1 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Thursday, July 6, 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 City Council meeting at 1:33 p.m. on July 6, 2023, in the City Hall Council Chamber.
B.APPROVAL OF THE FINAL AGENDA
A motion was made by Council Member Peabody, seconded by Mayor Pro Ten Sanders, to Approve the Agenda as Submitted. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES - 5 - Griffith, Peabody, Reed, Sanders, Whitman NOES - 0 -
C.PROCLAMATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
C.1 Introduction of New Riverside County Fire Captain Charles Esseling Battalion Chief Matthew Kotz introduced new Fire Station 55 Captain Charles Esseling. Captain Essaying thanked the City Council for the opportunity to serve the City.
2 C.2 Riverside County Fire Quarterly Update
Indian Wells Battalion Chief Matthew Kotz provided a quarterly update on the service calls in Indian Wells. There was clarification relating to false emergency calls and discussion relating to emergency knock boxes in gated communities that provide access to emergency vehicles.
C.3 Riverside County Sheriff Quarterly Update by Lieutenant David Wright
Indian Wells Lieutenant David Wright provided a quarterly update for Indian Wells service calls, reports written, arrests, and Community Service Officer area checks conducted. Lt. Wright gave an update on operational projects and Special Enforcement team statistics. Mayor Pro Tem Sanders encouraged residents to participate in Coffee with Cop for updates and safety tips.
C.4 Alzheimer's Association, Coachella Valley Presentation by Development Manager Jane Bark
Alzheimer's Association Development Manager Jane Bark thanked the Council for the opportunity to provide information. Senior Director of Program Operations Kimberly Spiegel provided information on Alzheimer's Disease impacts on families in the United States. Ms. Spiegel outlined the Association efforts to bring awareness through education, socialization, support groups and 24/7 helpline available at no cost. Ms. Bark encouraged the community participate in the Walk to End Alzheimer's event being held on November 4, 2023, at the Palm Desert Civic Park and encouraged Indian Wells to form a team for the event.
C.5 Visit Greater Palm Springs Update by Director of Indian Wells Tourism Don Prince
Visit Greater Palm Springs Director of Indian Wells Tourism Don Prince provided an update relating to tourism, transient occupancy statistics, website overview, group leads and bookings. Mr. Prince clarified Indian Wells and Palm Springs are the only cities that invest in additional funds to promote tourism and marketing. There was discussion relating to new business group bookings and tracking future leads in Indian Wells.
D. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Assembly Member Eduardo Garcia's Representative Ruben Perez provided an update on various 2023 legislative bills. Mr. Brian Penna, resident submitted written comments encouraging City email notifications relating to future projects,
3 improvements, and safety measures. Mr. Richard Winetrab, resident, submitted written comment relating to Richard Blais potential new restaurant in Indian Wells.
E. CITY MANAGER'S REPORTS
City Manager Christopher Freeland reported Troon Management is in the process of recruiting a new General Manager for the Indian Wells Golf Resort and expected to fill the vacancy over the summer. Mr. Freeland reported Brian Thorne is acting as the Interim General Manager for the Golf Resort.
F. CITY ATTORNEY REPORTS AND COMMENTS
City Attorney Todd Leishman reported the Council met in Closed Session on July 6, 2023, at 12:00 p.m. and on July 21, 2023, at 2:00 p.m., to discuss the items posted on the posted agenda, no reportable action was taken which, under the Brown Act, would be required to be publicly reported.
G. CONSENT CALENDAR
G.1 Updates to the Indian Wells COVID-19 Prevention Program It was determined to ADOPT the revised Indian Wells COVID-19 Prevention Program in compliance with the California Occupational Safety and Health Act (Lab. Code §§ 6300, et seq.) and associated regulations (8 C.C.R. §§ 3203 and 3205-3205.3).
A motion was made by Council Member Reed, seconded by Council Member Whitman to Approve Recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5 - Griffith, Peabody, Reed, Sanders, Whitman
NOES: 0 -
G.2 Voting Delegate to Annual League Conference in Sacramento It was determined to DESIGNATE Council Member Dana Reed as the Voting Delegate for the City of Indian Wells at the 2023 League of California Cities Annual Conference held on September 20-22, in Sacramento.
A motion was made by Council Member Reed, seconded by Council Member Whitman to Approve Recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote:
4 AYES: 5 - Griffith, Peabody, Reed, Sanders, Whitman
NOES: 0 -
G.3 City Treasurer’s Report for May 2023
It was determined to RECEIVE and FILE the City Treasurer’s Report for May 2023.
A motion was made by Council Member Reed, seconded by Council Member Whitman to Receive and File. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5 - Griffith, Peabody, Reed, Sanders, Whitman
NOES: 0 -
H. PUBLIC HEARINGS
H.1 Comprehensive User Fee Study Resolution
Public Works Director Ken Seumalo provided an overview of the Indian Wells user fee study.
