CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Thursday, April 4, 2024
1:30 p.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 1:30 p.m. on April 04, 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 Riverside County Fire Update by Division Chief Mike Beverlin Division Chief Beverlin delivered a quarterly report detailing statistics of calls received and significant Fire Department events in Indian Wells.
C.2 Riverside County Sheriff Update by Lieutenant David Wright Lieutenant Wright was not present at the time and Mayor Sanders moved to Item C.3.
Lieutenant Wright arrived at 1:50 p.m.
Council Minutes- April 4, 2024
2 Lieutenant Wright delivered a quarterly report detailing the statistics of files made as of March 25,2024 and notable operations, project updates and cases.
Mayor Sanders moved to Item C.5.
C.3 Introduction of Visit Greater Palm Springs Director of Indian Wells Tourism Sam Thompson
Senior Management Analyst Micaela Wilkey introduced Visit Greater Palm Springs Director of Indian Wells Tourism Samuel Thompson, noting he is a 17-year Coachella Valley resident and former Global Account Executive for Marriott International.
VGPS Director Samuel Thompson stated he is excited to serve the City of Indian Wells and is focused on growing the city’s revenue stream.
C.4 League of California Cities Legislative Update by Regional Public Affairs Manager Jesse Ramirez
Division Manager Ramirez narrated a presentation that introduced the Division Executive Committee; announced future Cal Cities Events and gave an overview of various legislative bills.
Seeing Lieutenant Wright in attendance, Mayor Sanders moved to Item C.2.
C.5 Indian Wells Solar Project Update by Public works Director Ken Seumalo
Mayor Sanders requested the Indian Wells Solar Project Update by Public Works Director Ken Seumalo be continued to the May 2024 City Council meeting. Additionally, Mayor Sanders reported that he and Mayor Pro Tem Whitman have been appointed to an ad hoc committee to help get the project finished.
D. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mr. Godfrey Casillas, resident, expressed concerns regarding landscaping enforcement and stated that he had received a citation despite previously being informed that he was exempt from such requirements.
E. CITY MANAGER'S REPORTS
City Manager Christopher Freeland congratulated the City of Indian Wells for winning the inaugural season of the Coachella Valley Municipal League Adult Co - ed Slow Pitch Softball League. Mr. Freeland reported that approximately 493,000
Council Minutes- April 4, 2024
3 guests attended the recent tennis tournament, soil stabilization work was completed on Miles Avenue and Warner Trail. Mr. Freeland also noted that a report from the City’s Strategic Planning Session will be included on the May meeting agenda. Additionally, he announced two upcoming events: the end -of- season Resident Party at the Indian Wells Golf Resort on April 11 at 5 p.m., and the dedication ceremony for Fairway Park on April 15 at 9 a.m.
F. CITY ATTORNEY REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Attorney Aiden Sanchez stated he is filling in for City Attorney Todd Leishman who will be attending virtually to speak on a later item; reported the City Council met in a closed session at 12:30 p.m. earlier in the day and there was no reportable action taken.
G. CONSENT CALENDAR
G.1 Resolution for Fiscal Year 2024-25 Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account Funding Allocation
It was determined to ADOPT Resolution No. 2024-05 to read as follows:
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-05
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF INDIAN
WELLS, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING A PROJECT FOR FISCAL YEAR
2024-2025 FUNDED BY SB 1: THE ROAD REPAIR AND
ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2017.
A motion was made by Council Member Peabody seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Whitman to Adopt Resolution. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5 - Griffith, Peabody, Sanders, Griffith, Whitman
NOES: 0 -
G.2 Annual Recruitment and Interview Schedule for City Committees Appointments
It was determined to APPROVE the annual recruitment schedule; and
DESIGNATE Mayor Griffith to serve as the Ad-Hoc Interview Committee for the Joslyn Senior Center Board.
Council Minutes- April 4, 2024
4 A motion was made by Council Member Peabody seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Whitman to Approve Recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5 - Griffith, Peabody, Sanders, Griffith, Whitman
NOES: 0 -
G.3 Sponsorship Request for the 2024 Ophelia Project Wings and Dreams Event
It was determined to APPROVE sponsorship request for the 2024 Wings and Dreams annual luncheon event held on April 25, 2024, at the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort in Indian Wells; and
SELECT the host level sponsorship in the amount of $1,200; and
AUTHORIZE the attendance of Council Members at the event.
A motion was made by Council Member Peabody seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Whitman to Approve Recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5 - Griffith, Peabody, Sanders, Griffith, Whitman
NOES: 0 -
G.4 Resolution Revising the Annual Citywide Records Retention and Destruction Schedule
It was determined to ADOPT Resolution No. 2024-05 to read as follows:
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-06
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.
A motion was made by Council Member Peabody seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Whitman to Adopt Resolution. The motion carried by the following vote:
Council Minutes- April 4, 2024
5 AYES: 5 - Griffith, Peabody, Sanders, Griffith, Whitman
NOES: 0 -
G.5 General Plan Housing Element Annual Progress Report for 2023 It was determined to RECEIVE and FILE the General Plan Housing Element Annual Progress Report and Low Moderate Income Housing Asset Fund Addendum for 2023; and
DIRECT Staff to submit the Annual Progress Report and Low Moderate Income Housing Asset Fund Addendum to the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research and the California Department of Housing and Community Development.
