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2025 10 07 CC MinutesCITY COUNCIL MINUTES TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 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 City Attorney Ihrke and City Manager McMillen requested to pull Consent Calendar Item No. 3 for a separate vote, related to the adoption of Ordinance No. 626 on second reading approving Development Agreement 2025-0001 — Reinstated and Amended Development Agreement 2014-1001 to facilitate the development of the SilverRock Specific Plan area (formerly Talus) project. City Attorney Ihrke noted that a supplemental staff report to Consent Callender Item No. 3 was prepared and submitted as a hand-out to address allegations noted in written correspondence dated October 6, 2025, received by the City after the publication of the agenda packet, authored by LOZEAU I DRURY LLP law firm, on behalf of the Supporters Alliance for Environmental Responsibility (SAFER) organization, alleging inadequacies in Addendum No. 3 to Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) to Environmental Assessment (EA) 2002-453 related to the SilverRock Resort project. Councilmember Fitzpatrick said she will recuse herself and abstain from participating in the discussion and vote on Consent Calendar Item No. 5 related to the acceptance of off - site improvements associated with the Rancho Santana residential development, Tract Map No. 31202-1, due to a potential conflict of interest stemming from the proximity of real property to this project, and requested that it be pulled for a separate vote. Councilmember Pena said he will recuse himself from participating in the discussion and vote on Business Session Item No. 3 related to the appropriation of funds and approval of the Coachella Valley Power Agency membership dues for fiscal year 2025/26 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). Council concurred. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 1 of 15 OCTOBER 7, 2025 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) 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 4:01 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 LLC 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 LLC 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. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 2 of 15 OCTOBER 7, 2025 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Councilmember Pena led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. 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; believes the fence cuts off public access to the open land; and encourages La Quinta to engage in active discussions with developers and other governmental entities regarding preserving public access and increasing recreational opportunities at Coral Mountain and Santa Rosa Wilderness; which were distributed to Council, made public, published on the City's website, and included in the public record of this meeting. 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, as previously announced, there were 2 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 130+/- 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 previously approved by the Council (the "DIP Amendment Motion"). 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, CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 3 of 15 OCTOBER 7, 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 later this month, and subsequent announcements with the court's decisions from the hearing will be provided at a future Council meeting. 2. CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION HONORING COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENT TOM BELANICH Senior Management Analyst Calderon provided a brief overview of the City's various award programs, and specifically the requirements and qualifications for the Community Service award, which recognizes individuals who have demonstrated acts of kindness or services to the community through their actions and talents, and must serve as role models for compassion and strive to make the community of La Quinta a better place. Mr. Calderon said Mr. Belanich was nominated by a community member; the Arts and Community Services Commission considered the nomination at their September 8, 2025, regular meeting, and recommended Council approval; and Council considered the recommendation at their September 16, 2025, meeting, and unanimously approved the nomination. Mr. Calderon provided a brief summary of Mr. Belanich's notable contributions as a volunteer, mentor, and advocate. Council presented a Certificate of Recognition to Community Services Award recipient Tom Belanich commending him for his accomplishments. 3. AMERICAN PUBLIC WORKS ASSOCIATION (APWA) SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CHAPTER — AWARDED THE 2024-2025 PROJECT OF MERIT AWARD TO THE CITY OF LA QUINTA FOR THE DUNE PALMS BRIDGE PROJECT NO. 2011-05 Public Works Director / City Engineer McKinney said the City has won awards from the APWA Southern California Chapter for the last 5 years, and APWA regional awards for the last 4 years; provided a brief summary of the winning project, thanked the Public Works team, commended the collaborative efforts with consultants, the community and businesses, and noted the project cost approximately $30 million dollars, the large majority of which was funded through federal grants. Council expressed their congratulations, and Mayor Evans presented the APWA award to Director McKinney. 