Desert Hot Springs City Council
June 3, 2025

SR-25-133
 Use: Veterans Services Headquarters for the Coachella Valley and High Desert region  Utilities: Tenant responsible for all utility costs
 Maintenance and Repairs:
o Tenant responsible for all maintenance and repairs, except:
 HVAC system (if installed by the City)
 Structural repairs to exterior walls, columns, and floors (excluding storefronts)  Roof over the Premises
In preparation for the relocation, the Riverside County Veterans Services plans to build out four (4) private offices using a Nxt Wall demountable wall system within the former Police Substation space to provide confidential office space to meet with veterans. These improvements will cost a total of $51,229.00, to be shared equally between the City of Desert Hot Springs and Riverside County Veterans Services, with each party contributing $25,614.50. As per the lease agreement, $25,614.50 will be remitted to the City of Desert Hot Springs within 30-days of receipt of invoice.

The decision by Riverside County Veterans Services to relocate and expand into the City of Desert Hot Springs is a significant community win. This move will bring increased visibility, foot traffic, and resource accessibility to the area, helping to further the City's position of being a regional hub for community services. The presence of a full-time Veterans Services Center will not only provide direct assistance to our veteran population but also serve as a catalyst for other service-based organizations and potential funding opportunities. Moreover, the modest lease cost is a reflection of the City's dedication to facilitating long-term, impactful partnerships that directly benefit residents.

FISCAL IMPACT:

An initial payment of $25,614.50 will be required to share the costs of improvements. During the term of the lease there will be a cost savings as the City will no longer be responsible for the utilities, maintenance, and repairs, except as what is noted in the lease agreement.

ATTACHMENTS:

DHS-Lease Agreement Riverside County Veterans Services FINAL DOCUMENT MAY2925 Lease Agreements Insurance Language
Item Number: 6.

LEASE AGREEMENT

BY AND BETWEEN

THE CITY OF DESERT HOT SPRINGS,

A CALIFORNIA MUNICIPAL CORPORATION
AND
COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE, a political subdivision of the STATE OF CALIFORNIA on behalf of VETERAN SERVICES
Item Number: 6.

LEASE AGREEMENT
This Lease Agreement (the “Lease”) is made and entered into this 1 day of July, 2025 (“Effective Date”), by and between the CITY OF DESERT HOT SPRINGS, a California municipal corporation (the “Landlord”), and COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE, a political subdivision of the STATE OF CALIFORNIA on behalf of VETERAN SERVICES(the “Tenant”). Tenant and Landlord are sometimes individually referred to as “Party” and collectively as “Parties” in this Lease, and who agree as follows:

RECITALS
A. Landlord is the owner of certain real property located per GIS owned by DHS PARK REC & PARKWAY DIST at 12800 W. Arroyo Dr, Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240 in the City of Desert Hot Springs, County of Riverside, State of California (“Lozano Community Center” or “Real Property”).

B. Landlord is also the owner of the building located at 12800 W Arroyo Dr., Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240, which is situated on and forms part of the Real Property commonly known as Lozano Community Center (the “Premises”).

C. Tenant desires to lease the Premises from Landlord for the purpose of operating a veterans’ services office and providing related support services to the public (the “Permitted Use”).

D. Landlord is willing to lease the Premises to the Tenant for the Permitted Use, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Lease.

OPERATIVE PROVISIONS
For consideration, the receipt and value of which is hereby acknowledged by both Parties, Landlord and Tenant hereby agrees as follows:

1. Definitions. For purposes of this Lease, the terms set forth below shall be defined as and have the specific meaning ascribed herein:

1.1 “Expiration Date”June 30, 2030 or any extension thereof the Term of this Lease expires, unless earlier terminated pursuant to the terms of this Lease.

1.2 “Hazardous Materials” shall mean any and all of the following:
(i) any substance, product, waste or other material of any nature whatsoever which is or becomes listed, regulated, or for which liability arises for misuse, pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (“CERCLA”), 42 U.S.C. § 9601, et seq.; the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, 49 U.S.C. § 1801, et seq.; the Resource Conservation and Item Number: 6.

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Recovery Act (“RCRA”), 42 U.S.C. § 6901, et seq.; the Toxic Substances Control Act, 15 U.S.C.S. § 2601, et seq.; the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. §1251, et seq.; the Insecticide, Fungicide, Rodenticide Act, 7 U.S.C. § 136, et seq.; the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act, 42 U.S.C. § 6901, et seq.; the Clean Air Act, 42 U.S.C. § 7401, et seq.; the Safe Drinking Water Act, 42 U.S.C. § 300f, et seq.; the Solid Waste Disposal Act, 42 U.S.C. §6901, et seq.; the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act, 30 U.S.C. § 1201, et seq.; the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act, 42 U.S.C. § 11001, et seq.; the Occupational Safety and Health Act, 29 U.S.C. §§ 655 and 657; the Hazardous Waste Control Act, California Health and Safety Code (“H.&S.C.”) § 25100, et seq.; the Hazardous Substance Account Act, H.&S.C. § 25330, et seq.; the California Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act, H.&S.C. § 25249.5, et seq.; the Underground Storage of Hazardous Substances, H.&S.C. § 25280, et seq.; the Carpenter-Presley-Tanner Hazardous Substance Account Act, H.&S.C. § 25300, et seq.; the Hazardous Waste Management Act, H.&S.C. §25170.1, et seq.; the Hazardous Materials Response Plans and Inventory, H.&S.C. § 25001, et seq.; the Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act, Water Code § 13000, et seq., all as they may from time to time be amended;
(ii) any substance, product, waste or other material of any nature whatsoever which is or becomes listed, regulated, or for which liability for misuse arises pursuant to any other federal, state or local statute, law, ordinance, resolution, code, rule, regulation, order or decree due to its hazardous, toxic or dangerous nature; (iii) any petroleum, crude oil or any substance, product, waste, or other material of any nature whatsoever which contains gasoline, diesel fuel or other petroleum hydrocarbons other than petroleum and petroleum products contained within regularly operated motor vehicles; and
(iv) polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), radon gas, urea
formaldehyde, asbestos and lead.

1.3 “Permitted Use” means the limited use of the Premises for Veterans’ Services Office as described in Section 5.1 of this Lease.

1.4 “Premises” means the building located at 12800 W Arroyo Dr., Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240, which is situated on and forms part of the Real Property and has been designated for Tenant’s Permitted Use, as identified on Exhibit “A,” attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.
.

1.5 “Real Property” means that certain real property commonly known as 12800 W Arroyo Dr, Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240.

1.6 “Term” means the duration of this Lease as specified in Section 4.

2. Material Inducement.. Tenant agrees that its promises and agreements to strictly adhere to and comply with the material terms and conditions set forth in this Lease are a material inducement to Landlord’s lease of the Premises to Tenant, in the Item Number: 6.

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absence of which Landlord would not have leased the Premises to Tenant. Tenant’s substantial failure to adhere to and comply with the terms and conditions of this Lease, which is not cured within any applicable notice and cure period provided hereunder, shall be deemed a material breach of the Lease.

3. Demise. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Lease, Landlord leases to Tenant and Tenant leases from Landlord the Premises. Landlord also grants to Tenant the right of ingress and egress over and across the common areas of the Real Property as necessary for Tenant and its invitees to obtain entry to and from the Premises, during the Term of this Lease. Tenant shall have no right to enter, occupy or use any other portion of the Real Property, including but not limited to any other building or structure on the Real Property, other than the Premises as defined in Section 1.4

3.1 “AS-IS” Condition; Tenants Sole Risk.
(i) Tenant agrees that it is thoroughly familiar with the Premises and the Real Property and all aspects thereof, including, without limitation, the physical condition of the Premises and the Real Property, its zoning and all other restrictions and limitations applicable to the Premises and the Real Property (whether or not of public record). Tenant also agrees that Landlord has made no material alterations to the Premises. Tenant additionally agrees that it assumes all liability and responsibility for the physical condition of the Premises located at Real Property. Tenant agrees that neither Landlord nor anyone acting on Landlord’s behalf has made any representation or warranty of any kind or nature whatsoever respecting the physical condition of the Premises, its suitability for Tenant’s use, or any other matter relating to the Premises or the Real Property, (including, but not limited to, the environmental condition of the Premises or the Real Property or this Lease, and Tenant agrees that it is leasing the Premises, in its “AS-IS CONDITION AND WITH ALL FAULTS”.
_________________
Tenant’s Initials

4. Term.

4.1 The term (“Term”) of this Lease shall commence on the Effective Date, and unless earlier terminated shall continue in effect until June 30, 2030 without the necessity of any notice or other action by Landlord.. The City Manager, acting on behalf of Landlord, may in his/her sole discretion, terminate this Lease by giving written notice to Tenant at least thirty (30) days prior to the intended termination date.

4.2 Tenant shall have the option to extend this Lease for up to two (2) additional periods of one (1) year each, provided that Tenant gives Landlord written notice of its intention to exercise each such option at least sixty (60) days prior to the Expiration Date or any extension thereof. If Tenant exercises an option to extend, all Item Number: 6.

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terms and conditions of the Lease shall remain in full force and effect during the applicable option term.

4.3 Contingency. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary, this Lease shall go into effect once signed by the City Manager at the discretion of the City Council.

This Lease is contingent upon City Council approval and County Board of Supervisors.

5. Use; Restricted Access to the Premises located at Real Property; Safety Measures; Compliance with Laws.

5.1 Use. Tenant agrees that it shall use the Premises located at Real Property, solely for operating a Veterans’ Service Office and providing related support services to the public (“Permitted Use”) but may be used for any official business of County government and no other purpose (“Non-Permitted Use”).

5.2. Safety Measures. Tenant agrees to take all actions reasonably necessary to protect human safety in the course of its occupancy of the Premises.

Tenant shall secure the Premises located at Real Property, from entry by customers and the general public at the end of each business day. Tenant shall not interfere with the ingress and egress of Landlord or the Landlord’s other Tenants.

5.3 Hazardous Materials. Tenant agrees that it shall not generate, store, release or dispose of any Hazardous Materials on, in, at or under the Premises or elsewhere on the Real Property, and that its ancillary use of any Hazardous Substance necessary for the Permitted Use shall at all times be in strict compliance with all laws, rules, orders and regulations, and decisions of administrative bodies and courts of competent jurisdiction, relating to the use, generation, transportation, storage, disposal or release of hazardous materials. In addition to Tenant’s other obligations of indemnity under this Lease, Tenant agrees to indemnify, protect, defend (by counsel reasonably satisfactory to Landlord) and hold Landlord and its officials, officers, agents and employees, and each of them, harmless from and against all claims, losses, liabilities, actions, judgments, costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs) which they, or any of them, may suffer or incur arising from or relating to the use, generation, storage or release by Tenant, its agents, employees, contractors, guests or invitees of any hazardous materials in, on or about the Real Property. Tenant shall have no responsibility or liability for any hazardous materials on or about the Real Property that were introduced, released, or caused by Landlord or any third party not acting on behalf of Tenant.