Mayor Griffith opened the public hearing at 2:21 p.m. to hear testimony in favor of or against Resolution 2023-29.
Southern California Gas Public Affairs Manager Deborah McGarrey thanked City staff, spoke in support of the user fee study, and questioned the nexus of the 4.7 % technology fee increase.
Mayor Griffith closed the public hearing at 2:24 p.m.
Willdan Project Manager Tony Thrasher clarified the technology fee nexus increase. Mayor Griffith suggested the landscape fee be delayed due to the review of the ordinance. Community Development Director Jon Berg clarified the landscape ordinance under review is for residential and commercial landscape. Mr. Berg stated the new ordinance will be introduced at the beginning of the year. There was discussion to delay the landscape fees until the Council reviews in September or October.
It was determined to delay the implementation of the landscape fee until the beginning of the year and ADOPT Resolution No. 2023- 29 to read as follows:
5 RESOLUTION NO. 2023-29
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF INDIAN
WELLS, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING CERTAIN NEW USER FEES
AND INCREASING CERTAIN EXISTING USER FEES FOR VARIOUS
SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE CITY OF INDIAN WELLS AND FINDING
THIS ACTION TO BE EXEMPT UNDER THE CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
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 Resolution Approving Modification No. 2 of Conditional Use Permit No. 2-97-3:
Planner Luis Rubalcaba provided a background on the Living Desert project improvements. Living Desert President/CEO Allan Monroe thanked the City for the support and consideration.
Mayor Griffith opened the public hearing at 2:42 p.m. to hear testimony in favor of or against Resolution No. 2023-27; hearing none, Mayor Griffith closed the public hearing.
It was determined to FIND the project exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15332, In-Fill Development Projects; and
ADOPT Resolution No. 2023-27 to read as follows:
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-27
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF INDIAN
WELLS, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING MODIFICATION NO. 2 TO
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 97-3 TO CONSTRUCT A NEW 8,050 SQUARE CAFÉ WITH 2,310 SQUARE FOOT PATIO, A 710 SQUARE
FOOT STORAGE BUILDING, AND A RECREATIONAL SPLASH PAD
WITH RETRACTABLE ROOF STRUCTURE WITHIN THE LIVING
6 DESERT ZOO AND GARDENS LOCATED AT 47900 PORTOLA AVENUE (APN:625-300-052).
A motion was made by Council Member Reed, seconded by Mayor Pro Ten Sanders, to Adopt Resolution. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5 - Griffith, Peabody, Reed, Sanders, Whitman
NOES: 0 -
H.3 Resolution Approving General Plan Amendment No. 2023-01 for Adoption of the 6th Cycle 2021-2029 Housing Element, and Finding the Action Exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
Community Development Director John Berg provided a background on the Housing Element. Denovo Consultant Amanda Tropiano provided a summary of the modifications of the Housing Element in response to Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD).
Mayor Griffith opened the public hearing at 2:52 p.m. to hear testimony in favor of or against Resolution No. 2023-27; hearing none, Mayor Griffith closed the public hearing.
Mayor Pro Tem Sanders stated there are housing uses that are required by the State to be included in the Housing Element and encouraged residents to contact him for any questions. Ms. Tropiano expressed confidence in the revisions proposed satisfying the requirements in response to HCD.
It was determined to ADOPT Resolution No. 2023-26 to read as follows:
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-26
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF INDIAN
WELLS, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT
NO. 2023-01 FOR THE 6TH CYCLE 2021-2029 HOUSING ELEMENT AND FINDING THE PROJECT EXEMPT FROM CEQA; and
FIND the action exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) in accordance with Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines.
7 A motion was made by Council Member Reed, seconded by Council Member Whitman to Adopt Resolution. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5 - Griffith, Peabody, Reed, Sanders, Whitman
NOES: 0 -
I. GENERAL BUSINESS
I.1 Indian Wells Chamber of Commerce Funding Request
Deputy City Manager Peter Castro provided an update on the Indian Wells Chamber of Commerce funding request. There was clarification relating to the shift in funding between the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber and the Indian Wells Chamber of Commerce. There were concerns expressed relating to the outdated Indian Wells Chamber website. Council Member Reed spoke in opposition of the funding request and supports mixers funded for Indian Wells residents. Council Member Whitman spoke in support of funding $300 per mixer.
Council Member Peabody expressed concerns relating to the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber issues with the City of La Quinta and spoke in opposition of the Indian Wells Chamber funding request. Mayor Griffith expressed concern relating to Greater Chamber event that had no Indian Wells Chamber representation and expressed concerns relating to the outdated website.
