2024 12 03 CC MinutesSOF TO'
CALL TO ORDER
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 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
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 3:02 P.M.
MAYOR EVANS RECONVENED THE OPEN SESSION PORTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL MEETING AT 4:00 P.M. WITH ALL MEMBERS PRESENT
REPORT ON ACTION(S) TAKEN IN CLOSED SESSION:
City Attorney Ihrke reported no actions were taken on Closed Session Item No. 1 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.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Page 1 of 13 DECEMBER 3, 2024
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Pro Tem Pena led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA
City Manager McMillen requested that Public Hearing Item No. 3 related to the
Community Development Block Grant funds be taken out of agenda order and moved up
and considered first under the Public Hearing section of the agenda.
Mayor Pro Tem Pena said he will recuse himself from participating in the discussion on
Study Session Item No. 1 related to the draft Coachella Valley Power Agency Joint
Powers Agreement regarding growth and development of electric power in the eastern
Coachella Valley due to a conflict of interest stemming from a reasonable probability of
future income and/or investment income from an electric power company (Secure Energy
Source).
Council concurred.
ANNOUNCEMENTS, PRESENTATIONS AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
»> Taken up out of agenda order
1. TALUS DEVELOPMENT PROJECT (FORMERLY SILVERROCK) - STATUS
UPDATE
City Attorney Ihrke said on August 5, 2024, SilverRock Development Company LLC and
its affiliates, collectively referred to as "SDC," voluntarily petitioned for Chapter 11
bankruptcy in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Delaware; and per Council's direction and
approval, the City retained Special Counsel who has continuously been working with the
City Manager and City Attorney throughout these proceedings. Prior Announcements
regarding the bankruptcy case are available on the City's website at
www.laquintaca.gov/taluslq.
Mr. Ihrke said this morning, on December 3, 2024, the Bankruptcy Court held a hearing
during which debtor's counsel reported to the court the following:
1) The Bankruptcy Court was apprised that a Final Order approving the appointment
of the current Chief Restructuring Officer (CRO), Doug Wilson Companies, was
approved by counsel and submitted to the court for entry. It is expected that the
court will enter this Final Order in the near future.
2) The Bankruptcy Court was apprised that the debtors and the City have made
substantial progress towards negotiating a Final Order and Agreement authorizing
Debtor -In -Possession (DIP) Financing, which would cover the entire bankruptcy
proceeding and ultimately a reorganization plan for the completion of the
development of the Talus project.
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Page 2 of 13 DECEMBER 3, 2024
Currently, and as previously reported, there have been Interim Orders, which have been
entered by the court as part of the City -led negotiated DIP Financing provided to the CRO,
who is an independent "supervisor" to administer and oversee the debtors' estate and
proposed reorganization plan.
Pursuant to the Interim Order, the terms of the City's loan and that loan's repayment to
the City, and the requirement for the CRO to use these funds only for specific items
relating to the Talus site, such as remedial construction work, clean-up, and dust and
erosion control, have been summarized previously and remain in place.
Debtors' counsel apprised the court that the parties hope to have a proposed Final Order
and Agreement before the court's next hearing scheduled for January 2, 2025.
Mr. Ihrke said the U.S. Trustee apprised the court that the U.S. Trustee's Office was
aware of the progress the debtors and City have been making towards the Final Order
and Agreement, and confirmed that the U.S. Trustee's motion to dismiss or alternatively
to appoint a Trustee remains adjourned. The U.S. Trustee reiterated that if the Final
Order and Agreement for DIP Financing proceed as he has been informed, the U.S.
Trustee expects to withdraw the motion at that time.
The next Omnibus Hearing date before the Bankruptcy Court is set for January 2, 2024.
City Manager McMillen said today's hearing was about five minutes and it included 10 to
15 attorneys representing various creditors, the U.S. Trustee, the judge and the City's
representatives, and there were no objections to any of the materials presented by
anybody, which is the result of the work happening behind the scenes in preparation of
the hearings. At this point, Mr. McMillen noted, the hearings are very quick and efficient,
things are progressing nicely, everyone is in alignment and rowing in the same direction.
