CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Thursday, March 7, 2024
10:00 a.m.
City Hall Council Chamber
44950 Eldorado Drive, Indian Wells, CA 92210
Present: Mayor Sanders
Mayor Pro Tem Whitman
Council Member Peabody
Council Member Reed
Council Member Griffith
____________________________________________________________________ A. CONVENE THE INDIAN WELLS CITY COUNCIL, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
AND ROLL CALL
Mayor Sanders convened the City Council Meeting at 10:00 a.m. on March 7, 2024, in the City Hall Council Chamber.
B. APPROVAL OF THE FINAL AGENDA
It was the CONSENSUS of the City Council to Approve the Agenda as Submitted.
C. PROCLAMATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
C.1 Proclamation Recognizing the Month of March 2024 as "Arts & Culture" in the City of Indian Wells
Mayor Sanders presented a proclamation to Development Specialist Pachia Chongtua stating the month of March as Riverside County Arts and Culture Month. Ms. Chongtua congratulated the City for their initiative and stated that 28 Riverside County cities are participating.
D. PUBLIC COMMENTS
No public comments.
Council Minutes- March 7, 2024
2 E. CITY MANAGER'S REPORTS
City Manager Christopher Freeland reported that Resident Day at the BNP Tournament is scheduled for March 7, 2024, and Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from the tournament. Mr. Freeland reported ticket sales exceeded expectations and cautioned the public about traffic delays. Mr. Freeland reported Congressman Calvert was successful in obtaining a $5 million grant that will be applied to the whitewater channel. Mayor Sanders requested a future report regarding the Colorado river water supply.
F. CITY ATTORNEY REPORTS AND COMMENTS
City Attorney Todd Leishman stated that California legislation continues to focus on housing and local housing regulations. Mr. Leishman stated that a report will be presented on legislation that deals with sensitive matters.
G. CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Member Reed requested Item G.3- Continuation of Sponsorship for City of Indian Wells as an Official Partner City for Acrisure Arena to be removed from the Consent Calendar for further Council discussion.
G.1 Update on the City Council Strategic Planning Goals of 2023 It was determined to RECEIVE and FILE the update on the City Council Strategic Planning Goals of 2023.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem W hitman, seconded by Council Member Griffith to Receive and File Recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5 - Griffith, Peabody, Reed, Sanders, Whitman NOES: 0 -
G.2 City Treasurer’s Report for January 2024
It was determined to RECEIVE and FILE the City Treasurer’s Report for January 2024.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Whitman, seconded by Council Member Griffith to Receive and File Recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5 - Griffith, Peabody, Reed, Sanders, Whitman
NOES: 0 -
Council Minutes- March 7, 2024
3 G.3 Continuation of Sponsorship for City of Indian Wells as an Official Partner City for Acrisure Arena
Assistant City Manager Peter Castro provided an overview of the partnership with Acrisure Arena and highlighted the benefits Council Member Reed stated a request was made relating to the collection of data for sponsorships that included Acrisure Arena. There were requests made for staff to provide tangible data supporting sponsorships.
It was determined to DELEGATE the review of sports sponsorships and any other City sponsorships to the Marketing Committee and come back to the City Council with recommendations.
A motion was made by Mayor Sanders, seconded by Council Member Reed to Approve Recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5 - Griffith, Peabody, Sanders, Reed, Whitman
NOES: 0 –
It was determined to APPROVE continuing as the Official Acrisure Arena City Partner Sponsorship for FY 2024-25; and
AUTHORIZE the City Manager to notify Acrisure Arena that the City wishes to remain the Official Partner City for Fiscal Year 2024-2025.
A motion was made by Council Member Griffith, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Whitman to Approve Recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5 - Griffith, Peabody, Sanders, Reed, Whitman
NOES: 0 -
H. PUBLIC HEARINGS
H.1 Resolution Ordering the Levy and Collection of Assessments in the Fire Access Maintenance District No. 1 for Fiscal Year 2024-25 City Finance Director Kevin McCarthy provided a background on the annual collection of assessments levy. Mayor Sanders opened the public hearing at 10:27 a.m. to hear testimony in favor of or against Resolution No. 2024-04; hearing none the hearing was closed.
It was determined to ADOPT Resolution No. 2024-04 to read as follows:
Council Minutes- March 7, 2024
4 RESOLUTION NO. 2024-04
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF INDIAN
WELLS, CALIFORNIA, ORDERING THE LEVY AND COLLECTION OF A
SPECIAL TAX FOR THE CITY OF INDIAN WELLS FIRE ACCESS
MAINTENANCE DISTRICT NO. 1; and
ORDER the Fire Access Maintenance District No. 1 levy on the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Riverside County tax roll; and
FIND the project to be exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15060.
A motion was made by Council Member Reed, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Whitman to Adopt Resolution. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5 - Griffith, Peabody, Reed, Sanders, Whitman
NOES: 0 -
H.2 Resolution Ordering the Levy and Collection of Assessments for the Special Fire Tax Standby and Availability Charges
City Finance Director provided a background on the collection of assessment for the fire tax. Council Member Reed recommended the item be reviewed by the Finance Committee for a possible ballot measure to increase the annual fire tax. Mayor Sanders opened the public hearing at 10:29 a.m. to hear testimony in favor of or against Resolution No. 2024 - 03; hearing none the hearing was closed.
