2021 11 16 CC MinutesCITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 1 of 8 NOVEMBER 6, 2021
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, November 16, 2021
CALL TO ORDER
A regular meeting of the La Quinta City Council was called to order at 3:30
p.m. by Mayor Evans.
This meeting provided teleconferencing accessibility pursuant to Executive
Orders N-60-20 and N-08-21 executed by the Governor of California, and
subsequently Assembly Bill 361 (AB 361, 2021), enacted 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, Management Assistant McGinley, Director of Business Unit and
Housing Development Villalpando, Community Resources Director Escobedo,
Public Safety Manager Mendez, Community Resources Manager Calderon,
Human Resources Analyst Triplett, Public Works Director/City Engineer
McKinney, Management Analyst Mignogna, Interim Finance Director Martinez,
Design and Development Director Castro
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA – None
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA
Councilmember Fitzpatrick requested to pull Consent Calendar Item No. 4 for
separate vote; and said she will recuse herself and abstain from discussion
and vote on this item due to a potential conflict of interest stemming from the
proximity of her real property to the project location. Council concurred.
CLOSED SESSION
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED
LITIGATION. SIGNIFICANT EXPOSURE TO LITIGATION
PURSUANT TO PARAGRAPH (2) OR (3) OF SUBDIVISION (d) OF
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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 3:32 P.M.
MAYOR EVANS RECONVENED THE OPEN SESSION PORTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL MEETING AT 4:05 P.M. WITH ALL MEMBERS PRESENT
REPORT ON ACTION(S) TAKEN IN CLOSED SESSION:
City Attorney Ihrke reported no actions were taken in Closed Session that
require reporting pursuant to Government Code section 54957.1 (Brown Act).
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Fitzpatrick led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA
PUBLIC SPEAKER IN-PERSON: Alena Callimanis, La Quinta – spoke about
California State regulation changes to water allocations that will affect the
Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) water supply.
PUBLIC SPEAKER VIA TELECONFERENCE ACCESSIBILITY: Armita Ariano, Staff
Attorney with Coachella Valley Waterkeeper – urged the City not to rely on
representations made by CVWD regarding water supply for the proposed Wave
at Coral Mountain Resort project because CVWD’s current water budget is
inadequate; provided comments regarding the Draft Environmental Impact
Report for this project; expressed concerns about the diminishing water
supply of the Colorado river; spoke of the importance of water conservation,
and in opposition of the Wave project.
PUBLIC SPEAKER VIA TELECONFERENCE ACCESSIBILITY: Brad Anderson,
Rancho Mirage – said he wanted to provide comments related to Consent
Calendar Item No. 2 with regards to affirming Resolution No. 2021-035 which
authorizes staff to continue to implement teleconference accessibility for
public meetings; urged Council not to re-affirm this Resolution; and expressed
concerns about the application of teleconference accessibility for public
meetings by public agencies.
PUBLIC SPEAKER VIA TELECONFERENCE ACCESSIBILITY: David Dinnel, Los
Angeles/La Quinta – said he was not surprised that the Neighbors for
Neighborhoods organization has filed an intent to circulate a petition that
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 3 of 8 NOVEMBER 6, 2021
proposes to bring a ballot measure to the La Quinta voters to ban short-term
vacation rentals (STVRs) in residential areas; and spoke in support of STVRs.
ANNOUNCEMENTS, PRESENTATIONS AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
1. INTRODUCE RIVERSIDE COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT NEW
BATTALION CHIEF PAUL HEITZMANN
Riverside County Fire Division Chief Bryan White introduced Mr. Heitzmann
who was recently promoted to Battalion Chief; Mr. Heitzmann gave a brief
presentation about his training, qualifications, and experience; and said he is
excited to serve La Quinta.
2. TALUS - PROJECT STATUS UPDATE
PUBLIC SPEAKERS IN-PERSON: Project Manager Josh Frantz and Chief
Operating Officer Bruce Maize with Robert Green Company provided a
detailed presentation on the project’s overall progress and sequence of
activities onsite for 1) Montage Hotel and Spa, including vertical
construction in the near future, 2) Montage Guestrooms Phase I, 3)
Montage Residences, 4) Conference and Shared Services Building, 5) Golf
Clubhouse, 6) Pendry Residences, and 7) Pendry Hotel.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Public comments related to Consent Calendar Item No. 2 were provided by
Mr. Brad Anderson, as noted above under the “Public Comments on Matters
Not on the Agenda” section.
