2021 08 03 CC MinutesCITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 1 of 16 AUGUST 3, 2021
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, AUGUST 3, 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, Director of Business Unit and Housing
Development Villalpando, Community Resources Director Escobedo, Human
Resources Analyst Triplett, Community Resources Manager Calderon,
Management Analyst Calderon, Public Safety Manager Mendez, Senior
Emergency Management Coordinator Johnston, Public Works Director/City
Engineer McKinney, Interim Finance Director Martinez, Financial Services
Analyst Hallick, Senior Planner Flores, Design and Development Director
Castro; CAL Fire/Riverside County Fire Department Deputy Chief Robert Fish
and Eastern Desert Division Chief Bryan White
CITY CONSULTANTS: Robert Finn, Senior Manager with Matrix Consulting
Group, and Terry Madsen, President with ClearSource Financial Consulting
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA – None
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA
City Manager McMillen requested to pull Consent Calendar Item No. 9 from
consideration on tonight’s Agenda.
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City Clerk Radeva said City Attorney Ihrke will make a verbal announcement
on Consent Calendar Item Nos. 17, 19, and 20 regarding the salaries and
fringe benefits of the City’s executive employees pursuant to the Brown Act
[Government Code Section 54953(c)(3)].
Councilmember Peña said he will recuse himself and abstain from discussion
and vote on Consent Calendar Item No. 6 due to a potential conflict of interest
stemming from the proximity of real property interest to this project; and
requested that the item be pulled for a separate vote.
Council concurred.
CLOSED SESSION
1. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS PURSUANT TO
GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54957.6; CITY DESIGNATED
REPRESENTATIVE: CHRIS ESCOBEDO, DIRECTOR OF
COMMUNITY RESOURCES, AND EMPLOYEE ORGANIZATION: LA
QUINTA CITY EMPLOYEES’ ASSOCIATION, AND
UNREPRESENTED EMPLOYEES (VARIOUS POSITIONS IN ALL
CITY DEPARTMENTS)
2. THREAT TO PUBLIC SERVICES OR FACILITIES, PURSUANT TO
SUBDIVISION (a) OF GOVERNMENTAL 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)
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)
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 4:00 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 16 AUGUST 3, 2021
CLOSED SESSION ITEM NO. 1 – labor negotiations have concluded;
and Council will consider these matters during the Open Session portion
of the meeting under Consent Calendar Item Nos. 19 and 20 on
tonight’s agenda;
CLOSED SESSION ITEM NO. 2 – no reportable action; and
CLOSED SESSION ITEM NO. 3 – no reportable action.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Peña led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA
(listed in the order in which they spoke)
PUBLIC SPEAKER IN-PERSON: Alena Callimanis, La Quinta – spoke about the
operations of the WADI Adventure Park in the United Arab Emirates and how
it compares to the proposed Wave Park at Coral Mountain (Wave); the
Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) water assessment for the Wave; water
evaporation calculations based on the Lemoore Surf Ranch as compared to
the desert weather; water usage comparison between golf courses versus surf
pool facilities; alternative recreational facilities that can be developed on the
proposed site instead of the Wave; and noted the Wave would have an adverse
impact on the neighboring residential communities.
PUBLIC SPEAKER IN-PERSON: Kelly Welton, La Quinta – asked who would be
responsible for addressing any noise complaints from residents related to the
Wave; and provided a photo as a hand-out, which was included in the public
record and agenda packet of the meeting, depicting the size of the Wave and
its proximity to the adjacent Trilogy residential development.
PUBLIC SPEAKER IN-PERSON: Wendy Clarke, La Quinta – a long-time
Coachella Valley resident and 16 years in La Quinta; noted the Coral Mountain
area provides little revenue for the City in comparison with other areas due to
the Thermal redevelopment project; spoke about the developer’s request to
rezone the area to Tourist Commercial which would generate transient
occupancy tax revenue for the City, however, the Wave would adversely
impact the quality of life of the existing residents in the adjoining communities
due to the noise, broadcast music, short-term vacation rentals (STVRs), and
special events that would be held; the surrounding communities are quiet
residential, not a tourist destination, and it needs to be protected; the current
drought conditions in California are not proper conditions for the Wave project
which would use significant amount of water; the mutual responsibilities for
everyone are to reduce water consumption, CVWD should deny all requests
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 4 of 16 AUGUST 3, 2021
requiring excessive amounts of water, the City should require studies that
evaluate local evaporation rates, the actual noise at the site, and traffic studies
that are post pandemic, the City should observe its 2035 General Plan –
Livable Community that speaks to the long-term quality of life of its residents;
change is inevitable, however, the Wave is beyond unreasonable; and asked
the City to honor south La Quinta’s established communities, reject the Wave’s
rezoning request as it would adversely impact the quality of life of the
residents.
