DE COACHEL City Hall Council Chamber
1515 Sixth Street, Coachella, California
(760) 398-3502 • www.coachella.org
MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL CLOSED SESSION AND
REGULAR MEETING
OF THE CITY OF COACHELLA
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, SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE COACHELLA REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
AND COACHELLA PARKS AND RECREATION FOUNDATION
January 28, 2026
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:
https://us02web.zoom.us/i/88457271898?pwd=REdzU1NoOmpVSFhWTDVaZ0VCekYxdz09 Coachella City Hall Or One tap mobile: 16699006833 88457271898#,,* 606140# Council Chamber Or Telephone:
1515 Sixth Street US: +1 669 900 6833
Coachella, CA Webinar ID: 884 5727 1898
Passcode: 606140
Spanish: El idioma español está disponible en Zoom seleccionado la opción en la parte de abajo de la pantalla
• Public comments may be received either in person, via email, or via Zoom. • In Person:
Anyone wishing to speak in person during the public comment period or on a particular item is required to fill out a Request to Speak Form. In order to be recognized, a Request to Speak Form must be turned in to the City Clerk prior to the start of the public comment period or before the agenda item is taken up by Council on which you wish to provide a comment.
• In Real Time via Zoom:
If participating in real time via Zoom, during the public comment period, participants must be visible on camera and use the "raise hand" function on Zoom.
In Writing via Email:
If providing a written comment by email, you may submit your public comment to the City Council by emailing [email protected]. To comment by email, submit your comments no later than 12 p.m. on the day of the meeting by emailing your name, agenda item (if applicable), and your comment. Any correspondence received by the deadline will be forwarded to the City Council for consideration before action is taken on the matter, during the meeting and upon request one (1) hard copy of the written Minutes City Council Closed Session and Regular Meeting January 28, 2026
public comments will be available for the public's view, and written comments will be retained for the official records. Written comments will not be read aloud at City Council meetings. • The live stream of the meeting may be viewed online by accessing the city's website at www.coachella.org, and clicking on the "Watch Council Meetings" tab located on the home page, and then clicking on the "live" button.
CALL TO ORDER: - 5:00 P.M.
Mayor Hernandez called the City Council Closed Session and Regular Meeting of the City of Coachella to order at 5:01 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Present: Councilmember Perez, Councilmember Dr. Figueroa, Councilmember Virgen, Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, and Mayor Hernandez
City Clerk and City Treasurer
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 Virgen
Approved: 5-0
AYES: Councilmember Perez, Councilmember Dr. Figueroa, Councilmember Virgen, Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, and Mayor Hernandez
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
PUBLIC COMMENTS (CLOSED SESSION ITEMS):
None
:
Minutes City Council Closed Session and Regular Meeting January 28, 2026
:
ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION:
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Significant Exposure to Litigation Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2) Two (2) Potential Cases
RECONVENE REGULAR MEETING: - 6:00 P.M.
The City Council reconvened into open session at 6:02 p.m.
Councilmember Virgen returned at 6:04 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Deputy City Clerk led the Pledge of Allegiance.
CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENTS:
No reportable action taken.
COUNCIL REORGANIZATION:
2. Nomination for the Position of Mayor Pro Tem
Councilmember Dr. Figueroa was nominated and appointed the Position of Mayor Pro Tem Motion: To approve Councilmember Dr. Figueroa as the Mayor Pro Tem Made by: Councilmember Dr. Figueroa
Seconded by: Mayor Hernandez.
Approved: 5-0
AYES: Councilmember Perez, Councilmember Dr. Figueroa, Councilmember Virgen, Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, and Mayor Hernandez
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
PROCLAMATIONS/PRESENTATIONS/DIRECTION:
3. Presentation of Sunline's Comprehensive Analysis
4. City of Coachella Home Enhancement Program
5. Presentation by Culturas Music & Arts
Mayor Hernandez stepped away and recused himself from Item #5 at 6:35 p.m. and returned at 6:53 p.m.
Minutes City Council Closed Session and Regular Meeting January 28, 2026
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS:
None
PUBLIC COMMENTS (NON-AGENDA ITEMS) (LIMITED TO A MAXIMUM OF 30 MINUTES. IF ADDITIONAL TIME IS REQUIRED FOR PUBLIC COMMENTS, THEY WILL BE HEARD AFTER ITEM NO. 15. PUBLIC HEARING CALENDAR):
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.
1. Alan Carvalho
2. Chris Christensen - Desert Healthcare District
3. Adan Rodriguez - CV Little Arabs
CONSENT CALENDAR:
(It is recommended that Consent Items be acted upon simultaneously unless separate discussion and/or action is requested by a Council Member.)
