2020 02 18 CC MinutesCITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 1 of 8 FEBRUARY 18, 2020
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2020
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 – None
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA
City Clerk Radeva requested to add “Introduction of New City Staff” under the
Announcements, Presentations, and Written Communications section of the
Agenda. Council concurred.
CLOSED SESSION
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED
LITIGATION; SIGNIFICANT EXPOSURE TO LITIGATION
PURSUANT TO PARAGRAPH (2) OR (3) OF SUBDIVISION (d) of
GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9 (NUMBER OR POTENTIAL
CASES: 1)
2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION
PURSUANT TO PARAGRAPH (1) OF SUBDIVISION (d) of
GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9; NAME OF CASE:
WASHINGTON-111, LTD., CLAIMANT, V. CITY OF LA QUINTA,
RESPONDENT, JUDICATE WEST ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE
RESOLUTION CASE NO. A257070
3. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION
PURSUANT TO PARAGRAPH (1) OF SUBDIVISION (d) OF
GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9. NAME OF CASE: CITY OF
LA QUINTA V. CHIN FAMILY PROPERTIES LIMITED
PARTNERSHIP, ET AL., RIVERSIDE COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT
CASE NO. PSC1803284
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 2 of 8 FEBRUARY 18, 2020
COUNCIL RECESSED THE OPEN SESSION PORTION OF THE MEETING
AND MOVED INTO CLOSED SESSION AT 3:02 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:
City Attorney Ihrke reported the following pursuant to Government Code
section 54957.1 (Brown Act):
1. Closed Session No. 1 – no actions taken;
2. Closed Session No. 2 – pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.1,
subdivision (a)(3), the City Council received and reviewed a copy of a
settlement agreement signed by Claimant Washington 111, LTD, the
substance of which involves the implementation of path of travel
improvements at the Washington Park Shopping Center. The City
Council unanimously approved the settlement agreement subject to and
contingent on confirmation by counsel for Washington 111, LTD of (1)
the ownership of a parcel in the vicinity of the Washington Park
Shopping Center, and (2) the addresses and suite numbers relative to
the implementation of the improvements at the shopping center.
Assuming counsel for Washington 111, LTD confirms the requested
information, then as soon as the settlement agreement is completely
signed and final, upon inquiry of any person, the terms and conditions
of the settlement agreement would be available for inspection as a
public record.
3. Closed Session No. 3 – no actions taken.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Fitzpatrick led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Stella Church, La Quinta – stated she has been a La Quinta
resident for three years; said the adjacent property owner is considering
planting Ficus trees along her property wall that would become invasive to the
wall and swimming pool within three years, and if left overgrown would also
block her view of the mountains; and requested the City take action on
enforcing a height limit on Ficus trees.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Susie Del Toro, La Quinta – thanked all veterans for their
services; and asked Council to support a project entitled “Freedom Flags for
Families” offering military veterans banners that can be displayed in the city,
and explained how the program works; said she spearheads other projects
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 3 of 8 FEBRUARY 18, 2020
which include a Veterans Breakfast held the 1st Saturday of November at the
Veterans’ Park in the City of Coachella, and “Freedom Wreaths for Families”
which involves placing wreaths in all the plots at the Coachella Valley
Cemetery three time a year for Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Christmas;
and provided Council with information related to these programs, which was
incorporated into the record.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Susan Thronson, La Quinta – said she represents PFLAG,
which is the United States’ first and largest organization uniting parents,
families, and allies with people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender,
and queer, and the extended family of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual,
Transgender, and Questioning (LGBTQ) community; has been a La Quinta
resident for eight years; asked Council to participate more proactively in
acknowledging, representing, and celebrating the LGBTQ residents of La
Quinta; spoke about the challenges and complexities the transgender
community encounters on federal, state, and local levels, as well as school
districts, healthcare system, etc.; requested the City consider participating in
the annual Municipal Equality Index survey (Survey) produced by the Human
Rights Campaign Organization and study the results to determine future
actions; noted the Cities of Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, and
Palm Desert participated in the Survey for the last four years; provided a
hand-out of the 2019 Survey for the City of Rancho Mirage, which was
incorporated into the record; and spoke about events held throughout the
Coachella Valley as affirmations of the LGBTQ community.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Danielle Rotunno, La Quinta – spoke about her son’s
transgender transition; and requested that La Quinta provide “safe haven”
opportunities for the transgender community to be themselves, meet friends,
and be accepted.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Kelsey Brookes, La Quinta – said healthcare services for
the transgender community are provided in the Cities of Palm Springs and
Cathedral Cities; there aren’t any venues in La Quinta that offer the
transgender community the ability to gather; and requested that the City
explore options to facilitate this need.
