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2021 09 21 CC MinutesCITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 1 of 15 SEPTEMBER 21, 2021 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2021 CALL TO ORDER A regular meeting of the La Quinta City Council was called to order at 3:01 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, Management Assistant Laurie McGinley, Director of Business Unit and Housing Development Villalpando, Community Resources Director Escobedo, Community Resources Manager Calderon, Public Safety Manager Mendez, Code Compliance and Animal Control Supervisor Meredith, Public Works Director/City Engineer McKinney, Interim Finance Director Martinez, Financial Services Analyst Hallick, Design and Development Director Castro, Planning Manager Flores PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA – None. CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA Councilmember Fitzpatrick and Mayor Evans requested to comment on Consent Calendar Item Nos. 7 and 9, respectively. Council concurred. CLOSED SESSION 1.CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.8 FOR PROPERTY LOCATED ON NEC of HIGHWAY 111 and OF DUNE PALMS (APN: 600-020-053) CITY NEGOTIATOR: JON MCMILLEN, CITY MANAGER NEGOTIATING PARTY: NEXTLINKS CALNEVA CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 2 of 15 SEPTEMBER 21, 2021 PROPERTY OWNER: CITY OF LA QUINTA UNDER NEGOTIATION: PRICE AND TERMS OF PAYMENT 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. 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) 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):  CLOSED SESSION ITEM NO. 1 – no reportable action;  CLOSED SESSION ITEM NO. 2 – Council will reconvene into Closed Session to consider this item after the Open Session portion of the meeting; and  CLOSED SESSION ITEM NO. 3 – Council discussed their response to the threat to public services and facilities under the continuing State of Emergency due to COVID-19 as proclaimed by the State and the City and made the following motion: Motion – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Radi/Fitzpatrick to direct the City Manager to terminate Executive Order No. 9. Motion passed unanimously. Mayor Evans asked for a moment of silence in recognition and to honor the 13 service members killed in the bomb attack at the Kabul, airport in Afghanistan. Among them Marine Corporal Hunter Lopez, a local La Quinta High School graduate and the son of Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Captain Lopez who serves La Quinta. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 3 of 15 SEPTEMBER 21, 2021 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Evans led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA City Clerk Radeva presented instructions on how to join Council meetings via teleconference using the Zoom platform and stated that instructions are also available on the City’s website and listed on the agenda. 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:  Sturgis Adams, La Quinta – asked if the letter submitted to the City by Santa Rosa Cove Association (SRCA) would allow the SRCA to file for an exemption from the moratorium on new short-term vacation rental (STVR) permits.  Nancy Dunn, La Quinta – requested lifting the moratorium on new STVR permits for Homeshare permit type.  Bruce Francis, La Quinta – requested denying the rezoning application related to the Wave at Coral Mountain Resort project located at Madison Street and Avenue 58.  Jim and Barbara Lambert, La Quinta – in opposition of STVRs. City Clerk Radeva said the citizens listed below, in the order in which they were queued to provide VERBAL PRESENTATIONS in general opposition to the Wave at Coral Mountain Resort project and Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR), have submitted their verbal presentations as written materials, which were distributed to Council, made publicly available, and were included in the public record and agenda packet of the meeting:  Derek Wong, La Quinta  Kelly Welton, La Quinta  Bob Lasser, La Quinta  Sheila Warren, La Quinta  Laura DuMaurier, La Quinta  Alena Callimanis, La Quinta  Anast Demitt, La Quinta ANNOUNCEMENTS, PRESENTATIONS AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS 1. INTRODUCE NEW CITY STAFF MEMBERS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 4 of 15 SEPTEMBER 21, 2021 City Manager McMillen introduced the following new and promoted City employees: New Hires:  Jesse Batres, Account Technician in the Finance Department  Paul Villanueva, Code Compliance Officer I in the Community Resources Department  Jacob Garcia, Management Assistant in the Community Resources Department  Celeste Villanueva, Administrative Assistant in the Design and Development Department  Allan Morgenroth, Building Inspector I in the Design and