Palm Desert City Council, Successor Agency to the Palm Desert Redevelopment Agency, Housing Authority, and Board of Library Trustees

Regular Meeting Minutes

, Closed Session 3:30 p.m.; Regular Session 4:00 p.m.
Council Chamber, City Hall
73-510 Fred Waring Drive
Palm Desert, California
Present:
  • Mayor Jan Harnik, 
  • Councilmember Gina Nestande, 
  • Mayor Pro Tem Evan Trubee, 
  • Councilmember Karina Quintanilla, 
  • and Councilmember Joe Pradetto 

1.
CALL TO ORDER - CLOSED SESSION - 3:30 P.M.

 

A Regular Meeting of the Palm Desert City Council was called to order by Mayor Harnik on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at 3:55 p.m., in the Council Chamber, City Hall, located at 73-510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, California.

2.
PUBLIC COMMENT FOR CLOSED SESSION ITEMS ONLY

 

None.

3.
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION

 

Mayor Harnik adjourned to Closed Session at 3:55 p.m.

4.
CLOSED SESSION AGENDA

 

4.a
Closed Session Meeting Minutes: April 10, 2025

 

4.b
Conference with Real Property Negotiations pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8

 

4.c
Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation

 

5.
ROLL CALL - REGULAR MEETING - 4:10 P.M.

 

6.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

 

Councilmember Nestande led the Pledge of Allegiance.

7.
INSPIRATION

 

Councilmember Mayor Pro Tem Trubee provided words of inspiration.

8.
REPORT OF CLOSED SESSION

 

City Attorney Shah stated that direction was given by the City Council; no reportable actions were taken.

9.
AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS, AND APPOINTMENTS

 

9.a
HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE DAY PROCLAMATION

This item has attachments. 
1.Holocaust Rememberance Day.pdf

Mayor Harnik announced that the Holocaust Remembrance Day Proclamation will be presented during the May 8, 2025, City Council meeting.

9.b
TREE CITY USA PROCLAMATION

This item has attachments. 
1.Arbor Day Proclamation.pdf

Mayor Harnik presented a Proclamation to Public Works Superintendent Chuck and Managment Analyst Gonzalez declaring April 25, 2025, as Arbor Day.

9.c
CHILDREN’S DISCOVERY MUSEUM OF THE DESERT UPDATE

This item has attachments. 
1.00 Children's Discovery Museum Presentation.pdf

Cindy Burreson, representing Children's Discovery Museum of the Desert, provided an update on the Children's Discovery Museum of the Desert and responded to Councilmember inquiries.

10.
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS

 

10.a
SHERIFF DEPARTMENT UPDATE

 

Sergeant Cryder, Riverside County Sheriff's Department, introduced new motor members of the Sheriff's department, provided an update on an arrest made in a case that involved the illegal sales of tobacco to minors, and responded to Councilmember inquiries.

11.
MAYOR/COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS AND REQUESTS FOR ACTION

 

Councilmembers provided updates on their attendance at various events.

Councilmember Quintanilla, with support of Councilmember Nestande, requested info on international arborial standards referenced in the Tree City USA proclamation, specifically regarding the maintenance of palm trees on City property.

Mayor Pro Tem Trubee, with support of Councilmember Quintanilla, requested discussion to move closed session to end of regular meeting.

12.
NON­AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENTS

 

Mike Morsch, Palm Desert resident, spoke on the state of the city video on City's website.

John Sisley, Palm Desert resident, spoke on the benefits of Community Workforce Agreements and urged the City Council to consider implementation in City projects.

13.
CONSENT CALENDAR

 
  • Motion by:Councilmember Pradetto
    Seconded by:Mayor Pro Tem Trubee

    To approve the consent calendar as presented.

    Motion Carried (5 to 0)

13.a
APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL, SUCCESSOR AGENCY, AND HOUSING AUTHORITY MINUTES

This item has attachments. 
1.Post-Meeting Minutes - StudySession_Apr10_2025 - English.pdf
2.Post-Meeting Minutes - Palm Desert City Council - Regular Meeting_Apr10_2025 - English.pdf
  • Motion by:Councilmember Pradetto
    Seconded by:Mayor Pro Tem Trubee

    Approve the Minutes of April 10, 2025.

