2021 07 20 CC Minutes
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 1 of 14 JULY 20, 2021
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, JULY 20, 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, N-60-20, and N-08-21 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, Assistant to the City Manager Villalpando,
Community Resources Director Escobedo, Code Compliance/Animal Control
Supervisor Meredith, Public Safety Manager Mendez, Community Resources
Analyst Calderon, La Quinta Fire Chief Fish, Community Resources Manager
Calderon, Public Works Director/City Engineer McKinney, Interim Finance
Director Martinez, Financial Services Analyst Hallick, Design and Development
Director Castro.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA – None.
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA
Councilmember Peña asked to amend the motion for Consent Calendar Item No.
2 and requested that the consideration to authorize overnight travel to attend
the League of California Cities Annual Conference in Sacramento, California, on
September 22-24, 2021, include both, Councilmembers Sanchez and Peña, and
authorize expenditures related with this travel. Council concurred.
CLOSED SESSION
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION –
PURSUANT TO PARAGRAPH (1) OF SUBDIVISION (d) OF SECTION
54956.9 OF THE GOVERNMENT CODE. NAME OF CASE: CITY OF LA
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 2 of 14 JULY 20, 2021
QUINTA, PETITIONER, v. LA QUINTA ARTS FOUNDATION,
RESPONDENT, USPTO TRADEMARK TRIAL AND APPEAL BD.,
CANCELLATION CASE NO.: 92076446. NAME OF CASE: LA QUINTA
ARTS FOUNDATION, PLAINTIFF, V. CITY OF LA QUINTA,
DEFENDANT, US DIST. COURT, CENTRAL DISTRICT OF CAL., CASE
NO. 5:21-cv-515
2. 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)
3. 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)
4. 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)
5. 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)
6. ANNUAL PERFORMANCE EVALUATION PURSUANT TO
GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54957, COUNCIL APPOINTED
POSITION – CITY ATTORNEY
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 4:06 P.M. WITH ALL MEMBERS PRESENT
REPORT ON ACTION(S) TAKEN IN CLOSED SESSION:
City Attorney Ihrke reported the following pursuant to Government Code section
54950 et seq. (Brown Act):
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 3 of 14 JULY 20, 2021
CLOSED SESSION ITEM NO. 1 – no reportable action.
CLOSED SESSION ITEM NO. 2 – no reportable action.
CLOSED SESSION ITEM NO. 3 – no reportable action.
CLOSED SESSION ITEM NO. 4 – Council will recess back to Closed
Session to continue consideration of this item after the Open Session of
the meeting has concluded.
CLOSED SESSION ITEM NO. 5 – Council will recess back to Closed
Session to continue consideration of this item after the Open Session of
the meeting has concluded.
CLOSED SESSION ITEM NO. 6 – Council will recess back to Closed
Session to continue consideration of this item after the Open Session of
the meeting has concluded.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Pro Tem Radi and Councilmember Fitzpatrick led the audience in the
Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA
The following PUBLIC SPEAKERS IN-PERSON, listed in the order in which they
addressed the Council, spoke in opposition of the proposed Wave project at Coral
Mountain and expressed concerns regarding the use of water resources the
project would need to utilize in the midst of a drought and impacts of ambient
lighting from the project to the nearby residential communities:
Alena Callimanis, La Quinta
Lisa Castro, La Quinta
Sheila Warren, La Quinta
Francine Roy, La Quinta
PUBLIC SPEAKER IN-PERSON: Richard Spinelli, Vice President of the Santa Rosa
Cove Homeowners Association (HOA), La Quinta – requested to also speak
during Study Session Item No. 2 relating to the Short-Term Vacation Rental
(STVR) noise monitoring device pilot program; noted he is aware that currently
there is a moratorium on issuance of new STVR permits and inquired if Council
would be revisiting this matter in the near future; said the Santa Rosa HOA,
which allows STVRs pursuant to its CC&Rs has not yet issued a response to the
City on whether or not its membership might be interested in requesting
exemption from the City’s moratorium, but may do so in the near future; and
asked if Council would be considering a potential code amendment to add
provisions to the code allowing HOAs to apply for such and exemption.
PUBLIC SPEAKER IN-PERSON: Brad Anderson, Rancho Mirage – said he wanted
to provide public comment during the June 23, 2021, Special Joint Meeting of
the City Council and Housing Authority during which residents’ interviews were
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 4 of 14 JULY 20, 2021
conducted and appointments made for residents to serve on various City and
outside boards’ and commissions’ vacancies, but was not able to connect via the
teleconference; asked Council to consider having a Councilmember serve on the
Coachella Valley Mosquito Vector Control District.