A motion was made by Council Member Peabody seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Whitman to Approve Recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5 - Griffith, Peabody, Sanders, Griffith, Whitman
NOES: 0 -
G.6 City Treasurer’s Report for February 2024
It was determined to RECEIVE and FILE the City Treasurer’s Report for February 2024.
A motion was made by Council Member Peabody seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Whitman to Approve Resolution. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5 - Griffith, Peabody, Sanders, Griffith, Whitman
NOES: 0 -
G.7 Initiating Proceedings and Preliminarily Approving the Annual Levy Report for Indian Wells Street Lighting District No. 2000-1 for Fiscal Year 2024-25
Council Minutes- April 4, 2024
6 It was determined to ADOPT Resolution No. 2024-07 to read as follows:
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-07
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF INDIAN
WELLS, CALIFORNIA, INITIATING PROCEEDINGS FOR THE ANNUAL
LEVY OF ASSESSMENTS AND DECLARING ITS INTENTION TO LEVY
ANNUAL ASSESSMENTS FOR THE INDIAN WELLS STREET LIGHTING DISTRICT NO. 2000-1 FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2024-25 PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF PART 2 OF DIVISION 15 OF THE CALIFORNIA STREETS AND HIGHWAYS CODE; and
ADOPT Resolution No. 2024-08 to read as follows:
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-08
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 THE FISCAL YEAR 2024-25;and
SCHEDULE a noticed Public Hearing on May 16, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. to hear public testimony on the proposed levy; 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 Peabody seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Whitman to Adopt Resolutions. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5 - Griffith, Peabody, Sanders, Griffith, Whitman
NOES: 0 -
G.8 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 the Fiscal Year 2024-25
It was determined to ADOPT Resolution No. 2024-09 to read as follows:
Council Minutes- April 4, 2024
7 RESOLUTION NO. 2024-09
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 THE FISCAL YEAR 2024-25
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 16, 2024, to hear public testimony on the proposed levy and
ADOPT Resolution No. 2024-10 to read as follows:
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-10
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 2024-25; 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 Peabody seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Whitman to Adopt Resolutions. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5 - Griffith, Peabody, Sanders, Griffith, Whitman
NOES: 0 -
G.9 Initiating Proceedings, Preliminarily Approving the Annual Levy Report, and Declaring Intention to Order the Levy and Collection of Assessments
It was determined to ADOPT Resolution No. 2024-11 to read as follows:
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-11
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
Council Minutes- April 4, 2024
8 INDIAN WELLS DRAINAGE MAINTENANCE BENEFIT ASSESSMENT
DISTRICT NO. 1 FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2024-25 PURSUANT TO THE BENEFIT ASSESSMENT ACT OF 1982; and
ADOPTS Resolution No. 2024-12 to read as follows:
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-12
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF INDIAN
WELLS, CALIFORNIA, INITIATING PROCEEDINGS FOR THE LEVY
AND COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2024 - 25 FOR THE CITY OF INDIAN WELLS DRAINAGE MAINTENANCE
BENEFIT ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 1, PURSUANT TO THE
BENEFIT ASSESSMENT ACT OF 1982; and
ADOPTS Resolution No. 2024-13 to read as follows:
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-13
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 THE
FISCAL YEAR 2024-25 PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE
BENEFIT ASSESSMENT ACT OF 1982; and
SCHEDULE a noticed Public Hearing on May 16, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. to hear public testimony on the proposed levy; 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 Peabody seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Whitman to Adopt Resolutions. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5 - Griffith, Peabody, Sanders, Griffith, Whitman
NOES: 0 -
Council Minutes- April 4, 2024
9 G.10 Letter Supporting the Continued Funding of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the Cal State San Bernardino-Palm Desert Campus
It was determined to AUTHORIZE staff to develop a letter of support for the continued funding of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the Cal State San Bernardino-Palm Desert Campus.
A motion was made by Council Member Peabody seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Whitman to Approve Recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5 - Griffith, Peabody, Sanders, Griffith, Whitman
NOES: 0 -
H. PUBLIC HEARINGS
H.1 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)
Community Development Director Jon Berg delivered a staff report and introduced Housing Element Consultant Amanda Tropiano of De Novo Planning. Consultant Tropiano gave a presentation on the overview of the Housing Element and the revisions made and answered questions regarding the subjectivity of HCD. City Attorney Todd Leishman addressed the legal penalties for failing the Housing Element.
Mayor Sanders opened the public hearing at 2:31 p.m. to hear testimony in favor or against the Resolution.
Mr. Doug Hanson, resident, requested someone explain how the new Housing Element will directly impact or affect the city and residents.
Mayor Sanders gave an Indian Wells specific analogy to help explain.
Director Berg explained the impact on the city. City Clerk Avila acknowledged letters received in opposition and in support of adoption.
