2023 01 17 CC MinutesCITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2023
CALL TO ORDER
A regular meeting of the La Quinta City Council was called to order at 4:00 p.m. by Mayor
Evans.
PRESENT: Councilmembers Fitzpatrick, McGarrey, Pena, Sanchez, Mayor Evans
ABSENT: None
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember McGarrey led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA
Councilmember McGarrey said she will recuse herself from discussion and vote on
Consent Calendar Item No. 9 due to a potential conflict of interest stemming from a
business relationship, i.e., her employer, Southern California Gas Company, is listed on
the Demand Register, and requested that it be pulled for a separate vote. Council
concurred.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Robert Visconti, Regional Affairs Manager, Southern California Gas
Company — spoke about the increase in gas rates anticipated in January, and payment
assistance programs available.
PUBLIC SPEAKERS:
• Diana Soto, Interim CEO of the Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce —
(additional time donated by Jeff Fishbein) provided an update on Chamber
activities, events, and data.
• Andrea Carter, Editor of The Gem — provided an update on improvements to The
GEM magazine and appealed for community stories.
• Jeff Fishbein, Chair of La Quinta Business District Board of the Chamber of
Commerce — announced the 2023 La Quinta Car Show event will be held on
Saturday, February 25, 2023, at the La Quinta Community Park, from 9 a.m. to 3
p.m.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Page 1 of 8 JANUARY 17, 2023
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Philip Bettencourt, La Quinta — thanked Council for the Coachella
Valley Multiple Species Habitation Conservation Plan Property Tour facilitated by the
Coachella Valley Conservation Commission on January 12, 2023.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Lee Osborne, La Quinta — spoke about the upcoming Imperial
Irrigation District Energy Consumers Advisory Committee meeting that will address
summer energy cost assistance; thanked Council for completing the X-Park in north La
Quinta. Council presented former Councilmember Osborne with a plaque
commemorating his long-term advocacy of the X-Park project.
ANNOUNCEMENTS, PRESENTATIONS AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
1. INTRODUCE RIVERSIDE COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT BATTALION CHIEF
JUSTIN KARP
Mayor Evans provided Chief Karp's professional background. Riverside County Fire
Division Chief Bryan White introduced Chief Karp who was recently promoted to Battalion
Chief; Mr. Karp gave a brief presentation about his training, qualifications, and
experience, and said he is excited to serve La Quinta
2. TALUS — PROJECT STATUS UPDATE
President and CEO Robert Green of Robert Green Company 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.
Council discussed project financing; Montage and Pendry hotels continued evolvement;
controlling rumors; keeping community informed of progress and holdups; engineering
reviews for quality; EB5 financing; keeping staff of Landmark Golf Management informed,
so they can respond to residents' questions; outreach through homeowners' associations,
builders' association, realtors' association, Chamber, etc.; leveling off of construction
material costs; need for increased support from unions; no decrease in demands for Talus
level housing; hospitality surging; Council's versus developer's responsibilities; keeping
Council updated on loans; future phases on hold until current work is done; timing on the
closing of the golf club house; and future updates to focus on schedule and financing.
WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENTS were received from La Quinta resident Robert Radi
regarding the financing of the Talus project; the comments were distributed to Council,
made public, published on the City's website, and included in the public record of this
meeting.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Page 2 of 8 JANUARY 17, 2023
5. Taken out of Agenda order »> RECOGNITION OF EAGLE SCOUT MICHAEL
FLICKER
Mayor Evans provided background on Michael Flicker's community contributions, and
accomplishments. Council awarded Michael Flicker a Certificate of Achievement.
Michael Flicker explained his plant propagation Eagle project at The Living Desert, and
his future career plans.
3. DUNE PALMS BRIDGE PROJECT NO. 2011-05 — PUBLIC OUTREACH
OVERVIEW PRESENTED BY ANDREA SUAREZ AND JESSICA SANCHEZ
FROM CONNECT & COMPANY
Andrea Suarez, Public Relations Strategist and Founder of Connect & Company provided
an overview of the project design; timing, start date January 30th, completion early 2025;
costs; funding sources; community outreach plans; inclusion of Indian Springs community
on the border in Indio; live cam of project; local office; and communications with the
schools.
Council discussed dedicating the bridge to a notable citizen; and upcoming
groundbreaking ceremony at the X-Park.
