2015 07 21 CC MinutesCITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2015
A regular meeting of the La Quinta City Council was called to order at 3:00 p.m. by
Mayor Evans.
PRESENT: Councilmembers Franklin, Osborne, Pena, Radi, Mayor Evans
ABSENT: None
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON AGENDA
CLOSED SESSION
1. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS PURSUANT TO
GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.8 FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT:
SILVERROCK RESORT (APNS 770-200-026; 776-150-021; 776-150-023; 770-
060-056; 770-060-057; 770-060-058; 770-060-059; 770-060-061; 770-060-
062; 777-490-004; 777-490-006; 777-490-007; 777-490-012 AND 777-490-
014)
CITY NEGOTIATOR: FRANK J. SPEVACEK, CITY MANAGER
NEGOTIATING PARTY: SILVERROCK DEVELOPMENT, LLC.
UNDER NEGOTIATION: PRICE AND TERMS OF PAYMENT FOR ACQUISITION
AND/OR DISPOSITION OF THE PROPERTY IDENTIFIED
2. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS PURSUANT TO
GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.8 FOR PROPERTY LOCATED: WITHIN
FRITZ BURNS PARK, SOUTH OF AVENUE 52, EAST OF AVENIDA BERMUDAS,
NORTH AND WEST OF TRADITIONS (PORTION OF APN 770-184-011).
CITY NEGOTIATOR: LES JOHNSON, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
NEGOTIATING PARTIES: DANEEN WILDER, VERIZON WIRELESS
UNDER NEGOTIATION: PRICE AND TERMS OF PAYMENT FOR LEASE OF
PROPERTY FOR CELL TOWER SITE
3. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR, TERRY DEERINGER, REGARDING
NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE LA QUINTA CITY EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION
PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54957.6 MEET AND CONFER
PROCESS
COUNCILMEMBER PENA ANNOUNCED THAT HE HAS A CONFLICT OF INTEREST
REGARDING CLOSED SESSION ITEM NO. 2 DUE TO A BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP AS WELL
AS PROXIMITY TO HIS PROPERTY AND WILL BE ABSENT DURING THE DISCUSSION AND
VOTE, IF ANY, ON THIS ITEM.
COUNCIL RECESSED TO CLOSED SESSION AT 3:02 P.M.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
JULY 21, 2015
MAYOR EVANS RECONVENED THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING AT 4:00 P.M. WITH ALL
MEMBERS PRESENT. NO ACTIONS WERE TAKEN IN CLOSED SESSION THAT
REQUIRES REPORTING PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54957.1
(BROWN ACT).
MAYOR EVANS ANNOUNCED THAT THE CITY COUNCIL WILL RECESS AGAIN INTO
CLOSED SESSION AT THE END OF THE OPEN SESSION PORTION OF THE MEETING
TO FINISH THEIR DISCUSSION ON CLOSED SESSION ITEM NO. 3.
Councilmember Radi led the audience in the pledge of allegiance.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON AGENDA
PUBLIC SPEAKERS: The following speakers spoke against any proposal to euthanize a
dog after the first time it bites a person:
1. Janet Litton, Palm Desert
2. Tabatha Davis, Paradise Valley
3. Kimberly Albert, La Quinta
4. Carol Brandel, La Quinta
5. Deborah Hardy Godley, La Quinta
6. Valerie Masi, Indio
7. Lisa Blodgett, La Quinta
8. Adriana Everson, La Quinta
Speakers suggested alternatives such as mandatory training; mandatory muzzling in
some cases; mandatory spay/neutering and microchipping; evaluating bite incidents
on a case-by-case basis; banning backyard breeders and puppy mills; forming a
community task force to provide recommendations; and examining German dog laws
for good examples.
Mayor Evans thanked speakers for their input and explained that the concept of
euthanizing a dog after one bite was one of many proposals Council discussed at its
last meeting. She asked the City Clerk to notify all the speakers when this matter is
next on a Council agenda.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Jim Mace, La Quinta - Mr. Mace spoke in favor of euthanizing dogs
that bite. He also asked Council to consider restrictions on leaf blowers because they
generate clouds of particles and aggravate respiratory problems.
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA
City Attorney Ihrke requested that Consent Calendar Item No. 5 be pulled so he could
point out minor corrections before the Council voted on the item. Council concurred.
