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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026 03 26 CC Minutes + HA + B-C Sp Joint MtgSPECIAL JOINT MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL, HOUSING AUTHORITY, AND CITY BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND COMMITTEES MINUTES WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2026 CALL TO ORDER A special joint meeting of the La Quinta City Council, Housing Authority, and City Boards, Commissions, and Committees was called to order at 5:09 p.m. by Mayor Evans. ROLL CALL COUNCIL: Present: Councilmembers Fitzpatrick, McGarrey, Sanchez, and Mayor Evans Absent: Councilmember Pena ROLL CALL HOUSING AUTHORITY: Present: Authority Members Evans, Fitzpatrick, McGarrey, and Chair Sanchez Absent: Authority Member Pena ROLL CALL FINANCIAL ADVISORY COMMISSION (FAG): Present: Commissioners Anderson, Dorsey, Kiehl, Mast, and Chair Way Absent: Commissioners Lee and Niblo ROLL CALL PLANNING COMMISSION (PC): Present: Commissioners Guerrero, Hernandez, Hundt, McCune, Nieto, and Chair Hassett Absent: Commissioner Bohlinger ROLL CALL HOUSING COMMISSION (HC): Present: Commissioners Christopherson, Lewis, Pacheco, Paltin, and Chair Gaeta-Mejia Absent: None ROLL CALL ARTS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION (CSC): Present: Commissioners Beesemyer, Brower, and Chari Chiapperini Absent: Commissioners Biondi and Webb ROLL CALL CONSTRUCTION BOARD OF APPEALS (CBA): Present: Board Member Olson Absent: Board Member Edwards, Leonhard, Morris, and Venuti ROLL CALL COACHELLA VALLEY MOSQUITO AND VECTOR CONTROL DISTRICT (CVMVCD) BOARD OF TRUSTEES: Present: None Absent: Trustee Pena SPECIAL JOINT MEETING MINUTES Page 1 of 7 MARCH 26, 2026 CITY COUNCIL, HOUSING AUTHORITY, AND CITY BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND COMMITTEES ROLL CALL PALM SPRINGS AIRPORT COMMISSION (PSAC): Present: Commissioner Kiehl Absent: None CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA — Confirmed PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Evans led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. STUDY SESSION — INTRODUCTION Mayor Evans and Councilmembers welcomed all participants to the annual special joint meeting, explained the purpose and order of the meeting, noted the vital importance of all Board, Commission, and Committee Members' diverse contribution and technical expertise, and thanked them for their service and commitment. Mayor Evans said the City's 2026 theme is La Quinta Forward: Momentum & Milestones, focusing on economic development, strategic plan progress, and taking a moment to celebrate and reflect on the City's fiscal stability and accomplishments over the last year through a brief overview of its completed, in -progress, and future projects and initiatives. Read out of agenda order »> VERBAL ANNOUNCEMENT — AB 23 was made by the Housing Authority Secretary STUDY SESSION 1. UPDATES ON CITY PROJECTS AND DISCUSSION ON CITY -RELATED MATTERS OF MUTUAL INTEREST City Manager McMillen presented an overview of completed and in -progress items over the last few years: • Address Imperial Irrigation District (IID) electric power capacity and infrastructure needs; equipment lease (2024 and 2025 Workshop — Top 5 Vote) • Address affordable housing needs (2025 Workshop — Top 5 Vote) • Underground utilities (2022 and 2025 Workshop — Top 5 Vote) • Highway 111 Corridor Plan (2018 and 2024 Workshop — Top 5 Vote) • Expand La Quinta's southern boundaries (2024 Workshop — Top 5 Vote) • Fritz Burns Park / Pool Improvements (2023 Workshop — Top 5 Vote) • Road infrastructure improvements (2023 Workshop — Top 5 Vote) • Park improvements (2022 Workshop — Top 5 Vote) • Concerts in the Park — additional events (2022 Workshop — Top 5 Vote) • Public Safety Camera System — Phase II (2022 Workshop — Top 5 Vote) • SilverRock Park Event Area (2018 Workshop — Top 5 Vote) • X-Park (2018 Workshop — Top 5 Vote) • Top of the Cove restroom (2018 Workshop — Top 5 Vote) SPECIAL JOINT MEETING MINUTES Page 2 of 7 MARCH 26, 2026 CITY COUNCIL, HOUSING AUTHORITY, AND CITY BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND COMMITTEES A summary overview of the City's 2025 accomplishments inclusive of completed and in - progress projects, community events and services, and new developments shown at the 2026 Community Workshop was presented via a video highlighting: • Park and Playground Improvements — Adams Park, Eisenhower Park, and La Quinta Park • CV Link — La Quinta segment opening on November 10, 2025 — a regional trail project, a 50-mile multi -modal transportation project for bicyclists, pedestrians, and low speed electric vehicles, that runs throughout the Coachella Valley cities, from Desert Hot Springs to Coachella • Dune Palms Bridge • Highway 111 Re -pavement and Median Improvements City Manager McMillen provided an update on the following: • IID's power capacity and electrical infrastructure — pending upgrades, City - sponsored funding to acquire Tong -lead time infrastructure equipment, and collaboration with developers • SilverRock Resort project development — a milestone was accomplished with the December 9, 2025, sale of the 130+/- acre property, formerly known as the Talus project, to Turnbridge Equities pursuant to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court order authorizing the sale Public Works Director / City Engineer McKinney provided