2024 02 06 CC Minutes4oFT-
CALL TO ORDER
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2024
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, and Mayor Evans
ABSENT: None
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA — None
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA
City Manager McMillen asked to pull Presentation No. 1 from the Agenda due to Sergeant
Mushinskie being unavailable to attend today's meeting; and said the presentation will be
rescheduled for a future meeting.
Mayor Evans asked to pull Consent Calendar Item No. 4 related to approving an
Agreement for Contract Services with Your Very Favorite, LLC for illustration and printing
services; and consider it as Business Session Item No. 4 on the agenda.
Council concurred.
CLOSED SESSION
1. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS PURSUANT TO
GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.8 FOR PROPERTY LOCATED ON
HIGHWAY 111 EAST OF DUNE PALMS ROAD (APN 600-020-053)
CITY NEGOTIATOR: JON MCMILLEN, CITY MANAGER
PROPERTY OWNER: CITY OF LA QUINTA
NEGOTIATING PARTY: SUNRIDGE PROPERTIES
UNDER NEGOTIATION: PRICE AND TERMS OF PAYMENT AND/OR
DISPOSITION OF THE PROPERTY IDENTIFIED
2. 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 3:32 P.M.
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MAYOR EVANS RECONVENED THE OPEN SESSION PORTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL MEETING AT 4:12 P.M. WITH ALL MEMBERS PRESENT
REPORT ON ACTION(S) TAKEN IN CLOSED SESSION:
City Attorney Ihrke reported the following pursuant to Government Code section 54957.1
(Brown Act):
• CLOSED SESSION ITEM NO. 1 — no reportable action; and
• CLOSED SESSION ITEM NO. 2 — Council will continue consideration of this item
after the open portion session of the meeting.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Pro Tem Pena led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Alena Callimanis, La Quinta — said the Club at Coral Mountain
project public hearing notice published for the Planning Commission consideration at the
January 23, 2024, regular meeting did not specifically spell out that the proposed golf
irrigation lake can be utilized for recreational uses and the allowance of short-term
vacation rentals, which resulted in few attendees; and the agenda packets should be
released earlier when reports are 600+ pages.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Jeff Fishbein, Chair of the La Quinta Chamber of Commerce,
Coldwell Banker Realtor and La Quinta resident — provided an update on Chamber events
and activities, including the upcoming La Quinta Car Show scheduled for February 24,
2024, ribbon cutting for the new SolTerra Luxury development, and the success of the
GEM publication.
ANNOUNCEMENTS, PRESENTATIONS AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
1. Pulled from the Agenda by Staff »> INTRODUCE RIVERSIDE COUNTY
2. SUNLINE TRANSIT AGENCY — UPDATE FROM CEO/GENERAL MANAGER
MONA BABAUTA
PRESENTER: Sunline Transit Agency CEO/General Manager Mona Babauta — said
Sunline is the local transit agency servicing the Coachella Valley communities and
provided a brief overview of the services it offers, including service improvements made
for La Quinta passengers due to increased ridership; new services such as the on -
demand SunRide available via the SunLine app, and carpool vans; thanked Council for
La Quinta's sponsorship of the 8th annual student art contest; outlined Sunline's capital
projects, such as liquid hydrogen stations, hydrogen infrastructure improvement,
workforce development to ensure in-house hydrogen expertise, modernizing
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Page 2 of 8 FEBRUARY 6, 2024
maintenance yards, and fleet maintenance; explained the free SchoolTripper service to
and from schools, which includes student access to all routes.
Council discussed the functioning of the SunRide App; and scheduling a bus trip for City
Staff to promote use.