PUBLIC SPEAKER IN-PERSON: Diane Rebryna, La Quinta – she and her
husband love La Quinta, particularly its beautiful and tranquil southeast
corner; has reviewed in detail the Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR)
for the Coral Mountain Resort, which was quite voluminous and intimidating,
and difficult to evaluate all of the potential impacts on the surrounding
communities; has also reviewed the 2021 California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) Guidelines which was used to develop environmental impact reports;
the Wave would adversely impact the residents of the surrounding
communities due to the developer’s requests: 1) for sub-phased development
based on market and consumer demand which may take a long time to
complete construction, and 2) to hold special events, which would create noise
and traffic impacts; the Wave is not a feasible project for the desert area due
to the high temperatures, high evaporation rates, and during a drought; and
noted there is a global movement underway to conserve water.
PUBLIC SPEAKER IN-PERSON: Anast Demitt, La Quinta – said he is semi-
retired forensics structural engineer; the Draft EIR is one of the worst technical
documents he has read; a major concern was the section of the Draft EIR
related to traffic as the traffic study included is flawed as it was conducted
during COVID-19 and it underestimates the actual number of vehicle trips and
related consequences; expressed concerns about the proposed 80’ tall light
poles and anticipated light spillage onto the surrounding communities, as well
as concerns about the proposed STVR use of the residential units of the
development; the Wave is not compatible with the 2035 General Plan,
particularly the section on Livable Community which addresses the long-term
quality of life of the residents; and asked Council to read the Draft EIR which
does not provide enough information with certainty to allow for rezoning and
to ensure that there won’t be long-term life impacting consequences for the
nearby residents.
PUBLIC SPEAKER IN-PERSON: David Dinnel, La Quinta – spoke about
egregious STVRs renters, particularly in instances when the host is not able
to control the guests’ behavior, and possible collaboration with the City to
apply enforcement and achieve compliance without adversely impacting the
host’s ability to operate as STVR.
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PUBLIC SPEAKER VIA TELECONFERENCE: Kathy Weiss, La Quinta – said the
location proposed for the Wave project was not appropriate due to the
potential adverse impacts caused by noise, Tourist Commercial zoning and
operations, STVRs, hotel operations, etc., and it is not consistent with the
nearby residential developments and the quiet quality of life; the proposed
development timeline is 40 years; the Draft EIR incorrectly states that there
would be no adverse effect to the surrounding communities; and requested
that Council does not approve the Wave project.
City Clerk Radeva noted that Ms. Weiss was donated additional speaker time
by Derek Wong and Michael Stepp.
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:
Wendy Clarke, La Quinta – opposing the Wave project;
Diane Rebryna and Anast Demitt, La Quinta – opposing The Wave
project;
Ruth Utti, La Quinta – requesting that Council consider amending the
moratorium on STVRs to include the La Quinta Resort Tennis Villas in
the moratorium exemptions.
The following public speakers who provided verbal comments as listed above
also submitted their comments/presentations to be included as WRITTEN
PUBLIC COMMENTS for the public record and agenda packet of the meeting
(the presentation materials are listed in the order in which they were presented
by the public speakers):
Alena Callimanis, La Quinta
Kelly Welton, La Quinta
Wendy Clarke, La Quinta
Diane Rebryna, La Quinta
Anast Demitt, La Quinta
Kathy Weiss, La Quinta
Council thanked the audience for their engagement, participation, and valuable
comments; noted developers have the right to propose developments, and the
City must go through the project review and consideration as prescribed by
state law.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS, PRESENTATIONS AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
1. ORGANICS RECYCLING PROGRAM EDUCATION UPDATE BY CLARA
VERA, MUNICIPAL MARKETING MANAGER WITH BURRTEC WASTE
& RECYCLING
Vice President Frank Orlett with Burrtec Waste & Recycling introduced District
Environmental Coordinator Mike Veto, who is the boots on the ground for La
Quinta, and Municipal Marketing Manager Clara Vera who gave a brief
presentation on Burrtec’s Commercial Waste Organics Program Compliance,
focus, efforts, and objectives.
