2021 06 15 CC MinutesCITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 1 of 14 JUNE 15, 2021
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, JUNE 15, 2021
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 teleconferencing accessibility pursuant to Executive
Orders N-25-20, N-29-20, N-33-20, N-35-20, and N-60-20 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 in 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, Marketing Manager Graham, Public Works
Director/City Engineer McKinney, Management Analyst Hansen, Interim
Finance Director Martinez, Financial Services Analyst Hallick, Assistant to the
City Manager Villalpando, Community Resources Director Escobedo, Design and
Development Director Castro.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA – None
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA
City Clerk Radeva said City Attorney Ihrke will make a verbal announcement
on Consent Calendar Item Nos. 9 and 10 regarding the salaries and fringe
benefits of the City’s executive employees pursuant to Government Code
Section 54953(c)(3).
Council concurred.
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,
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CITY ATTORNEY (Review Continued Need and Response to
Proclaimed State and Local Emergencies Caused by COVID-19)
2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED
LITIGATION; SIGNIFICANT EXPOSURE TO LITIGATION
PURSUANT TO PARAGRAPH (2) OR (3) OF SUBDIVISION (d) OF
GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9 (NUMBER OF POTENTIAL
CASES: 1)
3. 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)
COUNCIL RECESSED THE OPEN SESSION PORTION OF THE MEETING
AND MOVED INTO CLOSED SESSION AT 3:02 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:
Mayor Evans said Council will continue consideration of Closed Session Item
No. 2 after the Open Session portion of the meeting.
City Attorney Ihrke reported the following pursuant to Government Code
section 54950 et seq. (Brown Act):
CLOSED SESSION ITEM NO. 1 – no reportable action;
CLOSED SESSION ITEM NO. 2 – Council will continue consideration of
this item after the Open Session of the meeting is concluded; and
CLOSED SESSION ITEM NO. 3 – Council will consider this matter
under Consent Calendar Item Nos. 9 and 10 on tonight’s agenda.
City Attorney Ihrke provided a summary update on the recent COVID-19 safety
regulations that went into effect on June 15, 2021, issued by the California
Department of Public Health, including new guidance requiring unvaccinated
individuals to wear facial coverings in indoor public settings and businesses,
and permitting organizations to allow vaccinated individuals to self-attest and
not wear facial coverings.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Evans led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
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PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA
PUBLIC SPEAKER IN-PERSON: Philip Bettencourt, La Quinta – thanked Council
for the opportunity to serve on the Planning Commission for the last six years;
noted his term would end on June 30, 2021; and said he was pleased and
honored for the ability to give back to the community.
Council commended Mr. Bettencourt for his time, dedication, service, and
commitment; and expressed their gratitude.
PUBLIC SPEAKER IN-PERSON: David Dinnel, La Quinta/Los Angeles – spoke of
the challenges associated with monitoring and managing non-compliant short-
term vacation rental (STVR) guests who are difficult to anticipate and control;
gave an example of a guest he rented to recently who was thoroughly informed
in advance of the City’s rules and regulations, the guest acknowledged receipt
and understanding, and after arrival initiated a gathering that was not in
compliance, removed the noise monitor device in the property, and covered the
cameras. Mr. Dinnel noted he had to closely monitor the guest to ensure the
guest was compliant throughout the entire stay; and asked the City to explore
options where STVR owners/operators and the City can work together to
address such unfortunate behaviors and circumstances. Mr. Dinnel said he has
received offers to rent the home long-term (31 days or more) where the guest
planned to sub-lease the property for short periods to other folks, in which
case, technically, the property would not be subject to the STVR Program
regulations.
PUBLIC SPEAKER VIA TELECONFERENCE: Paula Simonds, CEO with Family
YMCA of the Desert (YMCA) – on behalf of the YMCA, expressed her gratitude
to the City and Council for the continued support and for working with the YMCA
to provide facilities for the childcare and school programs they offer to the
community; and read a letter of testimony from a parent expressing her
gratitude for the YMCA’s services and assistance provided to children during
the COVID-19 pandemic with long-distance learning.
Council commended the YMCA for their commitment to the community, and for
their flexibility and creativity in figuring out ways to continue to provide services
during the COVID-19 unprecedented circumstances while ensuring safety.
