2020 11 03 CC MinutesCITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 1 of 7 NOVEMBER 3, 2020
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 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.
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, Finance Director
Romero, City Clerk Radeva, Deputy City Clerk Romane, Public Works Director/
City Engineer McKinney, City Consultant Traffic Engineer Libring, and Financial
Services Analyst Hallick.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA – None
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA – Confirmed
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 (Review Continued Need and Response to Proclaimed
State and Local Emergencies Caused by COVID-19)
COUNCIL RECESSED THE OPEN SESSION PORTION OF THE MEETING
AND MOVED INTO CLOSED SESSION AT 3:01 P.M.
MAYOR EVANS RECONVENED THE OPEN SESSION PORTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL MEETING AT 4:00 P.M. WITH ALL MEMBERS PRESENT
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 2 of 7 NOVEMBER 3, 2020
REPORT ON ACTION(S) TAKEN IN CLOSED SESSION:
City Attorney Ihrke reported no actions were taken in Closed Session that
require reporting pursuant to the Brown Act (Government Code §54950 et
seq.).
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Sanchez led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA
The following WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENTS, listed in alphabetical order, were
received as of 4 p.m., which were distributed to Council and incorporated into
the agenda packet and public record of the meeting:
Jim Alderson, La Quinta – in opposition of Short-Term Vacation Rentals
(STVRs); City Clerk Radeva read Mr. Alderson’s written comments into
the record;
Anonymous – in support of STVRs;
Arlene Gotshalk, La Quinta – in opposition of STVRs;
Elizabeth LaDue – in support of STVRs;
Gord Wengreniuk – in support of STVRs;
Jesse Rhodes, La Quinta – in support of STVRs;
Marcia Cutchin, La Quinta – in opposition of STVRs;
Lloyd Walt, La Quinta – in opposition of STVRs;
Stephanie Nevel-Yanchar – in support of STVRs.
The following WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENTS, listed in alphabetical order,
received as of 4 p.m., which were distributed to Council and incorporated into
the agenda packet and public record of the meeting, requesting that the City
Council meet with the PGA West STVR Group created to encourage dialogue
between STVR owners and residents in the community and to find solutions:
Robert Buce
John Burns
Rene Castillo
Steve Castillo
Bill Cooley
John Dal Poggetto
Chris & Kelly DePersio
Mike Devoy
Dominique El Moussa
Lucas Graham
Steph Griffith
Jeff Jones
Elizabeth LaDue
Jan Maize
Justin McKindley
Karen Parnell
Joby Ross
John Seoane
Matthew Shapiro
William Stanick
Laurene Volkel
Nanette Young
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 3 of 7 NOVEMBER 3, 2020
Mayor Evans said Councilmember Fitzpatrick and she have met with the PGA
West HOA President and a few residents; and asked City Attorney Ihrke to
explain the regulations governing public meetings of the City Council pursuant
to the Brown Act (Government Code §54950 et seq.).
City Attorney Ihrke explained the public meeting regulations and publication
and noticing requirement under state law; and noted members of the Council
can meet with residents separately, in settings that do not constitute a
majority of the Council’s membership at any given time.
Council expressed consensus in their desire to schedule meetings with the
PGA West STVR Group in a manner compliant with the Brown Act.
The following PUBLIC SPEAKERS, listed in the order in which they spoke,
provided verbal comments VIA TELEPHONIC ACCESSIBILITY:
Arlene Gotshalk, La Quinta – in opposition of STVRs;
Eddie Estrada, La Quinta – in support of STVRs;
Jim Lambert, La Quinta – in opposition of STVRs.
The following PUBLIC SPEAKERS, listed in the order in which they spoke,
provided verbal comments IN-PERSON:
David Dinnel, La Quinta – in support of STVRs; and the need for
statistical data;
Richard Gray, La Quinta – north La Quinta landscaping renovation
project; communication with residents; Adams St. and La Palma
pedestrian crossing; and Adams St. and Ocotillo pedestrian crossing.
Council provided an overview of the multitude of opportunities the City offers
residents to get involved and participate in their local government affairs and
voice their concerns and recommendations on current project and community
priorities.
ANNOUNCEMENTS, PRESENTATIONS AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
- None
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. APPROVE MEETING MINUTES OF OCTOBER 6, 2020
2. RECEIVE AND FILE REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE REPORT DATED
JUNE 30, 2020
3. RECEIVE AND FILE REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE REPORT DATED
AUGUST 31, 2020
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 4 of 7 NOVEMBER 3, 2020
4. APPROVE DEMAND REGISTERS DATED OCTOBER 16 AND 23,
2020
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers
Peña/Fitzpatrick to approve the Consent Calendar as recommended. Motion
passed unanimously.
BUSINESS SESSION
1. APPROVE PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS AND ENGINEER’S ESTIMATE
AND ADVERTISE FOR BID THE ADAMS STREET RESTRIPING
PROJECT NO. 2020-06 LOCATED ON ADAMS STREET BETWEEN
MILES AVENUE AND FRED WARING DRIVE
Public Works Director/City Engineer McKinney presented the staff report,
which is on file in the Clerk’s Office.
City Consultant Traffic Engineer Libring explained four-way stop signs are
usually not placed on arterial streets; the main design objective of arterial
streets is to move traffic along which is generally achieved by signalizing and
synchronizing intersections to ensure the flow of traffic; installing stop signs
in certain sections of an arterial street negates the monetary investments
made in signalizing intersections and the efficiencies gained by the signals;
the state guidelines when stop signs are recommended and warranted do not
apply to the situation at hand; the current volume of vehicles traveling
through this street segment, inclusive of anticipated annual increase;
importance to ensure everyone’s safety; the speed on the street will be
monitored and evaluated following the installation of the proposed road diet;
ability to implement additional street improvements if necessary later on; and
established best practices based on traffic engineering standards and state
recommendations.
