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2025 12 16 CC MinutesCITY COUNCIL MINUTES TUESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2025 CALL TO ORDER A regular meeting of the La Quinta City Council was called to order at 3:30 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 Councilmembers Fitzpatrick and McGarrey, and Mayor Evans said they would comment on Consent Calendar Item No. 6 related to fiscal year 2024/25 Measure G Sales Tax Annual Report. Mayor Evans asked to pull Consent Calendar Item No. 3 related to the 2026 La Quinta Senior Inspiration Award recipient, and move it for consideration under Business Session Item No. A. Mayor Pro Tem McGarrey said she will recuse herself and abstain from participating in the discussion and vote on Consent Calendar Item No. 1, related to the adoption of Ordinance No. 627 on second reading amending Title 8 of the La Quinta Municipal Code and adopting the 2025 California Building Standards Code with Local Amendments due to a potential conflict of interest stemming from a business relationship, i.e., her employer, Sothern California Gas Company is a local utility provider, and requested that the item 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. 4 related to the appropriation of funding, approval of a financing agreement between the City and the Financing Authority, and approval of two agreements with Imperial Irrigation District (IID) related to the Avenue 58 substation expansion to construct a fourth transformer bank and reserve power capacity due to a potential 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 16 DECEMBER 16, 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 REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.8 FOR PROPERTY LOCATED ON HIGHWAY 111 EAST OF DUNE PALMS ROAD (APN 600-020-053) CITY NEGOTIATOR: JON MCMILLEN, CITY MANAGER PROPERTY OWNER: CITY OF LA QUINTA UNDER NEGOTIATION: PRICE AND TERMS OF PAYMENT AND/OR DISPOSITION OF THE PROPERTY IDENTIFIED COUNCIL RECESSED THE OPEN SESSION PORTION OF THE MEETING AND MOVED INTO CLOSED SESSION AT 3:34 P.M. MAYOR EVANS RECONVENED THE OPEN SESSION PORTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING AT 4:14 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. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 2 of 16 DECEMBER 16, 2025 • CLOSED SESSION ITEM NO. 2 — no reportable action. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Councilmember Sanchez led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA PUBLIC SPEAKER: Lift to Rise Resident Engagement Coordinator Ariana Rodriguez — provided an update on Lift to Rise progress in expanding the availability of affordable housing units in the Coachella Valley through convening over 70 cross -sector partners; thanked the City of La Quinta for its partnership with Lift to Rise and proactiveness in acquiring land for the future development of affordable housing and its focus on mixed - use development; and invited Counil's participation in developing Lift to Rise 2026-2028 action plan. PUBLIC SPEAKER: Kathryn Hull, La Quinta — explained the problem with doves and pigeons on power lines at her property causing her to receive Code Compliance notices to continually clean their droppings; has paid for cleanings, banged on drum which only temporarily scares the birds away; stated neither she nor anyone else has control over wild birds; suggested anyone feeding birds should be told to desist; and meanwhile, we must learn to live with nature. Mayor Evans stated that the City would investigate possible solutions through the Living Desert Zoo or the Wildlife Sanctuary to determine some bird deterrent efforts. PUBLIC SPEAKER: Phyllis Kirk, La Quinta — thanked Council for the lighted pedestrian crosswalk installed along Calle Tampico; requested that a streetlight be installed at the northeast corner of Calle Tampico and Seasons Way; stated it's a very dark, dangerous corner used by senior residents and families in nearby housing. (Ms. Kirk also submitted written public comments on this matter, which are notated below.) PUBLIC SPEAKER: Joan Sanka, La Quinta — said the holiday lights and decorations at the Civic Center Park are wonderful and people of all ages are enjoying them; requested that a streetlight be installed at the northeast corner of Calle Tampico and Seasons Way because it's a very dark and busy intersection; and suggested that the white line at the stop sign and at the pedestrian crosswalk on Calle Tampico be repainted in reflective paint. (Ms. Sanka also submitted written public comments on this matter, which are notated below.) Council directed staff to assess the lighting at the northeast corner of Calle Tampico and Seasons Way to determine if any improvements might be necessary. City Clerk Radeva said WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENTS were received from the residents listed below, in alphabetical order, which were distributed to Council, made public, published on the City's website, and included in the public record of this meeting: CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 3 of 16 DECEMBER 16, 2025 • Anne O'Brien, La Quinta — related to the use of e-bikes on hiking trails and ensuring safety. • Phyllis Kirk, La Quinta — requested that a streetlight be installed at the northeast corner of Calle Tampico and Seasons Way. • Joan Sanka, La Quinta — requested that (1) a streetlight be installed at the northeast corner of Calle Tampico and Seasons Way; and (2) white line at the stop sign be repainted in white reflective paint, similar to the paint used on Avenida La Fonda. 