[0:18] Recording in progress. Okay, welcome everyone. I now called to [0:25] order the regular meeting. Of the palm Desert City Council [0:31] and successor agency to the Palm Desert Redevelopment Agency, the [0:34] Palm Desert Housing Authority and the Palm Desert Board of [0:36] Library Trustees for Thursday, June 25, 2026 City Clerk. May [0:42] we please have the roll calls. That's a member Harding. [0:45] Here. Council Member Moreno. Present. And may we ask the [0:49] nature of the need to remote participant. Yes, I'm participating [0:53] remotely from my office in City Hall due to illness. [0:56] There is no one present in the room with me. [0:58] Thank you. Council Member Nathan. Here. Mayor Pro Timpredetto? Here. [1:02] And Mayor Tree. Here. All Council's Present. Okay, I want [1:06] to ask Mayor Pro Tempereddo to lead us in the [1:07] pledge of allegeance. Please rise. [1:37] I will now cancel member Harnick to provide us with [1:39] some words of inspiration. Thank you, Mayor. How you do [1:43] anything is how you do everything. Portray is how the [1:47] whole picture of our life is composed of the sum [1:50] of small moments. The way we do every little task, [1:54] how we handle every minute. It's how we approach our [1:57] life, job, friends, and how we use our time. A [2:02] great philosopher, Hera Cletus, is quoted day by day what [2:07] you do is who you become. Excellent. Thank you very [2:12] much. And if we could now have a report from [2:14] closed session from our city attorney. Thank you, Aaron. A [2:18] reportable actions were taken in close session this afternoon. Very [2:21] good. Moving on to item nine, awards presentations and appointments. [2:25] We will ask for our item 9A, a Palm Springs [2:29] Airport Commission Update. And Commissioner Kevin Wiseman to present. [2:43] What do you think. He said he's parking. Yeah, oh, [2:47] okay. Yeah. Well. Okay, City Manager comments. We'll jump leapfrog [2:55] over to item 10 City Manager. Thank you, Mayor. I'll [2:58] invite up Lieutenant Porras for a quick update. [3:08] Hello. Everyone. We're going to wait up and wait till [3:11] we get a little flyer up here. Maybe it's not [3:17] ready. There we go. So next, in two weeks, we've [3:22] been invited by Semal Mayor Greg Wallace to participate in [3:25] a senior scam awareness seminar. That's going to be here [3:30] at Palm District Community Center. Unfortunately, these scams are still [3:33] happening. Criminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated using fear. Emergency, deception, [3:40] to convince victims to withdraw cash purchase gift cards and [3:44] send money order under false pretenses. While this is still [3:49] concerning, there is some encouraged news. We are a scene [3:53] war members of the public stepping forward and helping us [3:55] identify scams before victims lose their money. Retail clerks are [3:58] calling law enforcement when they notice someone is purchasing large [4:01] amounts of gift cards under suspicious circumstances. They were asking [4:05] questions, recognizing warning signs and helping protect vulnerable residents. We're [4:10] also seeing ride share drivers become an unexpected but important [4:14] line of defense. And many scams, criminals instruct victims to [4:17] withdraw cash. Or package money and then use ride share [4:21] drivers to transport it. The driver often has no idea [4:25] they're being part of it being used as part of [4:27] a criminal inner scheme. However, an awareness as awareness grows, [4:31] more drivers are recognizing unusual circumstances such as elderly passengers [4:35] making urgent trips to the bank or request to transport [4:39] suspicious packages. And they are contact in law enforcement when [4:43] something doesn't seem right. And of course, bank employees continue [4:47] to play a critical role for years. They've been trained [4:49] to identify fraud financial and financial exploitation. Their vigilance has [4:54] prevented countless victims from losing their life savings. And we're [4:58] grateful for their partnerships. The common threat is simple, community [5:01] involvement works, law enforcement can't be everywhere. But when residents [5:05] businesses, financial institutions and transportation providers work together, we create [5:09] a stronger safety net for those who most at risk. [5:13] We encourage everyone to join us in this effort. Talk [5:16] with your family members, especially your seniors, also about common [5:20] scams. Be willing to ask questions when something doesn't seem [5:22] right. And if you suspect someone is being targeted, don't [5:26] hesitate to contact law enforcement. Appreciate it. Thank you very [5:30] much. Thank you Lieutenant Poros. I see that Mr. Wiseman [5:35] has arrived may jump back to number nine. And we'll [5:38] have a report from the Palm Springs Airport Commission. Ur. [5:51] So exciting things going on at the airports. All, uh, [5:55] I've been asked to keep the two about three minutes. [5:58] So I'll do a painting broad strokes and leave a [6:00] little time for you guys to ask more detail questions. [6:04] Um, the biggest major developments at the airport in recent, [6:08] uh, since my last visit, uh, the executive director and [6:13] the director of marketing have left to gringer pastures. And [6:18] we have an interim executive director serving, Ms. Victoria Carpenter. [6:23] She's doing an excellent job. Um, they're actively searching for [6:27] a new executive director and for a new deputy director [6:31] of marketing air service and commercial development. Um. We'll talk [6:39] more broadly about the positive developments and then going to [6:42] just some information that I think the public should be [6:45] aware of in the next couple of months. So broadly, [6:48] uh, the airport is growing its passenger figures, uh, still [6:52] at a steady clip. They're making lots of, um, excellent [6:58] changes to the customer experience and making investments, uh, and [7:02] all sorts of areas one recent example. There was, uh, [7:05] recently an unveiling of an art at Pulp Springs. Art [7:12] at PSP. How should we call it. Initiative. And the [7:20] first launch they had was some new art in the [7:23] baggage claim area. So that's just a small taste of [7:28] the various items that the port is working on to [7:31] enhance our customer experience. Sure, sure, sure. All right. Uh, [7:37] as well, they're putting in some new EV charging stations [7:42] quite soon. So you'll look forward to seeing that. Um, [7:46] this summer, something to be aware of is that they [7:50] will be taking the escalators out of service for a [7:55] couple of months in order to get them ready for [7:59] season in October. So I think, uh, and I have [8:03] Jake here from the airport. So you can check for [8:06] some details. Is it from September to October. The escalators [8:14] are going to be closing down in August, uh, for [8:17] about two months. And so we hope to have this [8:19] done by, uh, middle or end of September so that [8:23] they're back in service ahead of season. And then the [8:25] interim will have staff at the bottom of the escalators [8:27] to help carry luggage. Our elevators are still working as [8:30] well. So people can use the stairs or take the [8:32] elevator. Uh, the goal here is to close them both [8:35] down, replace them. They are dated and they are outside [8:38] 100 percent of the time. They need desperately, uh, some [8:44] work. And so we're going to close them down at [8:46] the same time with the goal of minimizing disruption, getting [8:49] it done as quickly as we can at the end [8:50] of the summer. It's, uh, it's been a long running [8:54] topic and escalators, if you're not familiar, it is, uh, [9:01] just nationwide, even international, just a nightmare across the board. [9:06] Getting parts for them. It's just crazy. Um. I think [9:16] one of the things just to be aware of is, [9:19] you know, you've heard a lot in the news about, [9:21] uh, the master plan and the plans for expansion. And [9:25] so right now, uh, the fees that were in is [9:29] the airport is examining the financial feasibility of all these [9:35] projects and how to make them happen. So that's the [9:38] sort of phase where we've progressed from figuring out what [9:42] we want to build to how we're going to build [9:44] it. And then after that comes designing what we're building [9:48] and then building what we're building. So it's going to [9:51] be a long time coming. And I think, uh, if [9:54] anyone's expecting big giant buildings to be coming up overnight [9:58] at the airport, it's not going to happen. It doesn't [10:00] work. That way. So. Uh, lastly, I think I'll throw [10:05] it to you guys. If you have any questions counselors, [10:08] any questions for my colleagues. I have one question. Airport [10:14] traffic year over year increase. Yes. A slight increase. Um, [10:18] I think there are some year over year months where [10:22] it's a decrease. Canadian travel is a headwind for sure. [10:27] Um, there is, you know, the headwinds of jet fuel. [10:32] So growth going into 26 and beyond is certainly not [10:36] a guaranteed aspect the way that airlines are reacting to [10:41] these jet fuel prices by price increases by cutting routes [10:46] or frequencies. So that could definitely impact the sort of [10:51] near term growth trajectory. But I think probably in the [10:55] longer term, it'll continue to be a pretty steady clip [10:59] of growth. Very good. Council member Hornik. On that note, [11:04] I was reading something today about the Canadian traffic going [11:08] right back up. I think they remembered how cold it [11:10] was. And that we absolutely do welcome them here. That's [11:14] good news. I want to comment just how great it [11:20] is to fly in and out of PSP. Everyone goes [11:25] out of their way to extend themselves to be friendly, [11:28] to make your experience as seamless as possible. And to [11:35] me, there's no other, the reason to go anywhere else. [11:39] If we can get in and out of Palm Springs, [11:42] it's the way to go. And I thank you for [11:43] all the effort that's been put into really make it [11:46] a friendly accommodating airport. And thank you for representing us [11:50] on the commission. Absolutely. Good. Councilmember Moreno. Any questions or [11:56] comments? Um, yes. Um, I concur that it is an [12:00] excellent place to depart. And then you get an extra [12:04] feeling of coming home. And you don't have to go [12:06] very far. Um, I'm wondering if you have any updates [12:10] on any direct flights that are coming up over the [12:13] summer so we can tell folks the good news and [12:15] not just have them focus on, um, having to endure [12:20] the lack of escalators. Making new routes. Yes. We don't [12:25] have any Jake by the way. Thank you so much. [12:28] It's great to be with you here in the City [12:30] of Palm Desert as well. Um, no new roots coming [12:33] up over the summer, although we are continuing to pursue [12:36] air service opportunities with airlines always. Those conversations are ongoing [12:40] throughout. Um, that said, you know, you can't, you don't [12:44] have to go to Ontario LX this summer. We've got [12:46] 12 nonstop destinations to, uh, to major hubs across the [12:51] U S. And so, um, the opportunities are there for [12:55] a one - stop connection to over 300 global cities. [12:58] You can reach anywhere in the world from Palm Springs [13:01] International Airport this summer. And so we just ask the [13:03] public to keep that in mind when you're booking your [13:05] summer travel, Europe, Asia, Mexico, Hawaii, right here from here [13:09] in Palm Springs. I always tell folks that you may [13:13] think it's a little less expensive to fly out of [13:15] somewhere else, but the time that it takes you, the [13:19] gas that it's going to take you to fly out [13:20] of LAX, the parking is going to be more expensive [13:23] there. So I concur that you can go a lot [13:26] of places right from here. Thank you again. All right. [13:31] Thank you everybody good. Okay. So thank you so much. [13:34] Commissioner Wiseman, anything else? No, that's all. Thank you again. [13:37] All right. Thank you, Kevin. And thank you, Jake. Appreciate [13:39] it. All right. And we'll skip on over to item [13:44] 10B update about the Palm Desert Aquatic Center from Miss [13:47] Sharmure. Good afternoon Mayor, members of the City Council. I'm [13:57] Sean Muir, the community services manager. Um, and I'm bringing [14:00] to you today just a quick update on the Palm [14:03] Desert Aquatic Center. Um, we wanted to take this opportunity [14:06] to just recognize the City Council's investment in this facility. [14:10] And it's an essential community asset. So we wanted to [14:14] show you some of the improvements as we pull up [14:16] the presentation. [14:29] Okay. Starting off with the, uh, recap of our memorial [14:34] day event. So we had a big reopening or welcoming [14:38] back to the community on Memorial Day after a six [14:41] month renovation closure. And that was a one dollar admission [14:45] event. We had a fantastic community turnout. We had it [14:49] open for a lap swim. First thing in the morning [14:51] with some breakfast pastries and coffee and treats, um, commemorative [14:56] swim caps were given away during that morning hour. And [14:59] then moved into recreational swim. So opened at 10 o'clock [15:04] for people to bring their families in and enjoy the [15:06] pools altogether. We had a DJ there. Um, the Palm [15:10] Desert Library was involved and did a book giveaway. And [15:13] was signing up people for library cards. So that was [15:15] fantastic. And then we did a t - shirt giveaway [15:18] as well. And I could tell you when I arrived [15:20] with my family at 11 o'clock, those t - shirts [15:22] were long