CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Thursday, June 1, 2023
1:30 p.m.
City Hall Council Chamber
44950 Eldorado Drive, Indian Wells, CA 92210
Present: Mayor Griffith
Mayor Pro Tem Sanders
Council Member Peabody
Council Member Whitman
Council Member Reed
_____________________________________________________________________ A. CONVENE THE INDIAN WELLS CITY COUNCIL, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
AND ROLL CALL
Mayor Griffith convened the Council Meeting at 1:30 p.m. on June 1, 2023, in the City Hall Council Chamber.
Mayor Griffith read a statement regarding meeting decorum.
B. APPROVAL OF THE FINAL AGENDA
Mayor Griffith stated on behalf of City staff a request was made to pull Council Report Item J.1 from the agenda.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Sanders, seconded by Council Member Whitman to Approve the Agenda as Amended. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5 - Griffith, Peabody, Reed, Sanders, Whitman
NOES: 0 -
C. PROCLAMATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
No proclamation or presentations.
City Council Meeting Minutes- June 1, 2023
2 D. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mr. John Swarchlose, resident, expressed appreciation for maintaining Indian Wells distinctive, expressed concerns relating to landscape and gas leaf blowers, and requested a future discussion. Community Development Director Jon Berg provided information relating to the history of gas and electric leaf blowers. Ms.
Meridth Asher, resident, expressed concerns relating to State mandates, complete street resident survey that was circulated, and expressed appreciation for the opposition of narrowing highway, and recommended that Burrtec go back to previous method of trash removal. Mr. Doug Hanson, a resident, expressed concerns regarding the complete street resident survey not having an opt-out option and recommended a history course of Indian Wells for new employees.
E. CITY MANAGER'S REPORTS
City Manager Christopher Freeland reported new flash stop signs installations on Eldorado and Fairway. Public Works Director Ken Seumalo gave an update on Solar project and stated there are delays in supplies. Mr. Seumalo provided clarification of outreach efforts relating to the survey circulated and are intended to educate the community on city intentions. Mayor Griffith suggested adding more options in future surveys and recommended a proactive approach when describing the Indian Wells brand. Mr. Seumalo stated that the survey was prepared by a third party. Building Official Wes Remaklus provided an update on code enforcement personnel, code enforcement cases and palm tree trimming requirements.
F. CITY ATTORNEY REPORTS AND COMMENTS
City Attorney Todd Leishman reported a closed session was held at 12:00 p.m. to discuss items posted on the agenda, updates were conducted on easement sale, potential acquisition of Lissoy property, and Brixton property, no reportable action was taken, which under the brown, would be required to be publicly reported.
G. CONSENT CALENDAR
G.1 City’s Appropriations Limitation for Fiscal Year 2023-24 It was determined to ADOPT Resolution No. 2023-22 to read as follows:
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-22
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF INDIAN
WELLS, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE ANNUAL
APPROPRIATION LIMIT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2024.
City Council Meeting Minutes- June 1, 2023
3 A motion was made by Council Member Reed, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Sanders to Adopt Resolution. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5 - Griffith, Peabody, Reed, Sanders, Whitman
NOES: 0 -
G.2 Annual Update to Local California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines
It was determined to ADOPT Resolution No. 2023-23 to read as follows:
RESOLUTION NO. 2023 -23
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF CITY OF INDIAN WELLS,
CALIFORNIA, AMENDING AND ADOPTING LOCAL GUIDELINES FOR
IMPLEMENTING THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
(PUBLIC RESOURCES CODE §§ 21000 ET SEQ.).
A motion was made by Council Member Reed, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Sanders to Adopt Resolution. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5 - Griffith, Peabody, Reed, Sanders, Whitman
NOES: 0 -
G.3 Annual Update to Employee’s Salary Range Schedule and FY 2023-24 Approved Employee Positions
It was determined to APPROVE the annual update to employee’s salary schedule as required by the California Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act of 2013; and
APPROVE the Fiscal Year 2023-24 Approved Positions List with Annual Salaries and Ranges; and
DIRECT staff to post the employee salary range schedule on the City’s website.