City Clerk Maysels stated that the CV Link presentation was postponed to the August
4, 2015 agenda.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 2
JULY 21, 2015
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Mayor Evans presented proclamations to outgoing board member/commissioner,
Katherine Godbey (Investment Advisory Board Member) and Maria Ryser (Housing
Commissioner) for their service to the City.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. MINUTES OF JULY 7, 2015
2. DENY CLAIM FOR DAMAGES FILED BY ELIZABETH HAY; DATE OF LOSS -
SEPTEMBER 8, 2014
3. AUTHORIZE OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR A CONTENT EDITOR/WRITER,
EXECUTIVE OFFICE ASSISTANT AND THE HOUSING COORDINATOR TO ATTEND
CALIFORNIA CITY CLERK'S ASSOCIATION "NUTS AND BOLTS" WORKSHOP,
OCTOBER 8-9, 2015 IN BREA, CALIFORNIA
4. AUTHORIZE OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR TWO COUNCILMEMBERS, CITY
MANAGER, ASSISTANT TO CITY MANAGER AND BUSINESS ANALYST TO
ATTEND THE INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL OF SHOPPING CENTERS WESTERN
DIVISION CONFERENCE IN SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, SEPTEMBER 16-18,2015
5. pulled by City Attorney Ihrke to point out minor corrections for the record >>>
APPROVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT FOR FRANK J. SPEVACEK, CITY
MANAGER
6. ADOPT RESOLUTION APPROVING FINAL PARCEL MAP FOR PROPERTY LOCATED
WEST OF EISENHOWER DRIVE AND NORTH OF AVENIDA FERNANDO
[RESOLUTION 2015-0341
7. ADOPT RESOLUTION APPROVING FINAL MAP AND SUBDIVISION
IMPROVEMENT AGREEMENT FOR LA QUINTA SQUARE DEVELOPMENT
[RESOLUTION 2015-0351
8. APPROVE DEMAND REGISTERS DATED JUNE 26, JULY 2 AND JULY 10, 2015
9. RECEIVE AND FILE TREASURER'S REPORT FOR THE MONTH ENDED MAY 31,
2015
MOTION - A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Franklin/Radi to
approve Consent Calendar Item Nos. 1-4 and 6-9 as recommended with Item Nos. 6
and 7 adopting Resolutions 2015-034 and 2015-035 respectively. Motion passed
unanimously.
City Attorney Ihrke explained the minor corrections needed to the Spevacek
employment agreement.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 3
JULY 21, 2015
MOTION - A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Franklin/Radi to
approve Consent Calendar Item No. 5 as amended. Motion passed unanimously.
BUSINESS SESSION
1. APPOINT A LA QUINTA REPRESENTATIVE TO THE COACHELLA VALLEY
MOSQUITO AND VECTOR CONTROL DISTRICT'S BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Mayor Evans thanked all the applicants for their willingness to serve the City, and
explained the process Council would follow in conducting the appointment.
The following applicants gave a brief presentation on their qualifications followed by a
question and answer period between Council and the applicant:
Richard N. Gray
Mary Ann Hackney
Douglas D. Hassett
City Clerk Maysels collected, tabulated and announced the votes as follows:
Councilmembers discussed and reached the consensus that a resident may serve
simultaneously on an internal and an external board.
MOTION - A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Osborne/Radi to
appoint Doug Hassett to the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District
Board of Trustees to complete the term of Robert Cox expiring December 31, 2016,
and to appoint Richard Gray as La Quinta's Alternate. Motion passed unanimously.
2. RENAME FIRE STATION NO. 32 IN MEMORY OF LA QUINTA PARAMEDIC/
FIREFIGHTER CHRISTOPHER DOUGLAS
Marketing and Events Supervisor Larson presented the staff report, which is on file in
the City Clerk's Office.
PUBLIC SPEAKERS: The following speakers spoke in favor of renaming the fire station
in memory of Christopher Douglas, who was a paramedic, coworker, husband and
father, and active community member:
• Riverside County Fire Unit Chief John Hawkins
• Riverside County Deputy Chief Dorian Cooley
• Amy Douglas, widow of Christopher Douglas
• Patrice Healy, local teacher and mother of a firefighter
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 4
JULY 21, 2015
La Quinta Rep
La Quinta Alternate Rep
Councilmember Franklin:
Doug Hassett
Mary Ann Hackney
Councilmember Osborne:
Doug Hassett
Richard Gray
Councilmember Pena:
Doug Hassett
Mary Ann Hackney
Councilmember Radi:
Doug Hassett
Richard Gray
Mayor Evans:
Doug Hassett
Richard Gray
Councilmembers discussed and reached the consensus that a resident may serve
simultaneously on an internal and an external board.