gone. Um, so in looking back, we had [15:27] 744 admissions that day. And so that was a 30 [15:30] percent increase. And we're glad that the facility is reopen. [15:36] But just showing you how we got to this place, [15:40] um, with the pump room improvements was kind of the [15:43] impetus for these, uh, these larger renovations that occurred. Um, [15:46] the filtration systems needed to be replaced the heaters and [15:50] five pumps as well as the smart controllers that control [15:53] the pumps were replaced. And that was kind of the [15:55] core of this project. Inside, you can see the before [16:00] and after of the pump room. And the filtration tank [16:03] that's on the left there is for the lat pool. [16:06] It looks like it's kind of smaller in the picture, [16:08] but that thing is about six and a half feet [16:10] in diameter, about 10 feet tall. Um, so replacing it [16:14] with a new filtration system. It's a lot more energy [16:16] efficient. And it's also smaller and more compact. So that [16:21] the new one is only about four feet in diameter. [16:24] Saved a lot of space in the pump room. Here [16:26] are the new heaters going in. We had five and [16:29] replaced them with four just because they're that much more [16:31] efficient and we're anticipating a 12 percent reduction in gas [16:35] usage for heating the pools in the wintertime. This is [16:41] the, we call it the pit. And this is where [16:43] all of the pumps live that pump the water throughout [16:46] the facility. So all of this plumbing was redone and [16:49] new pumps installed. These are the smart controllers that control [16:52] the pumps. Um, and help them to operate efficiently. A [16:56] new generator was installed for backup power. Um, when those [17:00] smart controllers are operating and controlling the pumps, we want [17:03] to make sure that we don't have any energy outages [17:05] or power outages that affect the smart controllers in a [17:08] negative way and potentially can, you know, render them useless [17:13] after, um, power surges. So that will protect those. Um, [17:17] and then we took the opportunity to make additional facility [17:20] improvements while the pool had to be closed for the [17:23] pump and renovations. The locker room flooring was resurfaced. There [17:28] was new cabinetry and blinds installed in the multipurpose room, [17:31] which is often used for birthday parties and other events. [17:35] We did some renovations to the concessions area and repainted [17:38] the lifeguard room. Um, there was also new, new doors, [17:42] new pieces to the splash playground area, new concrete and [17:46] then resurfacing the entire parking lot. So the whole facility [17:49] got a nice facelift. And it led us to the [17:53] beautiful crystal clear blue water that we see today. We've [17:56] got some rubber decky floaties out there and some new [17:59] recreational features for kids and adults alike to enjoy. Um, [18:05] looking at the total capital investment for this fiscal year. [18:09] It was a little over 2. 8 million dollars. We [18:11] had estimated initially that this project could cost upwards of [18:14] 3. 5. So this came in under budget. And, um, [18:18] we're happy that we were able to complete it at [18:20] that rate. Um, and then I pulled this slide from [18:24] the budget presentation directly. So it probably looks familiar. However, [18:29] you can see our operational costs for this fiscal year [18:32] are lower because of the closure. And we expect to [18:34] get back to normal operations this coming fiscal year. We [18:38] do have 1. 75 set aside for Capitol improvements, but [18:42] they're really focused on landscaping improvements, some fencing that needs [18:45] to happen. So they are more maintenance in nature than, [18:49] and it won't cause any facility closures. So we're not [18:52] looking ahead to do any major work like that this [18:55] fiscal year. Um, and then for the general fund transfer, [18:59] we're looking at 2. 3 million, 3. 4 is probably [19:02] the, um, expenditures that we will see. However, we're anticipating [19:06] 1. 1 in revenue. So that will offset that to [19:09] the 2. 3 in general fund transfer. And so what [19:13] our next steps? Well, we're going to have some fun [19:15] this summer. The pool is back open. We invite everyone [19:18] to come back and enjoy it. We've got dive - [19:20] in movies, hot summer nights are on Tuesdays and Fridays. [19:23] And they stay open until 10. 30 at night. So [19:26] it's perfect for after the sun goes down. If you [19:28] don't want to be in the sun. We have great [19:30] attractions and great food going on. Um, we'll also be [19:33] looking to build back that attendance and look for off [19:37] season ways to improve the attendance. So take advantage of [19:40] opportunities that we're not taking advantage of now and identifying [19:43] those new programs that we can add. Um, and then [19:47] other facility upgrades and maintenance for the future. We want [19:50] to keep our fingers on the pulse of that so [19:51] we don't have any, um, big expenses that come up. [19:54] The maintenance is the key so that we can have [19:57] longevity of this asset. Um, and I will also mention [20:00] that for 4th of July, there is a 10 dollar [20:03] admission flat rate for anyone who wants to come down [20:05] and watch the fireworks from the pool. Um, and they'll [20:08] have the concessions open and all of the recreational features [20:11] going. So, uh, come on down and enjoy the aquatic [20:14] center and I'm open for any questions that you may [20:16] have. Any questions. Council member Moreno. I didn't even raise [20:24] my hand, but somehow you knew I had a question. [20:26] I just don't want to leave you left down, man. [20:28] Cost of admission, um, for the 4th of July. For [20:35] that day only. They open at noon and they'll be [20:39] open until after the fireworks have been completed. And if [20:46] I remember last year you had the concessions open even [20:50] to the park side. Like in other words, people were [20:52] just coming in from the park and able to use [20:53] the concessions. And that's the plan again this year. That [20:56] window will not be open this year. We've added more [20:59] features in the concession stand to offer more food variety. [21:02] So unfortunately that window can't be open. But the aquatic [21:05] center will be open and serving food. Okay. Perfect. Thank [21:08] you. You're welcome. Good. Just one more quick update. I'll [21:14] have assistant city manager Richard Cannone update on a new [21:17] program as well as reutilizing video more to highlight City [21:21] programs. Good evening Mayor and City Council. So tonight our [21:26] communication team would like to introduce what we're calling Palm [21:30] Desert Stories, which is a new video series to further [21:34] expand our digital communication and community outreach efforts. And so [21:39] our intent is really using storytelling to help provide a [21:44] better understanding of the programs and services that we're offering [21:47] every day. Um, as well as strengthening both our transparency [21:52] and engagement kind of giving up behind the scenes look [21:54] at what we do at times. Um, and so our [21:57] goal right now is to release new episodes at least [21:59] monthly, uh, with the intent of, uh, increasing that frequency [22:03] as time, as time goes. And so with that, uh, [22:08] let, let the premiere of our, um, Palm Desert Stories [22:11] run. [22:39] A palm Desert Packets adopted. It helps with overcrowding the [22:43] city saves money. And most importantly, the PEC gets a [22:46] better life. Homeward pause helps make that happen. The homework [22:49] POS program is a PET adoption incentive program designed to [22:52] help Palm Desert Residence Adopt Palm Desert animals through the [22:55] Riverside County Animal Services at the Coachella Valley Animal campus. [22:59] Through the program, Palm Desert Residents who adopt a Palm [23:02] Desert Cat or Dog may be eligible to receive a [23:05] 125 dollar gift card wherever you want to go. These [23:08] gift cards are to help offset the expenses of bringing [23:11] home a pet and help them feel settled in. [23:26] So. Anyone that's interested in adopting a Palm Desert Pat [23:31] can just stop into our shelter and ask a staff [23:34] member we can direct you to those spreads. Or we [23:36] also play stickers on their kennels, um, so that way [23:38] you know which ones are part of the program. One [23:41] of the great things about this program. It has the [23:42] potential to be self funding. So right now the City [23:44] currently pays approximately 35 dollars a day per pet to [23:48] stay in the shelter. So by adopting one of these [23:50] animals, you're reducing the number of days saving the city [23:52] money. And we're able to reinvest that funding into the [23:55] program such as this. We definitely understand that adopting a [23:58] pet is a big commitment and a big decision that [24:01] you are taking. So we're here to make the process [24:03] as easy as possible. Um, so just come in, ask [24:06] a simple question. We'd love to introduce you to some [24:08] of our pets. And if you do decide to proceed [24:11] with the adoption, all of our adoptions are, uh, including [24:14] microchipping, spayo neuter, age appropriate vaccines and a cute little [24:19] name tag as well. Yeah. [24:39] I think. This program is important because it's going to [24:42] benefit the pets, the adopters and the shelter system. It's [24:44] going to benefit the pads because they're able to come [24:47] home to a loving family. It's going to benefit the [24:49] adopters because they're going to gain a new companion and [24:52] a loving member of the family. And it's going to [24:54] benefit the shelter system because it's going to reduce overcrowding [24:57] and open up the space for animals that are really [24:59] in need. If someone has had adoption on their mind [25:02] and aren't ready to make the full commitment yet, just [25:05] stop another shelter. We're here to help you. We're here [25:08] to make the process for you simple and easy. If [25:10] you have any questions, we'd love to help you with [25:12] that. We'd love to introduce you to some of our [25:14] pets. Um, we know adoption can be a little intimidating. [25:19] So if you're not really ready to fully adopt, we [25:21] also have our dog day out program where you can [25:23] take a dog out for the day. We're also looking [25:26] for fosters and volunteers. Um, if you want to help [25:29] contribute to the shelter. So if you want more information [25:31] or if you want to take the first step to [25:33] adopting these palm desert animals, visit palmdesert. gov forward slash [25:36] pets. When an adopter does come in and they find [25:40] the perfect pet for their family. It's so rewarding. I [25:43] feel like, I mean, that's what I'm here for. I'm [25:44] here to help people find the perfect match. So seeing [25:48] that when someone finds the pet that they want to [25:51] welcome to their home and that connection that they make [25:53] with the pet, I think it's probably my favorite. [26:25] That was our first one. Right. Any questions for my [26:30] colleagues. Good. Um, I couldn't hear any of that at [26:36] second portion, but, uh, thanks to, um, ADA requirements I [26:41] was able to read the captions, um, but I couldn't [26:44] see or, or, um, got a little blurry. Do we [26:48] know if those stickers, um, that were on there is [26:52] that the official sticker that will be taken, um, to [26:56] the library or was that something else. Yes. That is [27:00] the official sticker. We had provided those to, to the [27:03] shelter. Okay. Thank you. Okay. Very good. Good work. Uh, [27:10] we will now move on. That's it for C manager [27:14] comments, correct? Correct. All right. Very good. Thank you. You'll [27:17] now move on to item number 11 mayor and Council [27:20] Member Reports and request for action. We will start with, [27:24] Councillor, I'm going to stand here. No comments to share. [27:27] Thank you Mayor. All right. Councilmember Moreno. Let me get [27:34] to my notes here. Um, I'll leave the jazz events [27:38] for my colleagues. On June 17th. I was part of [27:42] the government advisory panel for Southern California Edison. And the [27:47] discussion topic was on the public safety power shutoffs and [27:51] the new process that's going in, um, as required by [27:55] the California Public Utilities Commission. And what's being rolled out [27:59] for 2027, um, includes more awareness of the, um, exchange [28:04] that they have on their website and residential customers are [28:08] eligible for, uh, portable power stations, uh, portable generators There [28:17] was a, um, a battery incentive. They said they're funding [28:21] for that is on the wait list and that is [28:23] the self generation incentive. Um, I know as we talk [28:26] about sustainability and how to have people keep the energy [28:29] that they, um, produce in their homes to keep some [28:33] of that in case of emergencies, they are implementing a [28:38] program called, um, AFN, which is a for customers with [28:44] access and functional needs. And that's a little bit of [28:47] a step beyond what they've done before. And it's not [28:50] just having the medical baseline saying here's, um, a way [28:54] to keep your, your medically, um, essentially the devices that [29:00] are there for life support. It's not just going to [29:02] be my asthma compressor, your nebulizer. And they, I love [29:06] that the discussions are also including individuals with intellectual disabilities. [29:13] And that could create such a devastating disorientation for some [29:17] of the customers. And I really appreciated that that hadn't [29:20] been something that was ever brought up before. They