2026 01 20 CC MinutesCITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, 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
City Manager McMillen requested that Consent Calendar Item No. 12, related to
Amendment No. 9 to Agreement for Contract Services with GHD, Inc for the Highway 111
Corridor Project No. 2019-05, be pulled from consideration from tonight's agenda and
brought back at a future meeting.
City Attorney Ihrke said he will make a verbal announcement on Consent Calendar Item
No. 16 related to an employment agreement with David Newell for the Design and
Development Director position, regarding the salary and fringe benefits of a City executive
employee pursuant to the Brown Act [Government Code § 54953(d)(3)].
Councilmember McGarrey said she will recuse herself and abstain from participating in
the discussion and vote on Consent Calendar Item No. 19, related to the approval of
demand registers for Sothern California Gas Company (So Cal Gas), due to a potential
conflict of interest stemming from a business relationship, i.e., her employer, So Cal Gas,
is listed on the demand register, and requested that the item be pulled for a separate
vote.
Councilmember Pena said he will recuse himself and abstain from participating in the
discussion and vote on Consent Calendar Item No. 14, related to the Fritz Burns Park
Improvements Project No. 2021-02, due to a potential conflict of interest stemming from
the proximity of his real property to this project, and requested that it be pulled for a
separate vote.
Mayor Evans and Mayor Pro Tem Fitzpatrick said they would comment on Consent
Calendar Item Nos. 7, 13, and 14.
Council concurred.
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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)
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
POTENTIAL CASES: 1)
COUNCIL RECESSED THE OPEN SESSION PORTION OF THE MEETING AND
MOVED INTO CLOSED SESSION AT 3:04 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 § 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
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Page 2 of 12 JANUARY 20, 2026
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.
Mr. Ihrke noted that a summary of the bankruptcy proceedings status for SilverRock
Development Company LLC and its affiliates will be provided under the Announcements,
Presentations, and Written Communications section of the agenda, as Presentation Item
No. 1.
• CLOSED SESSION ITEM NO. 2 — no reportable action.
• CLOSED SESSION ITEM NO. 3 — no reportable action.
• CLOSED SESSION ITEM NO. 4 — City Attorney Ihrke said pursuant to
Government Code § 54957.1(a)(2), Council took the following action:
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Fitzpatrick/McGarrey
to authorize the City Attorney's office to initiate an action related to the anticipated
litigation. Motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Ihrke explained that while at this time the action, defendants, and other particulars do
not need to be identified, once formal action has 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.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Pro Tem Fitzpatrick 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
City Attorney Ihrke said 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. As announced at the last
Council meeting, the debtors' 130+/- acre property, formerly known as the Talus project,
was sold on December 9, 2025, to Turnbridge Equities (TBE) pursuant to the 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.
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Mr. Ihrke noted, also as previously announced, that the bankruptcy case continues even
though the significant milestone of selling the debtors' property to TBE has occurred.
One creditor, Construction Loan Services II, LLC d/b/a Builders Capital (Builders), filed
an appeal of the bankruptcy court's Sale Order, which, in accordance with federal
bankruptcy procedure, remains pending in the US District Court for Delaware.
Relatedly, over the holidays, the City, TBE, and debtors filed a Joint Motion to Dismiss
Builders' appeal based on relevant federal bankruptcy statutes and case law. Per
stipulated agreement of the parties, the briefing for Builders' appeal and the Joint Motion
to Dismiss that appeal have been stayed (or temporarily "postponed") so that the parties
can focus on the mediation relating to the bankruptcy case.
This leads to another aspect of the bankruptcy case that occurred over the holidays. After
receiving feedback and input from the City and other key secured creditors, the debtors
filed a motion for an Order Authorizing a Mediation, and the court granted it for the
purposes of trying to reach an agreement among secured creditors as to the allocation
and distribution of the net proceeds available from the sale of the debtors' property.
Mediation sessions have already commenced and will continue through this month. The
City Manager, Special Counsel, and the City Attorney's office will keep the Council
informed as to progress and the status of the case.
City Manager McMillen said TBE has been on site since the beginning of 2026, along with
their building and engineering consultants to evaluate the conditions of the structures at
the project site; and TBE will provide a presentation at the February 3, 2026, Council
meeting with a status update and what to expect going forward.
