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2019 03 19 CC MinutesCITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 1 of 10 MARCH 19, 2017 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2019 CALL TO ORDER A regular meeting of the La Quinta City Council was called to order at 3:00 p.m. by Mayor Evans. PRESENT: Councilmembers Fitzpatrick, Peña, Radi, Sanchez, Mayor Evans ABSENT: None PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA PUBLIC SPEAKER: Don Gerend, Sammamish, Washington – spoke about the similarities between the communities of Sammamish and La Quinta, and the incorporation process; said he is visiting relatives in the City, attended the tennis tournament, enjoys playing pickle ball, and hopes to retire here; commended La Quinta for its beautiful community, parks, and public amenities; and shared concerns Sammamish is facing related to the impacts of growth and traffic, and the mitigating alternatives being considered such as autonomous vehicles, shuttles, transit, walkability, etc. CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA Councilmember Sanchez said he would like to comment on Consent Calendar Item No. 3. Council concurred. CLOSED SESSION 1. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54957.6; CITY DESIGNATED REPRESENTATIVE: CHRIS ESCOBEDO, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY RESOURCES; AND EMPLOYEE ORGANIZATION: LA QUINTA CITY EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION COUNCIL RECESSED THE OPEN SESSION PORTION OF THE MEETING AND MOVED INTO CLOSED SESSION AT 3:07 P.M. MAYOR EVANS RECONVENED THE OPEN SESSION PORTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING AT 4:00 P.M. WITH ALL MEMBERS PRESENT CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 2 of 10 MARCH 19, 2017 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: Rudy Morales with California CareForce, a group of medical professionals, community leaders, and engaged citizens who provide free medical, dental and vision care to those in need at 3-day, temporary clinics across California – said Goldenvoice is a major sponsor and that the organization has been servicing the Coachella Valley for seven years; spoke about the services offered; recommended that La Quinta become a sponsor; and invited everyone to attend the 2019 Coachella Clinic to be held March 22- 24, 2019, at the Riverside County Fairgrounds in Indio. ANNOUNCEMENTS, PRESENTATIONS AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS 1. RECOGNITION OF THE LA QUINTA HIGH SCHOOL’S BLACKHAWK GIRLS’ WATER POLO TEAM – WINNERS OF THE CIF-SS DIVISION 4 CHAMPIONSHIP Savana Hampton, Senior at La Quinta High School, spoke about the team’s accomplishments. Council commended the team’s efforts and commitment. CONSENT CALENDAR 1. APPROVE MINUTES OF MARCH 5, 2019 2. APPROVE SPECIAL JOINT CITY COUNCIL AND PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 12, 2019 3. ADOPT RESOLUTION DESIGNATING SPEED LIMIT FOR CALLE TECATE FROM AVENIDA BERMUDAS TO AVENIDA MADERO [RESOLUTION NO. 2019-005] 4. APPROVE PURCHASE OF REPLACEMENT PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT FOR MONTICELLO PARK WITH DAVE BANG ASSOCIATES, INC AND FOR DESERT PRIDE PARK WITH PLAY PACIFIC SYSTEMS, INC; AND APPROPRIATE $100,000 5. APPROVE DEMAND REGISTERS DATED MARCH 1 AND 8, 2019 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 3 of 10 MARCH 19, 2017 CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM NO. 3 Councilmembers noted that this item was discussed at the March 5, 2019 meeting as a study session to evaluate the options available to resolve the community’s concerns regarding parking and traffic along Calle Tecate; reducing the speed is just one mitigating measure being implemented; Council and Staff is further looking into the matter, and more discussion may be needed before Council makes a decision on implementing additional mitigating measures. MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Radi/Peña to approve the Consent Calendar as recommended, with Item No. 3 adopting Resolution No. 2019-005. Motion passed unanimously. BUSINESS SESSION 1. CONSIDER PARTICIPATING IN THE 2019 INDIAN WELLS LA QUINTA IRONMAN 70.3 TRIATHLON (IRONMAN) Community Resources Director Escobedo said a team comprised of the members listed below is collectively working on identifying traffic routes for the event and are available to answer any questions:  Paul Huddle, Ironman Senior Regional Director  Sabrina Houston, Ironman Race Director  Colleen Pace, Chief Marketing Director with Greater Palm Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau  Alexander Johnston, Emergency Services Coordinator  Kris Gunterson, Traffic Management Analyst  Marcie Graham, Marketing Manager  Carlos Flores, Interim Senior Planner  Jaime Torres, Management Analyst  Misty Reynolds, La Quinta Chief of Police  Michael Tapp, La Quinta Assistant Police Chief  Robert Fish, Division Chief Fire Department  Martha Mendes, Public Safety Manager Management Analyst Torres, Emergency Services Coordinator Johnston, and Traffic Management Analyst Gunterson presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk’s