Joint Meeting Agenda- November 6, 2025
Voices for Children: recommended funding of $5,000 to support the Court Appointed Special Advocate Program in the Coachella Valley. The program provides Coachella Valley children with foster care with comprehensive, individualized advocacy.
Each organization that will receive funding is required to execute a Funding Agreement with the City documenting the authorized use of funds and will, at the conclusion of the Fiscal Year, provide the City with a report on how the funds were utilized and the impact those dollars had on the organization and the community it serves.
OPTIONS:
Council options:
1. Approve the Grants-in-Aid Committee’s recommendation to allocate Grants-in-Aid funding as outlined in this staff report; or
2. Provide alternative direction.
FISCAL IMPACT:
No supplemental appropriation is required. The Grants-in-Aid program recommends the full $160,000 in funds already allocated within the Fiscal Year 2025-26 adopted budget.
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA):
The action is not a project within the meaning of Section 15378 of the State of California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) Guidelines, because it has no potential for resulting in physical change in the environment, directly or indirectly; and that the action is nonetheless exempt from the requirements of CEQA in that the activity is covered by the general rule that CEQA applies only to projects that have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. (14 CCR 15061(b)(3).)
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Funding Allocation Spreadsheet
Joint Meeting Agenda- November 6, 2025
AGENCY NAME PROGRAM/PROJECT/PURCHASE SUPPORTED? REQUESTED FUNDING FUNDING
RECOMMENDATION
1 Alzheimers Coachella Valley Alzeimers Coachella Valley is requesting grant funding specifically for the expansion of the flagship prorgam, Club Journey.10,000.00$ 5,000.00$
2 American Friends of our Armed Forces
Adopt-a-Marine for Thanksgiving. AFAF coordinates with the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms to transport 300 active-duty Marines to the Coachella Valley on Thanksgiving Day, where they are hosted by local families.
11,000.00$ 2,500.00$
3 Assistance League Coachella Valley
Funding is requested for expansion of our Operation School Bell Program. Through Operation School Bell, clothes, shoes, hygiene and menstrual products, backpacks, school supplies, bedding, and food are distributed to Caochella Valley students.
10,000.00$ 10,000.00$
4 Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Desert Improving Youth Mental Health through Mentoring.10,000.00$ 5,000.00$ 5 Boys and Girls Club of Palm Springs Update Membership & Operational Platform to MyClubHub. MyClubHub is a coud-based, integrated platform designed to streamline membership management, donor engagement, and fundraising operations. 10,000.00$ 5,000.00$ 6 California Scottish Rite Foundation Support the Speech-Language Therapy Program at the RiteCare Childhood Language Center of Coachella Valley. 15,000.00$ 5,000.00$
7 Caravanserai - Alliance for Entrepreneurs
The BizUp Neurodiverse Entrepreneurs Program provides billingual (Spanish/English) support to 15 nerodiverse youth, adults, and their families in the Coachella Valley, positioniong entrepreneurship as a pathway to independence, self-empowerment, and economic mobility. 10,000.00$ 3,000.00$
8 Coachella Valley Housing Coalition The goal of the After-School Programs is to increase the opportunities for local low-income, at-risk children and youth to engage in educational, recreational and leadership activities. 5,000.00$ 5,000.00$ 9 Coachella Valley Youth Foundation - First Tee East Valley Expansion: The Lights at Indio. We are expanding into the East Valley to support low-income families with limited access to recreation programs.10,000.00$ 5,000.00$ 10 Desert Arc Desert Arc Business Services Program: Desert Arc is requesting funding to support three of its social micro- enterprise programs: Landscape Maintenance, Shredding & Recycling, and Janitorial Services. 13,200.00$ 10,000.00$ 2025-2026 GRANT FUNDING REQUESTS - GRANTS IN AID
FUNDING AVAILABLE: $160,000
ATTACHMENT #1
Joint Meeting Agenda- November 6, 2025
11 Family Services of the Desert, Food Now Fuel for Success: Weekend Meals for Hungry Kids. Weekend Meals for Hungry Kids has helped thousands of children reach their full potential by addressing one of the greatest barriers to learning: weekend hunger. 10,000.00$ 10,000.00$ 12 Family YMCA of the Desert Old Town Artisan Studios to help provide children in YMCA before and after school programs the opportunity to do clay and paint programs through STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics). 5,000.00$ 2,500.00$ 13 Friends of the Desert Mountains The funding would be used to fund our environmental education programs throughout the Coachella Valley.10,000.00$ 5,000.00$ 14 Galilee Center, Inc.
Funding will be used to fund the Galilee Center Homeless Prevention Program for Eastern Coachella Valley.
The Our Lady of Guadalupe Center (OLG) offers dignity, safety and wellbeing targeting the homeless and the working poor and their families.
