2025 03 26 FAC Minutes Special MeetingFINANCIAL ADVISORY COMMISSION Page 1 of 3 MARCH 26, 2025
SPECIAL MEETING – MINUTES
FINANCIAL ADVISORY COMMISSION
SPECIAL MEETING
MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2025
CALL TO ORDER
A special meeting of the La Quinta Financial Advisory Commission (Commission) was
called to order at 3:30 p.m. by Vice Chair Anderson.
PRESENT: Commissioners Batavick, Kiehl, Lee, Mast, Way, and Vice-Chair Anderson
ABSENT: Chairperson Dorsey
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Commissioner Mast led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA – None
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA
Staff requested the Commission consider the Study Session section before the Business
Session section, out of agenda order; the Commission concurred.
ANNOUNCEMENTS, PRESENTATIONS, AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS – None
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS
1. RECEIVE AND FILE MEETING MINUTES DATED FEBRUARY 12, 2025
2. RECEIVE AND FILE REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE REPORT DATED
DECEMBER 31, 2024
3. RECEIVE AND FILE SECOND QUARTER FISCAL YEAR 2024/25 TREASURY
REPORTS FOR OCTOBER, NOVEMBER, AND DECEMBER 2024
The Commission discussed the December 2024 Community Services general ledger
account including expenditures for several community events such as the Ironman 70.3
triathlon, Pancakes with Santa, Tree Lighting Ceremony, and audio-visual services for
the Veterans Day Ceremony; Capital Improvement Program (CIP) projects revenue
fluctuations between December 2023 and 2024; and inquiries regarding the new Tracker
investment software and report customization options.
FINANCIAL ADVISORY COMMISSION Page 2 of 3 MARCH 26, 2025
SPECIAL MEETING – MINUTES
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Commissioners Kiehl/Way to approve
the Consent Calendar as presented. Motion passed: ayes – 6, noes – 0, abstain – 0,
absent – 1 (Dorsey).
STUDY SESSION >>> taken out of Agenda order
1.DISCUSS PROJECTS TO BE INCLUDED IN FISCAL YEARS 2025/26
THROUGH 2029/30 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
Public Works Director McKinney and Administrative Technician Escarrega presented the
staff report, which is on file in the Finance Department.
The Commission discussed the CIP, focusing on funding sources, road maintenance
prioritization, and the cost implications of proactive road rehabilitation; the widening of
Avenue 50 in collaboration with the City of Indio; citywide striping locations and the
integration of the pavement management master plan; budgeting for emergency repairs,
including sinkholes; Bear Creek Trail restroom project; the Maintenance and Operations
Yard facility project; difference in requirements and restrictions for federally funded
projects versus city-funded ones; and commended staff for the efficient use of Measure
G funds.
2. DISCUSS THE 2025 ANNUAL COMMUNITY WORKSHOP AND 2025/26
BUDGET PROCESS
Finance Director Martinez presented the staff report, which is on file in the Finance
Department.
The Commission discussed workshop attendance; additional opportunities for community
engagement through town halls; the importance of increased public awareness regarding
Imperial Irrigation District (IID) energy power capacity and supply issues; the City’s
ongoing efforts to secure the necessary infrastructure and funding for future power
demands; commended staff for efficiently and effectively leveraging City funds to achieve
a No. 7 ranking in fiscal strength for La Quinta out of 419 cities in California with reported
data, and staff’s continued efforts in managing City funds, reserve levels, and pension
obligations.
Staff noted that enhanced budget reports will be made available this year due to the
implementation of the new budgeting software, providing a high-level overview of the
City’s fiscal strengths and accomplishments, in addition to the standard financial details.
BUSINESS SESSION >>> taken out of Agenda order
1.RECEIVE AND FILE FISCAL YEAR 2024/25 BUDGET UPDATE REPORT,
APPROVE THE RECOMMENDED BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS, AND
RECOMMEND COUNCIL APPROVAL OF ADDITIONAL DISCRETIONARY
PAYMENT TO PAY OUTSTANDING PENSION OBLIGATIONS
FINANCIAL ADVISORY COMMISSION Page 3 of 3 MARCH 26, 2025
SPECIAL MEETING – MINUTES
Finance Director Martinez presented the staff report, which is on file in the Finance
Department.
The Commission discussed additional discretionary payments to reduce or eliminate the
City’s outstanding pension obligations, which is a proactive measure against future
interest accruals; and false alarm fines and collection efforts.
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Commissioners Lee/Batavick to receive
and file fiscal year 2024/25 budget update report, approve the recommended budget
adjustments, and recommend Council approval of additional discretionary payment to pay
outstanding pension obligations. Motion passed: ayes – 6, noes – 0, abstain – 0, absent
– 1 (Dorsey).
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS
1. FINANCE DEPARTMENT CURRENT AND FUTURE INITIATIVES
Staff provided updates on current and upcoming Finance Department projects including
the ongoing audit for fiscal year 2023/24 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report,
Highway 111 corridor project expenditures, the newly formed Coachella Valley Power
Agency for electrical infrastructure and power capacity needs, and efforts to secure
Federal Emergency Management Agency reimbursements related to Tropical Storm
Hilary repair expenses incurred by the City.
COMMISSIONERS’ ITEMS
Commissioner Batavick proposed enhancing public transparency and engagement by
disseminating City budget updates through news outlets or radio.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners
Mast/Way to adjourn this meeting at 5:00 p.m. Motion passed: ayes – 6, noes – 0, abstain
– 0, absent – 1 (Dorsey).
Respectfully submitted,
Amanda Guerrero, Commission Secretary
City of La Quinta, California