a brief update on the following: Completed Projects: • Pavement Management Program — Fred Waring Drive and miscellaneous locations, Cove, Highlands, Monticello, and Adams Street • Cove Slurry Seal Improvements • Highway 111 Re -pavement • South La Quinta Median Landscaping — Avenue 52 • Washington Street Parkway Landscaping • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Improvements — Avenida Navarro and Avenida La Fonda • Lighted Crosswalk — Avenida Bermudas and Avenue 52 roundabout Projects Underway: • Highway 111 Corridor — specific plan and roadway design • La Quinta Cultural Campus — design, and added lumberyard building • Operations and Maintenance Yard — design • Washington Street Connector to Avenue 48 Arts and Music Line Bike Trail — design • Citywide Striping — design • Miles Avenue Pavement Rehabilitation — design • Avenue 50 Bridge — design • Frits Burns Park Improvements — construction • South La Quinta Median Landscaping — construction continues on Washington Street SPECIAL JOINT MEETING MINUTES Page 3 of 7 MARCH 26, 2026 CITY COUNCIL, HOUSING AUTHORITY, AND CITY BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND COMMITTEES • City Hall Drainage Improvements — design • Avenue 48 Arts and Music Line Bike Trail — design • Avenue 50 Widening — design from Jefferson Street to Madison Street Public Safety Deputy Director Mendez provided a brief update on the following: • Law Enforcement — $21.7 million (23.4% of City budget for fiscal year 2025/26) • Fire Department — $11.7 million (12.6% of City budget for fiscal year 2025/26) • Public Safety Camera System ✓ 114 cameras; 68 Flock license plat readers ✓ Real-time leads and video evidence ✓ Helps identify suspects, recover vehicles, and reconstruct crimes ✓ Improves response time and deters crime • Upcoming Events ✓ Emergency Preparedness Fair in La Quinta — April 9, 2026 ✓ Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Class — May 1-3, 206 ✓ Spay and Neuter Voucher Program — coming soon Financial Advisory Commission Chair Way introduced herself and asked FAC Members present to introduce themselves; and provided an overview of the FAC meeting schedule, membership and required qualifications, and explained the roles and responsibilities of the FAC: • Measure G Oversight • Audit and Financial Reporting Oversight • Treasury and Investment Monitoring • Fiscal Stewardship and Advisory Role Chair Way presented an overview of FAC upcoming projects listed below; highlighted that the City's pension obligations with the California Public Employees' Retirement System is fully funded; and is ranked No. 7 out of 410 cities in California for fiscal stability: • Adopt Fiscal Year 2026/27 Budget • Long-range financial planning • Financial transparency and engagement • Long-term pension obligations • Oversight of annual budget, capital investments, and Measure G implementation • Policies and internal controls for all areas of Finance Arts and Community Services Commission Chair Chiapperini introduced himself and asked ACSC Members present to introduce themselves; and provided an overview of the ACSC meeting schedule, membership, and explained the roles and responsibilities of the ACSC: • Community Services and Recreation Programs — Fritz Burns Park, Wellness Center, and X-Park • Special Events — City Signature events, Lifestyle events, and recognition programs SPECIAL JOINT MEETING MINUTES Page 4 of 7 MARCH 26, 2026 CITY COUNCIL, HOUSING AUTHORITY, AND CITY BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND COMMITTEES • Public Art — murals, sculpture loan program, and La Quinta Art Celebration art purchases Chair Chiapperini presented an overview of the upcoming and completed projects listed below: • Community Murals — Civic Center Campus, SilverRock Park, and Signal Box Art • La Quinta Youth Collective (LQYC) — community services projects, including paint activity with Hadley Villas senior residents and pet adoption event, in partnership with Riverside County Animal Services, at the City's Birthday Celebration event to be held on April 25, 2026; and upcoming recognition of the inaugural class by Council in May 2026 • Artwork display at City Hall and Wellness Center entrance — newly purchased artwork from the La Quinta Art Celebration event entitled "Synergy" by artist Boris Kramer and "La Quinta Bamboo" by artist Jesse Kelly, and "Wish You Were Here" mural by artist Nate Frizell Mayor Evans and Councilmembers thanked the ASCS for revamping the City's Awards Recognition Programs, which include the Pillar of the Community, Distinguished Citizen Award, Junior Inspiration / Youth Achievement Award, and Community Service Award. Housing Commission Chair Gaeta-Mejia introduced herself and asked HC Members present to introduce themselves; and provided an overview of the HC meeting schedule, membership and required qualifications, and explained the roles and responsibilities of the HC: • Affordable housing community needs • Affordable housing projects and policies • Housing Programs — community education and awareness Chair Gaeta-Mejia presented an overview of the upcoming and completed projects listed below: • Dune Palms Mobile Home Park • 28 Rental Homes in the Cove • Future Affordable Housing Projects, including funding opportunities • Homeless Prevention Partnerships Planning Commission Design and Development Director Newell provided a brief description and status update of the following