4. PROCLAMATION IN RECOGNITION OF CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS' APPRECIATION WEEK — OCTOBER 5-11, 2025 Council presented a proclamation in recognition and observance of Code Enforcement Officer Appreciation Week; and thanked the La Quinta Code Enforcement team for CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 4 of 15 OCTOBER 7, 2025 ensuring the safety, health and welfare of residents, playing a vital role in preserving the city's aesthetic appearance and character, which attracts new businesses, visitors, and promotes job creation. The La Quinta Code Enforcement team expressed their gratitude and accepted the proclamation. 5. PROCLAMATION IN RECOGNITION OF NATIONAL FIRE PREVENTION WEEK — OCTOBER 5-11, 2025 Council presented a proclamation in recognition and observance of National Fire Prevention Week; this year's theme is "Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium -Ion Batteries in Your Home," and the campaign aims to remind the public of the importance of using, charging, and recycling lithium -ion batteries safely to reduce the risk of fires in homes and communities, and practicing general fire safety and prevention. CONSENT CALENDAR 1. APPROVE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES DATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2025 2. ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 625 ON SECOND READING AMENDING CHAPTER 2.60 OF THE LA QUINTA MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO THE CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE 3. »> Pulled for a separate vote by Mayor Evans ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 626 ON SECOND READING TO CONDITIONALLY APPROVE DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT 2025-0001 (REINSTATED AND AMENDED DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT 2014-1001) TO FACILITATE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SILVERROCK SPECIFIC PLAN AREA; CEQA: AN ADDENDUM TO ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 2002-453 HAS BEEN PREPARED PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 15162 AND 15164 OF THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA); LOCATION: SOUTH OF AVENUE 52, WEST OF JEFFERSON STREET 4. ADOPT RESOLUTION TO ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF RIVERSIDE COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT'S ANNUAL INSPECTION REPORT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024/25 PURSUANT TO CALIFORNIA HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE SECTION 13146.4 5. »> Pulled for a separate vote by Councilmember Fitzpatrick ACCEPT OFF -SITE IMPROVEMENTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE RANCHO SANTANA RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT, TRACT MAP NO. 31202-1, LOCATED AT THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF AVENUE 52 AND MONROE STREET 6. AUTHORIZE OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR PUBLIC WORKS ADMINISTRATIVE TECHNICIAN TO ATTEND THE AMERICAN PUBLIC WORKS ASSOCIATION PUBLIC WORKS INSTITUTE IN DOWNEY, CALIFORNIA, OCTOBER 14-16, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 5 of 15 OCTOBER 7, 2025 7. APPROVE DEMAND REGISTERS DATED SEPTEMBER 5, 12 AND 19, 2025 8. RECEIVE AND FILE REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE REPORT DATED JULY 31, 2025 MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Pena/Fitzpatrick to approve Consent Calendar Item Nos. 1, 2, 4, and 6 — 8 as presented, with Item No. 2 adopting Ordinance Nos. 625, and Item No. 4 adopting Resolution No. 2025-024. Motion passed unanimously. CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM NO. 5 — pulled for a separate vote COUNCILMEMBER FITZPATRICK RECUSED HERSELF, AND SAID SHE WILL ABSTAIN FROM THE DISCUSSION AND VOTE ON CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM NO. 5 DUE TO A POTENTIAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST STEMMING FROM THE PROXIMITY OF HER REAL PROPERTY TO THE RANCHO SANTANA RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Pena/Sanchez to approve Consent Calendar Item No. 5 as presented. Motion passed: ayes — 4, noes — 0, abstain — 1 (Fitzpatrick), absent — 0. CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM NO. 3 — pulled for a separate vote City Attorney Ihrke said this item was pulled for a separate vote, as noted during Confirmation of Agenda above, to address allegations noted in written comments submitted by Lozeau I Drury LLP on behalf of the SAFER organization, dated September 26 and October 6, 2025, after the conclusion of the duly noticed public hearing of September 22, 2025, during which Council considered the 2025 SilverRock Resort project, specifically