2016 06 21 CC MinutesCITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 2016
A regular meeting of the La Quinta City Council was called to order at 3:30 p.m. by
Mayor Evans.
PRESENT: Councilmembers Franklin, Osborne, Pena, Radi, Mayor Evans
ABSENT: None
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON AGENDA
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA - Confirmed
CLOSED SESSION
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL — EXISTING LITIGATION PURSUANT TO
GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9(D)(1). SHAATH & OUDEH GROUP V.
CITY OF LA QUINTA, RIVERSIDE COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT CASE NO. PSC
1404174
COUNCIL RECESSED THE OPEN SESSION PORTION OF THE MEETING AND MOVED
INTO CLOSED SESSION AT 3:30 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 that during the closed session, the City Council was
informed that a mediation session occurred on Riverside County Superior Court Case
No. PSC 1404174 and a resolution was reached whereby the City would pay $21,500 to
resolve all claims for a case that alleged $300,000 in damages. Mr. Ihrke further
reported that pursuant to City Council direction, he will prepare a Settlement
Agreement and bring it back to Council for ratification.
Councilmember Franklin led the audience in the pledge of allegiance.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON AGENDA - None
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JUNE 21, 2016
ANNOUNCEMENTS, PRESENTATIONS AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
1. EAST VALLEY COALITION ANNUAL REPORT AND PERFORMANCE UPDATE
Robert Wright, East Valley Coalition Manager, presented a power point detailing
the Coalition's accomplishments for the past three months.
Councilmembers discussed social media management after the Intern leaves;
participation at the International Council of Shopping Center trade show; occupancy
status of the Circuit City building; including local brokers on the partner list, and;
timeline on grant writing.
Councilmembers concurred in requesting that Mr. Wright collect lease market rate
data to present quarterly to landlords with vacancies in order to assist them in pricing
their properties.
2. CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT FOR EXCELLENCE IN FINANCIAL REPORTING
Mayor Evans presented the award to Finance Department staff: Accounting
Manager Campos, Accountant Blondell, Account Technician Armendariz, and
Management Assistant Orrantia.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. APPROVE MINUTES OF JUNE 7, 2016
2. APPROVE SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES OF JUNE 8, 2016
3. ADOPT RESOLUTION CONSENTING TO THE INCLUSION OF PROPERTIES
WITHIN THE CITY'S JURISDICTION IN THE CALIFORNIA -FIRST PROGRAM TO
FINANCE RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES, ENERGY AND WATER EFFICIENCY
IMPROVEMENTS AND ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE
[RESOLUTION NO. 2016-021]
4. APPROVE DEMAND REGISTERS DATED MAY 27, JUNE 3 AND JUNE 10, 2016
5. APPROVE JOINT USE OF FACILITY AND SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH THE
BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF THE COACHELLA VALLEY
6. APPROVE PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, AND ENGINEER'S ESTIMATE AND
ADVERTISE FOR BIDS, THE NORTH LA QUINTA PARKWAY TURF CONVERSION
IMPROVEMENTS LOCATED AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF WASHINGTON
STREET AND VIA SEVILLA — DEL ORO
7. ADOPT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO THE MEMORANDUM
OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN CITY OF LA QUINTA AND LA QUINTA CITY
EMPLOYEES' ASSOCIATION [RESOLUTION NO. 2016-022]
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JUNE 21, 2016
8. ADOPT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE BENEFIT ADJUSTMENTS FOR
MANAGEMENT, CONTRACT EMPLOYEES, AND CONFIDENTIAL EMPLOYEES AND
APPROVE CLASSIFICATION SPECIFICATION REVISIONS [RESOLUTION NO. 2016-
023]
9. APPROVE BID DOCUMENTS AND ADVERTISE PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT
INSTALLATION FOR MISCELLANEOUS PARKS AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES
ACT IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT
10. ACCEPT CIVIC CENTER CAMPUS AND FIRE STATION 70 TURF CONVERSION
IMPROVEMENTS
11. ACCEPT FRITZ BURNS PARK PARKWAY TURF CONVERSION IMPROVEMENTS
12. EXCUSE ABSENCES FOR PLANNING COMMISSIONERS WRIGHT AND
WILKINSON FROM MAY 24 AND JUNE 14, 2016 PLANNING COMMISSION
MEETINGS
13. APPROVE FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT WITH CITY
MANAGER
MOTION - A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Radi/Franklin to
approve the Consent Calendar as recommended, with Item Nos. 3, 7 and 8 adopting
Resolutions No. 2016-021, 2016-022 and 2016-023 respectively. Motion passed
unanimously.
