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2020 10 06 CC MinutesCITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 1 of 14 OCTOBER 6, 2020 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2020 CALL TO ORDER A regular meeting of the La Quinta City Council was called to order at 3:30 p.m. by Mayor Evans. This meeting provided teleconference accessibility 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, Deputy City Clerk Romane, Finance Director Romero, Planning Manager Flores, Design and Development Director Castro, Public Works Director/City Engineer McKinney, Community Resources Director Escobedo, Community Resources Manager Calderon, Management Analyst Torres, Management Assistant Calderon, and Traffic Operations Analyst Gunterson. PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA – None CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA City Clerk Radeva said Staff requests the following:  Add “Introduce Sergeant George Acevedo with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Special Enforcement Team” under Announcements, Presentations, and Written Communications; and  Pull Business Session Item No. 3 from the Agenda. Councilmember Sanchez requested that Consent Calendar Item Nos. 3 and 4 be pulled from the Consent Calendar and considered as Business Session Item Nos. 5 and 6, respectively. Councilmember Peña said he will recuse himself from discussion and vote on Consent Calendar Item No. 4, requested to be moved to Business Session Item No. 6, due to a potential conflict of interest stemming from the proximity of real property to the projects. Council concurred. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 2 of 14 OCTOBER 6, 2020 CLOSED SESSION 1. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.8 FOR PROPERTY LOCATED ON HIGHWAY 111 EAST OF DUNE PALMS (APN 600-020-053) CITY NEGOTIATOR: JON MCMILLEN, CITY MANAGER PROPERTY OWNER: CITY OF LA QUINTA UNDER NEGOTIATION: PRICE AND TERMS OF PAYMENT AND/OR DISPOSITION OF THE PROPERTY IDENTIFIED 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 3:33 P.M. MAYOR EVANS RECONVENED THE OPEN SESSION PORTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING AT 4:07 P.M. WITH ALL MEMBERS PRESENT REPORT ON ACTION(S) TAKEN IN CLOSED SESSION: City Attorney Ihrke reported the following pursuant to Government Code 54950 et seq. (Brown Act): CLOSED SESSION ITEM NO. 1 – no reportable actions; and CLOSED SESSION ITEM NO. 2 – the City Council continued its review of the status of the threat to public services and facilities relating to the state and local public health emergencies caused by COVID-19 and the City’s responses to limit the general spread of the virus and took the following action: Motion – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Radi/Peña directing and authorizing the City Manager to amend Executive Order No. 10 and extend the moratorium on processing new applications for short-term vacation rental (STVR) permits until February 2, 2021. Motion passed unanimously. Mayor Evans said the Council anticipates to hear and consider recommendations from the Short-Term Vacation Rental Program Ad-hoc Committee (STVR Committee) at the October 20, 2020, regular meeting; and the moratorium on new STVR permits is appropriate until Council has an opportunity to consider the STVR Committee’s findings and recommendations in order to determine what amendments to the current STVR program might be suitable. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 3 of 14 OCTOBER 6, 2020 Mayor Evans on behalf of the City Council commended the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department for their quick and brave actions related to an officer- involved shooting and an avoidance of an active shooter incident in front of La Quinta City Hall on Thursday, September 24, 2020; and expressed Council’s and Staff’s immense gratitude. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Pro Tem Peña led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. ANNOUNCEMENTS, PRESENTATIONS AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS Added by City Staff >>> INTRODUCE SERGEANT GEORGE ACEVEDO WITH THE RIVERSIDE COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT SPECIAL ENFORCEMENT TEAM Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Lieutenant Buompensiero introduced Sergeant George Acevedo who spoke about his experience and qualifications, and said he is excited to join the La Quinta Special Enforcement Team. PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA City Clerk Radeva said the following WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENTS, listed in alphabetical order, were received as of 3:00 p.m., which were distributed to Council, and incorporated into the agenda packet and public record of the meeting:  Shevy Akason, La Quinta – in support of STVRs;  Philip Bettencourt, La Quinta – related to the proposed Church of the Red Door project in the City of