MOTION - A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Osborne/Radi to
appoint Doug Hassett to the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District
Board of Trustees to complete the term of Robert Cox expiring December 31, 2016,
and to appoint Richard Gray as La Quinta's Alternate. Motion passed unanimously.
2. RENAME FIRE STATION NO. 32 IN MEMORY OF LA QUINTA PARAMEDIC/
FIREFIGHTER CHRISTOPHER DOUGLAS
Marketing and Events Supervisor Larson presented the staff report, which is on file in
the City Clerk's Office.
PUBLIC SPEAKERS: The following speakers spoke in favor of renaming the fire station
in memory of Christopher Douglas, who was a paramedic, coworker, husband and
father, and active community member:
• Riverside County Fire Unit Chief John Hawkins
• Riverside County Deputy Chief Dorian Cooley
• Amy Douglas, widow of Christopher Douglas
• Patrice Healy, local teacher and mother of a firefighter
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 4
JULY 21, 2015
Councilmembers remembered Chris and suggested increasing the lettering size;
adding Chris' badge number and the firefighters' cross above or below his name; and
adding the fire station to La Quinta's places of interest.
MOTION - A motion was made by all Councilmembers simultaneously to rename Fire
Station No. 32 to the "Christopher Douglas Memorial Fire Station" with the sign and
dedication ceremony funded by CalFire. The City will fund any additional costs related
to implementation of Council's above suggestions. Motion passed unanimously.
3. INTRODUCE ORDINANCE TO EXPEDITE PERMITTING PROCEDURES FOR SMALL
RESIDENTIAL ROOFTOP SOLAR SYSTEMS AND ADD CHAPTER 8.90 TO THE LA
QUINTA MUNICIPAL CODE [ORDINANCE NO. 5271
Building Official Hanada presented the staff report, which is on file in the City Clerk's
Office. City Attorney Ihrke pointed out two typos to be corrected in the ordinance.
MOTION - A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Radi/Osborne to
take up Ordinance No. 527 as corrected by title and number only and waive further
reading. Motion passed unanimously.
City Clerk Maysels read the following title of Ordinance 527 in to the record:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, ADDING CHAPTER 8.90 OF THE LA QUINTA MUNICIPAL CODE
RELATING TO EXPEDITED PERMITTING PROCEDURES FOR SMALL RESIDENTIAL
ROOFTOP SOLAR SYSTEMS
MOTION - A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Radi/Franklin to
introduce at first reading, Ordinance No. 527 thereby adding Chapter 8.90 relating to
expedited permitting procedures for small residential solar systems. Motion passed
unanimously.
STUDY SESSION
1. LOGO REFINEMENT DISCUSSION
Marketing & Events Supervisor Larson presented the staff report, which is on file in the
City Clerk's Office.
Councilmembers discussed a general disappointment in all options; reasons for not
including the tag line: Gem of the Desert in the logo; how to convey the meaning of the
gem graphic so it does not come across as a jewelry store logo; requirement of
different specs when the logo is to be used on paper versus an electronic medium,
and; general support for the new font with the thicker lines but not the gem graphic.
By consensus of Council, staff was directed to give Graphtek free reign to provide five
to ten logo options using only the preferred new thick -lined font as a starting point.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 5
JULY 21, 2015
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Business Analyst Shove presented the staff report, which is on file in the City Clerk's
Office.
Councilmembers discussed their appreciation for the tactical plan and its measurable
aspect; the understanding that economic development is a long-term endeavor; the
need for La Quinta to stand out among neighboring cities that are all attempting to be
business and permit -friendly; avenues for citizen input; importance of focusing on
sectors and segments of the economy that have an affinity for this environment, e.g.
retail; the need to address incentives to attract businesses; openness to land banking
opportunities; partnership with regional organizations with like goals and objectives;
wish list for types of businesses to attract; and need to consider surveying all those
who hold business licenses to gage their satisfaction in doing business with the City.
3. PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT CODE TUNE UP
Planning Manager Perez presented the staff report, which is on file in the City Clerk's
Office.