Mayor Evans reiterated City Manager McMillen's announcement from the November 19,
2024, meeting, that in anticipation of the SilverRock golf course re -opening on November
7, 2024, following the annual reseeding, in response to the public's request for
transparency and open communication, and in an effort to provide accurate and up-to-
date information, the City has posted signage at prominent locations throughout the golf
course and Talus project site and printed business cards containing a Quick Response
(QR) code directing the public to the City's website at www.laquintaca.gov/talusla to
obtain the most current update on the bankruptcy case, as well as the status of the Talus
project, including its history and a chronological timeline since 2002 to present.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA
»> Taken up out of agenda order
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Ben Ziraba Nyende, Cathedral City — said he is a portrait artist who
paints portraits of Councils, and school mascots, and the growth and progression of cities,
at no cost to cities; and will periodically update the Council on progress in La Quinta.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Page 3 of 13 DECEMBER 3, 2024
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Brandon Marley, President and CEO with the Greater Coachella
Valley Chamber of Commerce, and La Quinta resident — provided an update on upcoming
events and ribbon cuttings, including the La Quinta Board Mixer on December 11, 2024,
at Los Arcos restaurant, the PGA Superstore opening and ribbon cutting on December
14, 2024, and the La Quinta Car Show.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. APPROVE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 19, 2024
2. AUTHORIZE OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST TO
ATTEND THE ANNUAL LASERFICHE EMPOWER 2025 CONFERENCE IN LAS
VEGAS, NEVADA, APRIL 14-17, 2025
3. ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 618 ON SECOND READING APPROVING ZONING
ORDINANCE AMENDMENT 2024-0001 FOR ZONING AND SUBDIVISION
CODE LANGUAGE CLEAN UP AND CHANGES REGARDING: RESIDENTIAL
SPECIAL EVENTS, TENTATIVE MAP PUBLIC HEARING NOTICES, VILLAGE
PARKING ALLOWANCES, VINYL FENCING, BED AND BREAKFAST INNS,
RESIDENTIAL GARAGE SETBACKS, TEMPORARY USE PERMIT TIMING
AND EXPIRATIONS, AND ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT REGULATIONS;
CEQA: THE PROJECT IS EXEMPT FROM ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
PURSUANT TO SECTION 15061 (b)(3) COMMON SENSE EXEMPTION;
LOCATIONS: CITYWIDE
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Fitzpatrick/Pena to
approve the Consent Calendar as presented, with Item No. 3 adopting Ordinance No.
618. Motion passed unanimously.
STUDY SESSION
1. DISCUSS DRAFT COACHELLA VALLEY POWER AGENCY (CVPA) JOINT
POWERS AGREEMENT (JPA) REGARDING GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
OF ELECTRIC POWER IN THE EASTERN COACHELLA VALLEY
MAYOR PRO TEM PENA RECUSED HIMSELF FROM PARTICIPATING IN THE
DISCUSSION ON STUDY SESSION ITEM NO. 1 DUE TO A CONFLICT OF
INTEREST STEMMING FROM A REASONABLE PROBABILITY OF FUTURE
INCOME AND/OR INVESTMENT INCOME FROM AN ELECTRIC POWER
COMPANY (SECURE ENERGY SOURCE), AS NOTED DURING
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA ABOVE, AND LEFT THE DAIS AT 4:14 P.M.
Marketing and Communications Specialist Barkas presented the staff report, which is on
file in the Clerk's Office.
WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENTS were received from La Quinta resident Philip
Bettencourt, also serving as the appointed Coachella Valley at -large commissioner on the
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
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Imperial Irrigation District (IID) Coachella Valley Energy Commission (CVEC) in support
of the proposed CVPA JPA, which were distributed to Council, made public, published on
the City's website, and included in the public record of this meeting.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Philip Bettencourt, La Quinta — said he has spoken to many
community organizations; this is a positive step, but the proposed CVPA JPA is not ready
for approval, it is being presented to multiple agencies for comments and feedback,
including the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG); and consensus is
very important with all stakeholders.
Council discussed the lack of capacity of the electrical grid for any new development; cost
of substations is now up to about $40 million with years lead time; City Manager working
with developers to do a group buy with City willing to front any gap in cost; the City of
Indio established the Indio Electric Financing Authority pursuant to a Joint Exercise of
Powers Agreement in 2023 and imposed a surcharge for electric services; IID will not
raise rates in La Quinta unless it also does so for Imperial County, which is unlikely;
explained solutions discussed with various entities; explained the role of a JPA;
investments in infrastructure has been lacking by IID; La Quinta, other cities, tribes
currently have no say, which is a major part of the problem that could have been avoided;
pros and cons of a JPA versus a Special District; need clear purpose and details of JPA
or Special District such as ownership of the electrical infrastructure, and maintenance;
important for the cities and tribes to solve together — strength in numbers; bonding and
taxing authority of JPAs; board and independent staff for a JPA; issues that have yet to
be worked out; concern about JPA partners leaving the Agreement causing instability;
multiple laws and regulations on utilities; an entity's input to any JPA in ratio to customers
served; system maintenance is built into rates charged, which IID has done poorly; not in
favor of community choice aggregate; head of any JPA must be highly experienced in the
energy field; energy issues throughout the world; easements for power lines periodically
renegotiated; penalties for exiting and reentering the JPA; necessity of moving forward;
Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) is the largest user of power in the Coachella
Valley so they must be at the table; CVAG's proven ability to gather cities, coordinate joint
action, and administer JPAs; the State's focus on electric power holds back innovation
regarding other sources of power; and it is difficult for La Quinta to expand beyond tourism
industry without power.
