CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Thursday, March 6, 2025
10:00 a.m.
City Hall Council Chamber
44950 Eldorado Drive, Indian Wells, CA 92210
Present: Mayor Pro Tem Reed
Council Member Taylor
Council Member Penna
Council Member Sanders
Excused: Mayor Whitman
_____________________________________________________________________ A. CONVENE THE INDIAN WELLS CITY COUNCIL, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
AND ROLL CALL
Council Member Taylor convened the City Council Meeting at 10:00 a.m. in the City Hall Council Chamber and led in the Pledge of Allegiance, with all Council Members present, except Mayor Whitman.
A motion was made by Council Member Taylor, seconded by Council Member Sanders, to excuse Mayor Whitman from today's meeting. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 4 - Penna, Reed, Sanders, Taylor
NOES: 0 -
EXCUSED: 1 - Whitman
B. APPROVAL OF THE FINAL AGENDA
A motion was made by Council Member Sanders, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Reed to Approve the Agenda as Submitted.
Council Minutes- March 6, 2025
2 The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 4 - Penna, Reed, Sanders, Taylor
NOES: 0 -
EXCUSED: 1 - Whitman
C. PROCLAMATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
C.1 Introduction of Public Works Permit Technician I Stephanie Swanstrom
Public Works Director Ken Seumalo introduced Stephanie Swanstrom as the City’s new Permit Technician I.
C.2 Legislative Update by State Legislative Advocate Jason Gonsalves, Joe A. Gonsalves & Son
Jason Gonsalves of Joe A. Gonsalves & Son provided an update on current legislative bills, including matters related to the dissolution of redevelopment agencies. He discussed ongoing negotiations with Riverside County and other tax agencies focused on capturing new revenue shares.
Council Member Sanders raised concerns about inconsistencies in housing legislation. A broader Council discussion of topics included the financial impact of prevailing wage requirements, state policies contributing to the rising cost of living, and the potential reinstatement of redevelopment agencies to address the housing crisis. Council also considered the evolving needs of modern communities, the possibility of revisiting AB 8, awarding Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) credits to universities and state college systems, and the implications of AB 1407.
D. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mr. Sam Spinello, resident, addressed the Council to express his appreciation for their support of The Living Desert, and commended the Council for conducting a professional and constructive discussion with a property owner regarding the matter, noting that the Council was actively engaged and demonstrated a strong commitment to the issue.
Council Minutes- March 6, 2025
3 E. CITY MANAGER'S REPORTS
City Manager Freeland provided an update on the growing popularity of tennis in the community and encouraged residents to be mindful of increased traffic during the tournament. Mr. Freeland reviewed the rules for resident ticket usage and explained how to obtain same-day tickets and discussed the upcoming groundbreaking for the redesign of the Player’s Course, noting that the opening is scheduled for November. Mr. Freeland further commended the Public Works Department for securing grant funding for the Safer Streets project and announced several upcoming City events.
F. CITY ATTORNEY REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Best, Best, & Krieger Managing Partner Carlos Campos, attending on behalf of the City Attorney, reported that there were no updates to be present at this time.
G. CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Member Taylor referenced Item No. G.9 and commented on its emphasis on transparency, noting its importance in identifying and addressing budgetary challenges. Mr. Taylor discussed the value of implementing strong checks and balances and establishing appropriate approval processes to ensure fiscal responsibility. Mr. Taylor also expressed appreciation for City staff and their efforts in maintaining accountability and transparency.
G.1 Ordinance Approving, Pursuant to the Certified Final EIR, Zone Map Amendment No. 2025-01
It was determined to ADOPT Ordinance No. 762 to read as follows:
ORDINANCE NO. 762
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, 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.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Reed, seconded by Council Member Sanders, to adopt Ordinance No. 762, as presented.