PRESENTER: Manuel Alcala, Transit Planning Manager with SunLine — said SunLine's
bus schedule and SchoolTripper applications are available online at www.SunLine.org.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. APPROVE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JANUARY 16, 2024
2. ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 609 ON SECOND READING AMENDING SECTIONS
OF TITLE 9 OF THE LA QUINTA MUNICIPAL CODE TO MODIFY FLAGPOLE
REGULATIONS REGARDING THE PLACEMENT OF FLAGPOLES FOR
RESIDENTIAL ZONING DISTRICTS MANAGED BY HOMEOWNER
ASSOCIATIONS; PROJECT: ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT 2023-1001;
CEQA: THE PROJECT IS EXEMPT FROM ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
PURSUANT TO SECTION 15061 (b)(3), COMMON SENSE EXEMPTION.
LOCATION: CITY-WIDE [ORDINANCE NO. 609]
3. AUTHORIZE OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR PRINCIPAL MANAGEMENT
ANALYST TO ATTEND THE CALIFORNIA MUNICIPAL TREASURERS
ASSOCIATION ANNUAL CONFERENCE IN COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA, MAY
1-3, 2024
4. Pulled from Consent Calendar and considered as Business Session Item No. 4
»> APPROVE AGREEMENT FOR CONTRACT SERVICES WITH YOUR VERY
e ,.
5. ACCEPT X -PARK PUBLIC SAFETY CAMERA PROJECT NO. 2022-23,
LOCATED AT THE LA QUINTA X -PARK AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF
DUNE PALMS ROAD AND WESTWARD HO DRIVE
6. RECEIVE AND FILE REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE REPORT DATED
OCTOBER 31, 2023
7. RECEIVE AND FILE REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE REPORT DATED
NOVEMBER 30, 2023
8. APPROVE DEMAND REGISTERS DATED JANUARY 12, JANUARY 19, AND
JANUARY 26, 2024
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Pena/McGarrey to
approve Consent Calendar Item Nos. 1-3 and 5-8, as recommended, with Item No. 2
adopting Ordinance No. 609. Motion passed unanimously.
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BUSINESS SESSION
1. INTRODUCE FOR FIRST READING AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER
2.95 OF THE LA QUINTA MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO THE COMMUNITY
SERVICES COMMISSION [ORDINANCE NO. 610]
Community Services Deputy Director Calderon introduced Management Analyst
Calderon who presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk's Office.
COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION (Commission) REPRESENTATIVE: Gayl
Biondi, Commission Chair and La Quinta resident — said the Commission supports the
name change; quarterly meetings result in missed opportunity for Commission input;
suggested a pause on new art purchases until the Art in Public Places cataloging project
is completed and art needs are identified; stated it's unclear why two seats held by new
members with art backgrounds are necessary; a youth advisory task force may be more
useful than a permanent youth seat on the Commission; listed several tasks assigned to
the Commission per the Code that the Commission has never considered; and noted the
Commission is eager to be more involved.
Council discussed the Commission's past service and involvement in City projects; the
role of new members with art experience; need for youth interaction in government;
initiating a youth task force, internship program or youth ambassador program exposing
students to all Commissions; pros and cons of the proposed increase in Commission
membership; various ways youth can be involved; Commission's meeting schedule; re-
evaluating the Commission's mission statement; staff discussions with the La Quinta High
School regarding youth involvement; and consensus to pull the youth component from
the code amendment, but to have a student component come back to Council.
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Pena/Fitzpatrick to
take up Ordinance No. 610 by title and number only and waive further reading to amend
Chapter 2.95 of the La Quinta Municipal Code related to the Community Services
Commission and renaming it to the "Arts and Community Services Commission" as
presented with the following amendments:
a) Add language at the end of Section 2.95.020 on page 145 of the agenda packet to
read: "If the code refers to the former `community services commission' or 'CSC'
as an abbreviation thereof, such reference shall mean the ACSC established and
governed by this chapter."
b) Delete the proposed code addition regarding the youth advisory member
provisions from Section 2.95.030 on page 145 of the agenda packet.
c) Revise Section 2.95.040, subsection (C)(2) on page 146 of the agenda packet to
read: "Facilitate partnerships coordination with local recreation and service
organizations, including non-profit agencies and outdoor groups."
