2025 07 15 CC MinutesCITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, JULY 15, 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, Pena, Sanchez, and Mayor Evans
ABSENT: None
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA — None
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA — Confirmed
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
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; NAME OF CASE: Langdon v. City of La Quinta (Small Claims Court,
Riverside County Superior Court, Case No. SCPS2500496)
COUNCIL RECESSED THE OPEN SESSION PORTION OF THE MEETING AND
MOVED INTO CLOSED SESSION AT 3:02 P.M.
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MAYOR EVANS RECONVENED THE OPEN SESSION PORTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL MEETING AT 4:02 P.M. WITH ALL MEMBERS PRESENT
REPORT ON ACTION(S) TAKEN IN CLOSED SESSION:
Mayor Evans said Council will recess back to Closed Session after the Open Session
portion of tonight's agenda to continue consideration of the Closed Session items.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Pena led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Jose Arredondo, La Quinta — submitted a Request to Speak form
regarding "making La Quinta a sanctuary city," but was not present to speak when called
upon by the Mayor.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Mary Mann, La Quinta — opposed the location of the bighorn sheep
fence installed at the Club at Coral Mountain development (located south of Avenue 58,
north of Avenue 60, and east and west of Madison Street), pursuant to Amendment No. 5
to Specific Plan 2003-067; and believes the fence cuts off public access to the open land.
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.Iaquintaca.gov/talus.
Mr. Ihrke noted there were no new updates to be reported on the bankruptcy cases as
there have been no hearings held in open court since the last update provided at the
July 1, 2025, Council meeting.
As previously announced, pursuant to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court -approved Bid
Procedures (March 2025), the process to secure a future developer for the project
continues; the next Omnibus Hearing date is set for July 18, 2025; and a subsequent
announcement of the court's direction from the hearing will be provided at the next Council
meeting.
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2. FAMILY YMCA OF THE DESERT PRESENTATION BY CHIEF EXECUTIVE
OFFICER PAULA SIMONDS AND COMMUNITY PROGRAM DIRECTOR
JUSTIN HICKEY REGARDING PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
Ms. Simonds and Mr. Hickey provided an update on the Family YMCA of the Desert's
programs and services including childcare, day camps, financial assistance, etc.;
provided updates of programs at the two YMCA facilities in the City, the La Quinta
Development Center and John Adams Early Childhood Learning Center.
3. PROCLAMATION IN RECOGNITION OF OUTDOOR WORKER APPRECIATION
WEEK — JULY 14 — 20, 2025
Field Representative Felipe Ortiz representing Assemblymember Greg Wallis AD 47
Office presented a Proclamation in recognition of Outdoor Worker Appreciation Week.
Council commended the Public Works team for their efforts and dedication in serving the
community, and presented a proclamation in recognition of Outdoor Worker Appreciation
Week.
4. CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION COMMENDING CHRIS SCHULTZ FOR HIS
CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE CITY'S GRAVEL PROGRAM PROJECTS
Code Compliance/Animal Control Supervisor Lynch provided an overview of the City's
Gravel Program Projects and Chris Schultz contributions to the program.
Mayor Evans presented a Certificate of Appreciation commending Mr. Schultz for his
dedication and service to the community.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. APPROVE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES DATED JULY 1, 2025
2. AUTHORIZE OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR MARKETING MANAGER TO
ATTEND CALIFORNIA TRAVEL ASSOCIATION SUMMIT 2025 IN LAKE
TAHOE, CALIFORNIA, OCTOBER 5 — 9, 2025
3. AUTHORIZE HISTORIC PROPERTY PRESERVATION AGREEMENT
PURSUANT TO THE MILLS ACT FOR DESIGNATED HISTORIC LANDMARK
PROPERTY LOCATED AT 51407 AVENIDA VELASCO; CASE NO. MLLS 2025-
0001
4. ACCEPT THE CITYWIDE MISCELLANEOUS AMERICANS WITH
DISABILITIES ACT IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT NO. 2024-05 (COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROJECT NO. 4.LQ.50-24) LOCATED IN
MULTIPLE LOCATIONS WITHING THE CITY'S VILLAGE AREA
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5. RECEIVE AND FILE REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE REPORT DATED
APRIL 30, 2025
6. APPROVE DEMAND REGISTERS DATED JUNE 20 AND 27, 2025
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Pena/Fitzpatrick to
approve the Consent Calendar as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
BUSINESS SESSION
1. APPROVE POLICY ESTABLISHING CITY REVIEW GUIDELINES FOR THE
HISTORIC PLAQUE PROGRAM ADMINISTERED BY THE LA QUINTA
HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Interim Design and Development Director Flores presented the staff report, which is on
file in the Clerk's Office.
