2018 11 20 CC MinutesCITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2018
CALL TO ORDER
A regular meeting of the La Quinta City Council was called to order at 3:30
p.m. by Mayor Evans.
PRESENT: Councilmembers Fitzpatrick, Pena, Radi, Sanchez, Mayor Evans
ABSENT: None
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - None.
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA
City Manager Spevacek said technical difficulties are causing a slight delay in
activating the microphone on the lectern.
Councilmember Sanchez requested that Consent Calendar Item Nos. 8 and 9
be pulled for comments, clarifying questions, and separate votes.
Council concurred.
CLOSED SESSION
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION
PURSUANT TO PARAGRAPH (1) SUBDIVISION (d) OF
GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9
NAME OF CASE: THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA, BY
AND THROUGH, THE CITY OF LA QUINTA V. RICHARD BOZEK
RIVERSIDE COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT CASE NO. INMIS02766
COUNCIL RECESSED THE OPEN SESSION PORTION OF THE MEETING
AND MOVED INTO CLOSED SESSION AT 3: 33 P. M.
MAYOR EVANS RECONVENED THE OPEN SESSION PORTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL MEETING AT 4: 05 P.M. WITH ALL MEMBERS PRESENT
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 1 of 9 NOVEMBER 20, 2018
REPORT ON ACTION(S) TAKEN IN CLOSED SESSION:
Pursuant to Government Code section 54957.1 (Brown Act), City Attorney
Ihrke reported the nature of the case under Closed Session is unpermitted
construction in violation of the La Quinta Municipal Code and the defendant is
Mr. Richard Bozek.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Pro Tern Fitzpatrick led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA
City Manager Spevacek reported that the applicant of the proposed hotel
development at Jefferson Square has requested that the item be continued
until sometime in 2019; obtaining entitlements has delayed the purchase of
the property by the applicant; the applicant stated they plan to hold a public
meeting and conduct community outreach before bringing the item for Council
consideration; and will further inform the City about the continuation timeline.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Vicki Rosson, La Quinta - Mayor Evans acknowledged
receipt of a letter that Ms. Rosson submitted regarding the proposed hotel
development at Jefferson Square, which was made available for the public;
Ms. Rosson spoke in opposition of the project, said she attended the public
hearing held by the Planning Commission on this item, and asked to be notified
when the item is scheduled for Council review and consideration.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Tom Richards, La Quinta - said he is a resident of Polo
Estates and a member of the Homeowners Association board; expressed
concerns about the Madison Street widening project with regards to potential
loss of property values due to removal of the trees along Madison Street
between the wall and the road, and safety concerns due to the loss of 6 feet
of entrance way from Madison Street into the community on Vista Bonita,
which will cause trucks to protrude out onto Madison Street when attempting
to use the call box requesting permission to enter.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Lisa Hughes, La Quinta, - expressed concerns of safety
regarding the Madison Street widening project; requested that Council
reconsider the addition of the sidewalk and landscaping along Madison Street;
and asked for a resolution to achieve sufficient room for ingress and egress.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Danielle Cane, La Quinta - said she is a member of the
Bighorn Institute; expressed concerns about the safety of the bighorn sheep
and an urgency to further build -out the fence in addition to the fence at
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 2 of 9 NOVEMBER 20, 2018
SilverRock Resort to keep the sheep in their natural habitat; and asked Council
to do whatever possible to facilitate that.
Mayor Evans explained the City owns the SilverRock Resort and thus was able
to build the fence on that land; the surrounding land has different owners;
and there is an undergoing Environmental Impact Report study, commissioned
by the Coachella Valley Conservation Commission, that will identify what is
necessary to ensure proper protection of the bighorn sheep.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Julie Reeske, La Quinta - spoke in support of preserving
the City's equestrian overlay as designated in the City's General Plan;
expressed concerns of safety for horse riders due to the Madison Street
widening project; and inquired about connecting the equestrian trails in the
City, particularly from Avenue 50 to Madison Street.