6. Rent. As rent for the Premises, Tenant agrees to pay to Landlord the sum of One Dollar ($1.00) for entire tenancy (“Rent”), which shall be paid within thirty (30) days of execution of this Lease.

7. Maintenance. Tenant agrees that it shall, at its sole cost and expense, during Tenant’s occupancy of the Premises located at Real Property, maintain the Premises located at Real Property, and all portions of premises thereof in a clean and neat condition, free of refuse and debris. Tenant shall be responsible for all repairs and Item Number: 6.

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maintenance of the Premises except for: (i) the heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning system serving the Premises (to the extent installed by Landlord, (ii) structural repairs to exterior walls, structural columns, and structural floors which collectively enclose the Premises (excluding, storefronts), and (iii) the roof over the Premises, which are the Tenant’s responsibility, Tenant shall reimburse Landlord for such costs within a reasonable time and upon proof of expenditures and necessity. If the Landlord pays for the same or any part thereof, Landlord shall be reimbursed by Tenant for such amount.

Tenant agrees that Tenant is solely responsible for the security, protection and insuring of its vehicles and other personal property, and that of its employees, servants and contractors, located on or about the Premises located at Real Property. Tenant agrees that Landlord will have no liability of any kind or nature respecting any loss or theft of, or damage to, any such vehicles and other personal property, except to the extent such loss, theft, or damage results from the negligence or willful misconduct of Landlord or its agents, employees, or contractors.

8. Insurance. Without limiting Tenant’s indemnification of Landlord, and prior to commencement of Lease, Tenant shall obtain, provide, and maintain at its own expense during the term of this Lease, policies of insurance of the type and amounts described below and, in a form, satisfactory to Landlord demonstrating coverage since the Effective Date.

8.1 General liability insurance. Tenant shall maintain commercial general liability insurance with coverage at least as broad as Insurance Services Office form CG 00 01, in an amount not less than $2,000,000 per occurrence, $4,000,000 general aggregate, for bodily injury, personal injury, and property damage. The policy must include contractual liability that has not been amended. Any endorsement restricting standard ISO “insured contract” language will not be accepted.

8.2 Workers’ compensation insurance. Tenant shall maintain Workers’ Compensation Insurance (Statutory Limits) and Employer’s Liability Insurance (with limits of at least $1,000,000). Tenant shall submit to Landlord, along with the certificate of insurance, a Waiver of Subrogation endorsement in favor of Landlord, its officers, agents, employees, and volunteers.

8.3 Proof of Insurance. Tenant shall provide certificates of insurance and required endorsements to Landlord as evidence of the insurance coverage required herein. Insurance certificates and endorsements must be approved by Landlord’s Risk Manager. Current certification of insurance shall be kept on file with Landlord for the contract period and any additional length of time required thereafter. Landlord reserves the right to require complete, certified copies of all required insurance policies, at any time.

8.4 Duration of coverage. Tenant shall procure and maintain for the Term, and any additional length of time required thereafter, insurance against claims for injuries to persons or damages to property, or financial loss which may arise from or in connection Item Number: 6.

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with the Permitted Use hereunder by Tenant, their agents, representatives, employees, or subconsultants.

8.5 Landlord’s rights of enforcement. In the event any policy of insurance required under this Lease does not comply with these specifications or is canceled and not replaced, Landlord has the right but not the duty to obtain the insurance it deems necessary, and any premium paid by Landlord will be promptly reimbursed by Tenant or Landlord will withhold amounts sufficient to pay premium from Tenant payments. In the alternative, Landlord may cancel this Lease.

8.6 Acceptable insurers. All insurance policies shall be issued by an insurance company currently authorized by the Insurance Commissioner to transact business of insurance or is on the List of Approved Surplus Line Insurers in the State of California, with an assigned policyholders’ Rating of A- (or higher) and Financial Size Category Class VII (or larger) in accordance with the latest edition of Best’s Key Rating Guide, unless otherwise approved by the Landlord’s Risk Manager.

8.7 Waiver of subrogation. All insurance coverage maintained or procured pursuant to this Lease shall be endorsed to waive subrogation against Landlord, its elected or appointed officers, agents, officials, employees, and volunteers or shall specifically allow Tenant or others providing insurance evidence in compliance with these specifications to waive their right of recovery prior to a loss. Tenant hereby waives its own right of recovery against Landlord.

8.8 Enforcement of contract provisions (non estoppel). Tenant acknowledges and agrees that any actual or alleged failure on the part of the Landlord to inform Tenant of non-compliance with any requirement imposes no additional obligations on the Landlord nor does it waive any rights hereunder.

8.9 Notice of cancellation. Tenant agrees to oblige its insurance agent or broker and insurers to provide the Landlord with a thirty (30) day notice of cancellation (except for nonpayment for which a ten (10) day notice is required) or nonrenewal of coverage for each required coverage. If any of the Tenant’s insurers are unwilling to provide such notice, then Tenant shall have the responsibility of notifying the Landlord immediately in the event of Tenant’s failure to renew any of the required insurance coverages or insurer’s cancellation or non-renewal.

8.10 Additional insured status. General liability, automobile liability, and umbrella/excess liability insurance policies shall provide or be endorsed to provide that Landlord and its officers, officials, employees, agents, and volunteers shall be additional insureds under such policies.

8.11 Prohibition of undisclosed coverage limitations. None of the coverages required herein will be in compliance with these requirements if they include any limiting endorsement of any kind that has not been first submitted to Landlord and approved of in writing.

Item Number: 6.

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8.12 Separation of insureds. A severability of interests provision must apply for all additional insureds ensuring that Tenant’s insurance shall apply separately to each insured against whom claim is made or suit is brought, except with respect to the insurer’s limits of liability. The policy(ies) shall not contain any cross-liability exclusions.

8.13 Landlord’s right to revise specifications. The Landlord reserves the right at any time during the Term of the Lease to change the amounts and types of insurance required by giving the Tenant ninety (90) days advance written notice of such change. If such change results in substantial additional cost to the Tenant, the Landlord and Tenant may renegotiate Tenant’s rent.

8.14 Timely notice of claims. Tenant shall give Landlord prompt and timely notice of claims made or suits instituted that arise out of or result from Tenant’s lease of the Premises, and that involve or may involve coverage under any of the required liability policies.

8.15 Additional insurance. Tenant shall also procure and maintain, at its own cost and expense, any additional kinds of insurance, which in its own judgment may be necessary for its proper protection. Tenant’s personal property, fixtures, equipment, inventory, and vehicles are not insured by Landlord against loss or damage due to fire, theft, vandalism, rain, water, criminal or negligent acts of others, or any other cause.

9. Indemnification. In addition to, and without limiting, Tenant’s other obligations of indemnity under this Lease, and to the extent permitted by law, Tenant agrees to indemnify, protect, defend (by counsel reasonably satisfactory to Landlord) and hold Landlord and its officials, officers, agents and employees, and each of them, harmless from and against any and all third-party claims, losses, liabilities, actions, judgments, orders, demands, costs, damages and expenses (including without limitation reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs) to the extent arising from or caused by: (1) the negligent or willful acts or omissions of Tenant and/or its officers, employees, agents, volunteers, partner agencies, nonprofit collaborators, their successors, contractors, subcontractors, licensees, subtenants, their successors, or invitees in connection with the lease, use or occupancy of the Premises; (2) any bodily injury or trauma (including, without limitation, death, dismemberment, mental or physical illness, and/or emotional distress) suffered by any person to the extent cause by Tenant’s use or occupancy of the Premises; (3) any injury or damage (including, without limitation, loss of profit, loss of opportunity) to any real or personal property or rights thereto, that is owned by Tenant, or its officers, employees, agents, contractors, licensees, subtenants, their successors, or invitees to the extent such damage is caused by Tenant’s action in connection to the Tenant’s lease, use, and/or occupancy of the Premises located at Real Property; (4) any willful misconduct, negligence, or act or omission of Tenant, or its officers, employees, agents, contractors, or invitees in or about the Premises or (5) any default by Tenant under this Lease. Notwithstanding the above, Tenant shall have no obligations to indemnify, defend, or hold harmless Landlord from any claims, losses, Item Number: 6.

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liabilities, actions, judgments, costs, damages and expenses arising from or relating to Landlord’s willful misconduct or negligence.

10. Utilities. Tenant agrees to pay, before delinquency, for all water, sewer, gas, heat, light, power, telephone service, refuse removal and all other utilities or services of any kind supplied to Premises. It is agreed that Landlord is not liable for any failure or interruption of any utility or service, and the failure or interruption of any utility or service will not entitle Tenant to terminate this Lease or stop making any rental or other payments due under this Lease.

11. Taxes. Without admitting any liability, Tenant recognizes and understands that this Lease may create a possessory interest subject to property taxation pursuant to California Revenue and Taxation Code Section 107 and that Tenant may be subject to the payment of property taxes levied on such interest if such a determination is made by the Riverside County Tax Assessor or other government entity with the authority to make such determination. All taxes and assessments which become due and payable with respect to the Premises, and any improvements thereon, shall be the sole responsibility of Tenant, and any such payments shall not reduce any payment due Landlord hereunder.

If Tenant shall, in good faith, desire to contest the validity, the imposition, or the amount of any tax or assessment, or any other governmental charge herein agreed to be paid by Tenant, Tenant shall be permitted to do so; provided, however, Tenant shall not permit or allow any lien to be placed or assessed upon the Premises or Real Property or any improvements thereon.

12. Alterations. Landlord agrees that Tenant may make alterations and/or improvements as it deems fit and appropriate in its sole discretion for the intended use of the Premises as a Veterans’ Service Office. Tenant agrees that it will not make any alterations or improvements to the Premises or Real Property, or any portion thereof, without Landlord’s prior written consent, except for those improvements mutually agreed upon and cost-shared under Section 12.1. For all other improvements, Landlord is under no obligation to give such consent. If Landlord consents to the making of any alterations or improvements, Tenant agrees that such alterations or improvements will be made in strict compliance with all applicable laws, rules and regulations of all governmental authorities having jurisdiction, will be performed in a good and workmanlike manner, and will be made in compliance with such other conditions as Landlord may require in connection with the granting of its consent. Tenant agrees that it will pay, when due, all claims for labor or materials furnished or alleged to have been furnished to or for Tenant at or for use on the Premises or Real Property which claims are or may be secured by any mechanics’ or materialmen’s lien against the Real Property, or any interest therein. All alterations and improvements made by Tenant shall, at Landlord’s option and at Tenant’s sole cost and expense, be removed from the Premises located at Real Property, at the end of the Term of this Lease. s. Landlord to give reasonable notice to Tenant of its electing its option for removal of said alterations and improvements prior to the Lease termination.

Item Number: 6.