PUBLIC SPEAKER VIA TELECONFERENCE: Carolyn Winnor, La Quinta – spoke in
opposition of The Wave project at Coral Mountain; and expressed concerns
relating to use of water resources, impacts of ambient lighting from the project
to the nearby residential communities, as well as noise and traffic impacts.
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:
Elena Bonilla, La Quinta – in support of STVRs and lifting the moratorium
on new STVR permits; and
Alma and Kevin Braga, La Quinta – in support of STVRs, lifting the
moratorium on new STVR permits, and requested a specific date of when
the moratorium might be lifted; and
Alena Callimanis, La Quinta - in opposition of The Wave project at Coral
Mountain; and
Lisa Castro, La Quinta - in opposition of The Wave project at Coral
Mountain; and
Carolyn Winnor, La Quinta - in opposition of The Wave project at Coral
Mountain; and
Sheila Warren, La Quinta - in opposition of The Wave project at Coral
Mountain
ANNOUNCEMENTS, PRESENTATIONS AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
1. INTRODUCE RIVERSIDE COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT EASTERN
DESERT DIVISION CHIEF BRYAN WHITE
Eastern Deputy Operations Fire Chief Fish with Riverside County Fire
Department, formerly La Quinta’s Fire Chief, introduced Eastern Desert Division
Chief Bryan White who will be serving in the capacity of the Fire Department’s
liaison for La Quinta, Indio, Coachella, and the eastern unincorporated areas of
the county, as well as the liaison to the Federal Urban Search & Rescue Task
Force which is based in Riverside. Mr. Fish expressed his gratitude for the
opportunity to serve La Quinta. Mr. White said he was honored to have been
selected to serve La Quinta in the capacity of Fire Chief and gave a brief
presentation of his background and experience.
2. CERTIFICATES OF RECOGNITION FOR OUTGOING CITY
COMMISSIONERS
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 5 of 14 JULY 20, 2021
Council expressed their gratitude to the outgoing Commissioners listed below
and commended them for their time, dedication, services, and commitment, and
presented them with Certificates of Recognition:
Philip Bettencourt (was not present) – Planning Commission
Taylor Libolt-Varner – Planning Commission
Michele McDonough – Housing Commission
Doriel Wyler – Community Services Commission
Brandon Marley (was not present) – Community Services Commission
Corry Hunter – Financial Advisory Commission
Daniel Twohey – Financial Advisory Commission
John Hoffner – Financial Advisory Commission
Steven Rosen (via teleconference) – Financial Advisory Commission
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. APPROVE SPECIAL JOINT CITY COUNCIL AND HOUSING
AUTHORITY MEETING MINUTES OF JUNE 23, 2021
2. AUTHORIZE OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR COUNCILMEMBER SANCHEZ
TO ATTEND THE LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES ANNUAL
CONFERENCE IN SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA, SEPTEMBER 22-24,
2021
3. AUTHORIZE OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR MARKETING MANAGER TO
ATTEND THE 2021 CAL TRAVEL SUMMIT IN HUNTINGTON BEACH,
CALIFORNIA SEPTEMBER 12-14, 2021
4. RECEIVE AND FILE REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE REPORT DATED
APRIL 30, 2021
5. RECEIVE AND FILE REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE REPORT DATED
MAY 31, 2021
6. APPROVE DEMAND REGISTERS DATED JUNE 11, 18, 25, AND JULY
2, 9, 2021
7. APPROVE AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO AGREEMENT FOR CONTRACT
SERVICES WITH LODGINGREVS FOR SHORT-TERM VACATION
RENTAL PROGRAM SERVICES
8. ACCEPT ADAMS STREET RESTRIPING PROJECT NO. 2020-06,
LOCATED ON ADAMS STREET BETWEEN MILES AVENUE AND FRED
WARING DRIVE
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 6 of 14 JULY 20, 2021
9. APPROVE CHANGE ORDER NO. 15 TO CONTRACT WITH URBAN
HABITAT FOR THE SILVERROCK PARK VENUE PROJECT AND
ACCEPT SILVERROCK PARK VENUE PROJECT NO. 2016-08
Councilmember Peña requested that the motion for Consent Calendar Item No.
