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2020 01 21 CC Minutes CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 1 of 14 JANUARY 21, 2020 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2020 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, Peña, Radi, Sanchez, Mayor Evans ABSENT: None PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA – None CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA City Attorney Ihrke said City Manager McMillen and the City Attorney request to pull from the agenda consideration of part of Business Session Item No. 1, and more specifically consideration of the proposed employee reclassifications, addition of a new position, and any related budget adjustments thereof. Council concurred. CLOSED SESSION 1. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION (QUARTERLY REVIEW) PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54957, COUNCIL APPOINTED POSITION – CITY MANAGER COUNCIL RECESSED THE OPEN SESSION PORTION OF THE MEETING AND MOVED INTO CLOSED SESSION AT 3:31 P.M. MAYOR EVANS RECONVENED THE OPEN SESSION PORTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING AT 4:00 P.M. WITH ALL MEMBERS PRESENT REPORT ON ACTION(S) TAKEN IN CLOSED SESSION: Mayor Evans said no actions were taken in Closed Session that require reporting pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.1 (Brown Act), and Council will continue consideration of Closed Session Item No. 1 after the open session of the meeting. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Councilmember Radi led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 2 of 14 JANUARY 21, 2020 PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA PUBLIC SPEAKER: Richard (Dick) Mills, La Quinta – read written comments he provided to Council in opposition of the proposed gas station as part of the Pavilion Palms shopping center located at the northeast corner of Jefferson Street and Avenue 50; the comments were incorporated into the record and made available to the public. PUBLIC SPEAKER: Yolanda Mills, La Quinta – said she echoes the comments provided by her husband, Dick Mills, in opposition of the proposed gas station as part of the Pavilion Palms shopping center; noted there is no need for a gas station in that part of La Quinta, and it goes against the City’s “Gem of the Desert” image. PUBLIC SPEAKER: Leslie Young, La Quinta – said she supports the development at the top of the Cove parking lot on the east side, and is opposed to the public restroom at the top of the Cove, but understands the public restroom was voted a priority project by the community; requested that the City consider closing the parking lot at dusk and installing a barrier to prevent vehicle access after closure; and install a barrier, via building a wall or planting hedges, on the strip of land between Avenida Herrera and Avenida Bermudas, across from the parking lot, to protect the residents residing on Avenida Herrera. PUBLIC SPEAKER: John Cummings, La Quinta – expressed his disapproval of the ample and continuous display of decorative holiday lighting at a neighboring residence since October 1, 2019; requested that the City review its current regulations governing temporary seasonal decorations and implement stricter guidelines; and asked the City for assistance in alleviating the substantial diminution of the enjoyment, use, and value of his property due to the excessive decorative lights of his neighbor. PUBLIC SPEAKER: Lenard Dobrowlski, La Quinta – said he is a proud Cove resident, and a short-term vacation rental property owner; thanked the City for providing a balanced lifestyle for its residents, and exceptional customer service; noted the traffic at the top of the Cove has substantially increased since the top of the Cove parking lot construction began, and a lot of people are speeding coming around the curb on Avenida Herrera; said he would like to see the empty former Ralph’s building addressed, offered his assistance in any way possible, and suggested gathering a petition from the residents to encourage the owner to invest in the center and get it operational again; cautioned the City that public infrastructure such as the top of the Cove public restroom may attract homeless population; and said he has applied for the Short-Term Vacation Rental Program Ad-Hoc Committee, and expressed his strong interest to serve on this Committee. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 3 of 14 JANUARY 21, 2020 PUBLIC SPEAKER: Mary Caldwell, La Quinta – spoke about the traffic challenges associated with the American Express Golf Tournament concerts held this past weekend; thanked the City for taking mitigation measures based on the challenges experienced the first day of the event, and enforcing them immediately for the remainder of the event; noted a comprehensive review and plan must be implemented, following suit of the City’s actions for the Ironman 70.3 Indian Wells La Quinta triathlon event; recommended the City appoint a committee comprised of all responsible parties to evaluate the situation and establish a mitigation plan; suggested the City consider examining its special event permitting process, particularly the need to establish a separate permitting process for events that exceed a certain number of attendees, differentiate the golf tournament permit from the concert permit, and require a broader combined oversight that includes