Mayor Sanders closed the public hearing at 2:37 p.m.
Council Minutes- April 4, 2024
10 It was determined to ADOPT Resolution No. 2024-14 to read as follows:
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-14
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF INDIAN
WELLS, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT
NO. 2024-01 ADOPTING AN UPDATE TO THE GENERAL PLAN
HOUSING ELEMENT FOR THE 2021-2029 PLANNING PERIOD, AS
REQUIRED BY STATE LAW, AND FINDING THE ACTION TO BE
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.
A motion 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 –
I. GENERAL BUSINESS
I.1 Committee Review Council Ad Hoc Update
City Clerk Angelica Avila gave a staff report highlighting what the committee has done and the changes they recommend, detailing many changes to the Planning Commission.
Council Member Griffith explained why certain changes were recommended.
It was determined to DIRECT staff to further review the report and present at a future meeting an ordinance or resolution to implement the recommended changes by the Ad Hoc Committee.
Motion by Council Member Griffith, seconded by Council Member Reed to direct staff. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5 - Griffith, Peabody, Reed, Sanders, Whitman
NOES: 0 –
Council RECEIVES and FILES Committee Review Council Ad Hoc report.
Council Minutes- April 4, 2024
11 I.2 Discussion on Possible Redesign of the Players Course at the Indian Wells Golf Resort
City Manager Christopher Freeland reported on March 5, 2024, the City Council had a Strategic Planning Session meeting with the Indian Wells Golf Resort, where a presentation was had on redesigning the players’ course. It was determined by a 4-0 vote to support relocating holes 17 and 18 to the north side of the channel, the golf designer, John Fought, would lead the design, and $400,000 be allocated for project funds.
Council Member Peabody expressed concern about funding, the loss of revenue and the Return on investment of the project. Council Member Griffith spoke about possible suggestions that City Council or the Golf Committee could make the next few months; talked about using Designer Fought to maintain the award-winning course and mentioned creating a “wow factor” and getting community input.
Discussion followed regarding the scope of work for John Fought, developing the bid package, project phasing and
contractors/subcontractors.
J. COUNCIL MEMBER'S REPORTS
J.1 Possible Partnership with Indian Wells Preservation Foundation for Development of a Museum/Library at the Carl Bray Site
Assistant Public Works Director Dina Purvis presented a staff report.
Council Member Giffith explained what was discussed at a meeting with Indian Wells Preservation Foundation regarding the Carl Bray Site.
Council Member Peabody expressed concern about allocating more time and possible funds for another new project when the city has several unfinished or in-progress projects/items that need attention.
Mayor Pro Tem Whitman stated he had learned from the recent State of the County meeting that the county gives lots of funding to libraries, so if staff is allotted time on this item, he asked to explore getting funding from the county for a library.
It was determined to APPROVE staff time of over two hours-not to exceed twenty hours- to research this matter.
Motion by Council Member Griffith, seconded by Council Member Reed to approve staff time. The motion carried by the following vote:
Council Minutes- April 4, 2024
12 AYES: 4 - Griffith, Reed, Sanders, Whitman
NOES: 1 – Peabody
K. COUNCIL MEMBER'S COMMENTS
K.1 COUNCIL MEMBER GRIFFITH
Councilmember Griffith reported that the CVAG Conservation Commission met and approved a builder’s fee increase of almost 4%. Council Member Griffith reported Community Activities Committee announced the Farewell Party at Indian Wells Golf Resort on April 11th, a ribbon cutting ceremony for Fairway Park on April 15th, and a Mayor’s Roundtable meeting from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on April 30th. Council Member Griffith alerted staff to some confusion from the public about tennis tickets and suggested reviewing the matter.
K.2 COUNCIL MEMBER REED
Council Member Reed reported CVAG Transportation Committee recently met, discussed transportation regarding the recent tennis tournament event and possible city funding for major roadways. Council Member Reed announced that he will attend the upcoming meeting of the Southern California Association of Governments.
K.3 COUNCIL MEMBER PEABODY
Council Member Peabody reported Sunline Transit Agency announced the new Hydrogen System and will be operational this summer. Council Member Peabody reported attending a Golf Committee meeting.
K.4 MAYOR PRO TEM WHITMAN
Mayor Pro Tem Whitman reported attending a Coachella Valley Economic Partnership meeting and he was appointed to the Summit Planning subcommittee; addressed a meeting with Mayor Sanders on March 21st to discuss revisions of the council manual and announced upcoming Morning Insights on April 10th and May 8th.
K.5 MAYOR SANDERS
Mayor Sanders announced a Public Safety Committee meeting will be on April 8th and Visit Greater Palm Spring revisions will be coming before the Council in May or June.
Council Minutes- April 4, 2024
13 L. ADJOURNMENT
At 3:20 p.m. Mayor Sanders ADJOURNED the Council meeting to a scheduled City Council meeting to be held on May 16, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. in the City Hall Executive Conference room.
Respectfully submitted,
_________________________
Angelica Avila MMC
City Clerk