2023 02 07 CC MinutesCITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2023
CALL TO ORDER
A regular meeting of the La Quinta City Council was called to order at 3:30 p.m. by Mayor
Evans.
PRESENT: Councilmembers Fitzpatrick, McGarrey, Pena, Sanchez, Mayor Evans
ABSENT: None
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA — None
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA
Councilmember McGarrey said she will recuse herself and abstain from the discussion
and vote on Consent Calendar Item No. 12 due to a potential conflict of interest stemming
from a business relationship as her employer is Southern California Gas Company; and
requested that this item be pulled for a separate vote. Council concurred.
CLOSED SESSION
1. SEMI-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 3:32 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 Council completed the City Manager's semi-annual
performance evaluation and no actions were taken that require reporting pursuant to
Government Code section 54957.1 (Brown Act).
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Pena led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
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Taken out of Agenda order >>>
ANNOUNCEMENTS, PRESENTATIONS AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
RIVERSIDE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE COACHELLA
VALLEY RAIL UPDATE — PRESENTATION BY DEPUTY EXECUTIVE
DIRECTOR AARON HAKE
Deputy Executive Director Hake provided a presentation on the Riverside County
Transportation Committee's progress on the Coachella Valley Rail, a daily intercity
commuter rail service to/from the Counties of Riverside, San Bernardino, Los Angeles,
and Orange with nine stations from Union Station in Los Angeles to the City of Coachella.
Mr. Hake answered Council's questions regarding funding; economic benefits to the
Coachella Valley; criteria for rail station locations; partnership with CalTrans; third rail
timeline; Union Pacific involvement; emission reduction studies; possibility of moving the
existing Palm Springs station to a more accessible location; reasons for constructing a
third rail as opposed to installing spurs to allow freight -commuter train sharing of existing
tracks; and Amtrak's interest in establishing a Los Angeles -Phoenix -Tucson commuter
rail.
Taken out of Agenda order >>>
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Kay Wolff, La Quinta — spoke regarding the City's Short -Term
Vacation Rentals (STVR) Program. Ms. Wolff noted that the City ordinance has two flaws:
(1) there is no end date for STVRs operating in residential neighborhoods, and (2) the
ban on new permits can be rescinded by future Councils; Councilmembers will be lobbied
by investors to lift the ban on new STVRs; residents are still living with STVR; and
residents are waiting for Council to reaffirm its commitment to the ban on new permits
and to strengthen the ordinance.
City Manager McMillen announced that a periodic review and discussion of the STVR
program is scheduled for the first Council meeting in March.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. APPROVE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JANUARY 17, 2023
2. APPROVE PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, ENGINEER'S ESTIMATE, AND
ADVERTISE FOR BID THE CITYWIDE MISCELLANEOUS AMERICANS WITH
DISABILITIES ACT IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT NO. 2022-08
3. AWARD CONTRACT TO CALIFORNIA COMMERCIAL POOLS, INC., FOR LA
QUINTA PARK SPLASH PAD RENOVATION PROJECT NO. 2022-19
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 2 of 8 FEBRUARY 7, 2023
4. ACCEPT THE LA QUINTA LANDSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT NO.
2016-03G, LOCATED AT THE LA QUINTA X-PARK, ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF
WESTWARD HO DRIVE AND EAST SIDE OF DUNE PALMS ROAD
5. ACCEPT JEFFERSON STREET AT AVENUE 53 ROUNDABOUT PROJECT
NO. 2017-09, LOCATED AT THE INTERSECTION OF JEFFERSON STREET,
SILVERROCK WAY AND HIDEAWAY ENTRANCE
6. ACCEPT WASHINGTON STREET AT AVENUE 50 AND CALLE TAMPICO
SIDEWALK AND AMERICAN WITH DISABILITIES ACT IMPROVEMENTS
PROJECT NO. 2019-23, LOCATED AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF
WASHINGTON STREET AND AVENUE 50 AND THE SOUTHSIDE OF CALLE
TAMPICO FROM CALLE OBISPO TO WASHINGTON STREET
7. AUTHORIZE OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR DEPUTY CITY CLERK TO ATTEND
CITY CLERKS' ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA TECHNICAL TRAINING FOR
CLERKS SERIES 100 IN RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA, MARCH 13-17, 2023
8. AUTHORIZE OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR THREE PLANNING
COMMISSIONERS AND ONE PLANNING STAFF MEMBER TO ATTEND THE
ANNUAL LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES PLANNING COMMISSIONERS
ACADEMY IN GARDEN GROVE, CALIFORNIA, MARCH 29 — 31, 2023
9. AUTHORIZE THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT TO UTILIZE VINTAGE
ASSOCIATES, INC., FOR ADDITIONAL SPENDING AUTHORITY UP TO
$175,000 FOR EXTRA WORK AND PURCHASE OF PLANT MATERIALS IN
FISCAL YEAR 2022/23 WHEN THEY ARE THE QUALIFIED AND/OR LOWEST
BIDDER
10. EXCUSE ABSENCES OF COMMISSIONER GUERRERO FROM THE
JANUARY 24, 2023, PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING AND
COMMISSIONER BATAVICK FROM THE FEBRUARY 2, 2023, FINANCIAL
ADVISORY COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING
11. APPROVE DEMAND REGISTERS DATED JANUARY 13, JANUARY 20, AND
JANUARY 27, 2023
12. APPROVE DEMAND REGISTER FOR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA GAS
COMPANY DATED JANUARY 27, 2023
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Pena/Fitzpatrick to
approve Consent Calendar Item Nos. 1 — 11 as recommended. Motion passed
unanimously.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 3 of 8 FEBRUARY 7, 2023
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM NO. 12
COUNCILMEMBER MCGARREY RECUSED HERSELF FROM DISCUSSION
AND VOTE ON THIS ITEM DUE TO A POTENTIAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST
STEMMING FROM A BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP WITH SOUTHERN
CALIFORNIA GAS COMPANY
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Fitzpatrick/Pena to
approve Consent Calendar Item No. 12 as recommended.
