2022 09 20 CC MinutesCITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2022
CALL TO ORDER
A regular meeting of the La Quinta City Council was called to order at 3:00
p.m. by Mayor Evans.
PRESENT: Councilmembers Fitzpatrick, Pena, Radi, Sanchez, Mayor Evans
ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager McMillen, City Attorney Ihrke, City Clerk
Radeva, Deputy City Clerk McGinley, Director of Business Unit and Housing
Development Villalpando, Emergency Services Coordinator Lagunas, Human
Resources Analyst Triplett, Community Resource Manager Calderon,
Management Analyst Calderon, Public Works Director/City Engineer McKinney,
Management Analyst Mignogna, Finance Director Martinez, Financial Services
Analyst Hallick, Design and Development Director Castro, Planning Manager
Flores, Senior Planner Flores, Animal Control/Code Compliance Supervisor
Meredith
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - None
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA
Councilmember Pena said he had questions regarding Consent Calendar Item
No. 4; Mayor Evans requested the item be pulled for separate discussion and
vote. Council concurred.
CLOSED SESSION
1. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS
PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.8 FOR
PROPERTY LOCATED AT THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF
HIGHWAY 111 AND DUNE PALMS ROAD (APN: 600-030-018)
CITY NEGOTIATOR: JON MCMILLEN, CITY MANAGER
NEGOTIATING PARTY: BLACKPOINT PROPERTIES
UNDER NEGOTIATION: PRICE AND TERMS OF PAYMENT
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 1 of 10 SEPTEMBER 20, 2022
2. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS PURSUANT
TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.8 FOR PROPERTY
LOCATED AT 51001 EISENHOWER DRIVE (APN: 773-065-012)
CITY NEGOTIATOR: JON MCMILLEN, CITY MANAGER
NEGOTIATING PARTY: BRUCE AND JIM CATHCART
UNDER NEGOTIATION: PRICE AND TERMS OF PAYMENT
3. ANNUAL PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54957, COUNCIL
APPOINTED POSITION - CITY MANAGER
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 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 - no reportable action; and
• CLOSED SESSION ITEM NO. 3 - Council completed the City
Manager's annual performance evaluation; and the City Manager has
exceeded expectations for the last year.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Fitzpatrick led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Kay Wolff, La Quinta - stated she was disappointed that
Council now limits public speaker time donations; and, she and others have
comments on a Department Report Item which is at the end of the agenda.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Jeff Fishbein, Chair of the La Quinta Chamber of Commerce
and Coldwell Banker realtor - Mr. Fishbein offered an apology to the City, the
City Council and the community for the mis-labeling of the editorial in the
September publication of the GEM regarding the Q&A between the Chamber
(himself as the writer) and the developer of the Coral Mountain Wave project
(entitled: 'Coral Mountain Resort Addresses Community Concerns"); and, he
explained that the Chamber, not the City, publishes The GEM, and published
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 2 of 10 SEPTEMBER 20, 2022
the editorial as an informational and educational piece for the community but
the title of the article has caused confusion, leading readers to believe it was
City -sponsored.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Rick Wilkerson, La Quinta - spoke about a notice he
received from Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) to cease watering the
grass at the Point Happy Shopping Center or be fined $500/day; he explained
that the grass was a requirement when the Center was initially developed,
and requested assistance from the City in resolving this with CVWD because
the $3 per square foot reimbursement compensation offered by CVWD to
remove the grass is far short of the actual cost of doing so.
Council directed staff to put the issue of turf removal on a future agenda to
discuss a possible City assistance program or means to designate the grass
areas as recreational, and to invite CVWD to that meeting to participate in
resolving the matter.
ANNOUNCEMENTS, PRESENTATIONS AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
1. PROCLAMATION IN RECOGNITION OF NATIONAL
PREPAREDNESS MONTH - SEPTEMBER 2022
Mayor Evans and Councilmembers presented Emergency Services Coordinator
Dana Lagunas with a proclamation in recognition of National Preparedness
Month and spoke of the importance of being prepared and having a plan.
Ms. Lagunas 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.
