2022 04 05 CC MinutesCITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 1 of 9 APRIL 5, 2022
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, APRIL 5, 2022
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 (joined the meeting at
4:05 p.m.), Sanchez, Mayor Evans
ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager McMillen, City Attorney Ihrke, City Clerk
Radeva, Acting Deputy City Clerk McGinley, Director of Business Unit and
Housing Development Villalpando, Management Specialist Griffin, Marketing
Manager Graham, Community Resource Director Escobedo, Public Safety
Manager Mendez, Code Compliance Supervisor Meredith, Community
Resource Manager Calderon, Management Analyst Calderon, Human
Resources Analyst Triplett, Public Works Director/City Engineer McKinney,
Management Analyst Mignogna, Finance Director Martinez, Design and
Development Director Castro, Senior Planner Flores, Management Analyst
Berumen, Public Works Deputy Director Ulloa, and Traffic Management
Analysts Gunterson.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA – None
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA – Confirmed
CLOSED SESSION
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED
LITIGATION INITIATION OF LITIGATION PURSUANT TO
PARAGRAPH (4) OF SUBDIVISION (d) OF SECTION 54956.9:
(NUMBER OF POTENTIAL CASES: 1)
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COUNCIL RECESSED THE OPEN SESSION PORTION OF THE MEETING
AND MOVED INTO CLOSED SESSION AT 3:02 P.M.
MAYOR EVANS RECONVENED THE OPEN SESSION PORTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL MEETING AT 4:00 P.M. WITH COUNCILMEMBERS
FITZPATRICK, PEÑA, AND SANCHEZ
REPORT ON ACTION(S) TAKEN IN CLOSED SESSION:
City Attorney Ihrke reported the following action was taken on Closed Session
Item No. 1, pursuant Government Code § 54957.1, subdivision (a)(2) [Brown
Act]:
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers
Peña/Fitzpatrick to authorize the initiation of litigation.
Motion passed: ayes – 4; noes – 0; absent – 1 (Radi); abstain – 0.
Mr. Ihrke noted that pursuant to Government Code § 54957.1, this
announcement need not and will not identify the action, defendants, or other
particulars, but upon formal commencement of any action, such information
will be made available upon a request by any person.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Peña 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 – spoke in opposition of the proposed Wave at Coral Mountain Resort
project and provided comments about potential light spillage and noise
echoing.
COUNCILMEMBER RADI JOINED THE MEETING AT 4:05 P.M.
Mayor Evans said WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENTS were received as follows:
Clay Huntington, La Quinta – in support of short-term vacation rentals
(STVRs) and issuance of new STVR permits; and
Tom McDaniel, La Quinta – in support of the Wave at Coral Mountain
Resort project.
City Clerk Radeva presented instructions on how to join the Council meeting
via teleconference using Zoom and stated that instructions are also available
on the City’s website and listed on the published agenda.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS, PRESENTATIONS AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
1. LIFESTREAM BLOOD BANK PRESENTATION OF “AMERICA’S
BLOOD CENTERS LARRY FREDERICK AWARD” IN RECOGNITION
OF RAISING AWARENESS OF THE NEED FOR BLOOD DONATION
Dr. Rick Axelrod, LifeStream Blood Bank’s President/CEO/Medical Director and
Larry Frederick, National Blood Advocate (attending via teleconference)
presented to Mayor Linda Evans, the Larry Frederick Award for 2022, in
recognition of her contributions and dedication in raising awareness for the
need for blood donations.
Mayor Evans acceptance video was played in which she expressed her
gratitude for being honored.
2. INTRODUCE NEW AND PROMOTED CITY EMPLOYEES
City Manager McMillen introduced the following new City employees:
Employee Name Title Department _
Michelle Gonzalez P/T Software Program Writer Design and Development
Justin Lee P/T Recreation Leader Community Development
Kayla Lopez P/T Recreation Leader Community Development
Cesar Cruz Traffic Signal Technician Public Works
Brianna Rodriguez Code Compliance Officer I Community Development
Rafael Muniz (teleconference) Maintenance Worker I Public Works
Each employee introduced themselves and provided a brief overview of their
qualifications and experience.
3. PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING APRIL AS NATIONAL DONATE
LIFE MONTH
Council presented to Jolene Vargas, a OneLegacy Ambassador and three-time
organ transplant recipient, a proclamation for Donate Life Month. Ms. Vargas
expressed her gratitude for having been fortunate to be an organ transplant
recipient and noted the great need for organ donors.
4. X-PARK SOFT OPENING UPDATE
Management Analyst Calderon and Victor Nelson, Director of Operations with
Action Park Alliance, provided an update on the X-Park soft opening,
operations, attendance, and programming.