City Clerk Radeva said WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENTS were received by the
following citizens, listed in alphabetical order, which were distributed to Council,
made publicly available, and were included in the public record and agenda
packet of the meeting:
Mindy and Dr. Tony Brar (La Quinta) – in support of STVRs and lifting the
moratorium on new STVR permits; and
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Marcia Cutchin (La Quinta) – in opposition of STVRs and in support of the
existing moratorium on new STVR permits.
ANNOUNCEMENTS, PRESENTATIONS AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
1. INTRODUCE RIVERSIDE COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT EASTERN
DESERT DIVISION CHIEF BRYAN WHITE
Mayor Evans said this item will be considered at the next regular Council meeting
as Riverside County Fire Department Eastern Desert Division Chief White was not
available to attend tonight’s meeting as he was called to respond to a fire.
2. PRESENTATION BY KATIE BARROWS, DIRECTOR OF
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES AT COACHELLA VALLEY
ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS (CVAG), RELATED TO THE
STATUS AND UPDATE OF THE BIGHORN SHEEP FENCE PROJECT
Ms. Barrows with CVAG spoke of the need to install a fence bordering the
mountains and PGA West to prevent bighorn sheep from getting into the
residential development which results in damage to private property and/or
potential poisoning of the bighorn sheep if they consume poisonous plants. Ms.
Barrows said a sample 3-panel fence was installed to show what it would look
like, which blended very well with the mountains and difficult to spot, and the
PGA West community has agreed to proceed. The fence installation will
proceed as soon as the agreement between PGA West and Coachella Valley
Conservation Commission is finalized; construction plans should be completed
approximately 60 days after the agreement is executed; followed by finalizing
all access agreements; and anticipating for construction to begin in the fall of
2021.
Ms. Barrows said another initiative currently underway is installing a water
source within the bighorn sheep’s natural environment to help provide water
sources during the drought; noted the bighorn sheep numbers have improved
significantly, state and federal agencies are working on their recovery, and with
the current numbers they are potentially close to removal from the endangered
species list; they are being monitored by biologists via solar-rechargeable
collars through ground and aerial monitoring; and helicopter surveys are rare,
however, they provide an overall estimated population count.
Council commended Ms. Barrows for her time and efforts on this project, for
the many conservation projects she has handled over the years, and her
contribution to the community throughout her career.
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3. UPDATE BY IMPERIAL IRRIGATION DISTRICT (IID) BOARD VICE
PRESIDENT JB HAMBY REGARDING FORMATION OF THE
COACHELLA VALLEY ENERGY COMMISSION (CVEC) APPROVED BY
BOARD RESOLUTION NO. 25-2021 ON JUNE 1, 2021
Mr. Hamby provided an overview of the history and formation of IID, primary
functions, resources, types of services offered, areas serviced, objectives and
priorities; and IID Board’s approval on June 1, 2021 to form CVEC, an entity
entirely different from the Energy Consumer Advisory Committee, which
provides routine and permanent oversight of and recommendations to the
Energy Department regarding overall operations, ratepayer advocacy, board
policy, budget, capital expenditures, etc. CVEC is intended to provide a forum
for representation of all stakeholders and to evaluate specific Coachella Valley
area needs regarding services, growth, infrastructure, and financing from now
until 2033 and beyond.
Council thanked Mr. Hamby for the presentation, for reaching out, and for the
willingness to establish collaborative efforts between all stakeholders to identify
possible solutions and a viable plan of action for the Coachella Valley going
forward.