ANNOUNCEMENTS, PRESENTATIONS, AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
1. PRESENTATION OF LA QUINTA ACADEMY 1.0 PROJECTS
Human Resources Manager Scott said the City initiated La Quinta Academy
1.0 in 2016 to develop and enhance Staff's knowledge, skills, and abilities in
the areas of people, projects, and metrics; and introduced the three project
teams and participating Staff.
The following project teams presented their projects.
• Project Team: Visitors Brochure - Management Specialist Missy
Mendoza and Community Resources Coordinator Luis Magallanez; and
Management Specialist Ubaldo Ayon (absent).
• Project Team: Budget Video - Associate Planner Carlos Flores,
Management Assistant Dianne Hansen, Maintenance Workers I Michael
Salas and Beto Gonzales.
• Project Team: Corporate Yard Assessment - Human Resources Analyst
Carla Triplett, Account Technician Derrick Armendariz, Buildings
Superintendent Alfred Berumen, Senior Accountant Claudia Martinez,
and Animal Control/Code Compliance Supervisor Kevin Meredith.
Council presented participating Staff with completion certificates.
2. UPDATE ON COACHELLA VALLEY MULTIPLE SPECIES HABITAT
CONSERVATION PLAN (MSHCP)
Dr. Cameron Burrows spoke about the history of the Coachella Valley's
habitat; background of the MSHCP; and the MSHCP's objective to preserve
the habitat and its native species.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 3 of 9 NOVEMBER 20, 2018
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. APPROVE MINUTES OF OCTOBER 16, 2018
2. APPROVE MINUTES OD NOVEMBER 6, 2018
3. ADOPT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE FINAL PARCEL MAP NO. 37574
LOCATED WITHIN THE MADISON CLUB DEVELOPMENT AT THE
NORTHWEST CORNER OF MONROE STREET AND AVENUE 54
[RESOLUTION NO. 2018-0561
4. EXCUSE ABSENCE FOR PLANNING COMMISSIONER QUILL FROM
THE NOVEMBER 13, 2018 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
5. RECEIVE AND FILE FIRST QUARTER 2018/19 TREASURY
REPORTS FOR JULY, AUGUST, AND SEPTEMBER 2018
6. RECEIVE AND FILE REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE REPORTS
DATED SEPTEMBER 30, 2018
7. APPROVE DEMAND REGISTERS DATED NOVEMBER 2 AND 912018
MOTION - A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Radi/Pena
to approve Consent Calendar Item Nos. 1 through 7, as recommended, with
Item No. 3 adopting Resolution No. 2018-056. Motion passed unanimously.
8. AUTHORIZE CONTRACTING WITH BRUCE KRIBBS
CONSTRUCTION FOR UP TO $100,000 OF WORK FOR FISCAL
YEAR 2018/19, WHEN BRUCE KRIBBS CONSTRUCTION IS THE
QUALIFIED AND/OR LOWEST BIDDER
Facilities Director Howlett presented the staff report, which is on file in the
Clerk's Office.
Council discussed that approval of this item does not authorize awarding
contracts to Bruce Kribbs Construction without following the standard bidding
process; ensures compliance with the City's Purchasing Policy requiring
Council approval should a single contractor be paid $50,000 or more within a
fiscal year; projects are advertised and contracts are awarded pursuant to
state and City bidding and purchasing regulations; and all City expenditures
are approved by Council at public meetings.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 4 of 9 NOVEMBER 20, 2018
MOTION - A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers
Sanchez/Radi to approve Consent Calendar Item No. 8 as recommended.
Motion passed unanimously.
9. ADOPT RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF MEMORANDUM OF
UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE COUNTIES OF IMPERIAL AND
RIVERSIDE CONCERNING UNIFIED SUPPORT FOR THE SALTON
SEA [RESOLUTION NO. 2018-057]
Councilmember Sanchez said the Salton Sea Authority is requesting for
Council to adopt a resolution of support for a plan that is not defined.
