HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026 03 09 ACSC MinutesARTS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION Page 1 of 3 MARCH 9, 2026
QUARTERLY MINUTES
ARTS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION
MINUTES
MONDAY, MARCH 9, 2026
CALL TO ORDER
A regular quarterly meeting of the Arts and Community Services Commission
(Commission) was called to order at 4:00 p.m. by Chair Chiapperini.
PRESENT: Commissioners Beesemyer, Brower (joined the meeting at 4:25 p.m.), Webb,
and Chair Chiapperini
ABSENT: Commissioner Biondi
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Commissioner Beesemyer 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. HIGHWAY 111 CORRIDOR SPECIFIC PLAN AND DEVELOPMENT CODE
PROJECT – PLANNING UPDATE
Planning Manager Flores provided a detailed overview of the Highway 111 Corridor
(Corridor) Specific Plan (SP) and Development Code Project (Project), outlining the
project’s long-term planning efforts, prior community outreach, and coordination with
consultants to develop roadway design concepts and updated zoning regulations;
explained that the Project aims to consolidate the 11 separate SPs into a unified
framework; described key development types including vertical and horizontal mixed use,
retail, and lodging; reviewed policy concepts such as active frontage areas to enhance
pedestrian activity and an auto-oriented overlay to accommodate vehicular uses; and
highlighted opportunities for future affordable housing developments on City-owned vacant
sites along the Corridor in accordance with the State’s Regional Housing Needs
Assessment (RHNA) requirements and future development potential.
The Commission discussed the integration of public art within future Corridor development,
including requirements under the City’s Art in Public Places program, and the process for
Commission review of proposed artwork; the importance of considering visibility,
accessibility, and placement of art as projects are developed; and conceptual elements of
the contemplated consolidated SP, including roadway configurations and strategies to
balance pedestrian-oriented improvements.
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QUARTERLY MINUTES
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS
1.RECEIVE AND FILE MEETING MINUTES DATED DECEMBER 8, 2025
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Commissioners Beesemyer/Webb to
approve the Consent Calendar as presented. Motion passed: ayes – 3, noes – 0, abstain –
0, absent – 2 (Biondi, Brower).
BUSINESS SESSION
1.RECOMMEND RECIPIENT OF THE JUNIOR INSPIRATION AND YOUTH
ACHIEVEMENT AWARD TO CITY COUNCIL
Senior Management Analyst Calderon presented the staff report, which is on file in the
Community Services Department.
The Commission expressed general support for the nominee, Ethan Miller, noting his
leadership, community involvement and contributions to civic programs; and reached a
consensus to recommend Council approval of his nomination for the Junior Inspiration and
Youth Achievement Award.
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Commissioners Webb/Beesemyer
recommending Council approval of Ethan Millar as a Junior Inspiration and Youth
Achievement Award Nominee. Motion passed: ayes – 3, noes – 0, abstain – 0, absent – 2
(Biondi, Brower).
STUDY SESSION – None
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS – Verbal Updates
1.SILVERROCK PARK MURAL
Staff provided an update on the SilverRock Park mural project, noting that the selected
artist, John Cuevas, is revising design concepts based on Council feedback; and the mural
is anticipated to be installed as a vinyl wrap with an anticipated lifespan of two to three
years, enabling future replacement or rotation of artwork.
2. CITY HALL MURAL
Staff announced the completion of the City Hall mural, titled “Wish You Were Here” by artist
Nathan (Nate) Frizzell, noting its successful installation and reception; the Commission
commented on the importance of placing future public art in highly visible and accessible
locations to promote community engagement.
3. CIVIC CENTER ART PURCHASE COMMITTEE (Committee)
Staff reported on recently acquired art pieces by the Committee, noting the installation of
“Synergy” by artist Boris Kramer and “La Quinta Bamboo” by artist Jessee Kelly at the
ARTS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION Page 3 of 3 MARCH 9, 2026
QUARTERLY MINUTES
Wellness Center, and the selection of “Dreams II” by artist Guilloume Fine Art and
“Gulfstream” by artist Doug Merskin for display within the City Hall lobby; and noted that
the City’s artwork is rotated periodically to improve visibility and public access.
COMMISSIONER BROWER JOINED THE MEETING AT 4:25 P.M.
4. LA QUINTA YOUTH COLLECTIVE (LQYC)
Staff provided an update on the LQYC, describing the program’s ongoing meetings and
educational activities, and highlighting upcoming student-led community service projects,
including senior engagement events, and a pet adoption event in partnership with Riverside
County Animal Services for the La Quinta Birthday Celebration scheduled for April 25,
2026, at the Civic Center Campus.
5. CITY EVENTS
Staff provided a summary of recent City events, including the Mission LQ Rocket Launch,
Concerts in the Park, Wellness in the Desert at Civic Center Campus, American Express
Golf Tournament at PGA West, La Quinta Art Celebration; and upcoming City events,
including Concert in the Park on March 28 at SilverRock Park, Easter Eggstravaganza on
April 4 at La Quinta Park, Flyover Kite Event on April 11 at SilverRock Park, City Birthday
Celebration on April 25 at the Civic Center Campus, and additional Concerts in the Park
on May 6 and May 23.
COMMISSIONERS’ ITEMS
Vice-Chair Webb shared the Snake of La Quinta, a community-driven installation of painted
rocks along a local hiking trail, noting its increasing length and popularity among residents
and visitors as an example of accessible public art; and highlighted the Old Town Artisan
Studios Paint and Sip event and the March 23 gala, which will honor Mayor Evans with the
Community Spirit Award.
Chair Chiapperini emphasized the importance of placing future public art in visible and
accessible locations to encourage public interaction and encouraged identifying additional
potential locations and providing early input placement.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners
Webb/Beesemyer to adjourn this meeting at 4:37 p.m. Motion passed: ayes – 4, noes – 0,
abstain – 0, absent – 1 (Biondi).
Respectfully submitted,
Amanda Guerrero, Commission Secretary
City of La Quinta, California