2024 11 05 CC MinutesCALL TO ORDER
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 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
Councilmember Pena said he will recuse himself from discussion and vote on Consent
Calendar Item No. 2 related to the Fritz Burns Park improvements due to a potential
conflict of interest stemming from the proximity of his real property to this project, and
requested that it be pulled for a separate vote. Council concurred.
CLOSED SESSION
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL — EXISTING LITIGATION;
PURSUANT TO PARAGRAPH (1) OF SUBDIVISION (d) OF GOVERNMENT
CODE SECTION 54956.9;
CASES NAMES AND NUMBERS — MULTIPLE (listed below, all in U.S.
Bankruptcy Court, District of Delaware)
CASE NAME:
CASE NUMBER
SilverRock Development Company, LLC
24-11647
SilverRock Lifestyle Residences, LLC
24-11648
SilverRock Lodging, LLC
24-11650
SilverRock Luxury Residences, LLC
24-11652
SilverRock Phase I, LLC
24-11654
RGC PA 789, LLC
24-11657
COUNCIL RECESSED THE OPEN SESSION PORTION OF THE MEETING AND
MOVED INTO CLOSED SESSION AT 3:32 P.M.
MAYOR EVANS RECONVENED THE OPEN SESSION PORTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL MEETING AT 4:09 P.M. WITH ALL MEMBERS PRESENT
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REPORT ON ACTION(S) TAKEN IN CLOSED SESSION:
City Attorney Ihrke reported no actions were taken in Closed Session that require
reporting pursuant to Government Code section 54957.1 (Brown Act).
Council's authorization remains in place for the City Attorney, in coordination with the City
Attorney's Office, to defend and protect the interests of the City in the multiple bankruptcy
cases filed by SilverRock Development Company and its responsive affiliates as reported
out for Closed Session Item No. 2 from the August 6, 2024 Council meeting.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Fitzpatrick led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Gregory Cannon, La Quinta — Cove resident disappointed in City's
response to his requests regarding a gas leak reported at his property.
City Manager McMillen explained the City's, Sheriff's Department, and utility companies'
numerous efforts to assist Mr. Cannon with his concern, since August 2024 to present,
and all found that his claims could not be substantiated. Mr. McMillen noted his previous
offer to visit Mr. Cannon's property himself, along with the City's Building Official, as
expressed during their phone conversation from earlier in the morning still stands.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Jeff Fishbein, Chair of the La Quinta Chamber of Commerce,
Coldwell Banker Realtor, and La Quinta resident — provided an update on recent Walmart
reopening; upcoming ribbon cutting events for Kitchen Idea, Local 5th on 50Th restaurant
in Indio, Barcelona Club Apartments, Art Major Studio 2nd anniversary, and PGA
Superstore; and upcoming events for La Quinta Mixer and La Quinta Car show.
ANNOUNCEMENTS, PRESENTATIONS AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
.>>> Taken out of Agenda order
2. PROCLAMATION IN RECOGNITION AND CELEBRATION OF 101 -YEAR-OLD
LA QUINTA RESIDENT EVIE GIBSON
Mayor Evans and Council presented a Proclamation to La Quinta resident Evie Gibson in
celebration of her 101st birthday, and commended her for her infectious enthusiasm for
bocce ball, youthful spirit, resilience, and for being an inspiration to all.
1. PALM SPRINGS AIRPORT MASTER PLAN UPDATE — PRESENTATION BY
DALEY STRATEGIES ACCOUNT COORDINATOR DEBBY CHEN
City appointed Commissioner Geoffrey Kiehl as La Quinta's representative on the Palm
Springs Airport Commission introduced Jake Ingrassia, Communications and Marketing
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Specialist with Palm Springs International Airport and Mark Waier, Principal with Daley
Strategies.
PRESENTERS: Mr. Wafer and Mr. Ingrassia provided an update on the Palm Springs
Airport master plan, including design, costs, timeline, etc. and requested public feedback.
Council discussed the environmental impact assessment will need to be conducted per
both, State and Federal requirements; shuttles versus moving sidewalks from parking
areas; reflective solar panels; placement of solar panels; air service additions funding by
Transient Occupancy Taxes; no local taxes used; various funding sources; impact on
surrounding land; ownership of surrounding land; and no negative impact on the Palm
Springs Airport Museum.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. APPROVE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES DATED OCTOBER 15, 2024
2. APPROVE PURCHASE OF: (1) PREFABRICATED RESTROOM BUILDING
AND POOL BUILDING ADDITION FROM ROMTEC BUILDINGS AND PUMPING
SYSTEMS AND (2) PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT AND SHADE STRUCTURES
FROM GREAT WESTERN INSTALLATIONS FOR THE FRITZ BURNS PARK
IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT NO. 2021-02
3. ACCEPT SILVERROCK TEMPORARY GOLF CART PATH PAVING PROJECT
NO. 2024-13, LOCATED IN THE SILVERROCK GOLF COURSE
4. ACCEPT FISCAL YEAR 2023/24 PAVEMENT MANAGEMENT PLAN
CITYWIDE SLURRY SEAL IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT NO. 2023-16 IN
VARIOUS LOCATIONS CITYWIDE
5. AUTHORIZE OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS
SUPERINTENDENT TO ATTEND THE CALIFORNIA JOINT POWERS
INSURANCE AUTHORITY PUBLIC WORKS ACADEMY IN PASO ROBLES,
CALIFORNIA, NOVEMBER 5-7, 2024
6. APPROVE DEMAND REGISTERS DATED OCTOBER 11, 18, AND 25, 2024
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Fitzpatrick/McGarrey
to approve Consent Calendar Item Nos. 1, and 3-6 as presented. Motion passed
unanimously.