2. MARTHA'S VILLAGE AND KITCHEN — INTRODUCE NEW PRESIDENT AND
CEO MIKKI JORDAN
Chief Development Officer Alicia Grantham introduced new President and CEO Mikki
Jordan, who provided a brief history of experience, qualification, and personal journey,
and expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to serve.
3. INTRODUCE NEW AND PROMOTED CITY STAFF MEMBERS
City Manager McMillen introduced the following promoted City employees:
Employee Name Title Department
Manuel Elizalde Administrative Technician Finance Department
Jack Lima Associate Planner Design and Development
City Manager McMillen commended Planning Manager Cheri Flores for her commitment
and efforts in serving as the Interim Design and Development Director; and introduced
the following new City employee:
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Employee Name Title Department
David Newell
Design and Development Director Design and Development
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. APPROVE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES DATED DECEMBER 2, 2025
2. APPROVE SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES DATED DECEMBER 16,
2025
3. ADOPT RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROVIDED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF
HOMELAND SECURITY AND SUB -GRANTED THROUGH THE STATE OF
CALIFORNIA AND THE COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE [RESOLUTION NO. 2026-001]
4. AUTHORIZE OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR DEPUTY CITY CLERK TO ATTEND
THE CALIFORNIA JOINT POWERS INSURANCE AUTHORITY 2026 RISK
MANAGEMENT ACADEMY IN OCEANSIDE, CALIFORNIA, FEBRUARY 3-5,
2026
5. AUTHORIZE OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR FINANCE TECHNICIAN TO ATTEND
THE CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF PUBLIC PROCUREMENT OFFICIALS
ANNUAL CONFERENCE IN SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, FEBRUARY 1-4, 2026
6. AUTHORIZE OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR THREE PLANNING
COMMISSIONERS AND ONE PLANNING STAFF MEMBER TO ATTEND THE
LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES ANNUAL PLANNING COMMISSIONERS'
ACADEMY IN ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA, MARCH 11-13, 2026
7. ACCEPT HIGHWAY 111 PAVEMENT REHABILITATION PROJECT NO. 2022-
25, LOCATED ON HIGHWAY 111 FROM THE CITY LIMITS WEST OF
WASHINGTON STREET TO THE CITY LIMITS AT JEFFERSON STREET
8. ACCEPT OFF -SITE AND ON -SITE IMPROVEMENTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE
CANTERA RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT, TRACT MAP NO. 31249,
LOCATED ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF AVENUE 58, WEST OF MADISON
STREET
9. ACCEPT OFF -SITE IMPROVEMENTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE GRIFFIN
RANCH RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT, TRACT MAP NO. 32879, LOCATED
AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF AVENUE 54 AND MADISON STREET
10. APPROVE PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, ENGINEER'S ESTIMATE, AND
ADVERTISE FOR BID THE CITYWIDE STRIPING REFRESH PROJECT NO.
2025-01
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11. APPROPRIATE FUNDING FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 AND APPROVE
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO AGREEMENT FOR CONTRACT SERVICES WITH
CONVERGINT TECHNOLOGIES, LLC TO PROVIDE PUBLIC SAFETY
CAMERA SYSTEM MAINTENANCE SERVICES FOR TWO-YEAR EXTENSION
12. »> Pulled from consideration from the agenda by staff
APPROVE AMENDMENT NO. 9 TO AGREEMENT FOR CONTRACT SERVE I SS
WITH GHD, INC FOR THE HIGHWAY 111 CORRIDOR PROJECT NO. 2019-05
13. APPROVE AGREEMENT FOR CONTRACT SERVICES WITH DOKKEN
ENGINEERING TO PREPARE PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, AND ENGINEER'S
ESTIMATE FOR THE BRIDGE PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE PROGRAM
PROJECT NO. 2023-33
14. »> Pulled for a separate vote by Councilmember Pena
APPROVE AMENDMENT NO. 6 TO AGREEMENT FOR CONTRACT SERVICES
WITH IN -SITE LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL
CONSTRUCTION SUPPORT SERVICES FOR THE FRITZ BURNS PARK
IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT NO. 2021-02
15. APPROVE AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT WITH THE
CITY OF INDIO FOR THE AVENUE 50 WIDENING IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT
NO. 2022-05, LOCATED BETWEEN JEFFERSON STREET AND MADISON
STREET
16. APPROVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT WITH DAVID NEWELL TO SERVE
AS DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
17. RECEIVE AND FILE REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE REPORT DATED
NOVEMBER 30, 2025
18. APPROVE DEMAND REGISTERS DATED DECEMBER 5, 12, 19, AND 26, 2025
19. »> Pulled for a separate vote by Councilmember McGarrey
APPROVE DEMAND REGISTERS FOR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA GAS
COMPANY DATED NOVEMBER 14 AND DECEMBER 12, 2025
ITEM NO. 16 — VERBAL ANNOUNCEMENT:
City Attorney Ihrke announced that pursuant to Government Code § 54953(c)(3), prior to
the consideration or taking final action by the Council, there must be a verbal summary
of a recommendation for a final action on the salaries, salary schedules or compensation
paid in the form of fringe benefits of any "local agency executive," as defined by
Government Code § 3511.1.