6. Regular City Council Meeting Minutes of December 10, 2025, 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
7. Special City Council Meeting Minutes of January 15, 2026, 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
8. Voucher Listing- EFT's/Utility Billing Refunds/FY 2025-26 Expenditures as of January 28, 2026, $4,596,021.74
9. Investment Report - October 31, 2025
10. Quarterly Reports - Second Quarter (October - December) FY2025-2026
11. Construction Contract with Rudy's Electric in the Amount of $72,500.00 Plus 10% Contingency for the Avenue 50 Median Light Rehab from Van Buren Street to Mariposa Pointe, City Project No.ST-93
12. Amendment Number Four to the Reimbursement Agreement with the Coachella Valley Association of Governments and appropriate $19,837 from General Fund for Avenue 48 Arts and Music Line Project, City Project ST-140.
13. Resolution No. 2026-07 Authorizing the Finance Director to Establish an Account with Time Value Investments, Inc/Cetera Wealth Management
Minutes City Council Closed Session and Regular Meeting January 28, 2026
14. Resolution No. 2026-08 Approving a Contract with The Baldwin Group to Conduct a Fiduciary Review of the City's 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
15. Award Amendment #1 to the Maintenance Agreement with BRC Construction for As Needed Block Wall and Wrought Iron Fence Repairs for the Landscape and Lighting Maintenance Districts Project No. 081122B
16. Award Amendment #1 to the Maintenance Agreement with BRC Construction for As Needed Miscellaneous Repair Work for the Landscape and Lighting Maintenance Districts Project No. 081122
17. Authorize the City Manager to Approve a Professional Services Agreement with Aspen Rentals Inc., in the Amount not to Exceed $125,000.00 for the Rental of a Belt-Press Dewatering Unit
18. Award Amendment No. 3 to Vintage Associates, Inc for Landscape Maintenance Services for Grapefruit Blvd Medians and Parkway Project No. 121421; increasing term of agreement by one-year and compensation by $73,934.12.
19. Authorize a Community-Based Grant to Coachella Valley Little Arabs in the Amount of $1,000 to Support their Youth Football Program
20. Authorize a Community-Based Grant to Green Room Theatre Company Coachella Valley in the Amount of $1,000 to Support the "Newish" Shakespeare Festival
21. Authorize a Community-Based Grant to Valle Del Sol Elementary School in the Amount of $1,000 to Support an Educational Field Trip for Students in TK-Kindergarten
22. Authorize a Community-Based Grant to Habitat for Humanity of the Coachella Valley in the Amount of $1,000 to Support the Housing Insecurity Prevention Program Councilmember Virgen stepped away at 7:15 p.m. during the Consent Calendar and returned at 7:29 p.m. while discussing item #25.
Councilmember Perez and Mayor Hernandez commented that they were abstaining from item #12 because their primary residence is near that area.
Motion: To approve the Consent Calendar noting Councilmember Perez and Mayor Hernandez abstaining from item #12
Made by: Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Figueroa
Seconded by: Councilmember Perez
Approved: 4-0:
AYES: Councilmember Perez, Councilmember Delgado, Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Figueroa and Mayor Hernandez
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: Councilmember Perez and Mayor Hernandez on item #12 Minutes City Council Closed Session and Regular Meeting January 28, 2026
ABSENT: Councilmember Virgen
NEW BUSINESS CALENDAR (LEGISLATIVE AND ADMINISTRATIVE):
23. Mayor's Appointments to Various Council Subcommittees, Coachella Valley Association of Government (CVAG) Committees, Other Agencies, etc.
Motion: To approve appointing Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Figueroa as member of CVAG Executive Committee and Councilmember Denise Delgado as Alternate and keep the other commission appointments the same.
Made by: Councilmember Delgado
Seconded by: Councilmember Perez
Approved: 4-0:
AYES: Councilmember Perez, Councilmember Delgado, Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Figueroa, and Mayor Hernandez
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Virgen
24. Appoint one (1) Commissioner to the Coachella Youth Advisory Commission Motion: To approve appointing Valeria Aguirre as Commissioner to the Youth Advisory Commissioner and appoint Brandon Antunez Lopez and Emily Samano Felix as Honorary members.
