2024 05 07 CC Minutes'�
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CALL TO ORDER
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, MAY 7, 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, Sanchez, and Mayor Evans
ABSENT: None
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA — None
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA — Confirmed
CLOSED SESSION
1. 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 3:01 P.M.
MAYOR EVANS RECONVENED THE OPEN SESSION PORTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL MEETING AT 4:02 P.M. WITH ALL MEMBERS PRESENT
REPORT ON ACTION(S) TAKEN IN CLOSED SESSION:
Mayor Evans said Council will reconvene Closed Session after the Open Session portion
of the meeting to continue consideration of Closed Session Item No. 1.
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: Steve Cherry, La Quinta — recommended that Council collaborate
with SunLine Transit Agency to (1) add a trial bus route service along Madison Street
from Highway 111 to Avenue 60 to determine its viability on whether it should be added
as a permanent route to the existing bus routes and (2) provide hop -on -hop -off public
transit services along Highway 111, between Washington and Jefferson Streets; and
commented on Highway 111 businesses' signage.
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PUBLIC SPEAKER: David Dinnel, La Quinta — inquired about the status of the Talus,
former SilverRock, project; expressed concern about the City possibly annexing parts of
its sphere of influence and taking on the responsibility to provide infrastructure and public
services; and noted that the demand for short-term vacation rentals has decreased.
WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENTS were received from La Quinta residents Peter Wilkins
and Demetria Pizano related to a residential block wall permit, 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. PROCLAMATION IN RECOGNITION OF THE 55TH ANNUAL PROFESSIONAL
MUNICIPAL CLERKS WEEK MAY 5 — 11, 2024
Mayor Evans and Councilmembers presented a Proclamation recognizing the 55th Annual
Professional Municipal Clerks Week to the City Clerk's Department and thanked staff for
their professionalism, dedication, and commitment to public service.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. APPROVE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF APRIL 16, 2024
2. AUTHORIZE OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR ONE ADMINISTRATIVE TECHNICIAN
TO ATTEND THE AMERICAN PUBLIC WORKS ASSOCIATION PUBLIC
WORKS INSTITUTE IN DOWNEY, CALIFORNIA, OCTOBER 15-17, 2024
3. APPROVE AGREEMENT FOR CONTRACT SERVICES WITH ST. NICKS
CHRISTMAS LIGHTING & DECOR FOR THE PURCHASE OF A HOLIDAY
TREE AND YEARLY STORAGE AND INSTALLATION
4. APPROVE PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, ENGINEER'S ESTIMATE, AND
ADVERTISE FOR BID THE CITY HALL ROOF REPAIR PROJECT NO. 2023-32
5. APPROVE PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, ENGINEER'S ESTIMATE, AND
ADVERTISE FOR RE -BID THE EISENHOWER BASIN SLOPE REPAIR
PROJECT NO. 2023-22 LOCATED ON THE WEST SIDE OF EISENHOWER
DRIVE BETWEEN AVENIDA FERNANDO AND COACHELLA DRIVE
6. ACCEPT CITYWIDE MISCELLANEOUS AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES
ACT IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT NO. 2023-07 (COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
BLOCK GRANT PROJECT NO. 4.LQ.48-23) LOCATED WITHIN THE SEASONS
NEIGHBORHOOD
7. RECEIVE AND FILE REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE REPORT DATED
FEBRUARY 29, 2024
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8. APPROVE DEMAND REGISTERS DATED APRIL 12, 19, AND 26, 2024
CONSENT CALENDAR COMMENTS
Mayor Evans said Consent Calendar Item No. 3 approves an agreement with St. Nicks
Christmas Lighting and Decor to assist the City with the annual holiday decorating, and
also provides for the purchase of a new taller holiday tree which will be in place for the
2024 holiday season.
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Pena/Fitzpatrick to
approve the Consent Calendar as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
BUSINESS SESSION
1. APPROVE AGREEMENT FOR CONTRACT SERVICES WITH VISUAL EDGE IT
FOR MANAGED INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES
Management Analyst Kinley presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk's
Office.
PUBLIC SPEAKERS: William M. Stayart, National Director of Sales Development for
Managed Services with Visual Edge IT, Maurice Wilcher, Director of Engineering, and
Peter Avery, Vice President of Security — gave a brief overview of the services the
company provides; and said they are grateful for the opportunity to serve the City.
Council discussed trends for cyber security and ransomware attacks, related safety
protocols and measures, insurance requirements, and indemnification responsibilities;
importance of staff training to ensure they know what to look -out for to avoid cyber -
attacks; transition timeline between the current (Acorn Technologies) and new IT vendors
(Visual Edge IT); and confirmed that Visual Edge IT will support the City with the current
implementation and transition to the Zoom phone system.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Amanda Maze, Branch Manager Desert Cities with Visual Edge IT —
said she is the City's local contact; and explained the variety of services Visual Edge IT
provides for other agencies, including other cities in the Coachella Valley.
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Sanchez/Pena to
approve Agreement for Contract Services with Visual Edge IT for Managed Information
Technology Services; and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement. Motion
passed unanimously.