    Motion Carried (5 to 0)

13.b
APPROVAL OF WARRANT REGISTERS

This item has attachments. 
1.2025.02.25_and_02.27__Check_Register_by_Bank_ID_and_Date_FEB25_WR_-.pdf
2.2025.03.31_Check_Register_by_Bank_ID_and_Date_MAR25_WR.pdf
3.2025.04.03 Check Register by Bank ID and Date W1.pdf
4.2025.04.04_Check_Register_by_Bank_ID_and_Date__W1_and_W3.pdf
5.2025.04.10_Check_Register_by_Bank_ID_and_Date__W1_and_W3.pdf
  • Motion by:Councilmember Pradetto
    Seconded by:Mayor Pro Tem Trubee

    Approve the warrant registers issued for the period 2/25/2025 to 4/10/2025.

    Motion Carried (5 to 0)

13.c
RATIFICATION OF A LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR ASSEMBLY BILL 650 (PAPAN): HOUSING ELEMENT AND REGIONAL HOUSING NEEDS ALLOCATION

This item has attachments. 
1.Letter of Support - AB 650.pdf
2.Attachment 1 - AB 650.pdf
3.Attachment 2 - Support for AB 650.pdf
  • Motion by:Councilmember Pradetto
    Seconded by:Mayor Pro Tem Trubee

    Ratify the issuance of a letter of support for AB 650 (Papan): Housing Element and Regional Housing Needs Allocation.

    Motion Carried (5 to 0)

13.d
RATIFICATION OF A LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR THE CITY OF INDIAN WELLS WHITEWATER CHANNEL LINING PROJECT

This item has attachments. 
1.Indian Wells - Whitewater Channel Lining Project.pdf
2.01 Indian Wells Whitewater Channel Lining Project.pdf
  • Motion by:Councilmember Pradetto
    Seconded by:Mayor Pro Tem Trubee

    Ratify the letter of support for the City of Indian Wells’ Fiscal Year 2026 Community Project Funding request for the Whitewater Channel Lining Project.

    Motion Carried (5 to 0)

13.e
AUTHORIZE SUBSTITUE OUT-OF-STATE TRAVEL FOR THE CITY MANAGER TO ATTEND THE INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL OF SHOPPING CENTERS CONFERENCE (ICSC) IN LAS VEGAS, NEVADA

This item has attachments. 
1.OUT-OF-STATE TRAVEL APPROVAL CITY MANAGER TO ATTEND ICSC.pdf
2.Out of State Travel Memo FY 24-25.pdf
  • Motion by:Councilmember Pradetto
    Seconded by:Mayor Pro Tem Trubee

    Authorize substitute out-of-state travel for the City Manager to attend the International Council of Shopping Centers Conference (ICSC) on May 19, 2025, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

    Motion Carried (5 to 0)

13.h
AUTHORIZE A CONTINGENCY OF $75,000 FOR SUPPLEMENTAL PLAN REVIEW, INSPECTIONS, AND RELATED SERVICES (CONTRACT NO. C48010)

This item has attachments. 
1.Authorize Contingency for Plan Review and Inspection Services.pdf
2.C48010A WILLDAN ENGINEERING.pdf
3.C48010B BUREAU VERITAS NORTH AMERICA.pdf
4.C48010C INTERWEST CONSULTING GROUP.pdf
  • Motion by:Councilmember Pradetto
    Seconded by:Mayor Pro Tem Trubee
    1. Authorize a contingency of $75,000 to be used for supplemental plan review, inspections, and related services (Contract No. C48010).
    2. Authorize the City Attorney to make any non-monetary changes to the agreement.
    3. Authorize the City Manager or designee to approve any change orders and execute any amendments to the agreements.
    Motion Carried (5 to 0)

13.i
UPDATE ON THE CITY’S ONGOING COMMITMENT TO TREE CITY USA RECOGNITION THROUGH THE ARBOR DAY FOUNDATION

This item has attachments. 
1.Tree City USA Update.pdf
2.01 2025 Tree City USA Application for Certification.pdf
3.02 Ordinance 1003 Maintenance.pdf
  • Motion by:Councilmember Pradetto
    Seconded by:Mayor Pro Tem Trubee

    Receive and file the update on the City’s Tree City USA status and continued participation in the Arbor Day Foundation’s program.