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5. TALUS – PROJECT STATUS UPDATE
Senior Project Manager Josh Frantz with Robert Green Company and Chief
Operating Officer with Rilington Group Bruce Maize provided a detailed
presentation on the project’s overall progress and sequence of activities onsite
for 1) Montage Hotel and Spa, 2) Montage Guestrooms, 3) Montage
Residences, 4) Conference and Shared Services Building, 5) Golf Clubhouse,
6) Pendry Residences, and 7) Pendry Hotel.
Rober Green, President of the Robert Green Co. (attending via teleconference)
provided an update on the project funding.
6. 2022 BNP PARIBAS TENNIS TOURNAMENT – TRAFFIC
OBSERVATIONS SUMMARY
Traffic Management Analyst Gunterson provided a summary of the traffic
operations during the 2022 BNP Paribas Tennis Tournament.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. EXCUSE ABSENCE OF COMMISSIONER CASTO FROM THE MARCH
9, 2022 HOUSING COMMISSION MEETING AND COMMISSIONER
CALDWELL FROM THE APRIL 12, 2022 PLANNING COMMISSION
MEETING
2. ACCEPT DONATION OF A FIRE TRUCK FOR HISTORICAL DISPLAY
FROM JOHN ZAR
3. AUTHORIZE RADIO ADVERTISING WITH ALPHA MEDIA FOR
FISCAL YEAR 2021/22
4. APPROPRIATE FIRE TAX FUNDS AND ACCEPT FIRE STATION 70
REVITALIZATION PROJECT NO. 2019-07, LOCATED ON THE
SOUTHWEST CORNER OF MADISON STREET AND AVENUE 54
5. APPROVE DECLARATION AND DISPOSAL OF SURPLUS
EQUIPMENT
6. APPROVE AMENDMENT TO SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT WITH
DELL MICROSOFT LICENSING TO PURCHASE MICROSOFT 365
AND AZURE ACTIVE DIRECTORY FOR ADDITIONAL LICENSES
FROM DELL MICROSOFT LICENSING
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7. APPROVE AGREEMENT FOR CONTRACT SERVICES WITH URBANA
PRESERVATION AND PLANNING TO CONDUCT A CITY-WIDE
HISTORIC RESOURCES SURVEY UPDATE
8. APPROVE DEMAND REGISTERS DATED MARCH 11, 18, AND 25,
2022
9. RECEIVE AND FILE REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE REPORT DATED
JANUARY 31, 2022
10. 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)
11. APPROVE MEETING MINUTES OF JANUARY 18, 2022
12. APPROVE MEETING MINUTES OF MARCH 1, 2022
13. APPROVE SPECIAL JOINT MEETING MINUTES OF THE CITY
COUNCIL AND PLANNING COMMISSION OF MARCH 1, 2022
14. APPROVE SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL –
ANNUAL COMMUNITY WORKSHOP OF MARCH 12, 2022
15. APPROVE MEETING MINUTES OF MARCH 15, 2022
Comments on Consent Calendar Items:
Item No. 7 – Senior Planner Flores and Wendy Becker, Founding Principal with
Urbana Preservation and Planning, LLC explained (via Zoom) the Historic
Resources Survey update scope of work and timeline.
Item No. 2 – Council expressed their gratitude for the historic fire truck
donation; said the truck is operable and will be on display at the City’s 40th
Birthday Celebration on April 30, 2022, at the Civic Center Campus.
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Radi/
Fitzpatrick to approve the Consent Calendar as recommended. Motion passed
unanimously.
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BUSINESS SESSION
1. APPROVE THE 2022 LEGISLATIVE POLICY GUIDE
Management Specialist Griffin presented the staff report, which is on file in
the Clerk’s Office.
Council discussed the 2022 pending legislation; adding opposition to unfunded
mandates; adding a health and wellness component; and editing and
approving the Guide before the September League of California Cities
meeting.
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Peña/
Fitzpatrick to continue this item to a future date. Motion passed unanimously.
2. APPROPRIATE FUNDS TO REPLACE THE CITY’S STREET SWEEPER
IN FISCAL YEAR 2021/22
Management Analyst Berumen and Deputy Director Ulloa presented the staff
report, which is on file in the Clerk’s Office.
Council discussed the City’s current street sweeping scheduled maintenance
services provided bi-weekly by Coachella Valley Association of Governments
and Burrtec Waste and Recycling; the City’s street sweeper helps provide
street maintenance in between the scheduled cleanings, when it is warranted
due to wind events; street sweeper’s average useful life is 15 years and
related operational costs; the City is able to schedule additional street
sweeping through a contactor, while the street sweeper is on back order;
challenges with sharing equipment with other jurisdictions as it may not be
available when the City needs to use it; inability to contract equipment
through CVAG should an emergency occur; and it runs on diesel.
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Fitzpatrick/
Peña to appropriate $300,000 to purchase a new street sweeper during fiscal
year 2021/22. Motion passed unanimously.
