2022 03 15 CC MinutesCITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 1 of 7 MARCH 15, 2022
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2022
CALL TO ORDER
A regular meeting of the La Quinta City Council was called to order at 4:01
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, Administrative Assistant Fuentes, Director of Business Unit and
Housing Development Villalpando, Marketing Manager Graham, Community
Resources Director Escobedo, Community Resource Manager Calderon, Public
Safety Manager Mendez, Management Analyst Calderon, Human Resources
Analyst Tripplet, Public Works Director/City Engineer McKinney, Finance
Director Martinez, Interim Finance Manager Hallick, Design and Development
Director Castro, Planning Manager Flores, Building Official Ortega.
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA
City Manager McMillen asked to add an “Employee Recognition” item to
Announcements, Presentations, and Written Communications section of the
agenda; and noted that Public Works Director/City Engineer McKinney is
available to provide an update under Departmental Reports Item No. 7 on the
Agenda, on the City’s Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) improvements
along Avenida Bermudas, funded through the Community Development Block
Grant (CDBG) grant funding program administered by the Federal Department
of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) via the County of Riverside.
Mayor Evans said she would like to comment on Consent Calendar Item No. 2.
Council concurred.
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Radi led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA
PUBLIC SPEAKER VIA TELECONFERENCE ACCESSIBILITY: Alena Callimanis, La
Quinta – said she is a reading volunteer at Coachella Valley Elementary School
and on her way to City Hall; thanked Council for the wonderful Annual
Community Workshop; expressed concern that the number of short-term
vacation rental (STVR) permits requested by Coral Mountain would result in a
50% increase in total City-issued STVR permits if approved.
PUBLIC SPEAKER IN-PERSON: Lynn Langdon, La Quinta – asked Council to
look into the increased frequency and noise of low flying airplanes/jets over
the La Quinta Cove; and said the Historical Society would like to add her 1937
casita to their tours so she would like to install a historic plaque outside, and
asked if a no-parking red curb could be added in front.
ANNOUNCEMENTS, PRESENTATIONS AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION - ADDED PRESENTATION AT CONFIRMATION OF
AGENDA
City Manager McMillen recognized Community Resources Director Escobedo
for his recent graduation from the United States Airforce Academy in San
Antonio, Texas and welcomed him back. City Manager McMillen also
recognized and thanked the department staff who stepped up during Mr.
Escobedo’s absence: Community Resources Manager Calderon, Public Safety
Manager Mendez, and Human Resources Analyst Triplett.
1. PRESENTATION BY COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT MANAGER
ARTURO AVILES WITH OAK VIEW GROUP – UPDATE ON
ACRISURE ARENA, A MULTI-PURPOSE 10,000-SEAT INDOOR
ARENA, OPENING IN LATE 2022 IN THE COACHELLA VALLEY
PUBLIC SPEAKER VIA TELECONFERENCE ACCESSIBILITY: Arturo Aviles,
Community Engagement Manager with Oak View Group, provided a detailed
presentation on the Acrisure Arena, off Varner Road, north of Interstate 10 in
Thousand Palms.
2. TALUS – PROJECT STATUS UPDATE
PUBLIC SPEAKERS IN-PERSON: Senior Project Manager Josh Frantz with
Robert Green Company, and Chief Operating Officer with Rilington Group
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Bruce Maize provided a detailed presentation on the status of the Talus
project. Robert Green, President of the Robert Green Co. provided an update
on project funding and the recently reauthorized EB-5 program whereby
investors of a half million dollars or more are eligible for a U.S. Visa; updates
will occur monthly with the City Manager on logistics, transfer of the golf
course and all project-related information to avoid communication gaps.