Addendum No. 3 to the MND adopted under EA 2002-453 and related items and agreements. The September 26, 2025, letter from SAFER requested an extension for the second reading of Ordinance No. 626, set for Council's consideration at tonight's regular meeting of October 7, 2025, so that SAFER could review the previously adopted MND under EA 2002-453. A response to this letter was included in the staff report, published with the agenda packet for this meeting on Friday morning, September 26, 2025. The second letter, dated October 6, 2025, was received by the City on that date, and was reviewed and considered by the City Attorney's Office in connection with the Design and Development Department, and the City's CEQA consultant, Nicole Criste, CEO of Terra Nova Planning and Research, available via Zoom teleconference, in case there were any questions. A supplemental staff report, dated October 7, 2025, was prepared by the City in response to the October 6, 2025, SAFER letter alleging that it was improper to use an addendum under CEQA guidelines. Both documents noted above were distributed to CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 6 of 15 OCTOBER 7, 2025 Council, made public, published on the City's website, and included in the public record of this meeting. Mr. Ihrke said he won't read the entirety of the supplemental staff report, and noted that, similar to the September 26, 2025, letter, the subsequent October 6, 2025, letter, both issued on behalf of SAFER, was untimely, and objected to the proposed actions related to the approval of the 2025 SilverRock Resort project. As referenced in the staff report, the public hearing notices were advertised in the Desert Sun newspaper pursuant to state and city law on September 8, 11, and 18, 2025, and every public hearing notice included that the City had prepared an addendum to the 2002 MND, and advertised that the hearing was scheduled to be held on September 22, 2025. Mr. Ihrke noted that SAFER was aware of the September 22, 2025, public hearing because it submitted a letter on that date, objecting to the proposed actions to approve the 2025 project, but failed to provide any specific details in that September 22, 2025, letter. Pursuant to state and city law, any development agreement (DA), like the Reinstated and Amended DA that is before the Council tonight, must be adopted by ordinance; except for urgency ordinances, state law provides that an ordinance may not be adopted within 5 days of its introduction, which occurred at the public hearing on September 22, 2025, and must be adopted at a regular meeting of the Council, which is scheduled for tonight. Mr. Ihrke reiterated that the only recommended action the Council was considering tonight was whether to adopt Ordinance No. 626 on second reading, to conditionally approve DA 2025-0001, Reinstated and Amended DA 2014-1001, to facilitate development of the SilverRock Specific Plan area, and there was no public hearing on second reading, nor was a public hearing required. The duly noticed public hearing was held on September 22, 2025, and all comments should have been received and submitted by the close of that public hearing. Therefore, in connection with its decision on Ordinance No. 626, the Council may find that the September 26 and October 6, 2025, letters were untimely and cannot properly be considered in connection with the previously heard and adopted Resolution No. 2025-022 approving EA 2025-0002, adopting Addendum No. 3 to the MND adopted under EA 2002-453. The Council may make that finding with adoption of Ordinance No. 626 on second reading, and it will be included in the minutes. However, Mr. Ihrke noted that in the event that a court were to find that the Council should have considered the October 6, 2025, SAFER letter, a summary of the City's responses to the October 6, 2025, SAFER letter, detailed in the October 7, 2025, supplemental staff report is being provided, so they can be reflected in the minutes for the record as follows: (1) The Council considered the allegations and arguments raised that the 2025 project and the DA would be "Growth Inducing." As explained in the addendum, the City's 2035 General Plan accounted for the growth resulting from the original project and for the reasons identified in the supplemental staff report, the Council may disregard these allegations. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 7 of 15 OCTOBER 7, 2025 (2) The Council considered the "Traffic" related allegations and arguments, specifically that the 2025 project will have significant traffic impacts relating to a level of service (LOS) at city intersections. However, these allegations are based on incorrect assumptions as follows: a) The 2025 project will result in trip generation of 20% higher than the project previously approved and analyzed under the MND; and as explained in the addendum, the 2025 project actually reduces trip generation by approximately 27%. b) That vehicle miles traveled (VMT) is required as part of the traffic analysis under CEQA guidelines. However, under binding court precedent, a change in CEQA guidelines requiring VMT analysis for new projects does not constitute significant new information or a change in circumstances that would require major revisions to the 2002 MND. c) That background traffic increases since 2002, including from other golf course communities constructed in the project vicinity, constitute a significant change in circumstances. However, the prior development and growth in the traffic in the 2025 project vicinity is consistent with the growth assumptions addressed both in the City's 2035 General Plan as well as the MND. (3) The Council considered the "Biological Impacts" allegations and arguments that, in general, claim the 2025 project will impact special status species that were not adequately addressed in the MND. However, these allegations appear to constitute an improper attack on the analysis and conclusions of the MND and supporting biological resource surveys, rather than providing any substantial evidence that the 2025 project would cause any new or substantially move severe significant adverse effects that were originally analyzed. Thus, for the reasons identified in the supplemental staff report, this item appears to be invalid and need not be considered to find the addendum improper. (4) The Council considered the "Air Quality" allegations and arguments alleging air quality impacts from volatile organic compounds (VOC) operational emissions that exceeds Southern California Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) standards. However, these allegations are based on inaccurate assumptions regarding the 2025 project, specifically, that the project increases trip generation rates as compared to the previously approved project under the 2002 MND and the subsequent addendums thereto. The analysis in the addendum and the 2002 MND analyze and establish that the 2025 project as proposed will have operational VOC emissions below SCAQMD thresholds and are approximately 20% below the emissions estimated from the previously approved project. (5) The Council considered the "Valley Fever" allegations and arguments which include generalized statements regarding valley fever risks and increase in reported cases in 2024 in Riverside County in general. However, these allegations CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 8 of 15 OCTOBER 7, 2025 fail to provide any specific facts or substantial evidence concerning the presence of the fungus causing the fever on the 2025 project site that would exacerbate it or cause any potential adverse health impacts relating to valley fever. (6) The Council considered the indoor air quality risks associated with "Formaldehyde" allegations and arguments, which include generalized statements about building materials and cancer risks. However, these allegations do not contain specific information regarding the 2025 project site or the construction materials that would be used for the project; and furthermore, the letter does not acknowledge that the 2025 project substantially reduces the amount of building square footage constructed and occupied than the previously approved project. In conclusion, Mr. Ihrke noted that as stated in the supplemental staff report, in connection with Council's consideration of adopting Ordinance No. 626 on second reading on tonight's agenda, and based on the reasons outlined above, as well as on substantial evidence already considered by the Council with the addendum and the MND, the Council may conclude that the above referenced statements serve as findings of the Council with the adoption of Ordinance No. 626 on second reading, and may reject the allegations and arguments listed in the October 6, 2025, SAFER letter because there isn't any new information or change in circumstances that may cause a significant environmental effect that had not been adequately studied in the prior MND. WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENTS were received from the entities listed below, in alphabetical order, regarding Consent Calendar Item No. 3 related to the adoption of Ordinance No. 626 on second reading approving DA 2025-0001 — Reinstated and Amended DA 2014-1001 to facilitate the development of the SilverRock Specific Plan area (formerly Talus) project, which were distributed to Council, made public, published on the City's website, and included in the public record of this meeting. • LOZEAU I DRURY LLP — comments submitted by Partner Richard Drury on behalf of SAFER organization, dated September 26 and October 6, 2025, objecting to Addendum No. 3 to MND to EA 2002-453 due to various alleged inadequacies pursuant to CEQA. • Meridian Consultants — comments submitted by Partner Tony Locacciaton, AICP, in his capacity as CEQA consultant for the applicant, TBE RE Acquisition CO II, LLC, and affiliate of Turnbridge Equities, dated October 7, 2025, countering each objection raised in the written comments submitted by Lozeau I Drury LLP, on behalf of SAFER organization, dated October 6, 2025, listed above, specifically related to (1) Growth Inducement, (2) Traffic, (3) Biological Impacts, (4) Air Quality, (5) Valley Fever, and (6) Formaldehyde, concluding that the arguments raised on behalf of SAFER regarding Addendum No. 3 to MND and EA 2002-453, approved by Council via Resolution No. 2025-022, adopted on September 22, 2025, for the SilverRock Resort project, did not constitute any evidence of any kind that the impacts of the proposed project would result in new or substantially more severe environmental impacts, thus the addendum to the MND adequately assessed the potential for significant impacts from the 2025 SilverRock Resort project, which CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 9 of 15 OCTOBER 7, 2025 was consistent with the prior assessments and no further environmental review was required for this project under CEQA Guidelines. • PROCOPIO — comments submitted by Partner James Vaughn, Land Use / Real Estate Law, on behalf of the applicant, TBE RE Acquisition Co II, LLC, an affiliate of Turnbridge Equities, dated October 7, 2025, countering each objection raised in the written comments submitted by Lozeau I Drury LLP, on behalf of SAFER organization, dated October 6, 2025, specifically related to (1) Growth Inducement, (2) Traffic, (3) Biological Impacts, (4) Air Quality, (5) Valley Fever, and (6) Formaldehyde, concluding that the arguments raised on behalf of SAFER, based on the substantial evidence contained in the staff reports and Addendum No. 3 to the MND, the Council properly approved the addendum via Resolution No. 2025-022, adopted on September 22, 2025, for the 2025 SilverRock Resort project, which would not have any new or substantially more severe significant environmental effects than analyzed for the previously approved SilverRock project. Further, even if the SAFER letter could be properly considered by the City, despite its untimely submittal of objections under CEQA requirements, it plainly failed to show that the 2025 SilverRock project modifications, or any new information or change in circumstances, might cause a significant environmental effect that had not been studied in the previously adopted MND. Therefore, the SAFER request for preparation of a subsequent or supplemental environmental impact report (EIR) was not adequate. City Attorney Ihrke said on October 4, 2025, at his request a minor revision was made to the 3rd bullet under the "Executive Summary" section, on page 27 of the published staff report with the agenda packet on October 3, 2025, to read "If adopted on second reading, as amended by the City Attorney Council on first reading, Ordinance No. 626 will go into effect 30 days after adoption ..." to correctly note that the Council amended Ordinance No. 626 when taken up and introduced at first reading at the September 22, 2025, special meeting, to remove the word "precedent" referenced in relation to the "... condition that the Bankruptcy Court authorize the sale of the Phase 1 Property to the applicant ..." shown in redline in Ordinance No. 626 included with the tonight's staff report. PUBLIC SPEAKER: Joseph Gonzalez, Esq. with Gonzalez Law Group, A.P.C., appearing on behalf of Lozeau I Drury LLP, representing the SAFER organization — said the proper CEQA standard was to consider whether or not the 2002 MND, presently to today, contained a substantial change, or created a substantial risk of negative environmental impact, thus, SAFER requested an EIR be prepared to address the issues that have been brought up. He has not had a chance to review the City's response provided via the October 7, 2025, supplemental staff report to the October 6, 2025, SAFER letter, but SAFER's position, based on the several expert opinions submitted as exhibits to the letter, was that the new 361-acre golf course and other project components would result in approximately 20% increase in traffic, pursuant to Tom Brohard's report; Dr. Small, a wildlife specialist, stated that 46 species were not considered in the 2002 MND, thus, today, there would be 46 new species to be considered special status species; Environmental Engineer Patrick Sutton pointed out that zero emissions were considered as part of the 361-acre golf course development; and Dr. Hofferman, an Industrial CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 10 of 15 OCTOBER 7, 2025 Hygienist, addressed potential issues to be considered with a 361-acre golf course. Mr. Gonzalez requested for the arguments noted above, detailed in the September 26 and October 6, 2025, SAFER letters, be considered and addressed more fully with an actual expert report, rather than a 4-page supplemental staff report. PUBLIC SPEAKER: James Vaughn, Partner, Procopio — Land Use / Real Estate Law, representing the applicant, TBE RE Acquisition Co II, LLC, an affiliate of Turnbridge Equities — noted for the record that Meridian Consultants, CEQA expert consultant for the applicant, submitted written comments, dated October 7, 2025, responding to each of the issues raised in the October 6, 2025, SAFER letter, particularly addressing the enclosed exhibits referenced by Mr. Gonzales as expert evidence; noted that in order for something to be considered "expert and substantial evidence" under CEQA, it