2022 05 17 CC MinutesCOUNCIL MINUTES Page 1 of 10 MAY 17, 2022
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, MAY 17, 2022
CALL TO ORDER
A regular meeting of the La Quinta City Council was called to order at 4:00
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, Acting Deputy City Clerk McGinley, Director of Business Unit and
Housing Development Villalpando, Management Analyst Kinley, Management
Specialist Griffin, Community Resources Director Escobedo, Public Safety
Manager Mendez, Community Resources Manager Calderon, Community
Resources Analyst Calderon, Marketing Manager Graham, Finance Director
Martinez, Financial Services Analyst Hallick, Public Works Director/City
Engineer McKinney, Design and Development Director Castro, and Hub
Manager Sanchez.
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA – Confirmed
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Evans led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA
PUBLIC SPEAKER IN-PERSON: Lynda Farnen, La Quinta – opposed the
proposed housing developments located at Avenue 50 and Washington Street;
stated that multi-unit housing puts excess demands on traffic, schools, and
COUNCIL MINUTES Page 2 of 10 MAY 17, 2022
public facilities; and suggests that in this area, which is a single-family-
housing community, better uses would be assisted living facilities or senior
housing.
PUBLIC SPEAKER IN-PERSON: Dr. Audrey Reed, La Quinta – opposed the
proposed housing developments located at Avenue 50 and Washington Street
due to the impacts from lighting, noise and traffic; concerned about the
sufficiency of the fence/wall separating properties; supports a senior living
facility instead; stated that traffic density continues to increase in the area;
and urged the City to upgrade maintenance and sidewalks on Avenue 50
between Washington Street and Park Avenue.
PUBLIC SPEAKER IN-PERSON: Kevin White, La Quinta (Fairways) – opposed
the proposed housing developments located at Avenue 50 and Washington
Street due to the negative effect 350 units would have on the residential area;
concerned that the traffic study is five years old and done when congestion
was not year-round; believes parcels are better suited for much needed senior
and assisted living which generates less impact; and Council must balance the
need for tax revenue with La Quinta’s quality of life standard.
PUBLIC SPEAKER IN-PERSON: Wilbert Friesen, La Quinta – submitted a
request to speak opposing the proposed housing developments located at
Avenue 50 and Washington Street but elected not to speak.
PUBLIC SPEAKER IN-PERSON: Angie Lafferty, La Quinta (Fairways) – opposed
the proposed housing developments located at Avenue 50 and Washington
Street as well as all development in La Quinta that results in the loss of natural
habitat and disruption of the desert’s bio-crust; noted that concrete and
pavement prevents replenishment of the aquafer and the 120-150 degrees
that pavement reaches, increases the air temperature; stated that the
medium to high density housing will increase air pollution, add stress to the
power grid, schools, police and fire services, and parking problems along
Avenue 50 by the school; and suggested that a better location for this density
of housing would be a more walkable area with nearby retail.
PUBLIC SPEAKER IN-PERSON: Dante Gomez, La Quinta (Parc La Quinta) –
opposed the proposed housing developments located at Avenue 50 and
Washington Street due to the high density of auto and pedestrian traffic at
that intersection already.
Mayor Evans reported that WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENTS were received as
listed below, which were distributed to Council, made available on the City’s
website, and included in the record of today’s meeting:
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Keith Meyer, La Quinta – on behalf of the Duna La Quinta HOA 1, opposing
the proposed housing developments at Avenue 50 and Washington
Street.
Morgan Myrmo, La Quinta – in support of short-term vacation rentals.
PUBLIC SPEAKER IN-PERSON: Alena Callimanis, La Quinta – spoke on behalf
of herself and La Quinta Residents for Responsible Development organization
regarding their May 3, 2022, letter to Council opposing Planning Commissioner
McCune’s behavior during the regular Planning Commission meeting of April
26, 2022; stated that Commissioner McCune should have recused himself
from discussion on the Coral Mountain Resort project given his statements;
and asked Council to have a discussion with Commissioner McCune regarding
his disrespect to public speakers at Planning Commission meetings.
City Attorney Ihrke reported that he attended the meeting in question and
observed the decorum of all Commissioners among themselves and toward
the public which was never inappropriate in his opinion. He explained the
procedure that Commissioners can initiate if they believe there has been a
breach in decorum and stated that no Commissioners raised any such concern.
Mr. Ihrke further explained the absolute immunity granted elected and
appointed officials to freely express their opinions on matters within their
body’s jurisdiction. Lastly, he said that courts have found there has been a
violation of decorum when meetings are so disrupted that they must be
recessed due to noise or violence.
