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
May 27, 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=REdzU1No0mpVSFhWTDVaZ0VCekYxdz09 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 May 27, 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 Dr. Figueroa called the City Council Closed Session and Regular Meeting of the City of Coachella to order at 5:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Present: Councilmember Perez, Councilmember Delgado, Councilmember Virgen, and Mayor Dr.
Figueroa
City Clerk
Absent 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 with the modification to move items #5 and #6 before Public Comments for Non-Agenda Items
Made by: Mayor Dr. Figueroa
Seconded by: Councilmember Perez
Approved: 4-0
AYES: Councilmember Perez, Councilmember Delgado, Councilmember Virgen and Mayor Dr.
Figueroa
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
PUBLIC COMMENTS (CLOSED SESSION ITEMS):
1. James Rodriguez
2. Francisco S. Molina
Minutes City Council Closed Session and Regular Meeting May 27, 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) One (1) or More Potential Cases
2. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE APPOINTMENT (Government Code Section 54957(b)(1)) Title: City Manager
3. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE APPOINTMENT (Government Code Section 54957(b)(I)) Title: Interim City Manager
4. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - INITIATION OF LITIGATION Initiation of Litigation Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d) (4) Two (2) or More Potential Cases
RECONVENE REGULAR MEETING: - 6:00 P.M.
The City Council reconvened into open session at 6:02 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Luz Gallegos led the Pledge of Allegiance.
CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENTS:
The City Attorney reported that pursuant to item #3, by unanimous vote, the City Council is appointing Lincoln Bogard to serve as the Interim City Manager effective this Friday, 5/29/2026, running until the appointment of a permanent City Manager.
CITY COUNCIL CONFLICT OF INTEREST DISCLOSURE:
None
Motion: To amend the agenda by moving item #18 up after items #5 & #6 and Item #19 moved before Item #21
Made by: Councilmember Perez
Seconded by: Councilmember Virgen
Approved: 4-0
AYES: Councilmember Perez, Councilmember Delgado, Councilmember Virgen and Mayor Dr.
Figueroa
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
Minutes City Council Closed Session and Regular Meeting May 27, 2026
Items #5 and #6 were moved up before Public Comments.
5. Presentation of Proclamation to Coachella Valley Youth Leadership
6. Presentation of Proclamations to Coachella Valley High School and Top 11 Coachella Valley High School Students - Ariadna Gonzalez Arias, Jacob Gonzalez, Jesus Gonzalez, Jovanny Lopez-Ramirez, Matthew Sanchez, Mayte Cervantes-Gonzalez, Miliani Rodriguez, Obduliua Ortega Rodriguez, Prisila Navarro, Xmelia Pasillas, Yareli Ortiz-Arenas
Item #18 moved up after item #5 & #6
18. Discussion on Municipal Utility Development Agreement with Stronghold Power Systems, Inc.
1. Consuelo Marquez
2. Katie Arias
3. Tyler Peterson
4. Loretta Perez
5. Ingnacio Emmanuel Partida
6. Stephanie Ambriz
7. Ruth Waytz
8. Francisco "Frankie" Molina
9. Allyson Jeffredo
10. Alec Sandoval
11. Adrianna Suarez
12. Joseph Huesca
13. Jesus Ahkin Gonzalez
14. Ashley Moody
15. Rene Rivera
16. Alex Palms
17. Stephany Lopez
18. Roman Lopez
19. Carol Listenberger
20. Jose Manuel Aredondo
21. Denise Muller
22. Lorraine
23. Rence Reubens
24. Barbara Boyer-Hoffmann
25. Diana Reza
26. Isabella Reed
27. Richard Diaz
Councilmember Virgen stepped away at 8:00 p.m. and returned at 8:06 p.m. • 28. Matthew Williams
29. Luz Gallegos
30. David Witzke
31. Mireya Gonzalez
32. Ash B
Minutes City Council Closed Session and Regular Meeting May 27, 2026
33. Tomas Olivia
34. Precious Hurst
35. Ray Anzaldua
36. Isabel Helena Rodriguez
37. Scott Bailey (in favor)
38. Claudia Lua Alvarado
39. Kim Draper (in favor)
Council took a recess at 8:39 p.m. and returned at 9:17 p.m.
