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2020 06 02 CC MinutesCITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 1 of 9 JUNE 2, 2020 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 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 to 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, Deputy City Clerk Romane, Assistant to the City Manager Villalpando, Senior Planner Flores, Associate Engineer Yu, Marketing Manager Graham, Senior Emergency Management Coordinator Johnston, Finance Director Romero, and Riverside County Sherriff’s Department Lieutenant Buompensiero, and Riverside County Sherriff’s Department Captain Reynolds. PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA – None CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA – Confirmed CLOSED SESSION 1. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54957.6; CITY DESIGNATED REPRESENTATIVE: CHRIS ESCOBEDO, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY RESOURCES, AND EMPLOYEE ORGANIZATION: LA QUINTA CITY EMPLOYEES’ ASSOCIATION, AND UNREPRESENTED EMPLOYEES (VARIOUS POSITIONS IN ALL CITY DEPARTMENTS) 2. THREAT TO PUBLIC SERVICES OR FACILITIES, PURSUANT TO SUBDIVISION (a) OF GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54957. CONSULTATION WITH: ALEXANDER JOHNSTON, SENIOR CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 2 of 9 JUNE 2, 2020 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR; WILLIAM H. IHRKE, CITY ATTORNEY 3. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION; SIGNIFICANT EXPOSURE TO LITIGATION PURSUANT TO PARAGRAPH (2) OR (3) OF SUBDIVISION (D) OF SECTION 54956.9 (NUMBER OF POTENTIAL CASES: 1) COUNCIL RECESSED THE OPEN SESSION PORTION OF THE MEETING AND MOVED INTO CLOSED SESSION AT 3:03 P.M. MAYOR EVANS RECONVENED THE OPEN SESSION PORTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING AT 4:09 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 54957.1 (Brown Act). PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Evans led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA City Clerk Radeva said the following WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENTS were received as of 4:15 p.m., which were distributed to Council, and incorporated into the agenda packet and public record of the meeting:  Dale Tyreman, La Quinta – thanked Council for their leadership and engagement; and noted landscaping improvements along Avenue 60 would resume effective June 1, 2020; and  Steven Parker, La Quinta – in opposition of short-term vacation rental allowances to re-open pursuant to California state and Riverside county COVID-19 directives for re-opening the economy. PUBLIC SPEAKER: Steve Cherry, La Quinta – inquired about the status of the following two projects: 1. CV Link regional project spearheaded by the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) – a multi-modal transportation project for bicyclists, pedestrians, and low speed electric vehicles, that will run continuously from Desert Hot Springs to Coachella; and 2. The Wave at Coral Mountain project – a 15-acre wave pool with an associated hotel/hospitality component, 600 residential units, and neighborhood commercial center and a community farm. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 3 of 9 JUNE 2, 2020 Mr. Cherry submitted written statements regarding the two projects listed above which were distributed to Council, and incorporated into the agenda packet and public record of the meeting as hand-outs. PUBLIC SPEAKER: Brad Anderson, Rancho Mirage – spoke in opposition of the City’s Executive Order No. 8 effectuating requirements for the use of face coverings and social distancing in stores and businesses, and Council’s deliberations under closed session on this subject on May 11, 2020 Special Council Meeting; and asked Council to look into the efforts of the Coachella Valley Mosquito Vector Control District (CVMVCD) to mitigate and control mosquitos outbreaks and related diseases. Mayor Evans said the City is in communications with the CVMVCD, who will be providing a presentation and an update on their current efforts in the very near future. PUBLIC SPEAKER: David Dinnel, La Quinta – thanked Council for lifting the restrictions on short-term vacation rentals in the City, and to Mayor Evans for reaching out to him. ANNOUNCEMENTS, PRESENTATIONS AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS 1. LA QUINTA ART CELEBRATION – MARCH 2020 EVENT SUMMARY PRESENTATION BY EVENT PRODUCER PAUL ANDERSON Chief Executive Officer Paul Anderson with SCOPE Events, LLC, event producer of the 2020 La Quinta Art Celebration, Event Director Kathleen Hughes, and Volunteer Manager Debby Nelson gave a brief presentation on the successful event turn-out, artists’ and patrons’ comments and feedback, artists participation, attendance, sales volume and type, parking, food and beverage, lessons learned, and ongoing efforts in preparation of the 2021 event anticipated to be held between March 4 through 7. Council commended the event organizers for their dedication, innovative vision, and implementing changes to improve the circulation of patrons throughout the park, food court set-up, availability of valet parking, etc. CONSENT CALENDAR 1. APPROVE MINUTES DATED MAY 5, 2020 2. APPROVE MINUTES DATED MAY 19, 2020 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 4 of 9 JUNE 2, 2020 3. ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 585 ON SECOND READING AMENDING CHAPTER 2.60 OF THE LA QUINTA MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE 4. ADOPT RESOLUTIONS TO (1) APPROVE PRELIMINARY 2020/21 ENGINEER’S ANNUAL LEVY REPORT FOR LANDSCAPE AND LIGHTING ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 89-1, AND (2) DECLARE INTENT TO LEVY ANNUAL ASSESSMENT FOR LANDSCAPE AND LIGHTING ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 89-1 [RESOLUTION NOS. 2020-015 AND 2020-016] 5. ADOPT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE PLACE COLLECTION COSTS FOR SOLID WASTE HANDLING SERVICES AT SINGLE-FAMILY DWELLINGS ON TAX ROLLS [RESOLUTION NO. 2020-017] 6. APPROVE DEMAND REGISTERS DATED MAY 15 AND 22, 2020 7. RECEIVE AND FILE REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE REPORT DATED APRIL 30, 2020 MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Radi/Fitzpatrick to approve the Consent Calendar as recommended, with Item No. 3 adopting Ordinance No. 585, and Item No. 4 adopting Resolution Nos. 2020-015 and 2020-016, and Item No. 5 adopting Resolution No. 2020-017. Motion passed unanimously. BUSINESS SESSION 1. APPROVE MODIFIED ROUND III COVID-19 SMALL BUSINESS EMERGENCY ECONOMIC RELIEF PROGRAM (PROGRAM) FOR LA QUINTA BUSINESSES IMPACTED BY NOVEL CORONAVIRUS DISEASE Assistant to the City Manager Villalpando presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk’s Office. Council discussed additional signage is available for businesses to inform the public that businesses are open; Souplantation is closing down, and Staff has received inquiries from other businesses interested to occupy that location; extend the Round III Program application deadline from June 26 to December 31, 2020, and/or until funds are depleted, to allow for businesses which are currently not allowed to re-open or wish to re-open after the summer months to still apply; expenses eligible for reimbursement must be COVID-19 related, and have occurred anytime from the California Governor’s declaration of emergency on March 19, 2020, through the end of the year; both non-profit CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 5 of 9 JUNE 2, 2020 and for-profit businesses can apply for Round III Program; encouraged the local community to shop in La Quinta whenever possible to support its businesses; and noted receipts of Round I and II of the loan program are not precluded from applying for Round III. Council urged businesses to prepare their venues for COVID-19 re-opening as soon as possible and to apply while funds are still available. MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Radi/Sanchez to approve Round III, COVID-19 Small Business Emergency Economic Relief Program for La Quinta businesses impacted by novel coronavirus disease as modified by extending the application deadline through December 31, 2020, and/or until funds are depleted, and to allow non-profit and for-profit businesses to apply. Motion passed unanimously. 2. APPROVE AL FRESCO DINING PROGRAM TO ALLOW ADDITIONAL OUTDOOR SEATING OPTIONS FOR DINE-IN RESTAURANTS PURSUANT TO COVID-19 INDUSTRY GUIDELINES Senior Planner Flores and Design and Development Director Castro presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk’s Office. Council discussed options to mitigate the summer heat in the desert and be able to successfully implement al fresco dining by utilizing misters, landscaping, shading, etc.; adding a condition of approval to the City’s Al Fresco Dining Program (Program) to require businesses to submit a copy of the California state authorized “COVID-19 Temporary Catering Authorization Application” they have submitted with the Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC); the Program application must be signed by the business center owner or management company, indicating that the business has obtained their approval; including designated outside areas for carry-out orders and waiting to be seated; designating parking spaces specifically for