2 be amended to authorize overnight travel for both, Councilmembers Sanchez
and Peña, to attend the League of California Cities Annual Conference in
Sacramento, California, on September 22-24, 2021, and authorize expenditures
related to this travel.
Council concurred.
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers
Fitzpatrick/Radi to approve the Consent Calendar as amended with Consent
Calendar Item No. 2 authorizing overnight travel and related expenses for both,
Councilmembers Sanchez and Peña, to attend the League of California Cities
Annual Conference in Sacramento, California, on September 22-24, 2021.
Motion passed unanimously.
BUSINESS SESSION – None.
STUDY SESSION
1. SILVERROCK RESORT DEVELOPMENT PROJECT UPDATE AND
DEVELOPER PROGRESS TO CURE DEFAULT
PUBLIC SPEAKER VIA TELECONFERENCE: Robert Green, President and CEO with
SilverRock Development Company (SDC) said Mr. Bruce Maize, Chief Operating
Officer of RGR and Josh Frantz, Senior Project Manager with SDC are attending
in person and will provide an update on how the project is progressing through
the permitting and development process, and the potential need of some
temporary uses.
PUBLIC SPEAKERS IN-PERSON: Mr. Maize and Mr. Frantz introduced themselves,
and presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk’s Office; and provided
a presentation on the proposed construction field office campus and related
necessary temporary permits, and a detailed 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;
and a list of the extensive number staff member from SDC dedicated to this
project.
Council discussed adding a permit provision to require landscape screening
around the construction field office campus; directed SDC to periodically reach
out to the neighboring residential developments and provide updates about the
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 7 of 14 JULY 20, 2021
status of the project and dust mitigation measures; requested to schedule a
meeting between the City, SDC, Mosaic, and the Montage team relating to the
project; and the City has received the latest redlined version of Amendment No.
4 to the Purchase Sale and Development Agreement for review.
2. DISCUSS SHORT TERM VACATION RENTAL (STVR) NOISE
COMPLIANCE DEVICE PILOT PROGRAM (PROGRAM) RESULTS AND
FINDINGS
Community Resources Director Escobedo presented the staff report, which is on
file in the Clerk’s Office, noting three (3) vendors participated in the Program –
Minut, NoiseAware, and Party Squasher, the Program was conducted from March
15 to June 15, 2021, and it included a total of 25 local STVR operators.
Council discussed the Program would increase STVR operators’ accountability by
allowing them to quickly address and resolve potential noise disturbances and
decrease noise disturbance reports from the community to the City’s STVR
hotline; the devise provided by Party Squasher has the capability to count
personal electronic devices onsite, which could aid operators in monitoring
occupancy compliance; the algorithm tracks and counts personal devices such
as cell phones, iPads, and tablets when estimating the occupancy of a STVR;
potential challenges that may arise if guests have multiple personal devices
which would result in an inaccurate indicator for occupancy; and the personal
device detection feature would be more useful for the larger estate STVR units
where large gatherings occur.
PUBLIC SPEAKER IN-PERSON: Tyler Fabschutz, Enterprise Sales Consultant with
Minut – thanked Staff for the opportunity to participate in the Program; thanked
the participants for their willingness to collaborate and for their patience with
product placement; noted the importance of enacting smart legislation to ensure
a STVR program is successful and minimizes bad actors.
Mr. Fabschutz gave a brief presentation regarding Minut’s noise monitoring
device and services which allow STVR operators to proactively monitor noise
levels based on customizable thresholds on what constitutes a noise event;
provide them with the tools to contact the guest either via SMS text message
and auto call; activate flash and sound of the device; monitor the number of
occupants in the unit through an infrared motion sensor feature (“crowd detect”)
which notifies the operator once the set threshold is breached; importance of
the effective placement of the device, which can be installed anywhere, such as
the ceiling to maximize sensor detection and connectivity to router, and not only
at an outlet; importance to set thresholds that are realistic and don’t result in
the detection of false noise events; noise monitor devices help operators prevent
the snowball effects of parties – noise complaints – property damage – trash –
excessive cars; for purposes of the Program the threshold for a noise event was
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 8 of 14 JULY 20, 2021
set at 75 decibels; a total of 263 noise events were detected during the Program;
68% of detected noise events lasted less than 10 minutes; Minut’s response
escalation process for addressing noise events is flexible and can be customized
to meet each operator’s unique needs.