40. Jordan Herrington
41. Juan M Martinez
Mayor Dr. Figueroa stepped away at 9:23 p.m. and returned at 9:23 p.m.
42. Elizabeth Humphreys
Council took a recess at 9:27 p.m. and returned at 9:34 p.m.
43. James Rodriguez
44. Leah Douglas
45. America Noriega
46. Tabitha Davies
47. Claudia Gomez
48. Ivette Zamora
49. Ana Carrillo
50. Krystal Otworth
51. Cyrine Kebhaj w/Awab Benhamadi
52. Humberto Ruiz
53. Ana Duitruk
54. Madison Martin **Harper
55. Veronica Juarez
56. Beverly Garcia
57. Migdalia Sanchez
58. Crystal Torres-Munoz
59. JoAnne Lamas
60. Steven Joseph Hernandez
61. Marisol Gomez
62. Marlene Cortez
63. Tanya Solis
64. Josue Ceja
65. Melody Gonzalez
Councilmember Virgen stepped away at 10:42 p.m. and returned at 10:47 p.m.
66. Gloria Ornales
67. Miryam Perez (Zoom)
68. Crystal Mojica (Zoom)
Minutes City Council Closed Session and Regular Meeting May 27, 2026
69. Gabriel Perez (Zoom)
70. Nubia Aguirre (Zoom)
71. Gernie Rios (Zoom)
72. Luis Garcia (Zoom)
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. Loretta Perez
2. Francisco "Frankie" Molina
3. James Rodriguez
4. Ash B
5. Stephanie Ambriz
6. Precious Hurst
7. JoAnne Lamas
8. Jose Manuel Aredondo
9. Michael Sigman (Zoom)
PROCLAMATIONS/PRESENTATIONS:
5. Presentation of Proclamation to Coachella Valley Youth Leadership
6. Presentation of Proclamations to Coachella Valley High School and Top 11 Coachella Valley High School Students - Ariadna Gonzalez Arias, Jacob Gonzalez, Jesus Gonzalez, Jovanny Lopez-Ramirez., Matthew Sanchez, Mayte Cervantes-Gonzalez, Miliani Rodriguez, Obduliua Ortega Rodriguez, Prisila Navarro, Xmelia Pasillas, Yareli Ortiz-Arenas
Items #5 and #6 were moved up before Public Comments.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS:
