HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025 12 03 FAC Minutes Special MeetingFINANCIAL ADVISORY COMMISSION
SPECIAL MEETING
MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2025
CALL TO ORDER
A special meeting of the La Quinta Financial Advisory Commission (Commission) was
called to order at 3:30 p.m. by Chair Way.
PRESENT: Commissioners Anderson, Dorsey, Kiehl (joined the meeting via
teleconference at 4:00 p.m.), Lee, Mast, Niblo, and Chair Way
ABSENT: None
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Commissioner Niblo led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA — None
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA — Confirmed
ANNOUNCEMENTS, PRESENTATIONS, AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
1. EXPANDING LA QUINTA'S ELECTRICAL CAPACITY UPDATE
City Manager McMillen provided a comprehensive update on the Imperial Irrigation
District's (IID) electric supply and distribution system serving the Coachella Valley,
highlighting the current electric capacity conditions and rising demand for additional
capacity in La Quinta due to ongoing development; and noting the need for system
upgrades to ensure reliable service for existing and future customers.
Mr. McMillen reported that the City has been working collaboratively with IID, developers,
and Riverside County to create cost -sharing arrangements for the necessary substation
improvements; the most immediate priority is the Avenue 58 Substation, which requires
long -lead equipment purchases and can relieve power capacity constraints; developers'
requests for electrical capacity currently exceed available capacity, indicating a need to
secure equipment and move projects forward before the next peak demand season. Mr.
McMillen noted that on November 18, 2025, the IID's Board of Directors approved two
agreements — (1) an Engineering and Procurement Agreement (for certain long lead-time
equipment to be paid by the City) and (2) Funding and Reservation of Capacity
Agreement for Avenue 58 Transformer Bank Addition, which will be presented to Council
for consideration at the December 16, 2025, regular meeting; IID may contribute to
upgrade costs depending on systemwide benefit; the City anticipates advancing funding
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for critical -path equipment to maintain project timelines, with reimbursement from
developers as capacity allocations are finalized; and the City's participation in regional
coordination efforts, including the Coachella Valley Power Agency (CVPA) Joint Powers
Authority, aimed at long-term planning and improving regional control over energy
infrastructure.
General discussion followed related to IID's cooperative role in the Coachella Valley,
temporary power arrangements for projects, strategies for future capacity planning, smart
home trends, solar production impacts, developer coordination, and the long-term
timeline for constructing new substations.
COMMISSIONER KIEHL JOINED THE MEETING VIA TELECONFERENCE AT
4: 00 P.M.
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS
1. RECEIVE AND FILE SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES DATED
NOVEMBER 5, 2025
2. RECEIVE AND FILE REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE REPORT DATED
SEPTEMBER 30, 2025
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Commissioners Anderson/Dorsey to
approve the Consent Calendar as presented. Motion passed unanimously
BUSINESS SESSION
1. RECEIVE AND FILE FISCAL YEAR 2024/25 MEASURE G SALES TAX
COMPLIANCE REPORT
Finance Director Martinez presented the staff report, which is on file in the Finance
Department.
The Commission discussed the ongoing use of Measure G revenues, reserve
considerations, and the long-term impact of funded projects.
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Commissioners Niblo/Mast to receive
and file fiscal year 2024/25 Measure G Sales Tax Compliance Report as presented.
Motion passed unanimously.
2. APPOINT TWO MEMBERS OF THE FINANCIAL ADVISORY COMMISSION TO
SERVE ON THE FISCAL YEAR 2026/27 GENERAL FUND OPERATING
BUDGET SUBCOMMITTEE (Subcommittee)
Finance Director Martinez presented the staff report, which is on file in the Finance
Department.
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The Commission noted the Subcommittee offers newer members an opportunity to
understand the City's budget process; discussed the Subcommittee's meeting frequency
and the potential appointment of two or up to three Commissioners; and Commissioners
Niblo and Dorsey expressed their willingness to serve on the Subcommittee.
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Commissioners Lee/Mast to appoint
Commissioners Niblo and Dorsey to serve on the fiscal year 2026/27 General Fund
Operating Budget Subcommittee. Motion passed unanimously.
3. RECEIVE AND FILE FIRST QUARTER FISCAL YEAR 2025/26 TREASURY
REPORTS FOR JULY, AUGUST, AND SEPTEMBER 2025
Principal Management Analyst Hallick presented the staff report, which is on file in the
Finance Department.
The Commission discussed future expected earnings versus actual investment income;
differences in performance between City investment pools California Asset Management
Program (CAMP) and Local Agency Investment Fund (LAIF); the importance of
maintaining adequate reserves to manage fluctuations in investment income and
operational needs; the City's ongoing monitoring of market conditions and Federal
Reserve actions; prudent management of cash and transitions between investment pools;
and considerations for prioritizing LAIF or alternative investment allocations.
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Commissioners Mast/Dorsey to receive
and file first quarter fiscal year 2025/26 Treasury Reports for July, August, and September
2025, as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
STUDY SESSION — None
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS
FINANCE DEPARTMENT CURRENT AND FUTURE INITIATIVES
Staff provided updates on ongoing and upcoming Finance Department initiatives,
including preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for fiscal
year (FY) 2024/25; filing of the Measure A Local Streets and Roads Audit for FY 2024/25
with the Riverside County Transportation Commission; filing of the Annual Street and
Road Improvement Audit for FY 2024/25 with the State Controller's Office; and the annual
development project fees reports — the Art in Public Places and Development Impact Fees
will be presented to Council at the December 16, 2025, regular meeting.
Staff reviewed major capital improvements such as the Dune Palms Bridge Improvements
Project and ongoing coordination with the Public Works Department to ensure compliance
with federal and state requirements.
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The Commission recognized the Finance Department's strong working relationship with
the City's auditors, including proactive and timely communication throughout the audit
process; and discussed the California Society of Municipal Financial Officers Annual
Conference (CSMFO) will be held at the Palm Springs Convention Center, commending
Finance Director Martinez and Principal Management Analyst Hallick for being selected
as presenters.
Staff provided general updates on ongoing projects, including Imperial Irrigation District
(IID) coordination efforts; Federal Emergency Management Assistance (FEMA)
reimbursements related to Tropical Storm Hilary; and upcoming City events.
COMMISSIONERS' ITEMS
Commissioner Lee expressed appreciation to Commissioner Kiehl for attending the
meeting while traveling internationally. The Commission acknowledged and thanked
Chair Way for her leadership in her new role as Chairperson.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners
Dorsey/Mast to adjourn this meeting at 5:27 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Amanda Guerrero, Commission Secretary
City of La Quinta, California
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