City Council
Meeting Minutes
Thursday, April 21, 2022
1:30 PM
Welcome to a meeting of the Indian Wells City Council. All documents for public review are available for public inspection at City Hall reception, 44-950 Eldorado Drive, Indian Wells during normal business hours.
Members of the Public who wish to speak during public comment or on a particular item should fill out a blue slip and submit it to the City Clerk. Comments will be limited to 3 minutes. Speaker will be alerted when their time is up. Speakers are then to return to their seats and no further comments will be permitted.
In accordance with State Law, remarks during public comment are to be limited to subjects within the City's jurisdiction. Remarks on other agenda items will be limited to those items. Remarks from those seated or standing in the back of the chambers will not be permitted. All those wishing to speak including City and Staff need to be recognized by the Mayor before speaking. Please turn off all communication devices (phones) or put them on non-audible mode (vibrate) so as not to cause a disruption in the Council proceedings.
City Hall Council Chamber
April 21, 2022City Council Meeting Minutes
1. RECONVENE THE CITY COUNCIL, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND ROLL CALL
Mayor Reed reconvened the City Council of the City of Indian Wells at 1:30 p.m. on April 21, 2022 in the City Hall Council Chamber.
Mayor Reed, Mayor Pro Tem Griffith, Council Member Sanders, Council Member Muzik, Council Member Balocco
Present: 5 -
2. APPROVAL OF THE FINAL AGENDA
City Clerk Angelica Avila requested Consent Item #7E Resolution Authorizing Application to the California Energy Commission for an Energy Conservation Act be pulled for staff presentation and Council discussion.
A motion was made by Council Member Muzik, seconded by Council Member Sanders that the be Approve the Agenda as Amended. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES:Reed, Griffith, Sanders, Muzik, Balocco5 -
NOES: 0
3. PROCLAMATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
A.Introduction of Indian Wells City Staff Joanna Rojas and Christian Lopez
City Manager Christopher Freeland introduced new City staff Joanna Rojas and Christian Lopez.
4.PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mr. Martin Lax, resident, spoke in opposition of the proposed park project and expressed concerns in the process of acquiring the properties. Mr. John Schwarzlose, resident, expressed concerns on residents in non-gated communities not being properly represented by Council and expressed concerns on fractional ownership. Mr. Ty Peabody, resident, expressed concerns relating to violations of the Council Policy Manual of current Council Member.
Ms. Feliz Unez, Bermuda Dunes resident, expressed concerns relating to the air quality and running water on the east side of the Valley due to the Salton Sea. Mr. Chuck Park, Bermuda Dunes resident, expressed concerns relating to Salton Sea and requested the Council support resolution for water importation. Ms. Linda Blank, resident, spoke in support of Consent Item #7B Comprehensive Historic Properties Survey for General Plan Update.
5.CITY MANAGER'S REPORTS
City Manager Christopher Freeland reported a Sheriff Deputy position has been implemented as of March 31, 2022. He introduced Public Works Director Ken Seumalo who is the main contact for questions relating to street related projects. He reported the following upcoming community workshops: Desert Recreation District Passive Park Design Workshop on May 3, 2022 at 4:00 p.m., at the Indian Wells Golf Resort, General Plan Consultant Circulating Street Workshop to be held on May 11, 2022, and Golf Master Plan Workshop on May 24, 2022 at 4:00 p.m.
April 21, 2022City Council Meeting Minutes
6. CITY ATTORNEY REPORTS AND COMMENTS
City Attorney Todd Leishman in response to a public comment, reported Pacaso is a shared ownership of residential homes that the attorneys office is tracking and any new developments will be brought before the Council. He reported two ordinance relating to Accessory Dwelling Units and SB 9 will be brought before the Council for consideration at the May 19 meeting. He further reported the Council met in Closed Session and no reportable action was take which, under the Brown Act would be required to be publicly noticed.
7. CONSENT CALENDAR
A.Findings to Hold Remote Teleconference/Virtual Meetings and Hybrid (i.e., In-Person and Teleconference/Virtual) Meetings for All City Legislative Bodies, in Accordance with Assembly Bill 361 It was determined to APPROVE remote teleconference/virtual and hybrid meetings for all City legislative bodies by finding that a statewide state of emergency is currently in place and that state and local officials have imposed or recommended measures to promote social distancing in connection with COVID-19; and
AUTHORIZE City Manager to implement teleconference/virtual or hybrid public meetings as needed in accordance with Assembly Bill 361.
This Recommendation was Approved.