Development Department  Alexis Montenegro, Maintenance Worker I in the Public Works Department  Michael Pettus Calderon, Community Resources Analyst I the Community Resources Department  Jeremy Griffin, Management Specialist in the City Manager’s Office  Hector Ortega, Maintenance Worker I in the Public Works Department Promotions:  Lori Lorett, Permit Technician in the Design and Development Department  Tania Flores, Administrative Technician in the Design and Development Department  Joseph Plafox, Maintenance Worker II in the Public Works Department  Lavita Galvan, Senior Recreation Leader in the Community Resources Department  Douglas Kinley, Management Analyst in the City Manager’s Office  Armando Cabrera, Traffic Signal Technician in the Public Works Department  Laurie McGinley, Management Assistant in the City Clerk’s Office Council congratulated all new and promoted employees and thanked them for their service and dedication. 2. INTRODUCE SILVERROCK GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENT CHRIS HOYER SilverRock Golf Course General Manager Randy Duncan introduced new Golf Course Superintendent Chris Hoyer and gave a brief presentation about his experience and qualifications. Mr. Hoyer thanked the Council for the opportunity to serve the City and be part of the team. 3. PROCLAMATION IN RECOGNITION OF CONSTITUTION WEEK – SEPTEMBER 17-23, 2021, COMMEMORATING THE SIGNING OF THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 5 of 15 SEPTEMBER 21, 2021 Mayor Evans and Councilmembers presented Cahuilla Chapter First Vice- Regent Noma Burton and Member Rosemary Hallick with the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution with a proclamation in recognition of Constitution Week celebrating the commemorating of the 234th anniversary of the signing the United States Constitution in September 1787. Ms. Bruton and Ms. Hallick thanked the City and Council for recognizing and honoring the U.S. Constitution and its importance; and noted that the Cahuilla Chapter is very active in the Coachella Valley promoting education of American history and patriotism, offers several recognitions programs for both students and teachers, and sponsors Wreaths Across America, an organization that honors and recognizes the patriots that have fought over the years to maintain the freedoms of the United States of America 4. PROCLAMATION IN RECOGNITION OF NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH Mayor Evans and Councilmember presented Emergency Services Coordinator Alexander Johnston with a proclamation in recognition of National Preparedness Month and spoke of the importance of being prepared and having a plan. Mr. Jonston thanked the City and Council for the opportunity to promote the importance of being prepared and presented a few “best practices” tips and encouraged folks to get involved in their communities. 5. INTRODUCE FAMILY YMCA OF THE DESERT EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION DIRECTOR CHERYL HUGHES, AND PROVIDE AN UPDATE ON PROGRAMMING AT THE LA QUINTA CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER CEO Paula Simonds with the Family YMCA of the Desert introduced Cheryl Hughes, the new Desert Early Childhood Education Director, who thanked for the opportunity to serve the desert community and gave a brief presentation on her experience and qualifications. Council welcomed Ms. Hughes and commended the YMCA of the Desert for their dedication to the community, and resilience and creativity during the COVID-19 pandemic and continuing to provide services to the community. PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA – Continued CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 6 of 15 SEPTEMBER 21, 2021 The following PUBLIC SPEAKERS, listed in the order in which they spoke, provided VERBAL COMMENTS in general opposition to the Wave at Coral Mountain Resort project and Draft EIR:  Derek Wong, La Quinta – in-person  Kelly Welton, La Quinta – in-person  Robert (Bob) Lasser, La Quinta – in-person  Sheila Warren, La Quinta – in-person  Laura DuMaurier, La Quinta – in-person  Alena Callimanis, La Quinta – in-person  Anast Demitt, La Quinta – via teleconference accessibility PUBLIC SPEAKER IN-PERSON: Eddie Estrada, La Quinta – spoke on behalf of the VRON-LQ organization and expressed their support for the City to implement a Noise Monitoring Device Program and require it from all STVR owners; expressed VRON-LQ’s openness and willing to communicate and collaborate with other organizations either for or against the STVR program; said VRON-LQ is willing to support the City in achieving compliance with hosting platforms; and noted that STVR rental prices have increased over the last year. CONSENT CALENDAR 1. APPROVE SPECIAL JOINT MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL AND PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES OF AUGUST 3, 2021 2. APPROVE MEETING MINUTES OF JULY 20, 2021 3. APPROVE MEETING MINUTES OF MAY 18, 2021 4. APPROVE DEMAND REGISTERS DATED JULY 30 AND AUGUST 6,9,13,20,27, 2021 5. APPROVE DEMAND REGISTERS DATED SEPTEMBER 3 AND 10, 2021 6. RECEIVE AND FILE FOURTH QUARTER FISCAL YEAR 2020/21 TREASURY REPORTS FOR APRIL, MAY, AND JUNE 2021 7. APPROVE PURCHASE OF EIGHT CITY FLEET VEHICLES THROUGH LA QUINTA CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP 8. APPROPRIATE FUNDS TO EXTEND THE TERM OF THE LEASE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS MAINTENANCE TRAILER FROM PACIFIC MOBILE STRUCTURES, INC. THROUGH 2023 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 7 of 15 SEPTEMBER 21, 2021 9. RECEIVE AND FILE UPDATED SILVERROCK EVENT SITE PARK AREA AND MEETING ROOM RENTALS INCORPORATED IN THE CITY’S 2021 MASTER FEE SCHEDULE UPDATE 10. ADOPT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE RULES OF PROCEDURE FOR PUBLIC MEETINGS AND RELATED FUNCTIONS AND ACTIVITIES FOR CITY BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND COMMITTEES (EXCLUDING CITY COUNCIL) [RESOLUTION NO. 2021-034] 11. CONSIDERATION OF MAYOR EVANS’ REQUEST FOR RECONSIDERATION OF THE PROPOSED STREET VACATION AT AVENIDA MADERO AND CALLE TECATE 12. APPROVE CHANGE ORDER NO. 1 TO CONTRACT WITH R DEPENDABLE CONST INC. FOR THE FIRE STATION NO. 70 REVITALIZATION MISCELLANEOUS PROJECT NO. 2019-07 FOR REPAIR OF EXISTING MATERIALS AND ADDITIONAL MISCELLANEOUS REQUESTED WORK 13. EXCUSE ABSENCE OF HOUSING COMMISSIONER DAVIDSON FROM THE SEPTEMBER 8, 2021 HOUSING COMMISSION MEETING PUBLIC SPEAKER: Gilda Brash, La Quinta – thanked Mayor Evans for requesting the reconsideration of the request for a street vacation at Avenida Madero and Calle Tecate under Consent Calendar Item No. 11 as the public hearing considered at the August 3, 2021 Council meeting was not noticed pursuant to Streets and Highways Code Section 8323; and acknowledged that the street vacation was properly noticed for reconsideration at tonight’s meeting. CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM NO. 7 Council noted they were pleased that the City was acquiring electric vehicles for its fleet in line with recent efforts to address climate change and that the City was able to make the purchase from a local dealership. CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM NO. 9 Council said they were pleased with the established SilverRock Event Site Facility Rental Fees. MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Fitzpatrick/Peña to approve Consent Calendar as recommended, with Item No. 10 adopting Resolution No. 2021-034. Motion passed unanimously. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 8 of 15 SEPTEMBER 21, 2021 BUSINESS SESSION 1. APPOINT ONE COUNCILMEMBER TO SERVE AS CITY REPRESENTATIVE ON THE NEWLY FORMED IMPERIAL IRRIGATION DISTRICT COACHELLA VALLEY ENERGY COMMISSION (IID CVEC) FOR A ONE-YEAR TERM ENDING DECEMBER 2022 Council waived presentation of the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk’s Office. Council explained the IID CVEC was created to provide representation for all affected entities and to focus on the development of a long-term strategic plan for continued energy service to the Coachella Valley following the expiration of the of current the 99-year lease agreement in 2033, and noted the importance of this matter. MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Radi/Peña to appoint Mayor Evans to serve on the newly formed Imperial Irrigation District Coachella Valley Energy Commission for a one-year term ending December 2022. Motion passed unanimously. 2. APPOINT REPRESENTATIVES TO SERVE AS ALTERNATE APPOINTEES FOR THE CALIFORNIA JOINT POWERS INSURANCE AUTHORITY 2021 ANNUAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING AND FOR THE 2021 LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES ANNUAL CONFERENCE Council waived presentation of the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk’s Office. MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Radi/Fitzpatrick to appoint City Clerk Radeva and Interim Finance Director Martinez as alternate members and to represent the City at the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority 2021 Annual Board of Directors Meeting, and to appoint Councilmember Peña as alternate member to represent the City at the League of California Cities 2021 Annual Conference. Motion passed unanimously. STUDY SESSION 1. SILVERROCK RESORT DEVELOPMENT PROJECT UPDATE AND DEVELOPER PROGRESS TO CURE DEFAULT CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 9 of 15 SEPTEMBER 21, 2021 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 overall progress and sequence of activities onsite for 1) Montage Hotel and Spa, 2) Montage Residences, 3) Rough Grading