highlighted [29:23] the partnerships that cities can have by letting residents know [29:27] about projects, um, programs like 211 and connecting them to [29:31] food banks. And of course, this is when they can [29:34] anticipate any major, um, storm event and increase collaborations with [29:40] the cities. I know that they sent out a survey [29:44] to all of the city managers and public works directors. [29:48] And they happened to mention that they know that we're [29:50] ahead of that with our city. Let's see if you [29:54] are interested in getting those. They are through the SCE [29:57] marketplace. And I mentioned that they're in apartments or mobile [30:03] home communities. If you're getting your utilities from that HOA [30:08] or that central office, you don't have your own SE [30:12] account to qualify to purchase them. And they said that [30:15] is one of the topics that they're going to be [30:18] bringing up to the next day. Just, but I think [30:20] all of this should be ruled out, um, by the [30:22] middle of next year. Speaking of utilities, um, right now [30:28] there is an opportunity or a webinar to help people [30:33] understand what the decision - making process is for the [30:36] California public utilities commission. I think a lot of people [30:40] know my, my bills are going up. The rates are [30:43] increasing, but not the process to get involved and be [30:46] part of those public hearings and not exist in an [30:49] isolation as just letters that some folks know. Um, so [30:53] I think that one is going on Tuesday, June 30th, [30:57] uh, 10 a. m. to 11 a. m. I saw [31:00] the living desert is hosting your hometown zoo days. Kids [31:05] and adults in the Coachella Valley, you can save up [31:07] to 15 dollars per ticket. And that is available to [31:13] Coachella Valley residents. And you just have to show ID. [31:17] Um, so that's some fun stuff there. Speaking of animals, [31:21] um, it is national adopted cat month. I know some [31:24] folks from City Hall have adopted their, their female, their [31:29] feline companions. And I'm happy to see that the program [31:34] that was highlighted, um, brought up to speed that that [31:37] program for adoptions has launched. And something that has been [31:42] going on for, for quite some time, um, is presenting [31:46] the idea that we finally do need to have a [31:48] budget committee with animal services, um, proposed it at the [31:53] last meeting and now those conversations are going on as [31:56] far as the objectives for the committee, what that would [31:59] look like in moving it forward as another step of, [32:02] of transparency. And I think that will really help, um, [32:06] reduce some of the frustration when people don't understand all [32:10] of the limitations. And as I mentioned to the director, [32:13] it's been a, we've gotten through some uncomfortable situations to [32:17] get to where we are, but it's made the process [32:20] better. And identified problems. And I know that's going to [32:24] continue, um, I appreciate the library is doing as the [32:28] cooling center. It's a highly functional cooling center. I know [32:32] that we previously mentioned the Pokemon activities that may happen [32:37] with Desert Reck. They're not happening with Desert Reck, but [32:40] the Pokemon groups that reached out, they said thank you [32:43] to Max and Rachel for helping with the Poki Party [32:47] on July 8. And that was, um, uh, I also [32:51] saw that right now on Libby, the online app. There [32:55] are 2, 000 books and 1000 audio books available, which [33:00] includes 53 read along. So here we go for all [33:03] of the parents with kids trying to learn to read [33:05] and you don't want them on the iPads. Well, if [33:08] you can't compromise here something beneficial on the iPad, let's [33:13] see, 4th of July, um, thanks to the staff and [33:17] their family members that are going to be voluntold to [33:19] be there. Uh, and thank you for staff for continuing [33:23] the efforts to have the sensory space available at the [33:27] Portola community center. And, uh, the social media team, you [33:32] guys have been knocking it out of the park, man. [33:34] You guys are doing such a great job with having [33:36] something, excuse me, dynamic engaging and fun. And really highlights [33:42] the way that team pump desert does things. And, um, [33:46] I saw that, um, June is National PTSD Awareness Month. [33:54] And it goes hand in hand with what we were [33:56] talking about, the fireworks. Some other fun, um, June recognition, [34:02] um, let's see. What did I have my notes, sorry. [34:08] But oh, we can't forget that, um, June is LGBTQ [34:11] Pride Month. And we know some of our residents when [34:14] we had a special meeting mentioned that they were present [34:17] at Stonewall and they know what happened. And I know [34:20] that, um, thankful again to see the city recognizing that. [34:25] And amongst the, I don't even know how many there [34:27] were could be, I don't know, 160, 168 of these [34:32] recognitions. There were some interesting ones that I learned like [34:35] the ninth was Donald Duck Day. For all of the [34:38] Disney babies out there. And today is National Beatles Day, [34:43] the band, not the bug. National catfish day, global belly [34:48] button day and handshake day. So I hope you guys [34:51] get a chance to do any of those. And the [34:54] 23rd was National where pink day, and I'm surprised it [34:57] wasn't on October 4th. If you know, you know. And [35:01] that's it for what I've got. Very good. Thank you. [35:05] Council Member Hornick. Well, we all had the opportunity to [35:12] go to Desert Willow yesterday. We were all, was it [35:15] yesterday? This week. Uh, we were all there to celebrate [35:21] our fire and our sheriff professionals and thank them for [35:26] what they do for our communities and I'll let the [35:29] mayor did a great job leading that, uh, entire celebration. [35:35] And I'll leave it to you to share some more. [35:37] I did want to mention that on July 7th, it [35:42] is, uh, outdoor worker day. And that is something we [35:48] commemorate every year. And it was started here in Palm [35:51] Desert. And fortunately, assembly member Wallace, Greg Wallace has taken [35:55] it and really, uh, made it his own and make [35:59] sure that we do something every year. The first year [36:04] Burtek was involved and they, they made it special. So, [36:10] you know, think about the people who keep our signals [36:13] running. Our public works who make sure that the parks [36:18] are in good shape or if a tree goes down, [36:22] all our open spaces are still maintained at those who [36:25] work at desert willow outside. Our sheriffs and Cal Fire. [36:31] They're all outdoors. Uh, and our and Burtech. So I [36:35] encourage everyone to say thank you. These are people who [36:38] are out in 110 or whatever the degrees might be [36:44] during the summer. And they carry this on to make [36:47] sure that we have a great place to live. So [36:50] please make sure to say thank you to them on [36:53] July 7th, but wouldn't hurt to say thank you every [36:55] day this summer. And that's all I have. Thank you. [36:59] Very good. Thank you. Mayor Pro Tem. I want to [37:02] recognize our economic development, uh, team that put on brokers [37:07] breakfast last week. It was the first one we've done [37:11] and they collaborated with cities. And it was a really [37:14] great opportunity to get in front of the commercial brokers [37:17] that are oftentimes selling the best places to do business. [37:21] So getting upstream, getting them educated onto what our city's [37:24] doing to be business friendly and get those folks coming [37:27] to Palm Desert and staying ahead of what the market [37:29] demands are for products in terms of real estate and [37:32] zoning that we can stay on top of. So thank [37:34] you for that. Last week CVAG homelessness committee met and [37:39] we made a recommendation to the Executive Committee to give [37:43] the Executive Director of CVAG the ability to negotiate non [37:47] - cash contributions for our participation in the housing first [37:52] program, which is good for Palm Desert because we use [37:55] the, um, PLHA funding. And that will go away, we'll [37:59] exhaust those soon. So that gives our team flexibility to [38:02] negotiate with CVAG in ways to preserve our general fund. [38:08] Lastly, I would like to bring a request for action. [38:12] We've had business owners come and testify to us about [38:16] the unfair business practices created by the illegal placements of [38:20] signs. I've heard from residents as well. So I'd like [38:24] to, um, ask for support to direct staff to look [38:28] at our signed ordinance and just research if it's giving [38:31] them the tools they need to properly enforce sign placement [38:36] to our expectation. And it also aligns with our zero [38:40] blight challenge. A support. Okay. Uh, as Council Member Moreno [38:50] mentioned, we did have our first annual jazz event up [38:54] in the County Theater Saturday, June 13th, the City partner [38:56] with McCown Theater. And it was sort of a three [38:59] part day where at 9 a. m. at the library. [39:02] And again, this is a great, in my opinion, great [39:04] use of library. I know. I'm so glad to see [39:05] this. It was more, um, a little bit of hands [39:07] - on. If I didn't attend it, but I think [39:09] it was a little bit more of an interactive thing [39:11] at the library where people could get to hear the [39:14] jazz and play jazz, I believe. And then at one [39:17] o'clock, we started the performances proper at McCallum Theater. There [39:20] was an all afternoon event. A lot of local talent [39:23] was showcased. And, uh, then at the evening program brought [39:27] in, I know Mayor Protem and Council Member Moreno and [39:30] I all attended and the talent there was just incredible. [39:33] It was worthwhile. It was wonderful. And it's a great [39:35] way from a column to extend their season. Whereas in [39:38] years past, they'd close at the end of April. Now [39:39] we're going into midsummer. And there was well attended and [39:42] a great event. So I look forward to hopefully that [39:44] won't be the one and only. Hopefully it'll be an [39:46] annual event moving forward. As Council Member Harnick mentioned the [39:50] COVID commission, um, held our annual awards lunch in this [39:53] week at Deser Willow where if those are not familiar, [39:56] it's Ranch Mirage Indian Wells Palm Desert all make up [39:58] the Cove Commission. We talk about common issues. And did [40:03] awards program there. And, um, the one thing really struck [40:08] me. And it's always struck me since my time on [40:10] counsel is just how good our public safety personnel are. [40:15] And, um, I'll give you one example. I actually was [40:17] fortunate enough to take a vacation last week and I [40:19] flew in and out of LA. And had some long [40:22] - term parking there, but I thought was a safe [40:23] place came back after the trip on a, on a [40:26] Sunday evening, Monday evening, uh, car had been broken into [40:30] out of this underground garage with hundreds of other cars. [40:32] They picked ours to break into. God knows why. Um, [40:36] and a filed report with security there, did the whole [40:38] rigmarole insurance, blah, blah, blah. And talking to the security [40:40] at the parking garage. He said, well, do you want [40:43] to file a report with the LAPD? And I said, [40:45] probably a waste of time. I said, yeah, online probably [40:51] won't amount to much. You contrast that with the stories [40:53] we're heard at the public safety luncheon of deputies just [40:58] doggedly pursuing these, what in many other cities we'd be [41:02] considered like a minor property crime, say identity theft or [41:06] misuse of a, somebody's credit card. And they don't stop [41:09] until the case is closed. And it was just a [41:10] great reminder. Sometimes you got to get out of the [41:12] city to remind yourself how good we have it here. [41:15] It is really remarkable. And I've just really grateful for [41:17] both fire and, uh, and sheriffs for the services they [41:21] provide in our city very, very grateful for that. And [41:23] on one last note, again, like I said, I was [41:26] fortunate enough to take a vacation last week. So I [41:28] don't have a whole lot of business to talk about. [41:30] But it did give me a chance to catch up [41:32] on my pleasure reading. I did read our poetic anthology, [41:35] which I think is the first ever we've ever done. [41:38] And it's Marigold's dip to marmalade. It's free. It's available [41:40] at, um, thereibrary. I picked this one up actually here [41:43] at City Hall. And it was outstanding. And I wasn't [41:45] really certain how I was going to take to the [41:48] poet Laureate program. It's a relatively new program for us. [41:51] I wasn't sure if it was really something the city [41:52] ought to be involved in. And even if this is [41:54] the only thing the poet Laureate does is conduct these [41:57] biweekly programs for local residents and non - residents who [42:01] want to learn more about poetry, bring out their sense [42:04] of expression and articulation. That's all well worth it. So [42:08] excellent program and thanks again to the library and the [42:11] city for moving forward with that, that project. So that's [42:14] all I have. And thank you very much. Next up, [42:19] we are going to move on to an item number [42:21] 12 non - agenda public comments. This time has been [42:25] set aside for the public to address the city council [42:28] and issues that are not on the agenda for up [42:30] to three minutes because the Brown Act does not allow [42:32] the City Council to act on items not listed on [42:35] the agenda. Council members may briefly