2020 03 17 CC MinutesCITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 1 of 14 MARCH 17, 2020
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 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
MAYOR EVANS SAID THE ABILITY TO PROVIDE PUBLIC COMMENT
TELEPHONICALLY, PURSUANT TO EXECUTIVE ORDER N-25-20,
EXECUTED BY THE GOVERNOR OF CALIFORNIA ON MARCH 12, 2020,
WAS MADE AVAILABLE TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC; AND THE CITY IS
COMPLYING WITH THE RIVERSIDE COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICER’S
ORDER DATED MARCH 16, 2020, WHICH IMPOSED LIMITATIONS ON
GATHERINGS, BY PROVIDING ADDITIONAL PUBLIC MEETING AREAS
WITHIN CITY HALL FOR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO
ATTEND
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA – None
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA
City Attorney Ihrke said the City Manager, City Clerk, and the City Attorney
request that Council consider voting to add a Business Session Item to the
Agenda, and take action on that Business Session Item, pursuant to
Government Code Section 54954.2, subdivisions (b)(1) and (b)(2) of the
Ralph M. Brown Act. The additional Business Session Item asks the Council
to consider the adoption of an emergency resolution proclaiming the existence
of a Local Emergency, as defined in La Quinta Municipal Code Section
2.20.020, relating to and resulting from the existence of a spread of the novel
coronavirus disease known as COVID-19. It is the opinion of the City Attorney
that the Council may add this Business Session Item to tonight’s Agenda, by
majority vote pursuant to subdivision (a)(1), and by 4/5 vote pursuant to
subdivision (b)(2), of Government Code Section 54654.2, on the following
grounds:
1. The World Health Organization has declared COVID-19 a worldwide
pandemic, and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),
State of California Governor’s Office and Department of Public Health,
and the Riverside County Board of Supervisors and County Public Health
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 2 of 14 MARCH 17, 2020
Officer have all declared states of emergency affecting public health due
to the spread of COVID-19. As such, the spread of COVID-19 has
become and is projected to continue to be a crippling activity that
severely impairs public health or safety, or both, and therefore qualifies
as an “emergency situation” under Government Code Section 54956.5,
subdivision (a)(1).
2. Over the last two days, since the posting of the Agenda for this meeting,
state and regional authorities issued guidance and orders that pertain
to immediate efforts for preventing the spread of COVID-19, where
those guidelines and orders directly and indirectly apply to the City of
La Quinta and its residents, establishments, and public facilities.
Specifically, the State Department of Public Health issued Guidance,
dated March 16, 2020, providing recommended practices to protect
persons over 65 years of age, persons with serious chronic medical
conditions (such as heart or lung diseases), and persons with
compromised immune systems. Even more significantly, the County
Public Health Officer issued an Order, dated March 16, 2020, cancelling
and prohibiting all gatherings having an expected presence of 10 or
more persons, with very limited exceptions. As such, there is a need to
take immediate action, and that need to take action came to the
attention of Staff and the City Attorney subsequent to the posting of the
agenda, because the recent guidance and county-issued order affect the
implementation and enforcement efforts that the Council may authorize
with the adoption of an emergency resolution proclaiming a Local
Emergency relating to COVID-19.
Procedurally, if the Council would like to add the proposed resolution to the
Agenda, the Council must vote to add the item first, preferably with a
minimum 4/5 vote to cover both Subdivisions (b)(1) and (b)(2) under
Government Code Section 54654.2. If the Council votes to approve to add
this item, the Council may also choose the order in which to be considered in
the Agenda.
City Clerk Radeva requested that Consent Calendar Item No. 6 be pulled from
the Agenda.
Councilmember Peña requested that Consent Calendar Item No. 2 be pulled
for separate vote, and said he will recuse himself from voting, due to a
potential conflict of interest stemming from the proximity of real property to
this project.
Council concurred.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 3 of 14 MARCH 17, 2020
CLOSED SESSION
1. 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
2. THREAT TO PUBLIC SERVICES OR FACILITIES, PURSUANT TO
SUBDIVISION (a) OF GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54957.