Mayor Evans stated CVAG’s Coachella Valley Energy and Environmental
Resources Committee authorized Tom Kirk, the CEO of CVAG, to form an East
Valley Electricity Task Force to represent relevant stakeholders before IID’s
Board of Directors and to identify the priorities and objectives for the Coachella
Valley, including reviewing the CVEC make up, model, intent and purpose, etc.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. APPROVE MEETING MINUTES OF JUNE 1, 2021
2. ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 595 AMENDING CHAPTER 3.25 OF THE LA
QUINTA MUNICIPAL CODE RELATED TO CERTAIN RENEWAL
APPLICATIONS FOR SHORT-TERM VACATION RENTAL PERMITS
3. APPROVE DEMAND REGISTERS DATED MAY 28 AND JUNE 4, 2021
4. ADOPT RESOLUTION APPROVING FINAL TRACT MAP NO. 37730
AND ASSOCIATED SUBDIVISION IMPROVEMENT AGREEMENT FOR
MONTAVE RESIDENCES, A RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT LOCATED
WITHIN THE SILVERROCK RESORT IN THE SOUTHWEST CORNER
OF JEFFERSON STREET AND AVENUE 52 [RESOLUTION NO. 2021-021]
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5. APPROVE CHANGE ORDER NO. 1 TO AGREEMENT FOR CONTRACT
SERVICES WITH SPOHN RANCH, INC FOR X-PARK DESIGN/BUILD
SERVICES PROJECT NO. 2015-09
6. APPROVE AGREEMENT FOR CONTRACT SERVICES WITH DESERT
RECREATION DISTRICT FOR MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS OF
THE FRITZ BURNS POOL FOR FISAL YEAR 2021/22
7. APPROVE AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO SOLUTIONS MAINTENANCE
AGREEMENT WITH SUPERION, LLC TO PROVIDE HOSTING AND
MAINTENANCE SERVICES FOR THE CITY’S PERMITTING
SOFTWARE (TRAKiT)
8. APPROVE AGREEMENT WITH THE COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE FOR
ANIMAL SHELTER, FIELD AND LICENSING SERVICES FOR FISCAL
YEAR 2021/22
9. ADOPT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE MEMORANDUM OF
UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF LA QUINTA AND THE LA
QUINTA EMPLOYEES’ ASSOCIATION THROUGH FISCAL YEAR
2021/22 [RESOLUTION NO. 2021-022]
10. ADOPT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE SALARY SCHEDULE AND
BENEFIT PLAN FOR NON-REPRESENTED EMPLOYEES, NON-
REPRESENTED MANAGEMENT, AND CONFIDENTIAL EMPLOYEES
[RESOLUTION NO. 2021-023]
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM NOS. 9 AND 10 – Verbal Announcement:
City Attorney Ihrke reported, pursuant to Government Code Section 54953,
subdivision (c)(3), prior to taking final action, the legislative body shall orally
report a summary of a recommendation for a final action on the salaries, salary
schedules, or compensation paid in the form of fringe benefits of any local
agency executive, as defined by Government Code Section 3511.1, subdivision
(d), during the open meeting in which the final action is to be taken.
In summary, the recommendations of Consent Calendar Item Nos. 9 and 10
are to approve, effective July 1, 2021 – 1) fiscal year 2021/22 Salary Schedule
citywide, which reflects a 2.2% World at Work salary structure market
adjustment for calendar year 2019; 2) a citywide health benefit cap increase
from $1,709 to $1,742 per month-per employee; and 3) a $200 Annual
Wellness Dollar benefit per fiscal year-per employee.
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For the seven (7) management employees or “local agency executives,” as
defined, the fringe benefits are as mentioned above, and the salaries are as
follows for the following positions:
Position Proposed Salary
Fiscal Year 2021/22
City Manager $219,730.00
Community Resources Director $170,837.80
Design and Development Director $170,837.80
Interim Finance Director $132,818.51
Public Works Director/City Engineer $166,023.13
Assistant to the City Manager $120,846.49
City Clerk $118,142.17
Council said the City and its employees are a family; thanked staff for their
skills, flexibility, adaptability, and resilience during the past year; and these
items are the investment the City makes in its employees to show its
commitment to protect, respect, and support staff. Council commended the
City’s contract employees for their collaboration during the pandemic and
offering discounted rates while maintaining the same level of services.
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM NOS. 6
Mayor Evans said the programming as proposed did not include any open swim
time, however, staff has reached out and confirmed that it will be added to the
programming.
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers
Fitzpatrick/Peña to approve the Consent Calendar as recommended, with Item
No. 2 adopting Ordinance No. 595, and Item Nos. 4, 9, and 10 adopting
Resolution Nos. 2021-021, 2021-022, and 2021-023, respectively. Motion
passed unanimously.
BUSINESS SESSION
1. APPROVE CANCELLING THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
OF JULY 6, AUGUST 17, AND SEPTEMBER 7, 2021
City Clerk Radeva presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk’s
Office.
Council discussed the ability to hold an emergency meeting should a pressing
matter arises.
