COACHELL City Hall Council Chamber
1515 Sixth Street, Coachella, California
(760) 398-3502 • www.coachella.org
MINUTES
CALLORI OF A REGULAR MEETING
OF THE
CITY OF COACHELLA
CITY COUNCIL CLOSED SESSION AND REGULAR MEETING
THE COUNCIL SITTING AS THE COACHELLA SANITARY DISTRICT,
COACHELLA FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT, COACHELLA FINANCING AUTHORITY,
COACHELLA EDUCATIONAL AND GOVERNMENTAL ACCESS CABLE CHANNEL CORPORATION,
COACHELLA WATER AUTHORITY, AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE COACHELLA REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY December 13, 2023
5:00 PM - CLOSED SESSION
6:00 PM - REGULAR MEETING
In-Person Meeting If you would like to attend the meeting via Zoom, here is the link:
Location:
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Minutes City Council Closed Session and Regular Meeting December 13, 2023
CALL TO ORDER: - 5:00 P.M.
ROLL CALL:
Present: Councilmember Dr. Figueroa, Councilmember Virgen, Councilmember Delgado, Mayor Pro Tem Galarza, and Mayor Hernandez (Councilmember Virgen and Mayor Hernandez arrived during Closed Session)
City Clerk Zepeda, City Treasure Aviles via Zoom
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
"At this time the Council/ Board/Corporation/Authority may announce any items being pulled from the Agenda or continued to another date or request the moving of an item on the agenda" Motion: To approve the Agenda
Made by: Councilmember Dr. Figueroa
Seconded by: Councilmember Delgado
Approved: 3-0, Unanimous roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmember Delgado, Councilmember Dr. Figueroa and Mayor Pro Tem Galarza NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Virgen and Mayor Hernandez
PUBLIC COMMENTS (CLOSED SESSION ITEMS):
None
ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION:
1. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54957(b)(1) (1)
Title: City Manager
Title: City Attorney
2. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS
Property: APN No. 763-131-078
Agency Negotiator: Gabriel Martin, City Manager
Negotiating Parties: Industrial Way Properties
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment
3. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
In re: Aqueous Film-Forming Foams Products Liability Litigation Case No. 2:18-mn-2873-RMG
Minutes City Council Closed Session and Regular Meeting December 13, 2023
4. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS
Property: 778-170-011 and 778-180-004
Agency Negotiator: City Manager and Public Works Director Negotiating Parties: Peter Rabbit Farms Inc.
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms
5. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS
Property: 778-170-005
Agency Negotiator: City Manager and City Engineer
Negotiating Parties: Jose Jesus and Carmen Espinoza
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms
6. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS
Property: 778-170-009
Agency Negotiator: City Manager and City Engineer
Negotiating Parties: Jamie R. and Betty A. Zepeda.
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms
RECONVENE REGULAR MEETING: - 6:06 P.M.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
The Coachella Youth Football Little Arabs led the pledge of allegiance. Mayor Hernandez moved the order of the agenda by moving item 10 to 7.
CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENTS:
The City Manager stated that there was no reportable action taken.
7. Coachella Youth Football Little Arabs Proclamation
COUNCIL REORGANIZATION:
8. Nomination for the Position of Mayor Pro Tem
Subsequent Motion: To appoint Councilmember Delgado
Made by: Councilmember Delgado
Seconded by: Councilmember Dr. Figueroa
Approved: The motion failed 3-2, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmember Delgado, Councilmember Dr. Figueroa NOES: Councilmember Virgen, Mayor Pro Tem Galarza, Mayor Hernandez ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
Motion: To appoint Councilmember Virgen
Made by: Mayor Pro Tem Galarza
Minutes City Council Closed Session and Regular Meeting December 13, 2023
Seconded by: Mayor Hernandez
Approved: 3-2, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Mayor Hernandez, Mayor Pro Tem Galarza
NOES: Councilmember Delgado, and Councilmember Dr. Figueroa ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
PROCLAMATIONS/PRESENTATIONS:
9. California Natural Resources Agency Presentation on the Salton Sea Management Program
10. Coachella Resident Engagement Academy Update
Councilmember Galarza stepped away from 6:40 to 6:41 p.m.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS:
NONE
CONSENT CALENDAR:
(It is recommended that Consent Items be acted upon simultaneously unless separate discussion and/or action is requested by a Council Member or member of the audience.)
