2024 05 21 CC Minutes174
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CALL TO ORDER
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, MAY 21, 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
City Manager McMillen said the proposed 2024 Legislative Policy Guide under
consideration on tonight's agenda as Business Session Item No. 1 was revised and a
redlined handout was distributed to Council, made public, published on the City's website,
and included in the public record of this meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Pena said he will recuse himself from discussion and vote on Business
Session Item No. 2 related to approval of agreement for contract services with Desert
Recreation District for management and operations of the Fritz Burns Pool due to a
potential conflict of interest stemming from the proximity of his real property to the project
location.
Councilmember Fitzpatrick said she would comment on Consent Calendar Item Nos. 5
and 6 related to slurry seal improvements at various locations citywide and pavement
rehabilitation of Dune Palms Road, from Miles Avenue to Fred Waring Drive.
Council concurred.
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)
2. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT
CODE SECTION 54957.6; CITY DESIGNATED REPRESENTATIVE: CARLA
TRIPLETT, HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER; AND EMPLOYEE
ORGANIZATION: LA QUINTA CITY EMPLOYEES' ASSOCIATION, AND
UNREPRESENTED EMPLOYEES
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COUNCIL RECESSED THE OPEN SESSION PORTION OF THE MEETING AND
MOVED INTO CLOSED SESSION AT 3:02 P.M.
MAYOR EVANS RECONVENED THE OPEN SESSION PORTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL MEETING AT 4:03 P.M. WITH ALL MEMBERS PRESENT
REPORT ON ACTION(S) TAKEN IN CLOSED SESSION:
The following was reported from Closed Session pursuant to Government Code section
54957.1 (Brown Act):
• CLOSED SESSION ITEM NO. 1 — Mayor Evans reported Council will reconvene
Closed Session to continue consideration of this after the Open Session portion of
the meeting; and
• CLOSED SESSION ITEM NO. 2 — City Attorney Ihrke reported Council concluded
consideration of this item, and no actions were taken on this item that require
reporting pursuant to the Brown Act.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Sanchez 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 The La
Quinta Financial Advisory Commission recommending Council consider revised project
funding allocations utilizing Measure G revenues for the 5 -year Capital Improvement
Program encompassing fiscal years 2024/25 through 2028/29, which were distributed to
Council, made public, published on the City's website, and included in the public record
of this meeting.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Steve Moline, La Quinta — expressed concern regarding traffic
enforcement, particularly red-light runners, speeders, and illegal U-turns; and suggests
an increase in enforcement.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Jaanai Benitez -Santiago, La Quinta — advocated for youth vaping
prevention; requested that La Quinta strictly enforce the ban; and suggested a City
license be required for tobacco retailers.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Mia Galleher, La Quinta — a youth health advocate; opposed to youth
vaping and tobacco use; tobacco being sold to youth under 21 -years of age; and
encouraged the City to institute a tobacco license.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Janete Avila — a behavior technician; stated 30 tobacco retailers
operate in La Quinta, many near the La Quinta High School; and urged the Council to
institute a comprehensive local tobacco retail license.
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PUBLIC SPEAKER: Amber Grano — High School Medical Health Academy member;
concerned about the escalation in youth tobacco use; proposed a local tobacco retail
license to regulate sales.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Lynne Langdon, La Quinta (received donated time from Harry
Langdon) — a real estate professional; complained that City does not reply to citizen's
letters; Code Enforcement doesn't know City Code; Permit Center and Planning Division
only give verbal approval, nothing in writing, and then Code Enforcement issues citations;
systematic problem exists; Council ignores resident requests for meetings; resident
complaints are ignored; and unfulfilled campaign promises, such as completion of the
Talus project.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Alena Callimanis, La Quinta — commented on the Jefferson Street
and Avenue 52 round -about discussed as part of the 5 -year Capital Improvement
Program Study Session during the April 2, 2024, meeting, and said the round -about
should not be increased to two lanes — it works well as is, and is safer than two lanes.
ANNOUNCEMENTS, PRESENTATIONS AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
1. JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK UPDATES — PRESENTATION BY
SUPERINTENDENT JANE RODGERS
Superintendent Rodgers, of Joshua Tree National Park (Park), provided an update on
Park operations, statistics, ecology, and climate threats.
