2024 01 16 CC Minutes4oFT-
CALL TO ORDER
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2024
A regular meeting of the La Quinta City Council was called to order at 3:00 p.m. by Mayor
Evans.
PRESENT: Councilmembers Fitzpatrick, McGarrey, Pena (joined the meeting at 6:37
p.m.), Sanchez, Mayor Evans (left the meeting at 7:22 p.m.)
ABSENT: None
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Fitzpatrick/McGarrey
to excuse Mayor Pro Tem Pena's absence from tonight's meeting. Motion passed: ayes
— 4, noes — 0, absent — 1 (Pena), abstain — 0.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA — None
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA
Councilmember McGarrey said she will recuse herself and abstain from discussion and
vote on Consent Calendar Item No. 13 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 the 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
2. SEMI-ANNUAL PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54957, COUNCIL
APPOINTED POSITION — CITY ATTORNEY
3. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL — ANTICIPATED LITIGATION;
INITIATION OF LITIGATION PURSUANT TO PARAGRAPH (4) OF
SUBDIVISION (d) OF SECTION 54956.9 (NUMBER OF POTENTIAL CASES: 1)
COUNCIL RECESSED THE OPEN SESSION PORTION OF THE MEETING AND
MOVED INTO CLOSED SESSION AT 3:02 P.M.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Page 1 of 13 JANUARY 16, 2024
MAYOR EVANS RECONVENED THE OPEN SESSION PORTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL MEETING AT 4:09 P.M. WITH COUNCILMEMBERS FITZPATRICK,
McGARREY, AND SANCHEZ
REPORT ON ACTION(S) TAKEN IN CLOSED SESSION:
The following was reported out, pursuant to Government Code section 54957.1 (Brown
Act):
• CLOSED SESSION ITEM NO. 1 — Mayor Evans reported that Council completed
the City Manager's semi-annual performance evaluation and reaffirmed his
appointment;
• CLOSED SESSION ITEM NO. 2 — Mayor Evans reported Council completed the
City Attorney's semi-annual performance evaluation and reaffirmed his
appointment; and
• CLOSED SESION ITEM NO. 3 — City Attorney Ihrke reported there are no
reportable actions.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember McGarrey led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA
City Clerk Radeva said WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENTS were received from South Coast
Air Quality Management District (submitted by Francis Fernandez, Sr. Public Affairs
Specialist / Social Media Coordinator) regarding the Warehouse Actions and Investments
to Reduce Emissions Program and the upcoming deadline for the annual Clean Air
Awards nominations, which were distributed to Council, made public, published on the
City's website, and included in the public record of this meeting.
ANNOUNCEMENTS, PRESENTATIONS AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
1. AMERICAN PUBLIC WORKS ASSOCIATION (APWA) SOUTHERN
CALIFORNIA CHAPTER — AWARDED THE 2023 PROJECT OF THE YEAR
B.E.S.T. (BUILDING EXCELLENCE, SHAPING TOMORROW) AWARD TO THE
CITY OF LA QUINTA FOR THE JEFFERSON STREET AT AVENUE 53
ROUNDABOUT AND ROAD DIET PROJECT
PRESENTER: Pat Somerville, APWA Southern California Chapter past President and
Awards Committee Chair — provided a brief overview of the APWA Chapter and the
evaluation process for selecting the Jefferson Street at Avenue 53 Roundabout and Road
Diet project as the recipient for this award, and congratulated the City.
2. AMERICAN PUBLIC WORKS ASSOCIATION SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
CHAPTER — AWARDED THE 2023 TOP LEADER OF THE YEAR AWARD TO
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Page 2 of 13 JANUARY 16, 2024
MANAGEMENT ANALYST JULIE MIGNOGNA IN THE PUBLIC WORKS
DEPARTMENT
PRESENTER: Pat Somerville, APWA Southern California Chapter past President and
Awards Committee Chair — provided a brief overview of Management Analyst Mignogna's
contributions and accomplishments to the APWA, and congratulated her on receiving this
prestigious award.
Management Analyst Mignogna thanked staff, Council, and her family for their continuous
support in her endeavors. Mayor Evans, on behalf of the Council presented Mrs.