stronger community participation in conjunction with the event organizer; require that City permits be obtained much earlier prior to the event, to allow the City sufficient time to evaluate the plans and share them with other responsible parties; provide appropriate oversight of the access points from PGA West to the event site, and provide additional cell tower service; and noted overall she was pleased with the event turn-out, but there is room for improvement for next year’s event. PUBLIC SPEAKER: Philip Bettencourt, La Quinta – said he agrees with the comments presented by Mary Caldwell, he is a fan of the golf tournament event, noted there were many challenges with the event, and expressed desire to volunteer should a committee be established to evaluate and review the American Express Golf Tournament; and commended the City, Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, and the volunteers for their mitigation efforts. Mayor Evans welcomed former member of the City of Indian Wells City Council, Mr. Percy Byrd. ANNOUNCEMENTS, PRESENTATIONS AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS City Manager McMillen said City employee AJ Ortega was appointed as the City’s Building Official. 1. PRESENTATION BY QUEEN SCHEHERAZADE AND HER COURT ON BEHALF OF THE RIVERSIDE COUNTY FAIR AND NATIONAL DATE FESTIVAL A presentation by Queen Scheherazade and her court was made on behalf of the upcoming Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival, to be held February 14 through 23, 2020, at 82503 Highway 111 in Indio. The 2020 representatives are: CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 4 of 14 JANUARY 21, 2020 Queen Scheherazade – Kayley Sorano, California State University San Bernardino Princess Dunyazade – Alexandria Gooray, Centennial High School Princess Jasmine – Analise Ortega, Shadow Hills High School CONSENT CALENDAR 1. APPROVE MINUTES OF DECEMBER 17, 2019 2. APPROVE SPECIAL COMMUNITY WORKSHOP MEETING MINUTES OF JANUARY 11, 2020 3. AUTHORIZE OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR COMMUNITY RESOURCES SPECIALIST TO ATTEND CALIFORNIA PARKS AND RECREATION SOCIETY CONNECTIONS CONFERENCE AND EXPO IN LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA, MARCH 10-13, 2020 4. AUTHORIZE OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR SENIOR EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR TO ATTEND THE NATIONAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT BASIC ACADEMY IN SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, FEBRUARY 24-28, 2020 5. AUTHORIZE OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR TWO PARKS AND LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE EMPLOYEES TO ATTEND THE CALIFORNIA PARKS AND RECREATION SOCIETY PLAYGROUND SAFETY INSPECTOR CERTIFICATION COURSE IN LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA, MARCH 10-12, 2020 6. ACCEPT DUNE PALMS ROAD WIDENING PROJECT LOCATED ON DUNE PALMS ROAD BETWEEN WESTWARD HO DRIVE/BLACKHAWK WAY AND 330 FEET NORTH OF THE COACHELLA VALLEY STORM WATER CHANNEL (PROJECT NO. 2009-04/091004) 7. AUTHORIZE PURCHASES WITH TOPS-N-BARRICADES FOR TRAFFIC CONTROL EQUIPMENT FOR UP TO $80,000 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019/20 8. ADOPT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE FINAL PARCEL MAP NO. 37729 LOCATED SOUTH OF HIGHWAY 111 AND WEST OF DUNE PALMS ROAD [RESOLUTION NO. 2020-001] 9. ADOPT RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT THE CITY OF LA QUINTA’S PARTICIPATION IN THE RIVERSIDE COUNTY 2020 CENSUS OUTREACH [RESOLUTION NO. 2020-002] CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 5 of 14 JANUARY 21, 2020 10. APPROVE DEMAND REGISTERS DATED DECEMBER 13 AND 20, 2019, AND JANUARY 3, 2020 11. RECEIVE AND FILE REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE REPORT DATED OCTOBER 31, 2019 CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM NO. 2 Mayor Evans said the City held its 7th Annual Community Workshop on January 11, 2020, at the La Quinta Wellness Center; commended the community for their attendance, participation, and commitment to La Quinta in identifying the City’s future priorities; and thanked Staff for their efforts in organizing the workshop. MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Peña/Fitzpatrick to approve the Consent Calendar as recommended, with Item Nos. 9 and 10 adopting Resolution Nos. 2020-001 and 2020-002 respectively. Motion passed unanimously. BUSINESS SESSION 1. ADOPT RESOLUTION TO AMEND TITLE AND CLASSIFICATION OF SENIOR ACCOUNTANT TO ACCOUNTING MANAGER, ASSOCIATE ENGINEER TO A HIGHER RATING, MANAGEMENT ASSISTANT TO AN ADMINISTRATIVE TECHNICIAN, HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER TO HUMAN RESOURCES/RISK MANAGER, AND ADD ACCOUNT TECHNICIAN POSITION; RECEIVE AND FILE FISCAL YEAR 2019/20 MID-YEAR BUDGET REPORT, APPROVE THE RECOMMENDED BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS, AND DESIGNATE RESERVE FUNDING ALLOCATIONS [RESOLUTION NO. 2020-003] City Attorney Ihrke said per the request of the City Manager and the City Attorney during the Confirmation of Agenda section of the Agenda, part of Business Item No. 1 related to the proposed employee reclassifications, addition of a new position, and any related budget adjustments thereof was removed from consideration, and the staff report has been modified to reflect this amendment. Finance Director Romero and Assistant to the City