respond or refer to [42:38] the matter to staff for report and recommendation at a [42:41] future meeting. And I guess City Clerk, if you could [42:44] have a few remarks, please. For those on Zoom, if [42:46] you want to participate in public comment, please click the [42:48] raise hand button on your computer or smartphone. And if [42:51] you're joining in by calling on your phone, please dial [42:53] star nine to raise your hand. And when called upon, [42:56] press star six to unmute yourself. Okay. Very good. I'm [42:58] going to start off with our in - person. We [43:01] have one blue card here, uh, from Sensei Tamara. [43:13] Hello. Good day. My name is Sensei Tamara Canado and [43:17] I am CEO of Satan Joku and owner of Satan [43:20] Kai. Weird names. But I am a Karanian structure and [43:26] I specialize in teaching pericarati and I teach individuals with [43:31] Disabilities Autism Down syndrome cerebral palsy epilepsy blind and wheelchair. [43:37] And as of last year, I got appointed para karate [43:39] coach for Team USA. I'm super excited. Thank you, Mayor, [43:44] for attending my tournament this year. It was a very [43:46] big impact. Uh, we had over 160 para competitors. And, [43:52] um, something that I'm very proud. I am a new [43:55] palm desert resident. And I officially have the largest pair [43:58] of karate team in the country. So as a woman [44:02] in a male dominated industry, it is an honor. But, [44:06] um, the reason for the, for me coming in today [44:08] is one, I'm very grateful for the opportunity for having [44:12] presented my first grant to the city of Palm Desert. [44:18] I am also a nonprofit. And, um, we are looking [44:22] towards relocating from the quinta to also moving into the [44:26] city of Palm Desert. Um, I just got some inland [44:29] regional center approval for vendorization. And we'll be expanding our [44:34] services. As of a couple of months ago, I brought [44:37] in a therapist from Barbara Sonatra Center because a lot [44:41] of the individuals that I work with are foster kids [44:45] sexually abuse children. And believe it or not, a lot [44:47] of my children and adults with Disabilities also happen abused. [44:52] So bringing in a therapist and the mental health compartment [44:55] has been huge for us. But as of officially today, [45:00] I have an ER doctor that is joining us for [45:03] nutrition and personal training. And the reason is, as you [45:07] may know, there are dietary sensitivities and sensories that individuals [45:12] with Disabilities have which have let them to diabetes, um, [45:15] cardiac issues, kidney and liver failure every scenario you can [45:20] imagine. I am dealing with, within my team. So I'm [45:23] not just teaching para karate. We're teaching life skills. Respect [45:27] focus diet exercise. And so much. So, um, God willing [45:32] in the next couple of months, we will be officially [45:34] here in the City of Palm Desert, but I did [45:37] want to just present today and talk about a little [45:39] bit of my program. Thank you. Very good. Thank you [45:42] so much. All right. And any online comments? Yes. Uh, [45:47] one speaker, Todd Spitzer. Very good. Mr. Spitzer. [46:02] Your mic is on mute. There you go. [46:17] Mr. Spitzer, we're not able to hear you. How. About [46:21] now? Yes, we can hear you now. Okay. All right. [46:24] Sorry about that. Mr. Mayor and members of the City [46:26] Council, thank you so much for the opportunity to speak [46:29] today. Uh, my name's Todd Spitzer. I'm a resident of [46:32] the City of Palm Springs. I reside in the Monterey [46:36] Country Club. Uh, I've had correspondence on an issue I'm [46:40] going to talk about in a moment with your assistant [46:43] city manager and your staff member, Ms. Castro. And they've [46:46] been very attentive, very professional. And super responsible. So I [46:50] want to thank your staff for that. But I do [46:52] want to inform you on May 21st of this year. [46:56] Mayor Taylor, the mayor of Indian Wells laid down the [46:59] gauntlet against the City of Palm Desert. Regarding the expansion [47:03] of the Palm Springs airport. Many of you know that [47:06] the FAA has changed the flight pattern. Into the approach [47:10] corridor for landing into Palm Springs airport. The airport, as [47:14] you well know, serves about 3 million annual passengers today. [47:19] And while Mr. Wiseman didn't mention it in his presentation, [47:22] they plan to expand in the next decade or so. [47:26] To 6 million annual passengers. The City of Indian Wells [47:30] is hired an outside law firm called DLA Piper. And [47:34] they are chief counsel or one of their chief, one [47:37] of their lawyers, a partner at that Washington, D. C. [47:40] law firm. Is the former chief counsel for the FAA. [47:44] And what Mayor Taylor said on May 21st is that [47:48] the airport approach corridor and the noise associated with the [47:52] flight pattern into Palm Springs is certainly not acceptable to [47:57] the City of Indian Wells. They've hired an outside firm. [48:01] They are asking the FAA through their counsel to push [48:06] the flight corridor out of the City of Indian Wells [48:10] and into the city of Palm Desert. This conversation about [48:15] airports, um, I think we all can agree. Airport noise [48:20] can really hurt a community in a drastic way. And [48:25] what I'm asking the City Council to agendize for full [48:29] discussion. Is a presentation on the airport master plan and [48:34] the expansion. The FAA flight patterns and the changes that [48:38] the FAA is implementing in terms of the airport expansion. [48:44] If the flight pattern capacity is going to double at [48:48] Palm Springs Airport. And Indian Wells is officially on the [48:52] record lobbying to push the flight pattern north from their [48:56] city into the City of Palm Desert. I really believe [49:00] this is a very important discussion that the cities should [49:04] be having publicly. Palm Desert, excuse me, Indian Wells Mayor [49:10] Taylor is not only a pining publicly that a problem [49:15] that is in the City of Indian Wells should be [49:17] pushed into the city of Palm Desert, but he recently [49:20] took on the city of Coachella criticizing them for not [49:24] approving a project in their city. He has no Spitzer. [49:29] We have the three minute limit and you've reached that. [49:33] However, you're welcome to submit comments via email as well. [49:35] If you have more, you'd like to add. Thank you. [49:39] Any more online comments. No, they're cons. Okay. Very good. [49:44] That brings us to them 13. Our consent calendar. All [49:47] matters list on the consent calendar are considered routine and [49:50] maybe approved by one motion. The public may comment on [49:53] any item on the consent calendar for up to three [49:56] minutes. I have no blue speaker cards here. Are there [49:59] any online comments? No online comments. Very good. Would any [50:04] of my colleagues like to pull an item from the [50:06] consent calendar for separate discussion. I would like to pull [50:09] L as in Larry. Okay. And I would like to [50:13] pull C as in CAT. I'll make the motion to [50:21] approve the remainder. Second. Council Member Harnick. Yes. Council Member [50:25] Marino. Yes. Council Member Nathan. Yes. Mayor Pro Tim Perdetto. [50:31] Yes. Mayor Trooper. Yes. Motion passes five to zero. All [50:35] right. So should we address these in alphabetical order? Okay. [50:37] So we'll start with item 13 C. This is. Actually [50:43] just one very specific component of it. Page 95. Under [50:47] competitive opportunities solicitations released rather. It was the one in [50:52] the middle May 18th construction of the pilot median for [50:59] landscape master plan. I just like a little more detail [51:02] on that. I heard some rumblings around the community people [51:05] I know had talked about the process. And I don't [51:07] know who from staff. Uh, would like to talk about [51:09] it. But, um, to me, this is important because it's [51:12] a sort of a portends, what may be coming down [51:15] the pike for the entire city. And I don't know. [51:17] Just taking you through the process on this pilot while [51:20] I'd love to hear more. Thank you. Thank you. Good [51:23] afternoon again. Um, on the pilot median project, the project [51:26] was bid out. And the vids came back nearly 50 [51:31] percent or in some cases above 50 percent of the [51:34] engineers estimate So what we'll be doing staff will be [51:37] going back looking at the landscape plans that were developed [51:41] for those pilot medians and then proposing changes to reduce [51:46] the overall cost of the pilot mediants and thus the [51:49] median revitalization throughout the city in the long run. From [51:54] what I understand, when you look at these medium projects, [51:56] sometimes they're sort of assessed in a per square foot. [52:00] As sort of a common measuring stick used. And that [52:03] can range from what eight to 10 dollars of square [52:07] foot. Yes. I'd have to get you the exact numbers. [52:11] I don't have them off the top of my head, [52:12] but yes, they are. Um, assessed by a square footage. [52:15] And so what we'll be looking to do is to [52:17] reduce that, um, what we saw in some of the [52:20] causes that some of the electrical components came in higher [52:23] than what was anticipated. And also the cost of traffic [52:26] control. Okay. Very good. Well, I'm satisfied with that. And [52:29] I'm just glad you guys are keeping an eye on [52:31] that and cost get out of control. So thank you. [52:35] And next we have item 13L, which is, sorry. [52:48] Solutions LLC for the traffic signal modifications and hardware upgrades [52:52] phase three. Take it away, Chris. Mayor Pro Tem. Uh, [53:00] you have the staff report as part of your agenda [53:02] package. And if the particular questions from Councilmember, uh, Moreno, [53:06] I'd be happy to answer them. Not a specific question. [53:10] Just an overall thank you for, um, working with a [53:13] team that is very proactive to be sure that we [53:16] catch things in time and not have them be more [53:19] costly in the long run. Um, I loved how diligent [53:22] you are by the life cycle of the equipment and [53:27] just wanted again to say thank you and your team [53:29] for ensuring that we have reliable and safe streets. Thank [53:34] you. Okay. Very good. Anybody cared to make a motion [53:39] to, uh, move those two items. Both items. All right. [53:46] Council member Harnick. Council Member Moreno. Yes. Council member in [53:51] a standing. Yes. Mayor Pro Timbredetto. Yes. Mayor Troopy. Yes. [53:55] Motion passes. Five to zero to pass items 13 C [53:59] and L. Perfect. Thank you. Uh, next up we have [54:02] item 14 action calendar. We begin with item 14 A, [54:06] approve the management district plan and engineer's report and order [54:10] the levy and collection of assessments for the president's plaza [54:14] one property and business improvement district for fiscal year, 26, [54:17] 27 staff report. Good afternoon. Mayor and Council members. My [54:25] name is Amalia Muriel with public works. Uh, I also [54:27] have our consultant will denial here. Um, this. Report is [54:33] an annual approval for president's Plaza one for fiscal year [54:37] 2627. The proposed levy funds maintenance and of the shared [54:43] parking areas and reflects the authorized three percent annual adjustment [54:48] and staff recommends approval of the resolutions. And I'm available [54:51] for any questions if you haven't. Right. Well, before I [54:55] bring it back to Council, I want to open this [54:57] up for public comment. Um, I have no speaker cards. [55:01] Are there any online comments? No online comments. Terrific. Okay. [55:05] Any questions for my colleagues. Okay. Any discussion from my [55:10] colleagues. Move approval second. Councilmember Harnick. Yes. Council Member Mono. [55:20] Yes. Council Member Nasty. Yes. Mayor Purtum Proretto. Yes. Mayor [55:24] Troopery. Yes. Motion Passos five to zero. Terrific. Thank you. [55:27] Okay. On item 14B ordinances amending Title 8 and Title [55:32] 11 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code to update Skate [55:36] Park Regulations and Regulations Governing the Distribution and posting of [55:40] hand bills in City Parks. Mayor City Council, you have [55:45] before U. S. staff report amending two of the Ordinances [55:49] related to Parks. The first updating the skate park ordinance, [55:52] uh, to be consistent with state law and in preparation [55:55] for the implementation of an open skate park without an [55:58] attendant present. And the second being the Distribution of Handbills [56:02] in City Parks and clarifying language to protect the First [56:05] Amendment. I'm here to answer any questions that you may [56:07] have. Okay. Before I bring it back to my colleagues [56:12] for questions and discussion. We're going to open up for [56:14] public comment. I have no blue cards. Are there any [56:16] online comments? No online comments. Terrific. Okay. Anybody have any [56:20] questions. From the dice. You selected 25 as the threshold [56:25] for an organized distribution. Is the number of distributors is [56:31] when it becomes organized and needing a permit. How'd you [56:34] come up with that number and did you evaluate other [56:37] numbers. That number was recommended by BBNK who developed the [56:43] Ordinance Updates. And I can't speak directly to that. Perhaps [56:47] the City Attorney can weigh in. Mayor Protem. I am [56:55] not sure if we evaluated other numbers specifically for Palm [56:57] Desert, but it is going with the herd strategy. Okay. [57:05] Any other questions. I have a question. Absolutely. In regards [57:11] to the skate park, um, win issue, when fines are [57:15] issued to minors, um, who does the bill get