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2025 09 16 CC MinutesCITY COUNCIL MINUTES TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 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, Sanchez, and Mayor Evans ABSENT: Councilmember Pena MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Fitzpatrick/McGarrey to excuse Councilmember Pena's absence. Motion passed: ayes — 4, noes — 0, abstain — 0, absent — 1 (Pena). PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA — None CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA City Manager McMillen requested to pull Consent Calendar Item No. 15 related to approving Amendment No. 1 to Agreement for Contract Services with Desert Recreation District to temporarily relocate Fritz Burns pool programs to Pawley Pool Family Aquatic Complex, and consider it as Business Session Item No. 4 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) 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; CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 1 of 10 SEPTEMBER 16, 2025 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. MAYOR EVANS RECONVENED THE OPEN SESSION PORTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING AT 4:00 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. 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. • CLOSED SESSION ITEM NO. 2 — no reportable action. • CLOSED SESSION ITEM NO. 3 — no discussion or consideration of this item; at the time the agenda for this meeting was posted, the City was not aware that the litigation was no longer pending; this morning, the City was notified that on September 9, 2025, the court ruled and denied the plaintiffs' Notice of Motion to Vacate Judgment and Declaration, issued on the small claims hearing held on July 15, 2025, and also vacated the previously scheduled hearing for September 16, 2025, to hear this motion, which was taken off the court's calendar; the case has been dismissed and was resolved in favor of the City. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Councilmember Sanchez led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 2 of 10 SEPTEMBER 16, 2025 PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENTS were received from La Quinta resident Mary Mann opposing the location of the bighorn sheep fence being installed at the Club at Coral Mountain development, pursuant to Amendment No. 5 to Specific Plan 2003-067; and believes the fence cuts off public access to the open land, which were distributed to Council, made public, published on the City's website, and included in the public record of this meeting. 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. PUBLIC SPEAKER: Philip Bettencourt, La Quinta — said he recently visited the U.S. capital, Washington, D.C., to honor a seasonal La Quinta resident and former Congressman Don Ritter for his public service; thanked the Council for their public service; and commended the City for its well organized annual 9/11 Candlelight Vigil memorial ceremony, of which he has participated and attended many. PUBLIC SPEAKER: Tom Brohard, La Quinta — commended the City for the pavement improvements along the 2-mile stretch of Highway 111 in La Quinta; questioned the restriping changes eastbound on Highway 111, removing a through lane and instead providing a bike lane, which is causing traffic delays, and asked for the through lane to be restored as the traffic volumes require it. Mayor Evans noted that the restriping will be monitored and evaluated. 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 said the City Manager, Special Counsel, and City Attorney continue to work 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 generally provide 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). CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 3 of 10 SEPTEMBER 16, 2025 As had been previously announced and summarized, the Bankruptcy Court ordered a live auction as part of the Bid Procedures, which auction was held last month. Mr. Ihrke said there are two pending motions that have been filed in the Bankruptcy court: 1) The Debtors have filed a motion requesting the Court approve the sale of the debtors' assets, which is almost entirely comprised of the approximately 140+/- acres of raw and partially improved land, where the former Talus project was located. The motion proposes to sell the debtors' assets to TBE RE ACQUISITION CO II LLC, an affiliate of Turnbridge Equities. As was previously announced, Turnbridge Equities was approved by the Bankruptcy Court as the "stalking horse bidder," and was found to be the most qualified bidder after the live auction had concluded. 2) Relating to the motion to approve the sale, the debtors have also filed a motion requesting the Bankruptcy Court amend the Debtor -In -Possession (or "DIP") Credit Agreement (or "DIP Amendment Motion") previously approved by the Council. The proposed terms that are included in the pending DIP Amendment Motion are consistent with the direction authorized by the Council from the August 11, 2025, special meeting, with that direction provided to the City Manager, Special Counsel, and City Attorney. Mr. Ihrke noted the two pending motions listed above are set for hearing before the Bankruptcy Court next week, and subsequent announcements with the court's decisions from the hearing will be provided at a future Council meeting. 