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 Kathleen Kelly, 
  • Councilmember Gina Nestande, 
  • Mayor Pro Tem Evan Trubee, 
  • and Councilmember Joseph Pradetto 
Absent:
  • Councilmember Karina Quintanilla 

A Regular Meeting of the Palm Desert City Council was called to order by Mayor Pro Tem Harnik on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at 3:30 p.m., in the Council Chamber, City Hall, located at 73-510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, California.

Mayor Pro Tem Harnik adjourned to Closed Session at 3:30 p.m.

  • The following items were considered in closed session:

4.a
Closed Session Meeting Minutes: November 14, 2024

 

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

 

4.b.1
Property Description: APN 630-200-019

 

4.b.2
Property Description: 73710 Fred Waring Drive, Suite 200

 

Councilmember Nestande led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Councilmember Kelly provided words of inspiration.

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

Mayor Pro Tem Harnik presented Gloria Sanchez with a proclamation. 

City Clerk Mejia provided a staff report and responded to inquiries from Councilmembers.

Jeremy Smith, representing the Riverside County Auditor-Controller’s Office on behalf of Ben Benoit, presented a certificate to Councilmember Kelly in recognition of her service on the County's Oversight Board.

Rosemary Ortega, a Palm Desert resident, expressed gratitude to Councilmember Kelly for her dedication to the Sister Cities Committee.

David Toltzmann, a Palm Desert resident, thanked Councilmember Kelly for her service to the community.

David Salgado, Senior Government Relations representative from Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), presented a certificate of appreciation to Councilmember Kelly in recognition of her contributions.

Councilmember Nestande expressed appreciation for Councilmember Kelly’s service.

Councilmember Trubee expressed gratitude for Councilmember Kelly’s dedication.

Mayor Pro Tem Harnik honored Councilmember Kelly’s commitment to the community and presented her with a commemorative plaque.

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

    Adopt Resolution No. 2024-082 entitled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, RECITING THE FACTS OF THE GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION HELD ON NOVEMBER 5, 2024, DECLARING THE RESULTS AND SUCH OTHER MATTERS AS PROVIDED BY LAW.”

    Motion Carried (4 to 0)

Councilmember Kelly expressed her gratitude to City staff for their unwavering support of the community, highlighting their empathy and inspiration. She also thanked her colleagues on the City Council for their collaborative efforts during her tenure and shared her excitement for the City's future.

City Clerk Mejia administered the Oaths of Office to the newly elected Councilmembers:

  • Councilmember Joe Pradetto
  • Councilmember Gina Nestande

Councilmember Pradetto expressed gratitude to his supporters and shared his enthusiasm for the role.

Councilmember Nestande welcomed Councilmember Pradetto and expressed excitement about having a fresh perspective on the Council.

Mayor Pro Tem Trubee welcomed Councilmember Pradetto to the City Council.

Mayor Harnik thanked the community for supporting the passage of Measure G and emphasized the shared responsibility of the Council and the community in moving forward.

  • Motion by:Councilmember Pradetto
    Seconded by:Councilmember Nestande

    Appoint Jan Harnik to the position of Mayor and Evan Trubee to the position of Mayor Pro Tem for a one-year term commencing upon appointment.

    Motion Carried (4 to 0)

Lieutenant Porras of the Riverside County Sheriff's Department introduced Captain Jason Sexton, the new Captain of the Palm Desert Station. Captain Sexton shared a brief overview of his career background and expressed gratitude and enthusiasm for his new role.

Councilmembers reported on their attendance at various meetings and events. 

Mayor Pro Tem Trubee, supported by Councilmember Pradetto, requested that staff review the policy regarding commercial vehicle use on El Paseo.

Mayor Harnik commented on the need for improvements on Highway 74 by CalTrans and encouraged the community to visit the recently renovated Desert Recreation District Palm Desert location and the Civic Center Dog Park.

Jana Koroczynsky, Palm Desert resident, shared concerns about environmental issues associated with the Refuge community development.

Charles Cronenweth, Palm Desert resident, spoke on his personal experiences related to the Refuge community development.

Linda Candler, expressed her concerns about environmental issues arising from the Refuge community development.