Ms. Vera noted La Quinta is 98% compliant with the requirements of AB 1826,
the mandatory Commercial Organic Waste Recycling law which requires
businesses that generate specified amount of organic waste (compost) to
arrange for organics collection services; this includes schools, hospitals, stores,
restaurants, for-profit or nonprofit organizations, as well as multi-family
dwellings with 5+ units; and commended La Quinta for its leadership,
partnering and collaboration, and support of local businesses to achieve
compliance and make an impact.
2. THE REIMAGINATION OF CHILDREN’S DISCOVERY MUSEUM OF THE
DESERT – PRESENTATION BY CINDY BURRESON, CHIEF EXECUTIVE
OFFICER WITH THE CHILDREN’S DISCOVERY MUSEUM
Chief Executive Officer Cindy Burresom gave a brief overview of the activities
and programs of the Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert, including the
Museum’s long-term expansion plan; asked the City for its support and
assistance; noted that the Museum will be submitting a grant application;
asked Council to participate on the Museum’s Board; explore opportunities to
include funding for the Museum in future budgets; and provide opportunities
for exposure.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1.APPROVE MEETING MINUTES OF JUNE 15, 2021
2. APPROVE DEMAND REGISTERS DATED JULY 16 AND 23, 2021
3. AUTHORIZE THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT TO AWARD
MAINTENANCE AND/OR REPAIR WORK TO CREATIVE LIGHTING
& ELECTRICAL, INC. FOR UP TO $100,000 IN FISCAL YEAR
2021/22, WHEN THEY ARE THE QUALIFIED AND/OR LOWEST
BIDDER
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 7 of 16 AUGUST 3, 2021
4. AUTHORIZE THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT TO AWARD
MAINTENANCE AND/OR REPAIR WORK TO VINTAGE
ASSOCIATES, INC. FOR UP TO $100,000 IN FISCAL YEAR
2021/22, WHEN THEY ARE THE QUALIFIED AND/OR LOWEST
BIDDER
5. AUTHORIZE THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT TO AWARD TO
PWLC II, INC. UP TO $150,000 IN ADDITIONAL WORK IN FISCAL
YEAR 2021/22, AS A SINGLE SOURCE FOR MEDIAN LANDSCAPE
RESTORATION WITHIN THE LIGHTING & LANDSCAPE
ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 89-1 AND FOR MAINTENANCE AND
REPAIR WORK WHEN THEY ARE THE QUALIFIED AND/OR
LOWEST BIDDER
6. pulled for a separate vote by Councilmember Peña >>> APPROVE
CHANGE ORDER NO. 2 TO CONTRACT WITH CONVERGINT
TECHNOLOGIES AND ACCEPT CITYWIDE PUBLIC SAFETY
CAMERA SYSTEM PROJECT NO. 2020-03
7. APPROVE CHANGE ORDER NO. 6 AND NO. 7 TO CONTRACT WITH
JONES BROS CONSTRUCTION COMPANY FOR THE SILVERROCK
WAY STREET IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT NO. 2014-13/141513
FOR SEWER AND WATER ADDITIONAL WORK REQUESTS AND
AUTHORIZE THE RELEASE OF RETENTION FOR WORK COMPLETE
8. APPROVE PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, ENGINEER’S ESTIMATE,
AND ADVERTISE FOR BID THE LA QUINTA LANDSCAPE
RENOVATION IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT, LOCATED AT THE LA
QUINTA TOPAZ DEVELOPMENT, ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF MILES
AVENUE AND WEST SIDE OF DUNE PALMS ROAD (PROJECT NO.
2016-03F)
9. pulled from consideration by Staff >>> APPROVE PLANS,
SPECIFICATIONS, ENGINEER’S ESTIMATE, AND ADVERTISE FOR
BID THE JEFFERSON STREET AT AVENUE 53 ROUNDABOUT
PROJECT NO. 2017-09
10. APPROVE PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, ENGINEER’S ESTIMATE,
AND ADVERTISE FOR BID THE SILVERROCK RETENTION BASIN
SOIL STABILIZATION PROJECT, LOCATED AT THE SOUTHEAST
CORNER OF AVENUE 52 AND SILVERROCK WAY (PROJECT NO.