2. HUNGER ACTION MONTH — SEPTEMBER 2025 — PRESENTATION BY FIND FOOD BANK PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER DEBBIE ESPINOSA AND DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS MANAGER RACHEL ANDERSON Councilmember McGarrey said she serves on the board of Find Food Bank, which is a volunteer position for which she does not receive any compensation. PRESENTER: Chief Executive Officer Espinosa with Find Food Bank (Find) noted that unfortunately, food insecurity continues to exist in the Coachella Valley, with La Quinta being at 12% over the last year; spoke about Find's food distribution efforts and support provided, including mobile pantries, and local partnership; 97% of the average 125,000 people served by Find every month, are not homeless, but rather folks on fixed income that need the assistance in order to make ends meet; the food distribution lines have increased over the last few months, which is expected to continue; Find is increasing its outreach efforts; emphasized the importance of partner networks that make these services possible and lift communities together as a whole; and commended La Quinta for its continued support. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 4 of 10 SEPTEMBER 16, 2025 Ms. Espinosa explained the importance of aiding Hunger Action Month where people wear orange to symbolize awareness and action against hunger; encouraged the community to activate and join the movement to help end hunger this month by volunteering or donating; spoke of the local efforts in effect to support these efforts from the City, local businesses, partnerships with school districts and colleges, etc.; and Find's recently expanded operations with a new Food Security Campus in Indio, which includes significantly increased warehouse capacity to accept and store more food donations, launched in September 2025, and ribbon cutting and open houses slated for September 26 and 29, 2025. Council commended the Find's efforts and the support it provides to communities. 3. PROCLAMATION IN RECOGNITION OF CONSTITUTION WEEK — SEPTEMBER 17-23, 2025, COMMEMORATING THE SIGNING OF THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION PRESENTER: Constitution Week Committee Chair Rhonda Fleming-Latkovic, representative of the Cahuilla Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR), accompanied by a fellow NSDAR representative Rosemary Hallick, explained that this is a non -political organization formed in 1890, which promotes historical preservation, education, and patriotism; and spoke about the organization's membership and efforts to commemorate the US Constitution and emphasize its importance. Council presented the NSDAR representatives with a proclamation in recognition of Constitution Week celebrating the 238th anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution in September 1787. 4. PROCLAMATION IN RECOGNITION OF DESERT RECREATION DISTRICT GENERAL MANAGER KEVIN KALMAN FOR HIS DEDICATED PUBLIC SERVICE AND COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTION Council commended Mr. Kalman for his dedicated public service, hard work, community involvement and contributions. Mr. Kalman thanked Council, spoke of his passion and commitment to public services which has been his life's work, and noted he is looking forward to spending time with his family and traveling. Council presented Mr. Kalman with a proclamation in recognition of his professional accomplishments. 5. IRONMAN 70.3 LA QUINTA TRIATHLON — DECEMBER 7, 2025, EVENT AND ROUTE UPDATE BY REGIONAL DIRECTOR JUDY STOWERS PRESENTER: Regional Director Stowers said preparations for the 2025 Ironman 70.3 La Quinta Triathlon race are in full swing, and provided a detailed presentation of the race route, traffic control plan, traffic flow, signage plan, and outreach program. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 5 of 10 SEPTEMBER 16, 2025 Marketing Manager Graham provided details on the City's notification efforts to ensure the community is informed of the event as well as the route well in advance, and extra notification outreach with the impacted homeowners associations along the race route. CONSENT CALENDAR 1. APPROVE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES DATED AUGUST 5, 2025 2. APPROVE COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES DATED AUGUST 11, 2025 3. APPROVE COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES DATED SEPTEMBER 8, 2025 4. AUTHORIZE OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR THE CITY CLERK AND DEPUTY CITY CLERK TO ATTEND THE LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES CITY CLERKS' NEW LAW AND ELECTIONS SEMINAR IN LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, NOVEMBER 12-14, 2025 5. AUTHORIZE OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FO RONE CODE COMPLIANCE OFFICER TO ATTEND THE CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS 2025 ANNUAL CONFERENCE IN SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA, OCTOBER 28-30, 2025 6. AUTHORIZE OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR ONE TRAFFIC SIGNAL TECHNICIAN TO ATTEND THE INTERNATIONAL MUNICIPAL SIGNAL ASSOCIATION CERTIFICATION PROGRAM IN IRVINE, CALIFORNIA, SEPTEMBER 22-25, 2025 7. EXCUSE ABSENCE OF CHAIRPERSON BIONDI FROM THE SEPTEMBER 8, 2025, ARTS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION QUARTERLY MEETING 8. APPROVE ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT AND AMENDMENT TO SUBDIVISION IMPROVEMENT AGREEMENT FOR TRACT MAP NO. 31910, CAPISTRANO, A RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT LOCATED ON THE WEST SIDE OF MONROE STREET, APPROXIMATELY 1,300 FEET NORTH OF AVENUE 58 9. ACCEPT FISCAL YEAR 2024/25 PAVEMENT MANAGEMENT PLAN SLURRY SEAL IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT NO. 2024-03, LOCATED IN THE COVE AREA 10. APPROVE PURCHASE AND UPFITS OF 2024 CHEVROLET 2500 SILVERADO UTILITY BED WORK TRUCK FROM PARADIS CHEVROLET CADILAC 11. RECEIVE AND FILE FOURTH QUARTER FISCAL YEAR 2024/25 TREASURY REPORTS FOR APRIL, MAY, AND JUNE 2025 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 6 of 10 SEPTEMBER 16, 2025 12. APPROVE DEMAND REGISTERS DATED JULY 25 AND AUGUST 1 AND 8, 2025 13. APPROVE DEMAND REGISTERS DATED AUGUST 15, 22 AND 29, 2025 14. APPROVE AGREEMENT FOR CONTRACT SERVICES WITH VARIABLE SPEED SOLUTIONS, INC FOR CIVIC CENTER LAKE PUMP 1 REPLACEMENT PROJECT NO. 2025-14; AND AUTHORIZE THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT TO UTILIZE THIS VENDOR AS SELECT SOURCE 15. Pulled from Consent Calendar by staff and considered as Business Session Item No. 4 »> APPROVE AME—NDMENT NCI. 1 TO AGREEMENT FOR CONTRACT SERVICES WITH DESERT RECREATION DISTRICT TO TEMPORARILY REI OCATE FRIT7 BURNS ROO RROGRAMS Tel RAW1 EY ROOl AMI F1 V Tr.,�-ter AQUATIC COMPLEX MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Fitzpatrick/McGarry to approve Consent Calendar Item Nos. 1 — 14 as presented. Motion passed: ayes — 4, noes — 0, abstain — 0, absent — 1 (Pena). BUSINESS SESSION 1. INTRODUCE AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 2.60 OF THE LA QUINTA MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO THE CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE [ORDINANCE NO. 625] City Clerk Radeva presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk's Office. MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Sanchez/McGarrey to take up Ordinance No. 625 by title and number only and waive further reading as presented. Motion passed: ayes — 4, noes — 0, abstain — 0, absent — 1 (Pena) unanimously. City Clerk Radeva read the following title of Ordinance No. 625 into the record: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 2.60 OF THE LA QUINTA MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO THE CITY'S CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Sanchez/Fitzpatrick to introduce at first reading Ordinance No. 625 amending Chapter 2.60 of the La Quinta Municipal Code relating to the City's Conflict of Interest Code. Motion passed: ayes — 4, noes — 0, abstain — 0, absent — 1 (Pena). 2. APPROVE COMMUNITY SERVICES AWARD NOMINEE Senior Management Analyst Calderon presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk's Office. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 7 of 10 SEPTEMBER 16, 2025 Council commended the accomplishments of proposed nominee Tomm Belanich, highlighting his notable contributions as a volunteer, mentor, and advocate. MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Sanchez/McGarrey to approve Tom Balnich as the recipient of the the Community Servicers Award. Motion passed: ayes — 4, noes — 0, abstain — 0, absent — 1 (Pena). 3. APPROVE ARTIST FOR SILVERROCK PARK MURAL Senior Management Analyst Calderon presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk's Office. Council discussed evaluating both options — (1) painting the mural, which tends to be more expensive, with a lesser longevity due to the building's direct sun exposure based on its location, which would make it harder to maintain, as well as (2) vinyl wrapping the building with the mural design, which is less expensive, with expected longevity of 3 years, it is easily removable, and provides an opportunity for rotating mural designs should the City elect to do so; having staff report back with actual costs and expected longevity for each option; artists were informed that the mural may be a temporary art installation, as the City may elect to use a new mural design at the end of the currently developed mural's useful life; the mural design at this location should differentiate from the natural characteristics of the surrounding area, bringing a distinct brightness and color to the park; the large variety, high quality, and uniqueness of the submissions received; local artists; some of the proposals may be considered for installations at different La Quinta locations as they were quite interesting; and including a vinyl wrap as an option for this mural allowed graphic design artists to submit proposals in addition to artists who paint murals, which contributed to the large variety of submissions received. Council expressed general consensus for the Arts and Community Services Commission recommendation to select artist John Cuevas to prepare the mural design; dissented to the proposed palm trees design for the subject location; and noted the design should not incorporate the surrounding natural environment, but rather should be colorful, distinguishable, and "pop -out" at the park. MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Fitzpatrick/McGarrey to approve artist John Cuevas to prepare the mural design for the SilverRock Park facility. Motion passed: ayes — 4, noes — 0, abstain — 0, absent — 1 (Pena). 