1. Alexandra Echenberg
2. Nora Sanchez
3. Gina Cariaga
4. Mark Frohman
5. Mia Victora
6. L Plebe
7. Alexandra G. Imperato
8. Aidan Koch
9. Sara Liebowitz
10. Caryn Cook
11. Evellyn Deleon
12. Maria Juncal Ortega
Minutes City Council Closed Session and Regular Meeting May 27, 2026
13. Javier Ruiz
14. Stephanie Martinez
15. Rebecca Rivas
16. Yvonne Carrillo
17. Francisco Galindo
18. Lucero Leyva
19. Cass Rusch
20. Lizett Torres
21. Ken Ball
Z2. Laura Juarez
23. Karena Heredia
24. Odalys Beltran
25. Loretta Perez
26. Gabriella Gilbert
27. Rita L. Pescador
28. Paula Wilhelmsson Vorwald
29. Paula Wilhelmsson Vorwald
30. Cristina Rivas
31. Rene De Leon
32. Salvador Cardenas
33. Kelly Schultz.
34. Linda Shubin
35. Lucia Mendoza
36. Gail Douglass
37. Toni Ringlein
38. Jessica Parker
39. Gale West
40. Linda Joy Salas (solar/wind farms)
41. Isabel Rodríguez
42. Rubyd Olvera
43. Juliana Ross
44. Monzerrat Loza
45. Genesis A
46. Mindy Lee Ramos
47. Rene Galindo
48. Rhea Hoffman
49. Edna Contreras
50. Edith Cebreros
51. Alma Bautista
52. Ayleen Ortiz
53. Rachel Sheedy
54. Nancy Rosas
55. Richie DeMaria
56. Jessica Graybill
57. Patrick Dale
58. Sierra Alvarez
59. Carmen Joseph
Minutes City Council Closed Session and Regular Meeting May 27, 2026
60. Elyse Smith
61. Camilla Iribe
62. Judy Bucy
63. Vanessa Rodriguez
64. Jonathan Rodriguez
65. Cheryl Houser
66. Lupita DeLaCruz
67. Yolanda Moreno Avila
68. Francisco Carrillo
69. Katerina Danielle Perez
70. Ana Leon
71. Claudia Hernandez
72. Viviana Piccirilli
73. Selena Flores
74. Araceli Ibarra
75. Lidia Cortes
76. Amaiah Fierro
77. Samanta Meza
78. Kayla Smith
79. Gonzalo Rosa
80. Jamilet Felix-Cardenas
81. Linda Ponce
82. Alex Rubalcava
83. Abraham Felix
84. Baltazar Aguirre, Jr.
85. Juanita Gibbs
86. Adrianna Rivera
87. Shahrad Mobasseri
88. Janos K
89. A Kiouno
90. Kaylee De Anda
91. Toni Ringlein
92. Ruth Garcia
93. Sesha Cooper
94. Celeste Villanueva
95. Katyhuska Johnson
96. Cynthya De Anda
97. Sophia Vellios
98. Onofre De Anda
99. Al Partida
100. Jacquelin Cruz Ramirez (smoke free zones)
101. Jacquelin Cruz Ramirez (data center)
102. Alex Perez
103. Darin Pepper
104. Hannah R.
105. Katie Arias
106. Santiago Lopez Villano
Minutes City Council Closed Session and Regular Meeting May 27, 2026
107. Magdalena Zepeda-SeLegue
108. Celeste Villanueva
109. Priscilla M. Rodriguez
110. Diana Reza
111.JoAnne Lamas
112. Brenda Ortiz
113. Jonathan Becerra
114. Martin Castro
115. Emile Lee
116. Laura Fannon
117. Vanessa Marribel Ramirez
118. Anayency de Anda
119. Jose Reyes
120. Thomas Johnson
121. Ashley Hernandez
122. Fabiola Rivera
123. Jessica Dominguez.
124. Vanessa Vidal
125. Enrique Cortez
126. Denise Lopez
127. Consuelo Marquez
128. Betsy Back
129. Keith Norris
130. Ulises Ramirez
131. Clementina Barragán
132. Karina Villalpando
133. Emerson Steen
134. Reyes Rivera
135. Debrra Ann Mumm
136. Krystal Godinez
137. Mariana Lopez-Encinas
138. Marina Beltran
139. Diane Morales
140. Luis Molina
141. Enrique Valencia
142. Vanessa Becerra
CONSENT CALENDAR:
(It is recommended that Consent Items be acted upon simultaneously unless separate discussion and/or action is requested by a Council Member.)
7. Regular City Council Meeting Minutes of May 13, 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 Minutes City Council Closed Session and Regular Meeting May 27, 2026
8. Voucher Listing- EFT's/Utility Billing Refunds/FY 2025-26 Expenditures as of May 27, 2026, $707,201.38.
9. Receipts, Disbursements, and Net Cash Flows
10. Investment Report April 30, 2026
11. Resolution No. 2026-30 Initiating Proceedings for the Levy and Collection of Assessments for Landscaping and Lighting District Maintenance District No. 1 through 40, Fiscal Year 2026/2027
12. Resolution 2026-32 Setting a Public Hearing date for Municipal Solid Waste Rates for Fiscal Year 2026/27 and placing these rates on the property tax roll for Fiscal Year 2026/27.