Council thanked the residents for their public comment.
ANNOUNCEMENTS, PRESENTATIONS AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
>>> Item Added INTRODUCTION OF NEW CITY STAFF
City Manager McMillen introduced Deputy Facilities Director Tony Ulloa, who
thanked Council for the opportunity to serve the City, and spoke about his
qualifications and experience.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 4 of 8 FEBRUARY 18, 2020
1. PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING LIEUTENANT TAPP WITH
RIVERSIDE COUNTY SHERRIFF’S DEPARTMENT FOR HIS PUBLIC
SERVICE
Mayor Evans and Councilmembers presented Riverside County Sheriff’s
Department Lieutenant Tapp with a proclamation in recognition of his public
service, commended him for his dedication, and wished him good luck in his
new endeavor. Lieutenant Tapp expressed his gratitude.
>>> Item Added INTRODUCTION OF NEW CITY STAFF
Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Police Chief Reynolds thanked Lt. Tapp
for his service, and said Lieutenant Jeff Buompensiero is replacing Lt. Tapp.
Lt. Buompensiero spoke about his qualifications and experience, and said he
looks forward to serving La Quinta.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. APPROVE MINUTES OF JANUARY 21, 2020 MEETING
2. APPROVE MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 3, 2020 SPECIAL CITY
COUNCIL MEETING FOR SHORT-TERM VACATION RENTAL AD-
HOC COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS
3. RECEIVE AND FILE SECOND QUARTER 2019/20 TREASURY
REPORTS FOR OCTOBER, NOVEMBER, AND DECEMBER 2019
4. APPROVE DEMAND REGISTERS DATED JANUARY 24 AND 31,
2020
5. APPROVE AMENDMENT NO. 9 TO PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT WITH MICHAEL BAKER INTERNATIONAL TO
PERFORM ADDITIONAL SERVICES FOR THE SILVERROCK VENUE
SITE PROJECT NO. 2016-08
6. AUTHORIZE OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR THE MARKETING
MANAGER TO ATTEND VISIT CALIFORNIA MEDIA RECEPTION IN
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, APRIL 28-29, 2020
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM NO. 6
Mayor Evans said the City was one of 15 cities in California that was invited
to attend the Visit California Media Reception, and commended Staff for
getting the invitation.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 5 of 8 FEBRUARY 18, 2020
Marketing Manager Graham said La Quinta was awarded this invitation
because it was recognized for its efforts related to health and wellness, arts
pillars, new developments, etc.; La Quinta competed along-side gateway cities
such as San Francisco, Los Angeles, Orange County; it is a privilege to be
recognized, and it provides an opportunity to promote the Gem of the Desert.
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers
Fitzpatrick/Peña to approve the Consent Calendar as recommended. 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, ADD ACCOUNT TECHNICIAN
POSITION; AND APPROVE RELATED BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS
[RESOLUTION NO. 2020-004]
Human Resources Manager Scott presented the staff report, which is on file
in the Clerk’s Office.
Council discussed the proposed personnel adjustments and addition would
result in budgetary savings for fiscal year 2019/20; and ongoing fiscal year
expenses could be offset by savings in temporary services.
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers
Radi/Fitzpatrick to adopt Resolution No. 2020-004 to approve finance,
engineering, and public works position reclassifications, add an Account
Technician position; and approve the recommended budget adjustments
related to these personnel reclassifications and addition:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE CLASSIFICATIONS OF SENIOR
ACCOUNTANT, ASSOCIATE ENGINEER, AND MANAGEMENT ASSISTANT,
AND ADDING A POSITION OF ACCOUNT TECHNICIAN
Motion passed unanimously.
2. RECEIVE AND FILE COMPREHENSIVE ANNUAL FINANCIAL
REPORT (CAFR) FOR YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2019
Finance Director Romero, Accounting Manager Martinez, and Lauren
Stapleton, Senior Manager with Eide Bailly LLP presented the staff report
which is on file in the Clerk’s Office.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 6 of 8 FEBRUARY 18, 2020
Council discussed the payoff schedule for the last remaining library interfund
loan; the importance to ensure that the auditing firm completes the audit
timely going forward; the write-off of the interfund loans resulted in a greater
transparency of the City’s financial reporting; the City’s fiscal proactiveness in
ensuring its pension and retiree health obligations are funded; the City’s
overall fiscal stability; and the Financial Advisory Commission’s valuable
recommendations.