4. AMERICAN PUBLIC WORKS ASSOCIATION SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
CHAPTER — AWARDED THE 2022 PROJECT OF THE YEAR B.E.S.T. AWARD
FOR RECREATIONAL AND ATHLETIC FACILITIES TO THE CITY OF LA
QUINTA FOR THE X-PARK
Mayor Evans presented Public Works Director/City Engineer McKinney this prestigious
award.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. APPROVE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF DECEMBER 20, 2022
2. 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)
3. ACCEPT LA QUINTA LANDSCAPE RENOVATION IMPROVEMENTS
PROJECT NO. 2016-03F, LOCATED AT LA QUINTA TOPAZ DEVELOPMENT,
ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF MILES AVENUE AND WEST SIDE OF DUNE PALMS
ROAD
4. AWARD CONTRACT TO CHRISP COMPANY FOR THE CITYWIDE STRIPING
REFRESH PROJECT NO. 2021-04
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Page 3 of 8 JANUARY 17, 2023
5. ACCEPT MOON RIVER DRIVE PAVEMENT REHABILITATION PROJECT NO.
2022-10, LOCATED ON MOON RIVER DRIVE FROM AVENUE 50 TO DESERT
SANDS UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT RIGHT OF WAY LIMITS
6. APPROVE AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO AGREEMENT FOR CONTRACT SERVICES
WITH SCOPE EVENTS LLC. TO CHANGE THE DATE OF THE NOVEMBER
2023 AND MARCH 2024 LA QUINTA ART CELEBRATION
7. APPROVE ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT AND
AMENDMENT TO SUBDIVISION IMPROVEMENT AGREEMENT FOR TRACT
MAP NO. 33085, POLO VILLAS, A RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT LOCATED
WEST OF MADISON STREET BETWEEN AVENUES 50 AND 52
8. APPROPRIATE MEASURE G FUNDS AND AWARD CONTRACT TO ACE
ELECTRIC FOR THE SPORTS COMPLEX LIGHTING REPLACEMENT
PROJECT NO. 2022-04
9. Pulled fora separate vote by Councilmember McGarrey »> APPROVE DEMAND
REGISTERS DATED DECEMBER 16 AND DECEMBER 30, 2022, AND
JANUARY 6, 2023
10. RECEIVE AND FILE REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE REPORT DATED
OCTOBER 31, 2022
11. RECEIVE AND FILE REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE REPORT DATED
NOVEMBER 30, 2022
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM NO. 8 COMMENTS:
Councilmember Fitzpatrick supports funding for this project and suggests that other
aspects of the Sports Complex require upgrading, so recommends meetings with the
school district and grant fund research be initiated.
Mayor Evans concurred and added that the same is needed for Colonel Mitchell Paige
fields.
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Pena/Sanchez to
approve the Consent Calendar Item Nos. 1-8 and 10-11 as recommended, with Item No.
2 reaffirming Resolution No. 2021-035. Motion passed unanimously.
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM NO. 9
COUNCILMEMBER MCGARREY RECUSED HERSELF FROM DISCUSSION
AND VOTE ON THIS ITEM DUE TO A POTENTIAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST
STEMMING FROM A BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Page 4 of 8 JANUARY 17, 2023
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Fitzpatrick/Pena to
approve Consent Calendar Item No. 9 as recommended. Motion passed — ayes 4, noes,
- 0, abstain — 1 (McGarrey), absent — 0.
BUSINESS SESSION
1. INTERVIEW AND APPOINT A RESIDENT TO SERVE ON THE CITY'S
PLANNING COMMISSION
Council waived presentation of the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk's Office.
Mayor Evans thanked all the applicants for their willingness to serve the City and
explained the process the Council follows in conducting interviews and appointing
members.
City Clerk Radeva conducted a random draw to determine the order of applicant's
interviews. The following applicants gave a brief presentation of their experience and
qualifications:
• Ilya Bourim
• Harlin Cheatwood
• Dale O'Brien — was not present
• Audrey Reed — was not present
• Carol Berg
• Vincent Lopez
• Elisa Guerrero
Results of the ballot vote:
Councilmember Fitzpatrick: Ilya Bourim
Councilmember McGarrey: Vincent Lopez
Councilmember Pena: Elisa Guerrero
Councilmember Sanchez: Elisa Guerrero
Mayor Evans: Elisa Guerrero
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Fitzpatrick/ Sanchez
to appoint Elisa Guerrero to serve on the Planning Commission for an unexpired term
ending June 30, 2024. Motion passed unanimously.
2. APPROPRIATE FUNDS AND ADOPT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE
AGREEMENT FOR PURCHASE AND SALE AND ESCROW INSTRUCTIONS
WITH JAMES Y. CATHCART AND MARIA CATHCART, AND BRUCE AND
LORA CATHCART TO ACQUIRE REAL PROPERTY COMPRISED OF
APPROXIMATELY 0.14 ACRES, LOCATED AT 51001 EISENHOWER DRIVE,
AT THE INTERSECTION OF EISENHOWER DRIVE AND CALLE TAMPICO
(APN: 773-065-012), CEQA: THE PROJECT IS EXEMPT FROM
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Page 5 of 8 JANUARY 17, 2023
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW PURSUANT TO SECTION 15061 (b)(3) COMMON
SENSE EXEMPTION [RESOLUTION NO. 2023-001]
Management Analyst Kinley presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk's
Office.
Council discussed City ownership of parking lot; historical society plaque; building
assessment; future trailhead possibilities; including property use options in a future
workshop for residents' ideas; building updates will be needed before it can be used by
the public; and surrounding neighbors' reaction to parking.