    Motion Carried (5 to 0)

13.j
RATIFY CHANGE ORDER 1 TO CONTRACT NO. C48610 WITH R DEPENDABLE CONSTRUCTION, INC., FOR ADA UPGRADES AT THE STATE BUILDING (PROJECT NO. MFA00011)

This item has attachments. 
1.Ratify Change Order 1 to Contract No. C48610.pdf
2.01 Approved Change Order.pdf
3.02 C48610 - R Dependable Construction.pdf
  • Motion by:Councilmember Pradetto
    Seconded by:Mayor Pro Tem Trubee

    Ratify Change Order 1 to Contract No. C48610 with R Dependable Construction, Inc., of San Bernardino, California, for ADA upgrades at the State Building in the amount of $41,394.31 for a new contract amount of $321,294.31.

    Motion Carried (5 to 0)

13.k
AWARD A CONTRACT TO MARIPOSA LANDSCAPES, INC., OF IRWINDALE, CA, FOR LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE AREA NO. 1 AND INCLUDE ALLOWABLE EXTRA WORK AND SERVICES (PROJECT NO. MLS00008)

This item has attachments. 
1.Landscape Maintenance Area No. 1 Project.pdf
2.01 Maintenance Services Agreement LMA 1 - Updated.pdf
3.02 Payment and Performance Bonds - updated.pdf
4.03 Mariposa Landscapes, Inc. Proposal(1).pdf
5.04 LMA 1 Vicinity Map.pdf
  • Motion by:Councilmember Pradetto
    Seconded by:Mayor Pro Tem Trubee
    1. Award a Maintenance Services Agreement with Mariposa Landscapes, Inc., of Irwindale, CA, for Landscape Maintenance Area No. 1 in the annual amount of $367,764 subject to CPI increases, for a three-year term, with two one-year extension options.
    2. Authorize allowable extra work for street maintenance and landscape services in an annual amount not to exceed $95,000.
    3. Authorize the City Attorney to make necessary non-monetary changes to the agreement.
    4. Authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement and any other documents necessary to effectuate this action, in accordance with Section 3.30.170 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code.
    Motion Carried (5 to 0)

13.l
AWARD A CONTRACT TO MARIPOSA LANDSCAPES, INC., OF IRWINDALE, CA, FOR LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE AREA NO. 2 AND INCLUDE ALLOWABLE EXTRA WORK AND SERVICES (PROJECT NO. MLS00009)

This item has attachments. 
1.Landscape Maintenance Area No. 2 Project.pdf
2.01 Maintenance Services Agreement LMA 2.pdf
3.02 Payment and Performance Bonds.pdf
4.03 Mariposa Landscapes, Inc. Proposal.pdf
5.04 LMA 2 Vicinity Map.pdf
  • Motion by:Councilmember Pradetto
    Seconded by:Mayor Pro Tem Trubee
    1. Award a Maintenance Services Agreement with Mariposa Landscapes, Inc., of Irwindale, California, for Landscape Maintenance Area No. 2 in the annual amount of $288,588 subject to CPI increases, for a three-year term, with two one-year extensions options.
    2. Authorize allowable extra work for street maintenance and landscape services in an annual amount not to exceed $105,000.
    3. Authorize the City Attorney to make necessary non-monetary changes to the agreement.
    4. Authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement and any other documents necessary to effectuate this action, in accordance with Section 3.30.170 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code.
    Motion Carried (5 to 0)