Council discussed the verification process of designated historical landmark properties
eligibility for the Historic Plaque Program; the La Quinta Historical Society's (LQHS)
procurement and guidelines of historic landmark plaques; and the desire to integrate the
City's historic landmark properties and historical sites which were previously given
landmark plaques on a single map or list.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Linda Williams, President of LQHS, La Quinta resident — spoke of
the LQHS's guidelines and application for historic plaques, and the continuous efforts to
establish more ways to recognize historical properties.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Michael Paganelli, recipient of the first residential Landmark
Designation, La Quinta resident — expressed appreciation for the City's partnership and
support for this program.
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers McGarrey/Fitzpatrick
to approve a policy establishing City review guidelines for the Historic Plaque Program,
administered by the La Quinta Historical Society, as presented. Motion passed
unanimously.
STUDY SESSION
1. REVIEW AND DISCUSS STRATEGIC PLAN SEMI-ANNUAL UPDATE
Marketing and Communications Specialist Barkas presented the staff report, which is on
file in the Clerk's Office.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Mary Mann, La Quinta — expressed desire for community
involvement in the Highway 111 Specific Plan, and asked about the City's commitment to
the development of affordable housing.
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City Attorney Ihrke stated that California State Law requires cities to account for the
planning and development of a certain number of affordable housing units, and the City
has identified several sites in its Housing Element for low- and moderate -income housing.
Council discussed the progress of the 13 Focus Areas since adoption of the Strategic
Plan (Plan) on February 18, 2025; the evaluation of the Highway 111 Specific Plan and
community outreach conducted in collaboration with the Urban Land Institute; the
assessment and development of standards through the implementation of the
Highway 111 corridor form -based code; standards and regulations developers must
comply with; the redesign of the City's entry monuments; the recent relaxation of
California Environment Quality Act (CEQA) requirements which may allow to streamline
development; explore including the City's art inventory in the Public Art Archive database,
which serves as a central repository for documenting public artworks and raising
awareness throughout the U.S. and abroad; Imperial Irrigation District (IID) lease
expiration and equipment needs, and the formation of the Coachella Valley Power Agency
Joint Powers Authority which the City was the first member, along with the City of Indio
and County of Riverside as members; microgrids being a potential alternative energy
source as they operate independently from the main electrical grid; the possible
expansion of the City's boundaries into its sphere of influence; and the formation of the
La Quinta Youth Collective.
PUBLIC HEARINGS — None
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS — All reports are on file in the City Clerk's Office.
MAYOR'S AND COUNCIL MEMBERS' ITEMS
Councilmember Pena reported on his attendance with Mayor Pro Tem McGarrey at the
retirement celebration of Desert Recreation District General Manager Kevin Kalman, and
expressed desire to formally recognize Mr. Kalman with a proclamation on behalf of the
City.
Mayor Evans reported on her participation in a meeting with the Palm Springs Council of
Realtors; recognition of Eagle Scout Bernadette Flicker; upcoming attendance at the Do
the Right Thing award ceremony; and meetings with the IID and Visit Greater Palm
Springs.
Mayor Pro Tem McGarrey reported on her attendance at the Coachella Valley Rescue
Mission's First Responders Appreciation 4th of July BBQ.
REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
La Quinta's representative for 2025, Mayor Pro Tem McGarrey reported on the upcoming
Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy Open House.
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CLOSED SESSION — Continued
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
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; NAME OF CASE: Langdon v. City of La Quinta (Small Claims Court,
Riverside County Superior Court, Case No. SCPS2500496)
COUNCIL RECESSED THE OPEN SESSION PORTION OF THE MEETING AND
MOVED INTO CLOSED SESSION AT 5:19 P.M.
MAYOR EVANS RECONVENED THE OPEN SESSION PORTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL MEETING AT 6:25 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; 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.
• CLOSED SESSION ITEM NO. 2 — no reportable action.
• CLOSED SESSION ITEM NO. 3 — no reportable action.
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ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, a motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers
Pena/McGarrey to adjourn at 6:25 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
OSCAR MOJICA, Deputy City Clerk
City of La Quinta, California
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