City Manager McMillen said power grids don't have boundaries, a cohesive system is
imperative; existing substations were designed some time ago to handle expected future
needs, however the immense growth in how power is used today was not envisioned;
even small new developments or additions now exceed the grids capacity, and due to
costs in the millions, no one developer can afford the needed upgrades; entities in the
region realized their future could not be tied to IID decision makers; explained the City of
Indio's recent solution and added user fees; and noted that power shortages are not
unique to IID, but is happening across the county and the world due to the move to clean
electric power, and increased usage.
City Attorney Ihrke said he reviewed the draft JPA; much of the language is standard; the
weighted voting is not unusual for JPAs, and may be appropriate for this agreement; State
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Page 5 of 13 DECEMBER 3, 2024
law provides discretion as to how such agencies operate; and regarding fees and
surcharges, the California Constitution and energy laws may apply, but beyond that, the
State allows discretion to agencies providing power regarding fees.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Emmanuel Martinez, Program Manager, External Affairs with CVAG,
formerly employed with IID — said the JPA is an interim step, a long time coming; the
purpose is for cities to jointly exercise their power; provided potential solutions being
discussed; explained one reason a JPA is being proposed is because elected officials
who are knowledgeable and have been dealing with the issue for years can sit on the
JPA board as opposed to a Special District with elected members of the public;
representation is the core of the issue; a joint Local Agency Formation Commission
(LAFCO) study was conducted, the result of which was the recommendation to form a
JPA, same for CVAG workshops; the JPA would not include IID as a member; at a critical
juncture to plan, own, and operate future solutions; explained why CVEC chose JPA over
a Special District; CVAG will likely not staff and administer the JPA long-term; explained
the draft JPA was developed by a technical committee comprised of the City Managers
who were to ensure it met the diverse needs of participating entities; explained the
weighted versus one -agency -one -vote mechanism; and noted comments received from
the Leadership Council and Riverside County.
Council discussed the importance of City Managers, and City/CVAG staff over the past
years in obtaining expertise and exploring solution, as elected City Councilmembers can
change, but staff provides consistency that is critical.
MAYOR PRO TEM PEIVA RETURNED TO THE DAIS AT 5:26 P.M. FOR THE
REMAINDER OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MAYOR EVANS RECESSED THE MEETING TO CITY HALL'S ANNUAL OPEN
HOUSE MEET AND GREET AT 5:26 P.M.
MAYOR EVANS RECONVENED THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING AT 6:51 P.M.
WITH ALL MEMBERS PRESENT
BUSINESS SESSION
1. APPROVE HOST VENUE AGREEMENT WITH WORLD TRIATHLON
CORPORATION TO HOST THE IRONMAN 70.3 LA QUINTA TRIATHLON
Management Analyst Calderon presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk's
Office.
PRESENTER: Judy Stowers, Regional Director, Southwest, for World Triathlon
Corporation — provided an overview of the IRONMAN 70.3 event, including participation,
triathlon locations, economic impacts to the communities that host these events and La
Quinta in particular, athletes general characteristics, media reach, proposed course, new
finish line at SilverRock, and effect on golf operation including setup time; the event is
open to the public, no gated entrance or charge; location options for concessions, stage
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Page 6 of 13 DECEMBER 3, 2024
and music; law enforcement review of routes; communication and effect on gated
communities along route; volunteer involvement to encourage athletes; feedback from
local cyclists welcome, but must preserve required elements of the triathlon race; how
sponsorship and donations work; and efforts to improve the expo experience and offer
improved food and vendor options.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Randy Duncan, SilverRock Golf Course General Manager with
Landmark Golf Management, LLC — said SilverRock is a perfect venue for the IRONMAN
event; the benefit to athletes of the relative flatness of SilverRock; and parking
accommodations would be at the lot used for the AMEX Golf Tournament event.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Dale Tyerman, La Quinta — Trilogy resident; supports the event;
extremely well run to date; must understand the implications of the route change; must
communicate well with residents; thrilled that it is an exclusive La Quinta event; adding
SilverRock facility will promote it globally; agrees La Quinta logo needs improvement; and
supports a multi-year agreement if year one goes well.