It was determined to APPROVE a not to exceed funding amount of $300 once invoice is received for four (4) events to the Indian Wells Chamber of Commerce for Fiscal Year 2023-24, with condition to not fund until the Indian Wells Chamber website is updated.
A motion was made by Council Member Whitman, seconded by Council Member Reed to Approve the Recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5 - Griffith, Peabody, Reed, Sanders, Whitman
NOES: 0 –
8 I.2 Winterfest 2023
Deputy City Manager Peter Castro gave a background on the City's first Winterfest event in Indian Wells and provided an update on proposed event for 2023 Winterfest event. Cooper Consultant William Cooper highlighted the objectives to establish a successful Winterfest event in Indian Wells and provided information for sponsorship opportunities.
Council Member Whitman clarified the Marketing Committee made a recommendation to hire a consultant to put together a business plan, obtain $100,000 in sponsorship pledges, make a recommendation to the Council at the September meeting for consideration, and suggested not moving forward with roller rink deposit until September. Council Member Peabody expressed concerns relating to minimal support from hotel partners, suggested to collaborate with Visit Greater Palm Springs, reach out to City partners to raise funding for Winterfest event, and spoke in opposition of roller-skating rink concept. There was discussion relating to the roller rink deposit cost and holding payment until September.
Mayor Pro Tem Sanders expressed concerns relating to hotel partners not committing to funding the event. Mr. Cooper reported obtaining a preliminary sponsorship in the amount of $30,000 and recommended consideration to move forward with a contingency when the $100,000 pledge is reached. There was discussion relating to the hotel stay packages and tax tracking during the Winterfest event. There was further discussion relating to partnering with hotel partners and hotel vendors for sponsorship opportunities.
It was determined to APPROVE the roller rink concept, move forward with $96,000 to secure roller rink; and
AUTHORIZE to move forward with the 2023 Winterfest event with condition of securing $100,000 in sponsorships.
A motion was made by Council Member Whitman, seconded by Council Member Reed to Approve the Recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5 - Griffith, Reed, Sanders, Whitman
NOES: 1 - Peabody
9 I.3 Fiscal Year 2023-24 Golf Resort Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Plan
Council Member Peabody recommended the following adjustments: delay the computer program until City staff has reviewed, hold approval of signage until design, location and cost are determined, reduce contingency budget to $60,000, and eliminate digital signage for the clubhouse lobby. Council Member Whitman recommended adding a budget line item for employee training without hiring a new position.
It was determined to APPROVE the Golf Resort Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Plan from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024; and
AUTHORIZE to reduce employee training at the Vue restaurant to $50,000 and review programs to determine whether they are appropriate expenditures before moving forward.
A motion was made Council Member Whitman, seconded by Council Member Reed to Approve the Recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5 - Griffith, Peabody, Reed, Sanders, Whitman
NOES: 0 -
I.4 Continued Discussion on Naming the Future Park at Eldorado and Fairway Drive
At 4:10 p.m., Council Member Peabody was excused from the meeting.
There was discussion relating to the proposed name parks.
It was determined to APPROVE designate park name to Fairway Park.
A motion was made by Council Member Reed, seconded by Council Member Whitman to Approve Recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 4 - Griffith, Reed, Sanders, Whitman
NOES 0 -
EXCUSED: 1 - Peabody
10 J.COUNCIL MEMBERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS
J.1 COUNCIL MEMBER REED
Council Member Reed reported Riverside County Transportation Commission continue funding projects. Mr. Reed reported California Joint Powers Insurance Authority is hosting Annual conference and stated he is not participating in this year’s sessions.
J.2 COUNCIL MEMBER WHITMAN
Council Member Whitman reported Carlsbad trip with the City Manager to visit a restaurant to develop ideas for a restaurant concept at the Vue. Mr.
Whitman reported on the Marketing Committee conducting discussions relating to Winterfest. Mr. Whitman reported Lieutenant Wright gave a report at the Public Safety Committee.
J.3 COUNCIL MEMBER PEABODY
No report.
J.4 MAYOR PRO TEM SANDERS
Mayor Pro Tem Sanders reported Public Safety Committee is being held on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, at 3:00 p.m. in the City Hall Executive Conference room.
J.5 MAYOR GRIFFITH
Mayor Griffith reported CVAG Executive Committee conducted discussions relating to the assembly bill proposed by Senator Padilla regarding the formation of an additional oversight committee for the Salton Sea efforts. Ms. Griffith reported Personnel Committee reviewed the City Manager performance and employment agreement.
K. ADJOURNMENT
At 4:38 p.m., Mayor Griffith Adjourned the City Council meeting to a regularly scheduled meeting to be held at 1:30 p.m. on August 17, 2023, in the City Hall Council Chamber.
Respectfully submitted,
_________________________
Angelica Avila, MMC
City Clerk