Council discussed their unanimous support for restoration and revitalization
efforts for the Salton Sea; the lack of a specific plan of action at this time from
the Salton Sea Authority; stimulating economic development around the
Salton Sea by creating an Enhanced Infrastructure Finance District, as
mentioned in the resolution on page 110 of the agenda packet, and how such
mechanism would be approved, operate, and potentially provide future
funding to maintain the Salton Sea.
MOTION - A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers
Fitzpatrick/Sanchez to approve Consent Calendar Item No. 9 as
recommended, adopting Resolution No. 2018-057. Motion passed
unanimously.
BUSINESS SESSION
1. APPROVE CANCELLATION OF REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
OF JANUARY 1, 2019
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
Radi/Fitzpatrick to approve the cancellation of the regular City Council meeting
of January 1, 2019, as recommended. Motion passed unanimously.
2. APPROVE CLOSING CITY HALL AND THE WELLNESS CENTER IN
OBSERVANCE OF CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR'S HOLIDAYS
Council waived presentation of the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk's
Office.
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Council discussed that Desert Recreation District will allow La Quinta residents
to use its fitness facility while the Wellness Center is closed; this information
will be properly advertised at the Wellness Center and circulated to the
members; public services available during City Hall's closure; prior years
indicate there is a significant reduction in demand for services during the
holiday; and properly advertising the closure of City Hall to the community.
MOTION - A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers
Radi/Fitzpatrick to approve closing City Hall from December 24, 2018 through
January 1, 2019 and Wellness Center from December 25, 2018 through
December 28, 2018, in observance of the Christmas and New Year's holidays,
and authorize an additional 24 hours Holiday Pay to full time employees as
recommended. Motion passed unanimously.
3. RECEIVE AND FILE FISCAL YEAR 2017/18 GENERAL FUND YEAR-
END BUDGET REPORT AND APPROVE THE AMENDED
CARRYOVERS
Finance Director Campos presented the staff report, which is on file in the
Clerk's Office.
Council discussed Staff is fiscally responsible; the savings realized and
carryovers; the City's fiscal state during the economic downturn; and the
City's conservative budgeting approach.
City Manager Spevacek said the City's fiscal stability and Staff's fiscal
responsibility is a direct result of Council's leadership, in-depth understanding
of City operations and associated fluctuations, and support when
unanticipated adjustments are needed.
MOTION - A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers
Fitzpatrick/Sanchez to receive and file 2017/18 General Fund Year -End Budget
Report and approve the amended budget carryovers from 2017/18 to 2018/19
as recommended. Motion passed unanimously.
STUDY SESSION - None.
PUBLIC HEARINGS - After 5:00 P.M.
1. ADOPT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE THE CITY'S COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT PRIORITIES, AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO
SUBMIT APPLICATIONS TO RIVERSIDE COUNTY ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT AGENCY FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK
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GRANT (CDBG) FUNDS, AND EXECUTE SUPPLEMENTAL
AGREEMENTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019/20 [RESOLUTION NO. 2018-0581
Management Analyst Mignogna and Management Assistant Escarrega
presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk's Office.
MAYOR EVANS DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING OPEN AT 6:07 P.M.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: None.
MAYOR EVANS DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED AT 6:07 P.M.
MAYOR EVANS DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING RE -OPENED AT 6:08 P.M.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Ms. Darla Burkett, Executive Director of Coachella Valley
Rescue Mission (CVRM), Indio - thanked Council for their consideration of
CVRM for CDBG funding; spoke about the services CVRM offers the community
and the support and assistance it provides during the holiday season; and
thanked the City for its continuous support.
MAYOR EVANS DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED AT 6:10 P.M.
Council discussed the CDBG Consolidated Plan is for a five-year period
(2019/24); and fiscal years 2017/18 and 2018/19 CDBG funds and
allocations.