Council discussed the benefits of the new route; the proposed multi-year agreement; the
pending economic impact study to be conducted following the event; the option to extend
the agreement for two additional years; increasing community engagement along the
routes; including family events on Saturday prior to the Sunday IRONMAN race event;
requested improvement to the La Quinta brand logo; parts of the route are outside La
Quinta city limits; and asked that feedback from local cyclists be considered.
Council noted the event logo needs improvement. Perhaps the words "La Quinta"
together, without the palm tree in between the two words. The City's marketing team to
provide suggestions to Judy Stowers.
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Sanchez/Fitzpatrick
to approve Host Venue Agreement with World Triathlon Corporation to host the
IRONMAN 70.3 La Quinta triathlon as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
2. INTRODUCE FOR FIRST READING AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER
3.25 OF THE LA QUINTA MUNICIPAL CODE RELATED TO SHORT-TERM
VACATION RENTALS
City Clerk Radeva presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk's Office.
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Pena/Sanchez to take
up Ordinance No. 619 by title and number only and waive further reading adding sections
and amending sections of Chapter 3.25 of the La Quinta Municipal Code related to Short -
Term Vacation Rentals as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
City Clerk Radeva read the following title of Ordinance No. 619 into the record:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, ADDING SECTIONS AND AMENDING SECTIONS OF CHAPTER
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Page 7 of 13 DECEMBER 3, 2024
3.25 OF THE LA QUINTA MUNICIPAL CODE RELATED TO SHORT-TERM
VACATION RENTALS
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Pena/Sanchez to
introduce at first reading Ordinance No. 619 as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
3. ADOPT RESOLUTION TO CERTIFY THE OFFICIAL CANVASS OF ELECTION
RESULTS FOR THE GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION HELD NOVEMBER 5,
2024
City Clerk Radeva presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk's Office.
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Pena/McGarrey to
adopt Resolution No. 2024-042 certifying the official canvass of election results to the
General Municipal Election held November 5, 2024, as presented:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, RECITING THE FACT OF THE GENERAL MUNICIPAL
ELECTION HELD ON THE FIFTH (5) DAY OF NOVEMBER 2024, DECLARING
THE RESULTS AND SUCH OTHER MATTERS AS PROVIDED BY LAW
Motion passed unanimously.
OATHS OF OFFICE AND CERTIFICATES OF ELECTION
City Clerk Radeva administered the Oath of Office and presented Certificates of Election
to re-elected Mayor Evans and Councilmembers Fitzpatrick and Sanchez.
4. APPOINT A MEMBER OF THE CITY COUNCIL TO SERVE AS MAYOR PRO
TEMPORE FOR CALENDAR YEAR 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/Fitzpatrick
to appoint Councilmember McGarrey to serve as Mayor Pro Tempore for calendar year
2025. Motion passed unanimously
5. APPOINT MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL TO SERVE ON VARIOUS
OUTSIDE AGENCIES FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2025
Council waived presentation of the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk's Office.
Council reached a consensus to keep their current appointments except for the rotating
responsibilities of the appointed Mayor Pro Tem position.
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Pena/Sanchez to
appoint Councilmembers to serve on various outside agencies for calendar year 2025 as
detailed in Attachment No. 1, incorporated herewith by this reference. Motion passed
unanimously.
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Page 8 of 13 DECEMBER 3, 2024
PUBLIC HEARINGS
»> Taken up out of agenda order as announced during Confirmation of Agenda
3. ADOPT RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO SUBMIT
APPLICATIONS TO RIVERSIDE COUNTY HOUSING AND WORKFORCE
SOLUTIONS FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUNDS AND
EXECUTE SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025/26
Public Works Director/City Engineer McKinney presented the staff report, which is on file
in the Clerk's Office.
MAYOR EVANS DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING OPEN AT 8:03 P.M.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: None
MAYOR EVANS DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED AT 8:03 P.M.
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Fitzpatrick/Sanchez
to adopt Resolution No. 2024-046 authorizing the City Manager to submit applications to
the Riverside County Housing and Workforce Solutions for Community Development
Block Grant funds, execute the Supplemental Agreements for fiscal year 2025/26; and
allocate $24,000 to the Boys and Girls Club of the Coachella Valley Fee
Waiver/Reduction Program, and $136,000 to the City of La Quinta Americans with
Disabilities Act Improvements project as presented:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING PROPOSALS, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER
TO SUBMIT APPLICATIONS FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK
GRANT FUNDS, AND AUTHORIZATION FOR THE CITY MANAGER TO
EXECUTE SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025/2026
Motion passed unanimously.