projects: • Highway 111 Corridor Specific Plan and Development Code • Sphere of Influence Expansion Chair Hassett introduced himself and asked PC Members present to introduce themselves; and provided an overview of the PC meeting schedule, membership and required qualifications, and explained the roles and responsibilities of the PC: SPECIAL JOINT MEETING MINUTES Page 5 of 7 MARCH 26, 2026 CITY COUNCIL, HOUSING AUTHORITY, AND CITY BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND COMMITTEES • Carry out the powers and duties as prescribed in the Planning and Zoning laws of California and La Quinta • Develop and maintain the General Plan • Review new development applications Chair Hassett presented an overview of the upcoming and completed projects listed below: • Coral Mountain Club — golf course and sales center; and residences • St. Francis of Assisi Parish Hall • Residential Developments — Andalusia, Bravo Estates, Oasis (Avenue 60 and Madison Street), and Griffin Ranch Construction Board of Appeals Board Member Olson introduced himself; and said the CBA meets on as -needed basis only when there are resident disputes related to building construction matters, which there have been none over the last year; and thanked the City and Council for its continued prosperity and commitment to the community through services, programs, and amenities. Palm Springs Airport Commission Commissioner Kiehl introduced himself; provided a brief overview of current operations and the on -going master plan design concepts to expand the Palms Springs Airport, which is a financially arduous and very long-term project. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA PUBLIC SPEAKER: Mary Mann, La Quinta — submitted a request to speak form but was not present to speak when called upon by the Mayor. Ms. Mann's comments were regarding the Coral Mountain Club development, specifically related to access to open land. PUBLIC SPEAKER: Philip Bettencourt, La Quinta — asked for an overview of the Coachella Valley Power Agency (CVPA) purpose and focus. Mayor Evans explained the CVPA was established in March 2025 via a Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) between the Cities of La Quinta, Indio, and Riverside County, as an independent public agency, in order to give stakeholders the authority they have long sought with regards to electrical service in the eastern Coachella Valley (CV); with each member party having the ability to exercise powers to promote, develop, conduct, operate, and manage energy generation and distribution towards achieving reliable, cost-effective public power. The JPA represents a collaborative approach to addressing representation and electrical infrastructure needs in the CV with the upcoming expiration of the 99-year Agreement of Compromise, on December 31, 2032, between the Coachella Valley Water District and IID, making HD the electrical service provider for certain areas in the eastern CV. SPECIAL JOINT MEETING MINUTES Page 6 of 7 MARCH 26, 2026 CITY COUNCIL, HOUSING AUTHORITY, AND CITY BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND COMMITTEES City Clerk Radeva said WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENTS were received from La Quinta resident Gina B. commending the City, Council, and staff for the quality of life La Quinta offers and the consistent professionalism, kindness, and helpfulness exercised by the City's leadership and staff making La Quinta shine as the "Gem of the Desert," which were distributed to Council, Housing Authority, City Boards, Commissions, and Committees, made public, published on the City's website, and included in the public record of this meeting. COUNCIL, AUTHORITY, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND COMMITTEES MEMBERS' ITEMS FAC Commissioner Dorsey expressed his appreciation for having diversity in the membership of the City's boards, commissions, and committee, which is invaluable in bringing different opinions, experiences, and representation when considering community matters; and thanked Council for opportunity to serve La Quinta and their leadership. City Attorney Ihrke with Rutan & Tucker LLP commended the City's boards and commissions for their dedication, commitment, and professionalism in serving the La Quinta community. Lieutenant Nick Lingle with the Riverside County Sheriff's Department provided a brief summary of the ongoing public safety related planning and preparedness efforts for the upcoming 2026 Coachella Valley Music Festivals. Mayor Evans noted that the City's 2026 annual recruitment to serve on City boards and commissions is ongoing; and encouraged residents to apply. Mayor Evans and Councilmembers thanked the Board, Commissions, and Committee Members for their time, commitment, and dedication to La Quinta, and noted the vital importance of each Member's service, expertise, and involvement. Mayor Evans summarized several upcoming City Events and encouraged citizens' attendance. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, a motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers McGarrey/Sanchez to adjourn at 6:51 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. Respectfully submitted, MONIKA RADEVA, City Clerk City of La Quinta, California SPECIAL JOINT MEETING MINUTES Page 7 of 7 MARCH 26, 2026 CITY COUNCIL, HOUSING AUTHORITY, AND CITY BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND COMMITTEES