WRITTEN
PUBLIC
COMMENT
CITY COUNCIL
MEETING
JANUARY 16, 2024
1 From: Francis Fernandez <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 16, 2024 9:57 AM
Subject: Written Public Comment Submission: South Coast AQMD Clean Air Awards + WAIRE Reporting Deadlines
Attachments: WAIRE Reporting Notice_January2024.pdf; Clean Air Awards Nominations.pdf Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
** EXTERNAL: This message originated outside of the City of La Quinta. Please use proper judgement and caution when opening attachments, clicking links or responding to requests for information. ** Good morning,
On behalf of the South Coast AQMD, I would like to submit the following 2 attachments as part of the written public comment portion of the next city council meeting.
The first attachments highlights our open nomination period for South Coast AQMD's Clean Air Awards through January 19th to honor those across the region who have helped to improve the air we breathe. The 34th Annual Clean Air Awards will recognize achievements in the following categories:
S. Roy Wilson Award for Leadership in Government
Robert M. Zweig, M.D., Memorial Award
Dr. William A. Burke Award for Leadership in Environmental Justice John J. and Ben J. Benoit Award for Innovative Clean Air Technology Leadership in Air Quality
Youth Leadership in Air Quality
The second attachment highlights our January 31st Deadline for owners and operators of warehouses located in South Coast AQMD’s jurisdiction with greater than or equal to 100,000 square feet of indoor floor space to submit reporting info in accordance to Rule 2305 – Warehouse Actions and Investments to Reduce Emissions (WAIRE) Program to reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides and diesel particulate matter from warehouses.
Thank you,
Francis Fernandez
Sr. Public Affairs Specialist / Social Media Coordinator Legislative, Public Affairs and Media Department
_____________________________________
South Coast Air Quality Management District
21865 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, CA 91765
(909) 396-3265 | [email protected]
@SouthCoastAQMD: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Please consider the environment before you print this email.
Some people who received this message don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important CITY COUNCIL MEETING - JANUARY 16, 2024 - WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENTS BY SOUTH COAST AIR QUALITY
MANAGEMENT DISTRICT - MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - CLEAN AIR AWARD NOMINATIONS & WAIRE DEADLINES Event details coming soon!
34th
Annual Clean Air Awards
Inspiring
an
Equitable
Clean Air Futur Clean Air Future
Nominations are Now Open
Apply online! Applications accepted
until January 19, 2024, 11:59 p.m., PST
For over three decades, South Coast AQMD has honored those across the region who have helped to improve the air we breathe. The 34th Annual Clean Air Awards will recognize achievements in the following categories:
S. Roy Wilson Award for Leadership in Government
Robert M. Zweig, M.D., Memorial Award
Dr. William A. Burke Award for Leadership in Environmental Justice John J. and Ben J. Benoit Award for Innovative Clean Air Technology Leadership in Air Quality
Youth Leadership in Air Quality
Submit at www.aqmd.gov/clean-air-awards/nominations
Save the Date | Friday, April 5, 2024
WAIRE
Rule 2305 - Warehouse Actions and
Investments to Reduce Emissions
(WAIRE) Program Reporting Notice
PURPOSE:
In May 2021, the South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD) Governing Board adopted Rule 2305 – Warehouse Actions and Investments to Reduce Emissions (WAIRE) Program to reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides and diesel particulate matter from warehouses.
APPLICABILITY:
Rule 2305 applies to owners and operators of warehouses located in South Coast AQMD’s jurisdiction with greater than or equal to 100,000 square feet of indoor floor space within a single building. Both warehouse facility owners and operators are subject to reporting requirements pursuant to Rule 2305. Warehouse facility owners were required to submit a Warehouse Operations Notification by September 1, 2021 and subsequently when certain conditions occur such as a change in tenant (please refer to Rule 2305 (d)(7)). Warehouse operators are required to submit an Initial Site Information Report (ISIR) and Annual WAIRE Report (AWR) based on the warehouse size of their operations according to the implementation schedule in the rule.