Mignogna with the award and congratulated her on her accomplishment.
3. CHUCKWALLA NATIONAL MONUMENT — DESIGNATION UPDATE BY
RESIDENT KATIE BARROWS, VOLUNTEER WITH THE PROTECT
CALIFORNIA DESERTS COALITION
PRESENTER: Katie Barrows, volunteer with the California Deserts Coalition project —
provided an update on the Chuckwalla National Monument designation status, including
conservation efforts; proposed expansion of Joshua Tree National Park; explained
National Monument designation provisions; background on Indigenous landscapes and
Tribal involvement in the proposal; protection of plant and animal habitats; economic
benefits of National Monuments; local agencies' and organizations' support; answered
questions regarding the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) responsibilities and
development on private properties within the National Monument boundaries; and the
applicability of the Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan.
Council discussed previous questions/concerns regarding the proposed National
Monument designation; continued ownership by the BLM; support from utilities
companies; ability to develop privately owned parcels within the National Monument
designated area; keeping a balance between conservation and growth; use of off-road
vehicles; thanked the coalition for their work and continued updates; and noted more
information on this item is available at www.ProtectChuckwalla.org.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Elizabeth Ogren Erickson, La Quinta — said she is a certified
California Naturalist and a certified Climate Steward; spoke in support of designating the
Chuckwalla National Monument; and urged Council to cast its support.
City Clerk Radeva said WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENTS on Presentation No. 3 were
received from the citizens listed below, in alphabetical order, in support of the proposed
designation of Chuckwalla National Monument, which were distributed to Council, made
public, published on the City's website, and included in the public record of this meeting:
• Cynthia Kramer, La Quinta
• Kay Wolff, La Quinta
4. PALM SPRINGS AIR MUSEUM — PRESENTATION ON THE "EDUCATION,
TAKING THE NEXT STEP" PROGRAM BY VICE CHAIRMAN FRED BELL
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Page 3 of 13 JANUARY 16, 2024
Mayor Evans said she serves on the Palm Springs Air Museum Board of Directors, which
is a volunteer position, for which she does not receive any compensation.
PRESENTER: Fred Bell, Vice Chairman of the Palm Springs Air Museum (PSAM) —
provided a detailed presentation on the educational opportunities PSAM offers and
facilitates, including free educational programs for school children; scholarship
opportunities; PSAM's program curriculum of aviation science; the program's objective is
to assist children with the support they may need to enter into aviation science, rather
than providing the technical training; detailed the proposed expansion of the PSAM;
requested Council's financial support of $100,000 to $150,000 to support the educational
program, noting that other cities are moving forward with support as well.
Council discussed local school district support and educational programs; technical fields
shortages; shortage of pilots, mechanics, and instructors; general support for all technical
schools and PSAM; potential for Coachella Valley Economic Partnership involvement in
the educational component; potential benefits to the City and its youth; funding sources
for PSAM; and program costs.
Mayor Evans proposed that if Council is in support, this item can be brought back as an
action item for Council consideration in the next 30 days. Council concurred.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. APPROVE CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF DECEMBER 19, 2023
2. ACCEPT CITYWIDE SLURRY SEAL IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT NO. 2021-08
LOCATED AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS
3. APPROVE PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, ENGINEER'S ESTIMATE, AND
ADVERTISE FOR BID THE CITYWIDE MISCELLANEOUS AMERICANS WITH
DISABILITIES ACT IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT NO. 2023-07
4. APPROVE AMENDMENT NO. 3 TO REIMBURSEMENT AGREEMENT WITH
COACHELLA VALLEY ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS FOR AVENUE 48
ARTS AND MUSIC LINE PROJECT NO. 2020-08
