2024 09 11 HC MinutesHOUSING COMMISSION
MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2024
CALL TO ORDER
A regular quarterly meeting of the La Quinta Housing Commission (Commission) was
called to order at 5:00 p.m. by Vice-Chairperson Paltin.
PRESENT: Commissioners Christopherson, Gaeta-Mejia, Pacheco, Turley, and Vice-
Chairperson Paltin
ABSENT: None
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Vice-Chairperson Paltin 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. INTRODUCE AND WELCOME NEWLY APPOINTED COMMISSIONERS
CHRISTOPHERSON AND TURLEY
Newly appointed Commissioners Christopherson and Turley provided a brief summary of
their experience and qualifications; Commissioners Gaeta-Mejia, Pacheco, and Vice-
Chair Paltin provided a brief introduction as well.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. APPROVE MEETING MINUTES DATED JUNE 12, 2024
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Commissioner Gaeta-Mejia/Vice-Chair
Paltin to approve the Consent Calendar as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
BUSINESS SESSION
1. APPOINT MEMBERS OF THE HOUSING COMMISSION TO SERVE AS
CHAIRPERSON AND VICE CHAIRPERSON FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024/25
Management Specialist McGinley presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk’s
Office.
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Vice-Chair Paltin/Commissioner
Pacheco to appoint Commissioner Gaeta-Mejia to serve as Housing Commission
Chairperson for fiscal year 2024/25. Motion passed unanimously.
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Commissioners Pacheco/Turley to
appoint Commissioner Paltin to serve as Housing Commission Vice Chairperson for fiscal
year 2024/25. Motion passed unanimously.
BUSINESS SESSION
1. REVIEW STRATEGIC PLAN DRAFT
Management Specialist Barkas presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk’s
Office.
The Commission inquired about the City’s future affordable housing projects.
Business Unit and Housing Development Director Villalpando provided an update on the
development progress for the future affordable housing projects located on the southeast
and northeast corners of Washington Street and Avenue 50; the future mixed-use
developments which include an affordable housing component, one approximately 5.1
acre parcel located on the northeast corner of Highway 111 and Dune Palms Road, and
another approximately 15 acre parcel located west of Dune Palms Road, on the north
side of Highway 111; explained the challenges with the high costs associated with
building affordable housing units; State housing budget and qualifications for tax credits;
and provided an update on the improvements to the Dune Palms Mobile Home Park,
acquired by the City in 2021.
Senior Management Analyst Kinley added background on the adversity facing existing
affordable housing projects concerning 55-year covenants expiring in the future and lack
of availability for state funding opportunities.
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS – Verbal Updates
1. FISCAL YEAR 2024/25 CITY EVENTS LINEUP
Senior Management Analyst Kinley provided an overview on the City’s upcoming events,
including the Veteran’s Recognition Ceremony on November 11, 2024, La Quinta Art
Celebration on November 14-17, 2024, and the Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 6,
2024, and invited the Commission to attend.
2. RALPH M. BROWN ACT OVERVIEW (GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54950
– 54963)
Management Specialist McGinley and Senior Management Analyst Kinley provided an
overview of the Ralph M. Brown Act (Brown Act); all meetings shall be open and public;
agenda posting requirements; violations of the Brown Act; best practices; and the
Housing Commission scope of purview.
COMMISSIONERS’ ITEMS – None
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, a motion was made and seconded by Chairperson
Gaeta-Mejia/Commissioner Turley to adjourn this meeting at 5:38 p.m. Motion passed
unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Laurie McGinley, Commission Secretary
City of La Quinta, California