REQUIREMENTS FOR WAREHOUSE OPERATORS:
Rule 2305 specifies a phase-in schedule for warehouse operators. The 2023 calendar year is the first compliance period for Phase 2 warehouse operators, and the second compliance period for Phase 1 warehouse operators. The following report must be submitted by January 31, 2024, pursuant to Rule 2305:
Report Warehouse Size
(square feet) Due Date Information Required
Annual
WAIRE
Report
(AWR)
Phase 1
(≥250,000)
&
Phase 2
(≥150,000 and
<250,000)
January 31,
2024
• Number of truck trips during the
compliance period (calendar year 2023)
• WAIRE Menu actions and/or investments
completed by operator to earn WAIRE
Points
• WAIRE Points earned must offset the
operator’s WAIRE Points Compliance
Obligation (WPCO)
Phase 1 warehouse operators were required to submit an ISIR by July 5, 2022 and their first AWR by March 2, 2023 for the 2022 compliance period. Phase 2 warehouse operators were required to submit an ISIR by July 5, 2023. If these reports have not yet been submitted, they are PAST DUE and complete reports should be submitted as soon as possible.
WHO IS A WAREHOUSE OPERATOR?
Rule 2305 defines a warehouse operator as the entity who conducts day-to-day operations at a warehouse, either with its employees or through contracting out services for all or part of the warehouse operations. A warehouse operator can also be the warehouse owner.
HOW DO I SUBMIT REPORTS?
Reports shall be submitted through the WAIRE Program Online Portal (WAIRE POP):
https://xappp.aqmd.gov/isr
For more information or compliance assistance, please visit www.aqmd.gov/waire, call our hotline at 909-396-3140, or email us [email protected].
January 2024
1 From: Cynthia Kramer <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 15, 2024 5:25 PM
To: City Clerk Mail
Cc: Jennifer Nelson
Subject: Written comments-The Chuckwalla National Monument [Some people who received this message don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ] ** EXTERNAL: This message originated outside of the City of La Quinta. Please use proper judgement and caution when opening attachments, clicking links or responding to requests for information. ** Monday Jan. 15, 2024
To The City Clerk of La Quinta,
My name is Cindy kramer and I am a resident of La Quinta. I grew up on the east coast. My husband and I fell in love with this enchanting Cochella Valley years ago and bought our home here. We enjoy the breathtaking nature and healthy lifestyle.
I want to share my support and ask for your support for efforts to preserve public lands and our local natural desert landscapes in eastern Riverside and Imperial counties. I deeply support the proposed designation of the Chuckwalla National Monument and expansion of the Joshua Tree National Park.
Designation as a national monument will be protecting these incredible wild lands, indigenous homelands, protecting the vast desert ecosystem, protecting the wildlife habitat and their movement corridors for many species like the Chuckwalla lizards, big horn sheep and desert tortoise.
This is important to me, many of the local residents & visitors that enjoy our breathtaking natural environment.
We need to ensure to preserve the land for our next generations to enjoy as well.
I ask you and the La Quinta City Council to promote this proposal with a resolution of support. Thankyou for your consideration and your leadership.
Wishing you the best,
Cindy kramer
53030 Del Gato Dr.
La Quinta, Ca. 92253
CITY COUNCIL MEETING - JANUARY 16, 2024 - WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENTS BY RESIDENT CINDY KRAMER PRESENTATION ITEM NO. 3 - CHUCKWALLA NATIONAL MONUMENT SUPPORT 1 From: Kay Wolff <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, January 14, 2024 4:49 PM
To: City Clerk Mail
Cc: Jennifer Nelson
Subject: PROPOSED CHUCKWALLA NATIONAL MONUMENT
** EXTERNAL: This message originated outside of the City of La Quinta. Please use proper judgement and caution when opening attachments, clicking links or responding to requests for information. ** I am writing to support the Chuckwalla National Monument that is proposed for designation in the near future. We in La Quinta know the value of having a national monument on our doorstep. The Santa Rosa and San Jacinto National Monument has greatly enhanced the “brand” of the City.
Both residents and tourists enjoy the hiking trails, the vistas and the assurance that these miles of mountains are truly preserved for coming generations of residents and tourists. It’s a magnet for hikers, bikers, photographers and painters. I live a stone’s throw from the Santa Rosa National Monument. Over the years my friends and family have enjoyed hiking up the mountain side and using the Bear Creek Trail. Now, most of us just sit and admire the dramatic views, sunrises and sunsets and the absence of hillside development. It’s a treasure.
A Chuckwalla National Monument would broaden the attraction that the Coachella Valley has for nature lovers and boost the economies of other nearby communities. The proposal is a balance of preservation and thoughtful use of the terrain: allowing limited hiking and off-road activities for a wide range of outdoors people.
The national monument designation will not only protect the natural spaces encompassed in the boundaries, but also the natural habitat of many desert creatures.
Please give your support to this project by creating a Resolution that expresses the wishes of the residents and the City government. Your quick action would remind our lawmakers that we are following this project and urge them to make a final decision.