CONSULTATION WITH: ALEXANDER JOHNSTON, SENIOR
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR; WILLIAM H. IHRKE,
CITY ATTORNEY
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
REPORT ON ACTION(S) TAKEN IN CLOSED SESSION:
Mayor Evans reported the following pursuant to Government Code section
54957.1 (Brown Act):
Closed Session Item No. 1 – no actions were taken that require
reporting;
Closed Session Item No. 2 – Council will continue consideration of this
item after the open session portion of the meeting.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
City Manager McMillen led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA
PUBLIC SPEAKER VIA TELEPHONIC ACCESSIBILITY: Philip Bettencourt, La
Quinta – expressed his support for the La Quinta community and its
stakeholders; said this is a time to “shelter in place” and it is important that
the community follows the recommended public health guidelines; expressed
his appreciation for the abundant community and safety resources and
services La Quinta offers to its residents; and encouraged the community to
nurture and cherish their families, to provide donations to help the community
provide resources to those in need during these difficult times, and to “share
and care together.”
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 4 of 14 MARCH 17, 2020
COUNCIL VOTE TO ADD AN EMERGENCY BUSINESS SESSION ITEM TO
THE AGENDA:
City Attorney Ihrke said per the request of the City Manager, City Clerk, and
the City Attorney the Council will consider voting to add a Business Session
Item to the Agenda, and take action on that Business Session Item, pursuant
to Government Code Section 54954.2, subdivisions (b)(1) and (b)(2) of the
Ralph M. Brown Act. The additional Business Session Item asks the Council
to consider the adoption of an emergency resolution proclaiming the existence
of a Local Emergency, as defined in La Quinta Municipal Code Section
2.20.020, relating to and resulting from the existence of a spread of the novel
coronavirus disease known as COVID-19. It is the opinion of the City Attorney
that the Council may add this Business Session Item to tonight’s Agenda, by
majority vote pursuant to subdivision (a)(1), and by 4/5 vote pursuant to
subdivision (b)(2), of Government Code Section 54654.2, on the grounds
listed under Confirmation of Agenda.
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Peña/Radi to:
(A) Find and determine there is a need to add a Business Session Item
No. 2 on the Agenda for action by the City Council because an
emergency exists as defined in Government Code Section
54956.5(a)(1) in that a crippling disaster which severely impairs
public health, safety, or both, as determined by a majority of the
members of the City Council; and this item came to the attention of
the City subsequent to the Agenda being posted and there is a need
to take immediate action on the item.
(B) Emergency Business Session Item No. 2 added to the March 17, 2020
Agenda: Adopt a resolution proclaiming the existence of a Local
Emergency in the City of La Quinta due to novel Coronavirus Disease
(COVID-19).
Motion passed unanimously.
ANNOUNCEMENTS, PRESENTATIONS AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
1. SILVERROCK RESORT PROJECT UPDATE BY ROBERT GREEN
WITH SILVERROCK DEVELOPMENT COMPANY
PRESENTATION VIA TELEPHONIC ACCESSIBILITY: President and CEO Robert
Green with SilverRock Development Company said he was unable to present
in person due to the “shelter in place” public health guidelines; gave a brief
presentation on the progress of the SilverRock Resort Project over the last
several months, including design, permitting, plan check, and construction
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 5 of 14 MARCH 17, 2020
statuses; and anticipated effects of COVID-19 containment to the project’s
projected construction and timeline.
CONSENT CALENDAR
COUNCILMEMBER PEÑA RECUSED HIMSELF FROM DISCUSSION AND
VOTE ON CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM NO. 2 DUE TO A POTENTIAL
CONFLICT OF INTEREST STEMMING FROM THE PROXIMITY OF REAL
PROPERTY INTEREST TO THE PROJECT
MAYOR EVANS SAID CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM NO. 6 WAS PULLED
FROM THE AGENDA BY CITY STAFF DURING CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA
1. APPROVE MINUTES DATED MARCH 3, 2020
2. Item pulled for separate vote by Councilmember Pena >>> ACCEPT
FRITZ BURNS POOL HEATER PROJECT LOCATED AT THE CORNER
OF AVENUE 52 AND AVENIDA BERMUDAS (PROJECT NO. 2019-
18)
3. AUTHORIZE SUBMITTAL OF THE GENERAL PLAN AND HOUSING
ELEMENT ANNUAL 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
4. ADOPT RESOLUTION TO REAFFIRM ADOPTION OF ANNUAL
ASSESSMENT FOR COUNTY SERVICE AREA 152 FOR FISCAL YEAR
2020/21; AUTHORIZE RIVERSIDE COUNTY TO CONTINUE TO
LEVY ASSESSMENTS; AND INDEMNIFY AND HOLD THE COUNTY
HARMLESS FOR LEVYING ASSESSMENTS ON CITY PARCELS
[RESOLUTION NO. 2020-005]
5. APPROVE AGREEMENT FOR FUNDING WITH RIVERSIDE COUNTY
TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION UNDER SENATE BILL 821
BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN FACILITIES PROGRAM FOR
WASHINGTON STREET AT AVENUE 50 AND CALLE TAMPICO
SIDEWALK AND AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT PROJECT
NO. 2019-23; AND APPROVE RELATED BUDGET ADJUSTMENT
FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019/20
6. Item pulled from the Agenda by City Staff >>>> AWARD CONTRACT
TO GRANITE CONSTRUCTION COMPANY FOR CONSTRUCTION OF
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 6 of 14 MARCH 17, 2020
THE AVENIDA BERMUDAS AMERICANS WITH CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA 4 MARCH 17, 2020 DISABILITIES ACT MISCELLANEOUS
IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT NO. 2019-09; AND APPROVE RELATED
BUDGET ADJUSTMENT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019/20
7. APPROVE AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO AGREEMENT FOR CONTRACT
SERVICES WITH Z&K CONSULTANTS BUILDING SOLUTIONS TO
PROVIDE CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT AND INSPECTION
SERVICES FOR THE SILVERROCK PARK VENUE PROJECT NO.