General discussion followed about Minut’s future release of an outdoor noise
monitoring device which is currently being developed.
PUBLIC SPEAKER IN-PERSON: Eric Pace, Director of Partner Operations with
NoiseAware – thanked the City for the opportunity to participate in the Program
and introduced himself and CEO Andrew Schultz with NoiseAware attending via
teleconference.
PUBLIC SPEAKER VIA TELECONFERENCE: Mr. Schultz said NoiseAware was
established with the objective to ensure the quiet and peaceful enjoyment of
communities; said La Quinta’s Program has been the most successful one to date
in which NoiseAware has participated; and gave a brief presentation on results
of the Program, including the number of outdoor and indoor noise events
detected; 82% of the noise events were detected outside; average local contact
response time per noise event was 18 minutes; and noise detection threshold
can be customized to meet each operator’s needs.
Mayor Evans noted that the Program was conducted while Executive Order No.
9 was in effect pursuant to which no outside sound amplification was allowed at
any time.
Mr. Schultz spoke about the type of services the company offers, including
NoiseAware’s device “Noise Risk Score” measurement feature which could help
avoid unnecessary dispatch of City resources by allowing the City to verify if a
noise event is occurring; NoiseAware’s response escalation process, including
NightAgent notification services, which utilize NoiseAware staff to notify guests
if a noise event is detected, instead of notifying the STVR operator; results from
other pilot programs NoiseAware has participated in; and thanked the City and
Staff for the opportunity to participate in the Program.
Council discussed best STVR monitoring practices utilized by other cities to
achieve noise compliance; the noise event threshold implemented for the
Program was at 75 decibels for a set period of time; clarified that some of the
detected noise events included general noise caused by everyday living and
existence, which set off an alert but the noise did not sustain for the set threshold
duration and this differentiated it from being considered a violation; ensuring
that the City can prevent and mitigate noise events and ensure a peaceful
environment for residents; the noise monitoring technology would allow the City
to verify if a noise event occurred and to determine whether a complaint is false
or not; without noise monitoring technology the City is not able to verify a noise
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 9 of 14 JULY 20, 2021
event if the noise stops before Code Compliance or the police are able respond
onsite; preventative measures put in place to ensure that devices are tamper
resistant and the measuring algorithms used by NoiseAware that allow noise
events detection despite guests attempt to tamper with the device or muffle the
sensors; importance of having third party access to the noise monitoring data
while also ensuring compliance with privacy protection laws; importance to
ensure guests are aware if the property has a noise monitoring device and
consent to the release of data via their rental agreement with the STVR host;
generally hosting platforms require STVR hosts to disclose if the property
contains a noise monitoring device in the advertisement; NoiseAware’s response
escalation process to detected noise events is based on the “Noise Risk Score,”
in terms of how much it differentiates from the established threshold and the
length of time, and the STVR hosts established priorities; indoor noise
monitoring devices are easy to install and screw into a power outlet, outdoor
devices are battery powered and installed via an adhesive; importance of
ensuring the proper placement of the device to ensure proper detection of noise
event; indoor devices are generally placed near a designated gathering space,
and outdoor devices are usually placed near a pool or patio; NoiseAware’s
monitoring devices are not able to differentiate noise types by design to ensure
protection of privacy; the system is also designed in a manner that does not
allow an employee or a hacker, who may have access to the system, to hear
what is going on in anyone’s home; response escalation is triggered based on
sustained noise detection above the established thresholds; noise monitoring
devices do not replace the hosts’ responsibility in ensuring guests’ compliance
and local contacts are responsive to complaints, and do not completely rely on
noise monitoring vendors to address noise events; importance to gather data on
how many hosts do not respond to alerts issued by the noise vendors; logistical
challenges for property managers to monitor three separate devices and respond
to three alerts simultaneously and to address noise events with guests to help
mitigate the issue; NoiseAware’s business model to take on the initial text
notification to the guest upon the detection of a noise event is not intended to
alleviate hosts from the responsibility of handling the issue; NoiseAware’s
system is able to alert guests via email, text message, or an app-alert based on
set preferences; hosts can provide NoiseAware with guests’ contact information
in order to facilitate such communications and currently hosts determine the
escalation process, however the City may impose specific notification alert
requirements.