Kay Wolff
77227 Calle Ensenada
760-564-4070
CITY COUNCIL MEETING - JANUARY 16, 2024 - WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENTS BY RESIDENT KAY WOLFF PRESENTATION ITEM NO. 3 - CHUCKWALLA NATIONAL MONUMENT SUPPORT 1 From: Sam and Sharon Dickinson <[email protected]> Sent: Saturday, January 13, 2024 5:55 PM
To: City Clerk Mail
Subject: Written comments
** EXTERNAL: This message originated outside of the City of La Quinta. Please use proper judgement and caution when opening attachments, clicking links or responding to requests for information. ** HOA’s and flag poles
Sam Dickinson
58218 Aracena
La quinta Ca.
First I would like to thank the Mayor and the entire council for unanimously approving the changes to flag pole location to 5’ and 5’. Hopefully that will get more Flags Flying in La Qunita.
Council Member McGarrey
I loved your comments at the Nov 7th council meeting, you said “You fly that flag where you want to fly that flag” and you also said, “This is America let them fly their flags”.
I also would like to thank you for your many family members who have served in the the United States armed forces, especially your husband in the Air Force.
Afterwards I felt bad I did not mention my Dad Sherman Dickinson and his brother Larry Dickinson, my uncles Robert loffer and Charles Warner all served during WWII My Aunt’s Lee Loffer and Elizabeth Warner served in the red cross during WWII. My uncle Jerry Rutledge not only served in WWII but also Korea and Vietnam, all oversea. He retired from the Air Force as a Chief Master Sargent after 31 years of service to our country. My brother Storm Dickinson was wounded while serving in Vietnam.
Council Member Sanchez
I would like to thank you for your service in the US Marine Corps.
I also liked your comment during the Nov. 7th meeting when talking about the flag pole ordinance you said, “I agree HOA’s are better suited to govern themselves”, thank you for that comment.
Mayor Pro Tem Pena
I would again like to thank you and our city manager Jon McMillen for taking the time to come out to Andalusia and see things for yourself. During the Nov 7th council meeting you commented that you did not have a problem with the three poles location, and that they were all professionally installed and to let the HOA’s deal with the home owners. Thank you for your insight.
Council Member Fitzpatrick
As you known HOA’s have all kind of rules and regulations. Unlike your HOA in mine you can plant a palm tree right next to your neighbors property, but the trunk must be at least 9ft.. The palm leaves will hang 6ft. over your neighbors property 24-7. So if a flag and pole are located close to your neighbors property it may occasionally fly over theirs. Every HOA has different rules and regulations.
Mayor Evans
CITY COUNCIL MEETING - JANAURY 16, 2024 - WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENTS BY RESIDENT SAM DICKINSON PUBLIC HEARING ITEM NO. 1 - FLAGPOLE REGULATIONS
2 I loved your statement on Nov. 7th, you said “ I Love the flag too and I wish we could see more of them”.
As you found out that night only 3 flag pole permits have been issued. You also noted there are probably many more out there that did not apply for a permit. I talked to one of those 3 permitted homeowners he said that it cost him about $6,000 to buy and install a 20ft. pole in his yard. He had to pay $1,200 just to get an engineering report. A 30ft. palm tree that weighs at least twenty times more doesn’t need an engineering report to plant it. If you want to see more Flags Flying in La Quinta and have them permitted you need make it easier and less expense to do so. There are professional companies that flags and poles are their only business, like Jon’s Flags and Poles in Riverside. We used them and our cost was under $2,000 for a 15 ft. pole, flag and a professional installation.
I would like to thank you for your time and all your help going forward on this matter.
Happy New Year.
Sam Dickinson
USAF Retired
1 From: Steve Grocott <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 16, 2024 10:27 AM
To: City Clerk Mail
Cc: Jon McMillen; Danny Castro
Subject: FW: Flagpole letter to City Council for review WRITTEN COMMENTS from Steve Grocott , La Quinta
Attachments: Council Letter.pdf
** EXTERNAL: This message originated outside of the City of La Quinta. Please use proper judgement and caution when opening attachments, clicking links or responding to requests for information. ** Resending with corrected subject line
From: Steve Grocott
Sent: Tuesday, January 16, 2024 10:23 AM
To: [email protected]
Cc: Jon McMillen <[email protected]>; Danny Castro <[email protected]> Subject: Flagpole letter to City Council for review
Please distribute
Thank you
Some people who received this message don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important CITY COUNCIL MEETING - JANAURY 16, 2024 - WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENTS BY RESIDENT STEVE GROCOTT PUBLIC HEARING ITEM NO. 1 - FLAGPOLE REGULATIONS
1/13/24
Flagpoles
Steve Grocott
La Quinta
Letter to the La Quinta City Council, Jon McMillan, and Danny Castro I understand the City Council is moving forward to let HOA’s be free of any city setback limitations and make their own decisions for flagpole placements.