Council Minutes- March 6, 2025
4 The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 4 - Penna, Reed, Sanders, Taylor
NOES: 0 -
EXCUSED: 1 - Whitman
G.2 Initiating Proceedings and Preliminarily Approving the Annual Levy Report for Indian Wells Street Lighting District No. 2000-1 for Fiscal Year 2025-26
It was determined to ADOPT Resolution No. 2025-05 to read as; and RESOLUTION NO. 2025-05
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 2025-26 PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF PART 2 OF DIVISION 15 OF THE CALIFORNIA STREETS AND HIGHWAYS CODE; and
SCHEDULE a noticed Public Hearing on April 3, 2025, 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 Mayor Pro Tem Reed, seconded by Council Member Sanders, to adopt the recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 4 - Penna, Reed, Sanders, Taylor
NOES: 0 -
EXCUSED: 1 - Whitman
G.3 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 2025-26
It was determined to ADOPT Resolution No. 2025-07 to read as follows:
Council Minutes- March 6, 2025
5 RESOLUTION NO. 2025-07
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 2025-26 PURSUANT TO THE
PROVISIONS OF PART 2 OF DIVISION 15 OF THE CALIFORNIA
STREETS AND HIGHWAYS CODE; and
SCHEDULE a noticed Public Hearing on April 3, 2025, to hear public testimony on the proposed levy and
ADOPT Resolution 2025-06 to read as follows:
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-06
PRELIMINARILY APPROVING THE ANNUAL LEVY REPORT FOR THE
INDIAN WELLS STREET LIGHTING DISTRICT NO. 2000-1 FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2025-26; 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 adopt the recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 4 - Penna, Reed, Sanders, Taylor
NOES: 0 -
EXCUSED: 1 - Whitman
G.4 Initiating Proceedings, Preliminary, Annual Levy Report, and Declaring Intention to Order the Levy and Collection of Assessments for Annual Levy for the Drainage Maintenance Benefit Assessment District No. 1 for the Fiscal Year 2025-26
It was determined to ADOPT Resolution No. 2025-10 to read as follows:
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-10
INITIATING PROCEEDINGS FOR THE LEVY AND COLLECTION OF
ASSESSMENTS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2025 -26 FOR THE CITY OF
INDIAN WELLS DRAINAGE MAINTENANCE BENEFIT ASSESSMENT
Council Minutes- March 6, 2025
6 DISTRICT NO. 1, PURSUANT TO THE BENEFIT ASSESSMENT ACT OF 1982; and
ADOPTS Resolution No. 2025-08 to read as follows:
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-08
PRELIMINARILY APPROVING THE ANNUAL LEVY REPORT FOR THE
INDIAN WELLS LANDSCAPE AND LIGHTING DISTRICT NO. 91 -1 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-26; and
ADOPT Resolution No. 2025-09 to read as follows:
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-09
DECLARING ITS INTENTION TO ORDER THE LEVY AND COLLECTION
OF ASSESSMENTS FOR THE CITY OF INDIAN WELLS DRAINAGE
MAINTENANCE BENEFIT ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 1 FOR THE
FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 PURSUANT TO THE BENEFIT ASSESSMENT
ACT OF 1982; and
SCHEDULE a noticed Public Hearing on April 3, 2025, 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 Mayor Pro Tem Reed, seconded by Council Member Sanders, to adopt the recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 4 - Penna, Reed, Sanders, Taylor
NOES: 0 -
EXCUSED: 1 - Whitman
G.5 Extension of Exclusive Negotiation Agreements with Abode Communities and Summit Development for Affordable Housing Development in Indian Wells
It was determined to AUTHORIZE and DIRECT the City Attorney to prepare and the City Manager to execute a 180-day extension to the exclusive-negotiation agreements with Adobe Communities and Summit Developers regarding potential development of an affordable housing project in the City of Indian Wells; and
Council Minutes- March 6, 2025
7 FIND the action is not a project within the meaning of Section 15378 of the State of California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) Guidelines because it has no potential to result in physical change in the environment, directly or indirectly; and that the action is nonetheless exempt from the requirements of CEQA in that the activity is covered by the general rule that CEQA applies only to projects that have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. (14 CCR 15061(b)(3).) A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Reed, seconded by Council Member Sanders, to Approve the Recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 4 - Penna, Reed, Sanders, Taylor
NOES: 0 –
EXCUSED: 1 - Whitman
G.6 Council Member’s Attendance at the 2025 Ophelia Luncheon It was determined to APPROVE the attendance of Mayor Whitman, Councilmember Penna, and Councilmember Sanders to attend It’s a Girls World Ophelia Annual Luncheon on March 18, 2025, held at the Westin Rancho Mirage Resort & Spa; and
FIND the action exempt from CEQA review under CEQA Guidelines section 15061(b)(3).