5. APPROVE RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT REVISION TO VETERANS
RECOGNITION PROGRAM CRITERIA
6. APPROVE PURCHASE OF ITERIS TRAFFIC SIGNAL VIDEO DETECTION
EQUIPMENT FOR THE INTERSECTION AT DUNE PALMS ROAD AND
DESERT CREST DRIVE
7. APPROVE AGREEMENT FOR CONTRACT SERVICES WITH VISUAL EDGE IT
FOR PRINTER/COPIER PURCHASE AND MAINTENANCE SERVICES FOR
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Page 4 of 13 JANUARY 16, 2024
FISCAL YEARS 2023/2024 THROUGH 2028/2029; AND APPROVE DISPOSAL
OF SURPLUS EQUIPMENT
8. APPROVE AGREEMENT FOR CONTRACT SERVICES WITH CARAHSOFT
TECHNOLOGY CORP FOR THE PURCHASE AND IMPLEMENTATION OF
OPENGOV ENTERPRISE ASSET MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE SYSTEM
9. AUTHORIZE SPENDING AUTHORITY FOR STAFF TO PURCHASE
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY EQUIPMENT AND SOFTWARE THROUGH
CDWG, CARAHSOFT, NEWEGG, AND DELL
10. EXCUSE ABSENCE OF COMMISSIONER CALDWELL FROM THE JANUARY
9, 2024, PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
11. AUTHORIZE OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR MARKETING MANAGER TO
ATTEND TOURISM OUTREACH ACTIVATION IN SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA,
FEBRUARY 16-18, 2024
12. APPROVE DEMAND REGISTERS DATED DECEMBER 15, AND DECEMBER
22, 2023, AND JANUARY 5, 2024
13. APPROVE DEMAND REGISTERS FOR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA GAS
COMPANY DATED OCTOBER 6, NOVEMBER 10, AND DECEMBER 8, 2023
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Fitzpatrick/Sanchez
to approve Consent Calendar Item Nos. 1-12 as recommended. Motion passed: ayes —
4, noes — 0, absent — 1 (Pena), abstain — 0.
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM NO. 13
COUNCILMEMBER McGARREY RECUSED HERSELF, AND SAID SHE WILL
ABSTAIN FROM THE DISCUSSION AND VOTE ON CONSENT CALENDAR
ITEM NO. 13 DUE TO A POTENTIAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST STEMMING
FROM A BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP WITH HER EMPLOYER SOUTHERN
CALIFORNIA GAS COMPANY
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Fitzpatrick/Sanchez
to approve Consent Calendar Item No. 13 as recommended. Motion passed: ayes — 3,
noes — 0, absent — 1 (Pena), abstain — 1 (McGarrey).
STUDY SESSION
1. DISCUSS COST -SHARE OPTIONS FOR ELECTRICAL SUBSTATION
UPGRADES
City Manager McMillen presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk's Office.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Page 5 of 13 JANUARY 16, 2024
Council discussed that approximately 3,000 additional homes can be serviced through
the Avenue 58 substation upgrade; the area boundary that the substation upgrade will
cover; the start time for the 20 -year power capacity guarantee being negotiable with IID;
the 20 -year capacity guarantee with IID being the length of time IID would hold the
allocated pre -paid power at the substation, rather than the lifespan of the equipment; IID's
responsibility to ensure that sufficient power is routed to a substation when pre -paid for
by investors/developers; the need for a guarantee from IID that it would maintain the
equipment should developers pay for new substations; and IID's ability to ensure energy
transmission if new substations are built or substation upgrades are completed
throughout the Coachella Valley.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Mark Rogers, Principal with TRG Land, Inc. (Travertine, La Quinta)
— said he is interested in understanding how this will work from a cost -share standpoint;
and happy to see the progress and looks forward to continued discussions.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: John Gamlin, President with CM Wave Development — said he
supports cost-sharing; thanked the City for initiating this effort; looking forward to working
through the agreement with IID; the 20 -year guarantee is critical; noted there is additional
cost to developers to get power from a substation to a project; and expressed interest in
learning more about the reimbursement component.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Randall Bone, CEO with Sunrise Company (Andalusia Country Club,
La Quinta) — said Andalusia is still constructing phases of the development, thus ensuring
power capacity is critical; supports the City's efforts in working with IID; and noted that
Sunrise Company is committed to doing its part to ensure this moves forward.
