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2020 04 21 CC MinutesCITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 1 of 8 APRIL 21, 2020 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2020 CALL TO ORDER A regular meeting of the La Quinta City Council was called to order at 3:01 p.m. by Mayor Evans. This meeting was held by teleconference pursuant to Executive orders N-25- 20, N-29-20, N-33-20, and N-35-20, executed by the Governor of California in response to the state of emergency relating to novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and enabling teleconferencing accommodations by suspending or waiving specified provisions of the Ralph M. Brown Act (Government Code § 54950 et seq.). PRESENT: Councilmembers Fitzpatrick, Peña, Radi, Sanchez, Mayor Evans ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: City Manager McMillen, City Attorney Ihrke, City Clerk Radeva, Finance Director Romero, Assistant to the City Manager Villalpando, Marketing Manager Graham, Community Resources Director Escobedo, Design and Development Director Castro. PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA Mayor Evans said a couple of WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENTS were received and will be announced at 4:00 p.m. during Open Session under the ‘Public Comment on Matters Not on the Agenda’ section of the meeting; and Staff continues to monitor emails should additional written comments or requests for verbal comments be received. CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA Councilmember Peña requested that Consent Calendar Item No. 9 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 2 of 8 APRIL 21, 2020 CLOSED SESSION 1. 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 2. 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 COUNCIL RECESSED THE OPEN SESSION PORTION OF THE MEETING AND MOVED INTO CLOSED SESSION AT 3:04 P.M. MAYOR EVANS RECONVENED THE OPEN SESSION PORTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING AT 4:03 P.M. WITH ALL MEMBERS PRESENT REPORT ON ACTION(S) TAKEN IN CLOSED SESSION: City Attorney Ihrke reported no actions were taken in Closed Session that require reporting pursuant to Government Code Section 54950 et seq. (Brown Act). PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Evans led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA Mayor Evans and City Clerk Radeva said WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENTS were provided by:  Steve Cherry, La Quinta – related to the proposed Wave project submitted by CM Wave Development LLC and CV Link;  Lenard Dobrowoski, La Quinta – related to restrictions on short-term vacation rentals due to COVID-19 local emergency. Staff will continue to monitor emails and will announce any additional written public comments or requests for verbal public comments if received. ANNOUNCEMENTS, PRESENTATIONS AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS - None CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 3 of 8 APRIL 21, 2020 CONSENT CALENDAR 1. APPROVE MINUTES OF APRIL 7, 2020 2. ADOPT EMERGENCY RESOLUTION TO EXTEND THE TERMS OF MEMBERS OF CERTAIN CITY COMMISSIONS FOR ONE ADDITIONAL YEAR IN ACCORDANCE WITH LA QUINTA MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 2.06.030 DUE TO NOVEL CORONAVIRUS DISEASE (COVID-19) LOCAL EMERGENCY [EMERGENCY RESOLUTION NO. EM 2020-006] 3. ADOPT RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE APPLICATION FOR AND RECEIPT OF LOCAL EARLY ACTION PLANNING GRANTS PROGRAM FUNDS WITH THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TO STREAMLINE AND INCREASE HOUSING PRODUCTION [RESOLUTION NO. 2020 – 007] 4. ADOPT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE LA QUINTA’S PROJECT LIST FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020/21 FOR SENATE BILL 1 – ROAD REPAIR AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT 2017 FUNDING [RESOLUTION NO. 2020-008] 5. ADOPT RESOLUTION DESIGNATING SPEED LIMITS FOR AVENUE 58 FROM JEFFERSON STREET TO MADISON STREET, AVENUE 54 FROM JEFFERSON STREET TO MONROE STREET, PARK AVENUE FROM CALLE TAMPICO TO AVENUE 50, CALLE TAMPICO FROM EISENHOWER DRIVE TO WASHINGTON STREET, AND PALM ROYALE FROM FRED WARING DRIVE TO WASHINGTON STREET [RESOLUTION NO. 2020-009] 6. APPROVE FISCAL YEAR 2020/21 THROUGH 2024/25 MEASURE A HALF CENT SALES TAX FIVE-YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN 7. APPROVE GRANT OF EASEMENT TO COACHELLA VALLEY WATER DISTRICT FOR ACCESS AND MAINTENANCE OF WATER PIPELINES LOCATED WITHIN CITY-OWNED LAND ON AVENIDA BERMUDAS 8. APPROVE AMENDMENT NO. 9 TO PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH BENGAL ENGINEERING, INC FOR THE DUNE PALMS ROAD BRIDGE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 2011-05 9. Item pulled for separate vote by Councilmember Peña >>> AWARD CONTRACT TO GRANITE CONSTRUCTION COMPANY FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE AVENIDA BERMUDAS AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT MISCELLANEOUS IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 4 of 8 APRIL 21, 2020 NO. 2019-09; AND APPROVE RELATED BUDGET ADJUSTMENT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019/20 10. APPROVE SOLUTIONS MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT WITH SUPERION, LLC TO PROVIDE HOSTING AND MAINTENANCE SERVICES FOR THE CITY’S PERMITTING SOFTWARE (TRAKiT) 11. AUTHORIZE PURCHASES WITH XPRESS GRAPHICS FOR UP TO $80,000 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019/20 12. RECEIVE AND FILE REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE REPORT DATED JANUARY 31, 2020 13. APPROVE