Indio;  Peter Capobianco, La Quinta – in opposition of STVRs;  Marcia Cutchin, La Quinta – in support of extending the moratorium for STVRs;  Kimberly Estrada, La Quinta – requesting that the same noise restrictions are imposed to both homeowners and STVR operators;  Andrew Forester – in opposition of State Measure 16;  George and Geraldine Harmina, La Quinta – in opposition of STVRs;  Stephen Klempa, La Quinta – requesting the City implement a designated pedestrian crossing on Adams Street, near La Palma Drive (Adams Park);  La Quinta Residents on Fiesta Drive – petition to ban STVRs;  Jim and Barbara Lambert, La Quinta – in opposition of STVRs;  Kenneth (Ken) and Gail Merchant, La Quinta – in opposition of STVRs;  Barbara Montavon, La Quinta – in support of stricter regulations of STVRs;  Robert Cedergreen, La Quinta – in support of The Wave project at Coral Mountain. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 4 of 14 OCTOBER 6, 2020 The following PUBLIC SPEAKERS provided verbal comments via TELEPHONIC ACCESSIBILITY:  Kimberly Estrada, La Quinta – requested that the same noise restrictions are imposed to both homeowners and STVR operators; and said a lot of the complaints related to STVRs are false.  Carrie Breeswine, La Quinta – said a balance between STVRs and residents’ quality of life is necessary; consider imposing a minimum 14-day rental for STVRs; thanked Council for extending the moratorium on new STVR permits; and said compliance and enforcement must be achieved.  Philip Bettencourt, La Quinta – in support of the street improvements recommended by City Staff related to the mitigated negative declaration for the Church at the Red Door project in the City of Indio.  Olivier Chaine, La Quinta – in support of responsible STVR operators and ensuring undisturbed quality of life for the surrounding neighbors.  Kim Heerlein, Indio – inquired about the City’s process of contacting the owner/local contact of STVRs when complaints are received.  Karen Parnell, La Quinta – requested the lifting of the moratorium on new STVR permits; and asked the STVR Committee’s recommendations related to additional regulations to the STVR program be supported by data. The following PUBLIC SPEAKER, listed in the order in which they spoke, provided IN-PERSON verbal comments:  Michael Case, La Quinta – spoke about the issues he is experiencing from the STVR operated property next to his home; and provided recommendations on how the City can improve STVR compliance and regulations enforcement.  Richard Gray, La Quinta – said La Quinta should switch from at-large to district elections; consider imposing term-limits for serving on the City Council; requested the City implement a designated pedestrian crossing on Adams Street, near La Palma Drive (Adams Park); and spoke in opposition of the Pavilion Palms shopping center project, including of the proposed fueling station; asked that the construction of the Dune Palms bridge be expedited; expressed concerns about the approval of delays for the SilverRock resort project; general community safety concerns; the former Ralph’s grocery store on Calle Tampico must be rejuvenated; recommended the City consider reducing taxes to attract more businesses.  David Dinnel, La Quinta – said he is a member of the Vacation Rental Owners and Neighbors – La Quinta (VRON-LQ) organization; Burrtec offers enhanced trash pick-up services; there are a lot of responsible STVR operators; STVR operators’ best practices; and occupancy allowances. ANNOUNCEMENTS, PRESENTATIONS AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS 1. 2020/21 COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS UPDATES CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 5 of 14 OCTOBER 6, 2020 Community Resources Director Escobedo introduced Management Assistant Calderon who gave a brief presentation on the re-opening, at limited capacities, of the Wellness Center and La Quinta Library effective October 5, 2020; virtual and outdoor fitness classes, hikes, gym access by appointment only, youth and adult sports leagues have not yet resumed; virtual events, such as the 9/11 Vigil and Virtual Memorial tours, veterans recognition, pillars of the community, etc.; exploring holding live event in compliance with COVID-19 guidelines; La Quinta Library and Museum events, exhibits, and workshops, etc. 2. PROCLAMATION IN RECOGNITION OF NATIONAL FIRE PREVENTION WEEK – OCTOBER 4 – 10, 2020 Riverside County Fire Department La Quinta Chief Fish spoke about the importance of fire prevention awareness, preparedness, and having an escape plan; and provided recommendations and tips on fire prevention. Mayor Evans, on behalf of the City Council, presented Chief Fish with a proclamation in recognition of National Fire Prevention Week. Mayor Evans said October is Mental-Health Month and it is important the community understands and is aware of the resources available to provide mental-health assistance, not only