IID REPRESENTATIVE: Cameron Bucher, outside legal counsel for IID — clarified that
the Power Rates Charge provision from the 1934 Agreement of Compromise (a 99 -year
agreement between IID and Coachella Valley Water District, where IID will provide
electrical service for the Eastern Coachella Valley) states that IID can charge no more for
service in the Coachella Valley than the cost of getting the power to the Coachella Valley
over and above what it would cost in Imperial County; IID charges the same rate structure
to all its customers within the County; said that IID is currently working on a cost -share
structure for an agreement template; and stated that IID is encouraged by the direction
the conversations for new infrastructure are going, and is motivated to find a solution that
works for everyone.
IID REPRESENTATIVE: Mario Escalera, Operations and Infrastructure Manager, IID
Energy Department — provided a brief summary of his professional background; gave his
guarantee that a solution will be found, and it will get done; answered questions regarding
transmission lines; confirmed that IID will be able to handle the increased capacity, and if
there is a need to upgrade transmission lines, it will be done at the time of the substation
upgrade; noted IID's transmission system is in the process of being upgraded; stated the
operation and maintenance of new substations is IID's responsibility; noted that IID now
has a dedicated team to address this matter; explained how to approach purchasing the
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Page 6 of 13 JANUARY 16, 2024
necessary components for a substation, in conjunction with the cost-sharing agreement,
which is still in development.
Council discussed the lead time for both, a new substation and transmission lines is 2 to
3 years; IID's provision of internal and external (e.g. purchased) power generations; IID
has completed a 15 -year plan for infrastructure growth system -wide; the need for better
communication between the City and IID; the history of substation and transmission
shortages; Indio's Joint Powers Agreement with IID to help raise funds through rate
increases for continued service; factoring the potential undergrounding of utilities into the
plans; the need for IID to stay involved; and ways to expedite the long lead times for
equipment purchases.
Council commended City Manager McMillen and other local City Managers for their
efforts in this process; and noted that not only homes, but commercial development needs
power as well.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Alena Callimanis, La Quinta — spoke of the challenges she has faced
with solar power, as each year the amount of reimbursement she receives continues to
reduce; and as more buildings install solar power, it should relieve and extend the life of
IID equipment.
IID REPRESENTATIVE: Mr. Escalera — explained that solar -generated power is difficult
to store; it is mostly generated during times when there is less energy usage; utility
companies are required to have full capacity energy reserves for homes, even for
customers using solar power, so that during times when solar power cannot be generated,
the home can still access these electricity reserves, thus, solar -powered homes do not
alleviate stress on the electrical grid.
Staff provided clarification that the Avenue 58 substation upgrade will likely not benefit
any of the existing users, and it would only be beneficial for the developers involved,
however, there may be benefits to existing users if other substations are upgraded in the
future; additionally noting that should another substation upgrade be brought forward, it
would be evaluated independently, as every situation is different.
Council reached a consensus and directed staff to continue pursuing the discussion on
how to obtain reimbursement, should the City fund a portion of the cost to complete
necessary upgrades; gain more information on extending the 20 -year power capacity
guarantee, knowing that certain development phases may take longer than that to
construct; and explore options for the City to fund any gap in substation upgrade costs to
help facilitate current and future developments.
MAYOR EVANS CALLED FOR A RECESS AT 6:35 P.M.
MAYOR PRO TEM PENA JOINED THE MEETING AT 6:37 P.M. WHILE
COUNCIL WAS AT RECESS
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Page 7 of 13 JANUARY 16, 2024
MAYOR EVANS RECONVENED THE COUNCIL MEETING AT 6:59 P.M. WITH ALL
MEMBERS PRESENT
Mayor Evans said she will need to leave the Council meeting prior to its adjournment and
will turn Presiding Officer duties to Mayor Pro Tem Pena upon her departure.
BUSINESS SESSION — Items were considered out of Agenda order
3. Item taken out of Agenda order »> RECEIVE AND FILE FISCAL YEAR 2022/23
GENERAL FUND YEAR-END BUDGET REPORT AND APPROVE THE
AMENDED BUDGET CARRYOVERS
Finance Director Martinez presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk's Office.
Council discussed the City's prudent fiscal practices; receiving reimbursement for the
Dune Palms Bridge project far in advance of expectation; and praised staff and the
Financial Advisory Commission for their work on this report.
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers McGarrey/Fitzpatrick
to receive and file Fiscal Year 2022/23 General Fund Year -End Budget Report and
approve the amended budget carryovers from 2022/23 to 2023/24 as recommended.
