2024 03 11 CSC MinutesCOMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION
MINUTES
MONDAY, MARCH 11, 2024
CALL TO ORDER
A regular quarterly meeting of the Community Services Commission (Commission) was
called to order by Chair Biondi at 4:00 p.m.
PRESENT: Commissioners Blakeley, Chiapperini, Shelton, Gordon (joined the meeting
at 4:23 p.m.), and Chair Biondi
ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Community Services Management Analyst Calderon and Community
Services Administrative Technician Elizalde
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Commissioner Blakeley led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA — None
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA — Confirmed
ANNOUNCEMENTS, PRESENTATIONS, AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
1. HYDRO HARVEST LA QUINTA PROGRAM PRESENTATION BY SIARAH
SMITH, PROGRAM AND VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR
La Quinta Library Program and Volunteer Coordinator Siarah Smith gave a presentation on
the library's Hydro Harvest LQ Program. The program features a Flex Farm, a hydroponic
unit capable of growing produce including lettuce, cilantro, and tomatoes. Ms. Smith
provided an overview of the upcoming Hydro Harvest summer programs and expressed
interest in connecting with schools and other partners in the community to donate produce
to families and various city programs. A sample activity book and samples of their test run
produce were provided to the Commission.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. APPROVE COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES OF DECEMBER 11, 2023
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Commissioners Chiapperini/Blakeley
to approve the Consent Calendar as recommended. Motion passed unanimously.
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MINUTES — QUARTERLY MEETING
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS — Items were considered out of Agenda order
Staff provided verbal updates on the following items:
1. VETERANS RECOGNITION PROGRAM CRITERIA UPDATE
The Veterans Recognition Program application has been updated; and La Quinta
residency qualifying criteria was revised to reflect no minimum residency requirement for
veterans born in 1970 or prior years, and requiring a minimum of three (3) years residency
for veterans born after 1970. Veterans Recognition applications may be submitted via the
City's website, email, or in -person.
2. ART IN PUBLIC PLACES ROTATIONS
The Commission expressed interest in rotating the City's art pieces to ensure their
accessibility and placement in public view. Staff has rotated a total of 26 art pieces
between the Wellness Center, Library, and City Hall.
STAFF ANNOUNCED COMMISSIONER GORDON JOINED THE MEETING AT
4: 23 P.M.
3. CIVIC CENTER ART PURCHASE UPDATE
The Civic Center Art Purchase Committee purchased three (3) art pieces from the La
Quinta Art Celebration, held in February 2024, to be included in the Art in Public Places
Program, and to be displayed at City Hall and the Wellness Center. The purchase
committee consisted of Commissioners Gordon and Biondi, and Councilmembers
McGarrey and Sanchez.
BUSINESS SESSION — Items were considered out of Agenda order
1. APPOINT MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION TO SERVE ON THE
COMMISSION GOALS AND OBJECTIVES REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE
Management Analyst Calderon presented the staff report, which is on file in the
Community Services Department.
The Commission requested clarification on the revised goals and objectives for the Arts
and Community Services Commission (ACSC) reflected in the recent municipal code
amendment. The Commission expressed support for forming a subcommittee to identify
the ACSC's essential functions and develop a list of focus areas to provide better direction
to the ACSC moving forward.
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Commissioners Blakeley/Chiapperini
to appoint Commissioners Gordon and Shelton to serve on the Arts and Community
COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION Page 2 of 4 MARCH 11, 2024
MINUTES — QUARTERLY MEETING
Services Commission goals and objectives review subcommittee. Motion passed
unanimously.
2. RECOMMEND POSTPONEMENT OF CIVIC CENTER ART PURCHASES FOR
FISCAL YEARS 2024-2025 AND 2025-2026
Management Analyst Calderon presented the staff report, which is on file in the
Community Services Department.
The Commission discussed the recommendation to postpone the Civic Center Art
Purchases and expressed support for postponement on an annual basis instead of the
next two fiscal years.
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Commissioners Gordon/Chiapperini to
recommend Council postpone Civic Center Art Purchases for fiscal year 2024-2025 and
to consider this item annually until art purchases are resumed. Motion passed
unanimously.
STUDY SESSION
1. REVIEW AND DISCUSS NEWLY REVISED AWARDS PROGRAM
Management Analyst Calderon presented the staff report, which is on file in the
Community Services Department.
The Commission discussed the need to review the application forms for the Community
Awards Programs again by the subcommittee, comprised of Chair Biondi, Commissioner
Gordon, and Councilmember Fitzpatrick, to provide clear and defined recommendations
on how to promote the awards programs to increase community awareness and interest;
and the potential need to hold a Special Meeting to discuss the applications and outreach
recommendations further, prior to presenting them to Council for consideration.
COMMISSIONER'S ITEMS
Commissioner Blakeley requested information pertaining to her term -out dates on the
Commission. Staff will be sending each commissioner an email letting know their term
information.
Commissioner Gordon expressed the tennis clinics for the youth taking place at Fritz
Burns Park have been a great and fun experience and shares gratitude for the staff
involved in hosting that program.
Chair Biondi inquired about the City Picnic and Birthday Celebration. Staff informed all
commissioners of the date and time of the event and will be sending an email to invite the
commissioners to participate.
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Commissioner Chiapperini inquired about the process on how developers contribute to
the City's Art in Public Places (APP) fund and what input the City has in allocating funds
and providing input pertaining to developer artwork. Staff and Commissioners explained
the APP process for commissioned and developer artwork.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, a motion was made and seconded by Commissioners
Blakeley/Chiapperini to adjourn the meeting at 5:15 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
MANUEL ELIZALDE,
Community Services Administrative Technician /
Community Services Commission Secretary
City of La Quinta, California
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