through the City of La Quinta, but through the County of Riverside as well. DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS 3. NOVEMBER 3, 2020 ELECTION – NEW MANDATES City Clerk Radeva presented the staff report, which is on file with the Clerk’s Office. MAYOR EVANS CALLED FOR A BRIEF RECESS AT 5:31 P.M. MAYOR EVANS RECONVENED THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING AT 5:34 P.M. WITH ALL MEMBERS PRESENT CONSENT CALENDAR 1. APPROVE MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 15, 2020 2. EXCUSE ABSENCES FOR HOUSING COMMISSIONERS McDONOUGH AND GAETA-MEJIA FROM THE SEPTEMBER 9, 2020 HOUSING AUTHORITY MEETING 3. Pulled from the Consent Calendar and moved to Business Session Item No. 5 by Councilmember Sanchez >>> APPROVE PURCHASE OF FIVE CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 6 of 14 OCTOBER 6, 2020 AUTOSCOPE VISION VIDEO DETECTION CAMERA SYSTEMS FROM ECONOLITE SYSTEMS INC FOR USE AT INTERSECTIONS ON THE JEFFERSON STREET CORRIDOR 4. Pulled from the Consent Calendar and moved to Business Session Item No. 6 by Councilmember Sanchez >>> APPROVE PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, ENGINEER’S ESTIMATE, AND ADVERTISE FOR BID THE CITYWIDE PUBLIC SAFETY CAMERA SYSTEM PROJECT (PROJECT NO. 2020-03) 5. ACCEPT EISENHOWER DRIVE DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT LOCATED ON THE WEST SIDE OF EISENHOWER DRIVE BETWEEN AVENIDA FERNANDO AND COACHELLA DRIVE (PROJECT NO. 2015- 12B/151612) 6. APPROVE DEMAND REGISTERS DATED SEPTEMBER 4, 11, 18, AND 25, 2020 7. RECEIVE AND FILE REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE REPORT DATED JULY 31, 2020 8. ADOPT RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE CITY PARTICIPATION IN THE COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE’S URBAN COUNTY PROGRAM FOR FEDERAL FISCAL YEARS 2021, 2022, AND 2023 [RESOLUTION NO. 2020-034] MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Radi/Sanchez to approve the Consent Calendar Item Nos. 1, 2, and 5 – 8 as recommended, with Item No. 8 adopting Resolution No. 2020-034. Motion passed unanimously. BUSINESS SESSION 1. APPROVE FIRST ROUND COMMUNITY SERVICES GRANTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020/21 Community Resources Manager Calderon presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk’s Office. Council discussed the City would like to support the services provided by the Coachella Valley Sexual Assault Services, however, the community services grant program is specific to sponsoring the actual services provided by an organization and not special events that are unrelated to the agency’s core services. Staff was able to assist this organization and help promote their services in the local community by running advertisements in The Gem. Council discussed the services offered by the “A Brush with Kindness” program offered by Habitat for Humanity of the Coachella Valley (HFHCV) assist low- CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 7 of 14 OCTOBER 6, 2020 income households with necessary home repairs, maintenance, and at risk of housing or financial insecurity, including seniors, the disabled, communities of color, veterans, and struggling families. Staff will work with HFHCV to identify households in La Quinta that are in need of this assistance. The following PUBLIC SPEAKERS provided verbal comments via VIRTUAL- VIDEO/AUDIO ACCESSIBILITY providing an overview of the services each organization provides to the community and expressing their gratitude for the City’s support and assistance:  Maribel Rivera, Publicity Director/Treasure with Palm Desert La Quinta Youth Football;  Dave Thornton, Executive Director with Habitat for Humanity of the Coachella Valley;  Tom Snyder, CEO with Animal Samaritans;  Nina Waszak, Associate Director with Coachella Valley Waterkeeper; and  Chris Morin, Research and Evaluation Associate with HARC, Inc. City Clerk Radeva read into the record WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENTS submitted by Affiliate Administrator Juanita Hernandez with Coachella Valley Autism Society providing an overview of the services the organization provides to the community and thanking the City of its support and assistance; the written comments were distributed to Council, made publicly available, and incorporated into the agenda packet and public record of the meeting. The following PUBLIC SPEAKERS provided IN-PERSON verbal comments providing an overview of the services each organization provides to the community and expressing their gratitude for the City’s support and assistance:  Frank Harrison, President and Event Eden, Executive Director with the Desert Cancer Foundation; and  Susan Francis, Chief Executive Officer with JFK Foundation Ophelia Project. MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Fitzpatrick/Radi to approve first round Community Service Grants for fiscal year 2020/21 as recommended:  Animal Samaritans $2,500  Coachella Valley Autism Society $2,000  Coachella Valley Sexual Assault Services $ 0  Coachella Valley Waterkeeper $ 500  Desert Cancer Foundation $3,500  Habitat for Humanity of the Coachella Valley $5,000  HARC, Inc. $3,000  JFK Foundation – Ophelia Project $5,000  KVCR TV – Inland Future Foundation $1,000  Palm Desert La Quinta Youth Football $2,500  Palm Springs Cultural Center – Certified Farmers Market La Quinta $2,800 Motion passed unanimously. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 8 of 14 OCTOBER 6, 2020 2. APPROVE VETERAN NOMINATIONS FOR INCLUSION ON VETERANS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT SCULPTURE AT CIVIC CENTER CAMPUS Management Assistant Calderon presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk’s Office. MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Peña/Radi to approve veteran nominations for inclusion on the Veterans Acknowledgment monument at the Civic Center Campus as recommended: 2020 Veteran Nominees Last Name Middle Name First Name Branch Rank Years of Service Lanham Wayne Ken Air Force SFC 1946-1950 Mooney Edgar Robert Air Force A1C 1952-1954 Prisbrey G. Jerry Air Force SSGT 1951-1955 Vargas Gabriel Robert Army PFC 2002-2004 Jagger Stewart William Army CAPT 1967-1969 Reserve 1971-1976 Calero, Jr. C. Julio Army SP5 1968-1974 La Baugh James William Army LTC 1965-1990 Anderson Vincent David Army SP4 1966-1968 Massucci Alan Todd Marine Corps CPL 1991-1995 Morris Clyde Theron Navy Seaman 1949-1953 Plascencia Francisco Javier Navy PO3 1972-1978 Summerfield Warren Thomas Navy PO2/E- 5 1967-1971 Motion passed unanimously. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 9 of 14 OCTOBER 6, 2020 3. Pulled from Agenda by City Staff >>> APPROVE ART INSTALLATIONS FOR TWO ROUNDABOUTS IN THE LA QUINTA VILLAGE BY ARTIST SAGE VAUGHN 4. APPROVE ART INSTALLATION FOR A MURAL ON THE SOUTHWEST WALL OF THE FRED WARING DRIVE AND ADAMS STREET INTERSECTION BY ARTIST NATE FRIZZELL Community Resources Analyst Torres presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk’s Office. PUBLIC SPEAKER via TELEPHONIC ACCESSIBILITY: Nate Frizzell, Artist - spoke about his experience, artistic style, and uniqueness of each mural he creates, which is specific and custom designed to fit the location. Council discussed the paint technique used to create the mural and related protection and maintenance for the artwork; the mural image included in the staff report is not the final image that will be used; the final image used for the mural will be reviewed and approved by the City Manager prior to artwork installation begins. MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Peña/Fitzpatrick to approve art installation of a mural by artist Nate Frizzell on the southwest wall at the intersection of Fred Waring Drive and Adams Street; approve the associated budget adjustments to the La Quinta Landscape Renovation Improvement Project No. 2016-03; and authorize City staff to execute an agreement for this project as recommended. Motion passed unanimously. 5. Pulled from the Consent Calendar (Item No. 3) by Councilmember Sanchez and moved to Business Session >>> APPROVE PURCHASE OF FIVE AUTOSCOPE VISION VIDEO DETECTION CAMERA SYSTEMS FROM ECONOLITE SYSTEMS INC FOR USE AT INTERSECTIONS ON THE JEFFERSON STREET CORRIDOR Traffic Operations Analyst Gunterson presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk’s Office. Council discussed the video detection camera system along the Jefferson Street corridor is dated, mostly analog, and at end-of-life; this project is specifically traffic related, the video feed is live and it is not recorded; it does have the capability to record if additional storage space is added to the Public Safety Camera System project to accommodate the data storage; traffic recordings, if implemented, will show traffic signal lights and functionality, and can provide evidence for potential traffic accident litigation; the new system also provides real time traffic count and speed data. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 10 of 14 OCTOBER 6, 2020 Planning Manager Flores said the new system will not eliminate the requirement for new developments to conduct traffic studies as they are mandated by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and encompass more than traffic counts, including vehicle miles traveled, environmental impacts, etc. MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Sanchez/Radi to approve purchase of five autoscope vision video detection systems from Econolite Systems Inc. in the amount of $83,710; and authorize the City Manager to execute the purchase order. Motion passed unanimously. MAYOR PRO TEM PEÑA RECUSED HIMSELF FROM DISCUSSION AND VOTE ON BUSINESS SESSION ITEM NO. 6 DUE TO A POTENTIAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST STEMMING FROM THE PROXIMITY OF THIS PROJECT TO REAL ESTATE PROPERTY INTEREST AND LEFT THE DIAS 6. Pulled from the Consent Calendar (Item No. 4) by Councilmember Sanchez and moved to Business Session >>> APPROVE PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, ENGINEER’S ESTIMATE, AND ADVERTISE FOR BID THE CITYWIDE PUBLIC SAFETY CAMERA SYSTEM PROJECT NO. 2020-03 Traffic Operations Analyst Gunterson presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk’s Office. Council discussed including additional locations to the scope of work for this project to achieve greater economies of scales, such as the La Quinta Museum and the La Quinta Sports Complex; ability to include additional locations as the infrastructure will be in place, but it will require additional project funding allocations; Desert Sands Unified School District approval will be needed prior to adding the La Quinta Sports Complex in accordance with the City’s Joint Use Agreement; the addition of City Hall to the project scope; importance to obtain costs for all locations in order to have the ability to make informed decisions on what the project’s scope should be; explore having better camera-view coverage at Adams Park and including the new X-park as well; the proposed coverage at Fritz Burns Park; ability to include Fire Station 32 to the project scope and utilize fire funds for related expenses; this action would only approve to advertise this project for bid to identify the exact project cost; the contract award will be a subsequent and separate action; and importance to have checks and balances in place to ensure and maintain the integrity of the system. Council requested Staff to provide them with the pilot program materials and established policies and protocols, to review again in detail, while the bid is underway. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 11 of 14 OCTOBER 6, 2020 The following WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENTS were distributed to Council, made publicly available, and incorporated into the agenda packet and public record of the meeting:  Linda Williams, La Quinta – requested that the La Quinta Museum be included in the scope of work for this project. MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Kathleen/Sanchez to approve plans, specifications, engineer’s estimate, and authorize Staff to bid the Citywide Public Safety Camera System Project No. 2020-03. Motion passed – ayes 4, noes 0, absent 1 (Peña). MAYOR EVANS CALLED FOR A BRIEF RECESS AT 7:04 P.M. MAYOR EVANS RECONVENED THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING AT 7:32 P.M. WITH ALL MEMBERS PRESENT Taken out of Agenda order >>> PUBLIC HEARING – After 5:00 P.M. 1. CONTINUED FROM JULY 7, 2020: CONSIDER REQUEST FOR CONTINUANCE OF THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR A PROPOSED APPROXIMATE 125,000 SQUARE-FOOT SHOPPING CENTER WITH DRIVE-THROUGHS AND A 63,000 SQUARE-FOOT SUPERMARKET WITH ASSOCIATED VEHICLE FUEL CENTER; CEQA: THE DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT HAS PREPARED A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT; LOCATION: NORTHWEST CORNER OF AVENUE 50 AND JEFFERSON STREET; PROJECT: PAVILION PALMS SHOPPING CENTER Planning Manager Flores presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk’s Office. City Attorney Ihrke said Council has the authority to approve or modify a Specific Plan Amendment (SPA) based on the Planning Commission (PC) recommendation. However, if there is a “substantial modification” to the SPA that has not been previously considered by the PC, the project should be referred back to the PC for review and be given the opportunity to comment and make a recommendation. There is no binding legal case or precedent deciding that the proposed height modification is a “substantial modification” under State law, and neither City Staff nor the City Attorney’s Office would characterize it as such. In light of the applicant’s request tonight to continue consideration of this project until December 15, 2020, the continued timeline would allow a review by the PC prior to this project coming back before the Council, and Staff recommends referring it back so that the PC can review the proposed height modifications prior to Council approval. The PC’s review of the height modification does not need to be conducted as a public hearing. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 12 of 14 OCTOBER 6, 2020 Council discussed providing the PC with more detailed rendering of the project than what was included in tonight’s agenda packet. MAYOR EVANS DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING OPEN AT 7:46 P.M. PUBLIC SPEAKER: Greg Beaver, Applicant with Lundin Development Company – said the project team would like to present the updated design to Council and seeks their direction; they continue to work with Staff on a couple of outstanding items; and the next step is to finalize the drawings and present to Council at the December 15, 2020 regular meeting. PUBLIC SPEAKER: Jeff Herbst, Project Director with MCG Architecture – explained the proposed design revisions, including the iconic corner at Jefferson Street and Avenue 50 corner, fuel station relocation, landscaping embellishments, added shade features, potential art location options, opportunities to place wall murals on the building’s façade, and using a white- wash adobe-type finish for the corner beacon feature design. Council discussed the reasons for which the power poles at the project site cannot be undergrounded based on Imperial Irrigation District comments; ability to camouflage the power poles; and the size of the proposed mural locations. PUBLIC SPEAKER via TELEPHONIC ACCESSIBILITY: Sam Spinello, Indian Wells – spoke in support of the Pavilion Palms project, including of its quality design and community benefits. Mayor Evans said the following WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENTS, listed in alphabetical order, were received as of 7:57 p.m., which were distributed to Council, made publicly available, and incorporated into the agenda packet and public record of the meeting:  Tim & Sandy Moore, La Quinta – in opposition of the proposed fueling station as part of this project; and  Bruce Ferguson, La Quinta – in general support of the project, but in opposition of the proposed fueling station and drive-thru units. MAYOR EVANS DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED AT 7:58 P.M. MAYOR EVANS DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING RE-OPENED AT 7:58 P.M. MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Peña/Radi to approve: (A) The applicant’s request for continuance of the public hearing until December 15, 2020, for Environmental Assessment 2017-0006, Specific Plan 2017-0002, Amendment No. 2 of the Fairway Plaza Specific Plan (SP 1998-034), Tentative Parcel Map 2017-0003 (TPM CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 13 of 14 OCTOBER 6, 2020 37370), and Site Development Permit 2017-0009, to give the applicant more time to prepare revised application package for staff and Council review; and (B) Remand image corridor height deviation request, stemming from revised building design, to Planning Commission for review at its regular meeting on November 24, 2020 and return with the complete application package to Council on December 15, 2020. Motion passed unanimously. MAYOR PRO TEM PEÑA ASKED TO BE EXCUSED FROM THE MEETING DUE TO AN EMERGENCY AND LEFT THE MEETING AT 8:01 P.M. STUDY SESSION 1. DISCUSS PROPOSED UPDATES TO GOLF CART PROGRAM AND MAP Design and Development Director Castro and Public Works Director/City Engineer presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk’s Office. Council discussed golf carts are being used as alternative transportation; permits are issued for a 2-year period following an inspection to verify safety features such as mirrors, turn signals, etc. are in place; additional research is needed to ensure permit requirements are not in violation of the Vehicle Code; golf cart routes/path maps are made available online and in print, and will include the program regulations; Council expressed general support to allow both, gas and electrically powered golf carts under the City’s Golf Cart Program; remove the current restriction requiring a covered passenger compartment; set the decal placement on the right side; remove restrictions for no more than 2 persons and add a restriction requiring seatbelts; allow golf carts to be driven on sidewalks per City Engineer approval; add a quiz requirements on the golf cart regulations prior to issuance of a permit; importance to ensure the permit requirements are attainable and further research the Vehicle Code; include all paths city-wide in the program that can provide safe golf cart riding; MAYOR’S AND COUNCIL MEMBERS’ ITEMS Councilmember Sanchez reported on his and Councilmember Fitzpatrick’s attendance, on October 2, 2020, at the Boys & Girls Club Grand Re-Opening of the La Quinta site. Mayor Evans asked Staff to table the Adams Street pedestrian crossing item for Council discussion at the October 20, 2020 regular meeting. City Manager CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 14 of 14 OCTOBER 6, 2020 McMillen said Staff will bring forth a traffic study, alternatives, and cost proposals for Council’s consideration as requested. Councilmember Fitzpatrick said the East Indio Hills Trailhead (aka Badlands Trail), located at Avenue 42 and Golf Center Parkway in Indio, will hold their formal opening on November 20, 2020. REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS La Quinta’s representative for 2020, Councilmember Radi reported on his participation in the following organization’s meeting:  SUNLINE TRANSIT AGENCY ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, a motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Fitzpatrick/Radi to adjourn at 8:40 p.m. Motion passed: ayes 4, noes 0, absent 1 (Peña). Respectfully submitted, MONIKA RADEVA, City Clerk City of La Quinta, California