B.Supplemental Appropriation for Completion of Comprehensive Historic Properties Survey for General Plan Update
It was determined to APPROVE supplemental appropriation of $25,000 for completion of a Comprehensive Historic Properties Survey by Cogstone Resource Management Inc.; and AUTHORIZE City Manager to execute a contract for the completion of a Comprehensive Historic Properties Survey.
This Recommendation was Approved.
C.Annual Committee Appointment Process and Schedule
It was determined to APPROVE the recruitment schedule; and DESIGNATE Mayor Pro Tem Griffith and Council Member Sanders to serve as the Ad-Hoc Interview Committee for the Planning Commission.
This Recommendation was Approved.
April 21, 2022City Council Meeting Minutes
D.Resolution Revising the Citywide Records Retention and Destruction Schedule
It was determined to ADOPT Resolution No. 2022-11 to read as follows:
RESOLUTION NO. 2022-11
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF INDIAN WELLS, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING A
REVISED RECORDS RETENTION AND DESTRUCTION SCHEDULE AND AUTHORIZING THE DESTRUCTION OF OBSOLETE CITY RECORDS IN ACCORDANCE WITH STATE LAW.
This Resolution was Adopted.
F.Resolution Initiating Proceedings and Preliminarily Approving the Annual Levy Report for Indian Wells Street Lighting District No. 2000-1 for Fiscal Year 2022-23
It was determined to ADOPT Resolution No. 2022-13 to read as follows:
RESOLUTION NO. 2022-13
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF INDIAN WELLS, CALIFORNIA, INITIATING
PROCEEDINGS FOR ANNUAL LEVY OF ASSESSMENTS AND DECLARING ITS INTENTION TO LEVY ANNUAL ASSESSMENTS FOR THE INDIAN WELLS STREET LIGHTING DISTRICT NO. 2000-1 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022-23 PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF PART 2 OF DIVISION 15 OF THE CALIFORNIA STREETS AND HIGHWAYS CODE; and
SCHEDULE a noticed Public Hearing on May 19, 2022 at 1:30 p.m. to hear public testimony on the proposed levy; and
ADOPT Resolution No. 2022-14 to read as follows:
RESOLUTION NO. 2022-14
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF INDIAN WELLS, CALIFORNIA,
PRELIMINARILY APPROVING THE ANNUAL LEVY REPORT FOR THE INDIAN WELLS STREET LIGHTING DISTRICT NO. 2000-1 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022-23.
This Resolution was Adopted.
April 21, 2022City Council Meeting Minutes
G.Resolution Initiating Proceedings for the Annual Levy of Landscape and Lighting District No. 91-1 and Declare Intention to Order the Levy and Collection of Assessments for Fiscal Year 2022-23
It was determined to ADOPT Resolution No. 2022-15 to read as follows:
RESOLUTION NO. 2022-15
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF INDIAN WELLS, CALIFORNIA, INITIATING
PROCEEDINGS FOR ANNUAL LEVY OF ASSESSMENTS AND DECLARING ITS INTENTION TO LEVY ANNUAL ASSESSMENTS FOR THE INDIAN WELLS LANDSCAPE AND LIGHTING DISTRICT NO. 91-1 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022-23 PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF PART 2 OF DIVISION 15 OF THE CALIFORNIA STREETS AND HIGHWAYS CODE; and
SCHEDULE a noticed Public Hearing on May 19, 2022 to hear public testimony on the proposed levy; and
ADOPT Resolution No. 2022-16 to read as follows:
RESOLUTION NO. 2022-16
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF INDIAN WELLS, CALIFORNIA,
PRELIMINARILY APPROVING THE ANNUAL LEVY REPORT FOR THE INDIAN WELLS LANDSCAPE AND LIGHTING DISTRICT NO. 91-1 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022-23.
This Resolution was Adopted.
