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2023 03 21 CC MinutesCITY COUNCIL MINUTES TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 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 Girl Scout Ariana Herrera led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA City Manager McMillen requested to pull Consent Calendar Item No. 5 related to the General Plan and Housing Element Annual Progress Reports for calendar year 2022, and move it for consideration under Business Session Item No. 4. Mayor Evans said she and others will comment on Consent Calendar Item No. 12. Council concurred. PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA City Clerk Radeva said WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENTS were received from La Quinta resident Jeffrey Fultz in opposition to the proposed Troutdale Village apartment development located at the north-east corner of Washington St. and Avenue 50, which were distributed to Council, made public, published on the City's website, and included in the public record of this meeting. PUBLIC SPEAKER: Jeff Fishbein, Chair of the La Quinta Chamber of Commerce, Coldwell Banker realtor, and La Quinta resident — said the rescheduled 2023 La Quinta Car Show event will be held at the La Quinta Community Park on March 25, 2023, along with the Art -on -Main Street event; a Chamber 101 meeting is scheduled for April 7th; the next Chamber Board meeting is April 6th; and the Chamber has formed a subcommittee to work on the GEM publication with City staff. ANNOUNCEMENTS, PRESENTATIONS AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS 1. CERTIFICATES OF OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT RECOGNIZING MEMBERS OF GIRL SCOUT TROOP 1415 FOR SUCCESSFULLY ACHIEVING THE DEMOCRACY BADGE AWARD CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 1 of 10 MARCH 21, 2023 Councilmember McGarrey described her participation in the process underwent by the Scouts to achieve their democracy badges. Mayor Evans and Councilmembers presented certificates of outstanding achievement to the following members of Girl Scout Troop 1415: • Daisies: ✓ Hazel Martin (was not present) ✓ Amaya Chapman ✓ Ximena Uribe ✓ Zaylonnie Aguilar (was not present) • Brownies: ✓ Bailey Gonzalez (was not present) ✓ Eva Martin (was not present) ✓ Vivian Shaver ✓ Ariana Herrera ✓ Camille Horton ✓ Xitlai Rodriguez ✓ Allie Neilsen ✓ Ximena Acevedo (was not present) • Juniors: ✓ Charlee Mead ✓ Jaxyn Mead ✓ Lexie Uribe ✓ Yaritza Aguilar (was not present) ✓ Zeina Gamboa (was not present) PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA — Continued PUBLIC SPEAKER: Melissa Labayog, La Quinta — spoke in opposition of short-term vacation rentals (STVRs), particularly the Dupont Estate's special events. CONSENT CALENDAR 1. APPROVE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MARCH 7, 2023 2. AUTHORIZE OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR TWO COUNCILMEMBERS TO ATTEND THE CALIFORNIA CLEAN ENERGY PROCUREMENT SUMMIT IN SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, MAY 3 — 4, 2023 3. AUTHORIZE OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR PUBLIC WORKS MANAGEMENT ANALYST TO ATTEND THE AMERICA PUBLIC WORKS ASSOCIATION PUBLIC WORKS INSTITUTE MODULE 3 IN DOWNEY, CALIFORNIA, MAY 16 — 18, 2023 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 2 of 10 MARCH 21, 2023 4. ADOPT RESOLUTION TO REAFFIRM ADOPTION OF ANNUAL ASSESSMENT FOR COUNTY SERVICE AREA 152, AUTHORIZE RIVERSIDE COUNTY TO CONTINUE TO LEVY ASSESSMENTS, AND INDEMNIFY AND HOLD THE COUNTY HARMLESS FOR LEVYING ASSESSMENTS ON CITY PARCELS [RESOLUTION NO. 2023-006] 5. Pulled from Consent Calendar by Staff and moved for consideration under Business Session No. 4 »> REVIEW GENERAL PLAN AND HOUSING ELEMENT ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORTS FOR CALENDAR —YEAR 2022 AND AUTHORIZE SUBMITTAL TO THE STATE OFFICE OF PLANNING AND RESEARCH AND DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT; CEQA: MAKE A DETERMINATION THAT THIS ACTION IS NOT A PROJECT AS DEFINED IN SECTION 15378(b)(2) OF THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUA1 ITY ACT 6. APPROVE AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO AGREEMENT FOR CONTRACT SERVICES WITH MADDEN MEDIA FOR ADDITIONAL SERVICES AND COMPENSATION FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022/23 AND AN EXTENSION FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023/24 7. APPROVE AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO AGREEMENT FOR CONTRACT SERVICES WITH DESERT CONCEPTS CONSTRUCTION, INC. FOR ON -CALL PUBLIC WORKS MAINTENANCE SERVICES AND INCREASE THE CONTRACT AUTHORITY FOR UP TO $350,000 OF WORK PER FISCAL YEAR 8. EXCUSE ABSENCES OF COMMISSIONERS CASTO AND DAVIDSON FROM THE MARCH 8, 2023, QUARTERLY HOUSING COMMISSION MEETING 9. APPROVE DEMAND REGISTERS DATED MARCH 3 AND MARCH 10, 2023 10. RECEIVE AND FILE SECOND QUARTER FISCAL YEAR 2022/23 TREASURY REPORTS FOR OCTOBER, NOVEMBER, AND DECEMBER 2022 11. RECEIVE AND FILE REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE REPORT DATED JANUARY 31, 2023 12. APPROVE PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, ENGINEER'S ESTIMATE, AND ADVERTISE FOR BID THE HIGHWAY 111 REHABILITATION PROJECT NO. 2022-25 COMMENTS ON CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM NO. 12 Mayor Evans — noted that the purpose of this item is to seek bids only. Councilmember Fitzpatrick — explained that getting these bids gives Council an idea of the scope and cost so that grants can be sought. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 3 of 10 MARCH 21, 2023 MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Pena/McGarrey to approve Consent Calendar Item Nos. 1-4 and 6-12 as recommended, with Item No. 4 adopting Resolution No. 2023-006. Motion passed unanimously. BUSINESS SESSION 1. APPROVE CONVERTING RIVERSIDE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT TRAFFIC CAR OFFICER POSITION TO A MOTOR OFFICER POSITION Public Safety Manager Mendez and Riverside County Sheriff's Department Sergent Kyle LaFond presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk's Office. MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Fitzpatrick/Pena to approve converting a Riverside County Sheriff's Department traffic car officer position to a motor officer position; and authorize the Mayor to execute the amendment to the Agreement for Law Enforcement Services as recommended. Motion passed unanimously. 2. AUTHORIZE A LETTER, ON BEHALF OF THE CITY COUNCIL, TO THE GOVERNOR OF CALIFORNIA OPPOSING THE STATE'S PLAN TO CLOSE CHUCKAWALLA VALLEY STATE PRISON IN THE CITY OF BLYTHE AND SUPPORT THE CLOSING OF THE CALIFORNIA REHABILITATION CENTER IN THE CITY OF NORCO Management Specialist Barkas presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk's Office. Council discussed how the closure of Chuckawalla Valley State Prison (CVSP) will adversely affect the City of Blythe; and the reasoning for closing the California Rehabilitation Center (CRC) in the City of Norco instead. Ms. Barkas provided the history of the CRC which was built as a luxury hotel in 1928, and its evolution and several repurposing over the years, including being slated for closure in 2016, which was not allowed by a court decision due to the growing inmate population in California at that time. Also, according to a 2020 report prepared by the Legislative Analyst's Office, titled "The 2020-21 Budget: Effectively Managing State Prison Infrastructure," costs for maintenance and repairs for CVSP was $430 million compared to CRC at $1.116 billion. Council discussed adding to the letter to the Governor statements that there are infrastructure problems at CRC as the site is not up to code, it's an unsafe environment, the facility was slated for closure in 2016, and there is unanimous support for this position from Riverside County cities. MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers McGarrey/Fitzpatrick to authorize a letter, on behalf of the City Council, to the Governor of California opposing CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 4 of 10 MARCH 21, 2023 the State's planned closure of Chuckawalla Valley State Prison in the City of Blythe and join the cities of Blythe and Norco in proposing the California Rehabilitation Center in the City of Norco be closed as an alternative, including suggested added remarks noted above. Motion passed unanimously. 3. AUTHORIZE A LETTER, ON BEHALF OF THE CITY COUNCIL, TO COACHELLA VALLEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT (CVUSD) BOARD REGARDING THE DISRESPECTFUL TREATMENT OF MAYOR PRO TEM SANCHEZ WHILE SPEAKING AT THE MARCH 9, 2023, BOARD MEETING Council waived presentation of the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk's Office. Council discussed the disrespectful treatment by the CVUSD Board at the March 9, 2023, meeting of Mayor Pro Tem Sanchez who was representing the City Council and La Quinta residents who attend CVUSD; the shutting off of the microphones so community comments regarding safety could not be heard; CVUSD Board Members silence in acknowledging their disrespect to the community; the school lock -down earlier in the day; parents' social media messages stating that the school board is neglecting to address the issues; the fear expressed by students of CVUSD; how fear hinders learning and emotional and phycological growth; the CVUSD seeming lack of understanding that a section of La Quinta is in their school district and pay taxes to their district; everyone should be concerned about any violence in schools; alternatives to sending a letter to the CVUSD Board; importance of opening communication with the CVUSD; communications with Superintendent Valentino; balancing restorative justice in schools with student protection; the value of having School Resource Officers in school to forge relationships with children and having law enforcement on site to assess, prevent, diffuse and handle violence; and bringing the topic of school safety up at Coachella Valley Association of Governments meeting. Council reached a consensus to not issue the letter, but for the City Manager to connect with Dr. Valentino, Superintendent of CVUSD, requesting resumption of the 2x2 meetings between two representatives of the CVUSD Board and two representatives of the La Quinta City Council. 4. Pulled from Consent Calendar Item No. 5 by Staff and moved for consideration as Business Session No. 4 »> REVIEW GENERAL PLAN AND HOUSING ELEMENT ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORTS FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2022 AND AUTHORIZE SUBMITTAL TO THE STATE OFFICE OF PLANNING AND RESEARCH AND DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT; CEQA: MAKE A DETERMINATION THAT THIS ACTION IS NOT A PROJECT AS DEFINED IN SECTION 15378(b)(2) OF THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT Planning Manager Flores presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk's Office. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 5 of 10 MARCH 21, 2023 Council discussed the basis for affordability levels as determined by the County; how types of homes fit into the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) numbers; current market rates being above moderate -income level; State criteria for eligible properties and required numbers; recalibrating income levels and requalifying via an income verification process; educating residents regarding the density of affordable housing in La Quinta; the quality of affordable housing in La Quinta due to good design, quality materials, superior management and maintenance; property purchased on Highway 111 by the City for an affordable housing development; the expense of building low cost housing; the requirement to exceed basic State requirements in order to qualify for funding; and the prevailing wage factor in unit costs. MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Pena/Sanchez to authorize submittal of the General Plan and the Housing Element Annual Progress Reports for calendar year 2022 to the State Office of Planning and Research and to the Department of Housing and Community Development; and determine the action is not a project as defined in Section 15378(b)(2) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Motion passed unanimously. STUDY SESSION 1. DISCUSS LA QUINTA CULTURAL CAMPUS PROJECT NO. 2019-01 MASTER PLANNING AND PRELIMINARY DESIGN PROGRESS Community Resources Analyst Calderon presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk's Office. PUBLIC SPEAKER: Matt Austin, HGA, Master Plan Designer — provided a detailed presentation of the proposed design. Council discussed the entry shade/security element; dealing with the site's grade changes; accommodating a stage for events; opinions regarding demolishing the old lumberyard; preserving or displaying portions of the lumberyard building; importance of maintaining the mural; agreement with moving the gift shop; plans for back walls including plantings and access; sufficiency of storage and work space; climate control for storage space; the beauty of the design which incorporates the flavor of historic La Quinta buildings; organization to the office and work spaces is vital; consideration given to expanding west for a grander entrance; City -owned and public properties around the project site and integrating uses; the community multi -purpose space and second floor permanent La Quinta history exhibit to remain; upgrading the kitchen for catering and considering its functional location; including the elements such as water features and fire pits; designing a citywide art walk that leads to the Museum; adequacy of rotating exhibit space; reasons for the high cost of the archive storage space; support for outdoor classroom space; possibility of blocking off front road with bollards for large events; and providing an opening in the east mural wall for access. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 6 of 10 MARCH 21, 2023 PUBLIC SPEAKERS: Linda Williams, President of the La Quinta Historical Society, Sharla Fox, La Quinta Museum Director, and Kim Richards, La Quinta Museum staff — spoke of their appreciation for the new entrance design; the uncluttered view of entrance is enhanced if parking is removed; support preserving the lumberyard building for now; expansion of the archive space is vital and hoping it's in an early phase; support relocation of office and gift shop; provided possible uses for lumberyard building; need for additional washrooms; and reminder that the lumberyard was formally a post office. Staff added that its objectives are being addressed in the design including efficient operations, functionality with neighboring park, allowance for programming opportunities, primary need for archive space, opportunities to bring exhibits outdoors, and possibility for Art -in -Public -Places. Council provided feedback and direction on need for archive storage space cost details and options; design and cost details of adding washroom(s); support for the grand entry including removal of wall and front parking; and including water and fire elements in landscape design. MAYOR EVANS CALLED FOR A BRIEF RECESS AT 6:47 P.M. MAYOR EVANS RECONVENED THE COUNCIL MEETING AT 7:08 P.M. WITH ALL THE MEMBERS PRESENT 2. DISCUSS CITYWIDE PUBLIC SAFETY CAMERA SYSTEM PROJECT NO. 2022-12, PHASE 2 Public Works Director McKinney, Management Analyst Mignogna, and Traffic Technician Cabrera presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk's Office. Riverside County Sheriff's Department Lieutenant Martinez, serving as La Quinta Police Chief, provided additional information. Council discussed cameras at roundabouts; contingency spent on Phase 1; questioned need for camera coverage on Avenues 52-54; partnering with Spectrum and/or Frontier for fiber coverage in the Cove; website has a map of all the camera placements; including camera views on the casita at Calle Tampico and Eisenhower Drive; security for cameras at the top of the Cove; night vision ability of cameras; method of powering cameras, solar versus hardwiring; and notification signs are included in the cost. Council directed staff to investigate powering cameras with solar; working with Spectrum and Frontier regarding sharing fiber lines; exploring public safety grant funding; conduct public outreach sessions; and revise the Public Safety Camera System policy to include this Phase. Lt. Martinez provided details on some recent successes in solving crimes and collision disputes thanks to the cameras. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 7 of 10 MARCH 21, 2023 3. DISCUSS CHAPTER 3.25 OF THE LA QUINTA MUNICIPAL CODE (LQMC) RELATED TO SHORT-TERM VACATION RENTAL (STVR) PROGRAM REGULATIONS City Clerk Radeva presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk's Office. WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENTS were received from the residents listed below, in alphabetical order, providing recommendations for possible STVR program code amendments, which were distributed to Council, made public, published on the City's website, and included in the public record of this meeting: • Jim Alderson, La Quinta • Kay Wolff, La Quinta Council discussed: (A) Add a provision requiring four -fifths (4/5) majority vote of the Council to adopt future code amendments to Section 3.25.055 of the LQMC; and add a provision to exempt Homeshare STVR permits, as defined, from the ban on the issuance of new STVR permits in non-exempt areas currently in effect. Specifically, Council discussed the reasoning for the 4/5 vote request; the pros and cons of allowing new homeshare permits; holding on program changes until after all the spring events and re-evaluate; Council's promise for periodic review of the STVR ordinance was not a pledge to never change any part of the ordinance; difference between STVRs and home cottage businesses to surrounding neighbors; and pros and cons of lifting the ban. Council reached no consensus regarding either the 4/5 vote requirement or lifting the ban for homeshares. (B) Develop a process by which a residential dwelling in non-exempt areas would be able to apply for, and have considered at a public meeting for decision, an exemption from the ban if specified criteria, supported by evidence, can be met. Specifically, Council discussed the number of unique properties in La Quinta where such exemptions could be considered; producing an inventory of these large residential lots in the City; options for radius distance for notification of neighbors; application of Special Event and Conditional Use Permits to large properties; means to confirm that neighbors are receiving notice of events within the required timeframes; and developing a separate permit category and process for large lots. Council reached a consensus and directed staff to determine the number of residential lots measuring 20,000 to 25,000 square feet and 25,00 square feet and above, and to draft a process and conditions, for Council consideration, under which those lots may obtain a new STVR permit. (C) Develop a process for an exemption from the ban on the issuance of new STVR permits in non-exempt areas, for qualifying residential properties that are governed by a Homeowners' Association (HOA) that through its CC&Rs, does allow STVRs. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 8 of 10 MARCH 21, 2023 Specifically, Council discussed the pros and cons of overriding an HOAs CC&Rs with the City's ban; the issue of HOAs ability to control the STVR program in their community; the required percentage vote needed for any HOA to change their CC&R to allow STVRs would be the greater of 50%+1 or that percentage prescribed by their CC&Rs for any changes; and enforcement of STVRs within an HOA that permits STVR would fall on the HOA, not the City. Council reached a consensus and directed staff to develop an HOA exemption process and conditions for HOA exemption for Council's consideration. PUBLIC HEARINGS — None DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS — None MAYOR'S AND COUNCIL MEMBERS' ITEMS Mayor Pro Tem Sanchez provided a City update to the Women's Council of Realtors; reported on his attendance at online League of California Cities round tables on public safety and pentanol; the CalCities League event in Cathedral City; and the YMCA Armed Services 30th Anniversary celebration. Councilmember Pena reported on his attendance at the Dr. Carrion Foundation event at which La Quinta was given a plaque in recognition of its support over the years. Mayor Evans reported on her attendance as representative of the Council at Desert Regional Medical Center (DRMC) at which she presented a proclamation recognizing DRMC's status as a level 1 trauma center; and along with City Manager McMillan, gave some IID officials an informational tour of City property developments. Councilmember McGarrey reported on her attendance at the rocket mission. 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 La Quinta's representative for 2023, Councilmember McGarrey reported on her participation in the following organization's meeting: • COACHELLA VALLEY MOUNTAINS CONSERVANCY La Quinta's representative for 2023, Councilmember Pena reported on his participation in the following organization's meeting: • CV MOSQUITO AND VECTOR CONTROL DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 9 of 10 MARCH 21, 2023 ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, a motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers McGarrey/Sanchez to adjourn at 9:15 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. Respectfully submitted, MONIKA RADEVA, City Clerk City of La Quinta, California CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 10 of 10 MARCH 21, 2023