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City Attorney Ihrke said pursuant to the new California State Governor
Executive Order, teleconference accessibility for public meetings remains in
place until September 30, 2021.
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Radi/Peña to
cancel the regular City Council meetings of July 6, August 17, and September
7, 2021. Motion passed unanimously.
2. APPROVE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH GREATER
COACHELLA VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR FISCAL YEAR
2021/22 TO SUPPORT BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, RETENTION,
AND TOURISM
Marketing Manager Graham presented the staff report, which is on file in the
Clerk’s Office.
Council discussed the date for holding the annual State of the City event has
not been set as of yet; importance to have the ability to live-stream this event
or have a recording that is accessible later for the public; The Gem is available
digitally, which is being promoted on the City’s social media platforms and the
City’s website, and importance to track online activities and “clicks” to evaluate
performance.
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Radi/Sanchez
to approve a Memorandum of Understanding with the Greater Coachella Valley
Chamber of Commerce for fiscal year 2021/22 for publications and events to
support business development, retention, and tourism; and authorize the City
Manager to execute the Memorandum of Understanding. Motion passed
unanimously.
COUNCIL RECESSED THE MEETING AT 5:35 P.M. TO ATTEND THE
“CALIFORNIA RE-OPENING” CEREMONIAL EVENT IN OLD TOWN LA
QUINTA AT 78100 MAIN STREET
MAYOR EVANS RECONVENED THE COUNCIL MEETING AT 6:34 P.M.
WITH ALL MEMBERS PRESENT
PUBLIC HEARINGS – at 5:00 p.m. or shortly thereafter
1. ADOPT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE FISCAL YEAR 2021/22
THROUGH 2025/26 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
[RESOLUTION NO. 2021-024]
Public Works Director/City Engineer McKinney presented the staff report, which
is on file in the Clerk’s Office.
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Council discussed the citywide Landscape Renovation Plan was initially planned
to be completed over a 10-year span, which was expedited and completed in 5
years instead; the City’s substantial investments in drainage improvements
since the flood of 2013 to ensure proper infrastructure is in place; and the
SilverRock Park Venue site retention basin.
MAYOR EVANS DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING OPEN AT 6:45 P.M.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: None
MAYOR EVANS DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED AT 6:45 P.M.
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers
Fitzpatrick/Radi to adopt Resolution No. 2021-024 approving the 2021/22
through 2025/26 Capital Improvement Program as recommended:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE FISCAL YEAR 2021/2022 THROUGH
2025/2026 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
Motion passed unanimously.
2. ADOPT RESOLUTION TO CONFIRM THE ASSESSMENT AND
DISTRICT DIAGRAM FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021/22 LANDSCAPE AND
LIGHTING ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 89-1 [RESOLUTION NO. 2021-025]
Public Works Director/City Engineer McKinney introduced Management Analyst
Hansen who presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk’s Office.
Council discussed that Measure G revenues are allowing the City to subsidize
the maintenance of L&L AD 89-1 because the $35.60 collected since 1997 does
not generate sufficient funds to cover the maintenance costs; raising the fees
would require a vote by the La Quinta voters.
MAYOR EVANS DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING OPEN AT 6:51 P.M.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: None
MAYOR EVANS DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED AT 6:51 P.M.
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers
Peña/Fitzpatrick to adopt Resolution No. 2021-025 confirming the assessment
and district diagram for the Landscape and Lighting Assessment District 89-1
for fiscal year 2021/22, pursuant to the Engineer’s report:
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A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, CONFIRMING THE DIAGRAM AND ASSESSMENTS FOR
FISCAL YEAR 2021/2022 LANDSCAPE AND LIGHTING ASSESSMENT
DISTRICT 89-1 (PURSUANT TO THE LANDSCAPE AND LIGHTING ACT OF
1972)
Motion passed unanimously.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA – Continued
PUBLIC SPEAKER IN-PERSON: Susie Del Toro, La Quinta – founder of “Freedom
Flags for Families” and “Freedom Wreaths for Families” programs, which have
been adopted by the City of Coachella; the programs’ objective is to honor and
demonstrate appreciation to active, non-active, and diseased veterans for their
contribution, service, and sacrifice. Ms. Del Toro thanked all veterans for their
service; and asked Council to support and adopt these programs. The banner
program offers veterans banners that can be displayed in the city, which stay
up for one year and are taken down on the 1st Saturday in November during
the Veterans Breakfast event she holds at which time the flags are sent to the
family and new flags are put up. The wreaths program involves placing wreaths
in all the plots at the Coachella Valley Cemetery three times a year for Memorial
Day, Veterans Day, and Christmas; and provided Council with information
related to these programs, which was incorporated into the public record of this
meeting as a hand-out.
