CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Thursday, February 13, 2025
1:30 p.m.
City Hall Council Chamber
44950 Eldorado Drive, Indian Wells, CA 92210
Present: Mayor Whitman
Mayor Pro Tem Reed
Council Member Taylor
Council Member Penna
Council Member Sanders
_____________________________________________________________________
A. CONVENE THE INDIAN WELLS CITY COUNCIL, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
AND ROLL CALL
Mayor Whitman convened the City Council meeting at 1:40 p.m. on February 13, 2025, in the City Hall Council Chamber.
B. APPROVAL OF THE FINAL AGENDA
Mayor Whitman announced that staff had requested the removal of General Business Item I.1 – Discussion Regarding the Adoption of a Model Resolution Establishing a Good Neighbor Policy Focused on Homelessness – from the meeting agenda and noted that the item will be brought back for consideration at a future meeting.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Reed, seconded Council Member Sanders to Approve the Agenda as Amended. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5 - Penna, Reed, Sanders, Taylor, Whitman
NOES: 0 -
Council Minutes- February 13, 2025
2 C. PROCLAMATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
C.1 Public Works Grant Update by Management Analyst Jill Moon Management Analyst Jill Moon provided a presentation on Public Works grant updates, which included an overview of current and pending grants, total funding amounts, and upcoming grant opportunities. Following the presentation, the Council engaged in a discussion regarding the availability of community planning funds, expected timelines for receiving responses to submitted applications, and the current status of the Safe Streets for All (SS4A) grant.
C.2 Burrtec Waste 2024 Year End Review by Municipal Marketing Manager Clara Vera
Burrtec Municipal Marketing Manager Clara Vera provided an update on waste management services, addressing topics such as residential waste collection, bulky item pickup, recycling outreach and public education efforts, compliance with SB 1383 regulations, and available programs, services, and resources. A discussion followed regarding safety concerns related to fires caused by improperly disposed batteries and hot coal, as well as the procedures for hazardous waste collection.
D. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mr. Sam Rich, resident, expressed concerns regarding ongoing landscape ordinance violations and stated that there has been a lack of cooperation from the Planning Department in addressing the issue.
E. CITY MANAGER'S REPORTS
City Manager Freeland reported that the slurry seal schedule has been delayed due to recent rainy weather. He also noted that the Public Works maintenance crew is currently grading the site in preparation for the redesign project and confirmed that no artifacts have been discovered during the pre -construction process. Additionally, he announced that the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Players Course is scheduled for March 5, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the Indian Wells Golf Resort, and encouraged attendees to save the date.
F. CITY ATTORNEY REPORTS AND COMMENTS
City Attorney Leishman reported that no reportable action was taken during the Closed Session held on January 30, 2025, in accordance with the Brown Act. Mr.
Leishman also provided an explanation regarding the timing and requirements for reporting on such matters.
Council Minutes- February 13, 2025
3 G. CONSENT CALENDAR
G.1 City Treasurer’s Report for December 2024
It was determined to RECEIVE and FILE the City Treasurer’s Report for December 2024; 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 Mayor Pro Tem Reed, seconded by Council Member Sanders to Receive and File the Recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5 - Penna, Reed, Sanders, Taylor, Whitman
NOES: 0 -
H. PUBLIC HEARINGS
H.1 Resolution Certifying the Environmental Impact Report for General Plan Update; Resolution Adopting the Certified PEIR, General Plan Amendment No. 2025-01 for the General Plan; and Ordinance Approving the Certified PEIR Zone Map Amendment No. 2025-01 Community Development Director Berg provided a brief report and introduced Amanda Tropiano, a representative from DeNovo Planning Group, who delivered a presentation on the Indian Wells General Plan update. Ms. Tropiano outlined the scope of the work effort and the project timeline, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive update to the General Plan. Her presentation covered key components such as development and implementation strategies, data collection, community workshops, public feedback, existing conditions, and compliance with State requirements, including the Housing Element.