2. APPROVE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH GREATER
COACHELLA VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (Chamber) FOR FISCAL
YEAR 2024/25
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Marketing Manager Graham presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk's
Office.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Brandon Marley, Chamber CEO — said paper copies of the Gem are
distributed to all La Quinta full-time residential households, approximately 16,000, and
noted deliveries are at the mercy of the United States Postal Service, for a grand total
Gem distributions average of 20,000 to 25,000 which includes La Quinta businesses and
digital distributions; Gem content and ad costs; the Gem tends to generate revenues to
only cover its costs; business visits / walks conducted by the Chamber; new staff coming
on board — a Marketing Manager who will assist with social media efforts, the Chamber's
newsletter is paired with its social media schedule, and a Membership Coordinator to
assist with event scheduling and coordination; costs associated with event wayfinding
signs and the Chamber's plans to improve wayfinding signage for the La Quinta Car Show
event held annually at the La Quinta Community Park; and currently not considering other
locations to hold the car show as it pairs and complements very well with the neighboring
Old Town La Quinta businesses
Council discussed the number of households in La Quinta; paper and digital Gem
distributions; delays in digital Gem posting on the Chamber's website; importance of
balancing Gem content and ensuring proper coverage of information and events; the
City's weekly newsletter; social media; what other cities are doing; allowing public
attendance at the State of the City event, without having to purchase a meal seat, and/or
record and post, or livestream, Council's message delivered at the State of the City event
for the public; encouraged checking on Council's availability before scheduling ribbon
cuttings and mixers for La Quita businesses, so that some or all may attend and show
their support and appreciation; expressed support for adding perimeter speakers at the
La Quinta Car Show event as presented under Option 2 in the staff report, but did not
support the addition of an LED wayfinding sign and video screen; possibly considering
changing the car show venue in the future to the SilverRock Event Park when the hotels
and conference center facilities are completed; and need for additional bathroom facilities
at the car show.
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Pena/Sanchez to
approve a Memorandum of Understanding with the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber
of Commerce for fiscal year 2024/25; including Option 2 as presented to add six (6)
perimeter speakers at the La Quinta Car Show annual event priced at $2,750; and
authorize the City Manager to execute the Memorandum of Understanding. Motion
passed unanimously.
3. APPROVE COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT WITH COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE TO
PROVIDE FIRE PROTECTION, FIRE PREVENTION, RESCUE, FIRE MARSHAL
AND MEDICAL EMERGENCY SERVICES AND APPROVE COOPERATIVE
AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITIES OF INDIO, LA QUINTA, COACHELLA,
AND COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE TO SHARE THE COST OF A LADDER TRUCK
COMPANY
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Public Safety Deputy Director Mendez introduced Management Analyst Chastain, who
presented the staff report which is on file in the Clerk's Office.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Riverside County Fire Chief Richard Tovar — said the fire ladder truck
is anticipated to be delivered in October 2024 and the vendor has honored the pre -
approved pricing per the Cooperative Agreement even though costs have increased.
Council discussed the fire ladder truck availability to La Quinta when needed; the number
of total fire ladder trucks in the Coachella Valley; Fire Department staffing, training, and
recruitment; and anticipated versus actual fire services cost increases year over year.
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Pena/Fitzpatrick to
approve a Cooperative Agreement with the County of Riverside to provide fire protection,
fire prevention, rescue, fire marshal and medical emergency services; and authorize the
City Manager to execute the agreement. Motion passed unanimously.
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Pena/Fitzpatrick to
approve Cooperative Agreement between the Cities of Indio, La Quinta, Coachella, and
the County of Riverside to share the cost of a ladder truck company; and authorize the
City Manager to execute the agreement. 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
Councilmember Sanchez and Mayor Pro Tem Pena reported on their attendance at the
Concert in the Park event on May 4, 2024, at the SilverRock park.
Mayor Evans commended staff on the City's 42nd birthday picnic celebration held on
Saturday, April 27, 2024, at the Civic Center Campus.
Mayor Evans and Councilmember Sanchez reported on their attendance at the La Quinta
High School Information, Communication, Technology Academy graduation ceremony.
Councilmember McGarrey reported on her (and other Members) attendance at the
Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Annual Conference on May 2,
2024; and a Cinco de Mayo event for the grand opening of County Supervisor Manuel
Perez's new office.
Mayor Pro Tem Pena reported on his attendance at the Visit Greater Palm Springs golf
tournament.
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Councilmembers reported on their attendance at the Rutan & Tucker reception dinner
event held on May 1, 2024.
REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
La Quinta's representative for 2024, Mayor Evans reported on her participation in the
following organizations' meetings:
• CVAG EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
• SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS
La Quinta's representative for 2024, Councilmember Fitzpatrick reported on her
participation in the following organization's meeting:
• CVAG TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
La Quinta's representative for 2024, Councilmember Sanchez reported on his
participation in the following organization's meeting:
• ANIMAL CAMPUS COMMISSION
Councilmember Sanchez said he will be applying to serve on SCAG Transportation
Committee to fulfill the service requirements as the area's representative.
Councilmember Sanchez noted that he and Councilmember Fitzpatrick met with staff to
discuss the City's contract with Riverside County for animal services and this item will be
scheduled for Council consideration in the near future.
CLOSED SESSION — Continued
1. 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 4:58 P.M.
MAYOR EVANS RECONVENED THE OPEN SESSION PORTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL MEETING AT 6:39 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 new reportable action on this matter.
The authorization to initiate litigation as reported out for Closed Session Item No. 1 from
the February 20, 2024, Council meeting remains in place, and no new action was taken
tonight for Closed Session Item No. 1 that requires additional reporting.
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ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, a motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers
McGarrey/Fitzpatrick to adjourn at 6:40 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
MONIKA RADEVA, City Clerk
City of La Quinta, California
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