sent [57:18] to. The bill will be addressed to the parent of [57:23] the minor or guardian. And is there a threshold of [57:29] fines at which point they'll say you're not following our [57:33] safety guidelines and you've incurred them, I think it's set [57:37] up to if there are three per year. I think [57:41] it bumps up, but is there any place in which [57:43] we'd say your privileges of the skate park are revoked [57:50] or until you pay X amount? Or what's the overall [57:53] enforcement, um, for safety. So the structure of that is [57:58] that it does reset each year. So there is an [58:01] escalating fine. So if you have a second violation in [58:04] the same year, then there's an increased fine. And then [58:07] a third violation, um, after that, it would be exclusion. [58:11] However, um, without an attendant, it is difficult to enforce. [58:15] And then, um, the following year, that would reset. So [58:18] the, the finds and the escalation of those fines reset [58:21] each year. So if, if, uh, without understandably, it's a [58:27] costly to have an attendant there. So how do people [58:31] notify, um, to get those fines is that just if [58:35] code happens to be passing or if somebody makes a [58:38] report, um, I have no idea what the process is. [58:43] Yes. Thank you for that question. Um, we will have [58:45] QR codes posted at the skate park. So anytime for [58:49] any issue in any, in the parks, um, we have [58:52] QGAR codes where you can report an issue, whether it [58:55] be with, um, folks not complying with park rules or [58:59] broken sprinkler, um, dogs off leash, what have you. So [59:02] those QR codes will be available for those reports and [59:05] then code enforcement and RSO, of course, will be present [59:08] in the parks as they normally are to enforce the [59:10] rules. Thank you. I appreciate that. You're welcome. Anybody care [59:18] for discussion or direction or anything else? I was just [59:21] going to say, we did discuss this issue in depth [59:24] in case the public is wondering why we're basically ready [59:28] to approve this. So it's, I believe we have fully [59:32] vetted it. And we're going to give it a chance. [59:36] All right. We'll see no further discussion. I'll entertain a [59:38] motion. Move. Second. Council member Harnick. Yes. Council member Moreno. [59:48] Yes. Council member in a standing. Yes. Mayor Propertimprededo. Yes. [59:52] Mayor Tribune. Yes. Motion passes five to zero. Terrific. Thank [59:55] you. Thank you, Sean. On to item 15 public hearings, [1:00:00] the public may comment on individual public hearing items within [1:00:03] the three minute time limit. The applicant and appellant will [1:00:06] be provided with up to 10 minutes to make their [1:00:09] presentations following public testimony. The appellant and applicant will be [1:00:13] given an opportunity to offer a buddle comments for up [1:00:16] to three additional minutes. And we're going to start with [1:00:21] item 15A. Introduce an ordinance amending Title 25 of the [1:00:26] Palm Desert Municipal Code to reestablish golf cart and neighborhood [1:00:29] electric vehicle sales as a distinct land use. Classification. And [1:00:35] we'll have a staff report. Good evening Mayor and members [1:00:40] of the City Council, C. E. Fernandez, senior planner with [1:00:43] development services here to present on this item. [1:01:14] So this is for our golf cart sales and neighborhood [1:01:17] electrical vehicle sales. This is a reintroduction. Uh, so this [1:01:25] is a city initiated zoning ordinance amendment. Uh, this impacts [1:01:29] our commercial industrial and downtown districts. Uh, this is in [1:01:34] order to reestablish a use that was previously established. Uh, [1:01:40] so just a little bit of background. This was previously [1:01:43] approved back in 2023, uh, which created development standards for [1:01:48] this type of use. And provided provisions as far as [1:01:52] how this use was going to be regulated. Uh, inadvertently, [1:01:56] uh, it was removed to in 2024. Um, it was [1:01:59] later identified by staff. Um, that there was an inconsistency [1:02:03] within the code. Uh, so now that we're bringing it [1:02:08] back, uh, we're looking at introducing golf cart sales. And [1:02:13] as an indoor use, through a staff level decision in [1:02:17] our plan commercial areas and in our service industrial areas. [1:02:21] Uh, we're also looking at, um, bring back the outdoor, [1:02:25] um, triggering a conditional use within our surface industrial zone. [1:02:32] So as part of this, um, staff identified some items [1:02:36] that were, um, they could be seen as barriers as [1:02:40] far as not allowing this use within certain zones or [1:02:44] within certain criteria since the development standards that were originally [1:02:50] introduced, provided some challenges and some barriers. So in order [1:02:54] to be more business friendly, we're also proposing removing some [1:02:57] of the requirements. And these photos are just some examples [1:03:01] of some businesses that are no longer there. And that [1:03:06] could potentially utilize this type of use. The only thing [1:03:10] is if the code. Is the way that it's currently [1:03:14] written, it would be prohibitive and costly in order to [1:03:18] be able to establish the use at these locations. Um, [1:03:23] primarily the two provisions that we're moving is that it [1:03:27] needs to be on a primary frontage. Also, uh, to [1:03:32] the requirement for a glazing. So it requires a significant [1:03:36] amount of glazing, which are good planning principles. But it's [1:03:40] prohibitive to establishing a business. Also too, we're looking at [1:03:46] the parking standard. I know as far as some of [1:03:49] the conversations that staff has had with applicants, I Council [1:03:52] Member Hornets. I'm already interrupt. When you talk about glazing, [1:03:55] can you be more specific, please? Sure. You're the Pro, [1:04:00] I'm just trying to keep up with. [1:04:26] So as of right now, um, one of the requirements [1:04:28] is that streets facing facades shall have transparent glazing. So [1:04:33] glass. Um, for the display areas, um, the transparent windows [1:04:38] or doors shall be provided for at least 75 percent [1:04:41] of the building wall area. So as an example, um, [1:04:46] big five no longer there. In order for them to [1:04:51] occupy the space, they would have to add a significant [1:04:53] amount of glass. Um, which obviously would enhance the building. [1:04:58] But at the same time could be cost prohibitive. And [1:05:02] it just, they would need to change the orientation of [1:05:05] the entire building. So it would be a pretty significant [1:05:07] lift in order to be able to establish the use [1:05:10] there. Similar to sex with avenue, um, they do have [1:05:16] glazing along the frontage. It's just, it still doesn't meet [1:05:19] that standard and requirement as the way that the code [1:05:22] is written. So then similar to big five, they would [1:05:25] have to make a significant amount of modifications to the [1:05:28] building in order to be able to establish the use. [1:05:34] No problem. Um, also too, we were looking at parking. [1:05:38] I know typically for this type of use, we've been [1:05:40] seeing a lot of demand in our service industrial areas. [1:05:43] Um, currently the way that the parking standards stands, it [1:05:47] requires a three per 1000 parking count, which it can [1:05:53] be challenging within our service industrial areas where parking is [1:05:57] established that typically around two per 1000. So what we're [1:06:02] looking at doing is establishing an individual parking standard for [1:06:05] this use to be able to allow for these uses. [1:06:10] And as part of that, we still review it through [1:06:12] the administrative use permit, which is a staff level decision. [1:06:15] So we can still evaluate parking on a case by [1:06:18] case basis. As far as public notification, this went out [1:06:23] to the desert sun 20 days as required by state [1:06:27] law. Um, we haven't received any opposition to the zoning [1:06:32] ordinance amendment. I know we have had some discussions with [1:06:35] some business owners who are interested in potentially moving to [1:06:38] the City of Palm Desert. And as far as what [1:06:41] we've heard so far is that they are in support [1:06:44] of the change. Also too, this went to planning commission. [1:06:47] Um, and they also recommended, uh, unanimous approval. So SAP's [1:06:54] recommendation is that city council approved inordinance establishing and amending [1:06:59] the applicable, municipal code sections and reestablishing golf cart NEV [1:07:04] sales and determined that the action is not subject to [1:07:07] CEQA or alternatively is exempt. Persons to state guidelines. That [1:07:13] concludes staff's presentation. Perfect. Thank you, Mr. Fernandez. At this [1:07:17] time, I will open the public hearing. I don't have [1:07:21] any blue spirit cards. Are there any online comments. No [1:07:27] online comments. Okay. Then I will close the public hearing [1:07:31] and open up four questions for my colleagues. Any questions. [1:07:36] All right. Any discussion. Ari, I do have a question [1:07:41] I needed to click and make notes. Um, for the [1:07:47] image of big five and saying that it would require [1:07:50] more windows and a lot of, um, a lot of [1:07:53] change. Is there a guideline of, of how much of [1:07:56] that glazing ass to be put in place, um, is [1:07:59] that part of objective standards or what's the determination as [1:08:03] far as how much changes would need to happen at, [1:08:07] um, building, we're encouraging someone to occupy. So for in [1:08:14] order for a use with our current standards to establish [1:08:18] at the big five location, they would have to change [1:08:20] the orientation of the building facing highway 111. Um, as [1:08:25] far as a glazing, it's that 75 percent requirement. From [1:08:29] that two and a half feet to the eight feet. [1:08:32] So, and you can't have more than 20 feet of [1:08:35] expanse area that is devoid of, of glazing. So it [1:08:40] would be a pretty significant lift in order to be [1:08:43] able to establish that you stare. Okay. Thank you. I [1:08:46] appreciate that. So more questions. Yeah. So on the heels [1:08:55] of what Councilmember Mono just said. So we're suggesting, help [1:09:01] me out here because I am struggling. Sure. Um, so [1:09:07] you're suggesting we won't ask them to have that glazing. [1:09:12] The way that the code is being proposed is that [1:09:15] it wouldn't be a requirement in the event that the [1:09:19] business owner wanted to come in and make modifications to [1:09:21] the building. That would go through our design review process. [1:09:24] It's just as far as it being a strict requirement [1:09:28] that they have to provide that amount of glazing. That's [1:09:32] what we're proposing. Okay. And so often the amount of [1:09:36] glazing has to do with public safety. And have we [1:09:40] talked to, you know, any of our business teams at [1:09:45] the sheriff's business teams and things like that. Because so [1:09:47] often it's what can they see in there. Okay. Yeah. [1:09:52] Um, not to my knowledge. Okay. You know, I'm hesitant [1:10:00] with this because. We're saying now we had this standard [1:10:05] in place. Yeah. It would be a significant lift. There's [1:10:07] no question. And I, and I get that. But is [1:10:12] it an important lift for the integrity of the shopping [1:10:17] center and the character. Of what we're trying to convey. [1:10:23] And safety. So those are my questions. And I know [1:10:27] that that's no easy answer, but it's, it's my hesitancy [1:10:32] and my question. Sure. So [1:10:42] what we're being asked to do with this action item [1:10:47] is that this amendment is to establish a tailored parking [1:10:52] standard for golf cart and NEV sales. And also staff [1:10:57] is asking us to remove references and requirements that these [1:11:01] uses be oriented and fronting major public streets and removing [1:11:05] the requirement that street facing facades have transparent glazing. And [1:11:10] it went to the planning commission and they approved. Staff's [1:11:15] recommendation unanimously. And so we're, we're really being asked to [1:11:20] just clarify this ordinance as well. It's more of a [1:11:25] technical clerical. Discussion. So I'm ready to approve staff's recommendation. [1:11:34] Okay. More questions from Councilmember Hornick. I'm trying to understand [1:11:39] the great advantage. Of taking away. The requirements we've had [1:11:46] in past, has there been requests for it. So typically [1:11:51] the way that when we receive inquiries, we send them [1:11:55] the section of the code and identify what the requirements [1:11:58] would be in order for them to establish the use. [1:12:01] And typically for this type of use, when we send [1:12:04] them the requirements, then they typically don't come back. Let's [1:12:10] see. I can't help but think that we need to [1:12:15] run this by our public safety. I mean, there's part [1:12:19] of the reason we have the glass that's exposed to [1:12:24] the street is for safety reasons. You know, when it's [1:12:27] concealed from the street, all sorts of shenanigans can happen. [1:12:31] So I'm just hesitant about that. I think there was [1:12:35] a good reason for it. And I don't know, have [1:12:40] we looked at that? Should we look at that? And [1:12:43] these are authentic questions. Let me interject. We can certainly [1:12:48] continue the item. We can get some clearance and then [1:12:51] we can come back with it. If it's, if it's [1:12:53] the wish of the Council. And that way we can [1:12:56] be clear on any of the requirements from sheriff. Okay. [1:12:59] Is there