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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026 05 05 CC MinutesCITY COUNCIL MINUTES TUESDAY, MAY 5, 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 Councilmember Pena said he will recuse himself from discussion and vote on Business Session Item No. 3 related to approval of agreement for contract services with Desert Recreation District for management and operations of the Fritz Burns Pool due to a potential conflict of interest stemming from the proximity of his real property to the project location. Council concurred. 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) CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 1 of 10 MAY 5, 2026 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) 4. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL — ANTICIPATED LITIGATION; INITIATION OF LITIGATION PURSUANT TO PARAGRAPH (4) OF SUBDIVISION (d) OF GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9 (NUMBER OF CASES: 1) COUNCIL RECESSED THE OPEN SESSION PORTION OF THE MEETING AND MOVED INTO CLOSED SESSION AT 3:03 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 — pursuant to Government Code section 54957.1(a)(2), Council took the following action: MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Sanchez/Pena to authorize the City Attorney's Office to initiate an action related to the anticipated litigation. Motion passed unanimously. City Attorney Ihrke explained that while at this time, the action, defendants, and other particulars need not be identified, once formally commenced, the action, defendants, and other particulars relating to the nature of the action would be disclosed to any person upon inquiry, unless to do so would jeopardize the City's ability to effectuate service of process on one or more unserved parties, or to do so would jeopardize the ability to conclude any settlement negotiations to the City's advantage. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 2 of 10 MAY 5, 2026 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Councilmember Pena led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA City Clerk Redeye said WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENTS were received from La Quinta resident Stefan Sampo requesting that planting of fruit trees, vegetables, and berries on all landscaping plans be prioritized, which were distributed to Council, made public, published on the City's website, and included in the public record of this meeting. PUBLIC SPEAKER: Jamie Nations, La Quinta — was not present to speak when called upon by the Mayor; Request to Speak form listed the subject matter to be "short-term vacation rental fines/violations on an over 30-day rental." PUBLIC SPEAKER: Tammy Martin, La Quinta, on behalf of Friends of the Desert Mountains —thanked Council and staff for assistance with the Coachella Valley Wildflower 5K event held at the top of La Quinta cove; and provided info on participants and volunteers. PUBLIC SPEAKER: Alena Callimanis, La Quinta — thanked Council and staff member Sherry Barkas for the Read With Me article in the GEM publication; provided statistics on reservoir water levels; provided historic info on the Coachella Valley's aquifer depletion resulting in increased purchase/reliance on Colorado River water; noted the new water - saving plan for California and neighboring states; requested that the Council carefully consider water use when reviewing all future development plans; questioned the need for a 12-acre recreation lake at Coral Mountain; and provided a hand-out of an article published by the Los Angeles Times, authored by Ian James, dated May 2, 2026, regarding new water -saving plan for California, Arizona, and Nevada to help address worsening shortages along the Colorado River over the next 2 years, which was 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 Background: 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 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 3 of 10 MAY 5, 2026 bankruptcy court's order authorizing the sale. Prior announcements regarding the bankruptcy case are available on the City's website at www.laquintaca.gov/talus. City Attorney Ihrke noted there were no new updates to be reported on the bankruptcy case, which is proceeding in the winddown. 2. DOVES LANDING SCHOOL PRESENTATION BY FOUNDING ADMINISTRATOR AND TEACHER KENNEDY ROCKER Ms. Rocker noted that the Larsen Justice Center was named for her mother; provided a brief presentation on her background and experience; Doves Landing School, a micro - school of 20 students, is now located at Palm Desert YMCA; provided the School's purpose, functioning, focus, financing, and partnerships; and noted there is a proposed micro -school at the La Quinta Boys and Girls Club. Council discussed the number of students and micro -schools; number of La Quinta students attending; number of graduated seniors; and offered to attend school graduations. 