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12.1 Tenant Improvements – Shared Cost Responsibility. The Parties agree that certain tenant improvements ("TI's") may be necessary to make the Premises suitable for the Permitted Use. These improvements may include, but are not limited to, modifications to interior walls, electrical systems, flooring, lighting, internet connectivity, signage, and accessibility features in compliance with ADA standards. The scope of the TI's shall be mutually agreed upon in writing by both Parties prior to commencement of any construction. The Parties further agree to share the cost of the TI’s on the invoice totaling $51,229.00, in the amount of $25,614.50 each, unless otherwise agreed to in writing. Landlord shall be responsible for managing or overseeing the TI work and providing an itemized estimate and final accounting of TI costs. Tenant shall remit payment of its share to Landlord within thirty (30) days of receipt of an invoice, along with supporting documentation. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Lease, the Parties acknowledge and agree that shared responsibility for TI costs does not confer ownership rights, or any other expanded rights, in the Premises to Tenant, nor does it alter the nature of the tenancy or modify the obligations outlined elsewhere in this Lease. All improvements made pursuant to this section shall become the property of the Landlord upon installation unless otherwise agreed in writing.

12.2 Prohibited Uses and Conditions. Tenant shall not occupy or use the Premises, or permit the Premises to be used or occupied, or do or permit anything to be done in or on the Premises, in whole or in part, for any purpose or in any manner that is not legal or that likely will: (i) create a public or private nuisance; (ii) cause structural injury to the Premises or any part thereof; (iii) cause damage to the Premises; (iv) make it difficult, impossible or cost prohibitive to obtain fire or other insurance as required pursuant to this Lease; (v) result in any violation of any certificate of occupancy or evidence of compliance issued by any governmental agency covering or affecting the use of the Premises; or (vi) result in any violation of any ordinance or regulation of the City. Tenant’s uncured breach of the foregoing shall be deemed a material default under the terms of this Lease giving rise to Landlord’s right, in its sole discretion, to terminate this Lease.

13. Tenant’s Personal Property. Except as otherwise agreed to by the City Manager, all equipment and personal property of Tenant located at the Premises will be removed from the Premises, on the Expiration Date or earlier termination date of the Lease, at Tenant’s sole cost and expense, and shall remain the property of Tenant.

14. Damage and Destruction. If the Premises, or any portion thereof are damaged or destroyed by any casualty (whether or not insured), Tenant, at Tenant’s sole cost and expense, shall promptly repair and restore the same, except for any tenant improvements funded in part by Landlord pursuant to Section 12.1, for which the Parties shall mutually agree on a cost-sharing arrangement for repairs; provided, that the proceeds, if any, of the fire and extended coverage insurance required to be kept and maintained by Tenant under Section 8 (after deduction of all costs incurred by Landlord in recovering the same) shall be made available to Tenant by Landlord for the purpose of making such repairs and restorations; provided, further, that if the cost of Item Number: 6.

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repairing or restoring the Premises, exceeds one month’s rent or if the repairs and restorations would require more than one month to complete once commenced, then either Landlord or Tenant may cancel this Lease upon the giving of written notice to the other. Upon any cancellation of this Lease pursuant to the provisions of this Section, all proceeds of insurance shall be the sole property of Landlord, and Tenant shall have no right or interest therein.

15. Assignment. Tenant may not assign this Lease nor sublet all or any part of the Premises.

16. Default. The occurrence of any one or more of the following shall constitute a default by Tenant:
(a) Vacation or abandonment of the Premises located at Real Property, by Tenant.
(b) Failure by Tenant to make payment of rent or any other payments required to be made by Tenant hereunder as and when due. (c) Failure by Tenant to keep and maintain any of the insurance required to be kept and maintained by Tenant under this Lease.
(d) Failure by Tenant to observe or perform any of the covenants or provisions of this Lease, other than as provided in subsections (b) and (c) above, when such failure continues for a period of thirty (30) days after written notice of such failure is given by Landlord to Tenant; provided, that if the nature of Tenant’s failure is such that more than thirty (30) days are reasonably required for its cure, then Tenant will not be deemed to be in default if Tenant commences such cure within said thirty (30) day period and thereafter diligently prosecutes such cure to completion.

17. Remedies. If Tenant is in default, then, in addition to all other rights and remedies which Landlord may have at law or in equity, Landlord has the following rights and remedies which are not exclusive but are cumulative:
(a) Landlord can, with or without terminating this Lease, reenter the Premises, and remove all property and persons therefrom, and any such property may be removed and stored in a public warehouse or elsewhere at the cost and for the account of Tenant. If Landlord elects to reenter or shall take possession of the Premises, pursuant to legal proceedings or pursuant to any notice provided by law, and if Landlord has not elected to terminate this Lease or relet the Premises, or any part or parts thereof for such term or terms and upon such provisions as Landlord may deem advisable and will have the right to make repairs to and alterations of the Premises. No reentry or taking possession of the Premises, by Landlord is to be construed as an election to terminate this Lease unless a written notice of such intention is given to Tenant by Landlord.

Notwithstanding any reletting without termination by Landlord because of Tenant’s default, Landlord may, at any time after such reletting, elect to terminate this Lease because of Item Number: 6.

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such default. If Landlord elects to relet the Premises, without terminating this Lease, then rent received by Landlord therefrom will be applied as follows:
(i) First, to any indebtedness from Tenant to Landlord other than rent due from Tenant;
(ii) Second, to all costs and expenses, including, without limitation, for maintenance, repairs or alterations, incurred by Landlord in connection with reletting the Premises; and
(iii) Third, to the payment of rent due and unpaid under this Lease and the residue, if any, will be held by Landlord and applied in payment of future rent as the same may become due and payable under this Lease, and to any damages and other amounts which Landlord is otherwise entitled to under this Lease. Should that portion of such rent received from such reletting during any month, which is applied to the payment of rent hereunder, be less than the rent payable hereunder during that month by Tenant, then Tenant agrees to pay such deficiency to Landlord immediately upon demand. In no event will Tenant be entitled to any excess rent received by Landlord from such reletting. (b) Landlord can terminate Tenant’s right to possession of the Premises at any time. No act by Landlord other than giving written notice to Tenant will terminate this Lease. Acts of maintenance, efforts to relet the Premises, or the appointment of a receiver on Landlord’s initiative to protect Landlord’s interest under this Lease shall not constitute a termination of Tenant’s right to possession. On termination, Landlord has the right to recover from Tenant:
(i) The worth, at the time of the award, of the unpaid rent that had been earned at the time of termination of this Lease;
(ii) The worth, at the time of the award, of the amount by which the unpaid rent that would have been earned after the date of termination of this Lease until the time of award exceeds the amount of the loss of rent that Tenant proves could have been reasonably avoided;
(iii) The worth, at the time of the award, of the amount by which the unpaid rent for the balance of the Term after the time of award exceeds the amount of the loss of rent that Tenant proves could have been reasonably avoided; and (iv) Any other amount, and court costs, necessary to compensate Landlord for all detriment proximately caused by Tenant’s default. “The worth, at the time of the award,” as used in (i) and (ii) of this subsection (b), is to be computed by allowing interest at the maximum rate an individual is permitted by law to charge. “The worth, at the time of the award,” as referred to in (iii) of this subsection (b), is to be computed by discounting the amount at the discount rate of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco at the time of the award, plus 1%.

Item Number: 6.

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(c) Landlord can have a receiver appointed to collect rent and conduct Tenant’s business. Neither the filing of a petition for the appointment of a receiver nor the appointment itself shall constitute an election by Landlord to terminate this Lease. (d) Without waiving the default, Landlord can, at its sole option, pay such sums and/or take such actions as are necessary in Landlord’s reasonable judgment in order to cure the default, and all sums expended or incurred by Landlord in connection therewith, together with interest thereon at the maximum rate permitted by law, shall be paid by Tenant to Landlord immediately on demand.

18. Payment.

19. Landlord Entry. Landlord and its authorized representatives shall have the right upon reasonable prior written notice to Tenant to enter all portions of the Premises and Real Property, for any of the following purposes: (a) to determine whether the Premises and/or Real Property, are in good condition and whether Tenant is complying with its obligations under this Lease; (b) to inspect the Premises and/or Real Property; (c) in connection with Landlord’s design and construction planning respecting Landlord’s future use of the Premises and/or Real Property; and (d) to post notices of nonresponsibility. Notwithstanding the foregoing to the contrary, Landlord and its authorized representatives shall have the right to enter the Premises and/or Real Property, at any time, and without notice to Tenant, where an emergency situation necessitates such entry.

20. Surrender of Premises. Upon the expiration or other termination of the Term of this Lease, Tenant agrees to surrender possession of the Premises and every part thereof, to Landlord in generally the same condition as it was at commencement date of the Lease, ordinary wear and tear alone excepted. “Ordinary wear and tear” does not include any damage or deterioration that would have been prevented by Tenant performing all of its obligations under this Lease.

21. Notices. Except as otherwise provided, all notices required or permitted to be given under this Lease must be in writing and addressed to the parties at their respective notice addresses set forth below; provided, that notices to Tenant may also be effectively given in writing and addressed to Tenant at the Premises. Notices must be given by personal delivery (including by commercial delivery service) or by first-class mail, postage prepaid. Notices will be deemed effectively given, in the case of personal delivery, upon receipt (or if receipt is refused, upon attempted delivery), and in the case of mailing, three (3) days following deposit into the custody of the United States Postal Service. The notice addresses of the parties are as follows:

If to Landlord: City of Desert Hot Springs
Attn: City Manager
11999 Palm Drive
Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240
If to Tenant: Riverside Country Veterans Services
Attn: Toni Valerdi
Item Number: 6.

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4360 Orange Street
Riverside, CA. 92501
Intentionally Deleted.

23. Survival of Obligations. Upon expiration or termination of this Lease, Tenant shall remain liable for all obligations and liabilities that accrued prior to such expiration or termination, and for those obligations which, by their nature, are intended to survive termination of this Lease.

24. General.
(a) The acceptance by Landlord of any rental or other payments due hereunder with knowledge of the breach of any of the terms, covenants or provisions of this Lease by Tenant shall not be construed as a waiver of any such breach. The acceptance at any time or times by Landlord of any sum less than that which is required to be paid by Tenant shall, unless Landlord specifically agrees otherwise in writing, be deemed to have been received only on account of the obligation for which it is paid, and shall not be deemed an accord and satisfaction notwithstanding any provisions to the contrary written on any check or contained in any writing transmitting the same. (b) The titles to the sections of this Lease are for convenience of reference only and are not a part of this Lease and shall have no effect upon the construction or interpretation of any part of this Lease. Any exhibits attached to this Lease are, however, a part of this Lease. In construing this Lease, none of the parties to it shall have any term or provision construed against it solely by reason of its having drafted the same.
(c) Any provision of this Lease that is invalid, illegal or unenforceable shall be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability without invalidating, diminishing or rendering unenforceable the rights and obligations of the Parties under the remaining provisions of this Lease.
(d) No term or provision of this Lease may be amended, altered, modified or waived orally or by a course of conduct, but only by an instrument in writing signed by a duly authorized officer or representative of the party against which enforcement of such amendment, alteration, modification or waiver is sought. For the City, that delegation has been made to the City Manager. Any amendment, alteration, modification or waiver shall be for such period and subject to such conditions as shall be specified in the written instrument affecting the same. Any waiver shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which given.
(e) This Lease and all exhibits attached to it constitutes the entire agreement of the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior or Item Number: 6.