13.m
PALM DESERT RECREATIONAL FACILITIES CORPORATION AUDITED FINANCIAL REPORTS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2024

This item has attachments. 
1.PALM DESERT RECREATIONAL FACILITIES CORPORATION AUDITED FINANCIAL REPORTS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2024.pdf
2.1. PDRFC FS Final FY24.pdf
3.000 2025-04-24 CC QA Memo 01.pdf
  • Motion by:Councilmember Pradetto
    Seconded by:Mayor Pro Tem Trubee

    Receive and file the Palm Desert Recreational Facilities Corporation’s Annual Financial Report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024.

    Motion Carried (5 to 0)

13.n
CITY OF PALM DESERT SINGLE AUDIT REPORT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2024

This item has attachments. 
1.CITY OF PALM DESERT SINGLE AUDIT REPORT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2024.pdf
2.1. City of Palm Desert Single Audit 2024-25.pdf
  • Motion by:Councilmember Pradetto
    Seconded by:Mayor Pro Tem Trubee

    Receive and file the Single Audit Report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024.

    Motion Carried (5 to 0)

13.o
MARCH PROCUREMENT REPORT

This item has attachments. 
1.March Procurement Report .pdf
2.Procurement Report for March 2025.pdf
  • Motion by:Councilmember Pradetto
    Seconded by:Mayor Pro Tem Trubee

    Receive and file the monthly Procurement Report for March 2025.

    Motion Carried (5 to 0)

13.p
RESOLUTION 2025-023 TO AUTHORIZE DESTRUCTION OF OBSOLETE RECORDS FROM THE FINANCE DEPARTMENT

This item has attachments. 
1.Resolution to Authorize Destruction of Obsolete Records from the Finance Department.pdf
2.1. Resolution to Destroy Obsolete Records.pdf
3.2. Records Destruction Certificate - Exhibit A.pdf
  • Motion by:Councilmember Pradetto
    Seconded by:Mayor Pro Tem Trubee

    Adopt Resolution 2025-023 entitled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, SETTING FORTH ITS FINDINGS AND AUTHORIZING THE DESTRUCTION OF PAPER RECORDS FROM THE FINANCE DEPARTMENT INDICATED ON THE RECORDS RETENTION SCHEDULE (ADOPTED DECEMBER 15, 2022). RECORDS FROM 1974 THROUGH 2019 (EXHIBIT A)."

    Motion Carried (5 to 0)

13.f
CULTURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION COMMITTEE 2025/2026 WORK PLAN 

This item has attachments. 
1.FY 25 26 CRPC Workplan.pdf
2.Attach 1 March 26 2025 CRPC Staff Report.pdf
  • Motion by:Mayor Pro Tem Trubee
    Seconded by:Councilmember Pradetto

    Approve the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Annual Work Plan for the Cultural Resources Preservation Committee.

    Motion Carried (5 to 0)

13.g
ACCEPT THE HISTORIC CONTEXT STATEMENT AND CITY-WIDE HISTORIC RESOURCES SURVEY

This item has attachments. 
1.Historic Context and Survey.pdf
2.Attachment 1 Historic Context Statement and City-wide Resources Survey Document.pdf
3.Appendix A Survey Area Map.pdf
4.Appendix B Chronology Map.pdf
5.Appendix C Recon Survey Findings Map.pdf
6.Appendix D1 Preliminary Property List, Individuals.pdf
7.Appendix D2 Preliminary Property List, Districts.pdf
8.Appendix E Tract Development Summaries.pdf

David Toltzman, Palm Desert resident, expressed appreciation to the City for the Historic Context Statement and City-Wide Historic Resources Survey.

  • Motion by:Mayor Pro Tem Trubee
    Seconded by:Councilmember Pradetto

    Accept the Historic Context Statement and City-wide Historic Resource Survey, as presented.