Motion passed unanimously.
1. APPROVE AGREEMENTS FOR CONTRACT SERVICES WITH: 1) PACIFIC
PLAY SYSTEMS, INC FOR PLAYGROUND DESIGN, PROJECT NO. 2023-24;
2) SHADE STRUCTURES, INC, DBA USA SHADE & FABRIC STRUCTURES
INC, FOR SHADE STRUCTURE, PROJECT NO. 2023-25; AND 3) PLAYCORE
WISCONSIN, INC, DBA GAMETIME, FOR PERIMETER FITNESS EQUIPMENT,
PROJECT NO. 2023-26, FOR LA QUINTA PARK
Public Works Director and City Engineer Bryan McKinney introduced Maintenance and
Operations Superintendent Hansen who presented the staff report, which is on file in the
Clerk's Office.
Council discussed the playground shade structure is required to be engineered for a wind
rating of 115 mph in La Quinta; the benefit of the new asset management system software
(approved under Consent Calendar Item No. 8 on tonight's agenda) in tracking equipment
like this; the playground equipment features provide accessibility options for those with
disabilities; and appreciation for the $100,000 savings realized from staff completing the
demolition work on the existing structure.
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Fitzpatrick/Pena to
approve Agreements for Contract Services with: 1) Pacific Play Systems, Inc. for new
playground design, Project No. 2023-24; 2) Shade Structures, Inc., dba USA Shade &
Fabric Structures Inc., for new shade structure, Project No. 2023-25; and 3) PlayCore
Wisconsin, Inc., dba Gametime, for perimeter fitness equipment, Project No. 2023-26, for
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Page 8 of 13 JANUARY 16, 2024
La Quinta Park, and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreements. Motion
passed unanimously.
MAYOR EVANS ASKED MAYOR PRO TEM PEIVA TO ASSUME PRESIDING
OFFICER DUTIES FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE COUNCIL MEETING AND
LEFT THE DIAS AT 7:22 P.M.
2. ADOPT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE A POLICY FOR FORMATION OF LAND -
SECURED FINANCING DISTRICTS [RESOLUTION NO. 2024-001]
Principal Management Analyst Hallick presented the staff report, which is on file in the
Clerk's Office.
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Fitzpatrick/Sanchez
to adopt Resolution No. 2024-001 to approve a policy for Formation of Land -Secured
Financing Districts as recommended:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING A POLICY FOR FORMATION OF LAND -SECURED
FINANCING DISTRICTS
Motion passed: ayes — 4, noes — 0, absent — 1 (Evans), abstain — 0.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. INTRODUCE FOR FIRST READING AN ORDINANCE TO APPROVE ZONING
ORDINANCE AMENDMENT 2023-1001 TO MODIFY FLAGPOLE
REGULATIONS REGARDING THE PLACEMENT OF FLAGPOLES FOR
RESIDENTIAL ZONING DISTRICTS MANAGED BY HOMEOWNER
ASSOCIATIONS; CEQA: THE PROJECT IS EXEMPT FROM
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW PURSUANT TO SECTION 15061 (b)(3), COMMON
SENSE EXEMPTION. LOCATION: CITY-WIDE [ORDINANCE NO. 609]
MAYOR PRO TEM PEVA DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING OPEN AT 7:30 P.M.
Design and Development Director Castro presented the staff report, which is on file in the
Clerk's Office.
Council discussed Homeowner Associations (HOA) requirements for existing flagpoles,
if they do not fall under the proposed modifications to the existing regulations, should this
Ordinance be adopted.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Alena Callimanis, La Quinta — said flagpoles can create noise during
wind events; recommended requiring flagpoles with internal ropes; and for safety
reasons, poles should not be reflective.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Sam Dickinson, La Quinta — read the written comments he submitted
into the record, thanking the Council for their comments regarding flagpole regulations
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Page 9 of 13 JANUARY 16, 2024
during the November 7, 2024, discussion; recognized his family members who have
served in the armed forces; and expressed support for HOA control of flagpole
regulations, and making flagpole installation easier and less expensive, especially
eliminating the requirement for engineering reports.