BUSINESS SESSION
1. APPOINT ONE MEMBER TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION
Mayor Evans explained the Council's process for interviewing and appointed
Commissioners than invited applicants Mary Caldwell, then Robert Wright to present
their qualifications to Council.
City Clerk Maysels collected the paper ballots from Councilmembers and announced
the vote as follows:
For Ms. Caldwell: Mayor Evans, Councilmember Radi
For Mr. Wright: Councilmembers Franklin, Osborne, Pena
MOTION - A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Osborne/Radi to
appoint Robert Wright to the Planning Commission for a full term ending June 30,
2019. Motion passed unanimously.
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JUNE 21, 2016
2. APPROVE FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN COUNTY OF
RIVERSIDE AND CITY OF LA QUINTA FOR ANIMAL SHELTER, FIELD AND
LICENSING SERVICES FOR 2016/17
Code Compliance Supervisor Moreno presented the staff report, which is on file in the
City Clerk's Office.
Councilmembers discussed the use of "active harassment" techniques to scare off
coyotes and bobcats, i.e. loud music, banging pots and pans, etc.; improvements to
the Department's call -waiting system; the transition from city to county for issuance
of dog tags; upcoming arrangements to provide monthly low cost or free animal
services, and; a request for a Code Compliance report on their time allocation between
residential properties and commercial.
MOTION - A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Franklin/Radi to
approve the First Amendment to the agreement between the County of Riverside and
the City of La Quinta for animal shelter, field and licensing services for 2016/17 as
recommended. Motion passed unanimously.
3. APPROVE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH MUNISERVICES, LLC
FOR FRANCHISE FEE COMPLIANCE REVIEW
Business Analyst Shove presented the staff report which is on file in the City Clerk's
Office.
Councilmembers discussed the utility companies involved; the audit approach; city's
ability to revisit agreements due to recent mergers, and; the contract payment
arrangement.
MOTION - A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Radi/Pena to
approve the agreement with MuniServices, LLC for franchise fee compliance review
services as recommended. Motion passed unanimously.
4. APPROVE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH LA QUINTA CHAMBER OF
COMMERCE/GREATER COACHELLA VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Community Resource Manager Larson presented the staff report which is on file in the
City Clerk's Office.
Representing the Chambers of Commerce were Katie Stice, President/CEO, La Quinta,
Jason Schneider, Chairman, La Quinta and Josh Bonner, CEO of Greater Coachella
Valley Chamber.
Councilmembers discussed status of discussions with Desert Classic Charities; the
change in the structure of the city/chamber relationship from a contract for services to
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 4
JUNE 21, 2016
a Memorandum of Understanding; the limitations on the use of city funds and elected
officials' photos in the GEM publication; expanding the distribution of the GEM
publication; increasing the city's space purchase from ten months to 12 months;
methods for collecting and sharing data; the ability of the Chamber to advocate for
the 1% transactions and use tax measure; printing a statement in every GEM
publication noting that public funds are not used for distribution, printing, etc.;
submission of a monthly or quarterly report detailing how city funds have been spent;
business survey prepared by city staff; promotions, visitor center and business expo
plans; membership growth; Chamber request for signage, and; funding for the Career
Builders Challenge.
MOTION - A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Radi/Franklin to
approve the MOU with the La Quinta Chamber/Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of
Commerce as recommended. Motion passed unanimously.
5. APPROVE CONTRACT SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH THE LA QUINTA ARTS
FOUNDATION FOR 2017 LA QUINTA ARTS FESTIVAL PROMOTIONAL SERVICES
AND AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT
City Manager Spevacek explained that the La Quinta Arts Foundation LQAF) will be
presenting the 35th La Quinta Arts Festival without compensation from the City. Since
the Foundation is no longer seeking funding, an agreement with the City is no longer
necessary; therefore, the LQAF requested that this item be pulled from consideration.
PUBLIC SPEAKERS: The following spoke in favor of City support to continue the Art
Under the Umbrellas events:
Gary W. Heath, La Quinta, artist
Lauren Youngs, La Quinta, artist
Mayor Evans announced that the City has scheduled a community meeting on
Wednesday, June 29, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. at the La Quinta Museum to hear from local
artist and residents regarding future art events.
Councilmembers discussed the importance of a continuing local outlet for artist and
continuing opportunities for residents to view, enjoy and purchase local art; gratitude
at receiving proposals for continuing an Art Under the Umbrellas -type event; funding
for art events; the need to schedule art shows strategically to avoid saturation;
building a database of local artists' contact information; permit fees for the LQAF's use
of the Civic Center Campus; the need for continuing conversations with LQAF to insure
a long term relationship with the City, and; the options and opportunities presented by
this new arrangement.