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contemporaneous agreements (whether written or oral) with respect to that subject matter.
(f) This Lease may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
(g) If either Party hereto brings an action to enforce the terms hereof or declare rights hereunder, the prevailing Party in such action, on trial or appeal, shall be entitled to reasonable attorneys’ fees to be paid by the losing Party as fixed by the court.
(h) Landlord and Tenant shall execute a memorandum or “short form” of the Lease for purposes of, and in form suitable for, recordation. The memorandum or “short form” of the Lease shall describe the parties to this Lease, set forth a description of the leased Premises, specify the term of the Lease, incorporate the Lease and any amendments thereto by reference, and include any other provisions required by law. (i) If any term of this Lease or any application thereof shall be invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of this Lease and any other application of such term shall not be affected thereby.The headings in this Lease are for purposes of reference only and shall not limit or define the meaning hereof.
(j) All of the rights and obligations of the parties under this Lease shall bind and inure to the benefit of the respective heirs, personal representatives, successors, grantees and assigns of the parties.

25. Public Records Act. The parties acknowledge that both Landlord and Tenant are public entities subject to the Public Records Act. Information provided to either party pursuant to this Lease may be disclosed publicly as required by law.

26. Governing Law and Jurisdiction. Tenant agrees that in the exercise of its rights under this Lease, Tenant shall comply with all applicable federal, state, county, and local laws and regulations in connection with its use of the Premise and/or Real Property. The existence, validity, construction, operation, and effect of this Lease and all of its terms and provisions shall be determined in accordance with the laws of the State of California without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law provision or rule. Any action at law or equity brought by either of the Parties hereto for the purpose of enforcing a right or rights provided for by this Lease shall be tried in a court of competent jurisdiction in the County of Riverside, State of California, and the Parties hereby waive all provisions of law providing for a change of venue in such proceedings to any other county.

27. Language for Use of Electronic (Digital) Signatures. This Lease may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which will be an original, but all of which together will constitute one instrument. Each party of this Lease agrees to the Item Number: 6.

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use of electronic signatures, such as digital signatures that meet the requirements of the California Uniform Electronic Transactions Act ((“CUETA”) Cal. Civ. Code §§ 1633.1 to 1633.17), for executing this Lease. The parties further agree that the electronic signatures of the parties included in this Lease are intended to authenticate this writing and to have the same force and effect as manual signatures. Electronic signature means an electronic sound, symbol, or process attached to or logically associated with an electronic record and executed or adopted by a person with the intent to sign the electronic record pursuant to the CUETA as amended from time to time. The CUETA authorizes use of an electronic signature for transactions and contracts among parties in California, including a government agency. Digital signature means an electronic identifier, created by computer, intended by the party using it to have the same force and effect as the use of a manual signature, and shall be reasonably relied upon by the parties. For purposes of this section, a digital signature is a type of "electronic signature" as defined in subdivision (i) of Section 1633.2 of the Civil Code.
[SIGNATURES ON THE FOLLOWING PAGE]
Item Number: 6.

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The Parties have caused this Lease to be duly executed by their respective duly authorized officers or representatives as of the date first set forth above.

Dated:

CITY OF DESERT HOT SPRINGS:

By:

Doria Wilms, City Manager
ATTEST:

By:Jerryl Soriano, City Clerk
TENANT:

COUNTY of RIVERSIDE, a political
subdivision of the STATE OF CALIFORNIA
on behalf of VETERANS SERVICES
By:

By: V. Manuel Perez, Chair
Board of Supervisors
Attest:

Kimberly A. Rector
Clerk of the Board
By:

Deputy
APPROVED AS TO FORM:

Mihn C. Tran
County Council
By:

Ryan Yabko
Deputy County Council
Item Number: 6.

- 17 -
Intentionally Deleted
Item Number: 6.

EXHIBIT A
Item Number: 6.

Insurance:

Without limiting or diminishing the Lessor’s obligation to indemnify or hold the County harmless, Lessor shall procure and maintain or cause to be maintained, at its sole cost and expense, the following insurance coverage's during the term of this Lease Agreement. As respects to the insurance section only, the County herein refers to the County of Riverside, its Agencies, Districts, Special Districts, and Departments, their respective directors, officers, Board of Supervisors, employees, elected or appointed officials, agents or representatives as Additional Insureds.

Workers’ Compensation:

If Lessor has employees as defined by the State of California they shall procure and maintain Workers’ Compensation Insurance, in full compliance with the Workers’ Compensation and Occupational Disease Laws of all authorities having jurisdiction over the Property. Such policy shall include Employer’s Liability (Coverage B) and Occupational Disease coverage, with limits not less than One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) per person, per occurrence. Policy shall provide a Waiver of Subrogation in favor of the County.

Commercial General Liability:

Procure and maintain comprehensive general liability insurance coverage that shall protect COUNTY from claims for damages for personal injury, including, but not limited to, accidental and wrongful death, as well as from claims for property damage, which may arise from COUNTY’s use of the Property or the performance of its obligations hereunder, whether such use or performance be by COUNTY, by any subcontractor, or by anyone employed directly or indirectly by either of them. Policy shall also include fire and extended coverage on the improvements, alterations and fixtures to be constructed and installed upon the Property in an amount not less than the full replacement value of such improvements, alterations and fixtures. Such insurance shall name COUNTY as an additional insured with respect to this Lease Agreement and the obligations of COUNTY hereunder. Such insurance shall provide for limits of not less than One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) per occurrence. If such insurance contains a general aggregate limit, it shall apply separately to this agreement or be no less than two (2) times the occurrence limit.

Vehicle Liability
If vehicles or mobile equipment are used in the performance of the obligations under this Agreement, then Lessor shall maintain liability insurance for all owned, non-owned or hired vehicles so used in an amount not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence combined single limit. If such insurance contains a general aggregate limit, it shall apply separately to this agreement or be no less than two (2) times the occurrence limit. Policy shall name the COUNTY as Additional Insureds.

Item Number: 6.

General Insurance Provisions - All lines:
1) Any insurance carrier providing insurance coverage hereunder shall be admitted to the State of California and have an A M BEST rating of not less than A: VIII (A:8) unless such requirements are waived, in writing, by the County Risk Manager. If the County’s Risk Manager waives a requirement for a particular insurer such waiver is only valid for that specific insurer and only for one policy term.
2) The insurance requirements contained in this Agreement may be met with a program(s) of self-insurance. LESSOR must declare its insurance self-insured retention for each coverage required herein. If any such self-insured retention exceeds $500,000 per occurrence each such retention shall have the prior written consent of the County Risk Manager before the commencement of operations under this Agreement. Upon notification of self-insured retention unacceptable to the COUNTY, and at the election of the County’s Risk Manager, CONTRACTOR’S carriers shall either; 1) reduce or eliminate such self-insured retention as respects this Agreement with the COUNTY, or 2) procure a bond which guarantees payment of losses and related investigations, claims administration, and defense costs and expenses.
3) Lessor shall cause Lessor’s insurance carrier(s) to furnish the County of Riverside with a properly executed Certificate(s) of Insurance and copies of Endorsements effecting coverage as required herein. Further, said Certificate(s) and policies of insurance shall contain the covenant of the insurance carrier(s) that a minimum of thirty (30) days written notice shall be given to the County of Riverside prior to any material modification, cancellation, expiration or reduction in coverage of such insurance. If Lessor insurance carrier(s) policies does not meet the minimum notice requirement found herein, Lessor shall cause Lessor’s insurance carrier(s) to furnish a 30-day Notice of Cancellation Endorsement. 4) In the event of a material modification, cancellation, expiration, or reduction in coverage, this Agreement shall terminate forthwith, unless the County of Riverside receives, prior to such effective date, another properly executed Certificate of Insurance and copies of endorsements evidencing coverage’s set forth herein and the insurance required herein is in full force and effect. County shall not commence operations until the COUNTY has been furnished Certificate(s) of Insurance and copies of endorsements. An individual authorized by the insurance carrier to do so on its behalf shall sign the original endorsements for each policy and the Certificate of Insurance.

Item Number: 6.

5) It is understood and agreed to by the parties hereto that the Lessor’s insurance shall be construed as primary insurance, and the County’s insurance and/or deductibles and/or self-insured retention’s or self-insured programs shall not be construed as contributory.
6) COUNTY reserves the right to require that Lessor adjust the monetary limits of insurance coverage as required in this Paragraph 12 herein every fifth (5th) year during the term of this Agreement or any extension thereof, subject to ninety (90) days written notice to County of such adjustment, in the event that COUNTY reasonably determines that the then existing monetary limits of insurance coverage are no longer consistent with those monetary limits of insurance coverage generally prevailing in the Riverside COUNTY area for facilities comparable to the Property; provided, however, that any adjustment shall not increase the monetary limits of insurance coverage for the preceding five (5) years in excess of fifty percent (50%) thereof.
7) Lessor shall pass down the insurance obligations contained herein to all tiers of subcontractors working under this Agreement.
8) Lessor agrees to notify County of any claim by a third party or any incident or event that may give rise to a claim arising from the performance of this Agreement Item Number: 6.

SR-25-131
City of Desert Hot Springs
City Council

AGENDA ITEM REPORT
To: City Council
Date: June 3, 2025
Department: City Manager
Prepared by: Doria Wilms, Interim City Manager
Subject: Strategic Plan 2025-2027
RECOMMENDATION:

Adopt the 2025-2027 Strategic Plan.

BACKGROUND:

On January 23, 2025 and January 24, 2025 a Special Meeting of the City Council was held for a Strategic Planning Session designed to assess the City's current position, re-evaluate organizational priorities and outline the goals, priorities and vision of the City Council heading into the upcoming Two-Year Budget cycle.

DISCUSSION:

The Strategic Planning Session culminated in the identification of eleven overarching strategic goals and staff has worked diligently to outline actionable items to guide budget preparation, performance, program evaluation, and resource allocation. The 2025-2027 Strategic Plan sets a bold and focused course for the City of Desert Hot Springs, building on past progress while responding to the needs of the growing community.

The following Strategic Goals emerged from the January 2025 session:

1. Freeway Corridor
Take urgent and intentional steps to improve infrastructure and attract high-quality development along the city’s freeway corridors, focusing on the highest and best use of land and zoning designations.

2. Hotel/Spa Zone
Double Transient Occupancy Tax in 10 years.

3. Downtown District
Revitalize the Downtown Art and Culture District to attract events, promote business development and enrich the art and culture experience for Desert Hot Springs residents and visitors.

