2025 05 20 CC MinutesCITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 1 of 10 MAY 20, 2025
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, MAY 20, 2025
CALL TO ORDER
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, Peña, Sanchez, and Mayor Evans
ABSENT: None
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA – None
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA
Councilmember Peña said he will recuse himself from participating in the discussion and
vote on Business Session Item No. 1 related to the appointment of City representative on
the Coachella Valley Power Agency Board of Directors 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), and asked that it be pulled for a
separate vote.
Council concurred.
CLOSED SESSION
1. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT
CODE SECTION 54957.6; CITY DESIGNATED REPRESENTATIVE: CARLA
TRIPLETT, HUMAN RESOURCES DEPUTY DIRECTOR; AND EMPLOYEE
ORGANIZATION: LA QUINTA CITY EMPLOYEES’ ASSOCIATION
2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION;
PURSUANT TO PARAGRAPH (1) OF SUBDIVISION (d) OF GOVERNMENT
CODE SECTION 54956.9;
NAME OF CASE: CITY OF LA QUINTA V. SILVERROCK DEVELOPMENT
COMPANY, ET AL. (RIVERSIDE COUNTY SUP. CT. CASE NO. CVPS2404750)
3. 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)
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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 3:03 P.M.
MAYOR EVANS RECONVENED THE OPEN SESSION PORTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL MEETING AT 4:06 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 reportable action;
CLOSED SESSION ITEM NO. 2 – Council will consider this item after the open
session portion of tonight’s meeting; and
CLOSED SESSION ITEM NO. 3 – Council will consider this item after the open
session portion of tonight’s meeting.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Peña led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Steve Cherry, La Quinta – asked how long it will take to resolve the
SilverRock, formerly Talus, project litigation.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Mary Mann, La Quinta – opposed Specific Plan 2003-067, said it’s
inadequate; opposed the fence planned at the Club at Corral Mountain, said it should
have its own environmental impact report; and believes the City should take a leadership
role in the planning of the adjacent park.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Development Director Scott Wolf with the Coachella Valley Rescue
Mission introduced incoming Executive Director Amanda Galindo – she thanked Council
for their support; provided a brief overview of her experience and qualifications; and
described the new women’s and children’s 60-bed facility.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Anita Broady, La Quinta – addressed the La Quinta News Facebook
page and NextDoor’s ongoing negative comments, specifically regarding the Cove;
suggested improvements to the Cove area, such as “welcome” signage, landscaping, art
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 3 of 10 MAY 20, 2025
installation, code compliance presence, street signs, and undergrounding utility lines; and
offered her assistance.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Wendy Sanders, La Quinta – concerned with the inconsistency and
misinformation from the Building Division regarding her property wall.
City Clerk Radeva said WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENTS were received from the La
Quinta residents listed below, in alphabetical order, which were distributed to Council,
made public, published on the City’s website, and included in the public record of this
meeting:
Anita Broady – suggestions for miscellaneous improvements to the Cove area,
including “welcome” signage, landscaping, art installation, code compliance
presence, street signs, and undergrounding utility lines.
Christa Christopherson – concerns regarding the use of e-bikes on the Bear Creek
Trail.
Lisa Moller – concerns regarding the use of e-bikes on the Bear Creek Trail.
ANNOUNCEMENTS, PRESENTATIONS AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
1. SILVERROCK (FORMERLY TALUS) DEVELOPMENT PROJECT – STATUS
UPDATE
City Attorney Ihrke said on August 5, 2024, SilverRock Development Company LLC and
its affiliates (debtors), 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.
On May 15, 2025, the Bankruptcy Court held an Omnibus Hearing, which included several
“Resolved Matters,” or uncontested courtroom agenda items, primarily dealing with the
“claims bar dates” for which any claims and supporting documents must be submitted to
the Bankruptcy Court by creditors.
Per negotiations and concurrence with the debtors counsel, SDC, and the Chief
Restructuring Officer (CRO), the City is exempt at this time from the obligation to file its
claim because, as previously announced, the City is integrally involved under the
Bankruptcy Court-approved Bid Procedures (March 2025) that governs the process for
selecting a purchaser of the SDC-held property to serve as the new developer for the
SilverRock, formerly Talus, project, which will include agreements between the City and
the new developer.