MOTION - none
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6. ADOPT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE FISCAL YEAR 2016/17 BUDGET AND
ESTABLISH CITY'S APPROPRIATIONS LIMIT [RESOLUTION NO. 2016-024]
Account Manager Campos presented the staff report which is on file in the City Clerk's
Office. Assistant Police Chief Walton presented information regarding the police
budget.
Councilmembers discussed reallocation of funds within the police budget; police
deployment strategies; the ability to monitor and adjust police hours and funds if
trends dictate; dropping crime rates in La Quinta; savings in the new La Quinta Arts
Foundation (LQAF) and the Chamber of Commerce agreements, and; the need to
retain the savings in the budget in order to contribute to replacement art events.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Michael Harrington, Rancho Mirage - concerned about trend across
the Valley about the cuts to police services. Called reallocation but seems like a cut in
patrol hours - just call it a cut. Discretionary time affects quality of life.
MOTION - A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Franklin/Radi to
adopt Resolution No. 2016-024 as recommended:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA
QUINTA, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING THE CITY'S
APPROPRIATION LIMIT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2016/2017 AND
APPROVING A BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2016/2017
Motion passed unanimously.
7. AUTHORIZE MODIFICATIONS TO THE TEMPLATE FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
AGREEMENTS REGARDING THE DUTY TO PROTECT AND DEFEND THE CITY
PROVIDED BY CONSULTANTS
City Attorney Ihrke presented the staff report, which is available from the City Clerk's
Office.
MOTION - A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Pena/Radi to
authorize modifications to the template for professional services agreement regarding
the duty to protect and defend the city provided by consultants as recommended.
Motion passed unanimously.
MAYOR EVANS RECESSED THE MEETING FOR A 15 MINUTE BREAK AT 6:55 P.
MAYOR EVANS RECONVENED THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING AT 7:10 P.M. WITH
ALL MEMBERS PRESENT
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6
JUNE 21, 2016
STUDY SESSION
1. PROPOSED USER AND REGULATORY FEES BASED ON THE 2016 COST OF
SERVICES STUDY
Terry Madsen, ClearSource Financial presented the staff report, which is on file in the
City Clerk's Office.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Gretchen Gutierrez, CEO of Desert Valley Builders' Association (DVBA)
- Ms. Gutierrez said she will be meeting with city staff before Council acts on this
matter in order to get the DVBA's questions and concerns addressed.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Clint Larimare, consultant for the Building Industry Association (BIA)
- Mr. Larimare spoke in favor of Option No. 1 in the staff report which consists of
gradual fee increases with subsidies for minor permits. He was not in favor of
instituting an "expedited review" category of fees.
Councilmembers discussed the large jump in planning fees that would occur if full cost
recovery was initiated; fees for planning appeals; incremental increases in fees until
full cost recovery is in place, and; time and money savings to builders due to the
recent Municipal Code streamlining.
The Council reached a consensus that fee increases to achieve full cost recovery
should be phased in over multiple years.
PUBLIC HEARINGS - None
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
All reports are on file in the City Clerk's Office.
Mayor Evans accepted a late speaker:
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Dr. Frank Hernandez, La Quinta - Dr. Hernandez spoke against a
proposed residential development (Tentative Tract Map 36817) located on the west
side of Monroe Street, between Avenue 54 and Airport Blvd.
MAYOR'S AND COUNCIL MEMBER'S ITEMS
Councilmember Franklin proposed merging the Architectural and Landscaping Review
Board into the Planning Commission, and increasing the Commission to seven
members in order to streamline the review process for developers and save staff time.
She also proposed a thorough review of Boards'/Commissions' purpose, powers and
duties to insure that they are being used to their full capacities. Mayor Evans added
that the existence of the Alternate position should be re-examined as part of the
review of Boards'/Commissions' duties.
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JUNE 21, 2016
Mayor Evans suggested that garage sale permit processing should also be re-
examined for flexibility and fee increase.
Councilmember Pena requested from the City Attorney, a report on the use of drones
in the Cove.
Councilmember Osborne announced that he will not run for re-election in November
2016.
REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL
La Quinta's representative for 2016, Councilmember Osborne reported on his
participation in the following organization's meeting:
CVAG PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
La Quinta's representative for 2016, Councilmember Radi reported on his participation
in the following organization's meeting:
RIVERSIDE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, a motion was made and seconded by
Councilmembers Radi/Franklin to adjourn at 8:40 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Digitally signed by Susan Maysels
DN: serialNumber=j4r7111g1 ppsr45f,
c=US, st=California, I=La Quinta,
o=Susan Maysels, cn=Susan Maysels
Date: 2016.07.06 09:06:05 -07'00'
SUSAN MAYSELS, City Clerk
City of La Quinta, California
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