2. Taken up out of Agenda order, after Presentation No. 4 > > >
PROCLAMATION IN RECOGNITION OF CONSTITUTION WEEK -
SEPTEMBER 17-23, 2022, COMMEMORATING THE SIGNING OF
THE UNTIED STATES CONSTITUTION
Mayor Evans and Councilmembers presented Cahuilla Chapter of the National
Society Daughters of the American Revolution Regent Alice Barnhart, First
Vice -Regent Wendy Becker and Member Rosemary Hallick with a proclamation
in recognition of Constitution Week celebrating the 234t" anniversary of the
signing the United States Constitution in September 1787.
3. PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING RIVERSIDE COUNTY SHERIFF'S
DEPARTMENT SERGEANT CHRIS OLSEN FOR HIS SERVICE
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Mayor Evans and Councilmembers presented a Proclamation to Sergeant Olsen
in recognition of his public service; and congratulated him on his promotion to
Lieutenant, now assigned to the Cabazon station. Sergeant Olsen expressed
his gratitude.
4. INTRODUCE RIVERSIDE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT NEW
SERGEANT KYLE LAFOND
Lieutenant Martinez introduced Sergeant Lafond; Council congratulated and
welcomed Sergeant Lafond in his new assignment to La Quinta; and, Sergeant
Lafond gave a brief overview of his experience and said he is looking forward
to working in La Quinta.
5. AMERICAN PUBLIC WORKS ASSOCIATION — AWARDED THE 2022
PROJECT OF THE YEAR SMALL CITIES/RURAL COMMUNITIES
AWARD TO THE CITY OF LA QUINTA FOR THE LA QUINTA
VILLAGE COMPLETE STREETS — A ROAD DIET PROJECT NO. 2015-
03
Mayor Evans provided a brief description of the project and congratulated
the City on obtaining this prestigious award. Public Works Director/City
Engineer McKinney thanked the La Quinta community, Staff, and City
Consultants for the engagement and work on the project; commended the
collaborative efforts and grant funding the City received to complete the
project; and provided a detailed overview of the project.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. APPROVE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF AUGUST 2, 2022
2. APPROVE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JULY 19, 2022
3. AFFIRM RESOLUTION NO. 2021-035 FINDINGS RELATED TO THE
STATE OF EMERGENCY DUE TO COVID-19 AUTHORIZING THE
CITY MANAGER TO IMPLEMENT TELECONFERENCE
ACCESSIBILITY ONLY WHEN A PUBLIC MEETING OF THE
LEGISLATIVE BODY IS HELD VIRTUALLY PURSUANT TO
ASSEMBLY BILL 361 (STATS. 2021, CH. 165)
4. Pulled by Council for discussion and separate vote > > > ACCEPT ART
DONATION FROM DICK ROBERTS TO BE INCLUDED IN THE
CITY'S ART IN PUBLIC PLACES COLLECTION — BRONZE RAM
SKULL SCULPTURE BY ARTIST JACK ZAJAC
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5. RECEIVE AND FILE FOURTH QUARTER FISCAL YEAR 2021/22
TREASURY REPORTS FOR APRIL, MAY, AND JUNE 2022
6. APPROVE DEMAND REGISTERS DATED JULY 29, AUGUST 5, AND
AUGUST 12, 2022
7. APPROVE DEMAND REGISTERS DATED AUGUST 19, AUGUST 26,
SEPTEMBER 2, AND SEPTEMBER 9, 2022
8. ADOPT RESOLUTION GRANTING CONDITIONAL APPROVAL OF
FINAL PARCEL MAP NO. 37891 AND ASSOCIATED SUBDIVISION
IMPROVEMENT AGREEMENT FOR THE JEFFERSON STREET
RESIDENTIAL APARTMENT DEVELOPMENT LOCATED AT THE
SOUTHEAST CORNER OF JEFFERSON STREET AND PALM CIRCLE
DRIVE [RESOLUTION NO. 2022-032]
9. APPROVE PURCHASE OF ASPHALT PATCHER FOR EFFICIENT
POTHOLE REPAIRS THROUGH SOURCEWELL COOPERATIVE
PURCHASING
10. APPROVE PURCHASES OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
EQUIPMENT THROUGH CDWG, NEWEFF, AND DELL
11. COMMIT THE CITY TO THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENT'S GO HUMAN SAFETY PLEDGE
BY CREATING STREETS THAT PROMOTE WALKING, BIKING, AND
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS IN LA QUINTA
12. ACCEPT SILVERROCK WAY STREET IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT
NO. 2014-13 LOCATED BETWEEN AVENUE 52 AND JEFFERSON
STREET
13. APPROVE CHANGE ORDER NO. 1 TO CONTRACT WITH URBAN
HABITAT FOR THE LA QUINTA RENOVATION TOPAZ PROJECT NO.