Council discussed Joshua trees are on the State's endangered species list and the
resulting funds for research; Park entrance and camping fees and fee -free days;
Chuckwalla National Monument effort; collaboration with the Twenty -Nine Palms Band of
Mission Indians; Green Sticker Program; and Park areas permitting pets.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. APPROVE COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES OF MAY 1, 2024
2. APPROVE MEETING MINUTES OF MAY 7, 2024
3. EXCUSE ABSENCES OF CHAIRPERSON DORSEY FROM THE MAY 8, 2024,
FINANCIAL ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING AND COMMISSIONER
CALDWELL FROM THE MAY 28, 2024, PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
4. ADOPT RESOLUTIONS (A) CALLING AND GIVING NOTICE OF THE HOLDING
OF A GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2024,
AND (B) REQUESTING RIVERSIDE COUNTY CONSOLIDATE THE
NOVEMBER 5, 2024, MUNICIPAL ELECTION WITH THE STATEWIDE
GENERAL ELECTION [RESOLUTION NOS. 2024-017 AND 2024-018]
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5. AWARD CONTRACT TO AMERICAN ASPHALT SOUTH, INC. FOR THE
CITYWIDE SLURRY SEAL IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT NO. 2023-16,
LOCATED IN VARIOUS LOCATIONS
6. AWARD CONTRACT TO VANCE CORPORATION FOR THE DUNE PALMS
ROAD PAVEMENT REHABILITATION PROJECT NO. 2021-01, LOCATED ON
DUNE PALMS ROAD FROM MILES AVENUE TO FRED WARING DRIVE
7. APPROVE DEMAND REGISTERS DATED MAY 3 AND 10, 2024
CONSENT CALENDAR COMMENTS
Councilmember Fitzpatrick said the City continues to invest in roadways infrastructure
throughout the City and noted the agreements under Consent Calendar Item Nos. 5 and
6 approve projects related to slurry seal improvements at various locations citywide and
pavement rehabilitation of Dune Palms Road, from Miles Avenue to Fred Waring Drive;
approximately $18 million has been spent on paving the City.
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Fitzpatrick/McGarrey
to approve the Consent Calendar as presented, with Item No. 4 adopting Resolutions
Nos. 2024-017 and 2024-018. Motion passed unanimously.
STUDY SESSION
1. DISCUSS SPECIAL EVENT REGULATIONS IN RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS PER
LA QUINTA MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 9.60.170
Planning Manager Flores presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk's Office.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Melissa Labayog, La Quinta — resident of Highland Palms community
which has been greatly impacted by special events held at the Dupont Estate; neighbors
have suffered greatly; she and other neighbors are selling at reduced prices due to
disclosed negative impact of residing near this event center; plans to run for Mayor if
unable to sell her house; and will submit her list of questions and comments on this
subject to the City.
Council discussed streamlining regulations and permits regarding tents; frequency that
Fire Department rejects, revises tent locations, use, etc.; suggested that Fire Marshall
hold an education session with vendors regarding tent regulations; fees for the 3 tiers of
Special Event Permits only cover staff time — no profit to the City; special events at short-
term vacation rental (STVR) properties; number of violations issued during special events;
County regulations for special events at STVRs; process, timeline, and evaluation for
Special Event Permits (SPEVs); elimination of the 3 tiers of SPEV types; adding an
additional fee for expedited approvals; applying violation strikes, fines, and bans on
multiple violators; 6 large lots in the City having STVR permits; STVR large -lot permits
versus SPEVs; distinguishing events requiring a SPEV versus family gatherings; limits on
special event hours and longevity; special events selling tickets to attend not a distinction;
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excess staff time being spent on SPEV issues; appeal processes for STVR violations;
number of STVR and SPEV appeals in past year; and desire for consistency of strikes,
fines, and appeals with STVRs and SPEVs.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Melissa Labayog, La Quinta — asked what violations were issued for
the March 2024 event at the Dupont Estate; stated special events do not belong in
residential neighborhoods; supports raising fines, strikes, and suspensions; public
comment should not be only at the tier three level; supports requiring cameras at special
event properties with a direct feed to City; City should take a percentage of revenue
special events make, and neighbors should be compensated too.
Council reached a consensus and directed staff to eliminate tiers; add fees for expedited
approvals; revise strikes, fines, bans, and appeals to match those in the City's STVR
Code section; return to Council with redline of Code amendments prior to bringing code
changes to the Planning Commission for review.