13. Professional Service Agreement with Heptagon Seven to develop final Plans, Specifications and Engineer's Estimates for the Phase 22 FY 26/27 Street Improvements Project, City Project ST-135
14. Amendment No. 7 to the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) Memorandum of Understanding for AB 2766 CVAG Member Jurisdictions.
Motion: To approve the Consent Calendar
Made by: Councilmember Perez
Seconded by: Mayor Dr. Figueroa
Approved: 4-0
AYES: Councilmember Perez, Councilmember Delgado, Councilmember Virgen and Mayor Dr.
Figueroa
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
NEW BUSINESS CALENDAR (LEGISLATIVE AND ADMINISTRATIVE):
15. Appointment of the City Manager
Public Comments:
1. Francisco "Frankie" Molina
2. James Rodriguez
Motion: To approve the appointment of the City Manager
Made by: Councilmember Perez
Seconded by: Councilmember Delgado
Approved: 4-0
Minutes City Council Closed Session and Regular Meeting May 27, 2026
AYES: Councilmember Perez, Councilmember Delgado, Councilmember Virgen and Mayor Dr.
Figueroa
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
16. Consideration of Filling Council Vacancy
Public Comments:
1. James Rodriguez
Council gave direction for the interviews to take place in the Coachella Library, with options of dates for a Special Meeting on 5/30/2026 at 10:00 a.m., 6/4/2026 in the evening, or 6/5/2026 in the evening.
17. Third-Party Legal Review of Municipal Utility Development Agreement with Stronghold Power Systems, Inc.
Public Comments:
1. Loretta Perez
4. Stephanie Ambriz
3. Francisco "Frankie" Molina
4. James Rodriguez
5. Krystal Otworth
6. Ash B
Councilmember Virgen stepped away at 12:39 a.m. and returned at 12:39 a.m.
Motion: To approve Third-Party Legal Review of Municipal Utility Development Agreement with Stronghold Power Systems, Inc.
Made by: Mayor Dr. Figueroa
Seconded by: Councilmember Delgado
Approved: 4-0
AYES: Councilmember Perez, Councilmember Delgado, Councilmember Virgen and Mayor Dr.
Figueroa
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
18. Discussion on Municipal Utility Development Agreement with Stronghold Power Systems, Inc.
Item #18 moved up after item #5 & #6
Minutes City Council Closed Session and Regular Meeting May 27, 2026
19. Second Fiscal Year 2026-27 Annual Budget Study Session The Council directed staff to continue Items #19 - #22 to the next Council meeting.
20. Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce Informational Update
21. Request for City Council feedback and direction regarding a draft ordinance adding Chapter 8.65 ("Smoke- Free Areas") to Title VIII of the Coachella Municipal Code to establish smoke-free areas intended to protect public health and the environment.
Motion: To continue Items #19 - #22 to the next Council meeting.
Made by: Mayor Dr. Figueroa
Seconded by: Councilmember Virgen
Approved: 4-0
AYES: Councilmember Perez, Councilmember Delgado, Councilmember Virgen and Mayor Dr.
Figueroa
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
PUBLIC HEARING CALENDAR (QUASI-JUDICIAL):
22. A Public Hearing to Consider Resolution No. 2026-29: Request for conditional approval of Entertainment Permit No. 26-02 to allow limited entertainment events in a 1,625 square foot commercial tenant space for the Clamatosdel43 Sport Bar located at 49915 Cesar Chavez Street (APN 603-281-044); and determining that the proposed project is categorically exempt from California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Existing Facilities). Applicant: Salvador Islas Item #22 continued to the next Council meeting.
REPORTS AND REQUESTS:
Council Discussion on Future Agenda Items
Council Comments/Report of Miscellaneous Committees.
Department Director Reports
City Manager's Comments.
Minutes City Council Closed Session and Regular Meeting May 27, 2026
ADJOURNMENT:
Mayor Dr. Figueroa adjourned the meeting at 1:19 a.m.
Angela Zepeda
City Clerk