2020-07)
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 8 of 16 AUGUST 3, 2021
11. AWARD CONTRACT TO UNIVERSAL CONSTRUCTION
ENGINEERING FOR THE EISENHOWER BASIN FENCE AND
DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT NO. 2017-04
12. APPROVE AGREEMENT FOR CONTRACT SERVICES FOR SHADE
STRUCTURE FABRIC REPLACEMENT WITH SHADE STRUCTURES,
INC. DBA USA SHADE & FABRIC STRUCTURES, INC. THROUGH
SOURCEWELL COOPERATIVE PURCHASING (PROJECT NO. 2019-
20)
13. APPROVE AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO CONTRACT AGREEMENT WITH
DESERT LIMNOLOGISTS, INC. DBA SOUTHWEST AQUATICS FOR
SILVERROCK EVENT SITE LAKE MAINTENANCE SERVICES
(PROJECT NO. 2019-11)
14. APPROVE SHORT-FORM SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH ACORN
TECHNOLOGIES, INC TO PROVIDE TRAFFIC INFRASTRUCTURE
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT SERVICES
15. APPROVE ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION AGREEMENTS AND
AMENDMENT TO SUBDIVISION IMPROVEMENT AGREEMENTS
FOR TRACT MAP NO. 30092, PIAZZA SERENA, A RESIDENTIAL
DEVELOPMENT LOCATED AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF
MONROE STREET AND AVENUE 58
16. APPROVE PURCHASE OF SEVEN UPFITTED VEHICLES THROUGH
SOURCEWELL COOPERATIVE PURCHASING
17. ADOPT RESOLUTION TO RECLASSIFY ASSISTANT TO THE CITY
MANAGER AND CITY CLERK TO DIRECTOR, AND APPROVE TWO
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS [RESOLUTION NO. 2021-027]
18. ADOPT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE THE EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN
AND SELECTION OF KEENAN AND ASSOCIATES AS THE CITY’S
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS BROKER OF RECORD [RESOLUTION NO. 2021-028]
19. ADOPT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO THE
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF LA
QUINTA AND THE LA QUINTA CITY EMPLOYEES’ ASSOCIATION
APPROVING THE HEALTH BENEFIT CAP OF $1,832.01 PER
EMPLOYEE PER MONTH [RESOLUTION NO. 2021-029]
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20. ADOPT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE THE HEALTH BENEFIT CAP OF
$1,832.01 PER EMPLOYEE PER MONTH, FOR NON-REPRESENTED
EMPLOYEES, NON-REPRESENTED MANAGEMENT, CONTRACT,
AND CONFIDENTIAL EMPLOYEES [RESOLUTION NO. 2021-030]
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM NO. 6
COUNCILMEMBER PEÑA RECUSED HIMSELF AND SAID HE WILL
ABSTAIN FROM DISCUSSION AND VOTE ON THIS ITEM DUE TO A
POTENTIAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST STEMMING FROM THE PROXIMITY
OF HIS REAL PROPERTY INTEREST TO THE PROJECT LOCATION
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers
Fitzpatrick/Radi to approve Consent Calendar Item No. 6 as recommended.
Motion passed: ayes – 4, noes – 0, abstain – 1 (Peña).
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM NO. 9 – Mayor Evans noted that this item was
pulled from consideration on tonight’s agenda.
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM NOS. 17, 19 AND 20 – Verbal
Announcement
City Attorney Ihrke reported, pursuant to Government Code Section
54953(c)(3), prior to taking final action, there shall be a verbal report on the
summary of recommended final action on the salaries, salary schedules, or
compensation paid in the form of fringe benefits to 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.
The recommendation of Consent Calendar Item No. 17 for the two
management employees or “local agency executives,” as defined, the fringe
benefits remain as reported out at the June 15, 2021 Council meeting; and
the salaries, effective August 16, 2021, are as follows for the following
positions:
Position Proposed Salary
Effective 8/16/2021
Director of Business Unit and Housing
Development $143,887.60
City Clerk $143,887.60
The recommendations of Consent Calendar Item Nos. 19 and 20 are to
approve fringe benefits in the form of a citywide health benefit cap increase
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 10 of 16 AUGUST 3, 2021
from $1,742 to $1,832.01 per employee, per month effective January 1,
2022.