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 tonight's update involves a significant milestone in the case relating to the sale of the former Talus property, which has now been sold from the debtors, SDC, to the Court -approved buyer, TBE RE ACQUISITION CO II LLC, a Turnbridge Equities subsidiary (TBE), and its permitted affiliated entities. By way of background, and as previously announced, a few months ago the debtors filed a motion requesting the Bankruptcy Court approve the sale of the debtors' assets, free and clear of all monetary liens (Debtors' Sale Motion). The debtors' assets are almost entirely comprised of the approximately 130+/- acres of raw and partially improved land, where the former Talus project was located. The City strongly supported the Debtors Sale Motion, both in terms of testimony and legal advocacy. The Bankruptcy Court, after three days of hearing testimony and a fourth day of supplemental briefing and argument, granted the Debtors Sale Motion in its entirety. As the Council is also aware, pursuant to State and City laws, the City noticed and held public hearings, both at the Planning Commission and City Council, to review and consider a host of new, governing documents between the City and TBE, including a Reinstated and Amended Development Agreement, so that the proposed TBE project applications would have been processed as required by law and completed in the event the Bankruptcy Court approved the Debtors' Sale Motion, which was done to tee -up a closing of escrow prior to the end of this calendar year. After the City Council had reviewed and approved the proposed TBE project for the SilverRock project site, the Bankruptcy Court approved the sale to TBE in late October. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 4 of 16 DECEMBER 16, 2025 Pursuant to federal bankruptcy law and procedures, one creditor, Construction Loan Services II, LLC d/b/a Builders Capital (Builders) timely noticed an appeal of the Sale Order. Subsequently to noticing an appeal, Builders filed a Motion for Stay Order (Builders Stay Motion) that would have essentially frozen the bankruptcy case pending Builders' appeal. Pursuant to bankruptcy law and procedure, the Bankruptcy Court first heard the Stay Motion (November 11, 2025) and denied it in its entirety, in general, ruling, among other reasons, that the "public interest" strongly favored moving forward with the sale of the debtors' property to TBE given the extensive time and investment already spent by the parties to the case. Thereafter, under federal bankruptcy procedures, Builders filed another Emergency Motion to Stay the Sale Order in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware (i.e., the next federal court in the appeal hierarchy). The parties agreed to expedited briefing on this "District Court Stay Motion," and on December 5, 2025, the District Court denied the Stay Motion, thereby clearing the way for the Debtors, TBE, and the City to move forward with closing the escrow for the sale of the former Talus site. On December 9, 2025, escrow closed, and TBE is now the owner of the property previously owned by the debtors, SDC. As part of the closing, the City's Debtor in Possession (DIP) Financing Loan has been repaid, and the Reinstated and Amended Development Agreement, and other land use covenants and project documents reviewed and approved by the City Council earlier this year, now govern the project site. Again, this is a big milestone in the bankruptcy case, but the case does continue. Builders' appeal of the Sale Order remains pending, and briefing on this appeal is moving forward later this month and early into next year. City Attorney Ihrke concluded that the City Attorney's Office, Special Council, and the City Manager will keep the Council informed as to the status of case. City Manager McMillen said an update from the developer is anticipated at a regular Council meeting in January or February 2026. Council noted, since the bankruptcy case was filed on August 5, 2024, there have been a number of moving parts and deadlines; the City stepped up early in the process to confirm its position is established and deadlines were met, in order to secure a new developer and ensure the project moves forward, as it is going to be an amazing destination; the approximately 130+/- acres are only a component of the total 525 acre site, and the City still owns the remaining land, which will be Phase 2 of the development if the developer reaches the identified milestones. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 5 of 16 DECEMBER 16, 2025 Council commended the City Manager, the contract City Attorney's Office, and Special Counsel for their time, efforts, and diligence in dealing with the bankruptcy case, and for the progress made so far, even though the case continues. 