April 21, 2022City Council Meeting Minutes
H.Initiating Proceedings, Preliminarily Approving the Annual Levy Report, and Declaring Intention to Order the Levy and
Collection of Assessments for Annual Levy for City of Indian Wells Drainage Maintenance Benefit Assessment District No. 1 for Fiscal Year 2022-23
It was determined to ADOPT Resolution No. 2022-17 to read as follows:
RESOLUTION NO. 2022-17
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF INDIAN WELLS, CALIFORNIA, INITIATING PROCEEDINGS FOR THE LEVY AND COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022-23 FOR THE CITY OF INDIAN WELLS DRAINAGE MAINTENANCE BENEFIT ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 1, PURSUANT TO THE BENEFIT ASSESSMENT ACT OF 1982; and
schedule a noticed Public Hearing on May 19, 2022 at 1:30 p.m. to hear public testimony on the proposed levy; and
ADOPT Resolution No. 2022-18 to read as follows:
RESOLUTION NO. 2022-18
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF INDIAN WELLS, CALIFORNIA, PRELIMINARILY APPROVING OF THE ENGINEER’S REPORT REGARDING THE CITY OF INDIAN WELLS DRAINAGE MAINTENANCE BENEFIT ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 1, AND THE LEVY AND COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022-23 PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE BENEFIT ASSESSMENT ACT OF 1982; and
ADOPT Resolution No. 2022-19 to read as follows:
RESOLUTION NO. 2022-19
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF INDIAN WELLS, CALIFORNIA, DECLARING
ITS INTENTION TO ORDER THE LEVY AND COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS FOR THE CITY OF INDIAN WELLS DRAINAGE MAINTENANCE BENEFIT ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 1 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022-23 PURSUANT TO THE BENEFIT ASSESSMENT ACT OF 1982.
This Resolution was Adopted.
I.Supplemental Appropriation for Food Truck Credenza
Replacement at the Indian Wells Golf Resort
It was determined to APPROVE Supplemental appropriation of $12,000 for Food Truck Credenza Replacement at the Indian Wells Golf Resort.
This Recommendation was Approved.
April 21, 2022City Council Meeting Minutes
J.Authorization to Advance Capital Improvement Funds for the Purchase of a Fleet Truck
It was determined to APPROVE the advancement of budgeted Capital Improvement funds for the purchase of a fleet truck; and
AUTHORIZE and DIRECT the City Manager or his designee to execute the purchase of the vehicle per the City’s purchase policy.
This Recommendation was Approved.
K.Approval of Citywide Speed Limit Survey
It was determined to APPROVE the 2022 Engineering & Traffic Survey for Speed Limits in Indian Wells; and
ADOPTS Resolution No. 2022-20 to read as follows:
RESOLUTION NO. 2022-20
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF INDIAN WELLS, CALIFORNIA, RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO. 2011-39 AND DESIGNATING SPEED LIMITS FOR CERTAIN SPECIFIED LOCAL STREETS.
This Resolution was Adopted.
L.City Treasurer’s Report for February 2022
It was determined to RECEIVE and FILE the City Treasurer’s Report for February 2022.
This Recommendation was Approved.
Approval of the Consent Agenda
A motion was made by Council Member Balocco, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Griffith to Approve the Consent Agenda. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES:Reed, Griffith, Sanders, Muzik, Balocco5 -
NOES: 0
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS
No public hearings.
9. GENERAL BUSINESS
April 21, 2022City Council Meeting Minutes
A.Public Safety Crime Prevention Updates and Initiatives Mr. Doug Hanson, former Council Member, thanked the Sheriff Department for an incident that occurred at his residence. There was discussion and clarification relating to the Miramonte access gate.
It was determined to APPROVE the implementation of a Home Security Rebate Program, including the ALLOCATION of $20,000 to the Police Budget, and AUTHORIZING the City Manager to execute any documentation for same; and
APPROVE the Home Security Rebate Program and other measures outlined in this report to replace the Vacant Home Check Program; and
RECEIVE and FILE updates regarding Public Safety Initiatives.
A motion was made by Council Member Sanders, seconded by Council Member Muzik, that this Recommendation be Approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES:Reed, Griffith, Sanders, Muzik, Balocco5 -
NOES: 0
B.Resolution Amending the City Council Policy Manual
It was determined to ADOPT Resolution No. 2022-21 to read as follows:
RESOLUTION NO. 2022-21
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF INDIAN WELLS, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE CITY COUNCIL POLICY MANUAL.
A motion was made by Council Member Sanders, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Griffith, that this Resolution be Adopted. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES:Reed, Griffith, Sanders, Muzik, Balocco5 -
NOES: 0
April 21, 2022City Council Meeting Minutes
C.Proposed Ordinance Adding Section 11.36.125 and Amending Various Sections of the Municipal Code for Purposes of
Clarifying Restrictions on the Parking and Storage of
Recreational Vehicles Within the City
Ms. Rocky Randall, resident, spoke in support to increase the Recreational Vehicle Parking to 48 to 72 hours.
It was determined to INTRODUCE AS AMENDED Ordinance No. 737 with a modification to increase recreation vehicle driveway parking to 48 hours to read as follows:
ORDINANCE NO.737
ADDING SECTION 11.36.125 AND AMENDING VARIOUS SECTIONS OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE REGULATING PARKING AND STORAGE OF RECREATIONAL VEHICLES WITHIN THE CITY; and finding the ACTION to be exempt from CEQA; and
FIND the action Exempt from CEQA.