BUSINESS SESSION – Continued
3. ADOPT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE FISCAL YEAR 2021/22 BUDGET
AND ESTABLISH THE CITY’S APPROPRIATION LIMITS
[RESOLUTION NO. 2021-025]
Interim Finance Director Martinez presented the staff report, which is on file in
the Clerk’s Office.
Council discussed the reason that projected expenses for fiscal year 2021/22
are slightly over than projected revenues is due to the carry-overs associated
with capital improvement projects.
City Clerk Radeva noted for the record that Exhibit F to the proposed budget,
enclosed as Attachment 1 to the staff report, was distributed as a hand-out to
Council, made publicly available, and is incorporated in the public record of this
meeting.
Council noted it is expensive and challenging to run a City, and keep it beautiful
and safe, and it requires constant vigilance to ensure quality of services are
provided and the budget is balanced.
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Council commended staff for their hard work, dedication, diligence,
collaboration, and prudence in managing City operations; and for preparing
such transparent and the easy-to-read and understand budget report.
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers
Fitzpatrick/Sanchez to adopt Resolution No. 2021-026 approving the Fiscal Year
2021/22 Budget and establishing the City’s appropriation limits, as
recommended:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING THE CITY’S APPROPRIATION LIMIT FOR
FISCAL YEAR 2021/22 AND APPROVING A BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR
2021/22
Motion passed unanimously.
STUDY SESSION
1. DISCUSS HIGHWAY BRIDGE PROGRAM FUNDING CONSTRAINTS
ASSOCIATED WITH THE DUNE PALMS ROAD BRIDGE PROJECT NO.
2011-05
Public Works Director/City Engineer McKinney and City CIP Consultant Nick
Nickerson, President of NAI Consulting, Inc. presented the staff report, which
is on file in the Clerk’s Office.
Council discussed the lack of state funding available; projects’ priorities; the
state has approved this project for funding since 2011; the current timeframe
for reimbursement from Caltrans, if the City fronts the funds is anywhere from
2 to 5 years.
Council discussed anticipated project schedule, utilities, project budget, costs
eligible for state reimbursement; available City funding options to utilize if the
project was to move forward with City-paid expenditures; explore outside
lending options to fund this project and associated costs; anticipated project
costs would increase due to inflations and other economic factors if it is
delayed; are labor and materials available in the current economic
environment; Caltrans does not guarantee reimbursement; currently cities are
getting reimbursed approximately two years after initial self-funding, however
the reimbursement is only partial as it is spread over several fiscal years; to
date, there has been no city that has not been reimbursed; locally in the
Coachella Valley, the cities of Palm Springs, Indio, and Cathedral City are in a
similar situation as La Quinta; Cathedral City is currently getting reimbursed
for a bridge project which was funded with city funds a little over a year ago;
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importance of the project and to get it completed; economic conditions are
slowly stabilizing in terms of availability of supplies, lumber, etc.
Staff noted available lending options would be explored and a financial analysis
will be presented to Council for consideration at a future meeting; also, interest
expenses would not be eligible for reimbursement.
Council reached a consensus and directed staff to move forward with the project
schedule as presented and submit the Requests for Authorizations for
construction of AC funds and utilities; it is important to continue work on the
project to get it completed; explore available lending options and associated
costs; and general support for internal funding Option No. 1 as presented - $5
million from Unassigned Reserves, $4,936,122 from Measure G Reserves, and
$5 million from the Capital Improvement Reserves fund.
2. SILVERROCK RESORT DEVELOPMENT PROJECT UPDATE AND
DEVELOPER PROGRESS TO CURE DEFAULT
SilverRock Development Company President and CEO Robert Green presented
the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk’s Office, and provided a detailed
presentation on the project’s sequence of activities onsite for 1) Montage Hotel
and Spa, 2) Montage Residences, 3) Conference and Share Services Building,
4) Golf Clubhouse, 5) Pendry Residences, and 6) Pendry Hotel.