City Clerk Radeva said WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENTS regarding Public Hearing Item
No. 1 were received from the citizens listed below, in alphabetical order, which were
distributed to Council, made public, published on the City's website, and included in the
public record of this meeting:
• Sam Dickinson, La Quinta — regarding the proposed flagpole regulations; and
• Steve Grocott, La Quinta — opposing the proposed flagpole regulations.
MAYOR PRO TEM PENA DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED AT 7:41 P.M.
Council discussed engineering report costs; approving standard engineering designs; all
permits, including flagpoles are available online; and all permits require an inspection
before final approval.
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers McGarrey/Fitzpatrick
to make a finding, included in Ordinance No. 609, that adopting this ordinance is exempt
under the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Section 15061 (b)(3) Review
of Exemptions — Common Sense Rule and is consistent with the previously approved
General Plan 2035 Environmental Impact Report. Motion passed: ayes — 4, noes — 0,
absent — 1 (Evans), abstain — 0.
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers McGarrey/Fitzpatrick
to take up Ordinance No. 609 by title and number only and waive further reading. Motion
passed: ayes — 4, noes — 0, absent — 1 (Evans), abstain — 0.
City Clerk Radeva read the following title of Ordinance No. 609 into the record:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTION 9.60.340 OF TITLE 9 OF THE LA QUINTA
MUNICIPAL CODE
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers McGarrey/Fitzpatrick
to introduce at first reading Ordinance No. 609 as recommended. Motion passed: ayes —
4, noes — 0, absent — 1 (Evans), abstain — 0.
2. ADOPT RESOLUTION TO UPDATE THE CITY'S USER AND REGULATORY
MASTER FEE SCHEDULE BY ADDING A PERMIT FEE FOR LARGE LOT —
QUALIFIED AND CERTIFIED [RESOLUTION NO. 2024-002]
City Clerk Radeva presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk's Office.
Council clarified the proposed fee is for a Large Lot — Qualified and Certified application
review and processing only, and not for the cost of obtaining a short-term vacation rental
permit.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Page 10 of 13 JANUARY 16, 2024
MAYOR PRO TEM PENA DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING OPEN AT 7:50 P.M.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: None
MAYOR PRO TEM PENA DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED AT 7:50 P.M.
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Fitzpatrick/Sanchez
to adopt Resolution No. 2024-002 to update the City's user and regulatory Master Fee
Schedule by adding a permit fee for Large Lot— Qualified and Certified as recommended:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING A PERMIT FEE FOR "LARGE LOT — QUALIFIED AND
CERTIFIED" AND INCORPORATING IT INTO THE CITY'S MASTER FEE
SCHEDULE
Motion passed: ayes — 4, noes — 0, absent — 1 (Evans), abstain — 0.
3. ADOPT RESOLUTIONS TO: 1) APPROVE SPECIFIC PLAN AMENDMENT
2022-0003 (SP 1997-029, AMENDMENT 6) AND SITE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT
2022-0007 FOR A 125 -ROOM HAMPTON INN HOTEL, AND 2) ADOPT AN
ADDENDUM TO THE PREVIOUSLY ADOPTED MITIGATED NEGATIVE
DECLARATION UNDER ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 2017-0009
PURSUANT TO SECTION 15164 OF THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL
QUALITY ACT IN THAT NO SUBSTANTIAL CHANGES TO THE PROJECT ARE
PROPOSED THAT RESULT IN NEW SIGNIFICANT ENVIRONMENTAL
EFFECTS; LOCATION: SOUTHWEST CORNER OF LA QUINTA DRIVE AND
AUTO CENTRE DRIVE [RESOLUTION NOS. 2024-003 AND 2024-004]
MAYOR PRO TEM PENA DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING OPEN AT 7:52 P.M.
Planning Manager Flores introduced Associate Planner Fernandez who presented the
staff report, which is on file in the Clerk's Office.
PUBLIC SPEAKER VIA TELECONFERENCE: Atman Kadakia, Managing Principal with
Greens, representing the Applicant — gave a brief overview of the proposed project; noted
the applicant is both, the developer as well as the operator of this project; and relayed the
benefits of this hotel development to the City.