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Peña/Radi
to approve the Consent Calendar items 1-5, 7-8, and 10-20, with Item Nos.
17, 18, 19 and 20 adopting Resolution Nos. 2021-027, 2021-028, 2021-029,
and 2021-030, respectively. Motion passed unanimously.
BUSINESS SESSION – None.
STUDY SESSION
1. SILVERROCK RESORT DEVELOPMENT PROJECT UPDATE AND
DEVELOPER PROGRESS TO CURE DEFAULT
SilverRock Development Company (SDC) 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) construction trailer onsite,
4) mass grading completion, 5) removal of abandoned CVWD lines, 6)
Conference and Share Services Building, 4) Golf Clubhouse, 5) Pendry
Residences, and 6) Pendry Hotel.
Mr. Green noted that Josh Frantz, Senior Project Manager with SDC and Mr.
Bruce Maize, Chief Operating Officer of The Rilington Group are in attendance;
and introduced Mr. Stephen Gaines, Project Manager with SDC, who has been
charged with the Golf Clubhouse and the renovation of the Ahmanson
Clubhouse.
Council discussed that CVWD does not have any responsibility for the water
pipes that are onsite; the foundations for the Montage Spa building will be
poured in the next couple of weeks.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Mr. Maize said the adjacent communities, the Hideaway,
PGA West, and the Citrus, have been notified that if there are any questions
or concerns about the activities on the SilverRock site to not hesitate and
reach out.
2. REVIEW AND DISCUSS THE MATRIX FIRE SERVICES REPORT
Public Safety Manager Mendez introduced Senior Emergency Management
Coordinator and City Consultant Robert Finn, Senior Manager with Matrix
Consulting Group, who presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk’s
Office.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 11 of 16 AUGUST 3, 2021
Council discussed the current fire services meet the need of the City.
CALFIRE/Riverside County Fire East Desert Division Chief Bryan White noted
the benefits of having the “Municipal Standard Staffing” model by employing
Captain on each engine and the level of expertise, resources, and consistency
of supervision that would be available to deploy for fire incidents, should it be
needed; La Quinta currently has a Captain at each of the three fire stations
and explained their responsibilities as they currently exist; and fire staffing
trends throughout the cities in the Coachella Valley.
Council discussed the City of Coachella plans to expand fire facilities and
services to serve to ensure proper service for the numerous upcoming
developments that have been approved; the main areas that receive mutual
aid from La Quinta are Indio and Riverside County; and importance and
benefits of having a regional protection model for deploying fire services.
CALFIRE/Riverside County Fire Eastern Operations Deputy Chief Robert Fish
spoke of the importance for county and local agencies to collaborate now and
set the ground and properly plan for a future fire station that is likely to be
needed in the south-east-end of the Coachella Valley, and identify land that
would best serve the needs of the communities through the fire regional
model; fire stations currently planned for construction or reconstruction;
benefits of aligning regional and local common values and needs to establish
the most efficient response system; statistics related to medical-response
calls; and elaborated on the intangible benefits of the “Municipal Standard
Staffing” model.
General discussion followed regarding the fire priorities of “life, property, and
the environment;” dynamic-based dispatch system that recommends a fire
response specific to each incident and priority level; how the regional fire
response system is deployed and operated; and false fire alarm incidents have
not gone down and potential options for reduction.
Council reached a consensus that the 4th fire station in the south-east-end of
the Coachella Valley is a long-term vision; to explore further the “Municipal
Standard Staffing” model; and identify options to increase frequency of fire
prevention inspections of properties through a shared staffing model versus
La Quinta having to add a full position.
Council thanked everyone for the detailed and collaborative efforts in
conducting the fire services study.
MAYOR EVANS CALLED FOR A BRIEF RECESS AT 6:30 P.M.
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MAYOR EVANS RECONVENED THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING AT 6:36 P.M.