Mayor Evans said that she reviewed the meeting tape and found that there
was a healthy discussion both pro and con of the Coral Mountain Resort
project, that the Council values the diversity of opinion of its Commissioners,
and with no evidence of unprofessional conduct, she would not support any
action against Commissioner McCune or a set aside of the vote taken at that
meeting. Councilmember Fitzpatrick concurred.
PUBLIC SPEAKER VIA TELECONFERENCE ACCESSIBILITY: Carolyn Winnor, La
Quinta – read into the record written comments provided by resident Lisa
Castro in opposition of the Coral Mountain Resort project.
PUBLIC SPEAKER VIA TELECONFERENCE ACCESSIBILITY: Steven Frischi, La
Quinta – stated that La Quinta was designated as a major fire risk area in the
RiskFactor.com link published 5/17/2022 in the Desert Sun, which resulted in
his fire insurance being cancelled. Mr. Frischi requested that the City Manager
and City Attorney look into this report as he believes it is an error.
Council directed staff to research this fire designation as this same mislabeling
error happened a few years ago and staff initiated a correction at that time.
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PUBLIC SPEAKER IN-PERSON: Dorian Whitney, Coachella Valley – opposed to
the Coral Mountain Resort project due to water usage, and destruction of the
beautiful and unique rock formations; and suggested a water feature for
visitors to cool down instead of a huge wave pool.
PUBLIC SPEAKER IN-PERSON: Denise Welch, Indio – President of the newly
formed national non-profit “Helping You Heal Gardens, Inc.” whose mission is
to facilitate the creation of public community healing gardens throughout the
U.S.; stated that La Quinta public parks would be an ideal location for one of
the organization’s first gardens; and she provided a hand-out, which was
distributed to Council, made available on the City’s website, and included in
the record of today’s meeting.
Mayor Evans explained the City’s Community Services Grant Program and
encouraged Ms. Welch to apply on behalf of her non-profit organization.
ANNOUNCEMENTS, PRESENTATIONS AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
1. INTRODUCE LA QUINTA LIBRARY BRANCH MANAGER SARA
DELACRUZ
Riverside County Library System Deputy Director Sue Duran introduced La
Quinta Library Branch Manager Sara Delacruz and gave a brief presentation of
Ms. Delacruz’ experience and background. Ms. Delacruz spoke of her
background and appreciation for her position at the La Quinta Library branch.
2. COACHELLA VALLEY ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS (CVAG)
AND COACHELLA VALLEY CONSERVATION COMMISSION – 2021
COACHELLA VALLEY MULTIPLE SPECIES HABITAT
CONSERVATION PLAN (MSHCP) ANNUAL REPORT
CVAG Regional Planner Peter Satin gave a presentation on the history of the
Coachella Valley’s habitat; background of the MSHCP; the MSHCP’s objective
to preserve the habitat and its native species; and status of the installation of
the remainder of the Big Horn Sheep protection fence required by California
Fish and Wildlife.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. APPROVE AGREEMENTS FOR CONTRACT SERVICES WITH
NATIONAL PLANT SERVICES, INC., DESERT CONCEPTS
CONSTRUCTION, INC., AND PWLC II, INC., FOR ON-CALL PUBLIC
WORKS MAINTENANCE SERVICES
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2. APPROVE AGREEMENT FOR CONTRACT SERVICES WITH
WILLDAN FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC., FOR ANNUAL LEVY
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES FOR LIGHTING & LANDSCAPE
ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 89-1
3. APPROVE AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO AGREEMENT FOR CONTRACT
SERVICES WITH OCEAN SPRINGS TECH, INC. FOR A ONE-YEAR
TERM EXTENSION AND RELATED COMPENSATION FOR POOL
AND WATER FEATURE MAINTENANCE SERVICES PROJECT NO.