Council discussed their support for less parking; and expressed concerns about the
proposed parking lot landscaping.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Adam Corral, Vice President, Development division, with Greens —
said he is happy to take suggestions with regard to landscaping.
MAYOR PRO TEM PENA DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED AT 8:02 P.M.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Page 11 of 13 JANUARY 16, 2024
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Fitzpatrick/McGarrey
to adopt Resolution No. 2024-003 adopting Environmental Assessment 2022-0011
adopting an Addendum to the Mitigated Negative Declaration previously adopted under
Environmental Assessment 2017-0009, as recommended:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING AN ADDENDUM TO THE PREVIOUSLY ADOPTED
MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION UNDER ENVIRONMENTAL
ASSESSMENT 2017-0009 PURSUANT TO SECTION 15164 OF THE
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT IN THAT NO SUBSTANTIAL
CHANGES TO THE PROJECT ARE PROPOSED THAT RESULT IN NEW
SIGNIFICANT ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
CASE NUMBER: ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 2022-0011
APPLICANT: VERDANT LAQUINTA LLC
Motion passed: ayes — 4, noes — 0, absent — 1 (Evans), abstain — 0.
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Fitzpatrick/McGarrey
to adopt Resolution No. 2024-004 to approve Specific Plan Amendment 2022-0003 and
Site Development Permit 2022-0007 fora 125 -room Hampton Inn hotel as recommended:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A SPECIFIC PLAN AMENDMENT AND SITE
DEVELOPMENT PERMIT FOR HAMPTON INN HOTEL LOCATED AT THE
SOUTHWEST CORNER OF AUTO CENTRE DRIVE AND LA QUINTA DRIVE
WITHIN THE CENTRE AT LA QUINTA SPECIFIC PLAN AREA
CASE NUMBERS: SPECIFIC PLAN 2022-0003 (SP 1997-029, AMENDMENT 6)
SITE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 2022-0007
APPLICANT: VERDANT LAQUINTA LLC
Motion passed: ayes — 4, noes — 0, absent — 1 (Evans), abstain — 0.
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS — All reports are on file in the City Clerk's Office.
MAYOR'S AND COUNCIL MEMBERS' ITEMS
Councilmember Fitzpatrick reported on Mayor Evans' attendance at the Hunter Lopez
fundraiser; Marian Brumett's 100th birthday party; Palm Springs International Film Festival
reception; Old Town Artisan Studio Gala, Community Resource Fair with
Assemblymember Greg Wallis; and the Martin Luther King Jr. celebration at La Quinta
High School.
Councilmember Fitzpatrick reported that she attended the Martin Luther King Jr.
celebration at La Quinta High School.
Mayor Pro Tem Pena reported on his attendance at the 100th anniversary of the Indio
Baptist Church; the Martin Luther King Jr. celebration at La Quinta High School;
Community Resource Fair with Assemblymember Greg Wallis; and the opening of Ken
Calvert's District office.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Page 12 of 13 JANUARY 16, 2024
Councilmember McGarrey reported on her attendance at Marian Brumett's 100th birthday
party as well as other events already covered.
REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
La Quinta's representative for 2024, Councilmember Fitzpatrick reported on her
participation in the following organizations' meetings:
• COACHELLA VALLEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT COMMITTEE
• CVAG CONSERVATION COMMISSION
La Quinta's representative for 2024, Councilmember McGarrey reported on her
participation in the following organizations' meetings:
• COACHELLA VALLEY ENERGY COMMISSION
• COACHELLA VALLEY MOUNTAINS CONSERVANCY
• LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES — ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY POLICY
COMMITTEE
• LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES — EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE RIVERSIDE
COUNTY DIVISION
La Quinta's representative for 2024, Mayor Pro Tem Pena reported on his participation in
the following organizations' meetings:
• COACHELLA VALLEY MOSQUITO AND VECTOR CONTROL DISTRICT
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
• COACHELLA VALLEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT COMMITTEE
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, a motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers
Fitzpatrick/McGarrey to adjourn at 8:24 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Lr1h.•.�_
(,
MONIKA RADEVA, City Clerk
City of La Quinta, California
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Page 13 of 13 JANUARY 16, 2024