had to be an expert opinion based on facts, and as pointed out in the responses provided by Meridian Consultants, the exhibits attached to the SAFER letter were based on incorrect assumptions about the 2025 project. Mr. Vaughn mentioned a few examples were, as noted by the City Attorney, (1) the traffic study and the air quality analysis were based on an incorrect assumption that the 2025 project would increase trip generation by 20% when in fact it was reduced by 27%; (2) the population increase allegations by SAFER assumed about 10% increase in population due to the 2025 project, which was an incorrect characterization of the addendum analysis findings identifying a 4% increase, however, in actuality was about a 10% increase in the already planned future growth of the city over the next 25 years, which was fully analyzed in the 2035 General Plan and its EIR; (3) the 2025 project has about a 47% decrease in density and intensity based on the reduction in hotel rooms and residential units. Thus, the analysis by so called "experts," if based on incorrect facts, did not constitute substantial evidence. Mr. Vaughn said he would not reiterate all the points made by the City Attorney, but noted that per the October 7, 2025, written comments submitted by Meridian Consultants, and according to Procopio's review of the SAFER letter, there has been no substantial evidence added to the record showing any new or more severe impacts based on the 2025 project, approved at the September 22, 2025, public hearing. MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Fitzpatrick/Pena to approve Consent Calendar Item No. 3 as presented, adopting Ordinance No. 626 on second reading. Motion passed unanimously. BUSINESS SESSION 1. APPROVE FIRST ROUND OF COMMUNITY SERVICES GRANTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025/26 Senior Management Analyst Calderon presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk's Office. MAYOR EVANS AND MAYOR PRO TEM MCGARREY SAID THEY ARE MEMBERS OF THE LA QUINTA ROTARY CLUB, AND AS THIS IS A CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 11 of 15 OCTOBER 7, 2025 VOLUNTEER POSITION FOR WHICH THEY DO NOT RECEIVE ANY COMPENSATION, THERE IS NO POTENTIAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST Council discussed the impressiveness of the organizations that applied for grant funding; noted there were some new applicants; thanked the Community Services Grant Ad -hoc Committee, comprised of Mayor Pro Tem McGarrey and Councilmember Pena for their review and efforts; and explained reasoning for denying grant funding to some of the applicants. The following PUBLIC SPEAKERS, listed in the order in which they spoke, provided an overview of the objectives, services, and programs their respective organizations offer to the community: • Rotary Club of La Quinta — Bruce Cathcart, Rotary Club President • Seiden — Juku — Tamara Canedo, Sensei • Do the Right Thing — Terri Ketover, President/CEO • Variety Children's Charity of the Desert — Nicholas Rossi, Director of Development • LQHS Dance Boosters — Nicole Faay Dean, President, and Terra Fosselman, VP of Fundraising • Read with Me — Sean Webb, Executive Director • Colonel Mitchell Paige (CMT) PTO — Nicole Aguirre, Principal, accompanied by Maribel Ramirez, Assistant Principal, and two parents • First Tee Coachella Valley — Teal Thron, CEO • Coachella Valley Housing Coalition — Melissa Evans, Operations Manager • Palm Springs Animal Allies, formerly known as Friends of the Palm Springs Animal Shelter — Paul Ortega and Linda Talley, Palm Springs Animal Allies Board Members • Hidden Harvest — Francisco Linares, Executive Director • American Heart Association — Mary Lee Hyatt, Vice President Council discussed the Palm Springs Animal Allies organization's services, and encouraged the group to apply for the next round of grant applications with more detailed and specific information on services provided to La Quinta; expressed general support to increase the grant funding for Seiden—Juku and Variety Children's Charity of the Desert from the proposed $3,000 to the requested $5,000 each; discussed Society's Outkasts Animal Rescue's application, the questions remaining regarding its services and objectives, reasons for denial, and suggested the group reapply in the next round; and Seiden-Juku benefits to community. MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Sanchez/Pena to approve the first round Community Services Grants for fiscal year 2025/26 for the organizations detailed below, listed in alphabetical order, for a total not to exceed amount of $44,500: • American Heart Association $ 500 Starter Grant • Autism Society Inland Empire $5,000 • Coachella Valley Housing Coalition $3,000 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 12 of 15 OCTOBER 7, 2025 • Colonel Mitchell Paige Parent-Teacher Organization $ 500 Starter Grant • Do the Right Thing $5,000 • First Tee Coachella Valley $5,000 • Hidden Harvest $5,000 • LQ Dance Team Boosters $4,000 • Read with Me $2,500 • Rotary Club of La Quinta $5,000 • Seiden — Juku $5,000 • Variety Children's Charity of the Desert $5,000 Motion passed unanimously. 