PUBLIC SPEAKER VIA TELECONFERENCE: Bill Evans, CEO with BlueZoo, Inc. aka
Party Squasher – thanked the City for the opportunity to participate in the
Program; commended the Council for seeking solutions to STVR challenges;
gave a brief overview of the company’s history and primary clientele; noted Party
Squasher monitoring devices are easy to install, are hardwired into the homes’
network via ethernet and do not rely on Wi-Fi signals, and are designed primary
to detect occupancy based on the number of electronic devices onsite, instead
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 10 of 14 JULY 20, 2021
of detecting noise; monitoring occupancy provides the ability to detect early
warning signs of parties and prevent noise events from occurring; costs
associated with device installation offered by the competitors; Party Squasher
devices can be installed in areas that can be locked and secured, such as closets,
etc., without affecting its sensors and ability to count occupancy, thus
eliminating any possibility of device tampering.
Council discussed the potential need to have the Party Squasher device installed
by a professional to ensure proper installation and cable connection to the
router; this device would not be able to detect noise events if the number of
occupants does not exceed the threshold; benefits of having both noise
monitoring and occupancy tracking; occupancy tracking devices may produce
inaccurate reporting by counting devices from neighboring properties that may
be in close proximity, thus, are not well suited for condominium dwellings; the
device is primarily geared for use at larger homes or estates; benefits of
implementing occupancy tracking capabilities in tandem with the noise
monitoring devices or camera systems.
Council discussed the average battery life of Minut’s and NoiseAware’s noise
monitoring devices and relevant low-battery notifications in place.
PUBLIC SPEAKER IN-PERSON: Richard Spinelli, La Quinta – asked if the 25
Program participants were actively renting during the 90-day pilot period, which
Staff affirmed; inquired if installing a noise monitoring device would be a
requirement for current and new STVR hosts in order to obtain a permit, which
Council explained is the purpose of this discussion and has yet to be determined;
and thanked Council for their time.
Mayor Evans noted the purpose of the Program and this Study Session was to
gain an understanding of how the devices operate and what data is collected in
order to determine if a noise monitoring device can aid the City in proactively
addressing noise events.
PUBLIC SPEAKER VIA TELECONFERENCE: Olivier Chaine, President with VRON-
LQ, La Quinta – spoke about the organization’s purpose and its membership;
thanked the Council for initiating this Program; expressed support for using noise
monitoring and said that it’s a key component for responsible renting; noted that
noise monitoring devices technology has significantly progressed over the years,
particularly by offering automated guest and host alert features; and said VRON-
LQ looks forward to working with the City in successfully expanding the STVR
program.
PUBLIC SPEAKER VIA TELECONFERENCE: Bruce Hoban, Co-Founder of VRON-PS
– commended Council for their active involvement and questioning during
tonight’s presentation; commended the City for conducting the Program; noted
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 11 of 14 JULY 20, 2021
that noise events are the number one complaint for STVRs valley-wide; and said
that he would like to see a noise monitoring program that is manageable
between the City, hosts, and guests go forward.
Council expressed general consensus on moving forward with establishing a
noise monitoring program for the City; commended the vendors for the detailed
presentations and noted that noise monitoring data could curtail the use of City
resources in addressing compliance; the data collected through the Program will
aid the City in making informed decisions going forward; noted that noise event
alerts should be sent to the guest, owner, and local contact or management
company; notifications should consist of both text message and a phone call
simultaneously; the location of where the device is installed should be verified;
asked the City Attorney to provide guidance on how best to implement this
program and ensure compliance with privacy protection laws; importance to
clearly define the City’s objectives and expectations for this program; determine
the characteristics and specification the devices must meet in order to be
approved by the City; importance for the City to have access to the noise
monitoring data to streamline the noise event verification process; and
importance to implement tamper resistance device measures.
Council asked whether noise or over occupancy was a more frequent violation.
Code Compliance/Animal Control Supervisor Meredith said that approximately
44% of the complaints received by the City during the 90-day Program were
related to noise and occupancy (this number does include complaints received
for unlicensed STVR properties). The City received a total of 387 complaints
during the Program period, of which 169 were related to noise and/or occupancy
(70 were only noise related, 4 were only occupancy related, and 95 were related
to both, noise and occupancy.) Further, during the same period, the City issued
a total of 99 citations related to STVRs, of which 70 were for operating without
a valid STVR permit.
Staff noted that Minut and NoiseAware are actively working with the major
hosting platforms to find ways to integrate their systems and allow for guests’
contact information to populate into the noise monitoring vendors’ notification
system upon the completion of a booking.