WITH ALL MEMBERS PRESENT
PUBLIC HEARINGS – at 5:00 p.m. or shortly thereafter
1. ADOPT A RESOLUTION TO VACATE A PORTION OF THE
SOUTHWEST CORNER OF AVENIDA MADERO AND CALLE TECATE
PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY IN THE SANTA CARMELITA AT VALE LA
QUINTA SUBDIVISION, UNIT NO. 25 [RESOLUTION NO. 2021-031]
Public Works Director/City Engineer McKinney introduced Associate Engineer
Yu who presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk’s Office.
MAYOR EVANS DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING OPEN AT 6:38 P.M.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Gilda Brasch, La Quinta – objected to the proposed street
vacation on her behalf and claimed to be objecting on the behalf of other
neighbors on the street; Ms. Brasch alleged, among other claims, the vacation
was gifting the applicant, Mr. Charles Welsh, public land; also alleged the
environmental review findings, pursuant to the California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA), stated in the staff report were not applicable; Ms. Brasch
also alleged that vacating the right-of-way was favoritism, claiming the land
is being bequeathed to Mr. Welsh for no fee, and asked if Mr. Welsh had given
a gift to any elected City official or City employee; and Ms. Brasch alleged
that, if the street vacation is granted, she and other neighbors on the street
will be raising a more formal objection.
Council discussed they are familiar with the location as the City constructed a
designated parking lot area to be used by citizens utilizing the Bear Creek
Oasis and Cove Oasis trails located east of the sidewalk, which is the access
point to the trails. Mayor and Councilmembers noted that neither knew Mr.
Welsh nor have they ever received any gifts from him.
Council discussed that this is not setting a precedent, as this is a standard
procedure to vacate a public street right-of-way easement that is no longer
required for construction of City roads.
City Engineer McKinney said even though the right-of-way is dedicated for
street purposes, the underlying fee interest in the property remained with the
adjoining property owner, and since the roads have been constructed and the
property is no longer needed for public streets, the easement is being vacated.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 13 of 16 AUGUST 3, 2021
City Attorney Ihrke explained that a street vacation is a state prescribed
process allowing Council to vacate use of public streets, sidewalks, or
easements that are no longer needed, and it is stated in the resolution –
Streets and Highways Code Section 8322 and 8320 et seq. – General Vacation
Procedures; the exemption cited under CEQA Section 15301 Class 1(c) is valid
and applicable as there is “negligible or no expansion of existing or former
use” because all that this resolution approves is the vacation of the public
street easement.
City Engineer McKinney noted that a street vacation does not require a traffic
study.
City Attorney Ihrke clarified that vacating the property does not constitute the
gifting of public funds as vacating a property is expressly allowed by state law;
and the finding that is being made is that the City no longer has any use of
the right-of-way for public use.
City Engineer McKinney noted that the City has never received any requests
from the public to use the subject property for any public use, and the City
consulted with the utility companies which have also confirmed that they do
not require any easement over the land either.
MAYOR EVANS DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED AT 6:48 P.M.
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Peña/Radi
to adopt Resolution No. 2021-031 to vacate a 1,267 square-foot portion of the
southwest corner of Avenida Madero and Calle Tecate public right-of-way in
the Santa Carmelita at Vale La Quinta Subdivision, Unit No. 25 as
recommended:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, VACATING A 1,267-SQUARE-FOOT PORTION OF THE
SOUTHWEST CORNER OF AVENIDA MADERO AND CALLE TECATE
PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY IN THE SANTA CARMELITA AT VALE LA
QUINTA SUBDIVISION, UNIT NO. 25
Motion passed unanimously.
2. ADOPT A RESOLUTION TO UPDATE THE CITY’S USER AND
REGULATORY MASTER FEE SCHEDULE [RESOLUTION NO. 2021-032]
City Clerk Radeva introduced City Consultant Terry Madsen, President with
ClearSource Financial Consulting, who presented the staff report, which is on
file in the Clerk’s Office.
MAYOR EVANS DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING OPEN AT 6:56 P.M.
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PUBLIC SPEAKER: Gretchen Gutierrez, CEO with the Desert Valley Building
Association (DVBA), said the DVBA thoroughly reviewed the City’s fee study
and is in support of the proposed 3.56% Consumer Price Index fee increase;
and thanked the City for the opportunity to stay engaged and provide
comments.
General discussion followed regarding the unprecedented housing market and
building industry conditions due to COVID-19.
