2025 01 21 HA Minutes Quarterly MeetingHOUSING AUTHORITY
MINUTES
TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2025
CALL TO ORDER
A regular quarterly meeting of the La Quinta Housing Authority (Authority) was called to
order at 7:24 p.m. by Chairperson Fitzpatrick.
PRESENT: Authority Members: Evans, McGarrey, Pena, Sanchez, and Chairperson
Fitzpatrick
ABSENT: None
VERBAL ANNOUNCEMENT — AB 23 was made by the Authority Secretary
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Patsy Zimmerman, La Quinta — was not present to speak when
called upon by the Chairperson.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Christopher Morgan, La Quinta — resides at the Watercolors
residential development and expressed concerns regarding the upcoming mandatory
bulk cable service being implemented by the homeowners' association (HOA) with little
notice, and inaccurate information; the bulk rate will decrease the monthly rate for those
currently with service, but will mandate those who do not have or wish to have the service,
pay the $75 monthly rate, which some cannot afford.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: James Lewis, La Quinta — resides at the Watercolors residential
development and provided information on his and his wife's career and financial
background; expressed concerns regarding the continuing increase in HOA dues; current
primary concern is the upcoming mandatory bulk cable service being implemented
improperly by the HOA as it is a violation of the community's Covenants, Conditions and
Restrictions (CC&Rs); the mandatory service will adversely affect affordability of housing
units, and force those who cannot afford, or just do not want the service, to pay the
monthly charge. Mr. Lewis added that the HOA is currently collecting ballots on this issue
from residents, and expects to release the voting results at their February 28, 2025,
meeting.
In response to Chairperson Fitzpatrick, Authority Counsel Ihrke explained that the City
has no jurisdiction over the HOA Board's decisions however, Mr. lhrke's office, as
representative of the Authority, did send a letter to the HOA's legal counsel, with a copy
to the current HOA Boardmembers, informing them that the Authority has received
several concerns on this matter from Watercolors residents, and highlighted two issues:
(1) being the liability faced by the HOA Board if the legal procedures in the HOA's
governing documents are not followed regarding contracting for this mandatory service
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charge; and (2) causing the housing units to exceed the sale price set by State law for
affordable housing since this mandatory charge would be factored into the sale price
calculation.
The Authority discussed the items included in the State's formula for the sale price of
affordable housing such as assessments like cable, taxes, and electricity; the purpose of
contracting bulk cable service; understanding that some residents are unable to pay the
mandatory service charge, and do not wish to have the service; suggested that residents
contact the service provider for senior or discounted service fees for lower income
households; and suggested that residents against the bulk service continue their
campaign with fellow residents.
The Authority requested that (1) Authority Counsel follow up on the previous letter to the
HOA's attorney requesting a response, and (2) the City Manager investigate discounts
available from the service provider.
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA — Confirmed
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. APPROVE HOUSING AUTHORITY SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES DATED
NOVEMBER 5, 2024
2. ADOPT RESOLUTION TO DECLARE ASSESSOR PARCEL NUMBERS 600-
030-039 AND 600-390-024, LOCATED IN THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, AS SURPLUS LAND [RESOLUTION NO. HA 2025-001]
3. APPROPRIATE FUNDS AND APPROVE ADDITIONAL REIMBURSEMENT
FOR UTILITY IMPROVEMENTS ASSOCIATED WITH CERTAIN REAL
PROPERTY COMPRISED OF 5.2 ACRES LOCATED ON THE NORTHEAST
CORNER OF HIGHWAY 111 AND DUNE PALMS ROAD (ASSESSOR PARCEL
NUMBER 600-030-039) TO BP DUNE PALMS, LP, BY GENERAL PARTNER
BLACKPOINT PROPERTIES, LLC
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Authority Members Pena/Sanchez to
approve the Consent Calendar as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
BUSINESS SESSION
1. APPOINT HOUSING AUTHORITY CHAIRPERSON AND VICE -CHAIRPERSON
FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2025
The Authority waived presentation of the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk's Office.
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MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Authority Members Pena/Evans to
appoint Housing Authority Members McGarrey and Sanchez to serve as Chairperson and
Vice -Chairperson, respectively, for calendar year 2025. Motion passed unanimously.
2. RECEIVE AND FILE FISCAL YEAR 2023/24 HOUSING AUTHORITY YEAR-
END BUDGET
Finance Manager Martinez presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk's Office.
AUTHORITY MEMBER PEN- A LEFT THE MEETING AT 7:49 P.M.
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Authority Members Evans/McGarrey to
receive and file fiscal year 2023/24 Housing Authority Year -End Budget report as
presented. Motion passed: ayes — 4, noes — 0, abstain — 0, absent — 1 (Pena).
HOUSING AUTHORITY MEMBERS' ITEMS
Authority Member Evans noted at the last Coachella Valley Association of Governments
Executive Committee meeting, there was a blanket request for all cities to contribute to
the Housing First Program at $125,000 per year for three to five years, and noted that the
City of La Quinta currently contributes annually $100,000 to this Program as well as
$100,000 each to two other local housing programs.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, it was moved and seconded by Authority Members
Evans/McGarrey to adjourn at 7:56 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
MONIKA RADEVA, Authority Secretary
La Quinta Housing Authority
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