3. PRESENTATION BY BURRTEC WASTE AND RECYCLING – UPDATE
ON THE CITY’S COMPLIANCE EFFORTS WITH CALIFORNIA
SENATE BILL 1383 REGULATIONS REGARDING ORGANIC WASTE
MANAGEMENT AND RECYCLING
PUBLIC SPEAKER IN-PERSON: Mike Veto, District Environmental Coordinator
with Burrtec Waste and Recycling, provided information on how Burrtec will
comply with SB 1383, the Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Reduction Law which
aims to reduce disposal of organic waste in landfills by 75% by 2025, and the
education campaign planned to inform residents.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 599 ON SECOND READING APPROVING
DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT 2021-0003 FOR POLO VILLAS
RESIDENCES; CEQA: THE PROJECT IS CONSISTENT WITH
PREVIOUSLY ADOPTED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENTS 2005-
537 AND 2010-608; LOCATION: WEST OF MADISON STREET
BETWEEN AVENUES 50 AND 52
2. AUTHORIZE OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR THE MARKETING
MANAGER TO ATTEND 2022 DESTINATIONS INTERNATIONAL
MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS SUMMIT IN SEATTLE,
WASHINGTON, APRIL 24-26, 2022
3. 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)
4. APPROVE DEMAND REGISTERS DATED FEBRUARY 25 AND
MARCH 4, 2022
5. RECEIVE AND FILE REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE REPORT DATED
DECEMBER 31, 2021
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6. ACCEPT ON-SITE IMPROVEMENTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE POLO
VILLAS RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT (TRACT MAP NO. 36279)
LOCATED ON THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF MADISON STREET
AND VISTA BONITA TRAIL
7. REVIEW GENERAL PLAN AND HOUSING ELEMENT ANNUAL
PROGRESS REPORTS FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2021 AND
AUTHORIZE SUBMITTAL TO THE STATE OFFICE OF PLANNING
AND RESEARCH AND DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
8. APPROVE PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, ENGINEER’S ESTIMATE,
AND ADVERTISE FOR BID THE LA QUINTA LANDSCAPE
RENOVATION IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT, LOCATED AT THE LA
QUINTA DESERT PRIDE DEVELOPMENT, ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF
MILES AVENUE AND WEST SIDE OF ADAMS STREET, PROJECT
NO. 2016-03F2
9. ADOPT RESOLUTION TO REAFFIRM ADOPTION OF ANNUAL
ASSESSMENT FOR COUNTY SERVICE AREA 152, AUTHORIZE
RIVERSIDE COUNTY TO CONTINUE TO LEVY ASSESSMENTS, AND
INDEMNIFY AND HOLD THE COUNTY HARMLESS FOR LEVYING
ASSESSMENTS ON CITY PARCELS [RESOLUTION NO. 2022-006]
10. APPROVE PURCHASE OF TRAFFIC SIGNAL MAINTENANCE
EQUIPMENT FROM JTB SUPPLY COMPANY
11. RECEIVE AND FILE FISCAL YEAR 2020/21 DEVELOPMENT
PROJECT FEE REPORT
Comments on Consent Calendar Items:
Item No. 2 - Mayor Evans noted that the City’s Marketing Manager Graham
will be a presenter at the Summit in Seattle discussing large events in small
cities, and as a presenter, her Summit registration fee has been waived.
Item No. 4 – Mayor Evans noted that this item included the replacement of 46
shade structures in La Quinta parks.
City Clerk Radeva said the following WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENTS were
received, distributed to Council, made publicly available, and incorporated into
the agenda packet and public record of the meeting:
Item No. 3 – Brad Anderson, Rancho Mirage – opposing teleconference
accessibility for public meetings.
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Item No. 11 – The Desert Valley Builders’ Association sent a Letter of
Satisfaction on fiscal year 2020/21 annual Development Project Fee
Report.
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers
Peña/Fitzpatrick to approve the Consent Calendar as recommended, with Item
No. 1 adopting Ordinance 599, Item No. 3 reaffirming Resolution No. 2021-
035, and Item No. 9 adopting Resolution No. 2022-006. Motion passed
unanimously.
BUSINESS SESSION
1. ORDER REPORT, PURSUANT TO CALIFORNIA ELECTIONS CODE
SECTION 9212, TO ASSESS THE FISCAL, ECONOMIC, AND
RELATED IMPACTS OF THE PROPOSED INITIATIVE MEASURE,
CURRENTLY IN CIRCULATION, SEEKING TO PHASE-OUT AND
PERMANENTLY BAN NON-HOSTED SHORT-TERM VACATION
RENTALS IN NON-EXEMPT AREAS BY JANUARY 1, 2025
City Clerk Radeva presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk’s
Office.
Council discussed the importance of including current trends such as STVR use
by remote workers; the prospects provided by the current ordinance in
achieving housing opportunities; and the effects the Initiative would have on
the recent 10-year financial projections must be included in the study.