3. LA QUINTA ART CELEBRATION — NOVEMBER 2025 AND MARCH 2026 EVENTS SUMMARY PRESENTATION BY EVENT PRODUCER PAUL ANDERSON WITH SCOPE EVENTS Chief Executive Officer Anderson with SCOPE Events, LLC, event producer of the La Quinta Arts Celebration (LQAC), gave a brief presentation of the success of the events; the dedicated and loyal volunteers; rating of the event as number one in the country; Al produced marketing; weather impact on attendance and sales; and introduced his team. 4. CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION HONORING JUNIOR INSPIRATION AND YOUTH ACHIEVEMENT AWARD RECIPIENT ETHAN MILLER Senior Management Analyst Calderon provided a summary of the purpose and objectives for the Junior Inspiration and Youth Achievement Award program, and highlighted recipient Ethan Miller's qualifications, accomplishments, and achievements. Council commended Mr. Miller for his leadership, dedication, and hard work, and presented him with a Certificate of Recognition. Mr. Miller thanked the Council for their support and recognition; and noted that there are many fellow students just as deserving of this award. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 4 of 10 MAY 5, 2026 5. CERTIFICATES OF RECOGNITION COMMEMORATING THE 2025/26 LA QUINTA YOUTH COLLECTIVE (LQYC) AND PROGRAM UPDATE Community Services Deputy Director Calderon and Senior Management Analyst Calderon provided background on the LQYC program and its objectives and noted this was the City's inaugural LQYC class. The LQYC student members, listed below in the order in which they spoke, introduced themselves and each gave a brief overview of their goals and career objectives following high school graduation, and shared their favorite part of participating in the LQYC: • Isaac Chavez • Alexander Kirov • Ava Loren Garcia -Castillo • Vanessa Taylor • Mason Nava • Farah Reagan • Cassandra La Rose • Scarlet Gaffney • Shereen Simonian • Alessandra Soto • Mayra Garcia • Mateo Cazares Rodriguez • Isabella "Bella" Garczynski • Natalia Hoyle (not present) • Emma Rutkowski • Juliet Ruiz (not present) • Dominick Weir • Shaunte Taylor (not present) • Vanessa Braginton • Cielo Verduzco (not present) Council commended all LQYC participants for their interest, time, and hard work, and presented them with Certificates of Recognition. CONSENT CALENDAR 1. APPROVE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES DATED APRIL 7, 2026 2. APPROVE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES DATED APRIL 21, 2026 3. ADOPT RESOLUTIONS (1) CALLING AND GIVING NOTICE OF THE HOLDING OF A GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2026, AND (2) REQUESTING RIVERSIDE COUNTY CONSOLIDATE THE NOVEMBER 3, 2026, MUNICIPAL ELECTION WITH THE STATEWIDE GENERAL ELECTION [RESOLUTION NOS. 2026-009 AND 2026-010] 4. APPROVE AGREEMENT FOR CONTRACT SERVICES WITH COMPLETE PAPERLESS SOLUTIONS, LLC FOR LASERFICHE SOFTWARE SUPPORT SERVICES, AND PURCHASE OF LASERFICHE SELF -HOSTED SUBSCRIPTION AND PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT HOURS 5. APPROPRIATE FUNDS AND APPROVE TURF REPLACEMENT COSTS FOR SILVERROCK RESORT GOLF COURSE CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 5 of 10 MAY 5, 2026 6. AWARD CONTRACT TO VANCE CORPORATION FOR THE MILES AVENUE PAVEMENT REHABILITATION PROJECT NO. 2023-01, LOCATED FROM WASHINGTON STREET TO JEFFERSON STREET 7. REJECT ALL BIDS RECEIVED FOR THE CITYWIDE STRIPING REFRESH PROJECT NO. 2025-01 AND AUTHORIZE STAFF TO REVISE THE PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, AND ESTIMATES, AND READVERTISE THE PROJECT FOR BID 8. AUTHORIZE OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS SUPERINTENDENT TO ATTEND THE CALIFORNIA JOINT POWERS INSURANCE AUTHORITY LEADERSHIP ACADEMY IN PASO ROBLES, CALIFORNIA, MAY 19-21, 2026 9. AUTHORIZE OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR PUBLIC WORKS ADMINISTRATIVE TECHNICIAN TO ATTEND THE AMERICAN PUBLIC WORKS ASSOCIATION PUBLIC WORKS INSTITUTE IN DOWNEY, CALIFORNIA, MAY 26-28, 2026 10. AUTHORIZE OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR MARKETING MANAGER TO ATTEND THE CALIFORNIA TRAVEL ASSOCIATION SUMMIT 2026 IN NAPA VALLEY, CALIFORNIA, AUGUST 31 — SEPTEMBER 2, 2026 11. APPROVE DEMAND REGISTERS DATED APRIL 10 AND 17, 2026 12. RECEIVE AND FILE REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE REPORT DATED FEBRUARY 28, 2026 MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Pena/McGarrey to approve the Consent Calendar as presented, with Item No. 3 adopting Resolutions Nos. 2026-009 and 2026-010. Motion passed unanimously. BUSINESS SESSION 1. APPROVE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) WITH GREATER COACHELLA VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (GCVCC) FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026/27 Marketing Manager Graham presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk's Office. PRESENTER: Brandon Marley, President and CEO with GCVCC — spoke about improvements to the car show event; the MOU cost increase; payment for event food vendors' Health Department permits; the beer garden hours; sponsors; and car show logistics. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 6 of 10 MAY 5, 2026 Council discussed the car show scheduling and parking; the GCVCC mission statement; and metrics tied to GCVCC missions. MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Sanchez/Fitzpatrick to approve a Memorandum of Understanding with the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce for fiscal year 2026/27; and authorize the City Manager to execute the document. Motion passed unanimously. 2. APPROVE AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO AGREEMENT FOR CONTRACT SERVICES WITH ACTION PARK ALLIANCE (APA) FOR MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS OF THE LA QUINTA X-PARK Community Services Deputy Director Calderon and Senior Management Analyst Calderon presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk's Office. PRESENTERS: Facility Manager Victor Delgado and Director of Operations Victor Nelson with Action Park Alliance — answered Council's questions regarding summer hours of operation; community feedback regarding extended hours; APA's ability to staff the facility for extended days and hours; noise complaint calls from neighbors; and membership fees —future discussion regarding possible fee increases to reduce the City's subsidy to maintain and operate the park. Council discussed raising membership fees — resident versus non-resident. MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers McGarrey/Fitzpatrick to approve Amendment No. 1 to Agreement for Contract Services with Action Park Alliance to provide management and operations of the La Quinta X-Park, for a total not to exceed amount of $542,839, pursuant to Option 1 for expanded X-Park seven-day operations year-round with hours and programming to be determined by APA and City staff. Motion passed unanimously. 3. APPROVE AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO AGREEMENT FOR CONTRACT SERVICES WITH DESERT RECREATION DISTRICT (DRD) FOR MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS OF THE FRITZ BURNS POOL COUNCILMEMBER PENA RECUSED HIMSELF FROM DISCUSSION AND VOTE ON BUSINESS SESSION ITEM NO. 3 DUE TO A POTENTIAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST STEMMING FROM THE PROXIMITY OF HIS REAL PROPERTY INTEREST TO THE PROJECT LOCATION, AND LEFT THE DAIS AT 5:55 P.M. Community Services Deputy Director Calderon and Senior Management Analyst Calderon presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk's Office. Council discussed the cost of pool service and heating; access and hours of the activity pool; and pool programs and class fees set by DRD. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 7 of 10 MAY 5, 2026 PRESENTER: Recreational Specialist Kyle Pleming with DRD — answered Council's questions regarding programs, fees, parking, lifeguard staffing and certification; expects an increase in youth usage; parent supervision requirements; and schedule overlap/conflict between senior programs and children's classes. MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Fitzpatrick/McGarrey to approve Amendment No. 2 to Agreement for Contract Services with Desert Recreation District for management and operations of the Fritz Burns Pool; and authorize the City Manager to execute the amendment. Motion passed: ayes — 4, noes — 0, abstain — 0, absent — 1 (Pena). COUNCILMEMBER PENA RETURNED TO THE DIAS AT 6:14 P.M. FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE MEETING 4. APPROVE SILVERROCK RESORT 2026/27 ANNUAL PLAN Finance Director Martinez presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk's Office. PRESENTER: General Manager Randy Duncan, Landmark Golf Management, LLC — answered Council's questions regarding number of golf rounds; turf conversion; key takeaways from hosting the 2025 La Quinta Ironman 70.3 triathlon event; and the 15% water conservation. MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Pena/Sanchez to approve the SilverRock Resort 2026/27 Annual Plan, as presented. Motion passed unanimously. 