completion and removal of abandoned CVWD lines; 4) Conference and Share Services Building, 5) Golf Clubhouse, 6) Pendry Residences, and 7) Pendry Hotel. Council discussed the capital for the project was secured; challenges with securing work force by the general contractor for the project during the current economic environment; anticipated challenges with logistics and shipping; capital markets; general tourism activities are increasing despite the COVID-19 pandemic; and it is anticipated that by the time the hotels for this project are completed and ready to open, the economy would have recovered from the adverse effects of the pandemic. Mr. Green introduced Project Manager Stephen Gaines with SDC who oversees the Golf Clubhouse and the renovation of the Ahmanson Clubhouse and Assistant Project Manager Taelynn Dalle with SDC assisting Project Managers Gaines and Bailitz with the Golf Clubhouse and Conference and Shared Services Building, respectively. 2. SHORT-TERM VACATION RENTAL PROGRAM NOISE MONITORING DEVICE PROGRAM UPDATE AND CODE AMENDMENTS City Clerk Radeva presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk’s Office. Council discussed the noise monitoring device (NMD) program incentive can be to offer participants a one-time waiver of a violation, should one occur, and the City would not count it towards the two-strikes compliance provisions in the code, similar to traffic school optional reprieve the state offers to drivers; and if an incentive to reprieve a violation is offered, there would be no additional monetary incentive. City Attorney Ihrke provided a brief overview of the reasons and possibility that NMDs may be subject to the state’s relatively broad privacy protections under both federal and state law, as noted in the staff report. Council discussed participants who opt-into the NMD program would be subject to certain requirements imposed by the City, including a requirement that hosts conspicuously disclose that the property is equipped with a NMD on all advertisements; currently “bad actors” are not required to have a NMD; Phase II NMD pilot program should provide a standardized reporting from all participating vendors; the NMD program should include a provision that CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 10 of 15 SEPTEMBER 21, 2021 requires participants to use the NMDs at all time or be subject to some type of disciplinary action by the City as it would constitute a violation of City code; importance to establish clear standards that NMD vendors must comply with in order to become an “approved” vendor under the program; would hosts have the options not to use the NMD should they opt to rent their property long-term; how would the NMD data be monitored by the City; the data shows that NMDs do help deter problems; generally, responsible hosts already do utilize tools such as NMDs to assist them with managing their STVRs; potentially providing an update of the data collected on the STVR program sometime before the end of the year; and the overall decrease of illegal STVR activities. Council discussed that when the moratorium on new STVR permits was put in place, the intent was that the La Quinta Resort Tennis Villas would be one of the exempt areas. Council reached a consensus to standardize the notification process should a NMD program be implemented; “bad actors” should be required to install a NMD, not as part of the contemplated NMD program, but based on their STVR compliance history and violations; offer a “traffic school” type incentive to those who wish to opt-in to the NMD program; determine if use of the NMD would be required if the property is rented long-term; establish parameters for opting-out of the NMD program; include the La Quinta Tennis Villas in the areas exempt from the moratorium; a NMD program will aid staff with verification of complaints and overall compliance efforts, and NMDs have the potential to help hosts address problems before citizens are disturbed. MAYOR EVANS CALLED FOR A BRIEF RECESS AT 6:08 P.M. MAYOR EVANS RECONVENED THE COUNCIL MEETING AT 6:15 P.M. WITH ALL MEMBERS PRESENT PUBLIC HEARINGS – at 5:00 p.m. or shortly thereafter 1. RECONSIDERATION TO ADOPT RESOLUTION TO VACATE A PORTION OF THE INTERSECTION OF AVENIDA MADERO AND CALLE TECATE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY IN THE SANTA CARMELITA AT VALE LA QUINTA SUBDIVISION, UNIT NO. 25 [RESOLUTION NO. 2021-035] Public Works Director/City Engineer McKinney presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk’s Office. Council noted there has been no change of facts and findings related to the proposed street vacation since Council considered this item at the August 3, CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 11 of 15 SEPTEMBER 21, 2021 2021 meeting; publishing and posting requirements for this public