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM NO. 2
COUNCILMEMBER PENA RECUSED HIMSELF, AND SAID HE WILL ABSTAIN
FROM DISCUSSION AND VOTE ON CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM NO. 2 DUE
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TO A POTENTIAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST STEMMING FROM THE
PROXIMITY OF HIS REAL PROPERTY TO THE FRITZ BURNS PARK
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Fitzpatrick/McGarrey
to approve Consent Calendar Item No. 2 as presented. Motion passed: ayes — 4, noes —
0, abstain — 1 (Pena), absent — 0.
BUSINESS SESSION
1. APPROVE DISTINGUISHED CITIZEN AWARD NOMINEE
Management Analyst Calderon presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk's
Office.
Council discussed adding Mr. Salas to the City's Veterans' acknowledgement; and
generally Distinguished Citizen award recipients are recognized at upcoming City events
and presented with an award certificate.
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Sanchez/McGarrey
to approve John (Juan) Salas as the recipient for the Distinguished Citizen award. Motion
passed unanimously.
2. ADOPT RESOLUTION ADOPTING FACILITY NAMING POLICY
Management Analyst Calderon presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk's
Office.
Council discussed the reason for requiring the nominator to be a La Quinta resident;
reason for requiring 100 signatures in support of a nominee; consistency with the
Sponsorship Policy; added language regarding Council's ability to waive certain qualifying
criteria; and City ownership of fire stations.
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Fitzpatrick/Pena to
adopt Resolution No. 2024-040 adopting a Facility Naming Policy as amended:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING A FACILITY NAMING POLICY
Adding subsection (iii) under Requirements for Consideration of Section (1)(d) to read
as follows:
iii In the event a person or organization of extraordinary qualifications does not meet
the requirements above, but otherwise bears or has borne a clear connection to the
City of La Quinta, the City Council may at its discretion waive requirements (i) and
(ii) above.
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a. Extraordinary qualifications are those that are above and beyond that of
significant contributions and include, but are not limited to, sacrifice in the line
of duty as a member of the United States Armed Forces, Riverside County
Sheriff's Department, Riverside County Fire Department, or as somebody
who has made a historic or national contribution that has brought positive
attention to the City of La Quinta.
b. A clear connection to the City of La Quinta is to be determined upon the
judgment of the City Council, but can include school attendance or
employment within the City.
Motion passed unanimously.
3. APPROVE CANCELLATION OF REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF
JANUARY 7, 2025
Council waived presentation of the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk's Office.
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Sanchez/Pena to
approve cancellation of the regular City Council meeting of January 7, 2025. Motion
passed unanimously.
MAYOR EVANS CALLED FOR A BRIEF RECESS AT 5:16 P.M.
MAYOR EVANS RECONVENED THE COUNCIL MEETING AT 5:22 P.M. WITH
ALL MEMBERS PRESENT
STUDY SESSION
1. DISCUSS THE CITY'S MEMBERSHIP WITH THE LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA
CITIES
Management Specialist McGinley presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk's
Office.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Jesse Ramirez, League of California Cities (League), Regional
Public Affairs Manager, Riverside County Division — provided an update on League
activities, regional collaboration, and audits, including an audit of the California
Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) with California Senator
Steve Glazer's office, and requested recommendations from the City proposing legislative
solutions; 2025 game plan underway; attendance at policy committees; need for greater
engagement from member cities; need for local collaboration; new incoming League
President, Lynne Kennedy from Rancho Cucamonga; role of policy committees;
partnership with San Bernardino County; efforts of Cal Cities related to housing rights;
and establishment of new informal committee to discuss legislation on insurance
requirements.
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Council discussed cities to be selected for the audits; Regional Housing Needs Allocation
(RHNA) requirements for small cities; impractical energy policies; League's Rural Cities
Group; Zoom meetings versus in-person meetings; culture of Sacramento and catering
to large cities; importance of being at the table in policy discussions; collecting information
on needs from Council and staff prior to policy meetings; desire for legislation to pool
housing funds, land, resources; legislation sponsored by the Riverside County Division;
big picture regarding housing, employment, crime, etc.; conflicting State Bills; open public
comments welcome at all Policy Committee meetings; Division meeting dates; and
meeting locations - local versus Sacramento.
Council noted the City's League membership gets renewed in January of each year and
the membership fee is within the City Manager's signing authority per the City's
Purchasing Policy.
PUBLIC HEARINGS — None
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS — None
MAYOR'S AND COUNCIL MEMBERS' ITEMS
Mayor Evans reported on her and other Councilmembers' attendance at Colonel Mitchell
Page event; Do The Right Thing event; Palm Springs and Coachella State -of -the -City
events; COP dinner; Stuffed Pizza 20th anniversary; YMCA Hoedown; Dia de los Muertos
event; National Philanthropy Day luncheon; and La Quinta Arts Celebration Volunteer
Orientation.
Councilmember Sanchez reported on his attendance at GirlFriend Factor event; State
LAFCO meeting; and Take A Vet to School Day.
REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
La Quinta's representative for 2024, Mayor Evans reported on her participation in the
following organization's meeting:
• VISIT GREATER PALM SPRINGS CONVENTION AND VISITORS' BUREAU —
subcommittee
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 McGarrey reported on her
participation in the following organization's meeting:
• IID ENERGY CONSUMERS' ADVISORY COMMITTEE
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La Quinta's representative for 2024, Mayor Pro Tem Pena reported on his participation in
the following organization's meeting:
• SUNLINE TRANSIT AGENCY
Councilmember Fitzpatrick requested a "2 -by -2" meeting with the Coachella Valley
School District for an accounting on how the La Quinta residents' property taxes are being
spent.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Evans adjourned the meeting at 8:43 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
MONIKA RADEVA, City Clerk
City of La Quinta, California
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