  • Motion by:Councilmember Pradetto
    Seconded by:Councilmember Nestande

    To approve the consent calendar as presented.

    Motion Carried (4 to 0)
  • Motion by:Councilmember Pradetto
    Seconded by:Councilmember Nestande

    Adopt Ordinance No. 1420 entitled, “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA UPDATING SECTIONS OF TITLE 27 GRADING AND MAKING A FINDING OF EXEMPTION UNDER CEQA.”

    Motion Carried (4 to 0)
  • Motion by:Councilmember Pradetto
    Seconded by:Councilmember Nestande

    Adopt Ordinance No. 1421 entitled, “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA UPDATING CHAPTER 5.11 DISCLOSURE UPON TRANSFER OF RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY AND MAKING A FINDING OF EXEMPTION UNDER CEQA.”

    Motion Carried (4 to 0)
  • Motion by:Councilmember Pradetto
    Seconded by:Councilmember Nestande

    Adopt Ordinance No. 1422 entitled, “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA UPDATING CHAPTER 12.04 - ENCROACHMENTS AND MAKING A FINDING OF EXEMPTION UNDER CEQA.”

    Motion Carried (4 to 0)
  • Motion by:Councilmember Pradetto
    Seconded by:Councilmember Nestande

    Adopt Ordinance No. 1423 entitled, “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT AMENDING SECTION 25.34.030 OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS AND JUNIOR ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS AND FINDING THE ACTION TO BE STATUTORILY EXEMPT FROM CEQA UNDER PUBLIC RESOURCES CODE § 21080.17.”

    Motion Carried (4 to 0)
  • Motion by:Councilmember Pradetto
    Seconded by:Councilmember Nestande

    Appoint Mayor Pro Tem Harnik and Councilmember Pradetto to an Ad Hoc Subcommittee to review the Hillside Development Ordinance.

    Motion Carried (4 to 0)
  • Motion by:Councilmember Pradetto
    Seconded by:Councilmember Nestande

    Appoint Donna Beane to serve as the City’s representative to the CVMSHCP Trails Management Subcommittee for term ending June 30, 2026.

    Motion Carried (4 to 0)
  • Motion by:Councilmember Pradetto
    Seconded by:Councilmember Nestande

    Appoint Councilmember Pradetto and Mayor Harnik to an Ad Hoc Subcommittee on the Unified Development Code.

    Motion Carried (4 to 0)
  • Motion by:Councilmember Pradetto
    Seconded by:Councilmember Nestande

    Ratify the issuance of the letter of support for the Coachella Valley Behavioral Health’s 40-Bed Expansion Project.

    Motion Carried (4 to 0)
  • Motion by:Councilmember Pradetto
    Seconded by:Councilmember Nestande

    Reappoint Douglas Walker as the City of Palm Desert’s representative to the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District (CVMVCD) Board of Trustees for a four-year term ending January 1, 2029.

    Motion Carried (4 to 0)
  • Motion by:Councilmember Pradetto
    Seconded by:Councilmember Nestande
    1. Adopt Resolution No. 2024-083 entitled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A MILLS ACT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY AND THE OWNER OF THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 241 SANDPIPER STREET.”
    2. Adopt Resolution No. 2024-084 entitled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A MILLS ACT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY AND THE OWNER OF THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 72541 EL PASEO, UNIT 1004.”
    3. Adopt Resolution No. 2024-085 entitled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A MILLS ACT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY AND THE OWNER OF THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 45666 SHADOW MOUNTAIN DRIVE.”
    Motion Carried (4 to 0)
  • Motion by:Councilmember Pradetto
    Seconded by:Councilmember Nestande
    1. Reject all proposals submitted for Pool, Spa, and Water Feature Maintenance and Repair at Housing Authority Properties.
    2. Authorize staff to resolicit and advertise for pool and water feature maintenance and repair services at the Palm Desert Housing Authority residential rental properties.
    Motion Carried (4 to 0)
  • Motion by:Councilmember Pradetto
    Seconded by:Councilmember Nestande
    1. Temporary waiver of Palm Desert Municipal Code (PDMC) sections:
      1. 11.01.20 (Hours of Use in City Parks)
      2. 11.01.140 (Amplified Sound in City Parks)
      3. 11.01.080.O (Placement of Advertising Signage in City Parks)
      4. 11.01.080 Q (Vendor Sales in City Parks)
      5. 11.01.080 W (Possession/Consumption of Alcohol in City Parks) pursuant to PDMC 9.58.040
    2. Authorize the City Manager to execute any documents that may be necessary to facilitate the event.