Councilmembers discussed networking with other cities using the same permitting
software; possibility of integrating approvals required from other agencies; importance
of public input received and need to continue to seek it; support for the planned mix of
ad hoc committees, outreach to stakeholders, and face-to-face meetings;
recommendation to conduct a blind consumer test by sending a novice through the
permit process; the advantage of feedback from local development professionals who
are able to compare La Quinta with other communities in which they work;
importance of maintaining La Quinta's high quality of residential and commercial
development, which cannot be lost in streamlining effort; possibility of holding the
community meeting at a local business; and the aggressiveness of the proposed
implementation timeline.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 526 AMENDING
SEVERAL CHAPTERS OF TITLE 5 RELATING TO BUSINESS REGULATIONS AND
DELETING CHAPTERS 5.16, 5.28, 5.44, 5.52, AND 11.60
City Clerk Maysels presented the staff report, which is on file in the City Clerk's Office.
MAYOR EVANS DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING OPEN AT 6:50 P.M.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: None
MAYOR EVANS DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED AT 6:50 P.M.
MOTION - A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Osborne/Radi to
adopt Ordinance No. 526. Motion passed unanimously.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6
JULY 21, 2015
>>> COUNCILMEMBER PENA LEFT THE MEETING AT 6:51 P.M.
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Department Reports were received and filed. Copies are available in the City Clerk's
Office.
Regarding the marketing report, Mayor Evans requested that the Time Warner Cable
ads be shown to Council, and next year's ads, released before or during the
Goldenvoice concerts, include La Quinta hotels.
Regarding the police quarterly report, Mayor Evans committed to assist with the
promotion of the new NIXLE alert system whereby residents text "LQPD" to the
number 88877 for active information on their cellular phones about road closures,
emergencies, or community messages as they occur. Mayor Evans also congratulated
LQPD staff for the growth in the Citizens on Patrol program and the phenomenal Cadet
Academy.
Regarding the fire department quarterly report, Mayor Evans expressed support for
exploring collaborative permitting.
MAYOR'S AND COUNCIL MEMBER'S ITEMS
Councilmember Osborne commented on the wonderful success of the Cadet Academy
program, and reported on his attendance at the Coachella Valley Economic
Partnership as representative of his firm.
Mayor Evans promoted the Salton Sea license plate fundraiser, and the July 22, 2015
blood drive at Embassy Suites. She also commented on the Palm Springs
International Airport minutes, which cite statistics showing the majority of visitors to
California are coming from Mexico and China. This supports the targeting of Mexico
and China with campaigns to bring more of those visitors to the Coachella Valley.
REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
La Quinta's representative for 2015, Councilmember Franklin, reported on her
participation in the following organizations' meetings:
• SUNLINE
• COACHELLA VALLEY MOUNTAINS CONSERVANCY
• JACQUELINE COCHRAN REGIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY
La Quinta's representative for 2015, Councilmember Osborne, reported on his
participation in the following organizations' meetings:
• CHAMBER OF COMMERCE INFO EXCHANGE COMMITTEE
• EAST VALLEY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COALITION
• LA QUINTA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AD HOC COMMITTEE
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7
JULY 21, 2015
La Quinta's representative for 2015, Councilmember Radi, reported on his participation
in the following organization's meeting:
• RIVERSIDE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
COUNCIL RECESSED AGAIN INTO CLOSED SESSION AT 7:15 P.M.
COUNCIL RECONVENED THE MEETING AT 8:02 P.M. WITH FOUR MEMBERS PRESENT
AND COUNCILMEMBER PENA ABSENT. NO ACTIONS WERE TAKEN IN CLOSED
SESSION THAT REQUIRES REPORTING PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION
54957.1 (BROWN ACT).
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, a motion was
Councilmembers Osborne/Franklin to adjourn at 8:03
noes 0, absent 1 (Pena).
Respectfully submitted,
Digitally signed by City of La Quinta
DN:
serialNumber=6fmhzhdhvfjz93cr,
c=st=California, l=La Quints,
o=CitCity of La Quints, cn=City of La
Quinta
Date: 2015.08.05 09:07:46 -07'00'
SUSAN MAYSELS, City Clerk
City of La Quinta, California
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 8
JULY 21, 2015
made and seconded by
p.m. Motion passed: Ayes 4,