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers
Peña/Sanchez to order a report, pursuant to California Elections Code section
9212, to assess the fiscal, economic, and related impacts of the proposed
initiative measure, currently in circulation, seeking to phase-out and
permanently ban non-hosted short-term vacation rentals in non-exempt areas
by January 1, 2025; and authorize the City Manager to enter into a
professional services agreement with a qualified firm to prepare the report at
the recommendation of the City’s Executive Team. Motion passed
unanimously.
2. ADOPT RESOLUTION TO ADD SENIOR BUILDING
INSPECTOR/PLANS EXAMINER POSITION; RECEIVE AND FILE
FISCAL YEAR 2021/22 MID-YEAR BUDGET REPORT, APPROVE
THE RECOMMENDED BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS, AND DESIGNATE
RESERVE FUNDING ALLOCATIONS [RESOLUTION NO. 2022-007]
Finance Director Martinez presented the staff report, which is on file in the
Clerk’s Office.
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Council discussed the increase in credit card processing fees; the small
percentage of property tax revenue received by the City as opposed to the
County; the upward adjustment of transient occupancy tax revenue, with 30%
coming from STVRs; the gradual improvement in residents’ quality of life since
the current STVR ordinance took effect; personnel adjustments; accounting
for inflation and increased cost of fuel, etc.; increase in fire department
services; allocation to the unfunded pension trust benefits; stability afforded
by fully funding every General Fund Reserve category, which allows response
to disasters such as the substantial economic support given to City businesses
during the COVID pandemic; credit for the City’s economic health goes in large
part to voters who approved Measure G, the Council, the Financial Advisory
Committee, and City Staff; the effect inflation will have in reducing the value
of each dollar and therefore, the City’s spending power; the expectation that
in time, the attrition of STVR permits will be reversed by new STVR permits in
exempt areas; and the shortage of applicants with the skill set needed to fill
the Building Inspector position, and the possibly of establishing an in-house
Inspector apprenticeship program.
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Peña/
Sanchez to adopt Resolution No. 2022-007 approving a new Senior Building
Inspector/Plans Examiner position:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, AMENDING FISCAL YEAR 2021/22 ADOPTED SALARY
SCHEDULE TO INCLUDE A SENIOR BUILDING INSPECTOR/PLANS
EXAMINER
Motion passed unanimously.
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Peña/
Sanchez to receive and file fiscal year 2021/22 Mid-Year Budget Report;
approve the recommended budget adjustments, and designate reserve
funding allocations. Motion passed unanimously.
STUDY SESSION – None
PUBLIC HEARINGS – None
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS – All reports are on file in the City Clerk’s Office.
Item No. 7 – Public Works Director/City Engineer McKinney provided an
update on the purpose of the new ramps/safety pads construction on Avenida
Bermudas as part of the City’s required Americans with Disabilities Act
improvements funded by Federal Community Development Block Grants.
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Item No. 2 – Council discussed the City Attorney’s report on California Senate
Bill 9 regarding housing development approvals and the reduction of local
control.
MAYOR’S AND COUNCIL MEMBERS’ ITEMS
Councilmember Peña reported on his attendance at the ribbon cutting
ceremony at La Quinta High School; the Art Celebration; the Volunteer
Luncheon; the La Quinta High School Football Program Banquet; and the
Community Workshop.
Mayor Evans reported on her attendance at the Costco Journeys Program
event; the Women’s Leaders Forum; the Senior Citizen Outreach event hosted
by the Masonic Lodge; the Hunger Hero award presented to the City by the
FIND Food Bank; and the 80 trees planted as part of the Arbor Day event by
the Boy Scouts and other volunteers at the SilverRock Event Park on March
12, 2022.
REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
La Quinta’s representative for 2022, Mayor Pro Tem Fitzpatrick reported on
her participation in the following organizations’ meetings:
COACHELLA VALLEY MOUNTAINS CONSERVANCY
RIVERSIDE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION (RCTC)
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, a motion was made and seconded by
Councilmembers Radi/Fitzpatrick to adjourn at 5:58 p.m. Motion passed
unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
MONIKA RADEVA, City Clerk
City of La Quinta, California