Item Number: 7.

SR-25-131

4. Public Safety - Staffing & Community Policing
Enhance the quality of life for our residents and staff by establishing appropriate law enforcement staffing levels and implementing community policing initiatives.

5. Public Safety - Quality of Life
Balance the needs of the unhoused with the quality-of-life needs of the overall community.

6. Community Beautification
Focused execution of beautification efforts city-wide via enforcement measures and the abatement of illegal dumping.

7. Community Parks
Provide maintenance and strategic upgrades at existing parks while pursuing creative ways to expand park offerings via pockets parks and securing grant funding to plan for and build out parks in the Parks Master Plan.

8. Community Services, Engagement & Quality of Life
Provide for high-quality programs, events and activities that promote and provide community engagement, pride, quality of life services and arts and culture in the City of Desert Hot Springs.

9. Animal Care and Control
Provide exceptionally high levels of customer service to the city residents while ensuring the highest levels of humane treatment of all animals in the care of the city’s Animal Care and Control.

10. Street/Road Infrastructure
Intense focus on fiscal and operational needs to ensure the city can meet the growing demands of the community by maintaining existing street/road infrastructure while planning for long-term growth and development.

11. Financial & Operations
Continue to provide fiscally sound operations via the ongoing evaluation of city processes and operational needs to maximize efficiency, streamline processes and cut bureaucracy, when possible, to deliver outstanding customer service and professionalism in all interactions with residents and the public.

Developed in collaboration with the City Council, staff and community stakeholders, this plan aims to address the needs of our growing community through deliberate and measurable steps for the efficient execution of its goals. Each goal is supported by key action items and measurable outcomes as outlined in the Strategic Plan document included in the agenda packet.

In conclusion, the 2025-2027 Strategic Plan, if approved, would be the city's roadmap reflecting the collective vision and priorities articulated during the Strategic Planning Session. The Strategic Plan also establishes a Mission Statement that describes our purpose and commits to Core Values and Ethics that describe our character. It will serve as a guide for decision making, performance management, program evaluation, and resource allocation over the next two years.

FISCAL IMPACT:

Item Number: 7.

SR-25-131
The exact costs of implementing all the goals cannot be determined at this time. However, specific steps of some of these goals have been implemented in the upcoming FY25-26 FY26-27 Two Year Budget.

ATTACHMENTS:
2025-2027 City of Desert Hot Springs Strategic Plan FINAL V3 052825 Item Number: 7.

1 STRATEGIC PLAN
2025 – 2027
Item Number: 7.

2 STRATEGIC PLAN
To build on the City of Desert Hot Springs's achievements, the 2025-2027 Strategic Plan sets forth strategic goals and actionable items to guide budget preparation, performance, program evaluation, and resource allocation. Developed in collaboration with the City Council, staff, and community members, this plan aims to address the needs of our growing city through deliberate and measurable steps for the efficient execution of its goals. Staff will provide regular updates on implementing this plan over the next two years.

VISION
The City of Desert Hot Springs is a world-class
health and wellness destination based
upon its famous miracle waters, unique
desert ecosystem, spectacular mountain
views, and natural environment.

MISSION
City of Desert Hot Springs’ public servants
are committed to maintaining fiscally
responsible operations. They achieve this by
implementing streamlined processes that
maximize efficiency and reduce
unnecessary government bureaucracy. At
the same time, they provide exceptional
levels of customer service and
professionalism to enhance the quality of
life and promote growth and prosperity for
our residents and businesses
ETHICS
City officials and employees uphold the
highest levels of ethics, personal integrity
and honesty in all interactions to maintain
public trust and confidence.

CORE VALUES
Fiscal Responsibility, Exceptional Customer
Service, Efficiency and Elimination of
Bureaucracy, Collaboration, Honesty and
Integrity, Community Engagement and
Involvement, Trust and Transparency.

Item Number: 7.

3 GOALS AND AREAS OF FOCUS

FREEWAY COORIDOR
Take urgent and intentional steps to improve
infrastructure and attract high-quality
development along the city’s freeway corridors,
focusing on the highest and best use of land
and zoning designations.

HOTEL/SPA ZONE
Double Transient Occupancy Tax in 10 years.

DOWNTOWN DISTRICT
Revitalize the Downtown Art and Culture District
to attract events, promote business
development and enrich the art and culture
experience for Desert Hot Springs residents and
visitors.

PUBLIC SAFETY – STAFFING & COMMUNITY

POLICING
Enhance the quality of life for our residents and
staff by establishing appropriate law
enforcement staffing levels and implementing
community policing initiatives.

PUBLIC SAFETY – QUALITY OF LIFE
Balance the needs of the unhoused with the
quality-of-life needs of the overall community.

COMMUNITY BEAUTIFICATION
Focused execution of beautification efforts citywide via enforcement measures and the abatement of illegal dumping.

COMMUNITY PARKS
Provide maintenance and strategic upgrades
at existing parks while pursuing creative ways to
expand park offerings via pockets parks and
securing grant funding to plan for and build out
parks in the Parks Master Plan.

COMMUNITY SERVICES, ENGAGEMENT &

QUALITY OF LIFE
Provide for high-quality programs, events and
activities that promote and provide community
engagement, pride, quality of life services and
arts and culture in the City of Desert Hot Springs.

ANIMAL CARE AND CONTROL
Provide exceptionally high levels of customer
service to the city residents while ensuring the
highest levels of humane treatment of all
animals in the care of the city’s Animal Care
and Control.

STREET/ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE
Intense focus on fiscal and operational needs to
ensure the city can meet the growing demands
of the community by maintaining existing
street/road infrastructure while planning for
long-term growth and development.

FINANCIAL & OPERATIONS
Continue to provide fiscally sound operations
via the ongoing evaluation of city processes
and operational needs to maximize efficiency,
streamline processes and cut bureaucracy,
when possible, to deliver outstanding customer
service and professionalism in all interactions
with residents and the public.

Item Number: 7.

4 ACTION ITEMS
Area of Focus #1 – FREEWAY COORIDOR
GOAL: Take urgent and intentional steps to improve infrastructure and attract high quality development along the city’s freeway corridors, focusing on the highest and best use of land and zoning designations.

Action Items:
a. 1-10 and Indian, 1-10 and Palm Drive and HWY 62
i. Take all steps necessary with CVWD, MSWD and other partners and agencies to strongly advocate for the execution of a Shared Service Agreement between CVWD and MSWD for sewer services to kick start development along the 1-10 corridor and Palm Drive from Dillon to the 1-10.
ii. Prioritize additional hotel, and commercial development along the 1-10 and Indian corridor to serve anticipated workforce in the industrial area. iii. 1-10 and Palm Drive – Intense and focused efforts to identify strategically important sites/properties, property owners and capital partners to attract and retain commercial development along the 1-10 and Palm Drive corridor once service agreement is in place with the water agencies.
iv. HWY 62 – Tourism Gateway into the City.

1. Coordinate with CalTrans to install City of Desert Hot Springs Signage along HWY frontage of HWY 62

2. Intense and focused efforts to identify strategically important sites/properties, property owners and capital partners to attract and retain commercial development along the HWY 62 corridor

3. Installation of an entry monument sign on Pierson Blvd. near HWY 62 Area of Focus #2 – HOTEL/SPA ZONE
GOAL: Double Transient Occupancy Tax in 10 years.

Action Items:
a. Focused and deliberate efforts to attract Hotel developers and entrepreneurs to the City of Desert Hot Springs via attendance at events, trade shows and conferences. b. Explore the hiring of a Tourism Development Liaison on contract to kick start these efforts for the City’s attendance at these events.
c. Evaluate the STVR regulations via the City Council Subcommittee to determine if any changes are necessary.
d. Preservation of the “Spa Zone”
Item Number: 7.

5 i. Explore alternate zoning/Miracle Hill Oasis overlay to prohibit development of anything other than hotel/restaurants in a very segmented section of the existing spa zone where the hottest mineral waters are located, while preserving the existing “Spa Zone” which allows for both housing and hotel development. ii. Evaluate the existing Spa Revitalization TOT Incentives via the City Council Subcommittee to better attract hotel developers and entrepreneurs to develop ground up construction of hotels or revitalize existing hotels. iii. Explore signage and focused beautification efforts of the Spa Zone to enhance the tourist experience in the City.
iv. Focused Tourism Advertising, Marketing and Promotion

1. Intense marketing of “Miracle Hill Oasis” as a destination in collaboration with the hoteliers via the city’s contract with JNS Next and Visit Greater Palm Springs.

2. Partner with Hoteliers to incorporate “Miracle Hill Oasis” brand into their Hotel/Spa experience. Example: Miracle Hill Oasis robes, eye masks, swag, update spa/hot water maps, maps of the murals, hiking trail maps, restaurant maps directing tourists to “The Downtown District”. Branding should be everywhere in the spa zone in collaboration with the existing hoteliers.

3. Explore programs and collaborations with partners and agencies to capitalize on opportunities for those seeking Health and Wellness experiences via hiking and the city’s proximity to Sand to Snow National Monument, Joshua Tree National Park and the city’s Hot Mineral and Drinking Water.

4. Refresh branding with JNS Next to better reflect “Desert Hot Springs – Miracle Hill Oasis” as a unique Health and Wellness destination in the valley, while still partnering with Visit Greater Palm Springs as a regional partner.

Area of Focus #3 – DOWNTOWN DISTRICT
GOAL: Revitalize the Downtown Art and Culture District to attract events, promote business development and enrich the art and culture experience for both Desert Hot Springs residents and visitors.

Action Items:
a. Activate downtown events, in a phased approach, focusing on the West-Cactus segment, for residents and tourists, as a means of bringing foot traffic to existing business and spurring other economic development activities.
i. Activate temporary Event Spaces in the Downtown, while the City executes on the larger plan of executing streetscapes, placemaking, road diets and permanent event space in the downtown.

Item Number: 7.

6 ii. Submit the up to $15 million-dollar AHSC Grant application for Downtown Street Scape, Road Diet, Permanent Event Space, Placemaking and Transit HUB project in collaboration with Abode Affordable Housing Developer.
iii. Activate a Monthly Concert series via a contract with Take 5 Entertainment. Staff will work to incorporate downtown businesses while activating non-competing Food Trucks and other local vendors during this event.
iv. Evaluation and reimagining of Friday Nights on Pierson. Explore name, frequency, location in the downtown, and feasibility of its long term success. v. Continue to work with The Palm Springs Cultural Center to facilitate a Certified Farmers Market on Sunday mornings in the downtown area. b. Downtown Art and Murals
i. Work with Known Gallery to execute Phase two of the Downtown Art and Mural Project, capitalizing on the initial internationally known artists via intense advertising and promotion in conjunction with Known Gallery/The Seventh Letter/The Mural Supply Co.
v. Encourage and implement Art Walks, Cultural Events and Paint Nights in the downtown.
vi. Engage the youth and local artists to participate in the continued incorporation of Art and Culture in the Downtown.
c. Downtown Beautification
i. Institute a more aggressive Vacant Property Registration Program to encourage rental of vacant commercial properties in the downtown and other city locations. ii. Downtown Sign Program – Initiate a downtown signage program. iii. Initiate Downtown Small Business Grant program for signage, façade and landscaping assistance to beautify downtown and activate spaces for EcDev initiatives and purposes.
iv. Collaborate with vacant parcel owners to clean lots, clear/grub and lay ground cover in Public Right of Way to provide clean, esthetically pleasing areas ready for EcDev opportunities.
v. Initiate Downtown Branding/Social Media to create “The Downtown District” as a destination.

