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2025 08 05 CC MinutesCITY COUNCIL MINUTES TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2025 CALL TO ORDER A regular meeting of the La Quinta City Council was called to order at 2:00 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 Councilmember Pena said he will recuse himself and abstain from participating in the discussion and vote on Consent Calendar Item No. 6, related to the Fritz Burns Park Improvements Project No. 2021-02, due to a potential conflict of interest stemming from the proximity of his real property to this project, and requested that it be pulled for a separate vote. Mayor Pro Tem McGarrey said she will recuse herself and abstain from participating in the discussion and vote on Consent Calendar Item No. 15, related to the approval of demand registers for Southern California Gas Company (So Cal Gas), due to a potential conflict of interest stemming from a business relationship, i.e., her employer, So Cal Gas, is listed on the demand register, and requested that the item be pulled for a separate vote. Mayor Evans asked that during the report presentation, staff provide details of the agreement terms and increased costs with Flock Group, Inc., related to the automatic license plate reader system, under consideration as Business Session Item No. 3 on tonight's agenda. Council concurred. 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) CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 1 of 10 AUGUST 5, 2025 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 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) COUNCIL RECESSED THE OPEN SESSION PORTION OF THE MEETING AND MOVED INTO CLOSED SESSION AT 2:02 P.M. 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: 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. Mr. Ihrke noted that a summary of the bankruptcy proceedings status for SilverRock Development Company and its affiliates will be provided under the Announcements, Presentations, and Written Communications section of the agenda, as Presentation Item No. 1. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Councilmember Sanchez led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA PUBLIC SPEAKER: Henry Chapin, La Quinta — Dune Palms Mobile Estates resident for 43 years; annual rent increases every year have been $10 until this year it is $30 per month; and, asked for City to find out the reason why. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 2 of 10 AUGUST 5, 2025 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 that the City Manager, Special Counsel, and City Attorney continue to be very busy, working with the debtors and Chief Restructuring Officer (CRO), and their legal counsel, as the bankruptcy process moves forward pursuant to the Court -approved "Bid Procedures," which in general provides the process for the marketing and eventual sale and selection of a new owner and developer for the debtors' assets (i.e. the former Talus development property). The Bid Procedures contemplated holding a live auction during which "Qualified Bidders" would have the opportunity to bid for the purchase of the debtors' assets and be selected as the new developer. On July 18, 2025, the Bankruptcy Court heard and granted the debtors' motion to hold a live auction. As summarized in debtors' motion, the auction procedure were designed to promote a competitive and timely sale process, and to determine the highest best bid from each Qualified Bidder for the debtors' assets." The live auction has been held, and two Qualified Bidders participated. One of the bidders was TBE RE ACQUISITION CO II, an affiliate of Turnbridge Equities, which the Bankruptcy Court previously approved as the "stalking horse bidder," and another entity. Pursuant to the Bankruptcy Court Order for the auction procedure, the Council met in closed session to receive a summary of the process, hear the results from the auction and last and final bid proposals from each qualified bidder, and to give direction to the City Manager, Special Counsel, and City Attorney for the purpose of following up with the debtors and their legal counsel. Also pursuant to the Court's Order, after the debtors received the City's feedback, and subject to the continuing requirements of the agreements between the debtors and the Qualified Bidders, the debtors expect to file a notice of "successful bidder" and "next - highest bidder" in the very near future. Thereafter, the successful bidder will need to submit its formal application to the City to commence the process for reviewing and potentially approving the successful bidder's proposed project, as the process would apply for any other property owner or proposed CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 3 of 10 AUGUST 5, 2025 developer. Eventually, the proposed project will be reviewed by both the City's Planning Commission and Council, and the debtors will need to seek approval of the Bankruptcy Court for the sale of debtors' assets and the property for the proposed project. 