2. AMERICAN PUBLIC WORKS ASSOCIATION SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CHAPTER — AWARDED THE 2025 PROJECT OF THE YEAR B.E.S.T (BUILDING EXCELLENCE, SHAPING TOMORROW) AWARD TO THE CITY OF LA QUINTA FOR THE DUNE PALMS BRIDGE IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT NO. 2011-05 Public Works Director / City Engineer McKinney provided a summary of the winning project, thanked the Public Works team, and explained the competition for the award. Mayor Evans, on behalf of the Council, congratulated the Public Works Department on receiving this prestigious award, and presented it to staff. CONSENT CALENDAR 1. »> Pulled for a separate vote by Mayor Pro Tem McGarrey ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 627 ON SECOND READING AMENDING TITLE 8 OF THE LA QUINTA MUNICIPAL CODE AND ADOPTING THE 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING STANDARDS CODE WITH LOCAL AMENDMENTS 2. EXCUSE ABSENCE OF VICE CHAIRPERSON WEBB FROM DECEMBER 8, 2025, ARTS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION QUARTERLY MEETING 3. »> Pulled from Consent Calendar by Mayor Evans and considered as Business Session Item No. A APPROVE RECIPIENT OF THE 2026 LA QUINTA SENIOR INSPIRATION AWARD 4. RECEIVE AND FILE FISCAL YEAR 2024/25 ART IN PUBLIC PLACES ANNUAL REPORT 5. RECEIVE AND FILE FISCAL YEAR 2024/25 DEVELOPMENT PROJECT FEE REPORT 6. RECEIVE AND FILE FISCAL YEAR 2024/25 MEASURE G SALES TAX COMPLIANCE REPORT 7. RECEIVE AND FILE REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE REPORT DATED OCTOBER 31, 2025 8. APPROVE DEMAND REGISTERS DATED NOVEMBER 14 AND 21, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 6 of 16 DECEMBER 16, 2025 CONSENT CALENDAR — COMMENTS ITEM NO. 6: Mayor and Councilmembers provided the history of Measure G, the need for it in contributing to the financial health of the City, the amazing projects the resulting revenue has funded, thanked citizens for passing Measure G, and staff for getting it on the ballot. MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Pena/Fitzpatrick to approve Consent Calendar Item Nos. 2, and 4 — 8 as presented. Motion passed unanimously. CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM NO. 1 — pulled for a separate vote COUNCILMEMBER McGARREY RECUSED HERSELF, AND SAID SHE WILL ABSTAIN FROM THE DISCUSSION AND VOTE ON CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM NO. 1 DUE TO A POTENTIAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST STEMMING FROM A BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP WITH HER EMPLOYER, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA GAS COMPANY IS A LOCAL UTILITY PROVIDER, AS NOTED DURING CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA ABOVE MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Fitzpatrick/Pena to approve Consent Calendar Item No. 1, adopting Ordinance No. 627 on second reading, as presented. Motion passed: ayes — 4, noes — 0, abstain — 1 (McGarrey), absent — 0. BUSINESS SESSION A. »> Pulled from Consent Calendar Item No. 3 by Mayor Evans and moved to Business Session APPROVE RECIPIENT OF THE 2026 LA QUINTA SENIOR INSPIRATION AWARD Community Services Deputy Director Calderon presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk's Office. Mayor Evans explained her reasons for pulling this item for discussion, specifically the criteria used for selecting recipients. For the Senior Inspiration Award, she suggested focusing on nominees who have done work that is specific to La Quinta and awarding the Distinguished Citizens Award to others. Councilmembers concurred. MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers McGarrey/Sanchez to recognize the four nominees as follows: • Kathleen O'Regan as recipient of the Senior Inspiration Award. • Lorna Curran, Judy Hoffman, and Priscilla Paltin as recipients of the Distinguished Citizen Award. Motions passed unanimously. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 7 of 16 DECEMBER 16, 2025 1. APPOINT A MEMBER OF THE CITY COUNCIL TO SERVE AS MAYOR PRO TEMPORE FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2026 Council waived presentation of the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk's Office. Council thanked Councilmember McGarrey for her service as Mayor Pro Tem during the 2025 calendar year term. MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Sanchez/Pena to appoint Councilmember Fitzpatrick to serve as Mayor Pro Tempore for calendar year 2026. Motion passed unanimously. 2. APPOINT MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL TO SERVE ON VARIOUS OUTSIDE AGENCIES FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2026 Council waived presentation of the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk's Office. Council reached a consensus to keep their current appointments except for the rotating responsibilities of the appointed Mayor Pro Tem position. MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Sanchez/Pena to appoint Members of the City Council to serve on various outside agencies for calendar year 2026 as detailed in Attachment 1, incorporated herewith by this reference. Motion passed unanimously. 3. APPROVE RECIPIENT OF THE PILLAR OF THE COMMUNITY AWARD Community Services Deputy Director Calderon presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk's Office. Council discussed the qualifications of the nominees; and suggested the Arts and Community Services Commission (ACSC) consider waiting until the term of any sitting Commissioner has expired before nominating them for this award in the future. MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Fitzpatrick/Sanchez to approve Philip (Phil) La Greca and Douglas (Doug) Hassett as recipients of the Pillar of the Community Award. Motion passed unanimously. 