MOTION - A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers
Fitzpatrick/Radi to approve the City's community development priorities,
authorize the City Manager to submit applications to the Riverside County
Economic Development Agency for Community Development Block Grant
funds, execute the Supplemental Agreements for Fiscal Year 2019/20; and
allocate $18,216 to the Boys and Girls Club of the Coachella Valley Fee
Waiver/Reduction Program and $103,227 to the City of La Quinta Americans
with Disabilities Act Improvements Project and adopt Resolution No. 2018-
058 as recommended:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE CITY'S COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
PRIORITIES, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO SUBMIT
APPLICATIONS FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUNDS,
EXECUTE SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019/2020,
AND ALLOCATE FUNDING FOR THE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF THE
COACHELLA VALLEY FEE WAIVER/ REDUCTION PROGRAM AND THE
CITY'S AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
Motion passed unanimously.
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DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS
All reports are on file in the City Clerk's Office.
MAYOR'S AND COUNCIL MEMBERS' ITEMS
Mayor Pro Tern Fitzpatrick said the City's approved water efficient, reduced
plant palette and maintenance desert-scape landscape design should be
applied throughout the City to ensure efficiency and uniform appearance.
Council requested that Staff provide an update on the City's landscaping.
Councilmember Pena requested that Staff provide an update on the equestrian
overlay zone reported during Public Comment.
Mayor Evans asked if the La Quinta Arts Foundation (LQAF) has provided a
response to the City regarding the 2020 Arts Festival in light of the timing
provided for the SilverRock Event Site and the CVWD Big Dig project affecting
the Civic Center Campus. City Manager Spevacek said the City issued an
initial letter to the LQAF, in late summer, laying out the logistics of the Village
Make project and a follow-up letter in October, 2018, and to date no response
has been received as to whether or not LQAF would like to use the Civic Center
Campus to hold the 2020 Arts Festival; Staff has been in communications with
the LQAF regarding advertising for the 2019 Arts Festival and is scheduled to
meet and discuss details on November 21, 2018, and will be able to provide
an update at the next Council meeting.
Mayor Evans said on this day, seven years ago, La Quinta lost its former City
Manager Tom Genovese, and only a week later, a long-time Councilmember
Stan Sniff, and commended them for their invaluable contribution and
dedication to the community.
REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
La Quinta's representative for 2018, Mayor Evans reported on her participation
in the following organization's meeting:
• CVAG COACHELLA VALLEY CONSERVATION COMMISSION
La Quinta's representative for 2018, Councilmember Fitzpatrick reported on
her participation in the following organizations' meetings:
• COACHELLA VALLEY MOUNTAINS CONSERVANCY
• RIVERSIDE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION (RCTC)
• SILVERROCK EVENT SITE AD HOC COMMITTEE
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 8 of 9 NOVEMBER 20, 2018
La Quinta's representative for 2018, Councilmember Pena reported on his
participation in the following organizations' meetings:
• CVAG PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
• EAST VALLEY COALITION
• LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES — RIVERSIDE COUNTY
DIVISION MEETING
La Quinta's representative for 2018, Councilmember Radi reported on his
participation in the following organization's meeting:
• COACHELLA VALLEY ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP
La Quinta's representative for 2018, Councilmember Sanchez reported on his
participation in the following organizations' meetings:
• IID ENERGY CONSUMERS' ADVISORY COMMITTEE (ECAC)
• RIVERSIDE LOCAL AGENCY FORMATION COMMISSION (LAFCO)
Councilmember Sanchez reported that the IID Board, at their November 19,
2018 meeting, did not approve Council's unanimous re -appointment of him to
the ECAC. Council asked the City Attorney to seek a response from IID
regarding their appointment of La Quinta representative to ECAC.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, a motion was made and seconded by
Councilmembers Radi/Fitzpatrick to adjourn at 6:31 p.m. Motion passed
unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
i
MONIKA RADEVA, City Clerk
City of La Quinta, California
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