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This verbal summary applies to Consent Calendar item No. 16, the recommendation to
approve an employment agreement for the Design and Development Director position, a
"local agency executive," with reference to the following:
• Annual salary is set at $206,188.79 effective January 5, 2026
• Like any other City employee, the Design and Development Director is eligible for
the current citywide health benefit cap of $2,570 per month; a $200 annual
Wellness Dollar benefit per fiscal year; and Deferred Compensation Program $50
match per pay period.
CONSENT CALENDAR — COMMENTS
ITEM NO. 7: Mayor Pro Tem Fitzpatrick said this item accepts the Highway 111
pavement rehabilitation project which has been worried about for a couple of years with
the results being an amazing job completed in advance of schedule; thanked staff and
consultants; and noted the striping east- and north -bound on Highway 111 from
Washington Street to Indian Wells city limits was revised which has resulted in citizens'
complaints, specifically east -bound due to the removal of the third straight through lane
and the addition of bicycle striping causing drivers confusion.
City Manager McMillen said staff is aware of the complaints and is researching the matter,
along with the Riverside County Sheriff's Department; the City's traffic engineer proposed
some striping solutions, which were implemented but unfortunately, have not produced
the desired outcome and drivers continue to be confused. Staff has come up with some
restriping alternatives currently under review, which once finalized will be presented to
Council for discussion and consideration at a public meeting in the near future. Mr.
McMillen noted that Consent Calendar Item No. 10 on the agenda related to the Citywide
Striping Refresh Project No. 2025-01 would include the Council's direction for the
restriping of this Highway 111 street segment.
ITEM NO. 13: Mayor Pro Tem Fitzpatrick said it was a great idea to create a bridge
preventative maintenance program, it aligns with Council's prior discussions of the
importance of asset management; and she would like a reserve fund category created
that will fund the improvements needed under this program going forward, as bridge
maintenance is expensive and this would ensure the City is fiscally prepared to cover
these costs.
City Manager McMillen explained that the proposed agreement with Dokken Engineering
is specific to bridge preventative maintenance items outlined by a recent inspection
conducted by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), however, staff will
include in the scope of work for the consultant to prepare recommendations for ongoing
capital replacement funds that should be set aside for maintenance going forward.
Mayor Evans noted that Caltrans is providing the majority of the funding for the bridge
preventative maintenance items they identified.
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MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Fitzpatrick/McGarrey
to approve Consent Calendar Item Nos. 1-11, 13, 15-18, as presented, with Item No. 2
adopting Resolution No. 2026-001. Motion passed unanimously.
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM NO. 14 — pulled fora separate vote
COUNCILMEMBER PENA RECUSED HIMSELF, AND SAID HE WILL ABSTAIN
FROM THE DISCUSSION AND VOTE ON CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM NO. 14
DUE TO A POTENTIAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST STEMMING FROM THE
PROXIMITY OF HIS REAL PROPERTY TO THE FRITZ BURNS PARK
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Sanchez/Fitzpatrick
to approve Consent Calendar Item No. 14 as presented. Motion passed: ayes — 4, noes
— 0, abstain — 1 (Pena), absent — 0.
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM NO. 19 — pulled fora separate vote
COUNCILMEMBER McGARREY RECUSED HERSELF, AND SAID SHE WILL
ABSTAIN FROM THE DISCUSSION AND VOTE ON CONSENT CALENDAR
ITEM NO. 19 DUE TO A POTENTIAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST STEMMING
FROM A BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP WITH HER EMPLOYER SOUTHERN
CALIFORNIA GAS COMPANY, WHICH IS A PAYEE ON THE DEMAND
REGISTER
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Sanchez/Fitzpatrick
to approve Consent Calendar Item No. 19 as presented. Motion passed: ayes — 4, noes
— 0, abstain — 1 (McGarrey), absent — 0.