1. Partner with downtown small business stakeholders and the community to name the downtown.

2. Partner with downtown small businesses to incorporate “The Downtown District” brand in their storefronts. Example: create posters and maps of the murals and hang in EVERY business in the downtown.

Downtown branded trash cans, benches, handouts. Downtown branding should be everywhere in the downtown area in
collaboration with the existing businesses.

3. Visible Banners, signage, and temp screenings where needed to create esthetically pleasing spaces in the downtown.

II. Encourage the activation of parking lots and vacant parcels by landowners to create esthetically pleasing spaces downtown.

Item Number: 7.

7 Area of Focus #4 – PUBLIC SAFETY- STAFFING AND COMMUNITY

POLICING
GOAL: Enhance the quality of life for our residents and staff by establishing appropriate law enforcement staffing levels and implementing community policing initiatives.

Action Items:
a. Implement a police recruitment and over hiring process to always ensure proper staffing levels.
b. Conduct a P.O.S.T. Evaluation to ensure the proper operational structure for the Police Department and hire accordingly.
c. Establish a Council policy on Police Staffing levels based on P.O.S.T. recommendation. d. Organize, train and cultivate a culture in the Police Department to facilitate Community Policing.
e. Commitment to complete the Public Safety Annex Complex, which includes exploring grants to fund the improvements that are necessary at Fire Station 37 that were removed due to construction costs.
f. Work with CalFire to explore the continued programming and utilization of the Medic Squad in perpetuity.
g. Enhance traffic enforcement and control along main corridors of the city, utilizing the Motor Officer as much as possible in these efforts.
h. Balance Social Media efforts highlighting both information on significant events AND at minimum two positive police stories or press releases per week.

Area of Focus #5 – PUBLIC SAFETY – QUALITY OF LIFE
GOAL: Balance the needs of the unhoused with the quality-of-life needs and concerns of the broader community.

Action Items:
a. Continue with dedicated team comprised of Law Enforcement, Code Enforcement, and SWAG to provide resources and services to the unhoused population while continuing to enforce a zero-tolerance policy for any criminal activity. b. Continue to work with property owners to institute and enforce 602 No Trespassing letters and abate encampments in collaboration with private property owners and in the public right of way per ordinance.

Item Number: 7.

8 c. Explore ERF Funding with CVAG, Riverside County and CVCC so long as the efforts and other agencies align with and are not in contradiction to the City’s efforts to provide services and address homelessness.

Area of Focus #6 – COMMUNITY BEAUTIFICATION
GOAL: Focused execution of beautification efforts city-wide via enforcement measures and the abatement of illegal dumping.

Action Items:
a. Intense education to residents on programs available via Desert Valley Disposal and other partner agencies to abate illegal dumping.
b. Continue to partner with Desert Valley Disposal on illegal dumping program which is instituted now in the DVD Franchise Agreement.
i. Work with DVD to institute a SFR and multi-family fee to abate the long-standing issue of illegal dumping that occurs following the turnover of renters in SFR and multi-family units in the City.
ii. Advertise steep fines for illegal dumping (signage at frequent illegal dumping sites, educational billboards, information on bulky item pick-up dates in City newsletter/magazine)
iii. Strict enforcement for offenders of illegal dumping. c. Continue Code Enforcement measures in the main corridor of the City to ensure businesses, shopping centers and vacant property owners are abiding by the Municipal Code.
d. Facilitate quarterly meetings with shopping center owners and property managers to establish strong working relationships to progress the city’s goals and vision. e. Institute a Rental Registration Program to abate long standing issues with substandard living conditions of rental properties caused by absentee/irresponsible property owners.

Area of Focus #7 – COMMUNITY PARKS
GOAL: Provide maintenance and strategic upgrades at existing parks while pursuing creative ways to expand park offerings via pocket parks and securing grant funding to plan for and build out parks in the Parks Master Plan.

Action Items:
a. Parks Master Plan – Identify next 4 parks from the Parks Master Plan i. Secure funding and develop plans for identified parks to ensure shovel ready projects to aggressively pursue grant funding.
b. Pocket Parks – institute pocket park program in existing LMD’s/DAD’s c. Wardman Park – Old Boys and Girls Club – pursue grant funding for batting cages/rehabilitation of the building.

Item Number: 7.

9 i. Secure temp screening around fencing to hide drained pool. ii. Install new bleachers at the Little League Field
Area of Focus #8 – COMMUNITY SERVICES, ENGAGEMENT AND

QUALITY OF LIFE
GOAL: Provide for high-quality programs, events and activities that promote and provide community engagement, pride, quality of life services and arts and culture in the City of Desert Hot Springs.

Action Items:
a. Complete pool repairs at the John Furbee Aquatic Center and the installation of the Splash Pad following the 2025 swim season.
b. Explore funding mechanisms as a means of transitioning the John Furbee Aquatic Center to year-round swim commencing with the 2026 swim season. c. Expand Veteran services in the City of Desert Hot Springs via a lease agreement with Riverside County Veteran Services to relocate their Coachella Valley offices to the Lozano Center.
d. Expand youth activities and services at the Health and Wellness Center e. Explore funding and provide options to the City Council for the expansion of Senior Center services at the Old Library on the Senior Center campus. i. Give notice to entities utilizing space on the Senior Center campus to maximize space on the complex for Senior Services.
ii. Create a non-profit to better facilitate funding opportunities for Senior Services, Recreation activities, including Little League and youth sports and the animal sanctuary.
f. Provide intense Community engagement and outreach to the residents of Desert Hot Springs, with particular focus on “humanizing” City Hall as a means of encouraging pride, engagement and participation with city initiatives and goals. g. Conduct Education Events, Informational Townhalls and opportunities for engagement to bring City information to the residents.
h. Provide Civics Academy twice a year to the residents of Desert Hot Springs. i. Focused efforts to Improve the City’s Regional Image i. Establish better relationships with regional partners and media. ii. Increase staff participation and engagement regionally. iii. Ensure the City is proactively telling “its story” rather than allowing the City to be defined by outdated stigma and history.

Area of Focus #9 – ANIMAL CARE AND CONTROL
Item Number: 7.

10 GOAL: Provide exceptionally high levels of customer service to the city residents while ensuring the highest levels of humane treatment of all animals in the care of the city’s Animal Care and Control.

Action Items:
a. Maintain adequate staffing levels of Animal Control Officers and Kennel Technicians. b. Hire an Administrative Assistant for Animal Care and Control c. Conduct trainings at all staff levels, including management, to improve customer service to the residents and partners of the City of Desert Hot Springs. d. Create and incorporate an aggressive adoption program to improve capacity and quality of life for the animals in the care of animal care and control. e. Build out a strong volunteer program and empower them to assist with dog walking, socialization and general care of the animals at Animal Care and Control. f. Explore strategic partnership with Greater Palm Springs Animal Allies for the Animal Sanctuary, similar to the Animal Hospital.
g. Provide intense and comprehensive education and information to the residents via social media.
h. Facilitate partnerships with regional organizations to facilitate affordable immunization and spay and neuter clinics for the residents of Desert Hot Springs.

Area of Focus #10 – STREET/ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE
GOAL: Intense focus on fiscal and operational needs to ensure the city can meet the growing demands of the community by maintaining existing street/road infrastructure while planning for long-term growth and development.

Action Items:
a. Develop a more comprehensive street repaving program, focusing on most severe streets. b. Prioritize routine repairs of potholes in a proactive manner. c. Indian/Little Morongo-20th Avenue Road Infrastructure i. Plan for alternate paths of ingress/egress around the industrial area. ii. Explore funding mechanisms including EIFD’s, Bonds and Grants to plan for and execute infrastructure improvements that will be necessary to keep pace with the anticipated growth of the Indian/Little Morongo-20th Ave industrial zone. d. Plan for alternate freeway access at Little Morongo, via the submittal of an application for a new on-ramp at Little Morongo and the 1-10.
e. Continue to collaborate with Caltrans on the Stop Light at HWY 62 and Pierson to ensure project stays on track and is completed as planned and promised by CalTrans. f. Prioritize funding to install the Stop Light at Palm Drive and Park Lane. g. Plan for creative alternative paths of travel to relieve traffic on Palm Drive and Indian Canyon. (Example: Explore funding mechanism to pave Little Morongo to Varner/20th/Freeway)
Item Number: 7.

11 Area of Focus #11 – FINANCIAL AND OPERATIONS
GOAL: Continue to provide fiscally sound operations via the ongoing evaluation of city processes and operational needs to maximize efficiency, streamline processes and eliminate bureaucracy, when possible, to deliver outstanding customer service and professionalism in all interactions with residents and the public.

Action Items:
a. Explore the potential and feasibility of adjusting some City Hall operations to a Monday through Friday public schedule, with a continued commitment to supporting the 4/10 work schedule for staff.
b. Ensure staff is providing “exceptionally high levels of customer service” in all interactions, embodying the “we don’t operate government as usual” culture the city has become synonymous with.
c. Facilitate biennial Strategic Planning Sessions with the community, City Council and Staff. d. Add a “Strategic Plan Integration” section to each Agenda item to track all Council Actions and how they align with the Strategic Plan.
e. Institute internal Employee Performance evaluations to align with measurable goals and benchmarks based on Strategic Planning goals and priorities. f. Update the City’s internal Procurement Process and continue instituting best practices. g. Explore Planet Bid (or something similar) for all RFP/RFQ listings to ensure listings are spread far and wide resulting in a more competitive bidding process for all City projects. h. Establish an employee recognition program quarterly, with the winner of the annual Rotary Big Heart Award being selected from the pool of “Employee of the Quarter” recipients. i. Re-Establish and refresh the City’s L.E.A.D Program to promote an internal collaborative culture that spans across departments and discourages departmental silos. j. Review and update Compensation and Benefits Profile document for Non-Represented Employees and Department Heads.
k. Ensure city-wide and department specific mandated safety training programs are followed and expanded upon to ensure staff safety and to mitigate risks. l. Continue 10-year Financial Forecasting with updates to the City Council. m. Conduct finance policy reviews and update every 5 years. n. Work toward applying for the Audited Financial Reporting Award through GFOA. o. Create an Unfunded Liability policy and establish a plan to fund the unfunded pension trust account via PARS commencing in the FY 27 budget cycle.
p. Currently, the city can fund two months of operational expenses via emergency reserve fund balance. Create a policy to fund two months’ worth of operational expenses via the unassigned fund balance as per GFOA recommendations.