Manager Villalpando presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk’s Office. Council discussed the City’s obligations under CalRecycle to promote and monitor recycling, and provide education on composting, recycling, and re- use, in an effort to reduce organic waste and get everyone to compost 100% CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 6 of 14 JANUARY 21, 2020 by 2024; and the City reserves and funding options as presented in the staff report. PUBLIC SPEAKER: Richard (Dick) Mills, La Quinta, Chairman of the City’s Financial Advisory Commission – recommended funding Option 3 as presented in the staff report, and said the City established a Pension Trust Fund, separate from CalPERS, that allows the City to control the investment, and the fund is performing better than expected. MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Fitzpatrick/Peña to Receive and File Fiscal Year 2019/20 Mid-Year Budget Report; approve the recommended budget adjustments, excluding any personnel related budget adjustments; and allocate $5 million dollars of unassigned reserve funds pursuant to Option No. 3 in the staff report as follows - $3,460,000 to Pension Trust Benefits and $1,540,000 to Capital Replacement Reserve. Motion passed unanimously. 2. APPROVE AGREEMENT FOR CONTRACT SERVICES WITH ALONGI EBENISTERIE ET CG, INC FOR UPGRADES, MODIFICATIONS, AND INSTALLATION OF CITY OWNED MODULAR STRUCTURE TO BE USED PERMANENTLY AT SILVERROCK EVENT SITE Management Analyst Ferreira presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk’s Office. Council discussed the modular structure is anticipated to be installed by June 2020; the SilverRock Park Venue Ad-Hoc Committee’s determination that a permanent structure on the site will increase the site’s usability for events; the modular building architecture is compatible with the SilverRock Resort hotel and residential units developments; lighting around the site and on the modular building; and safety monitoring presence due to the hotel development. PUBLIC SPEAKER: Lenard Dobrowlski, La Quinta – inquired whether events held at the modular building will produce sufficient revenues to cover any related expenses; and commended the City’s Wellness Center. Council discussed the intent that the event center is set-up and managed in a manner that ensures the revenues collected off-set any related maintenance and operational expenses; this event site is larger than the current Civic Center park and will accommodate larger events; and would likely be used by the surrounding SilverRock hotel/resort facilities for conventions, and other group events. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 7 of 14 JANUARY 21, 2020 Community Resources Manager Calderon spoke about the different event types the building could accommodate, and Staff’s efforts to promote partnerships with non-profit and other organizations for the site’s use, as well as with Montage hotel for programing, and staging for food and beverage group events. Council discussed the total cost for the installation and modification of the modular building is higher than originally anticipated, however, it is an economical alternative when compared to constructing a permanent building on the site. MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Fitzpatrick/Radi to approve an Agreement for Contract Services with Alongi Ebenisterie et CG, Inc. for upgrades, modifications, and installation of the City owned modular structure to be used at the SilverRock Event Site as a permanent facility; and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement. Motion passed unanimously. STUDY SESSION 1. DISCUSS SHORT-TERM VACATION RENTAL PROGRAM AD-HOC COMMITTEE (COMMITTEE) COMPOSITION, RECRUITMENT, AND OBJECTIVES City Clerk Radeva and Design and Development Director Castro presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk’s Office. Council discussed the City’s efforts to launch by the end of January 2020 its short-term vacation rental program (STVRP) online portal providing the ability to pay transient occupancy tax (TOT) and to apply/renew STVR permits online; the Committee’s membership size; ability to subdivide the Committee’s members into separate groups tasked to evaluate and review different topics; importance to have a balanced representation of La Quinta residents on the Committee; applicants can be grouped by categories to ensure the Committee’s membership diversely represents the community; input from the City’s boards and commissions could be derived by providing them with updates of the Committee’s progress during their regularly scheduled meetings; members currently serving on the City’s boards and commission could bring a unique perspective; and the interview process provides an opportunity for the applicants to share their experience and passion for this subject. PUBLIC SPEAKER: Richard (Dick) Mills, La Quinta – said the Committee could act in a “steering” capacity and create a number of subcommittees tasked with different subject matters; the subcommittees’ membership would be selected CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 8 of 14 JANUARY 21, 2020 from the list of applicants; and recommended that Council conduct interviews and appoint a seven-member Committee. PUBLIC SPEAKER: Percy Byrd, Bermuda Dunes – said he is very involved in the desert community, was a former councilmember for the City of Indian Wells, and has