2024 02 22 CC Minutes Sp Mtg - Com WorkshopCALL TO ORDER
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
SPECIAL MEETING
ANNUAL COMMUNITY WORKSHOP
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024
A special meeting of the La Quinta City Council was called to order at 5:15 p.m. by Mayor
Evans to conduct the City's Annual Community Workshop at the La Quinta Wellness Center,
located at 78450 Avenida La Fonda, La Quinta, CA 92253.
PRESENT: Councilmembers Fitzpatrick, McGarrey, Pena, Sanchez, and Mayor Evans
ABSENT: None
COMMUNITY MEMBERS SIGNED IN: 80
CITY STAFF PRESENT: 26
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA — Confirmed
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Evans led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance
STUDY SESSION
1. ANNUAL COMMUNITY WORKSHOP: "MAPPING OUR TOMORROW"
Mayor Evans welcomed all participants to the annual community workshop and explained
the purpose of the workshop.
A summary overview of the City's completed projects and accomplishments over the last
year was presented via a video.
Finance Director Martinez presented the City's past and current financial status and
priorities.
City Manager McMillen introduced himself, welcomed all participants, and explained:
• Strategic Plan — purpose
• Mission Statement:
"The City of La Quinta, known as the 'Gem of the Desert,' provides an unparalleled
quality of life centered on healthy living, public safety, first-class public amenities,
, exceptional customer services, and world-class events for everyone"
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Page 1 of 4 FEBRUARY 22, 2024
SPECIAL MEETING ANNUAL COMMUNITY WORKSHOP
Mayor Evans explained the City's current and proposed sacred values, and received public
comments:
• Sacred Values — current:
✓ Health and Wellness
✓ High Quality Aesthetics
✓ Vibrant and Safe Community
✓ Visually Beautiful City
✓ Cultural Diversity
• Sacred Values — proposed:
✓ Fiscal Sustainability
✓ Health and Wellness
✓ Vibrant & Safe Community
✓ Cultural Diversity
✓ Visually Beautiful City
COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
• Inclusivity, tools for people with disabilities and non English speakers and climate
consideration
• Preservation of the natural environment and resources
• Business friendly — health and wellness for businesses
• Historical preservation
• Encourage hotel development on Hwy 111
• Support of quality of K-12 education — difference between City and school districts
• Highway 111 Corridor re -envisioning
• Balance between attracting visitors to the area and preserving quality of life for
residents overall
• Going beyond preservations of resources to preservation of land elements,
greenhouse gas emissions, organic waste, etc.
MAYOR EVANS CALLED FOR A BRIEF RECESS AT 5:59 P.M
MAYOR EVANS RECONVENED THE COUNCIL MEETING AT 6:12 PM WITH ALL
MEMBERS PRESENT
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA — taken out of agenda order
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Guadalupe Di Contreras, La Quinta — 30 -year La Quinta resident; said
on May 8, 2023, a car hit her house with extra speed and collided with the three cars parked
in the driveway, she was severely hurt and has undergone surgeries and months of physical
therapy; and noted the speeding along Eisenhower Drive must be addressed.
STUDY SESSION — Continued
1. ANNUAL COMMUNITY WORKSHOP: "MAPPING OUR TOMORROW"
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
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SPECIAL MEETING ANNUAL COMMUNITY WORKSHOP
Staff listed out the following 12 focus points incorporated in the Strategic Plan, and provided
detailed presentations on the five listed below in bold:
• Strategic Plan — 12 focus points
✓ Implement the Re -envisioned Highway 111 Plan
✓ Address IID Lease Expiration, Equipment Needs
✓ Underground Utilities
✓ Exemplary Public Safety
✓ Marketing & Tourism
✓ Broaden Community Involvement
✓ Continue to address Affordable Housing Needs
✓ Expansion of La Quinta's Boundaries
✓ Expand Art in Public Places
✓ Preserve La Quinta's History
✓ Enhance Health / Wellness & Recreation Amenities
✓ Economic Development
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA — Continued
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Ruben Tamayo, La Quinta — concerned about speeding on Eisenhower
Drive; the speed limit was increased from 35 miles per hour (mph) to 40 mph; irregular
schedule of the street sweeper prevents effective street cleaning as cars are parked along
the street.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Nancy Ervin, La Quinta — concerned about the road conditions in the
Cove, specifically Avenida Madrid. Staff noted this street is currently scheduled for a
complete resurfacing tomorrow.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Naarah Ayon, La Quinta — concerned about speeding on Eisenhower
Drive; her husband's truck was struck twice coming out of the driveway; suggested
implementing traffic calming measures, education to drivers on the importance of lane
merging, speed bumps, etc.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Mitch Haberman, La Quinta — provided the following written comments
on his request to speak form "underground utilities; road versus beatification" — was not
present when called upon to speak.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Vanessa Ramirez, La Quinta — said she is a long-term La Quinta
resident; community meetings should focus on inclusivity and provide tools for people with
disabilities and non-English speakers; outreach to diverse communities such as Latinos,
youth, LGBTQ, and BIPOL; art in public places should include indigenous art; need to
highlight and celebrate our diverse community and make everyone feel welcome; public
trails should include signage in English; and climate considerations should be included in
the Strategic Plan.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Phillip Bettencourt, La Quinta — glad to be here; and asked for an
explanation on the purpose and functions of the Coachella Valley Association of
Governments (CVAG).
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Page 3 of 4 FEBRUARY 22, 2024
SPECIAL MEETING ANNUAL COMMUNITY WORKSHOP
WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENTS were received from the La Quinta residents 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:
• Anonymous — Sacred Values should include (1) quality K-12 education, (2)
stewardship of our natural environment; and (3) historical preservation.
• Anonymous — provided comments on the City's Mission Statement and Sacred
Values; requested an update on the SilverRock Resort / Talus project; and said drone
flyovers are acceptable, as long as there is no spying.
• Steve Cherry — commented on SunLine bus service; recommended hop-on/hop-off
bus service on Highway 111; delivery service alternatives; Highway 111 signage; and
CV link project.
• Lisa Davenport — recommended changing "sacred" to "core" values; and "cultural
diversity" to "diversity" to include diversity of race, religion, languages, gender, etc.
• Ryme Katkhouda — excited to attend the Community Workshop; recommended
changing "mission statement" to "purpose statement;" provided comments on the
City's Mission Statement, Sacred Values, and focus points.
• Diane Ross — concerned about air quality in La Quinta this year.
CLOSING COMMENTS
Mayor Evans, on behalf of the Council, thanked participants for their time and commitment
to La Quinta; and noted community input and engagement are vital in mapping our
tomorrow.
MAYOR'S AND COUNCILMEMBERS' ITEMS — None.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, a motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers
Fitzpatrick/McGarrey to adjourn at 7:14 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
MONIKA RADEVA, City Clerk
City of La Quinta, California
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
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SPECIAL MEETING ANNUAL COMMUNITY WORKSHOP