4. ADOPT RESOLUTION TO: (1) APPROPRIATE FUNDING FROM GENERAL FUND UNASSIGNED RESERVES, (2) APPROVE TRANSFER OF FUNDING FROM CITY TO THE LA QUINTA FINANCING AUTHORITY THROUGH A FINANCING AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY AND THE FINANCING AUTHORITY FOR THE PURCHASE OF CERTAIN LONG LEAD-TIME POWER EQUIPMENT AND RESERVATION OF POWER CAPACITY, AND (3) APPROVE TWO AGREEMENTS WITH IMPERIAL IRRIGATION DISTRICT RELATED TO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 8 of 16 DECEMBER 16, 2025 THE AVENUE 58 SUBSTATION ELECTRICAL INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS AND PROCUREMENT OF CERTAIN POWER EQUIPMENT [RESOLUTION NO. 2025-028] COUNCILMEMBER PENA RECUSED HIMSELF FROM PARTICIPATING IN THE DISCUSSION AND VOTE ON BUSINESS SESSION ITEM NO. 4 DUE TO A POTENTIAL 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, AND LEFT THE DIAS AT 5:10 P.M. Communications Specialist Barkas and City Manager McMillen presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk's Office. Council discussed the terms and process for repayment by developers over time of any upfront financing provided by the City and Riverside County to purchase the necessary long -lead time power equipment to get this project underway and potentially to reserve power capacity; the City would provide funding through a Financing Agreement via the La Quinta Financing Authority; developers' interest and subscriptions for power capacity; likelihood of using this arrangement as a model to fund other substations improvements in the future; the timing of the County's involvement; positive nature of the locations of County substations within the City's Sphere -of -Influence permitting the possibility of future growth; consistency of this arrangement with Coachella Valley Power Agency's resolutions; and developers must reserve and purchase the electrical capacity for their entire project up front, rather than phase by phase. PUBLIC SPEAKER: John Pedalino, Partner, Desert Estates Development, Canyon Ridge project, Washington Street — expressed desire for the City to enact a similar arrangement for the Marshall substation at Avenue 48 and Washington Street which services his development. PUBLIC SPEAKER: James (Jim) Vauhgn, Partner with Procopio, Cory, Hargreaves & Savitch, LLP law firm, representing the Building Industry Association Coachella Valley Chapter — expressed strong support for this item; thanked the City for its leadership, especially City Manager McMillen who has guided this for the last two years; thanked the IID team for its creativity and flexibility; and noted this will benefit both new and existing users. PUBLIC SPEAKER: Cameron Bucher, outside legal counsel for IID — thanked those involved; explained the reasons for these agreements and the process to reach this point; noted the limited space available and specific constraints at the Avenue 58 substation; and the extra three months or so it would take to increase capacity at an already electrified station. WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENTS were received from La Quinta resident Philip Bettencourt in support of the proposed agreements with IID, which were distributed to CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 9 of 16 DECEMBER 16, 2025 Council, made public, published on the City's website, and included in the public record of this meeting. Council thanked the IID Board and developers; explained the benefit of this method over a cost sharing agreement; Council has been at the forefront the energy solution in the Valley; and the greater impact of this item beyond just the one substation. MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Sanchez/Fitzpatrick to adopt Resolution No. 2025-028 as presented to: (A) Appropriate funding up to $10 million from General Fund Unassigned Reserves. (B) Approve transfer of funding from City to the La Quinta Financing Authority through a Financing Agreement between the City and the Financing Authority for purposes of executing two agreements with Imperial Irrigation District and other stakeholders, for the purchase of certain long lead-time power equipment and reservation of power capacity; and authorize the City Manager to execute the Financing Agreement substantially in the form attached to the staff report, allowing for minor and non -substantive changes subject to review by the City Attorney; and (C) Approve (1) Engineering and Procurement Agreement (for certain long lead-time equipment to be paid by the City, subject to reimbursement thereof) and (2) Funding and Reservation of Capacity Agreement for Avenue 58 Transformer Bank Addition, with Imperial Irrigation District, Riverside County, and prospective developers for the Avenue 58 substation expansion to construct a fourth transformer bank; and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreements substantially in the forms attached to the staff report, to effectuate their respective purposes, allowing for minor and non -substantive changes subject to review by the City Attorney. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA, APPROPRIATING FUNDING, APPROVING TRANSFER OF FUNDING FROM THE CITY OF FINANCING AUTHORITY THROUGH A FINANCING AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF LA QUINTA AND FINANCING AUTHORITY, AND APPROVING TWO AGREEMENTS RELATED TO ELECTRICAL INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS AND PROCUREMENT OF CERTAIN POWER EQUIPMENT Motion passed: ayes — 4, noes — 0, abstain — 0, absent — 1 (Pena). MAYOR EVANS CALLED FOR A BRIEF RECESS AT 5:54 P.M. MAYOR EVANS RECONVENED THE COUNCIL MEETING AT 6:12 P.M. WITH ALL MEMBERS PRESENT STUDY SESSION — None CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 10 of 16 DECEMBER 16, 2025 PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. ADOPT RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO SUBMIT APPLICATIONS TO RIVERSIDE COUNTY HOUSING AND WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUNDS AND EXECUTE SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026/27 [RESOLUTION NO. 2025-029] Public Works Director / City Engineer McKinney introduced Administrative Technician Escarrega who presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk's Office. MAYOR EVANS DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING OPEN AT 6:15 P.M. PUBLIC SPEAKER: Jennifer Broun, Grants Manager with the Boys and Girls Club of the Coachella Valley — explained the positive impacts its programs have had on local youth over the years. MAYOR EVANS DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED AT 6:20 P.M. MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Sanchez/Pena to adopt Resolution No. 2025-029 authorizing the City Manager to submit applications to the Riverside County Housing and Workforce Solutions for Community Development Block Grant funds, execute the Supplemental Agreements for fiscal year 2026/27; and allocate $23,580 to the Boys and Girls Club of the Coachella Valley Fee Waiver / Reduction Program, and $133,620 to the City of La Quinta Americans with Disabilities Act Improvements Project: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING PROPOSALS, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO SUBMIT APPLICATIONS FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUNDS, AND AUTHORIZATION FOR THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026/2027 Motion passed unanimously. 2. CONSIDER AN APPEAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION APPROVAL OF TENTATIVE TRACT MAP 2025-0001 (TTM 39058), SITE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 2025-0001, AND SITE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 2025-0002 TO ALLOW THE SUBDIVISION OF THE 384 ACRE SITE, THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE GOLF COURSE, PERIMETER LANDSCAPE, AND SALES CENTER; PROJECT: CORAL MOUNTAIN CLUB; LOCATION: SOUTHWEST CORNER OF AVENUE 58 AND MADISON CLUB [RESOLUTION NO. 2025-030] COUNCIL DISCLOSURES: Councilmembrer Fitzpatrick disclosed that she spent about 90 minutes that morning meeting jointly with developers Josh Franz and Garret Simon, and appellant Mary CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 11 of 16 DECEMBER 16, 2025 Mann walking the site and discussing the project from a procedural perspective, design, and siting of project components; and she could fairly evaluate this appeal. No other disclosures. City Attorney Ihrke explained the purpose and process of this administrative appeal of the Planning Commission action. Planning Consultant Nicole Criste, CEO, Terra Nova Planning & Research, Inc., presented the staff report, which is on file in the City Clerk's Office. MAYOR EVANS DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING OPEN AT 6:42 P.M. APPELLANT: Mary Mann, La Quinta — stated that given her 15 minute allocated time, will not be able to fully discuss the appeal and her backup information; hopes to convince Council that the plans and map for this project need to be revised; the staff report contains many inaccuracies, it has not adequately addressed all the concerns presented in her appeal and provides false information regarding the true conditions of the site; does not trust that appropriate due diligence has been done; explained the work and research she has done over the last few months to understand this development, and believes it was hastily approved by Council which has led to accusations of impropriety; believes questions of residents and agencies have gone unanswered; and listed detailed reasons for her appeal and the uniqueness of Coral Mountain. Council discussed there was no evidence presented proving there were false statements made in the staff report or studies prepared by a number of different professionals regarding the project related to environmental impacts, traffic, tribal consultation, etc.; the project is located on privately -owned property not public land; accusations of impropriety and hastily approvals were unsubstantiated; the project went through 2 separate iterations, with the first one which proposed a wave park was considered extensively over many months, and multiple public hearings were held by the Planning Commission and subsequently the City Council, and was ultimately denied; proposed projects and their respective impacts on the community are considered carefully, and never in hastiness; and prescriptive easements/rights cannot be gained against public lands. DEVELOPER / APPLICANT: Garret Simon, Partner, Meriweather