Item Number: 7.

12 Item Number: 7.

SR-25-129
City of Desert Hot Springs
City Council

AGENDA ITEM REPORT
To: City Council
Date: June 3, 2025
Department: Community Development
Prepared by: Patricia Villagomez, Principal Planner
Subject: An Ordinance Amending Chapter 8.28: “Fireworks” RECOMMENDATION:

Introduce the First Reading and read by title only: "An Ordinance of the City of Desert Hot Springs, California, Amending Chapter 8.28 (Fireworks) of Title 8 (Health and Safety) of the Desert Hot Springs Municipal Code to Streamline the Permitting Process for Firework Stands." DISCUSSION:

The City of Desert Hot Springs is amending Chapter 8.28, Fireworks, to streamline the permitting process for firework stands, and update some of the language.

A summary of the proposed changes to Chapter 8.28, Fireworks are listed below:
 Removed the language for firework stands to be allowed on vacant lots or unimproved real property;
 Added language to only allow firework stands on improved paved lot;  Removed outdated language “except that for the year 2009, applications must be submitted no later than June 10, 2009;”
 Removed “City Council consideration and approval” throughout; and  Added language “all applications shall be approved by the City Manager or designee” throughout.

FISCAL IMPACT:

There is no fiscal impact as a result of this action.

ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS:

In accordance with the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”), this project is Categorically Exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section No. 15061(b)(3) of the California Environmental Quality Act because it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the adoption of this Ordinance in question may have a significant effect on the environment.

Item Number: 8.

SR-25-129
ATTACHMENTS:
1) Draft Ordinance
Item Number: 8.

ORDINANCE NO. ______

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DESERT
HOT SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 8.28
(FIREWORKS) OF TITLE 8 (HEALTH AND SAFETY) OF THE DESERT

HOT SPRINGS MUNICIPAL CODE TO STREAMLINE THE

PERMITTING PROCESS FOR FIREWORK STANDS
WHEREAS, the City of Desert Hot Springs (“City”) is a charter city organized pursuant to Article XI of the California Constitution; and WHEREAS, Title 8 of the Desert Hot Springs Municipal Code regulates the City’s Health and Safety; and
WHEREAS, Chapter 8.28 of the Desert Hot Springs Municipal Code provides regulations for fireworks and the permits required to sell safe and sane fireworks; and WHEREAS, currently, Chapter 8.28 of the Desert Hot Springs Municipal Code requires that any person who seeks to operate a firework stand to first obtain a requisite permit; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that the fireworks stand permitting process is an administrative process that City Staff should conduct; and WHEREAS, the City Council has directed staff to amend Chapter 8.28 of the Desert Hot Springs Municipal Code to amend to allow for City Staff to review and approve or deny firework stand permits.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Desert Hot Springs as follows:

Section 1. RECITALS
That the foregoing recitals are true and correct and are herein adopted by this reference.

Section 2. AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 8.28 (“FIREWORKS”) OF
TITLE 8 (“HEALTH AND SAFETY”) OF THE DESERT HOT

SPRINGS MUNICIPAL CODE
Chapter 8.28 (“Fireworks”) of Title 8 (“Health and Safety”) of the Desert Hot Springs Municipal Code is hereby amended to read in its entirety as follows:

8.28.030 Permits required to sell safe and sane fireworks.

No person shall offer for sale or sell at retail any safe and sane fireworks in the City without having first applied for and received the following permits:

Item Number: 8.

A. Permits Required.

1. Fireworks Program Permit. No person shall offer for sale or sell at retail any safe and sane fireworks in the City without having first applied for and received a fireworks program permit issued by the City’s Fire Department.

2. Fireworks Safety Permit. No person shall offer for sale or sell at retail any safe and sane fireworks in the City without having first applied for and received a fireworks safety permit issued by the City’s Fire Department.

3. No permit shall be issued to any organization not qualified under the provisions of this chapter.

B. Permit Fees.

1. The cost of the fireworks program permit fee shall be established by resolution of the City Council and shall be no less than $500 per permit. Proceeds of said fee shall be used to defray the City’s inspection, enforcement, public education and clean up costs for the fireworks program.

2. The cost of the fireworks safety permit fee shall be no less than $100, as established by resolution of the City Council. Proceeds of said fee shall be used to defray the City’s costs for compliance with applicable laws and regulations pertaining to the sale and storage of fireworks.

3. In the case of a joint venture, as permitted under Section 8.28.040(E), only one fireworks program permit and/or one fireworks safety permit fee shall be required to be paid.

C. Zoning Restrictions. Each fireworks stand must be on private property located in a commercial or industrial zone and may include vacant lots or otherwise unimproved real property. and shall only occur on an improved paved lot.

D. Permit Application Process.

1. An application for a fireworks program permit and an application for a fireworks safety permit (collectively, “fireworks permits”) shall be submitted together, on forms provided by the City’s Fire Department.

2. Applications for fireworks permits shall include a detailed and specific description of the operation of and the location of the proposed site for a fireworks stand and shall identify whether the proposed site is to be located on improved or unimproved private property. The Fire Marshal or designee shall have the sole discretion to approve the proposed site for a fireworks stand in accordance with applicable safety requirements and the requirements for a fireworks stand set forth in this chapter. The Fire Marshal or designee shall have the sole discretion to impose mitigation measures on an applicant based on site access, dust control, or any other fire or life safety considerations.

3. Applicants for fireworks permits that propose a site for a fireworks stand on unimproved private property shall comply with Desert Hot Springs Municipal Code Chapter 15.84, titled “Control of (PM10) Fugitive Dust Emissions” and any other Item Number: 8.

applicable City regulations, by submitting to the City a PM10 plan for fugitive dust mitigation measures and by submitting to the City the applicable administrative review fees for said plan.

Applicants for fireworks permits shall submit a City-approved PM10 plan for fugitive dust mitigation measures to the City’s Fire Department, together with the application for fireworks permits.

4. Applications for fireworks permits shall be accompanied by the following:
a. A nonrefundable application fee of $100 which shall be used to defray the administrative costs of processing the permit application; b. A City-approved PM10 plan for fugitive dust mitigation measures if the proposed site for a fireworks stand is to be located on unimproved private property; c. Payment, in full, of the fireworks program permit fee and the fireworks safety permit fee;
d. Written permission of the owner of record and lessee, if applicable, where the stand is to be located which provides the owner’s and lessee’s consent to the construction and operation of a fireworks stand at said location;
e. Written assurance that, if the fireworks permits are issued to applicant, applicant shall, at the time of receipt of the permits, deliver to the City’s Fire Department, $1,000,000 public liability and $1,000,000 property damage insurance certificates designating the City as an additional insured thereunder, and a certified copy of the requisite license from the State Fire Marshal;
f. Bylaws and other written evidence of the organization’s tax exempt status; and g. A cash deposit, certificate of deposit or a surety bond made payable to the City in the amount of $150 to assure compliance with the provisions of this chapter. Such deposit, certificate, or bond shall be refundable immediately to those applicants who are denied issuance of fireworks permits. Deposits, certificates, or bonds shall be refunded to applicants who are issued fireworks permits upon compliance with the provisions and requirements of this chapter, including, but not limited to, the removal of the stand and the cleaning up of the site. In the event the permitted applicant/organization does not so comply or remove the stand or clean up the site to the Fire Marshal’s or designee’s reasonable satisfaction, the City may remove the stand and/or clean the site, or cause the same to be done by other persons, and the reasonable cost thereof shall be a charge against the permitted applicant/organization and its surety and the deposit, certificate or bond.

5. Applications for fireworks permits must be submitted between the 30th day of March and the sixth day of April of each year, except that for the year 2009, applications must be submitted no later than June 10, 2009.

6. Applications for fireworks permits shall be reviewed for compliance with this chapter by the City Manager, or designee. All applications for the fireworks permits shall be Item Number: 8.

approved by the City Manager, or designee. shall be forwarded to the City Council for consideration and approval by resolution, together with the City Manager, or designee, report of its findings and recommendations.

7. Each calendar year, the City Manager, or designee, Council may issue up to six fireworks permits.

8. Notice of Grant or Denial. Applicants for fireworks permits shall be notified of the acceptance or rejection of the applications for said permits by the City Manager, or designee within 10 days of the City Manager’s, or designee Council’s decision on the applications., but no later than the second regular City Council meeting scheduled in the month of May.

9. Refund of Fees. Any applicant whose application was rejected by the City shall be entitled to a full refund of the fireworks program permit and the fireworks safety permit fees.

10. Unclaimed Permits. In the event that any fireworks permits issued by the City Manager, or designee, Council go unclaimed, the City Manager, or designee may randomly select from the pool of the applications for fireworks permits that were submitted to but not approved by the City Manager, or designee, Council and may issue fireworks permits to the randomly selected organization(s) specified in Section

8.28.040 of this chapter.

E. Firework permits are not transferable.

F. Only one set of fireworks permits shall be issued per organization IRS identification number, even in the case of a joint venture as permitted by Section 8.28.040(E). The organization providing the IRS identification number shall be primarily responsible to the City for any breach of law or act of negligence. The other organization in the joint venture is not, because of this provision, relieved of any liability to the City.

G. The cash deposit, certificate of deposit or surety bond made payable to the City in the amount of $150 shall be refunded to the permittee pursuant to subsection (D)(4)(g) of this section.

Section 3. CEQA
In accordance with the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”), this project is Categorically Exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section No. 15061(b)(3) of the California Environmental Quality Act because it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the adoption of this Ordinance in question may have a significant effect on the environment.

Section 4. SEVERABILITY
That, should any provision, section, paragraph, sentence or word of this ordinance be rendered or declared invalid by any final court action in a court of competent jurisdiction or by reason of any preemptive legislation, the remaining Item Number: 8.

provisions, sections, paragraphs, sentences or words of this ordinance as hereby adopted shall remain in full force and effect.

Section 5. REPEAL OF CONFLICTING PROVISIONS
That all the provisions of the Municipal Code as heretofore adopted by the City of Desert Hot Springs that are in conflict with the provisions of this ordinance are hereby repealed.

Section 6. AMENDING OF BAIL SCHEDULE

That the City Attorney’s Office is hereby directed to determine whether this ordinance necessitates amendment of the City’s Bail Schedule and to cause such necessary amendments to be made and filed with the local branches of the Superior Court of the County of Riverside.

Section 7. EFFECTIVE DATE
That this ordinance shall be effective thirty days after the second reading of the ordinance.

Section 8. CERTIFICATION
That the City Clerk shall certify to the passage of this ordinance and shall cause the same to be published according to law.

PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Desert Hot Springs at a regular meeting held on the ___ day of ______, 2025 by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSTAIN:

ABSENT:
_______________________________
Scott Matas, Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
Jerryl Soriano, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_______________________________
Jennifer Mizrahi, City Attorney
Item Number: 8.