Office, including an additional Option C route created based on community recommendations, which was incorporated into the agenda packet as a hand-out and made available to the public. Discussion followed regarding the challenges encountered during the 2018 Ironman; mitigation measures being implemented by Staff to avoid these issues going forward, such as staging the traffic control equipment on the CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 4 of 10 MARCH 19, 2017 streets that will be impacted a few days prior to event to alert and remind residents of the event well in advance, and post-race removal of the equipment from the streets to open traffic as soon as possible instead of waiting for the traffic company to pick it up; adjusting traffic control times in key intersections to facilitate the flow of traffic; improved signage of traffic flow; simplified route; working in close collaboration with the Cities of Palm Desert, Indian Wells, and Indio to keep routes open. Discussion followed regarding the access routes from/to La Quinta traveling north, south, east, and west in the valley; and circulation of Ironman patrons and buses traveling south/north going to/from Lake Cahuilla; importance of ensuring consistency and accuracy in communicating traffic flow routes to the community; anticipated increase of travel time due to the event; rationale for holding the event on a Sunday instead of a Saturday based on traffic data showing that traffic is generally lighter on Sundays; and there were no injuries during the 2018 Ironman. PUBLIC SPEAKER: Mr. Huddle said the proposed width of the route for the cycling and running parts of the event meet Ironman’s standards; Ironman’s operations control center works closely with all field resources, including City and County staff, to address and resolve challenges that may arise during the event; the new proposed route would provide for an efficient flow of traffic; Ironman is flexible and can hold the event on a Saturday or a Sunday; and other communities have utilized FEMA funding and used the Ironman event as an emergency preparedness training for their staff. Council discussed metering intersections; La Quinta taking more control over the traffic control and routing and deploying our own resources, control, and communication mechanisms in conjunction with other agencies to ensure a smooth execution; Ironman using the same traffic control company as the 2018 event because they have the knowledge of the event, but also trying to incorporate local companies who were not able to accommodate the event last year; all costs incurred by the City with regards to managing traffic will be absorbed by Ironman. PUBLIC SPEAKER: La Quinta Police Chief Reynolds said a portion of Washington Street was accidentally closed last year, and that the traffic delays experienced were caused by a multitude of reasons that are being addressed for this year’s event; and explained the process law enforcement uses to determine the need of man-power needed at each intersection depending on traffic. Council discussed the outreach and communication efforts regarding the event both locally and regionally, including Ironman working with the Greater Coachella Valley Visitors Bureau; the decision-making process and authority CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 5 of 10 MARCH 19, 2017 levels to respond to challenges the day of the event, and if necessary implement contingency plans; outreach for the 2018 Ironman was limited because the traffic control plan was not made available until only a week prior to the event; emergency services and fire and rescue response and alternate routes; reaching out to HOAs and property management companies to ensure residents are properly notified; timeframe to complete the triathlon; importance to have specific plans of action in place and points of contacts to ensure what occurred last year does not happen again; and having the ability to actively communicate this time way in advance. WRITTEN COMMENTS: Anonymous, La Quinta – “I live at Avenue 52 and Monroe Street and while traffic was unfortunate I feel the new routes will be an improvement and that it was a first-year event and just need the bugs worked out.” PUBLIC SPEAKER: Nate Mach, Founder of the Salton Sea Triathlon Club – said he and the members of the organization are strong supporters of Ironman; noted the identified CV Link path within La Quinta would be a perfect route for Ironman when developed and will take the race away from the streets; and spoke about the members’ involvement in promoting and participating the event. PUBLIC SPEAKER: Dayle Tyerman, La Quinta – thanked everyone’s efforts for the community outreach and giving an opportunity for residents to provide feedback; said the event fits the La Quinta brand as it aligns with the City’s efforts to promote health and wellness; and it brings business and revenues to the community. Council discussed the 2018 Ironman event impact to approximately 38 residential communities and the revised route for 2019 would impact 27 with better right-turn alternate