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Home My WebLink About2026 02 17 CC MinutesCITY COUNCIL MINUTES TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2026 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 — Confirmed 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: CONSTRUCTION LOAN SERVICES II, LLC V. SILVERROCK DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, ET AL. (U.S. District Court, District of Delaware, CASE NO. 25-1342-CFC) 3. 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) CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 1 of 7 FEBRUARY 17, 2026 4. 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 (RIVERSIDE COUNTY SUP. CT. CASE NO. CVPS2509382) 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 LLC and its responsive affiliates as reported out for Closed Session Item No. 2 from the August 6, 2024, Council meeting. • CLOSED SESSION ITEM NO. 2 — no reportable action. • CLOSED SESSION ITEM NO. 3 — no reportable action. • CLOSED SESSION ITEM NO. 4 — no reportable action. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Councilmember Pena led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA — None ANNOUNCEMENTS, PRESENTATIONS AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS 1. SILVERROCK (FORMERLY TALUS) DEVELOPMENT PROJECT — STATUS UPDATE 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. A milestone for the case was accomplished with the December 9, 2025, sale of the debtors' 130+/- acre property, formerly known as the Talus project, to Turnbridge Equities (TBE) pursuant to the bankruptcy court's order CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 2 of 7 FEBRUARY 17, 2026 authorizing the sale. Prior Announcements regarding the bankruptcy case are available on the City's website at www.laquintaca.gov/talus. City Attorney Ihrke said the bankruptcy case for the SilverRock Development Company LLC and its affiliates (debtors) is ongoing. As previously announced; the bankruptcy court granted the debtors motion for an Order Authorizing a Mediation; the mediation is ongoing; and Council will be kept apprized as to the progress and the status of the case. 2. VISIT GREATER PALM SPRINGS 2026 GOALS AND OBJECTIVES — PRESENTATION BY PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER SCOTT WHITE AND CHIEF OF SALES AND MARKETING OFFICER COLLEEN PACE PRESENTERS: Vice President of Government and Industry Relation Davis Meyer and Chief Sales and Marketing Officer Colleen Pace, representing the Visit Greater Palm Springs, provided a power point presentation detailing Coachella Valley hospitality and tourism campaigns and programs. 3. CERTIFICATES OF RECOGNITION HONORING PILLAR OF THE COMMUNITY AWARD RECIPIENTS DOUGLAS (DOUG) HASSETT AND PHILP (PHIL) LA GRECA Council presented Pillar of the Community award recipients Doug Hassett and Phil La Greca with Certificates of Recognition honoring their years of service and volunteerism in the community. 4. CERTIFICATES OF RECOGNITION HONORING DISTINGUISHED CITIZEN AWARD RECIPIENTS LORNA CURRAN, JUDY HOFFMAN, AND PRISCILLA PALTIN Council presented Distinguished Citizen award recipients Lorna Curran, Judy Hoffman, and Priscilla Paltin with Certificates of Recognition honoring their years of service and volunteerism in the community. CONSENT CALENDAR 1. ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 629 ON SECOND READING DESIGNATING SPEED LIMITS FOR VARIOUS STREETS 2. ACCEPT ON -SITE IMPROVEMENTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE GRIFFIN RANCH RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT, TRACT MAP NO. 32879, LOCATED AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF AVENUE 54 AND MADISON STREET 3. AUTHORIZE THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT TO UTILIZE SOUTHWEST BOULDER AND STONE TO PURCHASE UP TO $100,000 OF MATERIALS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025/26 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 3 of 7 FEBRUARY 17, 2026 4. APPROVE AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO AGREEMENT FOR CONTRACT SERVICES WITH NV5, INC TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL DESIGN SERVICES FOR THE WASHINGTON STREET SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT NO. 2023-03 AND AVENUE 50 SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT NO. 2024-01 5. APPROVE DEMAND REGISTERS DATED JANUARY 23 AND 30, 2026 MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Pena/Fitzpatrick to approve the Consent Calendar as presented, with Item No. 1 adopting Ordinance No. 629. Motion passed unanimously. BUSINESS SESSION 1. INTRODUCE FOR FIRST READING AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTIONS 1.01.003 AND 12.20.020 OF THE LA QUINTA MUNICIPAL CODE RELATED TO CONFORMING AND CORRECTIVE REVISIONS GOVERNING CONTENTS OF CODE AND SPEED LIMITS REGULATIONS RESPECTIVELY [ORDINANCE NO. 630] 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 Pena/Fitzpatrick to take up Ordinance No. 630 by title and number only and waive further reading. Motion passed unanimously. City Clerk Radeva read the following title of Ordinance No. 630 into the record: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTIONS 1.01.003 AND 12.20.020 OF THE LA QUINTA MUNICIPAL CODE RELATED TO CONFORMING AND CORRECTIVE REVISIONS GOVERNING CONTENTS OF CODE AND SPEED LIMITS REGULATIONS RESPECTIVELY MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Pena/Fitzpatrick to introduce at first reading Ordinance No. 630 amending the La Quinta Municipal Code: (1) Section 1.01.003 related to Contents of Code and (2) Section 12.20.020 related to Speed Limits regulations. Motion passed unanimously. 2. RECEIVE AND FILE ANNUAL COMPREHENSIVE FINANCIAL REPORT (ACFR) FOR YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2025 Finance Director Martinez presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk's Office. PRESENTER VIA TELECONFERENCE: Riley Greenlee, Senior Manager with Lance, Soli, & Lunghard, LLP (LSL) explained the auditors' responsibilities, audit scope, standards, and testing procedures followed by LSL; and noted that LSL has issued an unmodified opinion which is the highest rating available. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 4 of 7 FEBRUARY 17, 2026 Council discussed cities with unfunded pension liability; and commended the City's Finance team for their outstanding work. MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Pena/McGarrey to receive and file the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the year ended June 30, 2025. Motion passed unanimously. STUDY SESSION 1. DISCUSS STRIPING REVISIONS FOR EASTBOUND HIGHWAY 111 AT WASHINGTON STREET Public Works Director/City Engineer McKinney introduced Assistant Construction Manager Ayon and City consultant Lorissa Gruehl, P.E., Senior Civil Engineer with NAI Consulting, Inc. who presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk's Office. Council discussed revised cyclists route; width of bike path and sidewalk; eliminating auto -cyclist conflict; making the bike lane obvious through design and paint; modifying Option 2 by widening the sidewalk to 10 feet to accommodate bikes, carts and pedestrians; traffic backup with existing striping; and data on cyclist accidents at this location over the past 5 years is zero. PUBLIC SPEAKER: Seargeant Patrick Mushinskie with Riverside County Sheriff's Department — said he had consulted with Sergeant Mark Chlarson, and noted law enforcement supports staff's recommendation under Option 1. City Clerk Radeva said WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENTS were received from the citizens listed below in alphabetical order, regarding the 3 striping options for the Highway 111 and Washington St. intersection presented in the staff report, which were distributed to Council, made public, published on the City's website, and included in the public record of this meeting: • Sue Bunten, Indio — in support of both, the newly implemented eastbound and westbound striping (Option 3). • Ryan Leaderman, La Quinta — providing general comments and safety concerns regarding striping Options 1 and 3, noting Option 1 is the safest of all 3 options presented, however he does not support either option. PUBLIC SPEAKER: Tom Brohard, La Quinta — said the driveway in/out of Rubio's Coastal Grill restaurant / Vons grocery store is misplaced due to poor visibility — closing it should be considered; reminded all that both the corridor plan and the General Plan call for 3 lanes in each direction; a study of current capacity is needed; and bicyclists and multimodal vehicles should be off the street and onto the sidewalk/separate path. Council discussed getting data on numbers of vehicles using the in/out access near Rubio's, and the number of cyclists through that intersection; and a design that drives cyclists to CV Link rather than traveling along Highway 111. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 5 of 7 FEBRUARY 17, 2026 Council reached a consensus and directed staff to explore closing the entrance/exit to the Von's center; creating easy access for eastbound cyclists to CV Link across Highway 111 by Circle K, tied to the parklet being planned there as the gateway to CV Link; ultimately would like 3 through car lanes with a widened sidewalk for pedestrians -bikes -carts; in the interim while the sidewalk widening project is designed, bid and built, restripe to the former configuration while being mindful that as little restriping as possible is desired to implement the ultimate sidewalk widening project; and continue discussions with the City of Indian Wells regarding bicycle traffic. PUBLIC HEARINGS — None DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS — All reports are on file in the City Clerk's Office. MAYOR'S AND COUNCIL MEMBERS' ITEMS Mayor Evans reported on her, and other Councilmembers' attendance at the Palm Springs Air Museum Gala; and the Date Festival Presidents' Day Parade. Mayor Pro Tem Fitzpatrick reported on her and other Councilmembers' attendance at the Annual Employee Appreciation Lunch; the Community Workshop; the Art Celebration Volunteers Meeting; and the La Quinta Youth Collective meeting. Councilmember Pena reported on his attendance at the Concert in the Park; and the Modernism Week Mixer. Councilmember Sanchez reported on his attendance at Rancho Mirage Chamber Awards; and was Master of Ceremonies (MC) at the Desert Women's Show. REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS La Quinta's representative for 2026, Mayor Evans reported on her participation in the following organizations' meetings: • CVAG COACHELLA VALLEY CONSERVATION COMMISSION • CVAG ENERGY AND SUSTAINABILITY RESOURCES COMMITTEE • VISIT GREATER PALM SPRINGS CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU La Quinta's representative for 2026, Mayor Pro Tem Fitzpatrick reported on her participation in the following organization's meeting: • RIVERSIDE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION (RCTC) La Quinta's representative for 2026, Councilmember McGarrey reported on her participation in the following organizations' meetings: • COACHELLA VALLEY MOUNTAINS CONSERVANCY • LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES — EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, RIVERSIDE COUNTY DIVISION CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 6 of 7 FEBRUARY 17, 2026 La Quinta's representative for 2026, Councilmember Pena reported on his participation in the following organization's meeting: • CV MOSQUITO AND VECTOR CONTROL DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES La Quinta's representative for 2026, Councilmember Sanchez reported on his participation in the following organization's meeting: • SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS ➢ REGIONAL COUNCIL ➢ TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, a motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Pena/McGarrey to adjourn at 6:27 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. Respectfully submitted, MONIKA RADEVA, City Clerk City of La Quinta, California CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 7 of 7 FEBRUARY 17, 2026