4. Pulled from the Consent Calendar Item No. 15 by staff and moved to Business Session »> APPROVE AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO AGREEMENT FOR CONTRACT SERVICES WITH DESERT RECREATION DISTRICT TO TEMPORARILY RELOCATE FRITZ BURNS POOL PROGRAMS TO PAWLEY POOL FAMILY AQUATIC COMPLEX Senior Management Analyst Calderon presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk's Office. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 8 of 10 SEPTEMBER 16, 2025 PRESENTERS: Maureen Archuleta, Community Services Supervisor, and Nicholas Torres, Aquatics Coordinator, with the Desert Recreation District (DRD) — answered Council's questions regarding program operations; usage and participation; program fees; and the conditions and operations of the Pawley Pool Family Aquatic Complex in Indio (Pawley Pool). Council discussed the Fritz Burns Park improvements project which includes a new child play area, dog park, shade structure, water feature, restroom facility, additional parking, and pool renovations requiring closure of the pool from November 2025 to May 2026; pros and cons between closing pool programs and operations during construction or relocating them to Pawley Pool, and related additional operational and maintenance costs; considered providing programs during the higher usage months of March through May 2026 only; revenues generated from water aerobics, swim lessons, movies and other events offsetting the operational expenses; program fees remaining unchanged; surveying of regular patrons and notification plan of the program relocation; risk of losing consistency and momentum of regular patrons usage if the pool programs are shut down completely; pool and programs not being restricted to La Quinta residents; and requiring DRD to provide monthly program activity and attendance reports to determine if there is adequate participation warranting the programs relocation. MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers McGarrey/Sanchez to approve Amendment No. 1 to Agreement for Contract Services with Desert Recreation District to temporarily relocate Fritz Burns pool programs to Pawley Pool Family Aquatics Complex, as amended, to provide monthly programming statistics of attendance and participation; and authorize the City Manager to execute the amendment. Motion passed: ayes — 4, noes — 0, abstain — 0, absent — 1 (Pena). STUDY SESSION — None PUBLIC HEARINGS — None DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS — All reports are on file in the City Clerk's Office. MAYOR'S AND COUNCIL MEMBERS' ITEMS Council reported their attendance at the 9/11 Candlelight Vigil memorial ceremony, and commended staff for the well organized and attended event. Mayor Evans reported on hers and Councilmembers' attendance at the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber 2025 All Valley Mayors, County and Tribal Chairpersons Luncheon held on September 12, 2025, at the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort and Spa in Indian Wells. Councilmember Sanchez reported on his and Mayor's attendance at the Legislative Breakfast 2025 event held on September 12, 2025, hosted by the Hispanic American Chamber of Coachella Valley at eh WDC Showroom in La Quinta. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 9 of 10 SEPTEMBER 16, 2025 REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS La Quinta's representative for 2025, Mayor Evans reported on her participation in the following organizations' meetings: • CVAG COACHELLA VALLEY CONSERVATION COMMISSION • CVAG ENERGY AND SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE La Quinta's representative for 2025, Councilmember Fitzpatrick reported on her participation in the following organizations' meetings: • CVAG TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE • RIVERSIDE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION (RCTC) La Quinta's representative for 2025, Councilmember Sanchez reported on his participation in the following organization's meeting: • SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA — Continued PUBLIC SPEAKER: Henry Chapin, La Quinta — Dune Palms Mobile Estates resident for 43 years; said he spoke at the August 5, 2025, Council meeting, and thanked the City for looking into the reasons for the pending annual rent increase of $30 per month, when in the past increases have been only $10 per month. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, a motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Sanchez/McGarrey to adjourn at 6:33 p.m. Motion passed: ayes — 4, noes — 0, abstain — 0, absent — 1 (Pena). Respectfully submitted, MONIKA RADEVA, City Clerk City of La Quinta, California CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 10 of 10 SEPTEMBER 16, 2025