Unrelated to the Bid Procedures and the City’s involvement with the selection of the next
developer, at the May 15, 2025, hearing, the Bankruptcy Court considered another matter
referred to as a “stand alone” bankruptcy litigation dispute. This matter involved a creditor
and the debtors’ deadline to complete discovery in connection with the creditor’s claim.
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The Bankruptcy Court ruled that discovery for this “stand alone” matter had until late
November 2025 to be completed.
Finally, pursuant to prior authorization of the Bankruptcy Court, and as previously
announced, the CRO retained Jones, Land, LaSalle (JLL) to provide marketing services
for the project to secure a future developer; multiple meetings have occurred between
JLL and City representatives; and this process continues to move along very quickly
pursuant to the Bankruptcy Court-approved Bid Procedures.
Note: The next Omnibus Hearing date before the U.S. Bankruptcy Court is set for June
24, 2025.
2. RIVERSIDE COUNTY ANIMAL SERVICES AD HOC COMMITTEE UPDATE BY
MEMBER TY PEABODY
Riverside County Animal Services Ad Hoc Committee Member Peabody provided an
overview and update on the Ad Hoc Committee’s challenges, recent accomplishments,
and proposed solutions; provided recent reports, and noted daily/weekly report availability
online; and requested Council support for the upcoming agreement with Riverside County.
Council discussed support for the additional funding and employees provided by the
County; contractual obligations of the County; unincorporated County area being a large
part of the problem; need for marketing; need for more shelter space; as the Coachella
Valley (CV) grows, plans for animals need to keep pace; need for east CV animal facility
and services; suggestion to add an animal adoption event to City events, and encourage
businesses to host adoption events; continuing work of the Ad Hoc Committee; regional
solutions needed; collaboration of local animal rights groups with the County Animal
Services staff; process for determining dogs slated for euthanasia; increased
communication with the cities utilizing the County’s animal services; and animal control
regulations in each city.
Kim Hardee , Riverside County Animal Commission Community Member for the City of
Indio, explained the current County animal control staffing and contract; County’s
collaboration with local rescue groups; upcoming animal clinic at Fantasy Springs Resort
Casino in Indio; the efforts of new Director May Martin with the County’s Department of
Animal Services; and requirements for licensing dogs in La Quinta.
3. MARKETING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES – FISCAL YEAR
2024/25 UPDATE AND PLAN FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025/26
Marketing Manager Graham provided an overview of the City’s fiscal year 2024/25
marketing programs, fiscal year 2025/26 marketing and economic development
strategies; and Marketing and Communication Specialist Reyes provided a brief overview
of the City’s social media performance and metrics.
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Council discussed Visit Greater Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce use of influencers;
use of office for the City’s new podcasts series; use of recap video; importance of JNS
Next, the City’s marketing and promotional services consultant, to conduct media
advisories; the multiple channels of communication used; frequency of event postings;
Shop Local campaign visibility and frequency; and local summer campaign focus.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. APPROVE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES DATED MAY 6, 2025
2. EXCUSE ABSENCES OF COMMISSIONERS MAST AND NIETO FROM THE
MAY 7, 2025, FINANCIAL ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING AND MAY 13,
2025, PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING, RESPECTIVELY
3. AUTHORIZE OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPUTY
DIRECTOR, PARKS CREW LEAD, AND STREETS CREW LEAD TO ATTEND
MAINTENANCE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION 2025 ANNUAL
CONFERENCE IN IRVINE, CALIFORNIA, SEPTEMBER 24-26, 2025
4. APPROVE AGREEMENT WITH GRANICUS, LLC FOR WEBSITE HOSTING