Motion passed — ayes 4, noes 0, abstain 1 (McGarrey), absent 0.
BUSINESS SESSION
1. APPROVE SECOND ROUND COMMUNITY SERVICES GRANTS FOR FISCAL
YEAR 2022/23
COUNCILMEMBER MCGARREY STATED SHE SERVES AS A VOLUNTEER
ON THE BOARD OF FRIENDS OF THE DESERT MOUNTAINS NON-PROFIT
ORGANIZATION AND DOES NOT RECEIVE A STIPEND; THUS, THERE IS NO
CONFLICT WITH HER PARTICIPATING IN THE DISCUSSION AND VOTE ON
THIS ITEM
MAYOR EVANS STATED SHE SERVES ON THE COACHELLA VALLEY
VOLUNTEERS IN MEDICINE, A NATIONAL NON-PROFIT ALLIANCE, AND
DOES NOT RECEIVE A STIPEND; THUS, THERE IS NO CONFLICT WITH HER
PARTICIPATING IN THE DISCUSSION AND VOTE ON THIS ITEM
Community Resources Manager Christina Calderon presented the staff report, which is
on file in the Clerk's Office.
Council discussed the evaluation process; encouraging students to write and apply for
grant funds; partnering with the District Foundation; important work being done by these
non-profit organizations; Coachella Valley Horse Rescue program and funding; and need
for Angle Force data.
PUBLIC SPEAKERS: Rescue Operations Director Linda Dondero and Grant Writer
Brenda Vatland with Coachella Valley Horse Rescue — introduced themselves and
provided detailed information on the services they provide, including the veterans'
program, and children's camp.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Executive Director Tammy Martin with Friends of the Desert
Mountains — introduced herself, provided details on the services they provide, including
youth programs, and thanked Council for their continued support.
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PUBLIC SPEAKER: Board Member and Secretary Aileen Alvarez with Shay's Warriors —
introduced herself, spoke about the services the organization provides to cancer
survivors, and thanked Council for the starter grant.
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers McGarrey/Sanchez
to approve the second round of Community Services Grants for fiscal year 2022/23 as
detailed below for a total combined grant funding of $23,000:
• Angel Force $0
• Angel View $3,500
• Coachella Valley Horse Rescue $4,500
• Coachella Valley Volunteers in Medicine $5,000
• Friends of the Desert Mountains $4,500
• La Quinta High School AVID* $0
• Riverside County Sheriff Explorer Post 503 $5,000
• Shay's Warriors* $500 starter grant
Motion passed unanimously.
2. APPOINT ONE COUNCILMEMBER TO SERVE ON THE PILLARS OF THE
COMMUNITY, DISTINGUISHED ARTISTS, AND DISTINGUISHED ATHLETES
AWARD PROGRAMS REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE
Community Resources Analyst Michael Calderon presented the staff report, which is on
file in the Clerk's Office.
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Pena/McGarrey to
appoint Councilmember Fitzpatrick to serve on the Pillars of the Community,
Distinguished Artists, and Distinguished Athletes award programs review subcommittee
as recommended. Motion passed unanimously.
MAYOR EVANS CALLED FOR A BRIEF RECESS AT 5:09 P.M.
MAYOR EVANS RECONVENED THE COUNCIL MEETING AT 5:15 P.M. WITH
ALL MEMBERS PRESENT
STUDY SESSION
1. DISCUSS IMPERIAL IRRIGATION DISTRICT (IID) CONTRACT EXPIRATION
AND CONSIDER OPTIONS IN MOVING FORWARD THAT ADDRESS AGING
EQUIPMENT AND STRESSED POWER GRID
City Manager McMillen presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk's Office.