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Reed, seconded by Council Member Sanders, to Approve the Recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 4 - Penna, Reed, Sanders, Taylor
NOES: 0 –
EXCUSED: 1 - Whitman
G.7 Resolution Revising the Annual Citywide Records Retention and Destruction Schedule
It was determined to ADOPT Resolution No. 2025-16 to read as follows:
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-16
ADOPTING A REVISED RECORDS RETENTION AND DESTRUCTION
SCHEDULE AND AUTHORIZING THE DESTRUCTION OF OBSOLETE
CITY RECORDS IN ACCORDANCE WITH STATE LAW; and
Council Minutes- March 6, 2025
8 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 Adopt the Recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 4 - Penna, Reed, Sanders, Taylor
NOES: 0 –
EXCUSED: 1 - Whitman
G.8 Supplemental Appropriation for City Hall Security System It was determined to APPROVE a supplemental appropriation of $800 for the purchase of 20 user licenses and one exterior video camera; and DIRECT Staff to adjust the project budget accordingly; and FIND the project to be exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 15061 (b)(3).
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Reed, seconded by Council Member Sanders, to Approve the Recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 4 - Penna, Reed, Sanders, Taylor
NOES: 0 –
EXCUSED: 1 - Whitman
G.9 Whitewater Channel West Drop Structure Repair Project Closeout It was determined to ADOPT the Whitewater Channel West Drop Structure Repair project as complete; and
DIRECT Staff to adjust insurance coverage amount and FEMA reimbursement requests to the final construction cost amount to $3,635,314; and
APPROVE the final project cost of $3,635,314, with a supplemental appropriation of $321,000; and
Council Minutes- March 6, 2025
9 FIND the project to be exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Public Resources Code Article 19, Section 15302.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Reed, seconded by Council Member Sanders, to adopt the recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 4 - Penna, Reed, Sanders, Taylor
NOES: 0 –
EXCUSED: 1 - Whitman
H. PUBLIC HEARINGS
H.1 Ordering the Levy and Collection of Assessments for the Special Fire Tax Standby and Availability Charges
Finance Kevin McCarthy provided an overview of the Special Fire Tax Standby.
Mayor Sanders opened the public hearing at 10:37 a.m. to hear testimony in favor of or against the Resolution; hearing none the hearing was closed.
It was determined to ADOPT Resolution 2025-17 to read as follows:
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-17
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 2025-26 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 Mayor Pro Tem Reed, seconded by Council Member Sanders, to adopt the recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 4 - Penna, Reed, Sanders, Taylor
NOES: 0 –
EXCUSED: 1 - Whitman
Council Minutes- March 6, 2025
10 I. GENERAL BUSINESS
I.1 Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert One-Time Funding Request for Fiscal Year 2024-25
City Manager Christopher Freeland provided an overview of the Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert’s one-time funding request in the amount of $10,000, noting that funding is available.
Cindy Burreson, Chief Executive Officer of the Museum, spoke in support of the request and highlighted programs that serve families throughout the Coachella Valley. Resident Ms. Marcie Maxwell, resident, spoke in favor of the funding, emphasizing the importance of indoor activities for children.
Council Member Taylor reported that Mayor Whitman had sent an email advocating for the funding request. Council discussion followed, including a request for program-specific data to be shared with the Council.
A motion was made by Council Member Sanders, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Reed, to approve a one-time funding allocation of $10,000 to the Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert, to be drawn from the $40,000 set-aside previously approved by Council.