Motion passed unanimously.
City Clerk Radeva read the following title of Ordinance No. 610 into the record:
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AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 2.95 OF THE LA QUINTA MUNICIPAL
CODE RELATED TO THE COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION, AND
RENAMING IT TO THE "ARTS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION"
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Pena/McGarrey to
introduce at first reading Ordinance No. 610 as recommended. Motion passed
unanimously.
2. APPROVE SECOND ROUND OF COMMUNITY SERVICES GRANTS FOR
FISCAL YEAR 2023/24
Community Services Deputy Director Calderon and Management Analyst Calderon
presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk's Office.
Council noted the Council Ad hoc committee for grant application review was comprised
of Councilmembers McGarrey and Fitzpatrick; commended Elder Love USA and Jewish
Family Services for their valuable work; questioned the benefit of Read With Me request
to residents of La Quinta; the sustainability of Seiden-Juku given the large expense for
salaries; and requested grant recipients report back to Council or the Arts and Community
Services Commission on how grant funds were used.
The following PUBLIC SPEAKERS, listed in the order in which they spoke, provided an
overview of the objectives, services, and programs their respective organizations offer to
the community:
• Tamara Canedo, President, and Sensei of Seiden—Juku
• Sean Webb, Executive Director of Read With Me Volunteer Program
✓ Alena Callimanis, Program Coordinator
• Kraig Jonhson, Executive Director of Jewish Family Services
• Shannon Shea, Founding Executive Director of Elder Love USA
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Fitzpatrick/McGarrey
to approve second round Community Services Grants for fiscal year 2023/24 as detailed
below for a total combined grant funding of $11,000:
• Elder Love USA, Inc. $5,000
• Jewish Family Services of the Desert $5,000
• Read With Me Volunteer Programs $ 500 starter grant
• Seiden — Juku $ 500 starter grant
Motion passed unanimously.
MAYOR EVANS CALLED FOR A BRIEF RECESS AT 5:47 P.M
MAYOR EVANS RECONVENED THE COUNCIL MEETING AT 5:52 PM WITH
ALL MEMBERS PRESENT
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3. APPROPRIATE FUNDS AND APPROVE CONTRIBUTION FOR THE PALM
SPRINGS AIR MUSEUM'S EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Marketing and Communications Specialist Barkas and Director of Business Unit and
Development Villalpando presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk's Office.
MUSEUM REPRESENTATIVE: Pete Fleury, Crew Chief, Instructor and Docent at the
Palm Springs Air Museum — explained that the Museum's education programs are
designed to inspire a new generation of aviation professionals; and explained the various
programs held at the Museum and the Museum's expansion plans.
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.
Council discussed other cities that have committed funds to the Museum educational
programs; programs offered by schools; 15+ years of Museum -funded education
programs; plans for expansion of educational programs; process for being awarded
scholarships; in-kind support provided by the City of Palm Springs, including the Museum
building; support from cities beyond the Coachella Valley; means of outreach to local
schools; Museum as a technical school; drone training options; one-time only request for
educational program funding; the need to replenish all aviation positions in the U.S.;
increasing the one-time contribution to $200,000 or more given the long-term benefits;
the many other deserving non -profits asking for City grants; and that the Museum's
programs increase La Quinta's economic base and opportunities for its youth.
MUSEUM REPRESENTATIVE: Fred Bell, Vice Chairman, Palm Springs Air Museum —
provided additional information on funding from other cities such as Rancho Mirage;
capital project funding policy, i.e. no debt; the importance corporate partners' put on local
support; aerospace introduction intended to lead to lifelong careers; Museum pays for
admission, transportation, meals for children attending its programs; only one aviation
academy remains in the Coachella Valley; Museum has 325 volunteer docents; noted
some student success stories; Museum's 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation status; use of
endowment funds earmarked for scholarships; two scholarships awarded each year and
are distributed directly to the educational institution, with both being awarded to La Quinta
residents last year; foundation funding support beyond the Coachella Valley; explained
the Museum's hands-on flight school and pelican test; cost of all education programs
being $850,000 per year to increase to $1.2 million after expansion; participants at the
upcoming Gala; and the significance of the future development of the Thermal airport.