Council discussed the current focus and governance of IID; IID being a special district
versus a stockholder corporation like Southern California Edison Co.; Riverside County's
non -representation on the IID Board; importance of representation on the IID Board if IID
continues to provide service to La Quinta residents; inability for La Quinta to grow unless
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 5 of 8 FEBRUARY 7, 2023
infrastructure is upgraded and aging equipment replaced; allowance of self -generation by
developers via wind, solar, gas, etc.; future existence of IID; both increased capacity for
new in -fill projects and replacement of existing deteriorating infrastructure need significant
funds and currently there is no source of those funds; need for media to cover this
important matter, i.e., what entity will provide electricity in 2033, how will upgrades be
funded, what will rates look like, will customers be represented, etc.; statewide move to
electric -powered vehicles stressing the grid; challenge of resolving matter when there are
multiple cities, jurisdictions, and agencies involved; unclear as to what entity owns the
infrastructure; the 1934 Compromise Agreement terms, including the imprecise language
on infrastructure ownership; City's ability to establish its own utility district; working with
other City Attorneys to scrutinize and dissect the 1934 Compromise Agreement,
subsequent agreements, and Agreement performance/non-performance; owner of
infrastructure would be responsible for repairs and upgrades, and would be the entity to
issue bonds to fund upgrades; City's options for buying/leasing land for a solar farm;
possibility of Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) providing electricity in the future;
possibility of eastern Coachella Valley customers creating their own special district; Local
Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) energy study underway will provide governance
options only, no recommendations; I ID's Energy Consumers Advisory Committee (ECAC)
and the newly formed IID Coachella Valley Energy Commission (CVEC) have no vote,
authority, or power, only provide recommendations to the IID Board; past efforts of State
Assemblyman Chad Mayes to get representation on the IID Board for all its customers;
possibility of allowing off -grid, self-sustaining projects; conflict between mandated State
affordable housing project and insufficient power to supply them; lead time for delivery of
new generators, transformers and utility poles; important to provide incentives for rooftop
solar installation in IID territory; the pending failure of IID transformers, wood poles, etc.;
the need for IID to stockpile replacement equipment for emergencies, such as a major
earthquake; need to explore the effect the proposed Chuckwalla National Monument,
which contains IID transmission lines, would have on future energy service; getting
County Supervisor Perez personally involved; providing guidelines to LAFCO regarding
La Quinta's position; State's Public Utilities Commission does not have jurisdiction over
IID because it is a special district, not a public utility company; LAFCO is the agency that
has jurisdiction; need to engage regional partners; and importance of City Managers
working daily behind -the -scenes to study problem and examine solutions.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Philip Bettencourt, La Quinta, At -Large Commissioner on the IID
CVEC — said it's important for each stakeholder city to develop its own economic and
intellectual library of tools needed to protect constituents, and be an effective dealmaker
when the time comes.
Council directed City Manager McMillen to continue to work with the other City Managers
within the affected regions, and for the City Attorney to work with other City Attorneys
representing the affected regions to determine options and solutions available to Council.
PUBLIC HEARINGS — None
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DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS — All reports are on file in the City Clerk's Office.
3. STATE OF EMERGENCY RELATING TO NOVEL CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019
AND TELECONFERENCE ACCESSIBILITY FOR PUBLIC MEETINGS
PURSUANT TO ASSEMBLY BILL 2449 (RUBIO) (STATS. 2022, CH. 285)
IMPLEMENTING NEW BROWN ACT PROVISIONS [GOVERNMENT CODE
SECTION 54953 AND 54954.2]
City Clerk Radeva summarized the teleconference requirements and procedures under AB
2449.
MAYOR'S AND COUNCIL MEMBERS' ITEMS
Mayor Evans reported on her attendance at the Desert Sands Education Foundation
fundraiser; Council's attendance at the Dune Palm Bridge groundbreaking ceremony on
January 30, 2023; the Patriot's Luncheon; and the upcoming 100th birthday celebration
for famous winemaker Miljenko "Mike" Grgich.
Councilmember Sanchez reported on his attendance at the Sotheby's ribbon cutting
event; and delivery of 90 tattered American flags to the American Legion for proper
disposal.
Councilmember McGarrey reported on her attendance at the League of California Cities,
City Council Academy.
REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
La Quinta's representative for 2023, Mayor Evans reported on her participation in the
following organizations' meetings:
• DESERT SANDS SCHOOL DISTRICT COMMITTEE
• GREATER PALM SPRINGS CONVENTION AND VISITORS' BUREAU
La Quinta's representative for 2023, Councilmember Fitzpatrick reported on her
participation in the following organizations' meetings:
• CVAG TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
• RIVERSIDE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
La Quinta's representative for 2023, Mayor Pro Tern Sanchez reported on his
participation in the following organizations' meetings:
• ANIMAL CAMPUS COMMISSION
• DESERT SANDS UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT 2X2 COMMITTEE
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ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, a motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers
Fitzpatrick/Sanchez to adjourn at 6:33 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
MONIKA RADEVA, City Clerk
City of La Quinta, California
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