1. APPROVE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF OCTOBER 19, 2021
2. AFFIRM RESOLUTION NO. 2021-035 FINDINGS RELATED TO THE
STATE OF EMERGENCY DUE TO COVID-19 AUTHORIZING THE
CITY MANAGER TO CONTINUE TO IMPLEMENT TELECONFERENCE
ACCESSIBILITY TO CONDUCT PUBLIC MEETINGS PURSUANT TO
ASSEMBLY BILL 361 (STATS. 2021, CH. 165)
3. ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 597 ON SECOND READING ADDING
CHAPTER 6.05 TO THE LA QUINTA MUNICIPAL CODE RELATED
TO SHORT-LIVED CLIMATE POLLUTANTS (ORGANICS WASTE
MANAGEMENT AND RECYCLING) PURSUANT TO SENATE BILL
1383 (STATS. 2016, CH. 395)
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 4 of 8 NOVEMBER 6, 2021
4. pulled for a separate vote by Councilmember Fitzpatrick >>> ACCEPT
MONROE STREET PAVEMENT REHABILITATION PROJECT NO.
2020-01, LOCATED ON MONROE STREET FROM AVENUE 52 TO
MOUNTAIN SPUR DRIVE TO AVENUE 53, AND AVENUE 61
5. ACCEPT EISENHOWER BASIN FENCE AND DRAINAGE
IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT NO. 2017-04 LOCATED ON THE WEST
SIDE OF EISENHOWER DRIVE AND NORTH SIDE OF CALLE
TAMPICO BETWEEN EISENHOWER DRIVE AND AVENIDA
BERMUDAS
6. AWARD CONTRACT TO URBAN HABITAT FOR THE SILVERROCK
RETENTION BASIN SOIL STABILIZATION PROJECT NO. 2020-07,
LOCATED AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF AVENUE 52 AND
SILVERROCK WAY
7. RECEIVE AND FILE REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE REPORT DATED
AUGUST 31, 2021
8. APPROVE DEMAND REGISTERS DATED OCTOBER 29 AND
NOVEMBER 5, 2021
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Peña/Radi
to approve Consent Calendar Item Nos. 1-3 and 5-8 as recommended, with
Item No. 3 adopting Ordinance No. 597. Motion passed unanimously.
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM NO. 4
COUNCILMEMBER FITZPATRICK RECUSED HERSELF AND SAID SHE WILL
ABSTAIN FROM DISCUSSION AND VOTE ON THIS ITEM DUE TO A
POTENTIAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST STEMMING FROM THE PROXIMITY OF
HER REAL PROPERTY TO THE PROJECT LOCATION
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Peña/Radi
to approve Consent Calendar Item No. 4 as recommended. Motion Passed:
ayes – 4, noes – 0, abstain – 1 (Fitzpatrick).
BUSINESS SESSION
1. APPROVE CANCELLATION OF REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
OF JANUARY 4, 2022
Council waived presentation of the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk’s
Office.
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MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Peña/Radi
to approve cancellation of the regular City Council meeting of January 4, 2022.
Motion passed unanimously.
STUDY SESSION – None.
PUBLIC HEARINGS – after 5:00 p.m.
1. ADOPT RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO
SUBMIT APPLICATIONS TO RIVERSIDE COUNTY ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT AGENCY FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK
GRANT FUNDS AND EXECUTE SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENTS FOR
FISCAL YEAR 2022/23 [RESOLUTION NO. 2021-041]
This item was considered out of Agenda order after 5:00 p.m. as advertised
by the public hearing notice publication.
The Items below were taken out of Agenda order
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS – None
MAYOR’S AND COUNCIL MEMBERS’ ITEMS
Council reported on a successful 2021 Veterans Day recognition ceremony
held on November 11, 2021, in the courtyard at City Hall and commended
staff on the great execution of the event.
Councilmember Fitzpatrick reported on her attendance at the La Quinta
Museum Opening Reception held on November 10, 2021, and encouraged
citizens to visit the Museum and experience the newly expanded local history
exhibit on “The Story of La Quinta.”
Council reported on their attendance at The Palms Senior Community assisted
living on Veteran’s Day where they presented Certificates of Appreciation to
26 Veterans for their service.
Council reported on their attendance at the 2021 La Quinta Art Celebration on
November 11, 2021; the Art Celebration was held November 11 – 14, 2021,
at the Civic Center Campus; and the event had the highest attendance ever.