Companies — noted the time he has spent with the Appellant; explained the developer's approach to protecting the open space; and respectfully requested that Council deny the appeal. DEVELOPER'S / APPLICANT'S REPRESENTATIVE: James Vaughn, Procopio, Cory, Hargreaves & Savitch, LLP law firm, land use counsel — stated nothing has changed in the Coral Mountain project since the City analyzed all the environmental and policy issues being raised by the Appellant, and has already made the decision to approve the project in 2024; the Developer/Applicant has a vested right to develop the preapproved project; further CEQA review is not required — fully analyzed and certified in the EIR in 2024 without any timely legal challenges, so it is conclusively presumed to be valid unless there CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 12 of 16 DECEMBER 16, 2025 is a substantial change in the project, which is not the case; and access to the property was not at issue tonight. City Clerk Radeva said WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENTS were received from the citizens listed below, in alphabetical order, opposing the Coral Mountain Club development, which were distributed to Council, made public, published on the City's website, and included in the public record of this meeting: • Michael Krahmer, La Quinta — opposed the proposed location of the Bighorn sheep fence being installed pursuant to Amendment No. 5 to Specific Plan 2003-067; believes the fence cuts off public access to the open land; and requested 3 modifications to the conditions of approval related to the fence. • Chris and Vonda McFadden, Indio — opposed due to loss of public access to Coral Mountain open land. • Jess Sanchez, Vista Santa Rosa, Thermal — opposed due to loss of public access to Coral Mountain open land. PUBLIC SPEAKER: Jess Sanchez, Thermal — has been hiking in the area for about 15 years; expressed the importance of the property to residents and animals; and the sadness at the loss of access. PUBLIC SPEAKER: Kathy Weiss, La Quinta — Coral Mountain project is a fundamental threat to community due to the addition of 300 short-term vacation rental (STVR) units; suggested limiting STVRs because the 300 density will overwhelm the neighborhood; requested that only 1 STVR per 3.5 acres be permitted; asked where in the EIR the pickleball courts and skate park noise was analyzed; and believes Nicole Criste, the City's planning consultant also works for the developer, which is a conflict of interest. Mayor Evans clarified that the Coral Mountain Club project is fully approved, and it is not before the Council for re -consideration tonight, but rather an appeal of certain Planning Commission actions were the only matter before Council; the Mayor provided clarification and background on the STVR aspect of the project; and stated that Ms. Criste is not a City employee — her and her husband's firm, Terra Nova Planning and Research, Inc. provides planning and environmental consulting services for the City, and its review of the project's environmental documents and plans was completed on behalf of the City, and she has never been employed by Meriweather Companies. Mrs. Criste confirmed. PUBLIC SPEAKER: Alena Callimanis, La Quinta — agreed that people using the property are trespassing; suggested a concession by the developer to re -align allowing public access along easements; believes there may have been some inadequate information presented at the Planning Commission, specifically regarding the lake, which she suggested eliminating; also suggested an indoor recreational facility to eliminate noise; and the public should have a chance to comment on the Bighorn Sheep fence and appropriate access to the base of Coral Mountain. APPELLANT REBUTTAL: Ms. Mann provided background on the initial project, how it changed, the short turnaround for residents to review the volume of documents, the hasty CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 13 of 16 DECEMBER 16, 2025 approval; stated the Bighorn Sheep fence in that location is not an appropriate solution; and the Tribes Rock Art Plan has to be integrated into the project. Mayor Evans noted that she has requested from the Coachella Valley Conservation Commission an updated study regarding the Bighorn Sheep population and the advisability of continuing to build fences; and she would follow up with that agency for an update. Councilmember McGarrey stated that she questioned staff at the Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy, at which she serves as Chair, and learned that the fences have been beneficial to Bighorn Sheep populations and health. DEVELOPER'S / APPLICANT'S REPRESENTATIVE: Mr. Vaughn — stated that the Appellant's objections relate to the decision Council made in 2024 to approve the project, and it is simply too late to revisit those matters now. MAYOR EVANS DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED AT 7:53 P.M. MAYOR EVANS DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING RE -OPENED AT 7:53 P.M. PUBLIC SPEAKER: Robert Royal, La Quinta — full-time residents since 2013; age 82; walking in the Coral Mountain area is his only recreation; and would like the proposed easement of 5 feet changed — widened. MAYOR EVANS DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED AT 7:56 P.M. City