served on the Sunline Transit Agency Board of Directors; STVRP affects the entire community, and although resident input is critical, it is also important to have non-resident input. PUBLIC SPEAKER: Lynn Daniels, La Quinta – suggested that applicants are grouped based on the perspective they bring and are interviewed collectively. PUBLIC SPEAKER: Lenard Dobrowlski, La Quinta – recommended that the Committee’s proposed objectives be streamlined; the mechanics of the STVRP online access should not be under the purview of the Committee; further surveying the applicants would be beneficial to ensure there is no “double- dipping.” PUBLIC SPEAKER: Leslie Young, La Quinta – clarified that the Committee’s meetings will be open to the public and applicants who are not appointed would be able to attend and participate as members of the public. PUBLIC SPEAKER: David Dinnel, Hawthorne – said he was pleased there was such strong interest to serve on the Committee; it is important that the Committee’s membership represents different points of view; and expressed his strong interest to serve on the Committee. Council discussed the Committee could bring forth recommendations to Council at any time during the 12-month period; conducting streamlined interviews on February 3rd as contemplated, and establishing a strict protocol and limit each applicant’s presentation to three-minutes; polling applicants on their time availability to schedule their interviews, and grouping them by category; interest to interview all applicants and get their input directly; Council reached a consensus and directed Staff to poll the applicants on their interview time slot availability starting at 4 p.m., their permanent residence, whether or not they are able to attend the 12 Committee meetings, and state the top three STVRP related topics they are interested in and explain why; and to schedule the interviews based on 1) each applicant’s availability, and 2) group the applicants by category:  HOA Board Member  STVR Owner  Property Management Company  Current City Board/Commission Member  Neighborhood Impacted CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 9 of 14 JANUARY 21, 2020 MAYOR EVANS CALLED FOR A BRIEF RECESS AT 6:02 P.M. MAYOR EVANS RECONVENED THE OPEN SESSION PORTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING AT 6:23 P.M. WITH ALL MEMBERS PRESENT 2. DISCUSS IRONMAN 70.3 INDIAN WELLS-LA QUINTA TRIATHLON 2019 UPDATE Management Analyst Torres and Community Resources Director Escobedo presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk’s Office. Lieutenant Tapp with Riverside County Sheriff’s Department said the traffic control plan was effective and worked well with the event, thus no changes are being contemplated for future Ironman events. Council discussed the traffic plan street closures and alternative routes; comments related to needed improvements in the unincorporated Riverside County (County) route areas related to community outreach and traffic control which is under the California Highway Patrol jurisdiction; expressed desire from triathlon participants to use more of the track in Thermal; allowing participants to explore and get familiar with the track the day prior to the event; importance of additional collaboration with the County to ensure the challenges experienced are mitigated; County representation at the command control center; outreach efforts in the Vista Santa Rosa area; athletes are made aware that if unable to complete the triathlon within the set time parameters for the race, have the option to be picked-up or sign a waiver should they continue, they are subject to the rules of the road; and the City followed the “no man gets left behind” approach to ensure everyone’s safety. Emergency Services Analyst Johnston said he was in communication with Riverside County Fire Department Battalion Chief De La Cruz during the event, who was in turn communicating with American Medical Response (AMR) and fire personnel on the course; Ironman’s AMR posts handled all occurrences internally on the course; and there were three/four instances that needed to be transported; transports were successful and did not impact the local system because sufficient resources were deployed for the event based on the event plan. Council discussed the road condition outside of Lake Cahuilla leading up to Jefferson Street and Avenue 58 needing improvement, Staff should investigate who owns it and explore improvement options; Public Works Director/City Engineer McKinney said the road is within the County’s jurisdiction. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 10 of 14 JANUARY 21, 2020 Council directed Staff to submit a formal request with the County requesting that the quality of the road be improved to ensure safety. Council further discussed general support to continue negotiations to hold future Ironman triathlon events; explore splitting the City’s contribution of $30,000 for additional outreach with the event organizers; look into creating a cooperative program and marketing strategies through outreach to promote the businesses along Highway 111 and Old Town La Quinta; Staff’s collaborative efforts to promote and tie in the annual Tamale Festival in Indio along with Ironman; and explore conducting the event on Saturday instead of Sunday to allow participants and visitors to celebrate and enjoy the community on Saturday night following the race, instead of