11. Regular Meeting Minutes of November 8, 2023, of the City of Coachella, Coachella Sanitary District, Coachella Fire Protection District, Coachella Financing Authority, Coachella Educational and Governmental Access Cable Corporation, Coachella Water Authority, Successor Agency to the Coachella Redevelopment Agency and Coachella Parks and Recreation
12. Investment Report - August 31, 2023
13. Adopt Resolution No. 2023-75 Authorizing State of California Cannabis Equity Act Grant Funding
14. Adopt Resolution No. 2023-76 Approving a Supplemental Agreement with the County of Riverside and Authorize the City Manager to Execute the Supplemental Agreement for the Use of Fiscal Year 2023-24 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Entitlement Funds in the Amount of $267,405 for the City of Coachella Home Enhancement Program
15. Construction Contract with The Public Restroom Company in the Amount of $998,100 for the Procurement and Installation of the Pre-Fab Buildings for the Bagdouma Park Restroom Projects- City Projects P-30 & P-32, CDBG Projects 4.CO.25-21 & 4.CO.27-22
16. Adopt Resolution No. 2023-78 Approving Final Parcel Map No. 37758
17. Adopt Resolution No. 2023-79 Authorizing the Purchase of Right of Way for Conveyance of Real Property from Nika Royal, LLC For a Sales Price of $35,000 Consisting of Parcel "A' Lying in Parcel 4 of Lot Line Adjustment Recorded March 16, 1992 as Instrument No. 88259 in The City of Coachella, County of Riverside, State of California for the Avenue 50 Widening Project, City Project ST-93 (APN: 768-163-001) Minutes City Council Closed Session and Regular Meeting December 13, 2023
18. Adopt Resolution No. 2023-80 Authorizing the City Manager to Execute an Interlocal Agreement Between the Cities of Banning, Beaumont, Cathedral City, Coachella, Corona, Desert Hot Springs, Hemet, Indio, Jurupa Valley, Lake Elsinore, Menifee, Moreno Valley, Palm Springs, Perris, City of Riverside, Temecula, and the County of Riverside, California, Concerning the Distribution of 2023 Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Fund Awards and the Administration and Use of Such Funds
19. Recommend Approval of the Restated Memorandum of Understanding for Library Operations at the Coachella Library and Coachella Library Annex Between the City of Coachella and County of Riverside
20. Adopt Resolution No. 2023-82 Approving Towing Services for Inoperable and Abandoned Vehicles Pursuant to the City's Abandoned Vehicle Abatement Program
21. Voucher Listing- EFT's/Utility Billing Refunds/FY 2023-24 Expenditures as of December 13, 2023, $4,503,709.30
22. Approve and Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Professional Services Agreement with Deaztlan Consulting for Media, Video and Event Production Services in the Amount of $27,500 Motion: To approve the Consent Calendar
Made by: Councilmember Galarza
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Virgen
Approved: 5-0, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmember Delgado, Councilmember Dr. Figueroa, Councilmember Galarza, Mayor Pro Tem Virgen, Mayor Hernandez
NOES:
ABSTAIN: Mayor Hernandez abstained from item 19
ABSENT: None
NEW BUSINESS CALENDAR (LEGISLATIVE AND ADMINISTRATIVE):
23. Reimbursement Agreement with Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) in an Amount of $825,000, Service Agreement with the County of Riverside in an Amount of $825,000, and Authorize Appropriation of $50,000 from Fund 127 (Street DIF) for the Design and Construction of the Airport Blvd.
Bridge Replacement Project, City Project ST-141
To approve staff recommendation.
Made by: Mayor Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Galarza
Approved: 5-0, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmember Delgado, Councilmember Dr. Figueroa, Councilmember Galarza, Mayor Pro Tem Virgen, Mayor Hernandez
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
Minutes City Council Closed Session and Regular Meeting December 13, 2023
24. Establishment of an Equity and Social Justice Ad Hoc Subcommittee To approve staff recommendation.
Made by: Mayor Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Figueroa
Approved: 5-0, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmember Delgado, Councilmember Dr. Figueroa, Councilmember Galarza, Mayor Pro Tem Virgen, Mayor Hernandez
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
25. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the American Planning Association California Executive Board for Planning Technical Assistance from the Community Planning Assistance Team (CPAT)
To approve staff recommendation.
Made by: Councilmember Galarza
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Virgen
Approved: 5-0, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmember Delgado, Councilmember Dr. Figueroa, Councilmember Galarza, Mayor Pro Tem Virgen, Mayor Hernandez
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
26. Adopt Resolution No. 2023-77 Authorizing the Amendment of the Cannabis Social Equity Program to Align with the State of California Equity Act
To adopt Resolution No. 2023-77.
Made by: Mayor Hernandez.