2016-08
8. RECEIVE AND FILE REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE REPORT DATED
DECEMBER 31,2019
9. APPROVE DEMAND REGISTERS DATED FEBRUARY 21 AND 28,
2020
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Peña/Radi
to approve Consent Calendar Item Nos. 1, 3-5, and 7-9, with Item No. 4
adopting Resolution No. 2020-005. Motion passed unanimously.
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers
Radi/Fitzpatrick to approve Consent Calendar Item No. 2. Motion passed –
ayes (4); noes (0); abstain (1 – Peña).
STUDY SESSION – Item taken out of Agenda order
1. DISCUSS NOVEL CORONAVIRUS DISEASE (COVID-19) AND
CONTINUITY OF CITY OPERATIONS PLANNING
City Manager McMillen, City Clerk Radeva, Senior Emergency Services
Coordinator Johnston, Community Resources Director Escobedo, Riverside
County Sheriff’s Department Captain Reynolds, Riverside County Fire
Department Chief Fish, Design and Development Director Castro, Public Works
Director/City Engineer McKinney, Assistant to the City Manager, Villalpando,
Marketing Manager Graham, and Finance Director Romero, presented the staff
report, which is on file in the Clerk’s Office.
Staff outlined the City’s efforts to prevent and mitigate the transmittal of
COVID-19 and reduce exposure for the community as well as employees by
monitoring, implementing, and practicing the recommended public health
guidelines, such as social distancing, conducting virtual meetings, cancelling
all non-essential meetings; allowing remote working alternatives; information
and permitting activities are available online, as well as short-term vacation
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 7 of 14 MARCH 17, 2020
rental permits and transient occupancy tax transmittals; offering permit
center and Code Compliance counter services by appointment only;
implementing drive-by instead of on-site inspections for field Staff; following
strict disinfecting protocols; closing the Wellness Center and La Quinta
Library; temporary suspension of group classes, exploring offering online or
take-home workout routines; establishing a senior-care network, developing
household- and food-goods buying programs that could operate from the
Wellness Center; police volunteer services, meetings, and special events have
been cancelled; police by appointment only services have been implemented
for matters requiring in person appearance; mobile field force teams have
been placed on stand-by; SilverRock golf course is still operational; Fire
Department operations, safety precautions being implemented, call levels
have remained constant, and incorporating specific COVID-19 questions
during calls; re-evaluating the need for capital improvement projects;
focusing efforts to complete projects under construction; sanitizing play
equipment at public parks; securing federal and state grant funding
extensions.