rushing to get back to home. Staff responded that sharing the additional outreach costs were already under negotiations; the Greater Palm Springs Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) has committed to conduct an economic benefits study, results are anticipated some time in February; and traffic counts are generally lower on Sundays, which is the rationale behind holding the event on a Sunday instead of a Saturday, to mitigate the impacts on the local community. Council discussed Vista Santa Rosa’s community Council meeting is scheduled for January 29, 2020, and Staff should attend to get their input and comments; “IronKids” races offering young children and youth athletes an opportunity to participate were very popular, and it is important to continue offering them; businesses must launch self-promoting strategies; additional educational and outreach options to help mitigate the “crunch” traffic points and create more awareness; and inquire with Ironman how athletes’ racing times are tracked, which may allow to better determine traffic impacts. Council reached a consensus and directed Staff to continue negotiations to hold future Ironman events in the City, to communicate that the City’s plan will not change, and that there might be minor improvements for the participants in the County area such as the use of the track in Thermal. Council directed Staff to schedule a Study Session item at a future Council meeting, to receive an update and discuss the progress of the upcoming La Quinta Art Celebration event. Council noted that getting things right the first time is a priority. Council directed Staff to invite Ironman Volunteer Director and Community Liaison Alex Napier to a Council meeting to receive a Certificate of Recognition for her commitment, dedication, and efforts on the coordination and CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 11 of 14 JANUARY 21, 2020 community engagement for the Indian Wells La Quinta 2019 Ironman 70.3 event. 3. DISCUSS CULTURAL CAMPUS DESIGN SCOPE Community Resources Director Escobedo presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk’s Office. Council discussed the costs for maintaining a Cultural Campus as contemplated with adding new buildings, archival storage, programing, etc. will be significant; is the idea to create a museum or instead a Cultural Campus that highlights La Quinta’s history and the Coachella Valley’s development; the museum building was not properly designed to function as a museum; Francis Hack park is underutilized as well as the building on its grounds, and the City should explore the need to invest in it to establish connectivity to the Cultural Campus; the Lumber Yard building has a historical significance to the La Quinta’s history; consult with a professional in this field to determine the physical improvements needed on the existing historical buildings on this site; there is a need to look at the entire area cohesively to create a master plan to establish connectivity and continuation of design; challenges with establishing connectivity; what is the plan for this project long term; there is a great need for a facility to house the historical archive, for which the costs are borne by the La Quinta Historical Society; create a preliminary sketch that shows what the design and connectivity would look like between the contemplated Cultural Campus as a starting point to allow the City to concentrate on the items that can be accomplished now; staying focused on the long term cohesive goal to make the Cultural Campus a catalyst for the surrounding City-owned parcels around the park, and establish connectivity and activate the entire area from the Civic Center Campus, Old Town, Old Town Artisan Studio, the Village, Frances Hack park, integrate the Complete Streets project, etc.; this project should be approached similar to the Highway 111 Corridor revisioning efforts; the pending grant application submitted with the National Endowment for the Arts, if awarded would provide $200,000 in funding contingent on a match from the City, and could be used to activate the Art Promenade, results are anticipated in April; and there is a need to discuss partnering with Desert Recreation District (DRD) to explore options to re-activate the amphitheater and the park. PUBLIC SPEAKER: Linda Williams, President of the La Quinta Historical Society (Society) – thanked the City for purchasing the Lumber Yard building to preserve it for the community; creating a Cultural Campus would be a dream; the Society received a major donation from the Kennedy family couple of years ago, which created major storage challenges in the museum; the Society is responsible for properly storing and maintaining the archives entrusted to them; retrofitting the Lumber Yard building to ensure it is climate controlled CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 12 of 14 JANUARY 21, 2020 and water tight to accommodate the proper storing of archives is very expensive and would never be as secure as a new building; desire to open the design and connect the existing buildings, as well as to increase programming for the museum; museum artifacts could be stored off site; and it would be exciting to see a design of how the space could be developed and what it would look like. Council discussed the estimated cost for the Cultural Campus and Village Art Promenade is substantial to invest without the rest of the