Mayor Evans reported on her attendance, along with Councilmember
Fitzpatrick, at the Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon hosted by the La Quinta
Art Celebration on November 16, 2021, at the Cantina at the El Dorado Polo
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 6 of 8 NOVEMBER 6, 2021
Club in Indio. Mayor Evans noted that the preliminary attendance estimates
showed attendance for 2021 was higher than 2020, local attendance has
increased, and artists had a great turn-out; and Scope Events, the producer
of the Art Celebration event, will be looking into holding this event in March
and November each year going forward.
Mayor Evans reported on her participation at the “Helping Hands” breakfast,
held on November 16, 2021, at the La Quinta Country Club, where $1.1 Million
in donations were distributed to 36 local charities from the 2021 American
Express PGA Tour golf tournament, hosted by the Mickelson Foundation.
Councilmember Sanchez noted Grocery Outlet opened on November 4, 2021,
at the Village shopping center.
Councilmember Sanchez reported on his attendance at the Indio Sunrise
Rotary Club First Responders Breakfast held on November 16, 2021, at
Heritage Palms in Indio.
Councilmembers Sanchez and Peña reported on their participation on the
annual Art in Public Places Ad-hoc Committee, along with Community Services
Commissioners Tammy Gordon and Sally Shelton, which toured the 2021 La
Quinta Art Celebration and purchased two art pieces to be displayed at public
facilities in the City. Council expressed a desire to rotate existing art in the
City to alternate locations.
Mayor Evans said the City received an “Art of the Swing” print by Artist Daryl
Thetford, who participated in the La Quinta Art Celebration, at the Volunteer
Appreciation Luncheon; the print will be displayed at City Hall.
REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
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
La Quinta’s representative for 2021, Councilmember Peña reported on his
participation in the following organization’s meeting:
COACHELLA VALLEY MOSQUITO AND VECTOR CONTROL
DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES
La Quinta’s representative for 2021, Councilmember Sanchez reported on his
participation in the following organization’s meeting:
ANIMAL CAMPUS COMMISSION
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MAYOR EVANS CALLED FOR A BRIEF RECESS AT 4:55 P.M. UNTIL 5:00
P.M. WHEN COUNCIL WILL TAKE UP THE NOTICED PUBLIC HEARING
MAYOR EVANS RECONVENED THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING AT 5:01 P.M.
WITH ALL MEMBERS PRESENT
PUBLIC HEARINGS – after 5:00 p.m.
1. ADOPT RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO
SUBMIT APPLICATIONS TO RIVERSIDE COUNTY ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT AGENCY FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK
GRANT FUNDS AND EXECUTE SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENTS FOR
FISCAL YEAR 2022/23 [RESOLUTION NO. 2021-041]
Public Works Director/City Engineer McKinney introduced Management
Analyst Mignogna who presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk’s
Office.
Council discussed the likelihood that the County is likely to approve staff’s
request to reallocate the available balance of $5,200 from the public services
category to public improvements; and the Boys and Girls Club did not want to
request the full amount available under this grant funding.
MAYOR EVANS DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING OPEN AT 5:06 P.M.
PUBLIC SPEAKER – None.
MAYOR EVANS DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED AT 5:06 P.M.
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers
Fitzpatrick/Sanchez to adopt Resolution No. 2021-041 to authorize the City
Manager to submit applications to the Riverside County Economic
Development Agency for Community Development Block Grant funds; execute
the Supplemental Agreements for Fiscal Year 2022/23; and allocate $18,200
to the Boys and Girls Club of the Coachella Valley Fee Waiver/Reduction
Program, $132,600 to the City of La Quinta’s Americans with Disabilities Act
Improvements Project, and authorize an additional allocation of $5,200 for
public improvements if approved by Riverside County:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING PROPOSALS, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER
TO SUBMIT APPLICATIONS FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK
GRANT FUNDS, AND AUTHORIZATION FOR THE CITY MANAGER TO
EXECUTE SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022/2023
Motion passed unanimously.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 8 of 8 NOVEMBER 6, 2021
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, a motion was made and seconded by
Councilmembers Radi/Fitzpatrick to adjourn at 5:07 p.m. Motion passed
unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
MONIKA RADEVA, City Clerk
City of La Quinta, California