Council noted the importance that the hosting platform collaborate with the City
to ensure that incorrect advertisements and unlicensed bookings do not occur;
Council directed staff to schedule a subsequent Study Session and provide
recommendations on how best to implement a noise monitoring program and
related characteristics; receive an update from the City Attorney on achieving
compliance related to privacy concerns; determine appropriate installation
procedure and verification of the noise monitoring device to ensure proper
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 12 of 14 JULY 20, 2021
monitoring; said there is a greater need for outdoor monitoring devices; and
noted the importance of having access to the monitoring data which would allow
the City to effectively verify complaints.
Council thanked the vendors and the 25 volunteer participants for their
collaboration with the City and providing an opportunity to gather useful data
that allows the City to make informed decisions that will ensure quality of life,
and compliant and responsible STVR guests and operators.
PUBLIC HEARINGS – None.
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS
All reports are on file in the City Clerk’s Office.
DEPARTMENTAL REPORT ITEM NO. 9
Mayor Evans inquired about the statistics of mutual aid provided to other cities
relating to fire services; and said two-thirds of La Quinta’s fire services are
providing mutual aid to other cities.
Eastern Desert Division Chief White said he can provide the data and mentioned
that this will also be discussed in detail during Fire Services Matrix Study Session
tabled for the August 3, 2021 Council meeting.
Mayor Evans consented to conduct this discussion at the August 3, 2021 meeting
and requested that the fire response services be broken down granularly.
MAYOR’S AND COUNCIL MEMBERS’ ITEMS
Councilmember Peña said he received serveral requests from residents for
additional shade structures at City parks and various seating areas. City
Manager McMillen said shade structures replacement and installations are
incorporated into the City’s fiscal year 2021/22 budget and will be forthcoming.
Mayor Evans said she received positive feedback from the community on the
efficiency of various City services; noted the City’s investment in technology was
critical and key in allowing Staff to provide continuity of operations during the
pandemic; and thanked Staff for their hard work and dedication.
Councilmember Sanchez said the Ninth Annual Lifestream Blood Bank Coachella
Valley Nine Cities Blood Drive Challenge is from July 1 through August 31, 2021.
Councilmember Sanchez said he spoke with the office of Assembly Member
Mayes’s office relating pending legislation regarding the Imperial Irrigation
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 13 of 14 JULY 20, 2021
District which is moving forward; Mayor Evans expressed the Council’s support
to Assembly Member Mayes for the proposed legislation.
REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
La Quinta’s representative for 2021, Mayor Evans reported on her participation
in the following organization’s meeting:
CVAG EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
La Quinta’s representative for 2021, Councilmember Fitzpatrick reported on her
participation in the following organizations’ meetings:
COACHELLA VALLEY MOUNTAINS CONSERVANCY
RIVERSIDE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION (RCTC)
La Quinta’s representative for 2021, Mayor Pro Tem Radi reported on his
participation in the following organizations’ meeting:
CVAG TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
SUNLINE TRANSIT AGENCY
COUNCIL RECESSED THE OPEN SESSION PORTION OF THE MEETING AT
7:02 P.M. TO CONDUCT THE HOUSING AUTHORITY REGULAR QUARTERLY
MEETING
MAYOR EVANS RECONVENED THE OPEN SESSION PORTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL MEETING AND MOVED INTO CLOSED SESSION AT 7:09 P.M.
CLOSED SESSION – Continued
4. 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)
5. 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)
6. ANNUAL PERFORMANCE EVALUATION PURSUANT TO
GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54957, COUNCIL APPOINTED
POSITION – CITY ATTORNEY
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 14 of 14 JULY 20, 2021
MAYOR EVANS RECONVENED THE OPEN SESSION PORTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL MEETING AT 8:04 P.M. WITH ALL MEMBERS PRESENT
REPORT ON ACTION(S) TAKEN IN CLOSED SESSION:
City Attorney Ihrke reported the following pursuant to Government Code section
54950 et seq. (Brown Act):
CLOSED SESSION ITEM NO. 4 – no reportable action.
CLOSED SESSION ITEM NO. 5 – no reportable action.
CLOSED SESSION ITEM NO. 6 – Council completed the City Attorney’s
annual performance evaluation and reaffirmed his appointment.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, a motion was made and seconded by
Councilmembers Radi/Fitzpatrick to adjourn at 8:05 p.m. Motion passed
unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
MONIKA RADEVA, City Clerk
City of La Quinta, California