General discussion followed regarding Coachella Valley Association of
Governments (CVAG) Transportation Committee regional objective and effort
to improve street conditions to allow both vehicles and bicycles to coexist and
to provide a safe path of travel for both; the CV Link project also aims to
increase bicyclists’ safety; the California state requirements for active
transportation; expansion of the City’s golf cart path to provide an alternative
transportation option for the future; and the City’s efforts to improve the
Highway 111 Corridor to improve connectivity and walkability.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Stephen Klempa, La Quinta – explained the safety concerns
he has experienced; thanked the Council for quickly responding and taking
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 5 of 7 NOVEMBER 3, 2020
action to install street improvements to ensure pedestrian safety in this area;
noted pros and cons of installing the proposed road diet and available future
additional measures; the benefits of installing a designated pedestrian
crosswalk; and preferred crosswalk location.
General discussion followed whether or not rapid flashing beacon lighting
would increase the driver’s awareness of the crosswalk based on the visual
cues; pedestrian crossing options from the surrounding residential areas to
Adams park; benefits of the road diet making it easier to cross two-lanes
versus four-lanes; left-turn lanes interference if a crosswalk was to be
installed at the Adams St. and La Palma intersection; and ability to install a
crosswalk at the intersection if deemed necessary in the future.
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers
Radi/Fitzpatrick to approve plans, specifications, engineer’s estimate and
authorize staff to bid the Adams Street Restriping Project No. 2020-06, as
recommended. Motion passed unanimously.
MAYOR EVANS CALLED FOR A BRIEF BREAK AT 5:38 P.M.
MAYOR EVANS RECONVENED THE COUNCIL MEETING AT 5:41 P.M.
WITH ALL MEMBERS PRESENT
2. RECEIVE AND FILE FISCAL YEAR 2019/20 GENERAL FUND YEAR-
END BUDGET REPORT AND APPROVE THE AMENDED BUDGET
CARRYOVERS
Finance Director Romero presented the staff report, which is on file in the
Clerk’s Office.
General discussion followed regarding the limited amount of property tax
allocated to the City; staff’s fiscal responsibility, judicial management of
contracts, and other efforts to continue to provide services within the budget
adjustments implemented due to COVID-19; fiscal year 2019/20 savings
carryovers into fiscal year 2020/21 to provide operational flexibility should it
be needed; FEMA’s cut-off date of September 14, 2020 for certain eligible
expenses related to COVID-19; and how other cities are faring with the
economic downturn caused by COVID-19 and how La Quinta compares.
Council commended staff for their efforts, teamwork, and outstanding report.
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers
Radi/Fitzpatrick to receive and file the Fiscal Year 2019/20 General Fund Year-
End Budget Report and approve the amended budget carryovers from
2019/20 to 2020/21, as recommended. Motion passed unanimously.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 6 of 7 NOVEMBER 3, 2020
3. RECEIVE AND FILE FISCAL YEAR 2019/20 MEASURE G SALES
TAX COMPLIANCE REPORT
Finance Director Romero presented the staff report, which is on file in the
Clerk’s Office.
Council noted there has not been any discussion by the Financial Advisory
Commission (FAC) or staff regarding a need to increase taxes in La Quinta.
Council commended staff and the FAC for the well-prepared report and for the
strong fiscal oversight and monitoring.
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers
Peña/Sanchez to receive and file Fiscal Year 2019/20 Measure G Sales Tax
Compliance Report, as recommended. Motion passed unanimously.
4. RECEIVE AND FILE FISCAL YEAR 2020/21 FIRST QUARTER
BUDGET REPORT
Financial Service Analyst Hallick presented the staff report, which is on file in
the Clerk’s Office.
Council discussed the current California state restrictions on group meetings
due to COVID-19, where other states are allowing such gatherings to occur.
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers
Radi/Sanchez to receive and file Fiscal Year 2020/21 First Quarter Budget
Report. Motion passed unanimously.
STUDY SESSION – None
PUBLIC HEARINGS – None
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS
All reports are on file in the City Clerk’s Office.
MAYOR’S AND COUNCIL MEMBERS’ ITEMS
Mayor Pro Tem Peña said the La Quinta community lost Richard Heckmann
and La Quinta High School 2019 valedictorian, killed in a tragic car accident;
and the Council’s sympathies go out to their families.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 7 of 7 NOVEMBER 3, 2020
Mayor Evans said she attended the Phil Mickelson Foundation Board meeting
and it was mentioned that this year’s golf tournament will be held, however,
fans will not be allowed to attend and there will be no concerts or any other
events.
Council reached a consensus and directed staff to schedule a study session
discussion on the Vista Santa Rosa Gateway Village project, consisting of
commercial uses and senior congregate care facility, located at the southeast
corner of Monroe Street and Airport Boulevard, in the County of Riverside and
within the City’s Sphere of Influence, to provide an overview of what this
project entails; what the potential impacts will be on the La Quinta
community; and provide a forum for La Quinta residents to provide public
comment.
REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
La Quinta’s representative for 2020, Councilmember Fitzpatrick reported on
her participation in the following organization’s meeting:
CVAG TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE (attended on behalf of
Councilmember Radi)
La Quinta’s representative for 2020, Councilmember Peña reported on his
participation in the following organization’s meeting:
IID ENERGY CONSUMERS’ ADVISORY COMMITTEE
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 Radi/Sanchez to adjourn at 6:43 p.m. Motion passed
unanimously.
Mayor Evans, on behalf of the City Council, noted the 2020 elections had the
highest voter turn-out ever and commended all voters for choosing to exercise
their right to vote.
Respectfully submitted,
MONIKA RADEVA, City Clerk
City of La Quinta, California