1. CONTINUED FROM NOVEMBER 19, 2024: ADOPT RESOLUTIONS
ADOPTING MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION (ENVIRONMENTAL
ASSESSMENT 2022-0012) AND APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO THE
JEFFERSON SQUARE SPECIFIC PLAN 2022-0004 (SP 2002-062,
AMENDMENT 3), TENTATIVE TRACT MAP 2022-0015 FOR THE
DEVELOPMENT OF MULTI -FAMILY RESIDENTIAL UNITS ON THE SOUTH
HALF OF THE EXISTING JEFFERSON SQUARE COMMERCIAL CENTER;
CEQA: A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION HAS BEEN PREPARED (EA
2022-0012); LOCATION: SOUTHWEST CORNER OF JEFFERSON STREET
AND FRED WARING DRIVE
Planning Manager Flores introduced Consulting Planner Criste, CEO of Terra Nova
Planning and Research, Inc., who presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk's
Office.
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Page 9 of 13 DECEMBER 3, 2024
MAYOR EVANS NOTED THE PUBLIC HEARING REMAINED OPEN FROM THE
NOVEMBER 19, 2024, MEETING
Mayor Evans said WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENTS were received from the citizens listed
below, in the order in which they were announced, regarding the proposed residential
development by Flora La Quinta, LLC. in the southern half of the Jefferson Square
shopping center, located at the southwest corner of Jefferson Street and Fred Waring
Drive, which were distributed to Council, made public, published on the City's website,
and included in the public record of this meeting:
• Eileen Diaz, La Quinta — in support due to the need for more mixed-use
developments containing housing and commercial components.
• Heidi Kemp, La Quinta — opposed as not all change is right for current La Quinta
residents; this will irrevocably overwhelm and slowly ruin the beautiful Monticello
community; and pleaded for this development not to be built.
• Karsyn Kemp, La Quinta — opposed due to traffic and parking concerns, and
disrupting the peace and quiet of the nearby Monticello Park.
• Timothy Kemp, La Quinta — a 20 -year Monticello resident; opposed due to privacy
and traffic concerns; and finds the proposed development completely
inappropriate for this site.
• Marshall Cooper, La Quinta — opposed due to the high number of proposed units
in a small area; this type of development will turn the desert into Los Angeles and
Orange County; and expressed support for one-story development instead at this
site and two-story developments elsewhere.
• Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce — President and CEO Brandon
Marley — in support due to providing much needed workforce housing diversity and
options.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Brandon Marley, President and CEO with the Greater Coachella
Valley Chamber of Commers (Chamber), and La Quinta resident — said the Chamber
supports the proposed development as workforce housing diversity and options are
needed; losing workforce to the west; it is well designed project, and it supports the
businesses surrounding it.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Diana Gardner, La Quinta — opposed due to proposed height of the
development, overlooks her bedroom; supports housing, but not three stories; traffic and
noise pollution concerns; and strain on resources such as public safety, water, and
electricity.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Gregory Cairns, La Quinta — said he was disappointed by the
Planning Commission comments to the concerns expressed by the residents regarding
this project; intends to sell if project is built; overlooks his backyard; and opposed due to
privacy concerns.
APPLICANT: Omar Hussein, Project Applicant, Flora La Quina, LLC — La Quinta
homeowner; explained his leasing and development experience, and community
meetings held; provided the 20 -year history of the site and the move away from brick -
and -mortar retail; building multi -family housing will attract retail to the vacant spaces; and
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Page 10 of 13 DECEMBER 3, 2024
further reduction in units and number of buildings does not pencil financially for this
project.
APPLICANT PRESENTATION: Luis Gomes, Project Manager, and Principal with
goUrban Development — said believes the applicant has taken the community concerns
into account; highlighted the benefits of the project, including fulfilling a housing need;
provided an overview of current housing stock in La Quinta and the Coachella Valley, and
parking, traffic, and height statistics; asked for the right to mixed-use zoning; and noted
the proposed development is not as dense as it is permitted.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Gregory Cairns, La Quinta (second time) — parking will be a problem;
says he has a reasonable expectation of privacy in his backyard; and bought his house
with expectation it would be a commercial development behind him.