AND MAINTENANCE SERVICES
5. APPROVE AMENDMENT NO. 8 TO AGREEMENT FOR CONTRACT SERVICES
WITH GHD, INC FOR HIGHWAY 111 CORRIDOR PROJECT NO. 2019-05
6. ACCEPT OFF-SITE AND ON-SITE IMPROVEMENTS ASSOCIATED WITH
PARCEL MAP NO. 38668 LOCATED ON THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF
HIGHWAY 111 AND DUNE PALMS ROAD; PROJECT – DUNE PALMS MIXED-
USE PROJECT
7. APPROVE PURCHASE OF 2025 VERMEER CTX100 STAND BEHIND SKID
STEER; AND DECLARE MODEL YEAR 2018 VERMEER STUMP GRINDER,
2017 VERMEER CHIPPER, AND 2018 BUTLER TRAILER AS SURPLUS, AND
APPROVE DISPOSAL METHOD
8. RATIFY USE OF SERVICES WITH FIRST LINE ENVIRONMENTAL
SOLUTIONS FOR EMERGENCY HAZMAT CLEANUP AND DISPOSAL
9. APPROVE DEMAND REGISTERS DATED APRIL 25 AND MAY 2, 2025
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Sanchez/Fitzpatrick
to approve the Consent Calendar as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
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BUSINESS SESSION
1. APPOINT MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL TO SERVE AS CITY
REPRESENTATIVES ON THE NEWLY FORMED COACHELLA VALLEY
POWER AGENCY BOARD OF DIRECTORS
COUNCILMEMBER PEÑA RECUSED HIMSELF FROM PARTICIPATING IN THE
DISCUSSION AND VOTE ON BUSINESS 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 5:42 P.M.
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 Mayor Evans and Councilmember Fitzpatrick to serve, respectively, as Director
and an alternate on the Coachella Valley Power Agency Board of Directors. Motion
passed: ayes – 4, noes – 0, abstain – 0, absent – 1 (Peña).
City Clerk Radeva said WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENTS were received from Rancho
Mirage resident Brad Anderson, opposing the newly formed Coachella Valley Power
Agency and related Joint Powers Agreement, which were distributed to Council, made
public, published on the City’s website, and included in the public record of this meeting.
COUNCILMEMBER PEÑA RETURNED TO THE DAIS AT 5:44 P.M.
2. APPROVE LA QUINTA YOUTH COLLECTIVE (LQYC) PROGRAM
Management Analyst Calderon and Administrative Technician Elizalde presented the
staff report, which is on file in the Clerk’s Office.
Council discussed timing for promoting the LQYC program; plans for engaging home-
schooled students; scholarship/grant funding to students or directly to schools;
documentation for use of grant funds; connecting students to resources and outside
organizations in their fields of interest; application to include participation in sports, clubs,
etc. – shows they are driven; means of selecting participants for well-rounded group;
grade make-up of participants for balance of maturity; and adding a due date to complete
the application.
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Fitzpatrick/McGarrey
to approve the La Quinta Youth Collective Program as presented. Motion passed
unanimously.
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3. INTRODUCE FOR FIRST READING AN ORDINANCE ADDING CHAPTER
11.46 TO TITE 11 OF THE LA QUINTA MUNICIPAL CODE RELATED TO
REGULATING UNAUTHORIZED CAMPING WITHIN THE CITY
Public Safety Management Analyst Chastain presented the staff report, which is on file in
the Clerk’s Office.
PRESENTER: Lieutenant Francisco (Frank) Velasco, Riverside County Sheriff’s
Department – explained that this is one of the numerous layers established by the City to
assist with the health and safety of the homeless; the proposed regulations being a last-
resort measure to dismantle encampments if it cannot be resolved through the support
services and assistance available; explained the personnel and process followed when
an encampment is discovered; the personal relationship and compassion between
Deputies and homeless individuals; and the balance Deputies face between rights of
homeless folks, residents, and businesses.
Council discussed the need and purpose of the proposed regulations; staff’s personal
knowledge and relationships with local homeless folks; homelessness being a regional
matter; City support of local service agencies focused on assistance; homelessness not
being a crime, but unauthorized camping is; City’s efforts to provide affordable housing;
and the high costs and State mandates for building affordable housing.