5. APPROVE AMENDMENT NO. 8 TO GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT WITH LANDMARK GOLF MANAGEMENT, LLC FOR SILVERROCK GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT SERVICES Finance Director Martinez said the staff report for Business Session Item No. 5 was presented along with Business Session Item No. 4 above, which is on file in the Clerk's Office. MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Pena/Fitzpatrick to approve Amendment No. 8 to Golf Course Management Agreement with Landmark Golf Management, LLC. to provide SilverRock golf course management services for three additional years until June 30, 2029, for a total not to exceed amount of $151,284 for fiscal year 2026/27 and an annual 5% increase for consecutive years; and authorize the City Manager to execute the amendment. Motion passed unanimously. MAYOR EVANS CALLED FOR A BRIEF RECESS AT 6:22 P.M. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 8 of 10 MAY 5, 2026 MAYOR EVANS RECONVENED THE COUNCIL MEETING AT 6:39 P.M. WITH ALL MEMBERS PRESENT STUDY SESSION 1. DISCUSS LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICES PROVIDED BY RIVERSIDE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE Mayor Evans said WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENTS were received from La Quinta resident Steve Lawrence commending the Riverside County Sheriff's Department personnel assigned to La Quinta for their professionalism, personal approach, and leadership in representing the mission of La Quinta to residents and guests in the community, which were distributed to Council, published on the City's website, and included in the public record of this meeting. Public Safety Deputy Director Mendez and Management Analyst Chastain presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk's Office. Council discussed the service hours for the contract; reduction in crime rate; current average of service hours of 108; ability to increase service hours to 113 with an additional Deputy, as well as option 3 to increase service hours to 130; and commended La Quinta's police team. PRESENTER: Lieutenant Nicolas (Nick) Lingle with Riverside County Sheriff's Department — answered Council's questions regarding crime solving data; phase 2 of public safety cameras; lack of public requests to view public camera footage; restrictions on use of public camera videos; results from the addition of 1 motor officer; use of drones; functions of the 3 Community Service Officers (CSOs); reasons for the drop in crime; additional State resources to prosecute repeat offenders; School Resource Officers' (SROs) work with drug crime; homelessness statistics; effect of the recently adopted La Quinta Municipal Code Chapter 11.46 related to unauthorized camping within the city; involvement of individual retail security; recruitment efforts; bicycle safety classes; youth bike/pedestrian safety; e-bike education and enforcement; e-bike patrols soon starting; equipment needs; and the proven benefits of technology investments and evolved policing. Council reached a consensus and directed staff to prepare a contract with 108 service hours, and should additional needs come to light, Council will consider increasing the service hours in the future. PUBLIC HEARINGS — None DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS — All reports are on file in the City Clerk's Office. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 9 of 10 MAY 5, 2026 MAYOR'S AND COUNCIL MEMBERS' ITEMS Mayor Evans reported on her, and other Councilmembers' attendance at the City Birthday Celebration held at the Civic Center Campus; Launch Party; Desert Rodeo ribbon cutting; Coachella Valley Business and Economic Conference; and Chamber of Commerce State of Education event. Councilmember Fitzpatrick reported on her attendance at the Desert Rodeo ribbon cutting; and, Kathy Kronemeyer's celebration of life. Councilmember McGarrey reported on her attendance at Corazo Credit Union ribbon cutting; the Hudson Martin PC law office in Old Town ribbon cutting; FIND Food Bank telethon; and the ABC Recovery Center tour. Councilmember Sanchez reported on his, and other Councilmembers' attendance at the Victims of Violent Crime candlelight vigil; and Shay's Warriors Mothers' Day high tea. 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 • CVAG EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE • PALM SPRINGS AIR MUSEUM BOARD • 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 BUDGET COMMITTEE ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, a motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Fitzpatrick/McGarrey to adjourn at 7:27 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. Respectfully submitted, ( MONIKA RADEVA, City Clerk City of La Quinta, California CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 10 of 10 MAY 5, 2026