any sense of urgency on this particular item [1:13:03] at this time. For this, it would just be to [1:13:07] clarify and provide guidance. But the one who's saying right [1:13:11] now, but I want that building if I didn't have [1:13:13] to comply with your standards. We have received interests, but [1:13:17] nothing, um, no, no type of application has come in. [1:13:21] Thank you. Could I follow up on that? I thought [1:13:24] we had a golf cart operator that whose lease is [1:13:27] up wanting to relocate. And time was of the essence. [1:13:33] So I know we have received inquiries, but as far [1:13:36] as an application, we haven't received an application. So any [1:13:39] type of formal application hasn't come in. So this item [1:13:42] is for you because there was a request for action [1:13:45] to review our ordinance a few months ago. And so [1:13:48] staff has gone through the process to clarify and understand, [1:13:51] um, the items that were inadvertently removed before. And so [1:13:56] this is why it's before you today. Could the question [1:14:00] be answered that Council Member Harnick has about safety right [1:14:04] now. I'll defer to Rosie. If I can add one [1:14:13] more additional context since I was here during the 2023 [1:14:20] original Ordinance and why that actually why the requirement came [1:14:23] about, um, about the glass window, when staff was developing [1:14:29] the that original ordinance and standard, it was more about [1:14:31] the visibility into the store for, um, marketing purposes per [1:14:37] se. And making and trying to make or trying to [1:14:41] orient these businesses. Cause at the time it was mostly [1:14:44] off in front of you. And it was, as we [1:14:48] looked at it, it was more restrictive in nature and [1:14:50] what it was doing. We didn't look at it. Um, [1:14:53] we didn't get comments or look at it from the [1:14:55] safety angle. It was really from, you know, the visibility [1:14:59] angle. Because we were not, because we were saying we [1:15:03] aren't going to allow golf cart sales, um, in some [1:15:06] of these plan commercial areas to be outdoors. It's only [1:15:08] going to be indoor ones. And so the way to [1:15:11] maybe, um, still create a abysmal nature is to add [1:15:15] more window, more glazing. Now as we. Looked at it [1:15:21] in practicality, I see he mentioned a lot of applicants [1:15:25] weren't able to do that. Um, additionally a lot of [1:15:28] our, when buildings are originally built or any revisions, go [1:15:33] through our design review process where our ARC is huge [1:15:37] on glazing for many different reasons and trying to see [1:15:40] the visibility from it. So it's kind of a long [1:15:43] way of saying that the original intent of that requirement [1:15:47] was more about the visibility from a little more of [1:15:50] a marketing purposes, I guess, to see the golf carts. [1:15:53] And because a lot of these businesses, we thought at [1:15:55] the time would want a lot more of that. And [1:15:58] then as we got more feedback. Um, you know, it [1:16:01] became prohibitive to repurpose some of these buildings. Okay. And [1:16:08] I know you're waiting. I just have an additional comment. [1:16:13] And I, I know we're looking at it marketing, but [1:16:15] that's doesn't mean we shouldn't have also been looking at [1:16:19] it from a safety. Aspect. And if we can continue [1:16:27] it, it gets a full and robust feedback on this [1:16:32] policy. I think it's important. And if one person is [1:16:37] moving, one person is moving and that's important, but should [1:16:40] not drive policy that comes up. It should be well [1:16:45] thought out that it serves the entire community well. And [1:16:50] I think it's worth, I believe it's worth. Just let's [1:16:53] look at it completely from every angle. Let's do a [1:16:57] 360 on this and make sure we're doing the right [1:17:00] thing. Maybe the planning commission didn't think about that. And [1:17:04] that's why it comes to us. Well, my only other [1:17:08] comment is that we've had this issue for a few [1:17:12] months. Already. And it would have been wonderful to have [1:17:17] had this looked into by now. It most certainly would [1:17:22] have, but we haven't. We've had it for a few [1:17:24] months. So let's continue it. And let's do it right. [1:17:27] We are community deserves that. Mayor Pro Tem. Staff. For [1:17:35] instance, the big five building is a retail use. Any [1:17:41] other retailer moves in, they would not have to change [1:17:45] the glazing, correct? That is correct. This was a specific, [1:17:53] um, development standard for this particular type of use. So [1:17:57] any other operator retail, they wouldn't be subject to these [1:18:01] standards. And so the discussion we're having is essentially treating [1:18:06] golf cart sales as a normal retail use. So it's [1:18:12] still, it's not just general retail because it would, it [1:18:15] wouldn't require an administrative use permit, which is our staff [1:18:19] level decision. So it's a little bit more distinct. So [1:18:22] that way we were able to come up with conditions [1:18:24] of approval. So that way we can try to regulate [1:18:27] and prevent any potential issues that we may see with [1:18:30] the proposed use. Cannabis gun sales. Neither one of them [1:18:36] have to comply with glazing for safety reasons. No. Councilwoman [1:18:43] Harnick, is there anything that is particular to the golf [1:18:46] cart sales that triggers your concern for safety above some [1:18:50] other uses that we don't require that it's not only [1:18:53] the golf cart, it is in general. We've asked for [1:18:56] glazing. We've asked for certain things and now we're saying, [1:19:01] but maybe not. And I think we need to look [1:19:04] at it. I would appreciate a more comprehensive review. Of [1:19:08] this policy before we bite the ones you know what [1:19:13] it takes to reverse a policy. Staff, what other retail [1:19:18] or similar uses to golf carts require the glazing. To [1:19:24] the same standard as the golf carts. So the golf [1:19:29] cart standard is unique. It stands on its own. Okay. [1:19:36] Thank you. May or may I. Absolutely. Council member Moreno. [1:19:42] I agree with, uh, Councilmember Harnick that we need to [1:19:46] take our time and do it right. And that the [1:19:50] difference in looking at this from the marketing perspective, from [1:19:53] the public safety, um, elements. And we do want to [1:19:58] accommodate new business. But I think that we need to [1:20:00] do this carefully. And if we're changing an entire segment [1:20:05] to treat one, um, category as very, um, in a [1:20:10] whole different way, I don't think that we are doing [1:20:13] our due diligence to make sure that we make the [1:20:15] best decisions. If we're making this change for one, and [1:20:21] I'm thinking if this were to create any safety issues [1:20:27] that are even unintended, not just theft. For example, of [1:20:32] my understanding is there would need to be more windows [1:20:34] facing, um, the street. Did I understand that correctly? And [1:20:38] if that's the case, doesn't that mean that there's potential [1:20:41] for somebody to end up running through their window? I [1:20:44] mean, if we're looking at all of the businesses that [1:20:49] are there on 111 where you've got the, um, olive [1:20:52] garden and bread lobster and the cosmetology school, the windows [1:20:56] there. And where it may be something people want windows. [1:21:00] I think we're looking at it as the additional public [1:21:03] safety element, not just from, from theft. But I do [1:21:08] concur that there's nothing that's holding us to make that [1:21:11] decision today. Um, good data equals good decision making. And [1:21:17] I would, um, support tabling this or if that's my, [1:21:21] if I can make the motion to table this for [1:21:23] a later date with better information. All right. Council member [1:21:28] Harnik. Thank you Mayor. I have some more questions. By [1:21:33] the way, we have a motion just, if anybody wants [1:21:35] a second, just so we know, but of course after [1:21:37] questions. So are we helped me out here. Are we [1:21:42] say now our golf, we can have electric vehicle and [1:21:46] golf car sales. Are we lifting it so we can [1:21:53] have them? And I'm, and I apologize. I'm looking through [1:21:55] here and I'm a little lost. Anywhere in the city. [1:22:01] Are we lifting that so that. I mean, I got [1:22:05] thrown off by the off fifth photo. Are we saying [1:22:09] we would have them there? So is that just an [1:22:12] example of glazing. No. So as far as the way [1:22:15] that the code has established right now, it is a [1:22:18] provision within our downtown district. So in the sax fifth [1:22:22] avenue example, not saying that we have anyone that's interested [1:22:25] in that location. But, um, as an example, that's not [1:22:30] facing the primary frontage, the primary frontage is 111 versus [1:22:37] San Pablo, the building faces San Pablo. So it wouldn't [1:22:41] meet that provision. Also too, as far as the glazing, [1:22:44] it does have a good amount of glazing in front [1:22:46] of it. On the left side, but on the right [1:22:48] side, it doesn't meet that provision. So it also wouldn't [1:22:52] meet that standard. So we, if someone was interested in [1:22:55] that location, currently it would be an administrative staff level [1:23:00] decision, but we wouldn't be able to approve it. So [1:23:04] they could though, if they went to you. And that [1:23:08] location would be acceptable for golf car sales. With a [1:23:14] correct use permit, yes. As it stands today, the answer [1:23:18] would be no. Any [1:23:28] other questions or anybody cared to second Council Member Reina's [1:23:34] motion to table with, uh, further, sounds like further research [1:23:38] into the safety provisions or the glazing requirements. If I [1:23:47] would add. Well, I'm not going to add a friendly [1:23:50] amendment. What I am going to do is offer another, [1:23:53] uh, I am satisfied. And I would offer another motion [1:23:58] that we move as presented. I will second that motion. [1:24:04] Move as presented. Okay. So, uh, for the record, the [1:24:10] motion from, uh, Council Member Moreno dies for lack of [1:24:13] second. And on the motion to move forward, um, ASSTAP [1:24:17] presented Council Member Harnick. Yes. Councilmember Moreno. May. [1:24:27] Council Member Ness Dante? Yes. Mayor Purton Perdetto? Yes. Mayor [1:24:31] Truby. Yes. Motion passes four to one. We have one [1:24:34] quick second. Thank you very much for answering all my [1:24:37] questions and helping me. Yeah. Thank you, Mr. Fernandez. Appreciate [1:24:39] that. Okay. On to item 15B resolutions related to the [1:24:45] adoption of the fiscal year 26, 2026, 27 financial plan [1:24:51] and Capitol Improvement Program, looking for staff report. Mayor, can [1:24:56] we take a quick break since I know the budget [1:24:59] usually takes a little bit more time? Would that be [1:25:01] okay? I am okay with that. Joe is ready to [1:25:04] stand up and stretch it up. C might be actually [1:25:12] nice and quick. Okay. Let's take a break. Yeah. Thank [1:25:18] you. We'll say 10 minutes if that's okay. Come back [1:25:21] 535. That's perfect. Thank you. Thank you. [1:36:19] Okay, welcome back everybody. 10 minute break. All ready to [1:36:25] resume business. And actually everybody could indulge me here. I'm [1:36:30] going to flip B and C. I know B, we [1:36:34] anticipate taking quite a bit of time. The budget and [1:36:38] C, of course, generally, it's a little bit quicker. So [1:36:41] we're going to go on to 15, item 15 C. [1:36:46] Approval of fiscal year 2026, 2027 solid waste recycling and [1:36:51] organic service rates. Authorization of annual rate adjustments through July [1:36:55] 1st, 2030, and approval of residential solid waste service charges [1:36:59] on the Riverside County Property Tax Bill. We have a [1:37:02] staff report. Good evening, Mayor and members of the City [1:37:06] Council. My name is Louise Moctezuma, management analyst with the [1:37:10] economic development department. The item before you this evening contains [1:37:14] two related actions regarding the city's solid waste recycling and [1:37:18] organics collection services provided by Birthtech Waste and Recycling Services. [1:37:23] First, staff is requesting approval of the updated solid waste [1:37:27] recycling and organic service rates for fiscal year 2627. The [1:37:31] proposed adjustments reflect an increase of 4. 81 percent for [1:37:35] residential customers and 4. 