BUSINESS SESSION
1. INTRODUCE FOR FIRST READING AN ORDINANCE ADDING CHAPTER 5.94
TO TITLE 5 OF THE LA QUINTA MUNICIPAL CODE RELATED TO
REGULATING THE SALE AND DISTRIBUTION OF KRATOM PRODUCTS
WITHIN THE CITY [ORDINANCE NO. 628]
Public Safety Management Analyst Chastain presented the staff report, which is on file in
the Clerk's Office.
PRESENTER: Lieutenant Lingle with the Riverside County Sheriff's Department reported
on the actions the County has enacted to regulate kratom and protect the public from
kratom products.
City Clerk Radeva said WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENTS were received from the citizens
listed below, in alphabetical order, which were distributed to Council, made public,
published on the City's website, and included in the public record of this meeting.
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Comments regarding the benefits of kratom products and objecting to a ban:
• Bunny Baker, no city of residence listed
• Misty Brown, Advocate and Activist est. 2019
• Dijon Evans, California, no city of residence listed
• Denise Geltman, California, no city of residence listed
• Shane Marciel, no city of residence listed
• Amanda Rainer, no city of residence listed
• Anthony Rosa, Sonoma State University Alumni
• Venus Usher, New Castle, Delaware
• Justing Wolf, Co -Founder and CEO, New Brew
• Melody Woolf, no city of residence listed
Comments in support of prohibiting the sale and distribution of 7-OH (kratom products):
• California Narcotic Officers' Association — authored by President Devin Chase
Council discussed the inability to medically prescribe kratom because it is not approved
by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA); the plant that kratom products are derived
from is not being banned, just the 7-OH derivative from the plant used to create kratom
products, and only if the product contains greater than 2%; the businesses in La Quinta
currently selling the product are in compliance; how this ordinance will be enforced to
prevent the sale to persons under age 21; how the products are marketed; the various
forms of consumption; the status of regulation by the State; acknowledged the positive
effects adults have reported from kratom use; stated that the ordinance does not
criminalize its use by responsible adults but places guardrails on this unregulated product;
explained the long-term risk to young brains; and the innocuous looking packaging and
marketing.
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Sanchez/Fitzpatrick
to take up Ordinance No. 628 by title and number only and waive further reading to add
Chapter 5.94 to Title 5 of the La Quinta Municipal Code as presented. Motion passed
unanimously.
City Clerk Radeva read the following title of Ordinance No. 628 into the record:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, ADDING CHAPTER 5.94 TO TITLE 5 OF THE LA QUINTA
MUNICIPAL CODE, RELATING TO THE REGULATION OF THE SALE AND
DISTRIBUTION OF KRATOM PRODUCTS IN THE CITY OF LA QUINTA
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Sanchez/Fitzpatrick
to introduce at first reading Ordinance No. 628 to add Chapter 5.94 to Title 5 of the La
Quinta Municipal Code related to regulating the sale and distribution of kratom products
within the City of La Quinta, as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
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STUDY SESSION
1. DISCUSS SILVERROCK PARK FACILITY MURAL CONCEPTS
Community Services Senior Management Analyst Calderon presented the staff report,
which is on file in the Clerk's Office.
Council discussed a desire for a more vibrant design but not a cliche design; looking for
art that compliments the sculptures already there; the art could relate to events held at
the facility; embracing the uses at the park into the mural; like the inclusion of local wildlife;
desire for a bold, abstract, colorful mural that pops rather than blends into the
environment; something that draws users into the park; the art should reflect its placement
at the entrance to a world -class leisure facility as well as La Quinta's premier park;
incorporating local wildlife but in vibrant colors and using abstract design to create a flow
from panel to panel; desire for visitors to find the mural cool, exciting, wild, and a photo -
opt background; mural is not meant to convey any particular value message; use of bright
color palette, not muted desert colors; and the roof surface is to be included in the mural.
PRESENTER VIA TELECONFERENCE: John Cuevas, selected in 2025 by Council to
design a mural on the restroom building at the SilverRock Park (SRR) — provided optional
concepts to Council, including an abstract design or marrying abstract with use -related
elements, such as a guitar and musical notes.