hearing were given in the time and manner pursuant to Sections 8322 and 8323 of the Streets and Highways Code; whether or not the parcel subject to the proposed street vacation would result in an increase of property taxes is within the jurisdiction of the Riverside County Tax Assessor; and the City will maintain the standard 12-foot behind-curb right-of-way easement on the lot. MAYOR EVANS DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING OPEN AT 6:22 P.M. PUBLIC SPEAKER: Gilda Brasch, La Quinta – spoke in general opposition of the proposed street vacation and noted the intersection/curb of Calle Tecate and Avenida Madero is busy for vehicles and pedestrians, and showed photos* of the curb at the intersection and the onsite notices of the public hearing; the 12-foot right-of-way easement the City is maintaining is not marked on the exhibit; Ms. Brasch alleged the street vacation should go under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review and study, the vacation would be the giving away of land, and there are possible locations for a driveway on the lot; Ms. Brasch alleged the build-out of the lot would affect the views of the existing homes, the street vacation as proposed is right next to the Bear Creek Trail entry monument, a traffic study should be conducted for the intersection, and this action would be a redesignation of use. *The photos submitted by public speaker Gilda Brasch were distributed to Council made publicly available, and were included in the public record and agenda packet of the meeting. City Attorney Ihrke explained 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; an Environmental Impact Report is not warranted for the purposes of a street vacation; and this public hearing was noticed in full compliance with the publishing and posting requirements of Sections 8322 and 8323 of the Streets and Highways Code, and there is no specific size requirement for the onsite notices, only requirements related to the number of notices and their approximate distance. Council discussed the distance between the lot line and the trail monument; the applicant will be subject to and required to obtain all applicable building permits and approvals before building on the lot, and the building of the lot is not before Council for consideration as part of this public hearing; the yellow traffic arrows at the corner of the intersection act as reflectors and are intended to alert drivers that the street curves; the City does not own and has never owned the lot; and the current owner did not own the land when the dedication was made to Riverside County in 1938. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 12 of 15 SEPTEMBER 21, 2021 PUBLIC SPEAKER: Bill Cranham, La Quinta – alleged having a driveway at the curb of an intersection is not safe; the intersection is heavily traveled; the City should purchase the lot and enhance the trail heard; if a house is built on the lot, the perimeter wall would be up to the trail head, and it will stick out due to the additional land from the street vacation from the rest of the houses on the block; Mr. Cranham asked where the setback would be; and the applicant is receiving the land of the street vacation without having to pay for it. Council reiterated that the building-out of the lot would require the applicant to obtain all applicable building permits and approvals. City Attorney Ihrke reiterated that the land was never owned by Riverside County or the City in fee; that the underlying fee interest in the property remained with the adjoining property owner; that the property line is not being altered by this action; that this action is to merely vacate part of the right-of- way dedication, originally secured by the County and passed on to the City, because the property is no longer needed for public right-of-way/public use, for either traffic or utility services; thus, the easement is being vacated as permitted by State law. PUBLIC SPEAKER: Trinidad Herrera, La Quinta – said he is a licensed contractor; asked staff to confirm the standard 12-foot right-of-way easement is being maintained by the City; said the Bear Creek Trail entryway is beautiful; expressed concern that the street vacation would bring the property line of the lot too close to the monument; and he learned about the street vacation from other residents and not from the public notice notifications published in the Desert Sun or posted on the site. Council discussed the City would reserve and retain the appropriate easements from the property line to the Bear Creek Trail entry monument to ensure it is preserved and the City can continue to maintain it; and inquired about imposing conditions of approval related to the building out of the lot. Planning Manager Flores explained the building out of the lot would be subject to obtaining all