76 percent for commercial customers. This [1:37:41] adjustments are necessary to support continued collection, recycling, organic diversion, [1:37:46] disposal services, and state mandate SB1383 compliance requirement under the [1:37:51] Cities franchise agreement. Staff is also requesting authorization for annual [1:37:56] rate adjustments through July 1st, 2030. Would be based on [1:38:02] changes in the garbage and trash collection index, capped up [1:38:05] 5 percent annually along with applicable disposable fees adjustments as [1:38:09] provided in the franchise agreement. Second staff is requesting approval [1:38:13] of the annual resolution authorizing eligible residential solid waste service [1:38:17] charges to be collected through the Riverside County Property tax [1:38:21] role for fiscal year 2627. The City has utilized the [1:38:26] tax rule process since 2015. And it remains an efficient [1:38:30] and cost - effective method for collecting residential service charges. [1:38:34] With that, I'm happy to answer any questions. We also [1:38:37] have Frank Orlett, Vice President with Vertek Waste and Recycling [1:38:40] Services available should you have any questions for him. Very [1:38:43] good. So at this time, I will open the public [1:38:46] hearing. I have no blue common cards. Are there any [1:38:49] online comments? No online comments. Then I will close the [1:38:53] public hearing. And ask my colleagues if we have any [1:38:56] questions for staff or representative from Bertek. All good? All [1:39:03] right. Then I guess I will entertain a motion. Mr. [1:39:06] Mayor, if I get a problem, if I need to [1:39:07] conduct the protest hearing. Oh, I thank your pardon. I'm [1:39:11] the city has received 24 protest letters, which does not [1:39:14] constitute a majority protest in the City Council may proceed [1:39:17] with consideration of the rate adjustment. Perfect. Thank you so [1:39:20] much. Appreciate that. Okay. Open it up for my colleagues. [1:39:27] Questions first of staff, if there are any. No, questions, [1:39:34] any comments from my colleagues. Thank you. I do have [1:39:37] a comment. I realize the increase and I don't know [1:39:42] where in our lives there isn't an increase. And this [1:39:46] is very reasonable. And especially considering the service that Burtech [1:39:50] gives us all. We're still lowest in the valley. We're [1:39:56] always lower than everyone else. And that's partly because of [1:40:01] what Palm Desert does. And it's a whole lot because [1:40:03] of what Burtech does. Their services exemplary. And, you know, [1:40:10] as we all know when we have large pieces of [1:40:12] furniture, we have to do is call them and they [1:40:14] tell them what day they're picking them up. And they [1:40:17] pick it up. And we don't, you know, we don't [1:40:20] have to sort out. Everything. We have different bins for [1:40:24] each item. And, uh, the service is worth it. It [1:40:29] is one of those great deals we get. And I [1:40:34] support this without question. Council Member Standy. Was that a [1:40:41] motion? Actually, I have one comment. I will say I [1:40:44] use them Bertek for commercial and residential. And in both [1:40:47] cases, they're outstanding, terrific. I second Mayor Harnick's common. In [1:40:52] fact, I know the driver buddy. That he, I mean, [1:40:54] take something as simple as trash service and makes it [1:40:56] a customer service experience. It's incredible. So I, uh, definitely [1:41:00] make a motion to approve. If I may. Oh, bigger [1:41:05] pardon, Councilmember Reno. I'm sorry. No worries. I concur. I [1:41:09] concur that, um, everything is, um, the costs are, are [1:41:15] increasing. Our demands of the planet are increasing. Our demand [1:41:19] of, um, the landfill as much as we're, we're trying [1:41:22] to work on the 1383 landfill reduction. We are generating [1:41:27] more waste. And it does take a responsive partner that [1:41:30] is a that creates that community trust in that community [1:41:34] impact. And for example, like know that my nieces and [1:41:38] nephew, their favorite day of the week, um, it my [1:41:42] niece and nephew's favorite day of the week is the [1:41:44] day that Bortech rolls through and they wait outside and [1:41:46] they wait for the honk. And that's what makes their [1:41:49] week, their littles. They're little people out there and they [1:41:53] appreciate that when anybody else could just drive by and [1:41:56] keep doing their business. So I appreciate knowing that on [1:42:00] a personal level, they're not just providing a service that [1:42:04] they're being paid for that do it with the smile [1:42:07] and engage the community. So I, I concur, um, we're [1:42:11] receiving great services. I'll move the item. I will second. [1:42:21] Councilmember Harney. Yes. Council Member Mono. Yes. Council Member and [1:42:25] a standee. Yes. Mayor Proper Tim Perdedo. Yes. Mayor Trippie. [1:42:28] Yes. Motion passes five to zero. Terrific. Thank you. Okay. [1:42:32] On to item 15B resolutions related to the adoption of [1:42:36] the fiscal year 26, 2026, 2027 financial plan with Capitol [1:42:41] Improvement Program, staff report. Good afternoon, honorable mayor. Members of [1:42:47] the City Council, Veronica Chavez, your director of finance. And [1:42:50] I'm here with Sky Wolkovitz, your budget analyst. As you [1:42:54] will call this year, um, our theme was about balance. [1:42:58] And, um, that's not that we don't balance another years, [1:43:01] but it is that this year, it took a little [1:43:03] more effort. And much of that was at the hands [1:43:07] of Ms. Volkovitz who played a huge part and taken [1:43:11] on some of the heavy lifting this year. And so [1:43:13] she will be presenting the budget for you today. Um, [1:43:16] but what I did want to, um, share with you [1:43:18] was the, um, efforts we made in community engagement. Each [1:43:22] year with budget, we like to approve it just a [1:43:25] little bit more than we did, um, the prayer year. [1:43:28] And so, um, while we always meet our community engagement [1:43:31] requirements, um, this year we kicked it up a step [1:43:34] and we used the Civic Academy as an opportunity to [1:43:38] do a budget challenge. And what we did was we [1:43:41] gave them a budget and had, um, had limited resources [1:43:47] and asked them to take the different, um, uh, budget [1:43:52] categories and fund them according to the limited resources they [1:43:56] had and make, you know, very, um, very difficult decisions [1:43:58] with that. Um, it was very engaging. They enjoyed themselves. [1:44:03] They had a difficult time. They recognized the difficulty in [1:44:06] making decisions and cuts. And the trade - offs that [1:44:09] comes with that. And so it was a really great [1:44:12] exercise. And we enjoyed it. We intended you it again. [1:44:15] Um, and create, um, create budget savvy residents. And I [1:44:19] just want to thank, um, my favorite critique, Anthony for [1:44:22] helping me up the anti - on it. Cause I [1:44:24] was going to make it really easy. And he said, [1:44:26] no, we can, we can challenge them a little bit [1:44:27] more. And so it came out to be a really, [1:44:30] um, great. Um, great exercise. And so with that, I'll [1:44:34] hand it over to Sky. Good afternoon Mayor members of [1:44:41] the city council. Sky Wolcow excited analysts in the finance [1:44:43] department. Uh, before we get into numbers, I want to [1:44:46] start with the priorities that guided the budget each year. [1:44:49] Council establishes a set of goals and those goals serve [1:44:51] as the policy framework for the budget. This year's goals [1:44:55] include mall redevelopment and family - friendly activation. Citywide economic [1:45:00] activation and events, North Palm Desert and University Area Development. [1:45:06] Community Resilience and Climate Strategy. Clean, safe and attractive city [1:45:11] standards and community engagement city identity. With those goals and [1:45:18] mind, staff developed the fiscal year 2627 Financial Plan to [1:45:22] align available resources with those priorities. The proposed budget and [1:45:29] tenure CIP were reviewed in detail at the May 14th [1:45:33] study session. This budget continues. The City's commitment to public [1:45:36] safety, economic development, infrastructure and long - term financial stability. [1:45:44] Now I'll provide a high - level overview of the [1:45:47] general fund which supports the city's core operations and services. [1:45:50] The general fund budget is balanced with estimated revenue of [1:45:53] about 112. 6 million and projected expenditures of about 112. [1:45:59] 6 million. The budget projects a modest surplus of 69, [1:46:03] 000 with no use of reserves for operations. Next, we're [1:46:07] going to look at general fund revenue and is coming [1:46:10] in what's coming in. What's, sorry. We're in the revenue [1:46:14] is coming from and what is driving the change from [1:46:17] prior year. General fund revenue is estimated to increase by [1:46:23] about three percent over prior year. The increase is mainly [1:46:26] driven by a modest growth in measure G sales tax [1:46:29] and transit occupancy tax. The city continues to rely on [1:46:33] a diverse mix of revenue sources, including sales tax, district [1:46:36] tax, TUT, also known as treasant occupancy tax, short - [1:46:41] term rentals, property tax, franchise fees, permits, and other revenues. [1:46:45] Now that we covered projected revenues, the next slide shows [1:46:48] how those dollars are allocated across city services. General Fund [1:46:54] Expenditures are also increasing by about three percent primary cost [1:46:58] drivers include public safety, personnel services, and the implementation of [1:47:01] measure G funded priorities. The budget maintains current service levels [1:47:06] while supporting growth - related demands and council directive initiatives. [1:47:13] A major part of this budget is measure G. So [1:47:15] the next slide highlights how those funds are being implemented. [1:47:20] Fiscal year 2627 is the third year measure G sales [1:47:24] tax revenue. Funds are allocated according to the adopted five [1:47:27] - year spending plan. Measure G supports public safety, facility [1:47:31] improvements, north Palm Desert Infrastructure, parks, and public work staffing. [1:47:36] The allocation reflects both immediate service needs and long - [1:47:39] term infrastructure priorities. Measure G is only one component, one [1:47:45] important funding source for capital needs. The next slide brought [1:47:48] in the view to the full capital improvement plan. The [1:47:55] proposed fiscal year 2627 CIP totals 76. 4 million. Key [1:48:01] projects include fire station improvements. The palm desert library construction. [1:48:05] They were when park, public facility upgrades and infrastructure that [1:48:10] supports city council priorities. Public safety is one of the [1:48:14] largest investment areas. So the next slide breaks down those [1:48:16] costs. Total public safety costs are 60. 61 [1:48:26] million. The general fund share is 36. 65 million, which [1:48:30] represents about 30 percent of the general fund budget The [1:48:33] budget supports police services, committee safety, county, MS fire service [1:48:38] operations and related capital and equipment needs. In addition to [1:48:43] general fund, the city manages several restricted or restricted or [1:48:48] special purpose funds, which are summarized next. Other funds are [1:48:55] generally restricted restricted or satisfied for specific purposes. The total [1:48:59] budget across these funds is 151. 9 million. Using restricted [1:49:03] funds appropriately helps protect the general fund and ensures compliance [1:49:07] with funding requirements. The next slide addresses the state appropriations [1:49:12] limit, which is a legal requirement calculation. The appropriations limit [1:49:19] is the state imposed spending cap for 2627. The calculator [1:49:23] limit is 201. 76 million budgeted appropriations are at 112. [1:49:29] 6, which is well within the legal limit. In addition [1:49:35] to the budget resolutions, Council is also being asked to [1:49:38] consider the staffing resolution and out - of - state [1:49:40] travel memo. The staffing resolution identifies the fiscal year 2627 [1:49:45] salary schedule classification groups and all allocated positions. The out [1:49:51] - of - state travel memo included in your packets, [1:49:54] lists intended travel for fiscal year. That must be approved [1:49:57] by Council and a public meeting. Taken together these components [1:50:02] support the overall fiscal year 2627 budget summary. Overall, the [1:50:07] budget is balanced, includes a small projected surplus, does not [1:50:11] use reserves for operations and allies with council 2026 goals. [1:50:17] The estimated year in fund balance is about 120 million [1:50:21] with required reserve of about 70. 1 million. Measure G [1:50:25] is fully allocated per plan and will continue to be [1:50:28] reviewed quarterly by the Finance Committee. With that summary in [1:50:34] mind, staff is bringing forward the following recommendations for Council's [1:50:38] consideration. Staff recommends opening the public hearing and improving the [1:50:42] resolutions presented to you today, as well as the out [1:50:44] - of - state travel memo. Staff will return at [1:50:47] a later date with a study session item on potential [1:50:50] financing options for major projects maintain while maintaining operations and [1:50:55] managing reserve impacts. Um, and that concludes the budget presentation. [1:50:59] And I'm happy to answer any questions. Thank you very [1:51:04] much. I will now open the public hearing. I see [1:51:09] no blue speaker cards. Are there any online comments. No [1:51:14] online comments. Very good. Thank you. I will now close [1:51:17] the public hearing in that case and turn it over [1:51:20] to my colleagues if they have any questions of staff. [1:51:27] Council member Moreno. Wow. I appreciate that you know I [1:51:33] do have questions. My first question is presenting at the [1:51:39] Civic Academy is that considered an official outreach session. Um, [1:51:45] I'm wondering in terms of I thought that our public [1:51:48] information sessions are to be open to the public. Um, [1:51:52] I'm wondering if having this presented through the Civic Academy [1:51:55] would make people feel like they couldn't participate or they [1:51:59] notified. I'm just wanting to be sure how to interpret [1:52:05] using the Civic Academy. So as far as the public, [1:52:10] um, outreach, that is what we use the study session [1:52:13] for. And typically that's how we address that requirement. The [1:52:18] Civic Academy was an opportunity to use that format for [1:52:22] the first time. And we can certainly send that out [1:52:27] further in future years, but we wanted to test it [1:52:29] out and see how effective it could be. In terms [1:52:33] of how many public, um, sessions are we required to [1:52:37] have. We're just required to have, um, were just required [1:52:42] to have public outreach. So the number designated. And so [1:52:46] we do use the study session. We use the advertisement [1:52:50] in the, um, the notice in the paper that covers [1:52:54] the requirement. And was this, could anybody just, um, learn [1:53:00] that that's what was going on with the Civic Academy [1:53:02] that day. Could they pop in and participate or are [1:53:06] events or the Civic Academy limited to participants in the [1:53:11] Civic Academy. I am not as familiar with how the [1:53:15] Civic Academy program works. Um, this was what we typically [1:53:19] do is we give them a budget 101 session. And [1:53:23] so we added this as a component to the budget [1:53:25] 101. Got it. Um, I do have a few more [1:53:35] questions, but I'll let my, my colleagues. Get their questions [1:53:39] while I merge questions. Actually, I want to piggyback on [1:53:43] Council Member Moreno. The exercise you did at the Civic [1:53:47] Academy was like, uh, theoretical. It wasn't real numbers that [1:53:49] we actually have in our budget. Not at all. They [1:53:51] were points. So we gave them 100 points and we [1:53:54] assigned each category a number of points. It really was [1:53:58] an exercise. It wasn't real money or anything like that. [1:54:02] Okay. Cool. Thank you. Any other questions for my colleagues [1:54:04] Mayor Pro Tem when we had the study session, we [1:54:07] were presented with similar top line numbers. And since then, [1:54:11] we gave direction to support potentially the Paralympic surf event. [1:54:19] Palm Springs Life. Yet the top line numbers didn't change. [1:54:25] Is do you guys find money for those in there? [1:54:27] Maybe I missed it. Are those in this budget? No, [1:54:30] they are being currently funded by fiscal year 25, 26 [1:54:33] funds. So this fiscal year, even though their future events [1:54:40] for increases, so the. Surf event would be funded out [1:54:45] of this fiscal year that we're currently in. The Paralympic, [1:54:49] um, the way it was brought was to use funds [1:54:52] that were available from 25, 26 budget and what we [1:54:54] will do is carry them over to 2627. The money [1:55:00] for, what was the other, the food and wine. That [1:55:04] was included in the budget. And kind of a question. [1:55:15] In the last item, I could find out what every [1:55:18] one of my neighbors trash role looks like. Last year [1:55:23] we had a lot more. We had a more robust [1:55:27] budget to review. Uh, I believe. Am I missing something? [1:55:34] Is this your different in the presentation? This is the [1:55:37] typical packet we're bearing for the final approval. The robust [1:55:40] packet you get is during the budget study session. And [1:55:43] so all of the detailed numbers were in that packet. [1:55:52] Any other questions for my colleagues? All right. Open up [1:55:55] for discussion. I'll get ahead. Sorry. I do have all [1:55:58] you mentioned that to begin with. Yes. You do. Yeah. [1:56:00] I just wanted to be sure. Um, I want to, [1:56:04] to follow up on what mayor Pro Tem mentioned that [1:56:07] in the past, we do get comprehensive document where we [1:56:11] can look at what we're looking at. And for example, [1:56:15] this is the one for last year. I could not [1:56:19] find anything similar to this. Um, I spent, I don't [1:56:25] know how much time last night in looking for a [1:56:29] comprehensive document where I could look year over year. I [1:56:33] am a note taker. I like physical media to consume [1:56:36] when I'm looking for this. And, um, I couldn't find [1:56:40] it. And when I asked our city clerk, he sent [1:56:43] me the link, but it's frustrating to think how much [1:56:47] work it took to find it. In previous years, it [1:56:51] was excellent that it could be found with one single [1:56:53] click. And this time it took a lot more. And [1:56:58] I understand that when we update our webpages, things move, [1:57:01] things change when you're on the finance, um, page, if [1:57:05] you scroll all the way to the bottom, it says [1:57:08] the link for the city budget. It takes us to [1:57:10] page not found. And again, we, it's possible to get [1:57:14] circular links and things get moved. But this was. This [1:57:20] was very frustrating. And I had residents that reached out [1:57:24] and said, I'm trying to find out, for example, um, [1:57:27] on public safety. And they sent me the screenshot that [1:57:30] it didn't work on their mobile phone. And we know [1:57:34] that it's important to get things optimized for mobile, even [1:57:37] to be able to download a PDF or print from [1:57:40] their phone onto their device. But I couldn't even print [1:57:44] the document here and doing my typical control P because [1:57:48] that's the way that I print. It would only let [1:57:50] me print one page at a time and a few [1:57:54] of the categories and not even to not even one [1:57:58] quarter of the categories that were there. And as we [1:58:02] strive for transparency, it was frustrating that once Anthony gave [1:58:06] me the link, it's required 16 steps. 16 steps to [1:58:15] get to that. And as we've mentioned, when it, when [1:58:19] we are asking someone to do more than three, four, [1:58:23] five clicks, they're going to give up. And it was [1:58:26] very inconvenient to have to look for the clerk website, [1:58:31] then a dropdown menu for online records. Click the public [1:58:34] reports portal. Find the new page for public records. Click [1:58:38] browse. Find City Clerk. Click the budget. Scroll to find [1:58:41] the gear. But then we can't link as before. Before [1:58:45] we could go to the table of contents, we could [1:58:48] click the item and it would take you to that [1:58:49] page. And here you had to scroll. For example, um, [1:58:53] I was asked to look at animal services. It list [1:58:57] page 77, but I still had to keep scrolling till [1:59:00] page 90 out of 146 to get to that area. [1:59:06] Um, the. Challenges of trying to get what was presented [1:59:11] in May, even in May, it's a series of, of [1:59:14] attachments. The May 14th study session was 14 separate attachments [1:59:20] when in previous years, we've had everything in one place. [1:59:24] And that's very unfortunate to ask our residents. I'm sorry [1:59:29] you had such a hard time finding it. But when [1:59:33] even we as council members are looking to be able [1:59:36] to make the best decisions, it's very frustrating. It's very [1:59:41] frustrating. And it's hard to bring this up when I [1:59:45] always tell folks we've got such great staff. Our staff [1:59:48] is very diligent, but this is difficult to find. It's [1:59:52] not mobile friendly. It's certainly not ADA compliant. And when [1:59:57] we tell people that transparency is one of those benchmarks [2:00:00] of what we ask for, this doesn't feel that way. [2:00:04] This doesn't feel that way at all. And we need [2:00:07] to do better to provide consistency in the services. Um, [2:00:13] it's, I'm just wondering what led to going from a [2:00:19] system that made things very easy to understand with everything [2:00:22] in one clear place to find it to now a [2:00:25] bunch of attachments and summaries that don't allow us to [2:00:28] extrapolate to truly be able to ask the questions. Okay. [2:00:35] So I don't know if that's a question for Veronica [2:00:38] or. Somebody from IT. I can speak to a portion [2:00:42] of it. I did appreciate, um, uh, Councilmember Moreno bringing [2:00:48] that to my attention today. As far as the cleanup [2:00:51] and what, um, how that was done. I have no, [2:00:56] you know, understanding of that piece. Cause I know it's [2:00:58] ADA related up until her pointing that out. I did [2:01:02] not know that all of our budgets had been scrubbed. [2:01:05] And so staff has been directed to add the last [2:01:07] three years back up there so that they are easily [2:01:09] accessed. Um, but I do understand that it's part of [2:01:13] the ADA requirements with regards to those. Yeah. Just quickly, [2:01:18] you know, and not to make excuses, we can certainly [2:01:20] do better. But, um, prior budgets were removed from the [2:01:25] website when the city was redoing the website to comply [2:01:28] with WCAG requirements, which has a website content accessibility guidelines. [2:01:34] Uh, which were established by the federal government. And that [2:01:38] requires PDFs to be fully accessible for screen readers, um, [2:01:42] and. Because these budget documents are so large, they were [2:01:46] removed from the website in order to comply. Um, and, [2:01:50] and moved into the city's permanent repository, which is the [2:01:54] laserfish web portal. And so through that web portal, yes, [2:01:58] if you are hitting print on a page by page, [2:02:02] it does that. But if you download the document, then [2:02:04] it will come out as a PDF and you can [2:02:06] print it in full. But we acknowledge the fact that [2:02:09] we can always do better and we will. Can I [2:02:13] request that we have both. Can I request what we [2:02:18] are used to to have that ability to click and [2:02:22] find and direct folks? Because again, that makes it easier [2:02:25] for us to get that for our residents to access [2:02:29] and have the separate link for the ADA compliant version. [2:02:33] So anybody that needs to access it in that direction [2:02:35] is able to, um, I think that we can continue [2:02:38] to provide the level of service and quality that we [2:02:42] have done in the past, um, and just have them [2:02:45] side by side. So that was one of the big [2:02:48] frustrations, um, issues that I had. And in terms of [2:02:52] specific questions, um, one of the residents brought it to [2:02:57] my attention that we're showing, um, a 1. 56 million [2:03:02] contingency fund. Whereas 2526, the allocation was zero and 2425. [2:03:11] It was 85, 000. Is there any, any context of, [2:03:14] of what that is? And I wish I could tell [2:03:17] you it's on page X so we could all be [2:03:19] on the same page, but I don't know where I [2:03:22] found that before. It's just. The account. For that. You [2:03:31] can answer it. So the 1. 5, um, if you're [2:03:36] speaking on the public safety budget, the police budget, is [2:03:38] that correct? Um, so that was established because when we [2:03:42] originally got, um, the request from the pleat department from [2:03:47] RSO, we noticed that they weren't in line with actuals, [2:03:50] but we still wanted to leave that capability. So if [2:03:53] they did come in a little bit higher, we have [2:03:55] the flexibility to address those needs. So that was established [2:04:01] just as a safety point to make sure we, we [2:04:04] can address that. So the 85K from 2425 were those [2:04:11] the actuals. Those were actual contingency funds. Um, and then [2:04:15] this year there was no request. So, but we did [2:04:18] establish that we should have some sort of contingency. So [2:04:21] that was, um, the reason for that 1. 5. Okay. [2:04:25] My question that I'm still trying to figure out is [2:04:28] how if we have an 85, 000 contingency that wasn't [2:04:32] used. And of course, we're glad that there wasn't a [2:04:35] need for it, that nothing happened in the city that [2:04:37] required that. But if, if, um, our public service of [2:04:43] our public safety partners didn't request that. How did 1. [2:04:47] 56 become the figure to go from 85, 000 to [2:04:53] 1. 56 million. So the original request from RSO was, [2:04:58] I don't want to say this wrong. I believe it [2:04:59] was 32. 4 million, 4 million. And when we started [2:05:04] to evaluate all of the actuals that they were spending [2:05:07] over the course of five years, um, we brought that [2:05:10] number down to a more realistic. Like an average number [2:05:15] to the 30 million. But city manager, you decided that [2:05:18] we should have a contingency in place, um, to ensure [2:05:22] if those costs did hit the request that they made, [2:05:25] we were able to, um, to have the funds available [2:05:28] for them. And just to add on that, we did [2:05:30] not want to bring it to the actual, actual given [2:05:34] our priority of public safety, but that contingency allows us [2:05:37] to use it across the entire police budget as either [2:05:40] demands change or police department requests more or costs coming [2:05:44] higher. And just to add to that in prayer years, [2:05:48] we budgeted police differently, completely differently. Since then, um, staff [2:05:53] has requested that items are, um, itemized more versus everything [2:05:57] being dropped into one budget so that they can really [2:06:00] keep track of the cost as they come through. So [2:06:06] if we have any additional insight on that, um, that [2:06:10] would be helpful. Like I said, right now I, I [2:06:13] was approached on, um, animal services and, uh, public safety. [2:06:18] And that's where I honed in on getting more info. [2:06:23] Other than that, that's the extent of my questions. Very [2:06:27] good. Any other colleagues have questions. Okay. Just clarify. We [2:06:35] have the technical issues, acknowledged staff is on it. We're [2:06:39] going to address it for next year. Perfect. Okay. Very [2:06:42] good. Any other, uh, comments from my colleagues. All right. [2:06:47] Well, then I will entertain a motion. I will thank [2:06:51] staff for their hard efforts and approve the motion. Second. [2:06:59] Council member Harnick. Yes. Council Member Mono. Yes. Council Member [2:07:03] Standy. Yes. Mayor Proper Tempereddo. Yes. Mayor Trubie. Yes. Motion [2:07:08] passes five to zero. All right. Honda item 16, which [2:07:11] is no further business. We are hereby officially adjourned. Thank [2:07:16] you everyone. Have a happy safe 4th of July hydrate. [2:07:28] Stop.