Council discussed its visits to the site; possibly closing the south gate entrance to the
park; the windows facing the single family homes; the distance from the buildings to the
property line; the means of calculating the total number of units; frosted glass windows
for privacy; status of project financing; setback being generous; plant screen maintenance
critical; water, sewer, and electric all available; noise studies; traffic generated by
residential versus commercial uses; school impact not an issue; ingress/egress and
public safety concerns are mitigated; parking passes may not solve neighbors' concerns;
retention basin on Jefferson Street may require fencing for safety; correctness of line -of -
sight exhibits depiction; benefits of parking passes; some concern about Buildings 5 and
6; desirability of mixed-use overlay; the design and amenities; lower heights or less units
preferable; Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs) and the CVS lease
limitations on the development; and viability of the project if Buildings 5 and 6 are
eliminated.
MAYOR EVANS DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED AT 9:30 P.M.
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Sanchez/Fitzpatrick
to adopt Resolution No. 2024-043 adopting a Mitigated Negative Declaration for the
Jefferson Square project as presented:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION (EA 2022-
0012) FOR A SPECIFIC PLAN AMENDMENT TO ALLOW EITHER
COMMERCIAL OR MULTI -FAMILY RESIDENTIAL ON THE SOUTH HALF OF
THE JEFFERSON SQUARE SHOPPING CENTER, A TENTATIVE TRACT MAP
AND A SITE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT TO ALLOW A TOTAL OF 89
APARTMENT AND TOWNHOUSE UNITS ON 5 ACRES OF THE 10 ACRE SITE
CASE NUMBER: ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 2022-0012
APPLICANT: FLORA LA QUINTA, LLC
PROJECT: JEFFERSON SQUARE SPECIFIC PLAN AMENDMENT NO. 3
Motion passed: ayes — 4, noes — 1 (Evans), abstain — 0, absent — 0.
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Sanchez/Fitzpatrick
to adopt Resolution No. 2024-044 approving Specific Plan 2022-0004 (SP 2002-062,
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Amendment 3), Tentative Tract Map 2022-0003 (TTM 38604), and Site Development
Permit 2022-0015 as presented:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING A SPECIFIC PLAN AMENDMENT TO ALLOW
EITHER COMMERCIAL OR MULTI -FAMILY RESIDENTIAL ON THE SOUTH
HALF OF THE JEFFERSON SQUARE SHOPPING CENTER, A TENTATIVE
TRACT MAP AND A SITE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT TO ALLOW A TOTAL OF 89
APARTMENT AND TOWNHOUSE UNITS ON 5 ACRES OF THE 10 ACRE SITE
LOCATED AT THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF JEFFERSON STREET AND
FRED WARING DRIVE
CASE NUMBERS:
SPECIFIC PLAN 2022-0004 (SP 2002-062, AMENDMENT NO. 3)
TENTATIVE TRACT MAP 2022-0003 (TTM 38604)
SITE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 2022-0015
APPLICANT: FLORA LA QUINTA, LLC
PROJECT: JEFFERSON SQUARE SPECIFIC PLAN AMENDMENT NO. 3
Motion passed: ayes — 4, noes — 1 (Evans), abstain — 0, absent — 0.
2. ADOPT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE LANDMARK DESIGNATION 2024-0001
FOR A SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCE LOCATED AT 51407 AVENIDA
VELASCO; CEQA: THE DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT HAS
DETERMINED THAT THIS PROJECT IS EXEMPT FROM CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT REVIEW PURSUANT TO SECTION 15301,
CLASS 1 EXISTING FACILITIES OF THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL
ACT
Associate Planner Fernandez presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk's
Office.
Council discussed their tour of the property; purpose of landmark designations; tax
benefits and scrutiny for future modifications; designation being on the property, not the
property owner; Historic Resources Inventory survey includes hundreds of homes and 63
casitas; Mills Act program development is underway by staff and the Act allows a property
tax break if designated as a landmark; naming the home; and resurrecting the City's
plaque program.
MAYOR EVANS DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING OPEN AT 9:46 P.M.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Linda Williams, La Quinta — supports the designation and use of the
Mills Act; and would like to see encouragement to home buyers of historic homes.
APPLICANT: Michael Paganelli, La Quinta — thanked Council, Planning Commission,
Historical Society and Staff; and said he is thrilled to own this remarkable property.