Attorney Ihrke and Mayor Evans reminded attendees of the specific matter before the Council and the options for action the Council had before it. Council discussed the Appellant's passion and thanked her for her engagement; restated the thorough process this project went through, and reasons why the appeal cannot be granted; that the Appellant's evidence presented and points made did not provide substantial evidence to change any existing decisions; the groups and agencies the developer will have to work with in creating the trail; and the transparency of the process and the developer. MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Pena/McGarrey to adopt Resolution No. 2025-030 denying Appeal 2025-0001 and upholding Planning Commission Resolution No. 2025-012, adopted on October 28, 2025, approving Tentative Tract Map 2025-0001 (TTM 39058), Site Development Permit 2025-0001 and Site Development Permit 2025-0002 to allow the subdivision of the 384-acre site, the development of the golf course, perimeter landscape, and sales center within the Coral Mountain Club project: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA, SUSTAINING THE PLANNING COMMISSION APPROVAL OF TENTATIVE TRACT MAP 2025-0001 (TTM 39058), SITE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 2025-0001, AND SITE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 2025-0002 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 14 of 16 DECEMBER 16, 2025 CASE NUMBERS: APPEAL 2025-0001 TENTATIVE TRACT MAP 2025-0001 (TTM 39058) SITE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 2025-0001 SITE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 2025-0002 APPLICANT: CM WAVE DEVELOPMENT LLC APPELLANT: MARY MANN PROJECT: CORAL MOUNTAIN CLUB Motion passed unanimously. DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS — None. MAYOR'S AND COUNCIL MEMBERS' ITEMS Mayor Evans reported on her, and other Councilmembers' attendance at the 2025 Ironman 70.3 Triathlon La Quinta event; YMCA Winter Program; Angry Chicks ribbon cutting; Rotary Club; Jeff Gonzalez' open house and toy drive; Boys and Girls Clubs' two events; and Coachella Valley Behavioral Health Older Adult unit opening. Councilmember Fitzpatrick reported on her and other Councilmembers' attendance at the City's tree lighting event; and La Quinta Resort tour. Mayor Pro Tem McGarrey reported on her, and other Councilmembers' attendance at the Casita lighting event; La Quinta Youth Collective meeting; Shopping with a Cop and Firefighter event; Find Food Bank food packing; and Senate Bill 707 (Stats. 2025, Ch. 327, Durazo) webinar. Councilmember Pena reported on his, and other Councilmembers' attendance at the funeral for Mark Carnevale, Cathedral City Councilmember; and State -of -the -County. Councilmember Sanchez reported on his, and other Councilmembers' attendance at the CV Horse Rescue event; and VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S.) auxiliary luncheon. REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS La Quinta's representative for 2025, Mayor Evans reported on her participation in the following organization's meeting: • VISIT GREATER PALM SPRINGS CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU La Quinta's representative for 2025, Councilmember Fitzpatrick reported on her participation in the following organization's meeting: • RIVERSIDE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION (RCTC) CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 15 of 16 DECEMBER 16, 2025 ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, a motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Fitzpatrick/McGarrey to adjourn at 8:25 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. Respectfully submitted, MONIKA RADEVA, City Clerk City of La Quinta, California CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 16 of 16 DECEMBER 16, 2025 2026 Assignments APPOINTED DECEMBER 16, 2025 ATTACHMENT 1 AGENCY 2026 MEETING SCHEDULE 2026 REPRESENTATIVES Art Purchase Committee - Feb 2026 Art Purchase Committee - Nov 2026 During Art Celebration events; Spring Event: Feb 26 - Mar 1, 2026; Fall Event: Nov 12 - 15, 2026 Members: ACSC (2) Members; Feb 2026: Sanchez & McGarrey; Nov 2026: Evans & Fitzpatrick Community Service Grant Review Committee Three per year: Jan, May, & Sept Members (Jan): McGarrey & Fitzpatrick Members (May): Evans & Sanchez Members (Sept): McGarrey & Pena Desert Sands Unified School District 2x2 Committee [established June 2013] As Needed Members: Evans & Sanchez California Joint Powers Insurance Authority* Annual Board meeting in July Member: Sanchez Alternate: Monika Radeva and/or Claudia Martinez Coachella Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District (CVMVCD)* 2nd Tuesday of every month at 6 pm Member: Pena Term: Jan 1, 2026 - Dec 31, 2029 Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy (CVMC)* Quarterly on the 2nd Monday of every month at 3 pm (2026: Feb 9, May 11, Aug. 10, Nov 16) Member: McGarrey Alternate: Fitzpatrick Coachella Valley Power Agency Last Monday of every month at 3 pm (2026 Dark: Mar, Oct, Dec) Members: Evans -Director Alternate: Fitzpatrick No Term Limit Coachella Valley Unified School District 2x2 Committee [established Nov. 2015] As Needed Members: Fitzpatrick & Pena Coachella Valley Water District Joint Policy Committee (CVWD JPC) Quarterly or As Needed Member: Evans CVAG Conservation Commission* 2nd Thursday of every month at 10:30 am (2026 Dark: Mar, July, Aug, Oct, Dec) Member: Evans CVAG Conservation Commission Legislative Advisory Ad Hoc Committee As Needed Member: Fitzpatrick CVAG Energy & Sustainability Resources Committee* 2nd Thursday of every month at 12 pm (2026 Dark: Mar, July, Aug, Oct, Dec) Member: Evans CVAG Executive Committee* Last Monday of every month at 4:30 pm (2026 Dark: Mar, July, Aug, Oct, Dec) Member: Evans * Note: receives stipend; Council appointments are not required for any of the items listed in green font as they are voluntary positions. 