Council Member Penna offered a friendly amendment to require a report from the Museum in December. The amendment was accepted by both the motion maker and the seconder. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 4 - Penna, Reed, Sanders, Taylor
NOES: 0 -
EXCUSED: 1 - Whitman
I.2 City’s 2025-2026 Legislative Platform
Management Assistant Jennifer Aguilar provided a summary of the City’s proposed 2025–26 Legislative Platform.
It was determined to ADOPT the City’s 2025-2026 Legislative Platform:
and
FINDS the action exempt from CEQA review under CEQA Guidelines section 15061(b)(3).
Council Minutes- March 6, 2025
11 A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Reed, seconded by Council Member Sanders, to adopt the recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 4 - Penna, Reed, Sanders, Taylor
NOES: 0 –
EXCUSED: 1 - Whitman
J. COUNCIL MEMBER'S REPORTS
J.1 Councilmember Penna Request to Place a Discussion Item on a Future City Council Agenda - Citywide Holiday Decorations Council Member Penna provided background information and requested that a discussion regarding funding for citywide holiday decorations be placed on a future Council agenda.
It was determined to APPROVE Councilmember Penna’s request to place a discussion item on a future City Council agenda related to funding citywide holiday decorations; and
FINDS 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 add a discussion regarding funding citywide holiday decorations on a future agenda. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 4 - Penna, Reed, Sanders, Taylor
NOES: 0 –
EXCUSED: 1 - Whitman
K. COUNCIL MEMBER'S COMMENTS
K.1 COUNCIL MEMBER SANDERS
No report.
K.2 COUNCIL MEMBER PENNA
Council Member Penna provided updates on upcoming community activities and shared information from a recent Indian Wells Historic Preservation Committee meeting.
Council Minutes- March 6, 2025
12 K.3 COUNCIL MEMBER TAYLOR
Council Member Taylor provided updates on CVAG, the Golf Resort Committee, and the Riverside County Transportation Annual Retreat. He discussed two key topics: the decline in gas tax revenue due to the rise of electric vehicles, and the impact of heavier car batteries contributing to road damage. Additionally, he noted that Riverside County’s population has doubled, and projections indicate a potential reduction in highway speed limits to 35 miles per hour.
K.4 MAYOR PRO TEM REED
Mayor Pro Tem Reed referenced the end-of-season gala scheduled for April, noting that Council Member Penna agreed it may be too early in the season. City Clerk Avila explained that the Pavilion was unavailable on the preferred date and alternative venues were cost -prohibitive, so the event was scheduled earlier to secure the Pavilion.
Mayor Pro Tem Reed also announced the upcoming SCAG meeting in May and provided updates on the Conservation and Sustainability Committee, as well as the Indian Wells Finance and Legal Oversight Committees.
K.5 MAYOR WHITMAN
Mayor Whitman excused from the meeting, no report.
L. CLOSED SESSION
Council Member Taylor recessed to a Closed Session at 11:04 p.m. to discuss the following items:
L.1 Conference with Legal Counsel Regarding Anticipated-Litigation- Initiation of Litigation Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4). One (1) or More Cases. Potential Case.
City Attorney Todd Leishman stated no reportable action was taken which, under the Brown Act, would be required to be publicly reported.
L.2 Conference with City’s Real Property Negotiator Pursuant to Government Code 54956.8. Real Property: APN 633-150-
071.Negotiating Parties:
City Attorney Todd Leishman stated that no reportable action was taken in closed session, as required under the Brown Act.
Council Minutes- March 6, 2025
13 L.3 Conference with Legal Counsel Regarding Existing Litigation, Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1):
City Attorney Todd Leishman stated that no reportable action was taken in closed session, as required under the Brown Act.
M. ADJOURNMENT
At 12:05 p.m., Council Member Taylor adjourned to a regularly scheduled meeting of the City Council to be held at 1:30 p.m. on April 3, 2025, in the City Hall Council Chamber.
Respectfully submitted,
_________________________
Angelica Avila, MMC
City Clerk