MAYOR EVANS DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED AT 9:59 P.M.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Page 12 of 13 DECEMBER 3, 2024
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Pena/Fitzpatrick to
adopt Resolution No. 2024-045 approving Landmark Designation 2024-0001 for a single-
family residence located at 51407 Avenida Velasco; and find the project is exempt from
environmental review pursuant to section 15301 class 1 (existing facilities) as presented:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, TO APPROVE A LANDMARK DESIGNATION FOR 51407
AVENIDA VELASCO, LOCATED WEST OF AVENIDA VELASCO BETWEEN
AVENIDA MONTEZUMA AND CALLE HIDALGO
CASE NUMBER: LANDMARK DESIGNATION 2024-0001
APPLICANT: MICHAEL CHANCO AND MICHAEL PAGANELLI
Motion passed unanimously.
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS — All reports are on file in the City Clerk's Office.
MAYOR'S AND COUNCIL MEMBERS' ITEMS
Mayor Evans reported on her attendance at the Welby Clinic ribbon cutting.
Councilmember Sanchez reported on his, and other Councilmembers attendance, at the
Desert Light House event; the Art Major Studio event; Sunline's 9th Annual Student Art
Contest; Champion of Hospitality event; Rancho La Quinta Marine's Thanksgiving; and
Tree Lighting at La Quinta Resort.
Mayor Pro Tem McGarrey reported on her attendance at the Piece Officer's luncheon.
REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
La Quinta's representative for 2024, Mayor Evans reported on her participation in the
following organization's meeting:
• CVAG EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, a motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers
McGarrey/Sanchez to adjourn at 10:08 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
MONIKA RADEVA, City Clerk
City of La Quinta, California
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Page 13 of 13 DECEMBER 3, 2024
2025 Assignments
APPOINTED DECEMBER 3, 2024
ATTACHMENT 1
AGENCY
2025 MEETING SCHEDULE
2025 REPRESENTATIVES
Animal Campus Commission
1st Thursday, quarterly at 9:30 am
(2025: Feb 1, Apr 3, June 5, Aug 7, Oct 2, Dec 4)
Member: Councilmember Sanchez
Alternate: Councilmember Fitzpatrick
California Joint Powers Insurance Authority*
Annual meeting in July
Member: Councilmember Sanchez
Alternate: Monika Radeva and/or
Claudia Martinez
Greater CV Chamber of Commerce
Information Exchange Committee
Councilmembers rotate — 3rd Thursday every
month at 8:30 am (dark in June and July)
1St quarter— Mayor Pro Tem McGarrey
2nd quarter — Councilmember Sanchez
3rd quarter — Mayor Evans
4th quarter — Councilmember Fitzpatrick
Alternate — Councilmember Pena
Art Purchase Committee — March 2025
Art Purchase Committee — November 2025
Meet during Art Celebrations;
(Feb 27 — Mar 3, 2025; Nov 2025 — TBD)
Members: Com Servs. Com (2) Members;
Mar 2025 — Sanchez & McGarrey;
Nov 2025 — Evans & Fitzpatrick
CVAG General Assembly
Annual banquet — last Monday in June in Chair's
city (June 30, 2025, at 6 pm)
Delegate: Mayor Evans
Alternate: Mayor Pro Tem McGarrey
Members: All Councilmembers
CVAG Conservation Commission*
2nd Thursday of each month at 10:30 am
(2025: dark March, July, Aug, Oct, Dec)
Member: Mayor Evans
Alternate: Councilmember Fitzpatrick
CVAG Energy & Environmental Resources Committee*
2nd Thursday of each month at 12 pm
(2025: dark March, July, Aug, Oct, Dec)
Member: Mayor Evans
Alternate: Councilmember Fitzpatrick
CVAG Executive Committee*
Last Monday of each month at 4:30 pm
(2025: dark March, July, Aug, Oct, Dec)
Member: Mayor Evans
Alternate: Mayor Pro Tem McGarrey (rotating)
CVAG Public Safety Committee*
2nd Monday of each month at 9 am
(2025: dark Mar, Apr, Jul, Aug, Oct, Dec)
Member: Councilmember Pena
Alternate: Councilmember Sanchez
CVAG Transportation Committee*
1st Monday of each month at 10 am
(2025: dark March, July, Aug, Oct, Dec)
Member: Councilmember Fitzpatrick
Alternate: Mayor Pro Tem McGarrey
CVAG Homelessness Committee*
3rd Wednesday of each month at 10 am
(2025: dark Mar, July, Aug, Oct, Dec)
Member: Councilmember Pena
Alternate: Councilmember Fitzpatrick
Coachella Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District2nd