A little history here on this issue and what happened to me and my wife that could happen to anyone when there are no “checks or balances” to poorly run HOA’s and poorly run city compliance departments.
My dispute and noncompliance of a flagpole location started over 9 months ago when my HOA in Andalusia made the mistake of allowing a 15 foot lighted flagpole location 18 inches from my property line which allowed a 5 foot flag to fly over our property line and in view of our bedroom, living room, looming over our patio and lowering our property value.
The current boilerplate HOA CCR rules and regulations are over 20 years old, vague and do not have any specific limits for setbacks or standards to a neighbor’s adjacent property. Progressive HOA’s in the La Quinta area have limited and controlled conflicts with flags and flagpoles by requiring them to be closer to the house or on the house itself.
Our HOA also did not know of the city’s compliance codes requiring permits and the “then” 10X10 setback limits. This mistake by the HOA started this whole dispute within the Andalusia community.
The city was informed and from here a compliance inspector was sent out, Officer Woods, and he noted that he could not believe the HOA would allow this location. At this point enforcement letters were sent for City compliance enforcement of the current setback codes to the neighbors involved with the out of compliance flagpoles.
Then magically something happened. The city proposed amending the current 10 X 10 code to 10 X 5 setbacks and all enforcement stopped. This 10 X 10 setback code had been on the books for some 4 years and all of a sudden somebody in the city compliance department decided it needed to be changed?? Most probably somebody got to an ear in the city that these setbacks would put these pole locations in the pool area. But wait, this would be good solution because the flagpoles would be on the other side of the pool , closer to the house and not have this great impact on the adjacent neighbors and still be able to have a flag and flagpole.
This logical step was not taken and the next step was a 10 X 5 amendment that went to the city planning commission and they asked the same questions I had , “Why is this current compliance regulation (10X10) being changed that has been in place for 4 years”?
Nobody had a good answer other than it created more “flexibility” and nobody knew who was pushing this amendment. The planning commission rejected changing the current setbacks and provided that recommendation to the city council.
When the city council met on this change the 10X5 magically changed again to 5X5 setbacks (this is in the city records). I guess someone did not measure correctly from the pole to the pool. And still nobody knew why this was being changed and who was driving the amendment.
After a “patriot” meeting the City Council adopted the new setbacks for the 3 flagpole houses to 5X5 which puts a 5 foot flag right on a neighbor’s property line and a 6 foot flag would be flying over a property line. So at this point the city has enforced nothing after 9 months and has changed the codes and are now looking at giving the same HOA the decision making authority to make the same mistakes. THIS MAKES NO COMMON SENSE.
I feel we have been unfairly treated by the city with the changes to the codes in midstream of compliance enforcement. The community is also not getting a fair shake from the city because with only 3 flagpoles out of 250 homes in Andalusia it is fairly obvious that the majority of residents do not want flag poles not to mention that the 3 that were put up were disputed. The city is making these decisions to the minority and not to the sediment of the majority of people that want to see the natural beauty of La Quinta without 15 foot flagpoles up in front of property lines that affect others.
I know the mayor stated she wanted to see more flagpoles in La Quinta?? It is one thing to see these lighted flagpoles from afar, 300 yards away but when they are 30 feet away from your bedroom and living room windows and looming above your patio I think you would take a different perspective. Do any of the council members have a 15 foot flagpole?? I don’t think so and you may wonder to yourselves why not? Jon McMillan and John Pena said they came out to Andalusia and took a look at the flag pole locations?? Don’t know what far away fairway they looked down, but they did not come to our house and stood in our patio to see our perspective. I sent letters to the city manager Jon McMillan in October inviting him to come by with no response other than they are looking at changing the compliance setbacks in which the city conveniently did for the out of compliance residents who had the flag poles.
I value our country, the flag and have family members that have served in past wars and have been wounded in these wars and friends who have died in Vietnam. I very much value their service but my patriotism lies in my heart, and I do not need to project this patriotism in the form of a 15’ flagpole especially when it impacts others.
Who does that?
As most residents do, I came to La Quinta for the natural beauty of the desert, the mountains, and the sunsets. I guess it may be time to look to find another “Gem in the Desert” somewhere that prioritizes that belief.
Take care and enjoy your council meeting.
Regards
Steve Grocott and Carol Shaw