Council reached a consensus and directed staff to return with two to three new design
concepts based on Council's feedback above.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. CONTINUED FROM NOVEMBER 18, 2025: CONTINUE THE PUBLIC HEARING
FOR THE HIGHWAY 111 SPECIFIC PLAN AND DEVELOPMENT CODE
PROJECT TO A DATE CERTAIN (ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 2024-
0002, SPECIFIC PLAN 2022-0002, ZONE CHANGE 2024-0002, AND ZONING
ORDINANCE AMENDMENT 2024-0002); CEQA: A MITIGATED NEGATIVE
DECLARATION (ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 2024-0002, SCH #
2025050964) HAS BEEN PREPARED FOR THE PROPOSED PROJECT;
LOCATION: GENERALLY NORTH OF AVENUE 48, SOUTH OF THE
COACHELLA VALLEY STORMWATER CHANNEL, EAST OF WASHINGTON
STREET AND WEST OF JEFFERSON STREET
[RESOLUTIONS NO. 2026-002 AND 2026-003, ORDINANCE NO. 629
The following staff and consultant presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk's
Office:
• Planning Manager Cheri Flores, City of La Quinta
• Kathryn Slama, Director, Lisa Wise Consulting, Inc. (LWC)
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Council discussed support for the auto -oriented overlay; credit for existing public open
areas; and intent to integrate existing but also to improve public spaces for increased use
and attractiveness.
MAYOR EVANS DECLARED THAT THE PUBLIC HEARING REMAINED OPEN FROM
THE NOVEMBER 18, 2025, MEETING
City Clerk WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENTS were received from the entities listed below,
in alphabetical order, on Public Hearing Item No. 1, which were distributed to Council,
made public, published on the City's website, and included in the public record of this
meeting:
• Jackson Tidus, a Law Corporation, comments dated January 19, 2026, submitted
by Michael Tidus, Executive Vice President, on behalf of Washington III, LTD, the
operator and developer of the Washington Park shopping center — requesting that
Washington III, LTD be excluded from certain requirements under the proposed
Specific Plan, including specific uses currently allowed under the existing zoning
designation remain as such, and not imposing the public space requirement,
amongst others.
• Jackson Tidus, a Law Corporation, comments dated January 20, 2026, submitted
by Michael Tidus, Executive Vice President, on behalf of Washington III, LTD, the
operator and developer of the Washington Park shopping center — in support of
staff's recommendation to continue this item to a date certain.
MAYOR EVANS DECLARED THAT THE PUBLIC HEARING SHALL REMAIN OPEN
UNTIL THE APRIL 7, 2026, COUNCIL MEETING
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers Pena/McGarrey to
continue the public hearing for this item to a date certain of April 7, 2026. Motion passed
unanimously.
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS — None
MAYOR'S AND COUNCIL MEMBERS' ITEMS
Mayor Evans reported on her attendance at the naming of the La Quinta High School gym
after late coach Tom Jenkins; toy drive by local Assembly Members; Visit Greater Palm
Springs holiday party; Gingerbread Lane at Old Town Artisan Studios; Film Festival Gala;
Marian Brumett's 102nd birthday celebration at The Palms; California Desert Association
Realtors awards and installation; Resident Day at the Desert International Horse Park;
Mountain View Country Club fundraiser by the Desert Sands Education Foundation for
golf teams; Girl Schout Troop 1424 tour of City Hall including presentations regarding
departmental functions; and the Hunter Lopez memorial Foundation fundraiser at J&J
Ranch.
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Mayor Pro Tem Fitzpatrick reported on her attendance at the Martin Luther King
Commemoration in Palm Springs.
Councilmember McGarrrey reported on her attendance at the City's Youth Collective
meeting; and the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce Exchange meeting.
Councilmember Sanchez reported on his attendance at the DVBA luncheon; Living
Desert World Desert Day event; and the Palm Springs Women in Film and Television
(PSWIFT) event.
REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
La Quinta's representative for 2026, Mayor Evans reported on her participation in the
following organization's meeting:
• CVAG COACHELLA VALLEY CONSERVATION COMMISSION
La Quinta's representative for 2026, Councilmember McGarrey reported on her
participation in the following organization's meeting:
• LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES — EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, RIVERSIDE
COUNTY DIVISION
La Quinta's representative for 2026, Councilmember Sanchez reported on his
participation in the following organization's meeting:
• CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF LOCAL AGENCY FORMATION COMMISSION
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Evans adjourned the meeting at 5:56 p.m. Motion
passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
V
(
MONIKA RADEVA, City Clerk
City of La Quinta, California
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