    Motion Carried (5 to 0)

14.
ACTION CALENDAR

 

14.a
APPROVE FINAL CONCEPT PLAN AND NAME FOR NORTH PALM DESERT COMMUNITY PARK (PROJECT NO. CPK00002)

This item has attachments. 
1.Approve Final Concept Plan and Name for North Palm Desert Community Park.pdf
2.Desert Sun Article - Dave Erwin.pdf
3.Final Concept Plan.pdf
4.14a Park Presentation.pdf
5.000 2025-04-24 CC QA Memo 01(1).pdf

Community Services Manager Muir introduced Gianno Feoli, of Interwest Consulting, who narrated a PowerPoint presentation and responded to City Council inquiries.

Hugh VanHorn, Palm Desert business owner, proposed naming the park after a person of color, a woman, or a local philanthropist.

  • Motion by:Councilmember Nestande
    Seconded by:Councilmember Pradetto

    Approve the final concept plan for a new community park planned on Dinah Shore in north Palm Desert.

    Motion Carried (5 to 0)
  • Motion by:Councilmember Nestande
    Seconded by:Mayor Harnik

    Approve the park name “Dave Erwin Park”.

    NOES (1)Councilmember Pradetto
    Motion Carried (3 to 1)

15.
PUBLIC HEARINGS

 

15.a
ADOPT RESOLUTION 2025-024 TO INCREASE ADMISSION FEES FOR THE PALM DESERT AQUATIC CENTER

This item has attachments. 
1.Resolution No. 2025-______ to Approve a Fee Increase for the Palm Desert Aquatic Center.pdf
2.01 Resolution No. 2025-_____.pdf
3.02 Resolution No. 2023-045.pdf
4.03 Resolution No. 2011-32.pdf
5.15a PDAC Fee Presentation.pdf

Mayor Harnik opened the public hearing.

Community Services Manager Muir narrated a PowerPoint presentation and responded to City Council inquiries.

Mayor Harnik closed the public hearing, there being no other member of the public wishing to speak.

  • Motion by:Councilmember Pradetto
    Seconded by:Mayor Pro Tem Trubee
    1. Hold a public hearing on approving a one-time increase of admissions fees to the Palm Desert Aquatic Center based on Year 2 of a proposed 5-year fee increase plan.
    2. Adopt Resolution 2025-024 entitled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, INCREASING CERTAIN ENTRY FEES FOR THE PALM DESERT AQUATIC CENTER AND TAKING OTHER ACTIONS THEREIN.”
    3. Authorize appropriation totaling $230,747 to the appropriate Aquatic Center Expenditure Accounts from available Aquatic Facility Fund Balance.
    Motion Carried (5 to 0)

15.b
ADOPT RESOLUTION 2025-025 DESIGNATING SANDPIPER CIRCLE 4 CONDOMINIUMS AS A HISTORIC DISTRICT

This item has attachments. 
1.CRPC24-0005 DESIGNATION SANDPIPER CIRCLE 4.pdf
2.Attachment 1 Draft City Council Resolution.pdf
3.Attach 2 Project Application.pdf
4.Attach 3 Public Hearing Notice.pdf
5.15b CRCP24-0005 Presentation.pdf

Mayor Harnik opened the public hearing.

Principal Planner Flores narrated a PowerPoint presentation and responded to City Council inquiries.

Mayor Harnik closed the public hearing, there being no members of the public wishing to speak.

  • Motion by:Councilmember Nestande
    Seconded by:Councilmember Pradetto

    Adopt Resolution 2025-025 entitled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT DESIGNATING THE SANDPIPER CIRCLE 4 CONDOMINIUMS, LOCATED SOUTH OF EL PASEO DRIVE, AS A HISTORIC LANDMARK DISTRICT PURSUANT TO CRITERIA A AND E IN PALM DESERT MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 29.50.010 (ASSESSOR’S PARCEL NUMBERS 640-230-002 THROUGH 640-230-027).”

    Motion Carried (5 to 0)

16.
INFORMATION ITEMS

 

17.
ADJOURNMENT

 

The City Council adjourned at 5:45 p.m.

18.
PUBLIC NOTICES

 
No Item Selected