Mr. Green announced that Project Manager John Gamlin has accepted another
position and will be departing the project; and his replacement will soon be
announced.
Mr. Green also introduced the following key project-related personnel:
Bruce Maize, Chief Operating Office with Rilington Group responsible for
residential construction
David King, Senior VP of Pre-Construction responsible for pre-
constructions
Patrick J. Russell, VP of Development responsible for the Pendry Hotel
Josh Frantz, Senior Project Manager responsible for Montage Hotel
Stephen Gaines, Project Manager responsible for the Golf Club House and
Ahmanson Clubhouse
Rick Bailitz, Project Manager responsible for Shared Services and
Conference Center
Fred Schuster, Chief Investment Officer responsible for lender/investor
relations with the following support staff:
Courtland Palmer, Director of Finance responsible for
lender/investor relations
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Rob Sapp, Director of Asset Management responsible for hotel
operator interface
Shane Delaney, Analyst
Kathy Clair, Chief Financial Officer responsible for project accounting and
Cost control with the following support staff:
Ed Boyd, VP of Operations
Heather Studer, Accountant
Susana Jordan, Accountant
Jeff Yamaguchi, VP of Real Estate responsible for residential sales, design,
and Department of Real Estate approvals
Alana Brennan, Marketing Manager responsible for residential marketing
and public relations.
Mr. Green said discussions with City Manager McMillen and City Attorney Ihrke
are undergoing regarding Amendment No. 4 to the Purchase, Sale and
Development Agreement (PSDA).
Mr. Maize expressed his enthusiasm to be working on this project and with the
Robert Green Company. Mr. Maize said he appreciated the City’s efforts to
reimburse development impact fees back to developers for additional
infrastructure improvements made; and the median improvements at Jefferson
Street and the Avenue 52 round-about.
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS
All reports are on file in the City Clerk’s Office.
MAYOR’S AND COUNCIL MEMBERS’ ITEMS
Councilmember Peña recommended that staff reach out to La Quinta residents
and businesses to seek comments on “lessons learned” from the pandemic,
what went well and what could have gone better. Council concurred that a
post-pandemic discussion might be appropriate to schedule at a future Council
meeting.
REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
La Quinta’s representative for 2021, Mayor Evans reported on her participation
in the following organizations’ meetings:
CVAG COACHELLA VALLEY CONSERVATION COMMISSION
CVAG ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE
CVAG EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
La Quinta’s representative for 2021, Councilmember Fitzpatrick reported on her
participation in the following organizations’ meetings:
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CVAG TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE (attended on behalf of Mayor Pro Tem Radi)
RIVERSIDE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION (RCTC)
La Quinta’s representative for 2021, Councilmember Peña reported on his
participation in the following organizations’ meeting:
CVAG PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
La Quinta’s representative for 2021, Councilmember Sanchez reported on his
participation in the following organizations’ meeting:
LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES – TRANSPORTATION,
COMMUNICATION AND PUBLIC WORKS POLICY COMMITTEE
COUNCIL RECESSED THE OPEN SESSION PORTION OF THE MEETING AT
8:18 P.M. TO CONDUCT THE FINANCING AUTHORITY SPECIAL MEETING,
CONCLUDE THE HOUSING AUTHORITY SPECIAL MEETING, AND MOVE
INTO CLOSED SESSION
MAYOR EVANS RECONVENED THE OPEN SESSION PORTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL MEETING AT 8:52 P.M. WITH ALL MEMBERS PRESENT
CLOSED SESSION – Continued
2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
SIGNIFICANT EXPOSURE TO LITIGATION PURSUANT TO
PARAGRAPH (2) OR (3) OF SUBDIVISION (d) OF GOVERNMENT
CODE SECTION 54956.9 (NUMBER OF POTENTIAL CASES: 1)
REPORT ON ACTION(S) TAKEN IN CLOSED SESSION:
City Attorney Ihrke said there were no reportable actions taken for CLOSED
SESSION ITEM NO. 2 pursuant to Government Code section 54950 et seq.
(Brown Act).
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, a motion was made and seconded by
Councilmembers Fitzpatrick/Radi to adjourn at 8:52 p.m. Motion passed
unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
MONIKA RADEVA, City Clerk
City of La Quinta, California