General discussion followed regarding the ability of members from the public,
who are not in high-risk category, to contribute while remaining safe, and the
category guidelines and contact information will be posted on the City’s
COVID-19 webpage; Citizens on Patrol are currently sheltering in place; ability
to sign up to receive text alert notifications from the City by texting the city’s
zip code ‘92253’ to 888777; public safety services, both police and fire,
staffing resources, safety measures, calls handling process of emergency and
non-emergency reports; non-emergency reports should be directed to (760)
836 – 3215; public safety and animal control services are operating as usual;
the City’s Emergency Operations Center has been virtually activated for now
due to the nature of the disaster and the need to comply with the social
distancing requirements to ensure everyone’s safety; availability of testing
sites and test kits; the City’s back-up generators were recently serviced and
filled-up; non-essential community, boards and commission meetings have
been cancelled; allowing flexibility for animal control licensing requirements
due to the existing circumstances which may impede resident’s ability to
comply and finding creative mobile alternatives to continue to provide animal
vaccination and spay and neuter services without increasing exposure to
COVID-19; partnering with Find Food Bank and local grocery stores to
purchase food to be delivered to residents in need; importance to actively
communicate and stay flexible as information is distributed and public health
requirements continue to change; changing restrictions limiting the maximum
number of people gathering; there hasn’t been an increase in crime activity;
school closures; importance to adhere to the public health guidelines; closures
of neighboring cities; the myriad of information available online on the City’s
website, as well as other agencies, with health advisories being posted on
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 8 of 14 MARCH 17, 2020
www.CDC.gov and www.rivcoph.org; drainage at the SilverRock Park Venue
site and along Calle Tampico; flooding issues at Washington Street and
Eisenhower Drive due to the recent heavy rainfall; and excess water at the
Avenue 50 and Eisenhower Drive intersection drains into a lake at the
Haciendas residential development, which if not properly drained into the
White Water Evacuation Channel would cause flooding.
MAYOR EVANS CALLED FOR A BRIEF RECESS AT 5:59 P.M.
MAYOR EVANS CONVENED THE COUNCIL MEETING AT 6:08 P.M. WITH
ALL MEMBERS PRESENT
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Debbie Espinosa, President and CEO with Find Food Bank –
explained in detail the services provided by Find Food Bank:
“Find Food Bank is recognized as the regional food bank serving the desert
region of California, an area consisting of over 5,000 square miles, and
spanning from the Coachella Valley windmills to the state’s border with
Arizona, with distribution sites in Blythe, up to Anza, Joshua Tree, Yucca
Valley, Twenty Nine Palms, etc; Find Food Bank holds the USDA contract
for food distribution from the federal government on commodities that feed
low income communities on a regular basis, and because of that, it also
handles commodities provided by the State of California whenever there is
a disaster emergency response, any federal and state funded food
programs offered to serve the community, primarily low income, and then
widely; other emergency services needed to serve the community are also
channeled through Find Food Bank, as well as any emergency funding
appropriated by the federal and state legislature; there are a total of 42
food banks in California; Find Food Bank works in conjunction with
America’s Food Banks, and both groups are collaborating to properly
estimate the needs for each local community in order to make adequate
funding requests; the current agency’s network consists of about 120 sites;
in addition to USDA commodities, Find Food Bank partners with local
grocery stores via food rescue pick-ups at 52 sites in the Coachella Valley,
volunteers, and accepts donations, and is able to bring in approximately 14
million pounds of food, the equivalent of 10 to 12 million meals per year,
and it is the primary food supplier to all homeless shelters, community
feeding program, and agencies pantries; additional 22 mobile pantry sites
have been deployed; the economic impact of COVID-19 pandemic has
resulted in increased food demand; Find Food Bank estimates
approximately 90,000 meals are served per month, which would increase
by 20,000 to 25,000 due to COVID-19; Find Food Bank is working closely
with Riverside County Supervisor Perez to address homelessness; having
available food services will effectively mitigate homelessness prevention
during this time because when low income communities have a food source
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 9 of 14 MARCH 17, 2020
they are able to distribute funds towards rent and health; commended the
Governor of California for declaring that a moratorium on residential
evictions will be issued; Find Food Bank is an essential service, similar to
grocery stores and will remain open during the state of emergency;
currently Find Food Bank is activated at Level 3 emergency response; folks
who are not considered as a high-health-risk may volunteer; pilot programs
to provide deliveries for home-bound seniors; and through its purchasing
programs Find Food Bank is able to obtain commodities at wholesale costs.”
General discussion followed regarding using the La Quinta Wellness Center
as a distribution site for food deliveries, in addition to the Frances Hack site;
Find Food Bank is coordinating with the local school districts to set up
additional distribution sites; piloting place-based-pantries to service areas
with high number of unemployed population; volunteering; help with raising
funds and donations; and grant funding options.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Bryant Colbert, La Quinta – said he would like to create
awareness of “It’s Local” (itslocal.us), a local La Quinta marketing group which
is concentrating 100% of its efforts within the La Quinta community only, has
developed a unique app offering a marketing platform for local businesses,
and initial one-to-three months free membership; the company is a member
of the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce; and requested to
participate in any economic development committee activities initiated by the
City to create awareness and help get the message out to the community.