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Pena/ Fitzpatrick to
appropriate $460,000 from the General Fund Savings to the Land Acquisition Account;
and adopt Resolution No. 2023-0001 to:
1) Make a finding that the property acquisition is exempt from environmental review
pursuant to Section 15061 (b)(3) of California Environmental Quality Act; and
2) Approve an Agreement for Purchase and Sale and Escrow Instructions with
James Y. Cathcart and Maria Cathcart, Trustees, and Bruce and Lora Cathcart, Trustees,
to acquire real property comprised of approximately 0.14 acres, located at 51001
Eisenhower Drive, at the intersection of Eisenhower Drive and Calle Tampico, APN 773-
065-012; and
3) Authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement substantially in the form
attached, allowing for minor and non -substantive changes:
RESOLUTION 2023-001
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, APPROVING AGREEMENT FOR PURCHASE AND SALE AND
ESCROW INSTRUCTIONS BETWEEN THE CITY OF LA QUINTA AND JAMES
Y. CATHCART & MARIA CATHCART, TRUSTEES, AND BRUCE AND LORA
CATHCART, TRUSTEES, FOR CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY COMPRISED OF
APPROXIMATELY 0.14 ACRES, LOCATED AT 51001 EISENHOWER DRIVE AT
THE INTERSECTION OF EISENHOWER DRIVE AND CALLE TAMPICO (APN:
773-065-012); AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE
AGREEMENT SUBSTANTIALLY IN THE FORM ATTACHED, ALLOWING FOR
MINOR AND NONSUBSTANTIVE CORRECTIONS
Motion passed unanimously.
MAYOR EVANS ASKED MAYOR PRO TEM SANCHEZ TO ACT AS PRESIDING
OFFICER FOR THE REMINDER OF THE MEETING AS SHE HAD TO LEAVE
THE MEETING TO ATTEND A CONFLICTING ENGAGEMENT AND CALLED
FOR A BREIF RECESS AT 6:33 P.M.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Page 6 of 8 JANUARY 17, 2023
MAYOR PRO TEM SANCHEZ RECOVENED THE MEETING AT 6:38 P.M. WITH
COUNCILMEMBERS FITZPATRICK, McGARREY, AND PENA PRESENT
STUDY SESSION
1. DISCUSS DYNAMIC CHANGEABLE MESSAGE SIGNS AS PART OF THE
COACHELLA VALLEY REGIONAL TRAFFIC SIGNAL SYNCHRONIZATION
PROGRAM
Traffic Analyst Gunterson presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk's Office.
Council discussed reason for double sign on Jefferson Street (phase 2); primary use for
festivals in Indio; height of sign on Highway 111 (phase 1); impact of neighbors' views;
unappealing design of signs; premature to decide on these signs before the Highway 111
corridor project is completed; Dynamic Changeable Message Signs are optional; and
signs are inappropriate on Jefferson Street.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Alena Callimanis, La Quinta — stated that the signs are ugly and
opposed the design.
Council reached a consensus and directed staff to postpone installation of Dynamic
Changeable Message Signs, to redesign the signs and reconsider locations.
PUBLIC HEARINGS — None
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS — All reports are on file in the City Clerk's Office.
MAYOR'S AND COUNCIL MEMBERS' ITEMS
Councilmember Fitzpatrick reported that she was impressed with the construction of the
Highway 111 and Jefferson Street intersection in December; and on the kick-off for the
March 2023 Arts Celebration volunteers.
Councilmember Pena expressed sympathies to the Sherriff's Department and the
Deputies families; and reported on the Artisan Studio gala.
Councilmember McGarrey reported on the YMCA event; and the landscaping project in
north La Quinta.
REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
La Quinta's representative for 2023, Councilmember Fitzpatrick reported on her
participation in the following organization's meeting:
• RIVERSIDE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Page 7 of 8 JANUARY 17, 2023
La Quinta's representative for 2023, Councilmember McGarrey reported on her
participation in the following organizations' meetings:
• COACHELLA VALLEY MOUNTAINS CONSERVANCY
• IID ENERGY CONSUMERS' ADVISORY COMMITTEE
La Quinta's representative for 2023, Councilmember Pena reported on his participation
in the following organizations' meetings:
• COACHELLA VALLEY MOSQUITO AND VECTOR CONTROL DISTRICT
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
• LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES — PUBLIC SAFETY POLICY COMMITTEE
La Quinta's representative for 2023, Mayor Pro Tem Sanchez reported on his
participation in the following organization's meeting:
• LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES — PUBLIC SAFETY POLICY COMMITTEE
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, a motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers
Pena/McGarrey to adjourn at 7:07 p.m. Motion passed: ayes — 4, noes — 0, abstain — 0,
absent — 1 (Evans).
Respectfully submitted,
V
I
MONIKA RADEVA, City Clerk
City of La Quinta, California
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Page 8 of 8 JANUARY 17, 2023