Mayor Sanders opened the public hearing at 2:26 p.m. to hear testimony in favor of or against the Resolution; hearing none the hearing was closed.
It was determined to ADOPT Resolution No. 2025-03 to read as follows:
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-03
TO CERTIFY THE FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT (SCH
#2024071208), ADOPT ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS, ADOPT A
STATEMENT OF OVERRIDING CONSIDERATIONS AND ADOPT
MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM PURSUANT
Council Minutes- February 13, 2025
4 TO THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT FOR THE CITY
OF INDIAN WELLS COMPREHENSIVE GENERAL PLAN UPDATE AND
ASSOCIATED ZONE MAP AMENDMENT; and
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-04
APPROVING, PURSUANT TO THE CERTIFIED FINAL
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT (SCH #2024071208), FOR THE
CITY OF INDIAN WELLS COMPREHENSIVE GENERAL PLAN UPDATE
AND ASSOCIATED ZONE MAP AMENDMENT, GENERAL PLAN
AMENDMENT NO. 2025-01 ADOPTING A COMPREHENSIVE UPDATE
TO THE CITY’S GENERAL PLAN AND APPROVING AN ORDINANCE
TO ADOPT ZONE MAP AMENDMENT NO. 2025-01 AMENDING THE
CITY’S OFFICIAL ZONING MAP CONSISTENT WITH THE UPDATED
GENERAL PLAN LAND USE MAP; and
INTRODUCE Ordinance Approving, Pursuant To The Certified Final Environmental Impact Report (SCH #2024071208), The City Of Indian Wells Comprehensive General Plan Update And Associated Zone Map Amendment, Amending The Official City Of Indian Wells Zoning Map (ZMA 2025-01) By Rezoning Certain Parcels Of Land To Be Consistent With The Resort Commercial Land Use Designation In The General Plan; and APPROVE Ordinance to be brought back for Second Reading and Adoption.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Reed, seconded by Council Member Sanders, to approve the First Reading of the ordinance and return for the Second Reading and Adoption. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5 - Penna, Reed, Sanders, Taylor, Whitman
NOES: 0 –
I. GENERAL BUSINESS
I.1 Discussion Regarding the Adoption of a Model Resolution Establishing a Good Neighbor Policy Focused on Homelessness This Item was pulled by staff and will be brought back at a future meeting for consideration.
Council Minutes- February 13, 2025
5 I.2 Consideration of Potential Local Transactions and Use/SalesTax Ballot Measure
Finance Director McCarthy provided background information on potential local transactions and used (sales) tax ballot measure proposal. Mayor Pro Tem Reed clarified that the discussion was not an approval to proceed with placing a measure on the ballot, but rather an initial step to conduct polling and outline an educational campaign to support potential future efforts. A discussion followed regarding whether there would be a cap on the amount of funding staff intends to allocate for these preliminary activities
Council Member Sanders clarified that the motion did not authorize placing a sales tax measure on the ballot but rather allowed staff to proceed with gathering information. Mr. Sanders emphasized the importance of collecting data related to public safety costs and potential future increases and requested input from the Sheriff’s Department regarding anticipated salary trends and cost projections, as well as information on projected increases in Fire Department personnel costs.
Council Member Penna expressed support for moving the item forward.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Reed, seconded by Council Member Sanders, to approve Option 1 as presented in the staff report.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5 – Penna, Reed, Sanders, Taylor, Whitman
NOES: 0 -
I.3 Approval of Design Enhancements as Part of the Players Course Redesign
City Manager Freeland provided an overview of the planned enhancements as part of the Players Course redesign. A discussion followed highlighting the importance of the pavilion in generating revenue through events such as weddings.
A motion was made by Mayor Whitman, seconded by Council Member Sanders, to approve the recommendation; however, Mayor Whitman later withdrew the motion.
City Manager Freeland then presented an update on the Golf Advisory Committee’s recommendations regarding the bunker sand blend and the
Council Minutes- February 13, 2025
6 associated change order amount. Mayor Whitman opened the floor for public comments.