MAYOR EVANS CALLED FOR A BRIEF RECESS AT 6:29 P.M.
MAYOR EVANS RECONVENED THE COUNCIL MEETING AT 6:38 P.M. WITH
ALL MEMBERS PRESENT
2. DISCUSS FISCAL YEAR 2024/25 MARKETING AND ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES
Marketing Manager Graham presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk's
Office.
Council discussed onsite means of identifying Shop Local participants; promotion of Shop
Local by the Chamber; educating staff of Shop Local merchants; enhance media
announcements of City events; direct flight marketing; marketing in cold climates; connect
with Joshua Tree National Park visitors via billboards, etc.; City swag merchandise at
local retailers and at SilverRock; explore promotions at area events; and design for new
shirts and delivery timing.
Council reached a consensus and directed staff to work on City swag sale outlets; and
explore promotion at Joshua Tree National Park entrances, the horse shows, and
Thermal racetrack.
3. DISCUSS FISCAL YEAR 2024/25 PRELIMINARY PROPOSED BUDGET
Finance Director Martinez presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk's Office.
Mayor Evans noted that the WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENTS from the La Quinta
Financial Advisory Commission recommending revised project funding allocations
utilizing Measure G revenues for the 5 -year Capital Improvement Program encompassing
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fiscal years 2024/25 through 2028/29, were received by Council, made public, published
on the City's website, and included in the public record of this meeting.
Council discussed additional services for street sweeping due to winds and sand, and
use of mulch to reduce blowing of sand; Financial Advisory Commission
recommendations, and the value of the Commissioners' advice; appreciation for the
Sheriff Department's well-managed funds from the City; the high cost of keeping La
Quinta beautiful and to provide the top services residents and visitors expect; PERS
liability paydown; and the extensive review process the budget goes through.
Council reached a consensus and directed staff to present a balanced budget at the next
meeting; and present revenue and expenditure details on the Lighting and Landscaping
District budget.
BUSINESS SESSION
1. APPROVE THE 2024 LEGISLATIVE POLICY GUIDE UPDATES
Director of Business Unit and Housing Development Villalpando presented the staff
report, which is on file in the Clerk's Office.
PRESENTER VIA TELECONFERENCE: Jason Gonsalves, City Lobbyist with Gonsalves
and Son — provided Council with a legislative update.
Council discussed Assembly Bill (AB) 86 regarding homelessness, and the accounting of
funds State spent on homelessness; need for State to streamline the process of building
affordable housing; need for State to focus on strengthening the economy to allow more
people to buy homes; the status of Senate Bill 584; need for longer retention of automated
license plate reader data; change in jaywalking laws; November initiative to rollback
portions of Prop 47 and 57, and AB 109; and State minimum hour wage setting powers.
Council reached a consensus and directed staff to make the following changes to the
revised 2024 Legislative Policy Guide distributed as a hand-out, as noted during
Confirmation of Agenda:
• Under "I. Enhance Local Authority" — add "preserving and retaining local authority"
• Under "III. Foster Economic Development" — add "foster and promote economic
development tools"
• Under "V. Support Public Safety" — revise "The City of La Quinta strongly supports
makes community safety a priority ... prioritizes public safety by providing ..."
• Under "VI. Encourage Preservation of the Environment" — incorporate "stewardship"
and "sustainability"where applicable in addition to preservation; add preservation of
hillsides "... including hillsides and the Salton Sea"
• Under "Economic Development" — remove bullet no. 3 regarding redevelopment
• Under "Finance" — replace "relies on" with "uses contract services" under bullet no. 1
• Under "Housing" — replace "affordable housing" with "workforce housing," "adults"
with "residents," and add "mental health"
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• Under "Environment" — add "the preservation and safeguarding of our environment"
under bullet no. 1; add "stewardship" and "sustainability' where applicable; add
"energy'
• Under "Transportation and Infrastructure" — add "supports clean energy alternatives
that are reliable, affordable and adequately funded" under bullet no. 2
• Under "Public Safety" — add "The City of La Quinta supports ongoing education and
preparedness for natural disasters" under bullet no. 1; add bullet no. 4 "The City
advocates providing law enforcement with the resources to prevent crime and
provide public safety'
• Under "Tourism" — replace "The City of La Quinta is strongly engaged supports in
attracting tourism;" and add "oppose legislation that would compromise tourism
programs which would negatively affect City revenue."