2016-03F FOR ADDITIONAL MISCELLANEOUS WORK REQUESTS
AND RELATED PROJECT BUDGET
14. APPROVE AGREEMENT FOR CONTRACT SERVICES WITH SHADE
STRUCTURES, INC. DBA USA SHADE & FABRIC STRUCTURES,
INC. THROUGH SOURCEWELL COOPERATIVE PURCHASING FOR
INSTALLATION OF SHADE STRUCTURE AT MONTICELLO PARK,
PROJECT NO. 2022-20
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MOTION - A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Pena/Radi
to approve Consent Calendar Item Nos. 1-3 and 5-14 as recommended, with
Item No. 8 adopting Resolution No. 2022-032. Motion passed unanimously.
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM NO. 4
Management Analyst Calderon presented the staff report and power point
which are on file in the City Clerk's Office.
Council discussed the dimensions of the donated art piece, possible
placements for protection of the sculpture, pedestal design, and storage of the
sculpture until a permanent location is found.
MOTION - A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Pena/
Fitzpatrick to approve Consent Calendar Item No. 4 as recommended. Motion
passed unanimously.
BUSINESS SESSION
1. APPROVE VETERAN NOMINATIONS FOR INCLUSION ON
VETERANS' ACKNOWLEDGEMENT MONUMENTS AT CIVIC CENTER
CAMPUS
Community Resources Analyst Calderon presented the staff report, which is
on file in the Clerk's Office.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Dale Tyerman, La Quinta - spoke in support of Major Peter
Fleury's nomination.
MOTION - A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Pena/
Sanchez to approve veteran nominations for inclusion on the Veterans
Acknowledgment Monuments at the Civic Center Campus as recommended.
Motion passed unanimously.
PUBLIC INTEREST ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Community Resource Manager Calderon announced that on Thursday,
September 22, 2022, the City will hold its Pillars of the Community event at
City Hall, starting at 4 p.m., which will include acknowledgement of Pillars of
the Community, Senior Inspiration Awards, and Distinguished Artists and
Athletes.
La Quinta High School will hold its Homecoming Parade tomorrow,
Wednesday, September 21, 2022, starting at 4:30 p.m., on Main Street in Old
Town La Quinta.
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2. APPROVE AMENDMENT NO. 4 TO AGREEMENT FOR CONTRACT
SERVICES WITH TERRA NOVA PLANNING & RESEARCH, INC. FOR
ADDITIONAL ON -CALL PLANNING SERVICES
Planning Manager Flores presented the staff report, which is on file in the
Clerk's Office.
Council discussed the parameters of the Amendment which authorizes
examination of the fiscal impact of annexation, not the intent to annex any
portion at this time; the City of Coachella's request to Riverside County Local
Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) attempting to encroach into La
Quinta's sphere -of -influence (SOI); the process for determining a city's SOI;
cost to La Quinta to expand the City's boundary into the SOI; the effects on
the residents in and bordering the SOI; and examining an expanded SOI.
MOTION - A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Radi/
Fitzpatrick to Approve Amendment No. 4 to Agreement for Contract Services
with Terra Nova Planning & Research, Inc. to expand on -call planning services
in the amount of $117,250, to include preparation and processing of fiscal
impact analysis and applications for City annexation; and authorize the City
Manager to execute the agreement. Motion passed unanimously.
STUDY SESSION - None
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. ADOPT RESOLUTION TO ADOPT REVISIONS TO THE HOUSING
ELEMENT UPDATE (GPA 2020-0001), MAKING MINOR
MODIFICATIONS TO THE 2022-2029 HOUSING ELEMENT PER
REQUESTS FROM THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING
AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT; CEQA: THE HOUSINGS
ELEMENT WAS PREVIOUSLY ANALYZED UNDER EA 2021-0010;
LOCATION: CITY-WIDE [RESOLUTION NO. 2022-0331
Consulting Planner Criste presented the staff report, which is on file in the
Clerk's Office.
Council discussed the definition of "Regional Housing Need"; collaborating with
other cities via consolidation of funds and affordable housing credits to build
in areas with affordable land and sufficient public amenities; and the inability
of water and sewer utility companies to deny extending lines to service
affordable housing projects.