2020-11
4. APPROVE CHANGE ORDER NO. 4 TO CONTRACT WITH VINTAGE
ASSOCIATES, INC. FOR PARK LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE
SERVICES PROJECT NO. 2018-32 FOR A ONE-YEAR TERM
EXTENSION AND RELATED COMPENSATION
5. APPROVE AMENDMENT NO. 3 TO AGREEMENT FOR CONTRACT
SERVICES WITH TERRA NOVA PLANNING & RESEARCH, INC. TO
EXTEND CONTRACT FOR TWO ADDITIONAL YEARS FOR ON-CALL
PLANNING SERVICES
6. APPROVE AMENDMENT NO. 3 TO AGREEMENT FOR CONTRACT
SERVICES WITH ERIC NELSON DBA RASA FOR ON-CALL MAP
CHECKING SERVICES
7. APPROVE AMENDMENT NO. 4 TO AGREEMENT FOR CONTRACT
SERVICES WITH MERCHANTS BUILDING MAINTENANCE, LLC
FOR CITYWIDE JANITORIAL SERVICES
8. 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)
9. APPROVE PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, ENGINEER’S ESTIMATE,
AND ADVERTISE FOR BID THE LA QUINTA LANDSCAPE
RENOVATION IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT NO. 2016-03F3,
LOCATED AT THE LA QUINTA MARBELLA AND SIERRA DEL REY
DEVELOPMENT, ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF MILES AVENUE AND
EAST SIDE OF ADAMS STREET
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10. AWARD CONTRACT TO JACOBSSON ENGINEERING
CONSTRUCTION, INC. FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE JEFFERSON
STREET AT AVENUE 53 ROUNDABOUT PROJECT NO. 2017-09
11. APPROVE DEMAND REGISTERS DATED APRIL 29 AND MAY 6,
2022
12. ADOPT RESOLUTION SUPPORTING OCEAN WATER
IMPORTATION TO REFILL THE SALTON SEA WHILE REDUCING
GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS [RESOLUTION NO. 2022-012]
13. APPROVE ONE-YEAR TERM EXTENSION OF SOLUTIONS
MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT WITH SUPERION, LLC TO PROVIDE
HOSTING AND MAINTENANCE SERVICES FOR THE CITY’S TRAKiT
PERMITTING SOFTWARE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022/23
CONSENT CALENDAR PUBLIC COMMENTS
PUBLIC SPEAKER IN-PERSON: Chuck Parker, Palm Desert – (Item No. 12)
spoke in support of Salton Sea restoration efforts and thanked the Council and
the City for its continued support.
PUBLIC SPEAKER IN-PERSON: Feliz Nuñez, Bermuda Dunes – (Item No. 12)
spoke in support of Salton Sea restoration efforts and the substantial health
and environmental benefits of the water importation plan.
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Peña/
Fitzpatrick to approve the Consent Calendar as recommended, with Item No.
8 reaffirming Resolution No. 2021-035, and Item No. 12 adopting Resolution
No. 2022-012. Motion passed unanimously.
BUSINESS SESSION
1. APPROVE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH GREATER
COACHELLA VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (GCVCC)
Director of Business Unit and Housing Development Villalpando and Marketing
Manager Graham presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk’s
Office.
PUBLIC SPEAKER IN-PERSON: Emily Falappino, President/CEO of the Greater
Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce provided additional information.
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Council discussed the effectiveness and reasoning for changing The Gem
publication from monthly to bi-monthly; including in The Gem a listing of
community businesses to connect residents to the amazing community
partners; publishing a special edition of The Gem for business promotion
perhaps at the beginning of summer; ensuring that the information published
is timely, not stale or repetitive; concern that lead time of two to three months
for content will preclude inclusion of impromptu events; consequence for
advertisers that have twelve month contracts; readership preference for paper
versus digital; importance of monthly publication November to April, and
summer promotion of businesses for year-round residents; focus on improving
the writing and content; the value of The Gem to residents, businesses, and
the City; the need to determine if the improvement desired is accomplished
with increased competency or increased time to prepare; importance of
identifying problem so public money is well spent on this service; locations for
the Hot Rod & Custom Car Show to enhance the event and showcase local
businesses; leveraging the Taste of La Quinta trademark; opportunities
afforded by the SilverRock park and public event space; effectiveness of
visiting businesses to make government-chamber-business personal
connections; refocus of the Chamber in promoting, engaging and assisting
businesses; determining post-COVID needs of businesses; getting feedback
from The Gem advertisers as well as businesses that are not Chamber
members and that do not advertise in The Gem; including in The Gem a survey
to gauge the community’s thoughts on decreasing The Gem issues per year;
the high expectations for immediate results when businesses buy ads; and
cost of increasing the page count from eight to ten-twelve at $1,100 per page.
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Peña/
Fitzpatrick to bring back this item for Council consideration at the June 21,
2022, regular meeting. Motion passed unanimously.
2. APPROVE CANCELLING THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
OF JULY 5, AUGUST 16, AND SEPTEMBER 6, 2022
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/
Sanchez to approve cancelling the regular City Council meetings of July 5,
August 16, and September 6, 2022. Motion passed unanimously.
3. ADOPT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AMENDED FRANCHISE
AGREEMENT WITH BURRTEC WASTE AND RECYCLING SERVICES,
LLC FOR SOLID WASTE HANDLING SERVICES AND ADJUSTED
MAXIMUM SERVICE RATES [RESOLUTION NO. 2022-013]
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Management Specialist Griffin presented the staff report, which is on file in
the Clerk’s Office.