A motion was made by Council Member Sanders, seconded by Council Member Muzik, that this Ordinance be Introduced For First Reading. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES:Reed, Griffith, Sanders, Muzik, Balocco5 -
NOES: 0
E.Resolution Authorizing Application to the California Energy Commission for an Energy Conservation Assistance Act
It was determined to ADOPT Resolution No. 2022-12 to read as follows:
RESOLUTION NO. 2022-12
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF INDIAN WELLS AUTHORIZING
APPLICATION TO THE CALIFORNIA ENERGY COMMISSION FOR AN ENERGY CONSERVATION
ASSISTANCE ACT LOAN AND UPON APPROVAL THEREOF DELIVERY BY THE CITY OF A LOAN AGREEMENT AND PROMISSORY NOTE IN A PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF NOT TO EXCEED $3,000,000
AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF NECESSARY DOCUMENTS AND CERTIFICATES AND RELATED ACTIONS; and
APPROVE loan agreement and promissory note in a not to exceed amount of $3,000,000 and the execution of necessary documents and certificates and related actions.
A motion was made by Council Member Sanders, seconded by Council Member Muzik, that this Resolution be Adopted. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES:Reed, Griffith, Sanders, Muzik, Balocco5 -
NOES: 0
April 21, 2022City Council Meeting Minutes
10. COUNCIL MEMBERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS
A. Council Member Balocco
Council Member Balocco reported Coachella Valley Energy Commission is an advisory commission for Imperial Irrigation District and there has not been a rate increase in 12 years. He reported the Children's Museum is reopening new exhibits in Rancho Mirage. He reported there is a shortage of paramedics due to COVID-19. He reported Golf Resort Advisory Committee were provided with Golf Resort staff introductions. He reported the Finance Committee conducted interviews for a new auditor and a selection was made. He further reported Public Safety Committee continues to move forward with new programs and services.
B. Council Member Muzik
Council Member Muzik reported attending the Joslyn Senior Center Fashion Show luncheon. She reported Cove Commission was given an update by the Riverside County Fire Department relating to paramedics. She reported license plate readers are being installed and implemented in the City. She reported CVAG homelessness Committee continues to conduct studies and gave an overview of the current programs. She reported Community Activities end of year celebration was well attended and thanked City staff, Committee members, and Golf Resort staff. Ms. Muzik read a statement announcing her resignation from the City Council as her primary residence will no longer be in Indian Wells, effective May 31, 2022.
C. Council Member Sanders
Council Member Sanders reported Public Safety needs to have further discussion on budget relating to long term revenue solution. He reported Visit Greater Palm Springs tourism statistics indicate the Valley has an increase trend and reported the daily night rate in the Coachella Valley is $209. He reported Coachella Valley Economic Partnership manages an innovation Hub which is a designated business incubator that focuses on early stage business fields of renewable energy, health, and medicine.
D. Mayor Pro Tem Griffith
Mayor Pro Tem Griffith thanked Ms. Muzik for her years of service and recognizes all her accomplishments while on Council. She reported CVAG Conservation Commission main goal is to procure the land, manage, and maintain. She reported the Commission brings in large groups of volunteers to help clear row grasses. She reported hiking trails are opened from Desert Hot Springs to Yucca Valley and are in the process to opening a hiking trail in Palm Springs. She reported a fence for the big horn sheep is being built in La Quinta. She further reported CVAG Energy & Environmental Committee is working on providing documents for the Inland Regional Energy Network. She reported Finance Committee conducted interviews for a new auditor.
April 21, 2022City Council Meeting Minutes
E. Mayor Reed
Mayor Reed reported Riverside County Transportation Commission continues to move Route 60 project forward and the estimated completion is in May 2022. He reported Sunline Transit Agency is working on a contract for bus drivers. He requested staff prepare a resolution for the May Council meeting calling for a special and general municipal election in November. He further requested consideration to appoint to fill the Council vacant seat temporarily and requests consideration of a former Council Member that is not looking to run in the 2022 Election.
11. ADJOURNMENT
At 3:00 p.m. Mayor Reed ADJOURNED the City Council meeting to a regularly scheduled meeting of the City Council to be held at 1:30 p.m. on May 19, 2022 in the City Hall Council Chamber.
Respectfully Submitted,
_____________________________
Angelica Avila, CMC
City Clerk
This council meeting may be viewed on the City's website at http://www.cityofindianwells.org/cityhall/citycouncil/viewmeetings.asp and the complete agenda packets are available on the City's website at http://www.cityofindianwells.org/cityhall/cagaends.asp