Mayor Evans said she received an announcement that Riverside County
buildings are closed for in-person visits effective Wednesday, March 18,
2020.
Council discussed the City’s information technology efforts related to remote
working options and constraints, monitoring phishing attacks, and exploring
virtual meeting alternatives; monitoring federal and state legislation and
economic stimuluses and grants that might be available for small businesses;
local assistance options for local businesses; dedicated grocery store shopping
hours for residents with special needs; gathering a list of restaurants providing
take out and/or delivery services; importance to post all available information
and resources on the City’s COVID-19 website; collaborating with the local
utility companies to ensure continuation of services and payment allowances
are provided to residents and businesses due to COVID-19; temporary
moratorium on residential evictions pursuant to California Governor’s
Executive Order N-28-20; marketing efforts and community outreach to
educate and inform, press releases, social media campaign, digital billboard
messaging throughout the city, paper publications, and mobile media ads;
Finance Department’s ability to process payroll, accounts payable, bank
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 10 of 14 MARCH 17, 2020
deposits, and purchase orders remotely; anticipated revenue losses for FY
2019/20, as well as FY 2020/21; efforts to reduce expenses to mitigate the
revenue losses; the City’s reserves and investments; and the annual
redevelopment loan repayment the City is receiving from the state should not
be affected unless there is a decrease in property values.
WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENTS provided by members of the public listed below
regarding the economic affects and health threats of COVID-19 were
distributed to Council and the public, and incorporated into the agenda packet
and public record of the meeting:
Lu Ann Sims, Property Manager for One Eleven La Quinta Shopping
Center
Mark Babij, Co-Owner of Desert Insurance Solutions
Council commended Staff for their efforts to adjust quickly, maintain services,
inform the community, and anticipate changes as this situation develops and
unfolds.
BUSINESS SESSION
2. Emergency Business Session Item added and taken out of Agenda
order>>> FIND AND DETERMINE THERE IS NEED TO PLACE AN
ITEM ON THE AGENDA FOR ACTION BY THE CITY COUNCIL
BECAUSE AN EMERGENCY EXISTS DUE TO NOVEL CORONAVIRUS
DISEASE (COVID-19); AND ADOPT RESOLUTION TO PROCLAIM
LOCAL EMERGENCY FOR THE CITY
City Attorney Ihrke presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk’s
Office.
General discussion followed regarding the powers and authorities this
resolution would grant the City Manager in order to allow him to effectively
respond and mitigate COVID-19 related circumstances to ensure the health
and safety of the La Quinta community and Staff; exemptions to the 10 people
or less limitations imposed on public gatherings, including food distribution
places; ability to conduct public meetings and provide public comment via
teleconferencing pursuant to California Governor’s Executive Order N-25-20
issued on March 12, 2020; and the importance of self-responsibility and to
follow the recommended public safety guidelines to mitigate the transmittal
and spread of COVID-19, while also supporting the local business community
by utilizing drive-thru and curb-side pick up food options.
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers
Peña/Sanchez to adopt Emergency Resolution No. EM 2020-0001 proclaiming
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 11 of 14 MARCH 17, 2020
the existence of a Local Emergency in the City of La Quinta due to novel
coronavirus disease (COVID-19):
AN EMERGENCY RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA
QUINTA, CALIFORNIA, PROCLAIMING THE EXISTENCE OF A LOCAL
EMERGENCY DUE TO NOVEL CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019 (COVID-19)
Motion passed unanimously.
2. Item taken out of Agenda order >>> APPROVE PILLARS OF THE
COMMUNITY NOMINATIONS
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/Sanchez to approve Alan Woodruff as the recipient of the City’s 2020
Pillars of the Community Award. Motion passed unanimously.
PUBLIC HEARINGS – After 5:00 P.M.
1. INTRODUCE FOR FIRST READING AN ORDINANCE AMENDING
SECTIONS OF TITLES 8, 9, AND 13 OF THE LA QUINTA
MUNICIPAL CODE TO STREAMLINE DEVELOPMENT PROCESS
AND STANDARDS; CEQA: EXEMPT PURSUANT TO SECTION
15061(b)(3) REVIEW FOR EXEMPTIONS – COMMON SENSE RULE
[ORDINANCE NO. 584]
Senior Planner Flores presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk’s
Office.