3. APPROVE AGREEMENT FOR CONTRACT SERVICES WITH FIND
FOOD BANK AND APPROPRIATE FUNDS FOR FOOD
DISTRIBUTION PROGRAMS
Community Resources Director Escobedo presented the staff report, which is
on file in the Clerk’s Office.
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PUBLIC SPEAKER VIA TELECONFERENCE ACCESSIBILITY: Debbie Espinosa,
President and CEO with FIND Food Bank (FIND), thanked the City for the
support and partnership with FIND to establish and expand food delivery
services in La Quinta during the pandemic in 2020 and 2021; congratulated
the City on receiving the Hunger Heroes award for its dedication, contribution,
and partnership with FIND to help provide hunger relief to people experiencing
food insecurity for the first time in their lives; said FIND is requesting the
City’s partnership again in 2022 as the economy continues to be volatile, and
food costs have risen along with gas costs and other goods, placing additional
stress on people and limiting their purchase power; noted the amount of food
distributions that have been delivered through this partnership, which in turn
has allowed people to redirect those funds to other vital needs, such as rent,
etc.
Council discussed the existing food distribution locations in La Quinta and
possible future locations.
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Radi/
Sanchez to approve Agreement for Contract Services with FIND Food Bank
and appropriate funds, in the amount of $60,000, for food distribution
programs, and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement. Motion
passed unanimously.
MAYOR EVANS CALLED FOR BRIEF RECESS AT 5:54 P.M.
MAYOR EVANS RECONVENED THE COUNCIL MEETING AT 6:00 P.M.
WITH ALL MEMBERS PRESENT
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA – Continued
PUBLIC SPEAKER VIA TELECONFERENCE ACCESSIBILITY: Alena Callimanis, La
Quinta – asked if Planning Commissioner Caldwell’s absence from the April 12,
2022 Planning Commission meeting was excused under Consent Calendar
Item No. 1.
Mayor Evans affirmed.
STUDY SESSION
1. DISCUSS PROJECTS TO BE INCLUDED IN FISCAL YEARS 2022/23
THROUGH 2026/27 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
Management Analyst Mignogna presented the staff report, which is on file in
the Clerk’s Office.
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Council discussed the difficulty of projecting cost increases and shortages in
materials over five years; round-about outreach; the triple left turn
configuration at the Fred Waring Drive and Washington Street intersection;
bike lanes; technology infrastructure; moving the pavement rehabilitation of
Moon River Drive up in the timeline, and postponing the Corporate Center
Drive gap closure project; Corporate Yard and Fritz Burns Park design;
potential Village parking lot land acquisition; and skate park crosswalk safety.
Council directed staff to provide an update on drainage projects and
maintenance.
PUBLIC HEARINGS – None
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS – All reports are on file in the City Clerk’s Office
MAYOR’S AND COUNCIL MEMBERS’ ITEMS
Councilmember Radi said he toured the event site building at the SilverRock
Park and it looked top-notch.
Mayor Pro Tem Fitzpatrick reported on her attendance, along with
Councilmember Peña at the “Fly Over LQ: A Kite Experience” event held on
April 2, 2022 at the SilverRock Park.
Councilmember Peña reported on his attendance with Mayor Evans at the
opening of the Jim Houston Pavilion hanger at the Palm Springs Air Museum,
on April 2, 2022, displaying a rare F-117A Nighthawk #833 aircraft,
nicknamed “Black Devil.”
Mayor Evans reported on her attendance with Councilmembers Peña and
Sanchez at the Palm Springs Air Museum Gala on March 25, 2022.
Mayor Evans congratulated Victory Grund, La Quinta’s recipient of the 2022
Senior Inspiration Award.
Mayor Evans said she attended Mr. Mike Grgich 99th birthday celebration on
April 2, 2022, at the La Quinta Resort.
Mayor Evans reminded the audience that the Greater Coachella Valley
Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the City, will be hosting the 2022
La Quinta Spring Business Update event at the SilverRock Park on April 6,
2022.
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REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
La Quinta’s representative for 2022, Mayor Evans reported on her participation
in the following organizations’ meetings:
COACHELLA VALLEY WATER DISTRICT JOINT POLICY COMMITTEE
VISIT GREATER PALM SPRINGS
La Quinta’s representative for 2022, Councilmember Peña reported on his
participation in the following organizations’ meeting:
IID ENERGY CONSUMERS’ ADVISORY COMMITTEE
La Quinta’s representative for 2022, Councilmember Radi reported on his
participation in the following organizations’ meetings:
CVAG TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
SUNLINE TRANSIT AGENCY
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, a motion was made and seconded by
Councilmembers Radi/Fitzpatrick to adjourn at 6:47 p.m. Motion passed
unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
MONIKA RADEVA, City Clerk
City of La Quinta, California