2. APPROVE VETERAN NOMINATIONS FOR INCLUSION ON VETERANS' ACKNOWLEDGEMENT MONUMENTS AT CIVIC CENTER CAMPUS Administrative Technician Elizalde presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk's Office. MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Sanchez/Fitzpatrick to approve the 20 veteran nominations detailed below, for inclusion on the City's Veterans Acknowledgement Monument at Civic Center Campus: • William F. Stiles • Santos A. Rojo • Kenneth J. Burt • Jack A. Crider • Kenneth C. Camarella • Donald L. Denney • Dane W. Kohal • Terry L. Flemming • David W. McQuade • William H. Gunnell • Robert A. Millar, III • Francis J. Longworth • James R. Schnell • Lester D. Mayeux • Leroy A. Tibbetts • Thomas J. Plouffe • John F. McSweeney, III • Thomas R. Plumely • Martin R. Morales • Thomas H. Sheets Motion passed unanimously. 3. APPROPRIATE FUNDS AND APPROVE COACHELLA VALLEY POWER AGENCY (CVPA) MEMBERSHIP DUES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025/26 COUNCILMEMBER PENA RECUSED HIMSELF FROM PARTICIPATING IN THE DISCUSSION AND VOTE ON BUSINESS SESSION ITEM NO. 3 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 COUNCILMEMBER PENA LEFT THE DAIS AT 6:04 P.M. FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE MEETING CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 13 of 15 OCTOBER 7, 2025 Communication Specialist Barkas presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk's Office. Mayor Evans, as the City's representative on the CVPA Board, provided additional information on CVPA's initial funding request, staffing and consultants, improved working relationship with Imperial Irrigation District (IID), alternatives to funding CVPA's initial budget, tracking spending, dues to be charged to any new members joining midyear, and reported on actions taken by the CVPA at its last meeting. Council discussed their hope that the Cities of Palm Desert and Rancho Mirage join the CVPA; commended La Quinta's and Indio's City Managers for their research and leadership; and commended Mayor Evans and the rest of the Board for the progress made. PUBLIC SPEAKER: Philip Bettencourt, La Quinta — was not present to speak when called upon by the Mayor. Mayor Evans noted Mr. Bettencourt expressed support for the CVPA and the proposed membership dues under consideration. PUBLIC SPEAKER: Brad Anderson, Rancho Mirage resident — said he appreciates the openness and accuracy in reports on this matter. WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENTS were received from La Quinta resident Philip Bettencourt in support of the proposed CVPA JPA membership dues, which were distributed to Council, made public, published on the City's website, and included in the public record of this meeting. MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Sanchez/Fitzpatrick to appropriate funds from fiscal year 2025/26 Unassigned General Fund balance and approve the Coachella Valley Power Agency membership dues of $166,666 for fiscal year 2025/26. 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 Councilmember Fitzpatrick reported on her, and other Councilmembers' attendance at the Homecoming Parade; Student of the Month awards; and, Coffee with a Cop event. Councilmember McGarrey reported on her, and other Councilmembers' attendance at Quick -Quack Car Wash event; CalFire Open House; and, FIND Food Bank opening. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 14 of 15 OCTOBER 7, 2025 Mayor Evans and Councilmember Fitzpatrick are slated to participate in the welcoming of the newly established La Quinta Youth Collective on October 8, 2025, while the other three Councilmembers attend the League of Cities meeting. REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS PUBLIC SPEAKER: Brad Anderson, Rancho Mirage — submitted a request to speak form for Item No. 22 related to the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District — said there was a recently held subcommittee meeting regarding ticks and that he was interested in hearing Councilmember Pena's report out on the proceedings. La Quinta's representative for 2025, Mayor Evans reported on her participation in the following organizations' meetings: • CVAG EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE • VISIT GREATER PALM SPRINGS CONVENTION AND VISITORS' BUREAU • COACHELLA VALLEY POWER AGENCY JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT La Quinta's representative for 2025, Councilmember Fitzpatrick reported on her participation in the following organization's meeting: • COACHELLA VALLEY ANIMAL CAMPUS COMMISSION (attended for Councilmember Sanchez) La Quinta's representative for 2025, Councilmember Sanchez reported on his participation in the following organization's meeting: • CALIFORNIA JOINT POWERS INSURANCE AUTHORITY — 2025 RISK MANAGEMENT EDUCATIONAL FORUM ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, a motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers McGarrey/Sanchez to adjourn at 6:31 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 15 of 15 OCTOBER 7, 2025