2026 Assignments APPOINTED DECEMBER 16, 2025 AGENCY 2026 MEETING SCHEDULE 2026 REPRESENTATIVES CVAG General Assembly Annual banquet — last Monday in June in Chair's city (June 29, 2026, at 6 pm) Delegate: Evans Members: All Councilmembers CVAG Homelessness Committee* 3rd Wednesday of every month at 10 am (2026 Dark: Mar, July, Aug, Oct, Dec) Member: Pena Alternate: Fitzpatrick CVAG Public Safety Committee* 2nd Monday of every month at 9 am (2026 Dark: Mar, Apr, Jul, Aug, Oct, Dec) Member: Pena Alternate: Sanchez CVAG Transportation Committee* 1st Monday of every month at 10 am (2026 Dark: March, July, Aug, Oct, Dec) Member: Fitzpatrick Alternate: McGarrey Desert Recreation District 2x2 Committee [established Jan. 2017] TBD Members: Fitzpatrick & McGarrey Economic Development Subcommittee [established May 20, 2014] Meets twice a month if needed; TBD and 4th Wednesday at 9 am Members: Evans & Fitzpatrick Alternate: Sanchez Greater CV Chamber of Commerce Information Exchange Committee 3rd Thursday every month at 8:30 am (2026 Dark: June, July, and Dec.) Quarter 1: McGarrey Quarter 2: Sanchez Quarter 3: Evans Quarter 4: Fitzpatrick Alternate: Pena League of California Cities — Delegate for annual conference Annual conference(s) & General Assembly September 23-25, 2026, in Anaheim, CA Member: Evans League of California Cities — Environmental Quality Policy Committee 3 meetings per year on Fridays at 10 am (2026: Jan 23, March 27, & June 5) Member: McGarrey League of California Cities — Executive Committee Riverside County Division 2nd Monday of every 2 months at 6pm (2026: Feb 9, April 13, June 8, Aug 10, Oct 12) Member: McGarrey League of California Cities — Public Safety Committee 3 meetings per year on Fridays at 10 am (2026: Jan 23, March 27, & June 5) Member: Sanchez California Association Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) Quarterly meeting held on Friday at 10 am (2026: Jan, Apr, July, Oct — Annual Conference) Member: Sanchez * Note: receives stipend; Council appointments are not required for any of the items listed in green font as they are voluntary positions. 2026 Assignments APPOINTED DECEMBER 16, 2025 AGENCY 2026 MEETING SCHEDULE 2026 REPRESENTATIVES Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) — Riverside 4th Thursday of every month at 9:30 am (2026 Dark: Nov) Member: Sanchez Palm Springs Air Museum Board Meeting Dates for 2026 — Jan. 28, March 25, May 27, (Full Board Retreat) Nov. 18 at 10:00 am Member: Evans Palm Springs Air Museum Executive Committee Meeting Dates for 2026 — Feb. 25, April 22, June 17, July 22, Aug. 26, Sept. 23, Oct. 21, Dec. 16 at 10:00 am Member: Evans Riverside County Airport Land Use Commission 2nd Thursday of every month at 9:30 am Member: Sanchez Coachella Valley Animal Campus Commission 1st Thursday, every 2 months at 9:30 am (2026: Feb 5, Apr 2, June 4, Aug 6, Oct 1, Dec 3) Member: Sanchez Alternate: Fitzpatrick Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) Audit Ad Hoc Committee As Needed. Member: Fitzpatrick Appointed 2018 Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) Coachella Valley San Gorgonio Pass Area Corridor Ad Hoc Committee As Needed. Member: Fitzpatrick Appointed 2025 Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC)* [one rep appointed by every city] 2nd Wednesday of every month at 9:30 am Member: Fitzpatrick Alternate: McGarrey So. Calif. Association of Governments (SCAG) Transportation Committee 1st Thursday of every month at 9:30 am (2026 Dark: Jan, May, Aug) Member: Sanchez So. Calif. Association of Governments (SCAG) Annual Regional Conference & General Assembly — May 6-7, 2026 — Marriott Springs Resort — Palm Desert Delegate: Sanchez (due to appointment to SCAG Regional Council; otherwise Mayor elect) Alternate: Evans So. Calif. Association of Governments (SCAG) Regional Council 1st Thursday of every month at 11:45 am (2026 Dark: Jan & Aug) Member: Sanchez (Elected 3/11/2024) * Note: receives stipend; Council appointments are not required for any of the items listed in green font as they are voluntary positions. 2026 Assignments APPOINTED DECEMBER 16, 2025 AGENCY 2026 MEETING SCHEDULE 2026 REPRESENTATIVES Sunline Transit Agency* 4th Wednesday of every month at 12:00 pm (includes Committees) [2026 Dark: Aug & Nov] Member: Pena Alternate: Fitzpatrick Visit Greater Palm Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau* Tuesday's at 8:30 am at rotating locations 2026: Jan 30, March 27, June 26, Sept 25, Dec 11 [2026 Dark: Feb, April, May, July, Aug, Oct, Nov] Members: Evans Alternate: Sanchez * Note: receives stipend; Council appointments are not required for any of the items listed in green font as they are voluntary positions.