applicable building permits and approvals, and generally no conditions of approval are imposed at that time. Council reached a consensus and directed staff to work with the property owner to revise the vacation area to provide some distance between the existing Bear Creek Trail sidewalk and entry sign and the street vacation area that the City would retain as an easement; and to continue the public hearing until October 19, 2021, to allow sufficient time for the revisions to be made. PUBLIC SPEAKER: Charles Welsh, La Quinta (Applicant) – said he learned that he could apply for a street vacation from the City; the street vacation process CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 13 of 15 SEPTEMBER 21, 2021 has delayed the build-out process; appreciated Council’s thorough and diligent review of this matter; and asked for the review and approval process to be expedited, if possible, to avoid future delays. MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Peña/Radi to continue this item to the October 19, 2021 Council meeting. Motion passed unanimously. DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS All reports are on file in the City Clerk’s Office. MAYOR’S AND COUNCIL MEMBERS’ ITEMS Council noted the funeral services to honor local hero Marine Corporal Hunter Lopez were very emotional. Corporal Lopez was one of the 13 service members killed in Afghanistan from the attack at the Kabul airport, and a 2017 La Quinta High School (LQHS) graduate. Councilmember Fitzpatrick thanked staff for sending out a post card to all residents providing an update on upcoming events in the City, including listing the hotline numbers the community can call should there be a need. Mayor Pro Tem Radi echoed Councilmember Peña’s comments regarding Corporal Lopez and suggested that the City collaborate with the LQHS to identify a site for a mural to honor those lost in the line of duty for their service and sacrifice. Mayor Evans spoke of the community’s support for the family of Marine Corporal Lopez and the myriad of efforts to honor him. Mayor Evans reported on her attendance at the Sixth Annual All Valley Mayor and Tribal Chair Townhall luncheon, held on August 19, 2021, and hosted by the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio. Mayor Evans spoke of her efforts to promote community support for Hunger Action Month, which is in September, and noted the City looks beautiful in orange. Mayor Evans reported on her attendance at the Disney’s Magic Bake-Off kick- off celebration and noted that siblings Jackson and Alexandra Kulevich from La Quinta competed in the September 17, 2021 episode, and won. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 14 of 15 SEPTEMBER 21, 2021 Mayor Evans commended staff for the good planning and great turn-out of the Concerts at the Park event held on September 18, 2021 at the SilverRock Event Site. Mayor Evans noted that on October 1, 2021, there will be a football match between LQHS and Shadow Hills High School, during which the LQHS will be honoring Marine Corporal Lopez and his family, and Council is invited to attend. Mayor Evans reported on her participation of the Statewide Mayors’ Coalition focused on the fair allocation and distribution of CARES funding, and noted forthcoming might be a statewide ballot initiative opposing Senate Bills 9 and 10, and she will provide more information as it becomes available. REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS La Quinta’s representative for 2021, Mayor Evans reported on her participation in the following organization’s meeting:  CVAG ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES 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, Councilmember Peña reported on his participation in the following organizations’ meetings:  CVAG PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE  CVAG VALLEY-WIDE HOMELESSNESS COMMITTEE La Quinta’s representative for 2021, Mayor Pro Tem Radi reported on his participation in the following organization’s meeting:  CVAG TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE 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) COUNCIL RECESSED THE OPEN SESSION PORTION OF THE MEETING AND MOVED INTO CLOSED SESSION AT 7:30 P.M. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 15 of 15 SEPTEMBER 21, 2021 MAYOR EVANS RECONVENED THE OPEN SESSION PORTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING AT 8:30 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. 2 – no reportable action. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business it was moved and seconded by Mayor Evans/Councilmember Fitzpatrick adjourned the meeting at 8:31 p.m. in honor Diane Adolph, wife of former La Quinta Mayor Don Adolph. Motion passed unanimously. Respectfully submitted, MONIKA RADEVA, City Clerk City of La Quinta, California