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Peña/Sanchez to take
up Ordinance No. 623 by title and number only and waive further reading adding Chapter
11.46 to Title 11 of the La Quinta Municipal Code related to regulating unauthorized
camping within the City as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
City Clerk Radeva read the following title of Ordinance No. 623 into the record:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, ADDING CHAPTER 11.46 TO TITLE 11 OF THE LA QUINTA
MUNICIPAL CODE RELATED TO REGULATING UNAUTHORIZED CAMPING
WITHIN THE CITY
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Peña/Sanchez to
introduce at first reading Ordinance No. 623 to add Chapter 11.46 to Title 11 of the La
Quinta Municipal Code related to regulating unauthorized camping within the City as
presented. Motion passed unanimously.
MAYOR EVANS CALLED FOR A BRIEF RECESS AT 6:31 P.M.
MAYOR EVANS RECONVENED THE COUNCIL MEETING AT 6:48 P.M. WITH
ALL MEMBERS PRESENT
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STUDY SESSION
1. DISCUSS FISCAL YEAR 2025/26 PRELIMINARY PROPOSED BUDGET
Finance Director Martinez presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk’s Office.
Council discussed Measure G projections and actuals; increase in Community Service
Grants; possible program grants for the certified autism program for businesses; legal
limitations on gifts of public funds; expected animal services contract increases; cost of
spay/neuter clinics; and possible City assistance to residents with adoption and
spay/neuter fees.
PUBLIC HEARINGS – None
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS – All reports are on file in the City Clerk’s Office.
7-A. POLICE QUARTERLY REPORT – JANUARY-MARCH 2025
Council discussed the Police Report data, particularly the importance of the public safety
camera system in solving crimes; monitoring of speeding, noise, collisions on Eisenhower
Drive; improved response time; increase in number of calls; and Council’s appreciation
of the assistance provided in response to the Palm Springs car bomb incident.
MAYOR’S AND COUNCIL MEMBERS’ ITEMS
Councilmember Sanchez reported on his attendance at the monthly Yappy Hour event
held in Palm Desert; and Shays Warriors and Life After Cancer high tea.
Mayor Evans reported on her, and other Councilmembers’ attendance at Desert Sands
Unified School District State-of-the-District event; Cal State San Bernardino ground
breaking event; Desert Cities Art Council ribbon cutting; Women Leaders Forum;
Cathedral City State-of-the-City; Palm Springs Military Officers Association annual
scholarship luncheon; Visit Greater Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce promotional
tour; and celebration of Blanche Rameriz’ 40 years with DSUSD.
Mayor Pro Tem McGarrey reported on her, and other Councilmembers’ attendance at the
Officer Bruce Lee Memorial; and League of California Cities meeting.
Councilmember Peña reported on his attendance at the 2025 California Contract Cities
Association Annual Municipal Seminar.
REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
La Quinta’s representative for 2025, Councilmember Fitzpatrick reported on her
participation in the following organization’s meeting:
RIVERSIDE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION (RCTC)
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La Quinta’s representative for 2025, Mayor Pro Tem McGarrey reported on her
participation in the following organization’s meeting:
COACHELLA VALLEY MOUNTAINS CONSERVANCY
La Quinta’s representative for 2025, Councilmember Peña reported on his participation
in the following organization’s meeting:
CVAG PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
CLOSED SESSION – Continued
2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION;
PURSUANT TO PARAGRAPH (1) OF SUBDIVISION (d) OF GOVERNMENT
CODE SECTION 54956.9;
NAME OF CASE: CITY OF LA QUINTA V. SILVERROCK DEVELOPMENT
COMPANY, ET AL. (RIVERSIDE COUNTY SUP. CT. CASE NO. CVPS2404750)
3. 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 7:53 P.M.
MAYOR EVANS RECONVENED THE OPEN SESSION PORTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL MEETING AT 8:36 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. 2 – no reportable action; and
CLOSED SESSION ITEM NO. 3 – no reportable action;
Council’s authorization remains in place for the City Attorney, in coordination with the City
Attorney’s Office and Special Counsel, 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.
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ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, a motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers
Peña/McGarrey to adjourn at 8:36 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
MONIKA RADEVA, City Clerk
City of La Quinta, California