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Pena/McGarrey to
revise the 2024 Legislative Policy Guide per Council's comments noted above and bring
it back for Council's consideration at a future meeting. Motion passed unanimously.
2. APPROVE AGREEMENT FOR CONTRACT SERVICES WITH DESERT
RECREATION DISTRICT (DRD) FOR MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS OF
THE FRITZ BURNS POOL
MAYOR PRO TEM PE -NA RECUSED HIMSELF FROM DISCUSSION AND VOTE
ON BUSINESS SESSION ITEM NO. 2 DUE TO A POTENTIAL CONFLICT OF
INTEREST STEMMING FROM THE PROXIMITY OF HIS REAL PROPERTY
INTEREST TO THE PROJECT LOCATION, AND LEFT THE DAIS AT 8:40 P.M.
Management Analyst Calderon presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk's
Office.
Council discussed feedback from users regarding a reduction in services in October,
November, and December; increasing use, and attendance during winter months;
promoting use of the pool for Ironman participants, scuba diving certifications, and private
rentals; alternative ways to heat the pool; maintaining rates until attendance can be
increased; researching basis for DRD fees; possibility of relocating the pool for greater
accessibility; and possibility of deeding the pool to DRD.
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Fitzpatrick/Sanchez
to approve Agreement for Contract Services with Desert Recreation District for
management and operations of the Fritz Burns Pool, at 12 months full operations as
presented under Option 1 in the staff report; and authorize the City Manager to execute
the agreement as presented. Motion passed: ayes — 4, noes — 0, abstain — 0, absent — 1
(Pena).
MAYOR PRO TEM PENA RETURNED TO THE DAIS AT 8:58 P.M. FOR THE
REMAINDER OF THE MEETING
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PUBLIC HEARINGS — None
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS — All reports are on file in the City Clerk's Office.
MAYOR'S AND COUNCIL MEMBERS' ITEMS
Councilmember Fitzpatrick reported on her attendance at the ribbon cutting at the Palm
Springs Air Museum.
Mayor Evans reported on her presentation of a City certificate to Eagle Scout Xavier
Campos of Scout Troop 1701.
Councilmember Sanchez reported on his attendance at the joint Chamber mixer; the
Women Who Rule leadership luncheon; and California LAFCO Southern Region where
he was appointed Vice Chair.
Councilmember McGarrey reported her attendance at a local Boy Scout event.
Council sent its sympathies to the Ramos family, and the families of the victims of the
tragic accident on Highway 111.
REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
La Quinta's representative for 2024, Mayor Evans reported on her participation in the
following organizations' meetings:
• CVAG COACHELLA VALLEY CONSERVATION COMMISSION
• CVAG ENERGY AND SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE
La Quinta's representative for 2024, Councilmember Fitzpatrick reported on her
participation in the following organizations' meetings:
• RIVERSIDE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
• CVAG HOMELESSNESS COMMITTEE
La Quinta's representative for 2024, Councilmember McGarrey reported on her
participation in the following organizations' meetings:
• COACHELLA VALLEY MOUNTAINS CONSERVANCY
• IID ENERGY CONSUMERS' ADVISORY COMMITTEE
• LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES
La Quinta's representative for 2024, Mayor Pro Tem Pena reported on his participation in
the following organizations' meetings:
• CV MOSQUITO AND VECTOR CONTROL DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES
• CVAG PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
• CALIFORNIA JOINT POWERS INSURANCE AUTHORITY
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La Quinta's representative for 2024, Councilmember Sanchez reported on his
participation in the following organizations' meetings:
• ANIMAL CAMPUS COMMISSION
• CALIFORNIA JOINT POWERS INSURANCE AUTHORITY
Council repeated their concerns on League of California Cities position on policies; and
directed staff to place an item for Council consideration at a future meeting to discuss the
value of membership and return on investment; and, requested information on the
Contract Cities organization.
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 9:22 P.M.
MAYOR EVANS RECONVENED THE OPEN SESSION PORTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL MEETING AT 10:10 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.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, a motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers
Pena/Sanchez to adjourn at 10:11 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
MONIKA RADEVA, City Clerk
City of La Quinta, California
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