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MAYOR EVANS DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING OPEN AT 5:31 P.M.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: None
MAYOR EVANS DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED AT 5:31 P.M.
MOTION - A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Fitzpatrick/
Sanchez to adopt Resolution No. 2022-033 as recommended:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA
ADOPTING REVISIONS TO THE 2022-2029 HOUSING ELEMENT
Case No. GPA 2020-0001; Applicant: City of La Quinta
Motion passed unanimously.
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS
All reports are on file in the City Clerk's Office.
3. 2022 CONSOLIDATED GENERAL ELECTION AND MEASURE A
UPDATE
City Clerk Radeva presented the departmental report, which is on file in the
Clerk's Office.
Council discussed the current annual operating budget of $68.3 million and
the expected increases in future years; City reserve category types,
restrictions, and funds; Brown Act law being the reason for just two of the five
Councilmembers preparing and signing the argument/rebuttal against
Measure A; and the effort and accuracy of the argument/rebuttal written by
Councilmembers Radi and Fitzpatrick.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Joe Diodati, La Quinta - introduced Mr. James Alderson and
provided information on his background as a CPA and hospital CFO.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: James Alderson, La Quinta [used time donated by his wife]
quoted sections of the City's Annual Financial Comprehensive Report for year
ended June 30, 2021; provided his analysis of the City's budget and reserve
funds; noted possible Excel formula errors in the 10-year budget projection
spreadsheets reviewed by the Financial Advisory Commission in February
2022 and assumptions/projections; requested that the City's 10-year budget
projections include fiscal year 2021/22 actuals to get more accurate
projections; and agreement to meet with the City's financial staff and possibly
members of the Financial Advisory Commission to review the City's data in
detail, including unique municipal finance and reporting laws.
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PUBLIC SPEAKER: Don Shoffstall, La Quinta - stated that Measure A is not
about money, it's about quality -of -life; residents are still suffering, but don't
make complaint calls because they have faith that Measure A will soon pass;
La Quinta will continue to be a tourist destination if Measure A passes if the
City works to encourage development of STVRs in the exempt areas;
displacement of young family renters and upward pressure on rent;
enforcement does not work under the program; and if Measure A passes,
illegal operators will be reported to City enforcement.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: James Lambert, La Quinta - provided information on STVRs
in exempt areas; proper zoning prohibits STVRs in residential zones;
affordability and availability of homes and rentals if Measure A passes; STVRs
in Homeowners' Associations; and if Measure A passes, the City will still be
responsible to enforce its zoning laws and can cover that cost with revenues
from legal STVRs.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Kay Wolff, La Quinta - spoke about the growth of STVRs
since 2012, and the delay in getting it under control; stated the current
ordinance is almost perfect with the exception that Council cannot legally
make the ban on new STVRs permanent; foresees that future Councils will be
pressured to lift the ban; and noted that no city that has banned STVRs has
gone bankrupt, nor cut police or fire services.
NOTE: Councilmembers engaged public speakers in discussion regarding their
remarks during each speakers' time at the podium.
MAYOR'S AND COUNCIL MEMBERS' ITEMS
Councilmember Fitzpatrick reported on a water seminar, the League of
California Cities 2022 Annual Conference and Expo held in Long Beach
(September 7-9, 2022), September 11 Candlelight Vigil the City held at the
Civic Center Campus, and Make -a -Wish events she attended.
REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
La Quinta's representative for 2022, Mayor Evans reported on her participation
in the following organizations' meetings:
• CVAG COACHELLA VALLEY CONSERVATION COMMISSION
• LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES DELEGATE
La Quinta's representative for 2022, Mayor Pro Tern Fitzpatrick reported on
her participation in the following organizations' meetings:
• COACHELLA VALLEY MOUNTAINS CONSERVANCY
• RIVERSIDE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 9 of 10 SEPTEMBER 20, 2022
• CVAG TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION (attended on behalf
Councilmember Radi)
La Quinta's representative for 2022, Councilmember Pena reported on his
participation in the following organization's meeting:
• IID ENERGY CONSUMERS' ADVISORY COMMITTEE
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, a motion was made and seconded by
Councilmembers Fitzpatrick/ Radi to adjourn at 8:43 p.m. Motion passed
unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
i
i
MONIKA RADEVA, City Clerk
City of La Quinta, California
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