DEMAND REGISTERS DATED MARCH 20 AND 27, AND APRIL 3, 2020 14. EXCUSE ABSENCES FOR PLANNING COMMISSIONER LIBOLT- VARNER FROM THE MAY 12 AND 26, 2020 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETINGS MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Radi/Fitzpatrick to approve the Consent Calendar Item Nos. 1-8, and 10-14 as recommended, with Item Nos. 2 adopting Emergency Resolution No. 2020- 006, and Item Nos. 3, 4, and 5 adopting Resolution Nos. 2020-007, 2020- 008, and 2020-009, respectively. Motion passed unanimously. CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM NO. 9 COUNCILMEMBER PEÑA RECUSED HIMSELF FROM DISCUSSION AND VOTE ON CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM NO. 9 DUE TO A POTENTIAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST STEMMING FROM THE PROXIMITY OF REAL PROPERTY INTEREST TO THE PROJECT MOTION - A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Radi/Fitzpatrick to approve the Consent Calendar Item No. 9 as recommended. Motion passed: ayes (4); noes (0); abstain (1-Peña) BUSINESS SESSION 1. RECEIVE AND FILE FISCAL YEAR 2019/20 THIRD QUARTER BUDGET REPORT, APPROVE THE RECOMMENDED BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS Finance Director Romero and Assistant to the City Manager Villalpando presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk’s Office. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 5 of 8 APRIL 21, 2020 Council discussed the importance for all City departments and contract services to achieve equal savings to help mitigate the loss of revenue; COVID-19 Small Business Emergency Economic Relief Program (Program) inquiries and requests for assistance should be directed to Management Specialist Kinley at (760) 777–7085; Program application submittals were launched this afternoon, and City has received 36 applications so far; the proposed fiscal year 2020/21 budget will be presented to Council for review and consideration over the next four regular public meetings, and to the Financial Advisory Commission and Housing Commission as well; and the City’s ability to mitigate this unexpected economic downturn, provide economic assistance to local businesses, and maintain services for the community is due to its well managed fiscal reserves. Council commended the efforts of the ad-hoc committee to get the Program launched quickly and effectively to offer the economic assistance local businesses need at this time. MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Peña/Radi to receive and file fiscal year 2019/20 Third Quarter Budget Report and approve the budget adjustments as recommended. Motion passed unanimously. STUDY SESSION 1. DISCUSS NOVEL CORONAVIRUS DISEASE (COVID-19) OPERATIONAL IMPACTS, CONTINUITY OF CITY OPERATIONS, COMMUNITY AND BUSINESS RESOURCES City Manager McMillen, Marketing Manager Graham, Community Resources Director Escobedo, and Design and Development Director Castro presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk’s Office. General discussion followed regarding the collaboration of cities in the Coachella Valley in order to achieve a unified approach in unwinding the local economies and community restrictions, including amendments to La Quinta’s Executive Orders allowing limited uses of certain facilities, golf courses, parks, trails, public parking lots, playground equipment, etc., while observing health and safety guidelines; emphasized the importance to follow the health and safety guidelines; and restrictions are being loosened based on data from the Riverside County Public Health Officer, and implemented in a phased and sub- regional approach in collaboration with the County and the neighboring cities. Staff provided an update on the City’s marketing and outreach efforts to reach all members of the community and ensure the flow of accurate information, including Nixle, social media, digital billboards, Spanish radio CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 6 of 8 APRIL 21, 2020 campaign; free business banners distribution; volunteer opportunities; #LoveLQ spotlighting La Quinta businesses helping the community; and continuous updates are posted on the City’s COVID-19 informational microsite, including CDC videos and Riverside County Public Health releases. Staff provided an update on the City’s COVID-19 compliance related cases, complaints, inspections, and citations issued; food distribution efforts; and the City’s resource line for food distribution inquiries is (760) 564–0096. Council encouraged residents to reach out, so they can receive the help they need. Staff said next week the YMCA will start providing childcare services for essential workers utilizing the La Quinta Museum; and the City’s Creation Station has produced over 200 pieces of protective gear that have been deployed to hospitals and first respondents. Staff provided an update on the City’s Short-Term Vacation Rental Program (STVR) operational restrictions, limited exceptions, related required approvals by the City, available online services, STVR hotline is (760) 777–7157, and STVR inquiries should be directed to (760) 777–7000; continuity of services and related City Hall improvements to provide a safe environment for Staff and the public, and ensure social distancing guidelines are followed to preserve everyone’s health. Council commended Staff for taking a proactive approach to prepare City Hall in anticipation of an upcoming directive to re-open and to ensure everyone’s safety. Council commended City Manager McMillen for his continuous communications with the community to ensure everyone is heard, and concerns and recommendations