City Council Meeting Minutes- June 1, 2023
4 A motion was made by Council Member Reed, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Sanders to Approve the Recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5 - Griffith, Peabody, Reed, Sanders, Whitman
NOES: 0 -
G.4 Warner Trail Improvement Project, Extended Construction Days, and Project Budget Advance
It was determined to APPROVE easing of the City’s codified construction days for the Warner Trail Improvement project; and
APPROVE advancing the authorized Capital Improvement project budget funds into the upcoming fiscal year; and
AUTHORIZE City Manager or Designee to make the necessary budgetary adjustments.
A motion was made by Council Member Reed, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Sanders to Approve the Recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5 - Griffith, Peabody, Reed, Sanders, Whitman
NOES: 0 -
G.5 Fiscal Year 2023-24 Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account Funding Allocation
It was determined to ADOPT Resolution No. 2023-24 to read as follows:
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-24
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF INDIAN WELLS, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING A PROJECT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023-2024 FUNDED BY SB 1: THE ROAD REPAIR AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2017.
A motion was made by Council Member Reed, seconded by Mayor
City Council Meeting Minutes- June 1, 2023
5 Pro Tem Sander to Adopt Resolution. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5 - Griffith, Peabody, Reed, Sanders, Whitman
NOES: 0 -
G.6 City Treasurer’s Report for April 2023
It was determined to RECEIVE and FILE the City Treasurer’s Report for April 2023.
A motion was made by Council Member Reed, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Sanders to Receive and File Recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5 - Griffith, Peabody, Reed, Sanders, Whitman
NOES: 0 -
H. PUBLIC HEARINGS
H.1 Residential and Commercial Rates for Refuse Collection and Recycling Services and Annual Levy of Residential Parcels Finance Director Kevin McCarthy provided an overview of the refuse collection levy.
Mayor Griffith opened the public hearing at 2:08 p.m. to hear public testimony in favor or against Resolution No. 2023-25; hearing none, the hearing was closed.
It was determined to APPROVE the annual levy of residential parcels for refuse collection and recycling services; and
ADOPT Resolution No. 2023-25 to read as follows:
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-25
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF INDIAN
WELLS, CALIFORNIA, ORDERING THE LEVY AND COLLECTION OF
FEES FOR REFUSE COLLECTION AND RECYCLING SERVICES FROM
RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERICAL PROPERTIES WITHIN THE CITY
PURSUANT TO INDIAN WELLS MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 8.04.190.
City Council Meeting Minutes- June 1, 2023
6 A motion was made by Council Member Reed, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Sanders to Adopt Resolution. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5 - Griffith, Peabody, Reed, Sanders, Whitman
NOES: 0 -
H.2 Consider Adoption of a Resolution Establishing Certain New User Fees and Increasing Certain Existing User Fees for Various Services The item was continued to the next Public Hearing on July 6, 2023.
I. GENERAL BUSINESS
I.1 Annual Appointments to the Various Commission, Committees, and Boards Vacancies
City Clerk Angelica Avila provided a brief overview of the selection process.
Ms. Karen Ellis submitted a written comment relating to the appointment selection for the Housing Authority. Mr. Paul Budilo, Palm Springs Airport Commission City representative, thanked the Council for his appointment over the years, spoke in support of Mr. Robert Berriman appointment, and thanked the council for extending the term.
It was determined to APPROVE the Council Ad Hoc Committee recommendations for a two-year term beginning on July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2025; and
APPOINT Peter Rammer and Marianne Hagan to serve on the Community Activities Committee; and
APPOINT Marcie Maxwell to serve on the Golf Resort Advisory Committee; and
APPOINT Yvonne Sklar to serve on the Indian Wells Housing Authority; and
APPOINT Glenn Schubert to serve on the Planning Commission; and
APPOINT Robert Berriman to serve on the Palm Springs Airport
City Council Meeting Minutes- June 1, 2023
7 Commission with term ending June 30, 2026; and
APPOINT Susan Paresky to serve on Grants in Aid Committee and Tricia Cole to serve on Community Activities Committee to fill unexpired terms ending on June 30, 2024; and
RE-APPPOINT for a second term ending on June 30, 2025; Bruce Bahneman to serve on the Planning Commission, Tim Venturi on the Golf Resort Advisory Committee, Kay Hillery on the Community Activities Committee, Kathleen Felci, Arlene Lucchesi, and Corina Morrison on Grants in Aid Committee and John O’Hea on the Housing Authority.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Sanders, seconded by Council Member Whitman to Approve the Recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5 - Griffith, Peabody, Reed, Sanders, Whitman
NOES: 0 -
I.2 Discussion on Naming the Future Park at Eldorado and Fairway Drive
Deputy City Manager Peter Castro provided an overview of potential park names.
