Indian Wells Golf Resort
City Strategic Planning Session
Meeting Minutes
Thursday, February 17, 2022
9:00 a.m.
Indian Wells Golf Resort, Celebrity Ballroom
WELCOME TO A CITY STRATEGIC PLANNING SESSION OF THE INDIAN WELLS CITY COUNCIL. ALL DOCUMENTS FOR PUBLIC REVIEW ARE AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION AT CITY HALL, 44-950 ELDORADO DRIVE, INDIAN WELLS DURING NORMAL BUSINESS HOURS.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO SPEAK DURING PUBLIC COMMENTS: ONCE THE MAYOR HAS
RECOGNIZED YOU, PLEASE COME FORWARD, PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU MAY ADDRESS THE CITY COUNCIL ONLY ON ITEMS LISTED ON THE STRATEGIC PLANNING SESSION AGENDA. PLEASE TURN
OFF ALL COMMUNICATION DEVICES (PHONES) OR PUT THEM ON NON-AUDIBLE MODE (VIBRATE) SO IT DOES NOT CAUSE DISRUPTION IN THE COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS. 24 City Strategic Planning Session Minutes February 17, 2022
1.CONVENE THE CITY STRATEGIC PLANNING SESSION, PLEDGE OF
ALLEGIANCE AND ROLL CALL
Mayor Reed convened the City Council of the City of Indian Wells at 9:00 a.m. in the Indian Wells Golf Resort Celebrity Ballroom.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Griffith, seconded by Council Member Sanders to excuse Council Member Muzik from the meeting. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 4- Balocco, Griffith, Reed, Sanders
NOES: 0 -
EXCUSED: 1 - Muzik
Present 4 - Mayor Reed, Mayor Pro Tem Griffith, Council Members Sanders, Council Member Balocco
2.APPROVAL OF THE FINAL AGENDA
It was the CONSENSUS of the City Council to Approve the Agenda as Submitted.
3.PUBLIC COMMENTS
Ms. Rebecca Peterson, resident, expressed concerns relating to public safety. Ms.
Jaqueline Bradley, resident, spoke in opposition of a dog park. Mr. Bruce Whitman, resident, expressed concerns relating to anonymous IW Views emails being circulated to the residents and spoke in opposition of dog park. Mr. Bear Bonafide, resident, urged the Council to create new Golf Resort revenue opportunities, spoke in support of a passive park, and opposition of a dog park. Ms. Christine Smith, resident, spoke in opposition of a dog park and expressed concerns relating to public safety. Mr. Bruce Underwood, resident, expressed concerns regarding the developments and due process of the dog park and spoke in opposition of adding amenities to the park.
4.CITY COUNCIL GOAL SETTING SESSION
A.Annual Financial Update
There was discussion on opportunities of a 501 non-profit foundation that can fund the Grants in Aid Committee.
It was determined to RECEIVE and FILE the 2022 Ten-Year Fund Forecast.
B.2022 City Council Strategic Planning Session
General Plan Update
Mr. Bruce Underwood, resident, recommended Health, and Wellness be focused on primary prevention and suggested promoting at a basic level at a low cost, spoke in support of a 501 non-profit foundation. Ms. Ginny Whitman, resident, spoke in support of Health and Wellness component and supports exercise park with stations.
25 City Strategic Planning Session Minutes February 17, 2022 Community Development Director Jon Berg provided an update on the City’s General Plan Update and highlighted the importance of conducting an update.
Encourage and Expand Economic Development Opportunities in the Community
At 9:56 a.m., Council Members Sanders recuse himself from the discussion on Brixton and Miles Lodge as his property is within 1000 feet of the project and left the ballroom. Mr. Peter Levar, resident, expressed concerns on the development of the Brixton site and cautioned on the height of potential developments in the area. Council Member Sanders returned at 10:12 a.m.
Management Analyst Kristen Nelson provided an overview of the City’s economic development initiatives that are categorized as follows: monitoring current and future development, enhance infrastructure Finance Districts, business assistance and relationship building.
Tourism Update
Visit Greater Palm Springs IW Representative Sean Smith provided an overview of the 2021 impacts and new tourism opportunities. There was discussion and support on a winter wonderland event in the City by partnering with resorts.
There was discussion on a signature scent for the City that could be created and sold at the Gold Resort.
The Strategic Planning Session recessed for lunch at 10:25 a.m. for a 10-minute break, and reconvened at 10:35 a.m.
Preservation of the Indian Wells Golf Resort (IWGR) as a Premier Destination for Residents and Visitors
Deputy City Manager Peter Castro provided an update on a separate Strategic Planning Session for the Golf Resort that will be scheduled in the future to go over the Golf Resort Master Plan results and identify new goals.
Develop Landscaping Uniformity Along Highway 111
Public Works Director Ken Seumalo gave an overview of the landscaping along Highway 111 and the City efforts to preserve iconic landscaping without City.
Evaluate Energy Efficiency Opportunities
Public Works Director Ken Seumalo provided an overview of the solar project at the Golf Resort and efforts of minimal impacts. There was discussion on partnering with resorts for solar parking opportunities and battery storage. 26 City Strategic Planning Session Minutes February 17, 2022 Community Events/Activities
Mr. Frank Hoffnicker, spoke in support of pickleball events. Management Analyst Micaela Wilkey provided an overview of the upcoming resident calendar of events and efforts of hosting safe events. There was discussion on community interest for pickleball social events.
City Council Policy Manual Updates
City Clerk Angelica Avila provided an update on the Council Policy Manual review and stated the Council Ad Hoc Committee would be recommending updates at a future meeting.
Identify Potential Park Sites
Mr. Peter Levar, resident, spoke in opposition of dog park and suggested engaging College of the Desert architecture program for park concepts.
Management Analysts Micaela Wilkey provided an overview of potential park sites and highlighted on dates and times of scheduled workshop. There was discussion on creating a post card mailer relating to the matter.
Provide responsive, innovative, and efficient public safety Deputy City Manager Peter Castro provided an update on public safety efforts.
There was discussion on creating a special tax for new developments that would fund public safety costs. There was direction to add the Matrix Study on the City website, meet with City of Palm Desert for potential partnership for public safety services, and assign Public Safety Committee to review finances and operations in Indian Wells.
Housing Update
Community Development Director Jon Berg provided an update on the Indian Wells Housing Element requirements and affordable housing.
Capital Improvement Projects
Public Works Director Ken Seumalo gave an overview of Capital Improvement projects in the City.
5. ADJOURNMENT
At 11:45 a.m., Mayor Reed ADJOURNED the Strategic Planning Session to regularly scheduled meeting of the City Council to be held at 1:30 p.m. on February 17, 2022, in the City Hall Council Chamber.
__________________
Angelica Avila, CMC
City Clerk
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