    Motion Carried (4 to 0)
  • Motion by:Councilmember Pradetto
    Seconded by:Councilmember Nestande
    1. Adopt Resolution No. 2024-086 entitled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AGREEMENTS WITH THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF TAX AND FEE ADMINISTRATION FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF A LOCAL TRANSACTIONS AND USE TAX.”
    2. Adopt Resolution No. 2024-087 entitled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT AUTHORIZING EXAMINATION OF SALES AND TRANSACTIONS AND USE TAXES RECORDS.”
    Motion Carried (4 to 0)
  • Motion by:Councilmember Pradetto
    Seconded by:Councilmember Nestande
    1. Accept Contract No. C47470 for the Palma Village Park Improvements, Project No. MPK00007, as completed in accordance with the plans and specifications.
    2. Authorize the Mayor to execute and the City Clerk to file the Notice of Completion.
    Motion Carried (4 to 0)
  • Motion by:Councilmember Pradetto
    Seconded by:Councilmember Nestande
    1. Accept Contract No. C47580 with GameTime for the Civic Center Dog Park Improvements, Project No. CFA00011, as completed in accordance with the plans and specifications.
    2. Authorize the Mayor to execute and the City Clerk to file the Notice of Completion.
    Motion Carried (4 to 0)
  • Motion by:Councilmember Pradetto
    Seconded by:Councilmember Nestande
    1. Award construction Contract No. HA48680 to Garland/DBS for the Santa Rosa Apartments Roof Replacement Project No. CHA00009 in an amount not to exceed $591,229.
    2. Authorize the Director of Finance to set aside a 10% contingency in the amount of $59,122.90 for unforeseen conditions.
    3. Authorize the Executive Director or designee to review and approve written requests for the use of the contingency amount.
    4. Authorize the Chairperson and/or the Executive Director to execute the Agreement and any documents necessary to effectuate the actions taken herewith.
    5. Authorize the Chairperson and/or Executive Director to execute the Notice of Completion (NOC) and the City Clerk to file the NOC upon satisfactory completion of the Project.
    Motion Carried (4 to 0)
  • Motion by:Councilmember Pradetto
    Seconded by:Councilmember Nestande
    1. Award Contract No. C48690 to HF&H Consultants, LLC, of Irvine, California, for Solid Waste, Recycling, and Organics Consulting Services for a three-year term, in an annual amount not to exceed $145,000 plus 4% annual cost adjustment in each subsequent year.
    2. Authorize contingency in the amount of $10,000 annually for unforeseen circumstances.
    3. Authorize the City Attorney to make any necessary nonmonetary changes to the agreement.
    4. Authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement, any documents necessary to effectuate the actions taken herewith, and approve written contract amendment and change order requests for unanticipated conditions per Section 3.30.170 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code.
    Motion Carried (4 to 0)
  • Motion by:Councilmember Pradetto
    Seconded by:Councilmember Nestande
    1. Award a professional services agreement Contract No. C48700 with CASC Engineering and Consulting, Inc., for MS4 Permit Inspections and NPDES support services in an amount not to exceed $200,000 per fiscal year for a 30-month term commencing now, with two one-year contract extensions.
    2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement and any written requests for amendments, and any other documents necessary to effectuate this action, in accordance with Section 3.30.170 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code.
    3. Authorize the City Attorney to make necessary non-monetary changes to the contract.
    Motion Carried (4 to 0)
  • Motion by:Councilmember Pradetto
    Seconded by:Councilmember Nestande
    1. Award Contract No. C48710 to Superior Pavement Markings, Inc., of Cypress, California, for the High Visibility Crosswalks Improvement Project in the amount of $158,732.50, plus a contingency of $20,000 for unforeseen conditions.
    2. Authorize the City Attorney to make necessary nonmonetary changes to the contract.
    3. 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.
    4. Authorize the City Manager to execute the Notice of Completion (NOC) and the City Clerk to file the NOC upon satisfactory completion of the project.
    Motion Carried (4 to 0)
  • Motion by:Councilmember Pradetto
    Seconded by:Councilmember Nestande