Ms. Amalia Latza, resident, submitted a written comment relating to the park name discussion.
Reed recommended considering Eisenhower Park. Council Member Whitman suggested the name Paradise Park and expressed support for Eisenhower Park.Mayor Pro Tem Sanders expressed his support for Eisenhower Park and suggested a plaque to commemorate the City's architectural history. Mayor Griffith spoke in support of the idea of incorporating the City’s historical significance.
It was the CONSENSUS of the City Council to direct staff to continue the budget discussion until July 6, 2023, meeting with names for consideration.
I.3 Fiscal Year 2023-24 Golf Resort Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Plan
City Council Meeting Minutes- June 1, 2023
8 Finance Director Kevin McCarthy gave an overview of the Golf Resort Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Plan. Indian Wells Golf Resort General Manager Sven Weidenhaught presented an update on operations, new strategies, improvements, and updated benchmarks for residents consuming food and beverage, and utilizing golf.Mr. Widenhaught suggested scheduling meetings with the council to further discuss business, sales, and marketing plans. Mayor Griffith expressed concerns regarding the outdated phone system at the Golf Resort.
City Manager Christopher Freeland gave an update on wayfinding signage design, enhancing visitor experience, increase in safety, and capital improvements. The discussion was centered on the consideration of a kid's golf camp and a training budget for the Vue restaurant.
Council Member Peabody expressed concerns relating to the proposed golf resort budget and suggested the item be continued to July 6, 2023, Council meeting. Mr. Peabody highlighted concerns regarding the following:
increasing sales, capital expenditures, marketing program, increasing golf, organization staff charts, restaurant covers, and food truck revenue, and strategic marketing plan.
Council Member Reed spoke in opposition to postponing the budget discussion to a future meeting. There was discussion regarding information available to the Council and the opportunity to attend quarterly meetings with the General Manager to review operations and budget at the Golf Resort.
It was the CONSENSUS of the City Council to bring back strategies to continue a kid’s golf camp, develop a plan to have more activities in the lobby, and develop a proposal for a training budget for customer service at the Vue restaurant.
It was determined to DELAY approval of the Golf Resort Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Plan adoption to the July 6, 2023, Council meeting.
A motion was made by Council Member Reed, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Sanders to Approve the Recommendation. The motion was carried by the following vote:
AYES: 4 - Griffith, Peabody, Reed, Sanders
City Council Meeting Minutes- June 1, 2023
9 NOES: 1 – Whitman
J. COUNCIL MEMBERS' REPORTS
J.1 Request to Place Discussion Regarding Request for Proposal for the Management of the Indian Wells Golf Resort
Item J.1 was removed from the agenda to a future agenda discussion.
K. COUNCIL MEMBERS' COMMENTS
K.1 COUNCIL MEMBER REED
No report.
K.2 COUNCIL MEMBER WHITMAN
No report.
K.3 COUNCIL MEMBER PEABODY
Council Member Peabody reported that Sunline Transit Agency has hired a new General Manager.
K.4 MAYOR PRO TEM SANDERS
Mayor Pro Tem Sanders reported Coachella Valley Economic Partnership continues to search for stable funding. Mr. Sanders reported on a business trip to Carlsbad to experience the restaurant environment for the Vue restaurant.
K.5 MAYOR GRIFFITH
Mayor Griffith reported the completion of Hyatt's renovations and the hiring of new celebrity chef Angelo Sosa. Ms. Griffith conducted business travel to experience a celebrity chef concept. Ms. Griffith reported that Visit Greater Palm Springs restaurant week is returning on June 2, 2023, through June 11, 2023.
City Council Meeting Minutes- June 1, 2023
10 L.ADJOURNMENT
At 3:49 p.m. Mayor Griffith ADJOURNED the City Council meeting to a regularly scheduled meeting of the City Council to be held on July 6, 2023, at 1:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
_________________________
Angelica Avila, MMC
City Clerk