MAYOR EVANS DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING OPEN AT 8:02 P.M.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Juan Perez, Principal with Perez Collaborative Drafting
Consultants, La Quinta – expressed concerns about the existing and proposed
garage, carport, and parking spaces requirements under the La Quinta
Municipal Code related to additions and remodels of existing homes,
particularly in instances when the addition and/or remodel exceeds 50% of
the total square footage of the existing dwelling.
Council discussed if the proposed remodel and/or addition is less than 50% of
the total square feet of the existing dwelling, the code does not require that a
garage be built; remodels and additions exceeding 50% of the total square
feet of the existing dwelling are substantially altering the building and would
trigger a requirement to bring the entire dwelling into compliance under the
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 12 of 14 MARCH 17, 2020
current building code standards; the size of the addition is limited to the size
of lot; accessory dwelling units are governed by a different set of regulations.
MAYOR EVANS DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED AT 8:28 P.M.
Council discussed the proposed code amendments would change the approval
authority for site development permits from the Planning Commission to the
Department Director, and noted the importance to carefully evaluate parking
requirements on a case by case bases for each development to ensure only
the adequate minimum number of parking spaces is allowed.
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers
Radi/Fitzpatrick to make a finding included in Ordinance No. 584, that
adopting this ordinance is exempt under the California Environmental Quality
Act pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) Review of Exemptions – Common Sense
Rule and is consistent with the previously approved General Plan 2035
Environmental Impact Report. Motion passed unanimously.
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers
Radi/Fitzpatrick to move to take up Ordinance No. 584 by title and number
only and waive further reading. Motion passed unanimously.
City Clerk Radeva read the following title of Ordinance No. 584 into the record:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTIONS OF TITLES 8, 9, AND 13 OF THE LA
QUINTA MUNICIPAL CODE RELATED TO STREAMLINE DEVELOPMENT
PROCESS AND STANDARDS
PROJECT: ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT 2019-002
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Radi/Peña
to introduce at first reading Ordinance No. 584 as recommended. Motion
passed unanimously.
City Clerk Radeva read into the record WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENTS provided
by Mr. Serko Khatchadourian expressing general support for the proposed
municipal code amendments, particularly removing the 20,000 sq. ft.
minimum lot size in the southeast area of the City, read aloud and included in
the public record.
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS
All reports are on file in the City Clerk’s Office.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 13 of 14 MARCH 17, 2020
3. CITY BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND OUTSIDE AGENCIES
COMMITTEES ANNUAL RECRUITMENT AND MEMBERS TERM
LIMIT
Council waived presentation of the department report.
Council expressed support and directed Staff to bring back a resolution
waiving the term limit requirements as prescribed in the La Quinta Municipal
Code for the membership of the Construction Board of Appeals; and directed
Staff to schedule a special Council meeting to conduct the annual recruitment
interviews of members serving on the City’s boards, commissions, and outside
agencies committees.
MAYOR’S AND COUNCIL MEMBERS’ ITEMS
Mayor Evans said that the President and CEO, Joshua Bonner, of the Greater
Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce has requested that the City Council
issue a letter to address residents’ and businesses’ concerns related to COVID-
19, to be published by the Chamber, as well as in the Gem.
Council said the La Quinta Arts Celebration held on March 5-9, 2020, was very
successful, had a great turn out, and commended Staff, the event producer,
and all the volunteers for a job well done.
Councilmembers Fitzpatrick, Sanchez, and Peña reported on their attendance
at the La Quinta Arts Celebration volunteer appreciation luncheon, which was
well organized and attended.
REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
La Quinta’s representative for 2020, Councilmember Fitzpatrick reported on
her participation in the following organization’s meeting:
RIVERSIDE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION (RCTC)
COUNCIL RECESSED THE OPEN SESSION PORTION OF THE MEETING
AND MOVED INTO CLOSED SESSION AT 8:50 P.M.
MAYOR EVANS RECONVENED THE OPEN SESSION PORTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL MEETING AT 9:10 P.M. WITH ALL MEMBERS PRESENT
REPORT ON ACTION(S) TAKEN IN CLOSED SESSION:
City Attorney Ihrke reported no actions were taken on Closed Session Item
No. 2 that require reporting pursuant to Government Code section 54957.1
(Brown Act).
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 14 of 14 MARCH 17, 2020
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, a motion was made and seconded by
Councilmembers Peña/Fitzpatrick to adjourn at 9:10 p.m. Motion passed
unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
MONIKA RADEVA, City Clerk
City of La Quinta, California