curb-side-pick-up; MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Fitzpatrick/Sanchez to approve an Al Fresco Dining Program to allow additional outdoor seating options for dine-in restaurants in response to COVID-19 pursuant to industry guidelines, as amended to include a condition of approval requiring a copy of the business’ “COVID-19 Temporary Catering Authorization Application” with the ABC. Motion passed unanimously. PUBLIC HEARINGS – After 5:00 P.M. – taken out of Agenda order 1. ADOPT RESOLUTION TO VACATE A PORTION OF THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF AVENIDA MONTEZUMA AND AVENIDA CARRANZA CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 6 of 9 JUNE 2, 2020 PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY IN THE SANTA CARMELITA AT VALE LA QUINTA SUBDIVISION, UNIT NO. 6 [RESOLUTION NO. 2020-018] Associate Engineer Yu presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk’s Office. MAYOR EVANS DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING OPEN AT 5:33 P.M. PUBLIC SPEAKER: Greg Jackson, applicant – said based on the existing street improvements at the southeast corner of Avenida Montezuma and Avenida Carranza, the street configuration of Avenida Carranza was changed, and the public right-of-way is no longer needed, thus, the owners have filed the proposed street vacation. MAYOR EVANS DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED AT 5:36 P.M. MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Peña/Radi to adopt Resolution No. 2020-018 to vacate a 2,703-square-foot portion of the southeast corner of Avenida Montezuma and Avenida Carranza public right-of- way in the Santa Carmelita at Vale La Quinta Subdivision, Unit No. 6: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA, VACATING A 2,703-SQUARE-FOOT PORTION OF THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF AVENIDA MONTEZUMA AND AVENIDA CARRANZA PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY IN THE SANTA CARMELITA AT VALE LA QUINTA SUBDIVISION, UNIT NO. 6 Motion passed unanimously. MAYOR EVANS CALLED FOR BRIEF BREAK AT 5:38 P.M. MAYOR EVANS RECONVENED THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING AT 6:07 P.M. WITH ALL MEMBERS PRESENT STUDY SESSION – taken out of Agenda order 1. DISCUSS NOVEL CORONAVIRUS DISEASE (COVID-19) OPERATIONAL IMPACTS, CONTINUITY OF CITY OPERATIONS, COMMUNITY AND BUSINESS RESOURCES City Manager McMillen and Marketing Manager Graham presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk’s Office. City Manager McMillen provided an overview of the most recent substantive amendments to the City’s Executive Order Nos. 2, 5, and 7, modifying restrictions related to child play equipment at City-owned parks, uses for CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 7 of 9 JUNE 2, 2020 outdoor recreation at parks, trails, and recreational courts, including reopening of public restrooms, and short-term rentals. General discussion followed regarding the City’s COVID-19 marketing outreach efforts, including digital billboards messaging, radio campaign is running in English and Spanish, digital ads, press releases, and social media. Council noted the City’s existing marketing agreement, executed prior to the pandemic, included digital billboard services, which are now being used to spread COVID-19 important messages, and no additional funds were expended for this effort. 2. DISCUSS REOPENING PLAN FOR CITY FACILITIES WITH WORKPLACE MODIFICATIONS Senior Emergency Management Coordinator Johnston presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk’s Office. Council discussed costs associated with automating the south parking lot entrance doors; possibly having Riverside County reimburse the City for COVID-19 facilities preparedness expenses for the La Quinta Museum and Library, as they are staffed and operated by the County; process for screening Staff daily as each one reports to work; incorporating work-from-home alternatives for Staff; phased-in gradual reopening of City facilities, starting by appointments only; establishing social distancing guidelines for Staff to observe in City facilities; Council directed Staff to finalize the City’s COVID-19 reopening plan outlining workplace modifications for City facilities; bring it back for Council’s review and consideration at the June 16, 2020 regular meeting; and aim for June 17, 2020, to be targeted reopening date for City facilities. 