SR-25-132
City of Desert Hot Springs
City Council

AGENDA ITEM REPORT
To: City Council
Date: June 3, 2025
Department: City Clerk
Prepared by: Jerryl Soriano, City Clerk
Subject: City Council Regular Meeting Minutes: May 20, 2025 RECOMMENDATION:

Approve the minutes as presented; or as corrected.

ATTACHMENTS:

Draft City Council Regular Meeting Minutes - May 20, 2025 Item Number: 9.

City of Desert Hot Springs

DRAFT ACTION MINUTES
City Council Regular Meeting
6:00 PM - Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Council Chambers
CLOSED SESSION - 5:00 P.M.

CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Matas called the Closed Session to order at 5:00 PM.

ROLL CALL

Present:

Council Members: Daniel Pitts, Jan Pye, Dirk Voss
Mayor Pro Tem: Gary Gardner
Mayor: Scott Matas

PUBLIC COMMENTS
None.

Jennifer Mizrahi, City Attorney, announced the Closed Session items.

CLOSED SESSION:

1. Public Employee Performance Evaluation (§ 54957)
Title: (Interim City Manager)

2. Public Employment (§ 54957)
Title: (City Manager)
PRESENTATIONS - 5:30 P.M.

Proclamation for National Public Works Week
The Mayor and City Council presented a Proclamation to the Public Works Department.

Variety Children's Charity of the Desert
Catherina Silva, Program Specialist, Alejandra Rodriguez, Program Manager, and Heidi Maldoon, Executive Director, from Variety Children's Charity of the Desert, presented an overview of the programs and services provided by their Item Number: 9.

City Council
May 20, 2025
organization; and responded to questions.

REGULAR SESSION - 6:00 P.M.

CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Matas called the Regular Session to order at 6:00 PM.

ROLL CALL

Present:

Council Members: Daniel Pitts, Jan Pye, Dirk Voss
Mayor Pro Tem: Gary Gardner
Mayor: Scott Matas

INVOCATION
Pastor James Baylark gave the Invocation.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Pro Tem Gardner led the Pledge of Allegiance.

CITY ATTORNEY REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION
Jennifer Mizrahi, City Attorney, advised that there was no reportable action.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA
ACTION: Approve the May 20, 2025, Regular Meeting agenda and approve the Consent Calendar (noting that Mayor Matas and Councilmember Pitts recused from Items 8 and 9 due to a potential conflict of interest).

Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Gardner
Seconded by Councilmember Voss
Carried 5-0 by the following votes:

AYES: Pitts, Pye, Voss, Gardner, and Matas

PUBLIC COMMENTS
Elliot Lew Griffin spoke regarding homelessness.

CITY MANAGER REPORT
Geoffrey Buchheim, Administrative Services Director, provided a financial update.

Item Number: 9.

City Council
May 20, 2025
Roberta Crncic, Recreation and Community Services Director, provided Recreation Center and City event updates and announcements.

MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS
Councilmember Voss reported on the various meetings and events he attended.

Councilmember Pye reported on the various meetings and events she attended.

Mayor Pro Tem Gardner reported on the various meetings and events he attended.

Councilmember Pitts reported on the various meetings and events he attended.

Mayor Matas reported on the various meetings and events he attended.

PUBLIC HEARINGS:

3. Desert Valley Disposal Placing Delinquent Disposal Billings on the County Tax Roll, Fiscal Year 2025-26
Recommendation:
1) Staff Report;
2) Entertain questions of Staff from the City Council;
3) Open the Public Hearing;
4) Take public testimony for those in favor;
5) Take public testimony for those opposed;
6) Take public testimony for those in a neutral position; 7) Close the Public Hearing;
8) City Council discussion and questions to Staff; and
9) Adopt a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Desert Hot Springs, California, Placing the Delinquent Desert Valley Disposal Billings on the Fiscal Year 2025-26 County Tax Roll, after Holding a Public Hearing.

Staff Report - SR-25-121 - Pdf
Geoffrey Buchheim, Administrative Services Director, presented the staff report.

Mayor Matas opened the Public Hearing.

There was no public testimony.

Mayor Matas closed the Public Hearing.

ACTION: Approve Staff recommendation and adopt Resolution No. 2025-021.

Moved by Councilmember Voss
Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Gardner
Item Number: 9.

City Council
May 20, 2025
Carried 5-0 by the following votes:

AYES: Pitts, Pye, Voss, Gardner, and Matas

4. Resolution Ordering Annual Assessments for Desert Valley Disposal Solid Waste Refuse Services of Residential Properties for Fiscal Year 2025-26
Recommendation:
1) Staff Report;
2) Entertain questions of Staff from the City Council;
3) Open the Public Hearing;
4) Take public testimony for those in favor;
5) Take public testimony for those opposed;
6) Take public testimony for those in a neutral position; 7) Close the Public Hearing;
8) City Council discussion and questions to Staff; and
9) Adopt a Resolution of the City Council Ordering Annual Assessment for Desert Valley Disposal Solid Waste Refuse Services of Residential Properties for Fiscal Year 2025-26.

Staff Report - SR-25-122 - Pdf
Geoffrey Buchheim, Administrative Services Director, presented the staff report and responded to questions.

Mayor Matas opened the Public Hearing.

There was no public testimony.

Mayor Matas closed the Public Hearing.

ACTION: Approve Staff recommendation and adopt Resolution No. 2025-022.

Moved by Councilmember Voss
Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Gardner
Carried 5-0 by the following votes:

AYES: Pitts, Pye, Voss, Gardner, and Matas
ADMINISTRATIVE CALENDAR:

5. Joint Application for Affordable Housing and Sustainable Community Program funding through the Strategic Growth Council of California.

Recommendation:

Adopt a Resolution of the City Council authorizing a joint application with Abode Communities for the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities Program and further authorizing the City Manager to negotiate and execute any and all documents needed to effectuate the application and receipt of AHSC funds.

Item Number: 9.

City Council
May 20, 2025
Staff Report - SR-25-117 - Pdf
Travis Clark, Community Development Director, presented the staff report and responded to questions.

ACTION: Approve Staff recommendation and adopt Resolution No. 2025-023.

Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Gardner
Seconded by Councilmember Voss
Carried 5-0 by the following votes:

AYES: Pitts, Pye, Voss, Gardner, and Matas
CONSENT CALENDAR:

6. City Council Meeting Schedule for Summer/Winter 2025 Staff Report - SR-25-127 - Pdf
Recommendation:

Approve the proposed City Council Meeting Schedule for Summer/Winter 2025.

ACTION: Approved Staff recommendation.

7. Landscape and Lighting Maintenance District No. 1 Intention Proceedings for the Levy and Collection of Assessments
Staff Report - SR-25-120 - Pdf
ACTION: Approved Staff recommendation to:
1) Adopt Resolution No. 2025-024: “A Resolution of the City Council, declaring its intention for the levy and collection of assessments for the Citywide Landscape and Lighting Maintenance District No. 1, Zone A and Zone B, for Fiscal Year 2025-26; and
2) Adopt Resolution No. 2025-025: “A Resolution of the City Council, approving the Annual Engineer’s Report regarding the proposed levy and collection of assessments for the Landscape and Lighting Maintenance District No. 1 for Fiscal Year 2025-26.

8. Landscape and Lighting Maintenance District No. 2 Intention Proceedings for the Levy and Collection of Assessments.

Staff Report - SR-25-118 - Pdf
Mayor Matas and Councilmember Pitts recused due to a potential conflict of interest.

ACTION: Approved Staff recommendation to:
1) Adopt Resolution No. 2025-026: “A Resolution of the City Council declaring its intention for the levy and collection of assessments for Landscape and Lighting Maintenance District No. 2, Zones 1 through 19, for Fiscal Year Item Number: 9.

City Council
May 20, 2025
2025-26; and
2) Adopt Resolution No. 2025-027: “A Resolution of the City Council approving the Annual Engineer's Report regarding the proposed levy and collection of assessments for Landscape and Lighting Maintenance District No. 2, Zones 1 through 19, for Fiscal Year 2025-26.”

9. Drainage Assessment District No. 1 Intention Proceedings for the Levy and Collection of Assessments
Staff Report - SR-25-119 - Pdf
Mayor Matas and Councilmember Pitts recused due to a potential conflict of interest.

ACTION: Approved Staff recommendation to:
1) Adopt Resolution No. 2025-028: “A Resolution of the City Council, declaring its intention for the levy and collection of assessments for the Drainage Assessment District No. 1 for Fiscal Year 2025-26;” and 2) Adopt Resolution No. 2025-029: “A Resolution of the City Council, for approval of the Annual Engineer’s Report regarding the proposed levy and collection of assessments for the Drainage Assessment District No. 1 for Fiscal Year 2025-26.”

10. Second Reading and Adoption of an Ordinance Amending the Desert Hot Springs Municipal Code to Amend the Zoning Map From Residential High (R-H) to Residential Medium (R-M) for APN 656-050-006 (Crossings on Camino Campanero)
Staff Report - SR-25-128 - Pdf
ACTION: Approved Staff recommendation to approve Second Reading, read by title only and adopt Ordinance No. 813: "An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Desert Hot Springs, California, amending the Desert Hot Springs Municipal Code 17.04.060 to amend the zoning map from Residential High (RH) to Residential Medium (R-M) for APN 656-050-006."

11. Second Reading and Adoption of Cannabis Regulatory Permit Retail Renewals
Staff Report - SR-25-125 - Pdf
ACTION: Approved Staff recommendation to approve second reading, read by title only and adopt Ordinance No. 814: "An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Desert Hot Springs, California, repealing Section 5.50.195 “Transference and Renewal of Permits Exemptions” of Title 5 “Business Licenses and Regulations” of the Desert Hot Springs Municipal Code in order to update cannabis regulatory permit regulations."

12. Second Reading and Adoption of Shopping Cart Regulations Amendment Item Number: 9.

City Council
May 20, 2025
Ordinance
Staff Report - SR-25-126 - Pdf
ACTION: Approved Staff recommendation to approve Second Reading, read by title only and adopt Ordinance No. 815: "An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Desert Hot Springs, California, Amending Chapter 8.16 (Shopping and Laundry Carts) of Title 8 (Health and Safety) of the Desert Hot Springs Municipal Code to Enhance Regulations for the Containment and Retrieval of Shopping Carts."

13. Payment Register and City Council Expenditures for the Period of April 1, 2025 to April 30, 2025
Staff Report - SR-25-123 - Pdf
ACTION: Received and filed.

14. Treasurer’s Report as of March 2025
Staff Report - SR-25-124 - Pdf
ACTION: Received and filed.

PUBLIC COMMENTS
None.

ADJOURN
Mayor Matas adjourned the meeting at 6:35 PM.

Jerryl Soriano, CMC, City Clerk
Item Number: 9.