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. 2. INTRODUCE RIVERSIDE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT LIEUTENANT NICHOLAS LINGLE Riverside County Sheriff's Department Captain Andres (Andy) Martinez commended outgoing Lt. Velasco for his exceptional leadership, dedicated service, and commitment to the La Quinta community; Lt. Velasco expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve La Quinta and the City's support; and Council thanked and commended Lt. Velasco for his service and presented him with a Certificate of Appreciation. Captain Martinez introduced Lt. Lingle as Lt. Velasco's successor, serving as La Quinta Police Chief, and spoke of his experience and qualifications; Mayor Evans provided a brief summary of Lt. Lingle's background and accomplishments; Council congratulated and welcomed Lt. Lingle in his new assignment to La Quinta; and Lt. Lingle thanked Council for their warm welcome and said he is looking forward to working in La Quinta. CONSENT CALENDAR 1. APPROVE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES DATED JULY 15, 2025 2. AUTHORIZE OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR TWO CODE COMPLIANCE OFFICERS TO ATTEND THE CALIFORNIA MUNICIPAL REVENUE AND TAX ASSOCIATION 2025 ANNUAL CONFERENCE IN ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA, NOVEMBER 5 — 7, 2025 3. AUTHORIZE OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR DEPUTY BUILDING OFFICIAL, TWO SENIOR BUILDING INSPECTORS, AND A BUILDING INSPECTOR TO ATTEND THE CALIFORNIA BUILDING OFFICIAL'S EDUCATION WEEK IN COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA, OCTOBER 26 — 30, 2025 4. APPROVE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH DESERT SANDS UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR PARTIAL FUNDING OF TWO SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS 5. APPROVE PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, ENGINEER'S ESTIMATE, AND ADVERTISE FOR BID THE PAVEMENT MANAGEMENT PLAN FISCAL YEAR 2025/26 SLURRY SEAL IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT NO. 2025-02 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 4 of 10 AUGUST 5, 2025 6. »> Pulled for a separate vote by Councilmember Pena APPROPRIATE ADDITIONAL FUNDING IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,702,000; AND AWARD CONTRACT TO RG GENERAL ENGINEERING INC FOR THE FRITZ BURNS PARK IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT NO. 2021-02 7. APPROVE AGREEMENT OF SERVICES WITH ITI DIGITAL SOLUTIONS FOR WEBSITE CALENDAR AND BUSINESS LISTING MAINTENANCE 8. APPROVE AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO AGREEMENT FOR CONTRACT SERVICES WITH RY+AO FOR THE X-PARK BUILDING AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT NO. 2023-08 9. APPROVE AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO AGREEMENT FOR CONTRACT SERVICES WITH RY+AO FOR MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS YARD PROJECT NO. 2018-05 PHASE 3 CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS SERVICES 10. APPROVE AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO AGREEMENT FOR CONTRACT SERVICES WITH SOUTHSTAR ENGINEERING AND CONSULTING, INC FOR CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT AND INSPECTION SERVICES FOR THE HIGHWAY 111 REHABILITATION PROJECT NO. 2022-25 11. APPROVE AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO AGREEMENT FOR CONTRACT SERVICES WITH CLEARGOV, INC FOR BUDGETING AND TRANSPARENCY SOFTWARE FOR A ONE-YEAR TERM EXTENSION AND ADDITION OF PERSONNEL BUDGETING MODULE 12. APPROVE AMENDMENT NO. 3 TO AGREEMENT FOR CONTRACT SERVICES WITH GOVINVEST INC FOR ACTUARIAL CONSULTING AND TECHNOLOGY SERVICES FOR A TWO-YEAR TERM EXTENSION 13. RECEIVE AND FILE REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE REPORT DATED MAY 31, 2025 14. APPROVE DEMAND REGISTERS DATED JULY 11 AND 18, 205 15. »> Pulled for a separate vote by Mayor Prot Tem McGarrey APPROVE DEMAND REGISTERS FOR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA GAS COMPANY DATED APRIL 18, MAY 16, JUNE 13, AND JULY 11, 2025 CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM NO. 4 — COMMENTS Mayor Evans said the City partners with the Desert Sands Unified School District to provide 50-50 funding for two School Resource Officers; and noted that the City continues to encourage the Coachella Valley Unified School District (CVUSD) to do the same. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 5 of 10 AUGUST 5, 2025 MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Pena/Fitzpatrick to approve Consent Calendar Item Nos. 1-5, and 7-14, as presented. Motion passed unanimously. CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM NO. 6 — COMMENTS — pulled fora separate vote COUNCILMEMBER PENA RECUSED HIMSELF, AND SAID HE WILL ABSTAIN FROM DISCUSSION AND VOTE ON CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM NO. 6 DUE TO A POTENTIAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST STEMMING FROM THE PROXIMITY OF HIS REAL PROPERTY TO THE FRITZ BURNS PARK Councilmember Fitzpatrick said this project was identified by residents as a priority for the La Quinta community at the 2021 Community Workshop; project cost turned out to be more expensive than originally anticipated; and residents and the City are pleased to see the project come to fruition. Mayor Evans noted that this is a multi -phased project that will evolve over time, and it is financed by a number of funding sources. MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers McGarrey/Sanchez to approve Consent Calendar Item No. 10 as presented. Motion passed: ayes — 4, noes — 0, abstain — 1 (Pena), absent — 0. CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM NO. 15 — pulled fora separate vote MAYOR PRO TEM McGARREY RECUSED HERSELF, AND SAID SHE WILL ABSTAIN FROM THE DISCUSSION AND VOTE ON CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM NO. 15 DUE TO A POTENTIAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST STEMMING FROM A BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP WITH HER EMPLOYER SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA GAS COMPANY, WHICH IS A PAYEE ON THE DEMAND REGISTER MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Fitzpatrick/Pena to approve Consent Calendar Item No. 14 as presented. Motion passed: ayes — 4, noes — 0, abstain — 1 (McGarrey), absent — 0. BUSINESS SESSION 1. APPROVE AGREEMENT WITH COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE FOR ANIMAL SHELTER, FIELD, AND LICENSING SERVICES City Clerk Radeva said WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENTS were received from the residents listed below, in alphabetical order, recommending extended hours for animal control services, specifically during weekends, which were distributed to Council, made public, published on the City's website, and included in the public record of this meeting: • Cheryl Heineman, La Quinta • Kay Wolff, La Quinta CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 6 of 10 AUGUST 5, 2025 Code Compliance/Animal Control Supervisor Lynch presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk's Office. PRESENTER: Kimberly Youngberg, Assistant Director, Riverside County Department of Animal Services (RCDAS) — answered Council's questions regarding vehicles, spay and neuter clinic costs; service cost increases to achieve full cost recovery for the County; uses for budget sub -fund 11109 donations that go into four buckets — general, emergency response and preparedness, healthcare, and healthy pet zone; uses for sub -fund 11102 spay/neuter deposit fund; and status of hiring more veterinarians. PRESENTER: Mary Martin, RCDAS Director of Animal Services — answered Council's questions regarding recruiting high -quality, high -volume trained veterinarians; plans for an east Coachella Valley location and spay/neuter mobile services; challenge of services for large animals in mobile bus; continued acceptance of cats; adoptions not final until the animal is spayed/neutered; transporting animals to shelters in other States that are not at full capacities; receiving partners needed due to limited space at RCDAS; expected budget changes when RCDAS is no longer operating over capacity; proposal for service after hours — explore shared services with other cities; calls prioritized on weekends; expanded shelter weekend hours; law enforcement generally contacts animal service direclty; educational services; the ongoing fund to help animal owners pay for pet food and medications; animal cremation and burial services; RCDAS does not render animals (process into useful products), all deceased animals are transferred to the landfill; to assist in reducing the number of animals being euthanized, Burrtec has donated to the spay/neuter fund; the process and people involved to determine if an animal is to be euthanized; immediate need for 300 more kennels; route cause for over overpopulation is spay/neuter needs, poverty, owners' irresponsibility; explained owner -surrendered animals; and changes in cat policy are pending due to San Diego law suit. PUBLIC SPEAKER: Paulina Kallimanis, La Quinta — upset about the amount of money being made on animals; serves on Board of Society's Outcast Animal Rescues (SOAR); explained services SOAR provides to rescue animals facing neglect or abandonment; questioned why and where animals are being killed, and why the shelter is not being expanded; asked about amount of money going to RCDAS from the City; and noted that many people are getting very upset, and worried someone may get violent. PUBLIC SPEAKER: Phillip Bettencourt, La Quinta — said he wanted to provide a positive comment and shared that his wife, Meredith Bettencourt, works with Animal Samaritans by taking out one dog every week to teach the animals social skills, and also showcases them to folks who see her and may want to adopt an animal. MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers McGarrey/Sanchez to approve agreement with County of Riverside, as drafted, for animal shelter, field, and licensing services; authorize the City Manager to approve minor revisions to the agreement that do not alter the intent of the agreement; and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement. Motion passed unanimously. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 7 of 10 AUGUST 5, 2025 PUBLIC HEARINGS — Taken out of Agenda Order 1. ADOPT RESOLUTION TO UPDATE THE CITY'S USER AND REGULATORY MASTER FEE SCHEDULE [RESOLUTION NO. 2025-021] City Clerk Radeva introduced Consultant Terry Madsen, President of ClearSource Financial Consulting presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk's Office. MAYOR EVANS DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING OPEN AT 5:43 P.M. PUBLIC SPEAKER: None MAYOR EVANS DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED AT 5:43 P.M. Council discussed reasons for additional fees on certain items like oversized block walls; and purpose of building permits. MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Sanchez/Fitzpatrick to adopt Resolution No. 2025-021 as presented: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING A REVISED MASTER FEE SCHEDULE OF VARIOUS USER AND REGULATORY FEES Motion passed unanimously. BUSINESS SESSION — Continued 2. APPROVE AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO AGREEMENT FOR CONTRACT SERVICES WITH RINCON CONSULTANTS, INC FOR GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM TECHNICAL SUPPORT SERVICES Senior Management Analyst Kinley presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk's Office. MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Pena/Fitzpatrick to approve Amendment No. 1 to Agreement for Contract Services with Rincon Consultants, Inc. for additional Geographic Information System Technical Support Services; and authorize the City Manager to execute the amendment. Motion passed unanimously. 3. APPROVE AGREEMENT FOR CONTRACT SERVICES WITH FLOCK GROUP, INC FOR AUTOMATIC LICENSE PLATE READER SYSTEM WITHIN LA QUINTA'S BOUNDARIES; AND AUTHORIZE RIVERSIDE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT AS THE SYSTEM'S ADMINISTRATOR AND AUTHORIZED USER Management Analyst Chastain presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk's Office. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 8 of 10 AUGUST 5, 2025 PRESENTER: Francisco (Frank) Velasco, Lieutenant with Riverside County Sheriff's Department — reported on the uses and benefits of the automatic license plate reader system (ALPR); strict compliance with Senate Bill 54 (Stats. 2017, Ch. 495, De Leon) and Senate Bill 34 (Stats. 2015, Ch. 532, Hill) regarding sharing data with other agencies; retention of ALPR data; access to ALPR cameras on freeways; reason one city in the Coachella Valley does not participate in ALPR system; some ALPR cameras are in unincorporated areas of the County; police helicopters also have access to ALPR data; out-of-state or federal agencies direct access to ALPR data prohibited by California; public does have access through a Records Request; possible use of ALPR system for traffic counts; sufficiency of existing 69 cameras; and positive feedback from La Quinta business district. Council discussed ALPR maintenance/replacements; and directed to add ALPR camera locations to City's GIS system. MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Pena/McGarrey to approve Agreement for Contract Services with Flock Group, Inc., for automatic license plate reader system within La Quinta's boundaries; authorize Riverside County Sheriff's Department as the system's administrator and authorized user; and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement, substantially in the form attached, and make any revisions necessary to conform with standard City contract provisions. Motion passed unanimously. STUDY SESSION — None 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 Visit Greater Palm Springs Leadership Pathway group tour; Do The Right Thing award event; PACE Center/WelbeHealth Inland Empire Coachella Valley Center one year anniversary; and community blood drive. Councilmember Pena commended public safety teams on response to recent home fires; and requested that staff research a means to notify emergency response teams when a battery is stored on a premises because they burn differently. Councilmember Sanchez reported on his attendance at the annual California Joint Powers Insurance Agency Board of Directors meeting. REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS La Quinta's representative for 2025, Mayor Evans reported on her participation in the following organization's meeting: • COACHELLA VALLEY POWER AGENCY Mayor Evans recognized the recent loss of several La Quinta residents. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 9 of 10 AUGUST 5, 2025 ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Mayor Evans adjourned the meeting at 6:32 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. Respectfully submitted, MONIKA RADEVA, City Clerk City of La Quinta, California CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 10 of 10 AUGUST 5, 2025