Made by: Councilmember Perez
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Figueroa
Approved: 4-0:
AYES: Councilmember Perez, Councilmember Delgado, Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Figueroa, and Mayor Hernandez
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Virgen
25. Resolution No. 2026-04 Approving a Contract for Consulting Services with Bell Burnett & Associates (BB&A) for the Development and Implementation of the Funding Program for Critical Electric Infrastructure in the City
Motion: To approve Items #25, #26 & #27
Made by: Councilmember Perez
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Figueroa
Approved: 5-0: Unanimous roll call vote:
Minutes City Council Closed Session and Regular Meeting January 28, 2026
AYES: Councilmember Perez, Councilmember Delgado, Councilmember Virgen, Mayor Pro Tem Dr.
Figueroa, and Mayor Hernandez.
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
26. Resolution No. 2026-05 Approving an Underwriter Engagement Letter with Piper Sandler for Underwriting Debt Associated with the Establishment of the Coachella Electric Financing Authority Motion: To approve Items #25, #26 & #27
Made by: Councilmember Perez
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Figueroa
Approved: 5-0: Unanimous roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmember Perez, Councilmember Delgado, Councilmember Virgen, Mayor Pro Tem Dr.
Figueroa, and Mayor Hernandez
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
27. Resolution No. 2026-06 Approving a Master Service Engagement Letter and a Supplemental Engagement Letter with Stradling for the Establishment of the Coachella Electric Financing Authority including acting as Bond and Disclosure Council
Motion: To approve Items #25, #26 & #27
Made by: Councilmember Perez
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Figueroa
Approved: 5-0: Unanimous roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmember Perez, Councilmember Delgado, Councilmember Virgen, Mayor Pro Tem Dr.
Figueroa, and Mayor Hernandez
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
28. Authorize the City Manager to Execute Subrecipient Agreements for the Development of the Caltrans Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant for the Cesar Chavez Street Corridor Transformation Plan with Civic Well ($83,600), Raices Cultura ($50,000), and Terra Nova ($260,140) The Council took recess
Prior to consideration of Item 28, Mayor Hernandez, Mayor Pro Tem Figueroa, and Councilmember Virgen announced their recusal due to conflicts of interest. Their recusals resulted in a lack of quorum.
Minutes City Council Closed Session and Regular Meeting January 28, 2026
In order to fulfill its legal obligation to consider the item, and at the recommendation of legal counsel, the Rule of Necessity was invoked
Lots were drawn publicly among the recused members to determine which member would participate for purposes of establishing a quorum and considering the item.
As a result of the drawing, Mayor Hernandez was selected to participate.
The Council then proceeded with consideration of item 28 Motion: To authorize the City Manager to Execute Subrecipient Agreements for the Development of the Caltrans Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant for the Cesar Chavez Street Corridor Transformation Plan with CivicWell ($83,600), Raices Cultura ($50,000), and Terra Nova ($260,140)
Made by: Councilmember Delgado
Seconded by: Councilmember Perez
Approved: 3-0:
AYES: Councilmember Perez, Councilmember Delgado, and Mayor Hernandez NOES: None
ABSTAIN: Councilmember Virgen and Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Figueroa ABSENT: None
29. Approve a Professional Services Agreement for Communications, Social Media and Website Management Services for Coachella Prospera with DeAztlan Consulting in the Amount of $114,000 and Authorize the City Manager to Execute the Agreement
Motion: To approve a Professional Services Agreement for Communications, Social Media and Website Management Services for Coachella Prospera with DeAztlan Consulting in the Amount of $114,000 and Authorize the City Manager to Execute the Agreement Made by: Councilmember Virgen
Seconded by: Mayor Hernandez
Approved: 5-0: Unanimous roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmember Perez, Councilmember Delgado, Councilmember Virgen, Mayor Pro Tem Dr.
Figueroa, and Mayor Hernandez
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
30. Authorize The City of Coachella's Tacos, Tequila and Chavelas Festival Beer and Tequila Garden Operation on February 7, 2026 at Veterans Memorial Park from 4pm to 8pm and Appropriate $55,000 From Unallocated General Fund Reserves
Minutes City Council Closed Session and Regular Meeting
Motion: To authorize The City of Coachella's Tacos, Tequila and Chavelas Festival Beer and Tequila Garden Operation on February 7, 2026 at Veterans Memorial Park from 4pm to 8pm and Appropriate $55,000 From Unallocated General Fund Reserves and Appointing Councilmember Perez as the Judge for the best Taco.
Made by: Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Figueroa
Seconded by: Councilmember Virgen
Approved: 5-0: Unanimous roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmember Perez, Councilmember Delgado, Councilmember Virgen, Mayor Pro Tem Dr.