3. DISCUSS FISCAL YEAR 2020/21 PRELIMINARY PROPOSED BUDGET Finance Director Romero, Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Captain John Pingel and Lieutenant Robert Rose presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk’s Office. Council discussed modifying the name for the “Music Line” project to accurately reflect that it is a multi-agency effort to establish connectivity throughout the Coachella Valley along Avenue 48, similar to the CV Link project; and importance to inquire with Riverside County if any of the federal funding received related to COVID-19 can be applied to expenses to implement health CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 8 of 9 JUNE 2, 2020 and safety precaution measures for employees at the La Quinta Museum and Library, as these facilities are operated by the County. Captain Pingel said in 2019 the Riverside Sheriff’s Department established a Research and Development Division (R&D) to find efficiencies and cost saving measures to be passed onto city partners; and noted Lieutenant Rose will present two hybrid deployment models for police service delivery for Council’s consideration tonight, that are data driven and custom designed for La Quinta based on historical data, instead of population based. Lieutenant Rose explained in detail the ‘Patrol Operations’ workload-based model service delivery option structured on three key principles – actual workload, proper workload distribution between Deputies and Community Safety Officers, and best business model selection; and presented Hybrid Options 1 and 2 designed specifically for La Quinta based on prior years data. Council discussed the presented hybrid options for police service delivery are only models and have not yet been tested in practice, thus, the projections of each model have not been confirmed; potential impacts on service delivery if the projections don’t turn out as expected, and the timeframe it would take to make such a determination; ability to properly track and evaluate performance under the hybrid models; self-reporting capabilities; beat integrity; booking fees; importance of the underlying organizational cultural change of the Sheriff’s Department; ‘proactive time’ is designed to drive crime rates down, which in turn reduce the calls for service; an overall comparison of the modified service delivery methods between the traditional and proposed hybrid service delivery options, including dedicated versus contracted positions, number guaranteed hours of service delivery under the contract; and the importance for the Sheriff’s Department to establish a long-term vision to effectively manage service delivery and constantly rising costs going forward. Council said the proposed service delivery models were innovative and interesting, and they would like more time to study the research and theoretical framework used to develop the models, in order to better understand it; and perhaps consider a pilot program. Council expressed general support to conduct further evaluation of the proposed hybrid service delivery options; and engage the Financial Advisory Commission to review the models in detail and provide recommendations to Council for consideration. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 9 of 9 JUNE 2, 2020 DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS All reports are on file in the City Clerk’s Office. Riverside County Sherriff’s Department Lieutenant Buompensiero and Captain Reynolds provided an overview of the peaceful demonstration, protesting police brutality, held tonight at the La Quinta Community Park off Avenida Montezuma, between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.; noted there were approximately 50- 60 protesters, who were very peaceful and polite; and there was no impact on the surrounding businesses or traffic. MAYOR’S AND COUNCIL MEMBERS’ ITEMS Mayor Evans thanked the Council for their support in La Quinta taking the lead to establish communications with other agencies, engaging Mayors of surrounding cities, and making decisions to preserve the health and safety of the La Quinta community based on data Mayor Evans noted the City’s banner program and yard signs acknowledging La Quinta High School students, as well as having their names printed in the Gem newspaper. Mayor Pro Tem Peña said Dr. Carreon Foundation sponsored yard signs to acknowledge La Quinta High School scholars. REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS La Quinta’s representative for 2020, Councilmember Radi reported on his participation in the following organizations’ meetings:  CVAG TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE  SUNLINE TRANSIT AGENCY ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, a motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Radi/Fitzpatrick to adjourn at 8:42 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. Respectfully submitted, MONIKA RADEVA, City Clerk City of La Quinta, California