components being operational; would like to accommodate the storage needs of the Society; explore the design and connectivity of the three adjacent parcels only; and ability to place a temporary structure behind the Lumber Yard or secure an off-site storage location appropriate to accommodate the storing of archives temporarily. Council reached a consensus not to move forward with the Cultural Campus design scope as presented for the $610,000; and expressed general support to proceed with the preparation of a comprehensive master plan, that also looks at the three-lot Cultural Campus as an integral piece, and allows for both to be developed simultaneously; the master plan is the focal part of the project and would provide a phased-in design and implementation of the Cultural Campus which the City can implement incrementally; and identify temporary solutions to accommodate the Society’s immediate storage needs for the archives. General discussion followed regarding the service and operational agreement between the City and LS&S for the library and museum, which should be included as part of this project’s future discussions. 4. DISCUSS AVENUE 48 ARTS AND MUSIC LINE PROJECT Public Works Director/City Engineer McKinney presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk’s Office. PUBLIC SPEAKER: Erica Felci, Governmental Projects Manager with Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) – said this project stretches the imagination because it is not a simple bike trail that helps you get to a destination, but it is a destination in and of itself; it will incorporate what the cities of Coachella, Indio, and La Quinta have already embraced in terms of the art and music culture; the design features will be interactive and will include “art activation” areas along the route that may transition throughout the year; explained the California state grant application process, and CVAG’s efforts to get the project as competitive as possible; the project spans approximately 10 miles across the three cities; spoke about grant funding secured by CVAG for the CV Link project; this project will be presented for CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 13 of 14 JANUARY 21, 2020 consideration in front of the other cities in February; and CVAG is in the process of reaching out to the school districts and the recreation/park districts. Council discussed investing in this project now will make the project more competitive to receive grant funding not only at the state level, but at the federal level as well; and La Quinta’s portion of the cost would be allocated from current General Fund surplus. Council requested that CVAG keep them apprised of the total cost of the project and grant request is going to be once the project design is completed, so that La Quinta is aware of its proportionate cost share for the project. Council reached a consensus and expressed general support for the project. PUBLIC HEARINGS – None DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS All reports are on file in the City Clerk’s Office. 1. CITY ATTORNEY City Attorney Ihrke said the Planning Commission adopted Planning Commission Resolution No. 2020-001 at their regular meeting of January 14, 2020, amending the Planning Commission’s regular meeting time from 6:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. MAYOR’S AND COUNCIL MEMBERS’ ITEMS Council said the American Express Golf Tournament and Concert Series held this past weekend was well attended. Council reported Mayor Evans would be receiving the 2020 Women Leadership Forum’s Visionary Award on January 24, 2020 at the Aqua Caliente Casino in Palm Desert. REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS La Quinta’s representative for 2019, Mayor Evans reported on her participation in the following organizations meeting:  CVAG COACHELLA VALLEY CONSERVATION COMMISSION  CVAG ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE  LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES – RIVERSIDE DIVISION MEETING CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 14 of 14 JANUARY 21, 2020 La Quinta’s representative for 2019, Councilmember Fitzpatrick reported on her participation in the following organizations’ meetings:  COACHELLA VALLEY MOUNTAINS CONSERVANCY  GREATER CV CHAMBER OF COMMERCE INFORMATION EXCHANGE COMMITTEE  RIVERSIDE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION (RCTC) La Quinta’s representative for 2019, Councilmember Peña reported on his participation in the following organization’s meeting:  CVAG VALLEY-WIDE HOMELESSNESS COMMITTEE Mayor Pro Tem Peña reported the Imperial Irrigation District Board ratified his and Lee Osborne’s appointments as the La Quinta representatives. COUNCIL RECESSED THE OPEN SESSION PORTION OF THE MEETING AND MOVED INTO CLOSED SESSION AT 8:29 P.M. MAYOR EVANS RECONVENED THE OPEN SESSION PORTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING AT 9:22 P.M. WITH ALL MEMBERS PRESENT REPORT ON ACTION(S) TAKEN IN CLOSED SESSION: Mayor Evans reported no actions were taken in Closed Session that require reporting pursuant to Government Code section 54957.1 (Brown Act). ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, a motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Peña/Fitzpatrick to adjourn at 9:24 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. Respectfully submitted, MONIKA RADEVA, City Clerk City of La Quinta, California