(CVMVCD)*
Tuesday of each month at 6 pm
Member: Councilmember Pena
Appointed 10/19/2021 to serve thru Dec 31, 2025
Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy (CVMC)*
2nd Monday, every other month at 3 pm
(2025: Jan 13, Mar 10, May 12, Jul 14, Sept 8,
Nov 10)
Member: Mayor Pro Tem McGarrey
Alternate: Councilmember Fitzpatrick
* Note: receives stipend
2025 Assignments
APPOINTED DECEMBER 3, 2024
AGENCY
2025 MEETING SCHEDULE
2025 REPRESENTATIVES
Coachella Valley Unified School District
2x2 Committee [established 11/03/2015]
TBD
Members: Councilmembers Fitzpatrick & Pena
Community Service Grant Review Committee
Three per year: Jan, May, & Sept
Members (Jan): McGarrey & Fitzpatrick
Members (May): Evans & Sanchez
Members (Sept): McGarrey & Pena
Coachella Valley Water District Joint Policy Committee
Meet every 3 months or as needed
Member: Mayor Evans
Alternate: Mayor Pro Tem McGarrey (rotating)
Desert Sands Unified School District
2x2 Committee [established June 2013]
TBD
Members: Mayor Evans & Councilmember
Sanchez
Desert Recreation District
2x2 Committee [established Jan. 2017]
TBD
Members: Councilmember Fitzpatrick & Mayor
Pro Tem McGarrey
Economic Development Subcommittee
[established May 20, 2014]
Meet twice a month if needed; TBD and 4th
Wednesday at 9 am
Members: Mayor Evans & Councilmember
Fitzpatrick
Alternate Member: Councilmember Sanchez
Visit Greater Palm Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau*
Tuesday's at 8:30 am at rotating locations
(2025: Jan 31, April 4, June 27, Sept 26, Dec 12;
dark in Feb, March, May, July, Aug, Oct.. Nov)
Members: Mayor Evans
Alternate Member: Councilmember Sanchez
IID Energy Consumers' Advisory Committee (ECAC)
Disbanded by IID Board effective Jan 1, 2025
IID Coachella Valley Energy Commission (CVEC)
Will meet as needed as of December 12, 2024.
(Held at rotating facilities in the cities of Coachella,
Indio, La Quinta, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, Rancho
Mirage, tribal nations, or unincorporated areas of
Imperial & Riverside counties)
Members: Mayor Evans
Appointment will end December 2025
Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) — California
Association
Quarterly meeting held on Friday at 10 am
(2025: Jan 10, Apr & July (TBD), Oct — Annual
Conference)
Member: Councilmember Sanchez
Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) — Riverside
4th Thursday of each month at 9:30 am
(dark Nov 2025?)
Member: Councilmember Sanchez
League of California Cities — Delegate for annual
conference
Annual conference(s) & General Assembly
October 8-10, 2025 in Long Beach, CA
Member: Mayor Evans
Alternate: Mayor Pro Tem McGarrey (rotating)
League of California Cities — Environmental Quality Policy
Committee
3 meetings per year on Fridays at 10 am
(2025: Jan 24, March 28, & June 13)
Member: Mayor Pro Tem McGarrey
League of California Cities — Executive Committee
Riverside County Division
Via ZOOM — 6 pm 2nd Monday of the month
(2025: Feb 10, April 14, June 9, Aug 11, Oct 13)
Member: Mayor Pro Tem McGarrey
League of California Cities — Public Safety Committee
3 meetings per year held on Fridays at 10 am
(2025: Jan 23, March 27, & June 12)
Member: Councilmember Sanchez
* Note: receives stipend
2025 Assignments
APPOINTED DECEMBER 3, 2024
AGENCY
2025 MEETING SCHEDULE
2025 REPRESENTATIVES
Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC)*2na
[one rep appointed by every city]
Wednesday of each month at 9:30 am
Member: Councilmember Fitzpatrick
Alternate Member: Mayor Pro Tem McGarrey
So. Calif. Association of Governments (SCAG)
Annual Regional Conference & General Assembly
— May 1-2, 2025 — Marriott Springs Resort — Palm
Desert
Delegate: Councilmember Sanchez (due to
appointment to SCAG Regional Council;
otherwise Mayor elect)
Alternate Member: Mayor Evans
So. Calif. Association of Governments (SCAG) Regional
Council
Thursday of each month at 12:00 pm
Member: Councilmember Sanchez
(elected 3/11/2024)
Sunline Transit Agency*
4th Wednesday of each month at 10 am — 1 pm
noon (includes Committees)
[dark Aug & Nov 2025]
Member: Councilmember Pena
Alternate: Councilmember Fitzpatrick
* Note: receives stipend