Mr. Douglas Hanson, resident, expressed concerns about the budget for the golf resort enhancements, stating that the City may be overspending on improvements that are not entirely necessary. He also raised issues related to the management of the Troon agreement and suggested modifying the “T” marker to resemble an arrowhead.
Following further discussion, the Council considered splitting the motions.
A motion was made by Mayor Whitman, seconded by Council Member Sanders, to approve the recommendation for the flag enhancements, with the condition that the flags not include the Troon logo, the scope of work remain within the approved budget with no contingency, the course markers be designed as arrows, and that any additional costs beyond the pavilion be brought back to the Council for consideration. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5 – Penna, Reed, Sanders, Taylor, Whitman
NOES: 0 -
A motion was made by Council Member Sanders, seconded by Mayor Whitman, to approve the recommendation authorizing the City Manager to execute a change order in the amount of $50,000 for the 75/25 bunker sand blend. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5 – Penna, Reed, Sanders, Taylor, Whitman
NOES: 0 -
A motion was made by Council Member Sanders, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Reed, to determine that the project is exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15060. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5 – Penna, Reed, Sanders, Taylor, Whitman
NOES: 0 –
Council Minutes- February 13, 2025
7 J. COUNCIL MEMBERS COMMENTS
J.1 Council Member Sanders' Request to Place a Discussion Item on a Future City Council Agenda-City Manager Settlement Authority Council Member Sanders referenced a recent $2,500 claim and suggested that the City Council consider establishing a policy granting the City Manager authority to settle small claims up to $25,000 without requiring Council approval. There were no public comments on this item.
During discussion, Council Members expressed support for further exploring the topic, including reviewing best practices from other cities.
A motion was made by Council Member Sanders, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Reed, to place a discussion on a future agenda regarding the potential adoption of a policy authorizing the City Manager to approve expenditures up to a specified amount for the settlement of small claims, and to find the item exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15060. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5 – Penna, Reed, Sanders, Taylor, Whitman
NOES: 0 -
J.2 Council Member Taylor Request to Place a Discussion Item on a Future City Council Agenda- Modification of the Official City Seal Council Member Taylor proposed incorporating tennis and other racket sports into the General Plan document and suggested modifying the City seal to include a tennis player positioned to the left of the palm tree. A discussion followed regarding the importance of reviewing design concepts, including examples of the seal in both black and white and color formats.
A motion was made by Council Member Taylor, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Reed, to direct staff to place a discussion on a future agenda regarding potential modifications to the City seal. The motion included a request for staff to present design concepts for an expenditure not to exceed $2,000 and to find the project exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15060.
Council Minutes- February 13, 2025
8 The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5 – Penna, Reed, Sanders, Taylor, Whitman
NOES: 0 -
J.3 Council Member Taylor Request to Place a Discussion Item on a Future City Council Agenda- Fiscal Policy Manual Revisions Council Member Taylor provided an update regarding the Request for Proposals (RFP) process. He recommended implementing a three -year review cycle for specific contracts and professional service agreements, eliminating automatic renewals by the City Manager. He requested that this item be placed on a future agenda for Council consideration.
Council Member Taylor made a motion, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Reed, to direct staff to return with a discussion item on a future agenda addressing the implementation of a three -year review cycle for specific contracts and professional service agreements, prohibiting automatic renewals by the City Manager, and referring the item to the Finance Committee for policy development prior to returning to Council. The motion also included a finding that the project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15060.
Mayor Pro Tem Reed suggested scheduling the discussion in conjunction with the Strategic Planning Session and referring the item to the Finance Committee to draft policy language. Mayor Whitman proposed forming an ad hoc committee to review the matter and report back to Council.
Council discussed the role of the Finance Committee versus an ad hoc committee, including the benefits and drawbacks of each approach and the potential delay in implementation. Council Member Taylor identified key contracts for review and emphasized the importance of assessing best practices.