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers
Fitzpatrick/Radi to receive and file the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report
for the year ended June 30, 2019, as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
3. INTRODUCE AN ORDINANCE AT FIRST READING TO AMEND
SECTIONS OF CHAPTER 2.04 – COUNCIL AND CHAPTER 2.08 –
CITY MANAGER OF THE LA QUINTA MUNICIPAL CODE RELATED
TO APPEALS [ORDINANCE NO. 583]
City Clerk Radeva presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk’s
Office.
Council discussed the process of notifying appellants of incomplete filings and
the notification process; ability and requirements to waive appeal filing fees;
and amending the language of Section 2.08.040 Expense Reimbursement,
listed on page 342 of the Agenda Packet, by adding the word “business” in the
first sentence to read “The City Manager shall be reimbursed for all actual and
necessary business expenses …”
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Peña/Radi
to take up Ordinance No. 583, as amended by adding the word “business” in
the first sentence of Section 2.08.040, by title and number only and waive
further reading. Motion passed unanimously.
City Clerk Radeva read the following title of Ordinance No. 583 into the record:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SEVERAL SECTIONS OF CHAPTER 2.04
COUNCIL AND CHAPTER 2.08 CITY MANAGER OF THE LA QUINTA
MUNICIPAL CODE RELATED TO APPEALS
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Peña/Radi
to introduce at first reading Ordinance No. 583 as amended. Motion passed
unanimously.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 7 of 8 FEBRUARY 18, 2020
STUDY SESSION
1. DISCUSS LA QUINTA ART CELEBRATION TRAFFIC PLAN
Community Resources Director Escobedo presented the staff report which is
on file in the Clerk’s Office.
PUBLIC SPEAKERS: Kathleen Hughes, Event Director with La Quinta Art
Celebration and Divid Dangleis, Operations Manager with Resort Parking
Services, Inc. – presented in great detail the traffic plan for the event,
including the flow of traffic, designated parking areas and the use of electronic
sign boards to direct attendees to the correct parking areas, cashiering
locations, vehicle entry and exit points, street closures, and strategies that
could be implemented to mitigate traffic congestions should they occur; the
event’s Grand Entrance; secured side entry points would also be available;
tickets can be purchased online through Purplepass, which accounts for 25%
of ticket sales; importance for Staff to conduct expanded community outreach
to ensure awareness of the event and traffic plan; community outreach should
include all vendors in the Village, in addition to Old Town La Quinta, as well
as Arnold Palmer, Embassy Suites, the La Quinta Resort and the schools; and
importance of closely monitoring traffic congestion during the opening and
closing hours of the event to ensure mitigation measures are appropriately
deployed.
Council reached a consensus and expressed general support for the proposed
traffic plan for the La Quinta Art Celebration event.
PUBLIC HEARINGS – None
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS
All reports are on file in the City Clerk’s Office.
MAYOR’S AND COUNCIL MEMBERS’ ITEMS
Council reported their attendance of the Annual Riverside County Fair &
National Date Festival on February 17, 2020.
Mayor Evans commended the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce
La Quinta Car Show held on February 15, 2020; she said it was very well
attended.
Mayor Evans said Councilmember Sanchez and she had the pleasure to
present La Quinta resident and veteran Bill Pitman with a certificate of
recognition at his 100-year-old birthday party.
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Mayor Evans noted the City is going to use additional “No Event Parking”
signage in the La Quinta residential communities in close proximity to the
Indian Wells Tennis Gardens during the annual tennis event, in an effort to
proactively mitigate prohibited event parking in those areas; and encouraged
law enforcement to be proactive in issuing illegal parking citations as well to
ensure compliance.
REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
La Quinta’s representative for 2020, Mayor Evans reported on her participation
in the following organizations’ meetings:
CVAG CONSERVATION COMMISSION
CVAG ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE
GREATER PALM SPRINGS CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU
La Quinta’s representative for 2020, Councilmember Peña reported on his
participation in the following organization’s meeting:
CVAG PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
La Quinta’s representative for 2020, Councilmember Sanchez reported on his
participation in the following organization’s meeting:
ANIMAL CAMPUS COMMISSION
Council discussed Riverside County is increasing its fees related to animal
control services effective March 1, 2020; directed Staff to review the terms of
the City’s agreement with Riverside County for animal control services;
prepare a cost comparison between contracting out and providing these
services in-house; explore other agencies that provide similar services, such
as SNIP and Animal Samaritans; and ask the County to present the basis for
the fee increases at a future Council meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, a motion was made and seconded by
Councilmembers Radi/Fitzpatrick to adjourn at 6:04 p.m. Motion passed
unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
MONIKA RADEVA, City Clerk
City of La Quinta, California