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Pena/Fitzpatrick to
appropriate fiscal year 2023/24 funds and approve a one-time contribution in the amount
of $150,000 for the Palm Springs Air Museum's education programs. Motion passed
unanimously.
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4. Pulled from the Consent Calendar (Item No. 4) by Mayor Evans and moved to
Business Session »> APPROVE AGREEMENT FOR CONTRACT SERVICES
WITH YOUR VERY FAVORITE, LLC FOR ILLUSTRATION AND PRINTING
SERVICES
Marketing Manager Graham and Director of Business Unit and Housing Development
Villalpando presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk's Office.
Council discussed source of funds, and account balance; request for an additional
$35,000 for current fiscal year; need for public education on recycling before fines are
issued; future recycling workshop plans; working with California Resource Recycling
Association, a non-profit organization; close collaboration with Burrtec Waste and
Recycling on educational materials and efforts; allowing chicken coops in the City as a
means for recycling food waste; use of City staff to observe and comment on residents'
recycling habits; additional water bottle filling stations citywide; usefulness of coloring
books or calendars; need for the long-term education plan before locking into one high-
priced item; and comprehensive plan needed, rather than piecemeal items.
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Pena/McGarrey to
table this item to a later date, following a presentation by Burrtec Waste and Recycling
on the overall educational strategy on recycling. Motion passed unanimously.
STUDY SESSION — None
PUBLIC HEARINGS — None
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS — All reports are on file in the City Clerk's Office.
MAYOR'S AND COUNCIL MEMBERS' ITEMS
Mayor Evans commended the success of the American Express Golf Tournament; and
thanked staff for lighting up La Quinta with red lights for National Heart Month lighting;
and reported on her meeting with the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens.
REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
La Quinta's representative for 2024, Mayor Evans reported on her participation in the
following organizations' meetings:
• CVAG EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
• VISIT GREATER PALM SPRINGS CONVENTION AND VISITORS' BUREAU
La Quinta's representative for 2024, Councilmember Fitzpatrick reported on her
participation in the following organizations' meetings:
• CVAG TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
• RIVERSIDE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
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La Quinta's representative for 2024, Councilmember McGarrey reported on her
participation in the following organizations' meetings:
• COACHELLA VALLEY MOUNTAINS CONSERVANCY
• GREATER CV CHAMBER OF COMMERCE INFORMATION EXCHANGE
COMMITTEE
• LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES — ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY POLICY
COMMITTEE
• RIVERSIDE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
La Quinta's representative for 2024, Mayor Pro Tem Pena reported on his participation in
the following organizations' meeting:
• CV MOSQUITO AND VECTOR CONTROL DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES
• SUNLINE TRANSIT AGENCY
La Quinta's representative for 2024, Councilmember Sanchez reported on his
participation in the following organization's meeting:
• ANIMAL CAMPUS COMMISSION
CLOSED SESSION — Continued
2. 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 7:39 P.M.
MAYOR EVANS RECONVENED THE OPEN SESSION PORTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL MEETING AT 8:10 P.M. WITH ALL MEMBERS PRESENT
REPORT ON ACTION(S) TAKEN IN CLOSED SESSION:
City Attorney Ihrke said no actions were taken on Closed Session Item No. 2 that require
reporting pursuant to Government Code section 54957.1 (Brown Act).
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, a motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers
Fitzpatrick/Sanchez to adjourn at 8:11 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
,
MONIKA RADEVA, City Clerk
City of La Quinta, California
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