PUBLIC SPEAKER IN-PERSON: Frank Orlett, Vice President, Burrtec Waste and
Recycling Services, LLC provided additional information.
Council discussed automatic tax roll billing versus direct billing; outstanding
services provided by Burrtec; process for food waste sorting and composting;
monitoring contamination and courtesy notices to residents for non-
compliance; the State’s purpose in mandating green waste recycling; edible
food recovery and Find Food Bank’s participation; documentation of residents
and businesses that are composting; complying with this unfunded State
mandate via City-Burrtec partnership; Burrtec’s plan for gradual roll-out of
program and swapping out of old trash containers; composted waste
marketed to farmers and golf courses by Burrtec; kitchen counter compost
pails to be provided by Burrtec upon request; and waste pick up days to be
changed for some residents for route efficiency.
City Attorney Ihrke said the proposed resolution included in the agenda packet
was revised to accurately reflect the approval of an Amended and “Restated”
Franchise Agreement, which is a non-substantive amendment.
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Radi/
Sanchez to adopt Resolution No. 2022-013 as amended, to approve an
Amended and Restated Franchise Agreement with Burrtec Waste and
Recycling Services, LLC for solid waste handling services and adjusted
maximum service rates; and authorize the City Manager to execute the
amended and restated agreement:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, APPROVING AN AMENDED AND RESTATED FRANCHISE
AGREEMENT WITH BURRTEC WASTE AND RECYCLING SERVICES, LLC
FOR SOLID WASTE HANDLING SERVICES, EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2022
Motion passed unanimously.
MAYOR EVANS CALLED FOR A BRIEF RECESS AT 6:52 P.M.
MAYOR EVANS RECONVENED THE COUNCIL MEETING AT 7:03 P.M.
WITH ALL MEMBERS PRESENT
STUDY SESSION
1. DISCUSS FISCAL YEAR 2022/23 PRELIMINARY PROPOSED
BUDGET
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Finance Director Martinez and Financial Services Analyst Hallick presented the
staff report, which is on file in the Clerk’s Office.
Council discussed the need to protect all sources of revenue; requested
marketing rate-of-return data before the budget is passed in June; the
expanded responsibilities and related cost increases to the City Clerk’s budget;
importance of reading the accompanying narrative along with budget charts
for transparency and understanding; budgeting for some cement benches at
Y points up in the Cove as resting and photography sites, and possible
inclusion of workout stations; adequacy of the IT budget to protect City
government from cyber-attacks; importance of remaining consistent and
conservative in budget projections; consideration of examining grant funding
levels and partnerships with other organizations; need to anticipate inflation;
and the thoroughness and clarity of the report prepared by the Finance
Department staff.
PUBLIC HEARINGS – None
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS – All reports are on file in the City Clerk’s Office.
City Clerk Radeva explained the process for the new voting centers.
MAYOR’S AND COUNCIL MEMBERS’ ITEMS
Councilmember Peña reported on the Bruce Lee Memorial relay; single-family
housing projects built to rent only; upcoming Desert Valley Builders
Association luncheon regarding power; sympathies to the communities where
terrible mass shootings have occurred lately; and attendance at the All-Valley
Chamber at the Palm Springs Air Museum.
Councilmember Radi requested that the Police conduct a threat assessment
of all places of worship and other vulnerable public establishments in La
Quinta.
Councilmember Sanchez reported his attendance at the California Joint Powers
Insurance Authority’s 2nd Annual Governance Leadership Academy held in
Palm Desert, May 5-6, 2022. The Academy was geared towards seasoned
elected officials from throughout the state and focused on effective and ethical
leadership.
Mayor Evans reported on the Coachella Valley Volunteers in Medicine; the
Harvey Milk breakfast; the Sherriff’s Career Day; and the upcoming Ride-of-
Silence event.
COUNCIL MINUTES Page 10 of 10 MAY 17, 2022
REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
La Quinta’s representative for 2022, Mayor Evans reported on her participation
in the following organizations’ meetings:
CVAG ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS – 2022
GENERAL ASSEMBLY BUSINESS SESSION - DELEGATE
La Quinta’s representative for 2022, Mayor Pro Tem Fitzpatrick reported on
her participation in the following organization’s meeting:
RIVERSIDE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION (RCTC)
La Quinta’s representative for 2022, Councilmember Sanchez reported on his
participation in the following organization’s meeting:
ANIMAL CAMPUS COMMISSION
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, a motion was made and seconded by
Councilmembers Radi/Fitzpatrick to adjourn at 8:00 p.m. Motion passed
unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
MONIKA RADEVA, City Clerk
City of La Quinta, California