Council discussed the SilverRock Event Site Facility Rental Fees as proposed;
different types of potential rental and event activities; and directed staff to
revise the Master Fee Schedule to include rental rates for partial park area
rentals and the SilverRock meeting room so that the rates correspond to rates
for similar requests at the Civic Center Campus and Museum meeting room.
MAYOR EVANS DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED AT 7:14 P.M.
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers
Fitzpatrick/Radi to adopt Resolution No. 2021-032 to update the City’s user
and regulatory Master Fee Schedule as amendment pursuant to the requested
revisions to the SilverRock Event Site Facility Rental Fees noted above:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING A REVISED MASTER FEE SCHEDULE OF
VARIOUS USER AND REGULATORY FEES
Motion passed unanimously.
3. ADOPT A RESOLUTION APPROVING SITE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT
2021-0003 (SDP-2013-924, AMENDMENT 2) TO AMEND
SIGNATURE AT PGA WEST CONDOMINIUM RESIDENTIAL PLANS;
CEQA: THE PROJECT IS CONSISTENT WITH PREVIOUSLY
CERTIFIED SUBSEQUENT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT
COMPLETED FOR EDEN ROCK AT PGA WEST SPECIFIC PLAN.
LOCATION: WITHIN THE PGA WEST SPECIFIC PLAN AREA
[RESOLUTION NO. 2021-033]
Senior Planner Flores presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk’s
Office.
MAYOR EVANS DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING OPEN AT 7:22 P.M.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Todd Cunningham, President with Woodbridge Pacific
Group gave a brief update on the construction progress of the project and the
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 15 of 16 AUGUST 3, 2021
proposed changes for the condominium units, including revised architectural
design, increased square footage, and outdoor space privacy.
MAYOR EVANS DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED AT 7:25 P.M.
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers
Peña/Sanchez to adopt Resolution No. 2021-033 approving new architectural
plan set for condominiums for Signature at PGA West within the Eden Rock at
PGA West Specific Plan Area and find the project consistent with previously
certified Subsequent Environmental Impact Report as recommended:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A SITE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT
AMENDMENT FOR NEW CONDOMINIUM PLANS FOR SIGNATURE AT
PGA WEST AND FINDING THE PROJECT CONSISTENT WITH
SUBSEQUENT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT CERTIFIED FOR
EDEN ROCK AT PGA WEST
Motion passed unanimously.
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS
All reports are on file in the City Clerk’s Office.
3. CITY CLERK – CALIFORNIA GUBERNATORIAL RECALL ELECTION
UPDATE – SEPTEMBER 14, 2021
Mayor Evans noted the importance of securing a ballot drop-off location in
north La Quinta for the upcoming Gubernatorial Recall Election scheduled for
September 14, 2021. City Clerk Radeva said staff has reached out to the
Riverside County Registrar of Voters with the request but has not received a
response yet.
MAYOR’S AND COUNCIL MEMBERS’ ITEMS
Councilmember Peña noted that Sarah Robles from Desert Hot Springs won a
bronze medal for weightlifting in the 2020 Olympics held in Tokyo, Japan in
2021 and congratulated her on her achievement.
Mayor Evans noted Scotty Burcham, a Palm Desert High School graduate, who
has dual citizenship, played as a member of Israel’s baseball team in the 2020
Olympics.
Mayor Evans said if any Councilmember is interested in serving on the Board
of the Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert to reach out to CEO
Burresom.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 16 of 16 AUGUST 3, 2021
REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
La Quinta’s representative for 2021, Councilmember Peña reported on his
participation in the following organization’s meeting:
SUNLINE TRANSIT AGENCY (attended on behalf of Mayor Pro Tem
Radi)
Council discussed the Imperial Irrigation District Board of Directors formed the
Coachella Valley Energy Commission, focused on the development of a long-
term strategic plan for continued energy service for the Coachella Valley, and
is looking for the member agencies to appoint representatives to serve on the
Commission; Mayor Evans said she will be attending the first meeting
scheduled for August 5, 2021, and the Council will consider the appointment
after the summer recess.
Councilmember Peña said he is willing to attend the Coachella Valley Mosquito
and Vector Control District Board meeting while the City is in the process of
filling its representative’s vacancy. Council concurred.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Evans adjourned the meeting at 7:37
p.m. Motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
MONIKA RADEVA, City Clerk
City of La Quinta, California