Mayor Whitman reiterated his suggestion to form an ad hoc committee and proposed that Council Member Taylor and Mayor Pro Tem Reed serve as members.
Mayor Whitman then made a substitute motion to refer the item to an ad hoc committee, with Council Member Taylor as a member, prior to returning to Council for discussion and approval. The substitute motion failed due to lack of a second.
Council Minutes- February 13, 2025
9 The original motion carried with the following vote:
AYES – 3- Reed, Sanders, Taylor
NOES – 4 - Whitman
ABSTAIN- 1 - Penna
J.4 Council Member Taylor Request to Place a Discussion Item on a Future City Council Agenda- Sponsorship Policy
Council Member Taylor emphasized the importance of strengthening fiscal responsibility and expressed the need to clearly define the City’s sponsorship policy. Mr. Douglas Hanson, resident, raised concerns about potential Brown Act violations in the previous discussion, noting that the item only involved placing a discussion on a future agenda, as does the current item.
Council Member Taylor made a motion, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Reed, to place a discussion regarding a sponsorship policy on a future City Council agenda, including proposed amendments to the existing extraordinary sponsorship policy. The motion also included a finding that the project is exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15060. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES 5 – Penna, Reed, Sanders, Taylor, Whitman
NOES 0 –
K. COUNCIL MEMBER'S REPORTS
K.1 COUNCIL MEMBER SANDERS
Council Member Sanders reported attending the Coachella Valley Animal Campus Commission meeting, where discussions focused on recent actions taken by Riverside County regarding animal services. Mr. Sanders provided an update from the Cove Community Services Commission, noting that the Commission has initiated steps aimed at enhancing collaboration among its members. These efforts are expected to be beneficial in identifying areas for potential cooperation, including the possibility of resource acquisition through joint initiatives.
Council Minutes- February 13, 2025
10 K.2 COUNCIL MEMBER PENNA
Council Member Penna reported visiting Greater Palm Springs and announced that the Indian Wells Preservation Foundation will host a fundraiser on February 28, 2025. Mr. Penna also attended the Coachella Valley Mountain Conservancy meeting and provided an update on the discussions held.
A motion was made by Council Member Penna, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Reed to place a discussion item regarding future financial support for the Coachella Valley Mountain Conservancy on a future agenda, to be considered as part of the City’s budget process. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5 - Penna, Reed, Sanders, Taylor, Whitman
NOES: 0 -
K.3 COUNCIL MEMBER TAYLOR
Council Member Taylor reported that the Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) meeting was canceled and will be reconvened at the upcoming retreat. Mr. Taylor discussed public safety concerns and proposed adding topics to the City’s legislative agenda, including the stability of the 911 emergency response system. Mr. Taylor emphasized the importance of advocating for funding and suggested initiating a discussion regarding the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in collaboration with Cove cities.
Council Member Taylor also reported attending a strategic planning meeting for California State University, San Bernardino, where he shared statistical highlights from the session.
The Council concurred to direct staff to incorporate the proposed additions 911 system stability and EOC collaboration with Cove cities into the upcoming Strategic Planning agenda without objection,
K.4 MAYOR PRO TEM REED
Mayor Pro Tem Reed reported representing the City at the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) Energy & Sustainability Committee meeting. Mr. Reed discussed a presentation by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD), which recommended phasing out all natural gas energy sources. In response, he requested that staff gather additional information on the proposal, assess its potential
Council Minutes- February 13, 2025
11 impact on the City, and return to Council with a recommendation on whether the City should take an official position on the matter.
K.5 MAYOR WHITMAN
No reports.
L. ADJOURNMENT
At 3:49 p.m., Mayor Whitman ADJOURNED the Council meeting to a special scheduled meeting of the City Council to be held at 10:00 a.m. on March 6, 2025, in the City Hall Council Chamber.
Respectfully submitted,
_________________________
Angelica Avila, MMC
City Clerk