routes to keep traffic moving; every event is a learning opportunity to improve advance planning and mitigate traffic impacts; La Quinta is a preeminent destination, its brand is evolving, and as the valley’s demographics are changing, events such as Ironman are a good addition; part of the City’s brand is a healthy eating, active living community; and the benefits associated with bringing such events to the community. MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Radi/Sanchez to approve holding the 2019 Indian Wells La Quinta Ironman 70.3 Triathlon utilizing the traffic routes as presented in Option C distributed at the meeting and attached hereto (Attachment 1), and amend the agreement to change the date of the event from December 15 to December 8, 2019. Motion passed unanimously. MAYOR EVANS CALLED FOR A BRIEF RECESS AT 6:10 P.M. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 6 of 10 MARCH 19, 2017 MAYOR EVANS RECONVENED THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING AT 6:26 P.M. WITH ALL MEMBERS PRESENT 2. APPROVE X-PARK DESIGN; APPROPRIATE MEASURE G RESERVES; AND AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE CONTRACT AMENDMENT WITH SPOHN RANCH Facilities Director Howlett presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk’s Office. Council discussed the retention basin adjacent to the X-park being a separate project; installing a pump track at the retention basin to expand the X-park is an additive alternate; fencing options for the X-park and the retention basin dependent on whether or not the pump track is installed; allowed uses for the site are non-motorized extreme sports; consideration of installing a dog park near the X-park; ability to install seating areas and a decomposed granite trail around the X-park perimeter as part of the landscaping design; phasing-out additive alternate items that would not require additional infrastructure later on; Measure G funds would need to be appropriated for the additional design items; Quimby and Development Impact Fee funds are being utilized for the base X-park budget; and lighting options. MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Radi/Fitzpatrick to approve the X-park base design and add the pump track and building enhancements additive alternates; appropriate $860,000 of Measure G reserves; and authorize the City Manager to execute a contract amendment with Spohn Ranch for not to exceed $3,617,000. Motion passed unanimously. 3. AUTHORIZE SUBMITTAL OF THE GENERAL PLAN ANNUAL STATUS AND HOUSING ELEMENT PROGRESS REPORTS TO THE OFFICE OF PLANNING AND RESEARCH AND THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND DETERMINE THE ACTION IS NOT A PROJECT AS DEFINED IN SECTION 15478(b)(2) OF THE PUBLIC RESOURCES CODE 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/Radi to authorize submittal of the General Plan Annual Status Report and the Housing Element Annual Progress Report to the Office of Planning and Research and State Department of Housing and Community Development; CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 7 of 10 MARCH 19, 2017 and determine the action is not a project as defined in section 15378(b)(2) of the Public Resources Code. Motion passed unanimously. 4. APPROVE 2019 LEGISLATIVE POLICY GUIDE UPDATES Assistant to the City Manager Villalpando presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk’s Office. Council discussed amending the proposed language in the 2019 Legislative Policy Guide (LPG) as follows:  Page 2 of the LPG (or page 146 of the Agenda Packet) – amend the title of Guiding Principle IV to read “Promote Public Health and Wellness;” and  Page 6 of the LPG (or page 150 of the Agenda Packet) – amend the second bullet under the Finance section to read “Opposes any changes in revenue allocations which would negatively affect local governments as well as opposing unfunded mandates.” MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Radi/Peña to approve the 2019 Legislative Policy Guide updates with the two amendments listed above; and authorize the Mayor, one Councilmember, and City Manager to issue letters within the scope of these policies. Motion passed unanimously. STUDY SESSION 1. DISCUSS PROJECTS TO INCLUDE IN THE 2019/20 THROUGH 2023/24 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM Management Analyst Mignogna and City Engineer McKinney presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk’s Office. Council discussed the proposed drainage, storm water retention, and enhanced landscape design along Calle Tampico; the additional funding for the Highway 111 Auto Dealership Signage, which is separate from the funds already set aside for the sidewalk improvements; landscaping improvements for Eisenhower Drive are included in the proposed Landscape and Lighting Median Island Improvements project; and importance to ensure that median and landscape improvements and renovations can be maintained going forward. Council reached a consensus and directed Staff to move forward with the 2019/20 CIP projects as proposed. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 8 of 10 MARCH 19, 2017 2. DISCUSS PARK LIGHTING AFTER CURFEW HOURS Facilities Director Howlett presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk’s Office. Council discussed park lighting options; the sports field lights are on a separate lighting switch and will not be included; definition of curfew; public safety benefits in having parks lit and providing additional visibility; the City’s municipal code regulations related to parks and recreation areas [Section 11.44.060(S)] and the ability to impose a curfew during a declared emergency; and implementing this as a 90-day trial program. Council reached a consensus and directed Staff to implement a 90-day trial program of maintaining lighting at La Quinta parks from dusk till dawn. PUBLIC HEARINGS – None DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS All reports are on file in the City Clerk’s Office. 1. CITY MANAGER – CITY OF INDIO 2X2 City Manager Spevacek said Staff is seeking Council direction on whether or not to implement 2x2 meetings with the City of Indio. Council discussed whether there is a need to set up such a meeting; meeting forums already exist to achieve exchange of information between neighboring agencies; year-around regional meetings to coordinate and prepare for the Coachella Music Festivals; and agencies can schedule meetings to address specific issues when needed. Council did not reach a consensus to implement 2x2 meetings with the City of Indio. City Manager Spevacek noted that Mayor Evans and he will be meeting with Assembly Member Chad Mayes and his representatives, as well as representatives from Imperial Irrigation District regarding the impacts of proposed Assembly Bill 854, on Friday, March 22, 2019, at IID’s offices in La Quinta. 4. COMMUNITY RESOURCES – REGIONAL PARKS MASTER PLAN AND SURVEY CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 9 of 10 MARCH 19, 2017 Council discussed the enhanced level of services La Quinta offers to its residents; the tax-based county funding that supports Desert Recreation District (DRD); potential challenges with separating from DRD; Riverside County is the negotiating entity on behalf of DRD; DRD’s ongoing repayment of the organizations’ redevelopment bonds; and DRD’s request for the City’s financial participation in conducting a Coachella Valley wide telephone survey to better understand residents’ needs and desires for parks and recreation facilities, programs, and services. Council did not reach a consensus to financially participate in DRD’s survey. MAYOR’S AND COUNCIL MEMBERS’ ITEMS Councilmember Peña expressed his condolences to the family, friends, and coworkers of paramedic Edward Lustro who was killed in a traffic accident in Palm Springs on March 18, 2019. Councilmember Peña said he will be attending the Veterans of Foreign Wars 81st Annual Recognition Celebration to be held on March 23, 2019 at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa in Palm Desert. Council noted La Quinta ranked among the 50 safest cities in California in a report issued by SafeWise. Mayor Evans said she attended the “Fashion Fling 2019” fundraising event by SNIP Bus held on March 11, 2019, at the Hideaway Golf Club; La Quinta resident Melanie Scherer was a guest speaker; and the event was very well attended. Council directed Staff to obtain demographic statistical data related to the Ironman participants. Council reached a consensus and directed Staff to reach out to the La Quinta Arts Foundation and seek guidance on whether or not they would like to schedule a meeting with Staff, and if a decision has been made on where the 2020 Arts Festival will be held. REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS La Quinta’s representative for 2019, Mayor Evans reported on her participation in the following organizations’ meeting:  LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES DIVISION MEETING  COACHELLA VALLEY WATER DISTRICT POLICY COMMITTEE CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 10 of 10 MARCH 19, 2017 La Quinta’s representative for 2019, Councilmember Fitzpatrick reported on her participation in the following organization’s meeting:  COACHELLA VALLEY MOUNTAINS CONSERVANCY  RIVERSIDE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION La Quinta’s representative for 2019, Councilmember Radi reported on his participation in the following organization’s meeting:  SUNLINE TRANSIT AGENCY Council did not reach a consensus to support participating in a Memorandum of Understanding with the East Valley Coalition. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, a motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Sanchez/Radi to adjourn at 8:17 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. Respectfully submitted, MONIKA RADEVA, City Clerk City of La Quinta, California I n d i o I n d i o B e r m u d a D u n e s B e r m u d a D u n e s JEFFERSONAVENUE 58 AVENUE 52 MILES START END MONROE¯ Legend Bike Route Option CMarch 2019 IRONMAN Bike Route ATTACHMENT 1 COUNCIL MEETING - MARCH 19, 2019 HAND-OUT BY STAFF BUSINESS SESSION ITEM NO. 1 - OPTION "C" ROUTE FOR INDIAN WELLS LA QUINTA IRONMAN 70.3 TRIATHLON