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Virgen
Approved: 5-0, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmember Delgado, Councilmember Dr. Figueroa, Councilmember Galarza, Mayor Pro Tem Virgen, Mayor Hernandez
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
27. Ordinance No. 1207 Increasing City Council Compensation Pursuant to Senate Bill 329 (First Reading) Minutes City Council Closed Session and Regular Meeting December 13, 2023
Motion: To approve the Consent Calendar
Made by: Mayor Hernandez
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Virgen
Approved: 5-0, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmember Delgado, Councilmember Dr. Figueroa, Councilmember Galarza, Mayor Pro Tem Virgen, Mayor Hernandez
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
PUBLIC HEARING CALENDAR (QUASI-JUDICIAL):
NONE
PUBLIC COMMENTS (NON-AGENDA ITEMS):
The public may address the City Council/Board/Corporation/ Authority on any item of interest to the public that is not on the agenda but is in the subject matter jurisdiction thereof. Please limit your comments to three (3) minutes.
None
REPORTS AND REQUESTS:
Council Comments/Report of Miscellaneous Committees.
Mayor Hernandez congratulated the residents and the City because tomorrow is a big day. A few members of the city council are heading to Sacramento to receive $29 million coming to Coachella for the Transformative Climate Change Community Grant. He congratulated Celina Jimenez. This was a two-year effort. City Manager Martin deserves acknowledgment too because he created a staff that is getting good at going after other people's moneys. He also thanked Maritza Martinez on the community meetings and the parade. Mayor Hernandez excused himself from the meeting at 7:10 p.m.
Councilmember Figueroa was excited to attend the parade last week. He was invited to the Bobby Duke winter beginning band concert and to a soccer team posada. It was great seeing the community come out. They had questions about the Las Flores Ranch Park that he will share with staff. He attended a Mosquito Vector Control meeting yesterday and some mosquitoes are still around. He is looking forward to what comes next in the new year. It should be an exciting time attending the CTCC in Sacramento tomorrow.
Councilmember Delgado said that there are a lot of good things happening in the State of California with many organizations coming together. She has participated in many of these conversations. She attended the NALEO Health Institution and shared that before about how they build healthier communities. The City of Coachella has proved that they are on the way. She was invited to an Energy Summit in Las Vegas and they had great panels regarding energy as well as discussion regarding workforce development. United spoke about the path Minutes City Council Closed Session and Regular Meeting December 13, 2023
to hydrogen. She missed the Senior Volunteer of the Year but attended the parade and had a lot of fun. She was officially added to the Executive Director's Team for the California League of Cities representing Riverside County. She is excited to see the Equity Committee getting started. Congratulation to the Executive Team for their commitment especially going after these grants. Congratulations to Celina Jimenez. Along with her colleagues, she will be in Sacrament and echoed her colleagues' comments about the community engagement. They should have listening sessions and consider other ways of engaging. Great job to Gabriel Perez and Anahi Fernandez on the resident engagement academy. She wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Councilmember Galarza wished everyone Happy Holidays and thanked staff for a great year working in partnership with the Council. The fruits of the labor is paying out. Congratulation to staff for working with the community and partners and receiving that grant. He is unable to go to Sacramento because he has other obligations. They are welcoming a Grants Manager soon who will have big shoes to fill but he knows they will have great mentors. Congratulations to Mayor Pro Tem Virgen on her appointment.
Mayor Pro Tem Virgen thanked her colleagues for trusting her leadership and her ability to be a good leader in the community and selecting her as the Mayor Pro Tem. She applied to Wild Water Education for Latinos Fellowship Program and she was accepted. She attended the Volunteer of the Year at the Senior Center (Maria Aviles). Coachella has a Panda Express. The parade was long but it was awesome. Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, and congrats to Celina Jimenez, Maritza Martinez, and everyone on staff. They have done an incredible job and she hopes that staff hears it enough from the Council. Under the City Manager leadership, Gabriel Martin, he is doing a great job.
City Manager's Comments.
With the Coachella Rail Feasibility Study, it will get kicked off the second week of January that will identify three site locations for the future rail. Staff will do a presentation to the Council soon. Staff anticipates completing this by 2025. Staff thanks RCTC for their partnership. Moving forward with the pre-approved ADU plans for residents will be placed on City website mid-January. They will have six different house types.
He wished the delegation going to Sacramento the best of luck and congratulated Celina Jimenez and her team for their hard work. He appreciated the Council's kind words. Happy Holidays.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business to come before the City Council and the Agencies, Mayor Pro Tem Virgen adjourned the meeting at 7:30 p.m.
Angela M. Zepeda
City Clerk