Figueroa, and Mayor Hernandez
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
31. Authorize a One-Time Funding Allocation for the Coachella Branch Library in the Amount of $25,000 to Support Programming
Motion: To authorize a One-Time Funding Allocation for the Coachella Branch Library in the Amount of $25,000 to Support Programming
Made by: Councilmember Delgado
Seconded by: Councilmember Perez
Approved: 5-0:
AYES: Councilmember Perez, Councilmember Delgado, Councilmember Virgen, Mayor Pro Tem Dr.
Figueroa, and Mayor Hernandez
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
32. Extend the Façade Improvement Program Limits along Cesar Chavez Street to Encompass the Area Between Avenue 54 and Park Lane
Prior to consideration of Item 32, Mayor Hernandez, Mayor Pro Tem Figueroa, and Councilmember Virgen announced their recusal due to conflicts of interest. Their recusals resulted in a lack of quorum.
In order to fulfill its legal obligation to consider the item, and at the recommendation of legal counsel, the Rule of Necessity was invoked.
Lots were drawn publicly among the recused members to determine which member would participate for purposes of establishing a quorum and considering the item.
As a result of the drawing, Mayor Hernandez was selected to participate.
Minutes City Council Closed Session and Regular Meeting January 28, 2026
The Council then proceeded with consideration of item 32 Motion: To Extend the Façade Improvement Program Limits along Cesar Chavez Street to Encompass the Area Between Avenue 54 and Park Lane
Made by: Councilmember Delgado
Seconded by: Councilmember Perez
Approved: 3-0:
AYES: Councilmember Perez, Councilmember Delgado, and Mayor Hernandez NOES: None
ABSTAIN: Councilmember Virgen, Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Figueroa, ABSENT: None
PUBLIC HEARING CALENDAR (QUASI-JUDICIAL):
33. A Public Hearing to Consider Resolution No.2026-01, Resolution No.2026-02, and Resolution No.2026- 03 of the City Council of the City of Coachella: Request for conditional approval for Tentative Tract Map No. 39051 for the subdivision of 39.98 acres of land (Assessor's Parcel Number 612-260-010) into 257 lots and request for conditional approval of Conditional Use Permit No. 390 for a 257-lot single-family home planned unit development subdivision with associated improvements located at the southwest corner of Calhoun Street and Avenue 49 and certifying that the projects Initial Study with Mitigated Negative Declaration is in compliance with Section 15074 of the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines. Applicant: Rod Vandenburg, Pacific Modern Builders, LL.C.
Councilmember Perez and Mayor Hernandez recused themselves from this item because the primary residence is near that project.
Motion: To approve a Public Hearing to Consider Resolution No.2026-01, Resolution No.2026-02, and Resolution No.2026-03 of the City Council of the City of Coachella: Request for conditional approval for Tentative Tract Map No. 39051 for the subdivision of 39.98 acres of land (Assessor's Parcel Number 612-260-010) into 257 lots and request for conditional approval of Conditional Use Permit No. 390 for a 257-lot single-family home planned unit development subdivision with associated improvements located at the southwest corner of Calhoun Street and Avenue 49 and certifying that the projects Initial Study with Mitigated Negative Declaration is in compliance with Section 15074 of the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines.
Applicant: Rod Vandenburg, Pacific Modern Builders, LLC.
Public Hearing opened at 8:34 p.m. and closed at 8:34 p.m.
Made by: Councilmember Virgen
Seconded by: Councilmember Delgado
Approved: 3-0:
Minutes City Council Closed Session and Regular Meeting January 28, 2026
AYES: Councilmember Delgado, Councilmember Virgen, Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Figueroa, and NOES: None
ABSTAIN: Councilmember Perez and Mayor Hernandez
ABSENT: None
34. Public Hearing to Consider the Adoption of Ordinance No. 1228, amending Title 15 of the Coachella Municipal Code and adopting the 2025 California State Building Standards Code by Reference Motion: To approve a Public Hearing to Consider the Adoption of Ordinance No. 1228, amending Title 15 of the Coachella Municipal Code and adopting the 2025 California State Building Standards Code by Reference
Public Hearing opened at 8:47 p.m. and closed at 8:47 p.m.
Made by: Councilmember Virgen
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Figueroa
Approved: 5-0:
AYES: Councilmember Perez, Councilmember Delgado, Councilmember Virgen, Mayor Pro Tem Dr.
Figueroa, and Mayor Hernandez
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
REPORTS AND REQUESTS:
Council Comments/Report of Miscellaneous Committees.
City Manager's Comments.
ADJOURNMENT:
Mayor Hernandez adjourned the meeting at 9:17 p.m.
Angeta Zepeda
City Clerk