2011 11 21 CC Minutes Sp Mtg - Joint CC + RDA MeetingLA QUINTA CITY COUNCIL /REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
JOINT MEETING MINUTES
NOVEMBER 21, 2011
A special joint meeting of the La Quinta City Council /Redevelopment Agency was
called to order at the hour of 4:00 p.m. by Mayor Adolph and Chairperson
Henderson, respectively.
PRESENT: Council Members Evans, Franklin, Henderson, Mayor Adolph
ABSENT: Council Member Sniff
MOTION — It was moved by Council Members Evans /Franklin to excuse the
absence of Council Member Sniff. Motion carried unanimously.
PRESENT: Agency Members Adolph, Evans, Franklin, Chairperson Henderson
ABSENT: Agency Member Sniff
MOTION — It was moved by Agency Members Franklin /Evans to excuse the
absence of Agency Member Sniff. Motion carried unanimously.
PUBLIC COMMENT — None
CLOSED SESSION — None
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA — Confirmed
ANNOUNCEMENTS — None
PRESENTATIONS
Mayor Adolph announced the passing of City Manager, Thomas P. Genovese;
conveyed his sadness for the loss of the leadership and friendship of City Manager
Genovese; and conveyed his confidence in staff to continue with business as usual.
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WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES - None
CONSENT CALENDAR - None
BUSINESS SESSION
1. CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTMENT OF ACTING CITY MANAGER
Mayor Adolph stated after conferring with City Attorney Jenson it was
decided to consider this matter in open session; and requested guidance
from the Special Counsel Harrison.
Special Counsel Harrison conveyed condolences from the Law Offices of
Rutan and Tucker; and explained the municipal code allows for the City
Council to appoint an acting city manager, and explained a motion would be
in order.
Mayor Adolph stated he had appointed Finance Director John Falconer as
Acting City Manager this morning until this matter was presented at this
special meeting.
Council Member Henderson stated City Manager Genovese thought about
the future of this City and staff, as he had appointed Finance Director
Falconer as Acting City Manager in his absence last Friday, and has acted as
Acting City Manager; and conveyed her support to appoint Finance Director
Falconer as Acting City Manager.
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Henderson /Franklin to appoint
John Falconer as Acting City Manager. Motion carried unanimously.
Mayor Adolph stated he has much confidence in Mr. Falconer and as the
senior management director has done an outstanding job for many years.
MOTION — It was moved by Agency Members Evans /Franklin to appoint
John Falconer as Acting Executive Director. Motion carried unanimously.
Mayor Adolph opened discussion of the process to appoint an Interim City.
Manager.
City Council /Redevelopment Minutes 3 November 21, 2011
Council Member Evans suggested the discussion to appoint an Interim City
Manager be brought back at the December 6, 2011 agenda.
Council Member Franklin asked if this discussion will be held in Closed
Session. Special Counsel Harrison explained the discussion to appoint an
Interim City Manager can be held in Closed Session, but the approval of a
contract would need to be conducted in open session.
Council Member Franklin stated she would prefer it be discussed in Closed
Session and the contract be approved in open session. The City Council
concurred.
STUDY SESSION - None
REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS - None
DEPARTMENT REPORTS — None
MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS' ITEMS
Council Member Evans thanked staff, the Sheriff's Department, and CalFire for the
teamwork of pulling together as a family to represent the City of La Quints during
this tragedy; thanked the residents and friends for their thoughts and prayers
conveyed to the City as well as the family; stated the actions of staff is indicative
of the man City Manager Genovese was, he being humble and competitive; stated
his leadership and stability in La Quints is evident throughout the City and would
have continued to offer his services; conveyed her confidence in the appointment
of Acting City Manager Falconer; and stated the City will work through this tragedy
one day at a time with a competent staff, and further stated City Manager
Genovese would have wanted staff to continue with the work they must do.
Council Member Franklin explained she and Council Member Evans rehearsed the
announcement made and were waiting to see who would have the emotional
strength to make the statement; and confirmed the remarks made by Council
Member Evans.
Council Member Henderson stated City Manager Genovese was the essence of this
City and very responsible for the progress of this City; and encouraged everyone to
think of him as you drive through the City.
City Council /Redevelopment Minutes 4 November 21, 2011
Mayor Adolph thanked those in attendance for being present and showing support
for City Manager Genovese and the City.
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Council Member Evans suggested City Hall be closed for the day or half day of the
funeral services to enable employees to attend.
Acting City Manager Falconer stated in past occasions the consideration to close
City Hall was discussed and brought back for consideration on a future agenda, but
obviously there is not enough time to follow that procedure; and further stated he
is unsure what the protocol is to implement closure of City Hall, and deferred it to
Special Counsel Harrison.
Special Counsel Harrison explained it would be difficult to make a decision today
since it is not listed on the agenda, but further explained the City Council has the
option of adding an emergency item by a two- thirds vote to this agenda due to the
timeframe of the City Council being informed of this matter.
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Evans /Henderson to add the
following Business Session item on the agenda. Motion carried unanimously.
BUSINESS SESSION continued
2. CONSIDERATION OF CLOSING CITY HALL FOR FUNERAL SERVICES OF
THOMAS P. GENOVESE
Council Member Evans stated it would- be appropriate to close City Hall
either half -day or the entire day to enable staff to attend the funeral, services
for Thomas P. Genovese.
Council Member Franklin conveyed her support of closing City Hall for the
funeral services, and clarified that the employees are not required to attend if
they don't choose to.
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Evans /Henderson to authorize
Acting City Manager Falconer to close City Hall either half -day or the entire
day for funeral services of Thomas P. Genovese, dependent upon the
timeframe the service is scheduled. Motion carried unanimously.
PUBLIC HEARINGS - None
City Council /Redevelopment Minutes 5 November 21, 2011
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, it' was moved by Council Members to
Franklin /Evans adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.
There being no further business, it was moved by Agency Members Franklin /Evans
to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
VERONICA ONTECINO, City Clerk
City of La Q inta, California