are taken into consideration; thanked him for his responsiveness to Council, and effective implementation of ever-changing health and safety directives. Council commended City Attorney Ihrke for his dedicated service and efforts to ensure Council’s directives are carried out as quickly as possible. Council noted the City is open for business and operations continue as usual, regardless of the closure of City Hall, and all City services are available online. Mayor Pro Tem Peña encouraged the public to continue to reach out to Council and Staff to provide valuable comment, particularly if there are areas where the City can achieve some things better and/or different; noted the City is focusing on its ability to adapt quickly and implement changes on the fly; said he was pleased to see the turn-out of applications on the City’s relief Program for small businesses; and expressed his gratitude to Staff, as well as to the La Quinta residents for their support and constructive criticism. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 7 of 8 APRIL 21, 2020 Councilmember Fitzpatrick said Council’s priority is to come up with a regional collaborative strategy to reopen, and City Manager McMillen has been instrumental in spearheading communications with neighboring cities for this effort to identify a unified sub-regional approach for the Coachella Valley; noted this is going to be a slow phased-in approach in order to ensure everyone’s safety; social distancing guidelines will stay in place and it will feel a lot different from a few months ago; said there is a difference of opinions in the community on reopening; and emphasized that Council and Staff are staying informed, and the reopening will be data driven. Councilmember Sanchez echoed the comments provided by fellow Councilmembers; empathized with the community and acknowledged that the quarantine orders are difficult; noted the reopening will be based on data, similar to all decisions La Quinta makes, always based on data, and prioritizing everyone’s health and safety; said the unwinding will be slow and executed in a reasonable manner; noted the City’s strong financial reserves and ability to provide a relief Program for its local businesses; and encouraged the community to continue to provide comments, and to act responsibly by following the directives, so we can together ensure everyone’s health and safety. Councilmember Radi said the data is positive, and we need to continue to be cautious; noted face masks are uncomfortable, however emphasized the study results showing that when both parties are wearing a face mask, the probability of transmitting COVID-19 is 1.5%, compared to 75% transmission probability when neither party is wearing it; thanked the residents who constructively used this time to help the community with their talents, or acquired new talents so they can actively assist others, or check-in with residents; encouraged the community to reach out to the City with their needs, so we can provide the assistance needed and we can all stay stronger together. Mayor Evans said the City’s restrictions are being amended based on data, however, residents decide what is right for them individually; noted the City is trying to find a balance and reopen gradually while ensuring the community’s health and safety; emphasized the importance to follow social distancing guidelines; thanked the golf community for assisting the City in establishing guidelines for golf course use that are more restrictive than the county’s based on research and comments provided by local members and golf course operators; said the City’s decisions are thoughtful, data driven, deliberative, well informed, and aimed at a sub-regional collaborative approach; thanked Council and Staff for their efforts to ensure we provide the services and support the community needs, as this is far from over, and we need to continue to be there for each other; and said STVR and large gatherings are not likely to be allowed in the foreseeable future. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 8 of 8 APRIL 21, 2020 PUBLIC HEARINGS – None DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS All reports are on file in the City Clerk’s Office. Councilmember Fitzpatrick requested that Staff evaluate the sports facilities use fees. MAYOR’S AND COUNCIL MEMBERS’ ITEMS – None REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS La Quinta’s representative for 2020, Mayor Evans reported on her participation in continuous White House updates; and noted the League of California Cities – Riverside County Division Mayors conference call is scheduled for Wednesday, April 22, 2020, to discuss strategies for reopening the economy. La Quinta’s representative for 2020, Councilmember Fitzpatrick reported on her participation in the following organization’s meeting:  RIVERSIDE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION (RCTC) La Quinta’s representative for 2020, Councilmember Peña reported on his participation in various League of California Cities COVID-19 related webinars, including how utility companies are handling the current state of emergency. La Quinta’s representative for 2020, Councilmember Radi said SunLine Transit Agency Board meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 22, 2020, and he will report out during the next Council meeting. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, a motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Peña/Fitzpatrick to adjourn at 5:31 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. Respectfully submitted, MONIKA RADEVA, City Clerk City of La Quinta, California