It was determined to ADOPT Resolution No. 2024-03 to read as follows:
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-03
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF INDIAN
WELLS, CALIFORNIA, ORDERING THE LEVY AND COLLECTION OF
ASSESSMENTS FOR THE CITY OF INDIAN WELLS FIRE TAX
STANDBY AND AVAILABILITY CHARGES PURSUANT TO CITY
ORDINANCE NO. 170; and
ORDER the Special Fire Tax levy to be placed on the fiscal year 2024 -25 Riverside County tax roll; and
FIND the project to be exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15060.
Council Minutes- March 7, 2024
5 A motion was made by Council Member Peabody, seconded by Council Member Reed 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. 2024-01 to Adopt the 6th Cycle 2021-2029 Housing Element, and Finding the Action Exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
City Manager Christopher Freeland requested Public Hearing Item H .3 Resolution Approving General Plan Amendment No. 2024-01 to Adopt the 6th Cycle 2021-2029 Housing Element be continued to the April 4, 2024, Council meeting. Mayor Sanders requested the City Attorney provide a report on measures if the City does not adopt the Housing Element.
It was determined to CONTINUE the Public Hearing to the next regularly scheduled meeting of the City Council being held on April 4, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chamber.
A motion was made by Council Member Griffith, seconded by Council Member Peabody to Continue the Public Hearing. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5 - Griffith, Peabody, Reed, Sanders, Whitman
NOES: 0 -
I. GENERAL BUSINESS
I.1 Signage to Supplement Existing Noise and Speed Enforcement Initiatives
Assistant City Manager Peter Castro provided a background relating to noise and speed enforcement in Indian Wells. Council Member Reed suggested the temporary signage would allow staff to see results before placing a permanent sign. Council Member Griffith expressed concerns relating to speeding and noise enforcement.
Council Minutes- March 7, 2024
6 It was determined to AUTHORIZE the City Manager or their designee to execute any necessary procedures for the implementation of the placement of temporary signage to enforce speeding and noise.
A motion was made by Councilmember Griffith, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Whitman to Approve Recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5 - Griffith, Peabody, Reed, Sanders, Whitman
NOES: 0 -
I.2 Living Desert Extraordinary Funding Request Update
City Finance Director Kevin McCarthy provided an update on comments concerning the Living Desert public outreach, outlined the City's financial status, and gave a potential Living Desert Contribution Analysis. There was a clarification on misinformation regarding the City's Financial stability.
Councilmember Griffith suggested an additional community engagement meeting be considered. Mayor Sanders suggested that the matter be delegated to the Finance Committee to review the budget and the Marketing Committee to determine if there is a business relationship for a return on investment for the residents. Mr. Sanders further suggested a community engagement meeting be added.
Mr. John Schwarzlose, resident, stated residents who attended the community meeting held at the Living Desert expressed positive feedback, expressed concern about the Living Desert proposed contribution amount and stated concern relating to traffic safety. Mayor Pro Tem Whitman suggested the Finance Committee review where the funding request will be utilized.
It was determined to DELEGATE to the Finance Committee and Marketing Committee the review of the Living Desert funding request; and
FIND the project to be exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15060.
A motion was made by Councilmember Griffith, seconded by Councilmember Peabody Approve the Recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5 – Griffith, Peabody, Reed, Sanders, Whitman
NOES: 0 -
Council Minutes- March 7, 2024
7 J. COUNCIL MEMBER'S REPORTS AND COMMENTS
J.1 COUNCIL MEMBER GRIFFITH
Councilmember Griffith reported Community Activities Committee is hosting an Author event on March 18, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. at the Indian Wells Golf Resort and a Mayor Roundtable in partnership with Indian Wells Preservation Foundation on March 19, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at City Hall. Ms. Griffith encouraged the community to attend the Indian Wells Golf Advisory Committee meetings, as there is a lot of information that could be of interest to the community. Ms. Griffith requested a discussion be added to the future agenda relating to the Carl Bray site.
J.2 COUNCIL MEMBER REED
Councilmember Reed stated that LOSSAN railway is currently running from San Diego to San Luis Obispo and repo rted that there is a major issue at the Orange County railway. Mr. Reed reported that the League of Cities board meeting discussed a state budget deficit and was concerned that it was considering supplementing the overspending.
J.3 COUNCIL MEMBER PEABODY
Councilmember Peabody reported Coachella Valley Animal Campus continues to encourage the community to adopt animals. Mr. Peabody stated that at the Indian Wells Golf Advisory Committee, he requested the Indian Wells Golf Resort General Manager to provide additional reporting on other operations. Mr. Peabody reported on the Marketing Committee is working on scheduling a meeting to discuss Winterfest. Mr. Peabody reported that Sunline Transit Agency is experiencing issues with hydrogen and requested the City Manager to provide an update on the Solar project.
J.4 MAYOR PRO TEM WHITMAN
Mayor Pro Tem Whitman reported attending the Indian Wells Golf Resort Committee as a member of the public and congratulated Councilmember Peabody for addressing questions during th e meeting. Mr. Whitman stated that the Public Safety Committee recommended the placement of temporary noise signage and congratulated Mr. Walter Clark for raising the idea. Mr. Whitman stated that Coachella Valley Economic Partnership is in the process of hiring a new Executive Director.
Council Minutes- March 7, 2024
8 J.5 MAYOR SANDERS
Mayor Sanders stated that the Visit Greater Palm Springs Joint Powers Agreement is being amended to include the City of Coachella.
K. ADJOURNMENT
At 11:37 a.m. Mayor Sanders ADJOURNED the Council meeting to a scheduled Special Closed-Session of the City Council to be held on March 7, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. in the City Hall Executive Conference room.
Respectfully submitted,
_________________________
Angelica Avila, MMC
City Clerk