’s controllers and equipment necessary for the
synchronization; reasons for cities not to participate in this agreement would include
giving up local traffic control and the ability to make adjustments instantaneously,
and deferring it to a regional agency which could cause response-time delays; the
process and turn-around response time to signal changes after synchronization would
be established and agreed upon by members representing each participating agency;
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 6 of 8 NOVEMBER 21, 2017
and the maintenance of City’s traffic infrastructure will remain at the local level, the
signal synchronization integration would be achieved through software.
Council directed staff to bring back this item as a business session following the
Transportation Systems Management and Operations Committee’s (TAC) meeting on
January 8, 2018.
3. DISCUSS PROPOSAL TO LEASE A PORTION OF VACANT SILVERROCK PROPERTY
TO INSTALL TEMPORARY POP-UP LODGING DURING THE 2018 FESTIVAL
SEASON
Marcie Graham, Marketing and Communications, presented the staff report, which is
on file in the Clerk’s Office.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Raphael Aguirre, Chief Operating Officer with Festival Lodging, Cloud
9 Village – provided detailed information on the proposed Cloud 9 Village design ; and
answered the Council’s questions regarding the total number, size, and cost of the
units; the layout of the temporary complex and the amenities offered, including
individual, generator-powered air conditioning units; the ability to do underground or
above-ground pool; anticipated noise levels; coordinating transportation for event-
goers with Golden Voice to ensure the complex is a scheduled shuttle stop; bike
amenities; the temporary structures’ wind resistance; on-site security and patrol;
unit’s locking zipper system; self-contained outside washing facilities; build-out and
take-down timeframes; possible soft-opening a month before the festivals to allow
the management team an opportunity to address all aspects of the operations; on-
site third-party food vendor trucks; on-site emergency medical technician; age-
restrictions; pet restrictions; and designated smoking section and the use of cannabis.
Council discussed the importance of giving ample and proper notice to the
surrounding residential communities and providing opportunities to receive feedback
and address concerns; allowing residents to walk-through and inspect the facility;
permits that would be required to obtain City approval; access points; and the
property’s zoning designation.
Staff noted that before this proposal can move forward the City would have to obtain
the consent of Robert Green Company and enter into an agreement to use the land for
this temporary project; this agreement would have to be considered and approved by
Council. Then the applicant would need to obtain a Temporary Use Permit from the
City.
Council was in support of the project and directed staff to begin communication with
Robert Green Company to determine if this project can move forward.
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PUBLIC HEARINGS – None
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS
All reports are on file in the City Clerk’s Office.
MAYOR’S AND COUNCIL MEMBERS’ ITEMS
Councilmembers commended staff on the success of both events held on November
18 – (1) Village Make event showcasing plans to make the Village and Old Town more
pedestrian and bicycle friendly and (2) Brew In LQ craft beer event.
Mayor Evans announced that Southern California Association of Governments
presented La Quinta with a certificate of appreciation for the Village Make event for
the City’s leadership and contributions as a go-human active transportation champion
and proven commitment to work collaboratively to promote safety, mobility, and
health within the community and the region.
Councilmembers reported on the great turn-out for the November 11 Veteran’s Day
celebration, and expressed their gratitude to staff for organizing the event. Mayor
Evans thanked the La Quinta Rotary Club for their participation and support.
Councilmember Fitzpatrick toured the Coachella Valley Housing Coalition sites and
said they have been providing the Coachella Valley with very positive and high-quality
housing services and products for 35 years.
Councilmembers Fitzpatrick and Radi volunteered at the Friends of the Desert
Mountains event on November 18 and were very happy to contribute and engage with
the community.
Mayor Evans and councilmembers attended the Riverside County Police and Fire
Departments’ appreciation luncheon where Fire Captain Matthew Kotz and Deputy
Daniel DiMaggio were recognized for their service, amongst others.
Mayor Evans said the Special Joint Meeting between the La Quinta Housing Authority
and Housing Commission held on November 20, 2017, was very informative and the
recommendations were supportive of both the regional homelessness issue as well as
enhancing on-going support for the local homeless shelters and services.
Councilmember Radi added that Council considered allocating $103,000 to each of
the organizations giving them an equal opportunity for enhancement, which would
also allow Council to correspondingly evaluate their progress.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 8 of 8 NOVEMBER 21, 2017
REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
La Quinta’s representative for 2017, Mayor Evans reported on her participation in the
following organization’s meeting:
CVAG ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE
La Quinta’s representative for 2017, Councilmember Fitzpatrick reported on her
participation in the following organization’s meeting:
COACHELLA VALLEY MOUNTAINS CONSERVANCY
La Quinta’s representative for 2017, Councilmember Peña reported on his
participation in the following organizations’ meetings:
CVAG VALLEY-WIDE HOMELESSNESS COMMITTEE
JACQUELINE COCHRAN REGIONAL AIRPORT
EAST VALLEY COALITION
La Quinta’s representative for 2017, Councilmember Radi reported on his participation
in the following organizations’ meetings:
COACHELLA VALLEY ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP
CVAG TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
RIVERSIDE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION (RCTC)
La Quinta’s representative for 2017, Councilmember Sanchez reported on his
participation in the following organization’s meeting:
AD HOC COMMITTEE TO EVALUATE CITY CANNABIS OPTIONS (Peña & Sanchez)
Council reached a consensus and directed staff to schedule the Desert Jet project for
review and consideration.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, a motion was made and seconded by
Councilmembers Radi/Fitzpatrick to adjourn at 6:14 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
MONIKA RADEVA, Deputy City Clerk
City of La Quinta, California