    Adopt Resolution No. 2024-088 entitled “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, REVIEWING AND ACCEPTING THE ANNUAL DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEE DISCLOSURE REPORT FOR THE CITY’S VARIOUS DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEES AND MAKING FIVE-YEAR FINDINGS REGARDING THE CONTINUING NEED FOR UNEXPENDED BALANCES OF IMPACT FEES AS OF JUNE 30, 2024, PURSUANT TO CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 66001.”

    Motion Carried (4 to 0)

Councilmember Pradetto expressed comments on the ratification of a comment letter on draft 2024 Climate Action Plan for Transportation Infrastructure (CAPTI) Actions.

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

    Ratify the issuance of the comment letter addressed to the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) regarding the Draft 2024 Climate Action Plan for Transportation Infrastructure (CAPTI) Actions.

    Motion Carried (4 to 0)

This item was moved to a date uncertain. 

    1. Authorize an amendment to Contract No. C46680 with Interwest Consulting Group, Inc., increasing the contract amount by $45,090 for additional community outreach meetings and analysis, bringing the total not-to-exceed amount to $309,970, and extending the contract term through December 31, 2025.
    2. Authorize the City Attorney to make any necessary non-monetary changes to the agreement.
    3. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute the amendment and to review and approve written contract amendment requests pursuant to Section 3.30.170 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code.

Director of Economic Development Ceja narrated a PowerPoint presentation and responded to City Council inquiries. 

Dr. Ezekiel Bonilla, spoke in support of the rebranding and offered to answer any questions. 

  • Motion by:Mayor Pro Tem Trubee
    Seconded by:Councilmember Pradetto
    1. Approve the rebranding of the Palm Desert iHUB to the Entrepreneurial Resource Center.
    2. Authorize the City Manager to execute any necessary documents to effectuate the rebranding.
    Motion Carried (4 to 0)

Director of Development Services Cannone narrated a PowerPoint presentation and responded to City Council inquiries. 

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

    Adopt Resolution No. 2024-089 entitled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING A POLICY (DS-001) FOR NOTIFYING HOMEOWNER ASSOCIATIONS AS PART OF THE BUILDING PERMIT PROCESS."

    Motion Carried (4 to 0)

Deputy Director of Public Works Chaves provided a staff report and responded to City Council inquiries.

  • Motion by:Mayor Pro Tem Trubee
    Seconded by:Councilmember Pradetto
    1. Award Contract No. C48720 to Crosstown Electric and Data, Inc., of Irwindale, California, for the Dinah Shore Drive Corridor Project in the amount of $295,783, plus a contingency of $30,000 for unforeseen conditions.
    2. Authorize the City Attorney to make necessary nonmonetary changes to the Contract.
    3. Authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement and any written requests for change orders, amendments, and any other documents necessary to effectuate this action, in accordance with Section 3.30.170 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code.
    4. Authorize the City Manager to execute the Notice of Completion (NOC) and the City Clerk to file the NOC upon satisfactory completion of the project.
    Motion Carried (4 to 0)

Director of Development Services Cannone provided a staff report and responded to City Council inquiries. 

  • Motion by:Councilmember Pradetto
    Seconded by:Councilmember Nestande
    1. Conduct a public hearing under the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982 and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the related Treasury Regulations, on the proposed issuance of tax-exempt bonds by the California Public Finance Authority.

       

    2. Adopt Resolution No. 2024-090 entitled “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE ISSUANCE OF REVENUE BONDS BY THE CALIFORNIA PUBLIC FINANCE AUTHORITY ON BEHALF OF HAZELDEN BETTY FORD FOUNDATION AND REQUESTING TO JOIN THE CALIFORNIA PUBLIC FINANCE AUTHORITY AS AN ADDITIONAL MEMBER.”
    Motion Carried (4 to 0)

None. 

The City Council adjourned at 5:51 p.m.

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