65,000.00$ 25,000.00$
15 Habitat for Humanity
Requests support for the Housing Insecurity Prevention Program for Low-Income Coachella Valley Residents, which provides a multi-layered approach to achieving and sustaining home ownership and reducing risks of housing and financial insecurity for low income households. 25,000.00$ 10,000.00$
16 John F. Kennedy Memorial Foundation Support the Ambassador Leadership Team of the Ophelia Project. This group of young women are comprised of juniors and seniors from High School that support the Ophelia program in their schools. 9,000.00$ 5,000.00$ 17 Operation Safe House, Inc. Harrison House Transitional Living and Permanent Supportive Housing Program for older homeless youth ages 18-24 in the Coachella Valley. 15,000.00$ 7,500.00$ 18 Read With Me Volunteer Programs Books for elementary school children struggling to read and comprehend English in the Coachella Valley. 7,500.00$ 5,000.00$ 19 Refuge Pregnancy Center, Inc. Funding for our Brand New Nurturing Body, Mind, and Baby Program, a 12-season prenatal education series designed to empower expectant mothers throughout their pregnancy journey.2,900.00$ 2,900.00$ 20 Riverside County Foundation on Aging, Inc.
Support a program containing three compenents designed to enhance food security and meaningful butrition support for older adults in need. The proposed program includes the continuation of the foundation's grocery Market Gift Card Program. This funding will add two hundred grocery market gift cards (each worth $ 25) to approxinmatley five hundred others to be funded by the Foundation and other parnters.
7,500.00$ 5,000.00$
21 Shay's Warriors Life after Cancer
To expand outreach, provide scholarships for our annual retreat, and sustain monthly programming, wellness and support progams that directly benefit Indian Wells residents. We address and focus funding received on the needs of cancer survivors.
9,250.00$ 5,000.00$
Joint Meeting Agenda- November 6, 2025
22 SongShine Foundation
To support the arts in healthcare program and for the annual spring musical-featuring a cast of class participants who daily face the effects of Parkinson's, stroke, myathenia gravis and aging voices. SongShine offers a low or no cost, holistic approach to strengthening neurologically damaged and aging voices. 5,000.00$ 2,500.00$
23 Tools for Tomorrow Funding to provide three 4-week sessions of a Creative Club Program at the Children's Discovery Museum of the Desert.6,421.38$ 5,100.00$ 24 United Cerebral Palsy of the Inland Empire
UCPIE Para-Karate Program is an opportunity for individuals with disabilities to excel in a competitive sport environment proving they can llive their life without limits. Para-karate not only provides physical activity but also personal discipline and a sense of community.
9,000.00$ 4,000.00$
25 Vareity Children's Charity of the Desert
We deliver equity, independence, social inclusion, mobility, and self-esteem to children across the Coachella Valley through four core programs: Care, Freedom, Future, and Outreach Programs. Variety Children's Charity of the Desert serves children aged 0-18 of all backgrounds and abilities, with program delivery centered at our offices in Palm Desert, Mecca, and Desert Hot Springs. 10,000.00$ 5,000.00$
26 Voices for Children
To support our Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program in the Coachella Valley. VFC's core mission is to provide CASA volunteers for children who need them. VFC's CASA program provides Coachella Valley children in foster care with comprehensive, individualized advocacy. 5,000.00$ 5,000.00$
305,771.38$ 160,000.00$
Joint Meeting Agenda- November 6, 2025
INDIAN WELLS CITY COUNCIL
November 6, 2025
To: City Council
From: Public Works
Prepared by: Dina Purvis, Interim Public Works Director Subject: Highway 111 Drought Tolerant Landscaping Turf Replacement
RECOMMENDED ACTIONS:
Council DISCUSSES proceeding with the implementation of the Highway 111 Drought Tolerant Landscape Project, funded in part through a regional grant from the California Department of Water Resources (DWR), in coordination with the Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD); and
FINDS the project to be exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15301(c), Existing facilities and 15304(b) Minor Alterations to Land.
BACKGROUND:
During the height of the statewide drought, the Indian Wells City Council directed staff to evaluate opportunities for water conservation along Highway 111, particularly by removing turf. This direction was formalized as a City Council Strategic Plan Goal in Fiscal Year 2023-24 and reaffirmed each year thereafter. The proposed turf replacement program was added as a strategic planning goal to align with regional and state water conservation goals, as well as turf replacement efforts that the City adopted for residential and commercial areas of the community.
In addition, the State of California passed AB 1572 in 2023, prohibiting using potable water to irrigate non-functional turf. Non-functional turf is generally described as grass used for an ornamental nature, such as in medians and parkways. It is separated from functional turf by its use; functional turf is found in parks, golf courses, and sports fields.
While not a deciding factor for moving this project forward, it may have future implications for portions of Highway 111 as future water availability may become more scarce.
Joint Meeting Agenda- November 6, 2025
DISCUSSION:
The City, in collaboration with the Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD), is participating in a regional initiative to promote water conservation and sustainable landscaping practices. The initiative is supported by grant funding from the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) as part of its Urban Community Drought Relief Grant Program.
CVWD serves as the primary grant recipient for the region, and the City of Indian Wells is a subrecipient under the agreement. The City has been allocated funding in the amount of $650,000 to implement the Drought Tolerant Landscape project. The $650,000 is specifically for construction, with a required match of 25%. Payment of the grant will be made on a reimbursement basis, contingent upon the City’s commencement of construction activities.
The Highway 111 Drought Tolerant Landscape Project involves the removal of 4.45 acres of city-owned or maintained turf. Not all areas of Highway 111 are owned and/or maintained by the City. This project will only improve areas that are currently maintained by the City, and only in areas of turf removal. Key components of the project include:
Removal of existing turf behind the sidewalks on the north and south sides of Highway 111. Removing turf behind the sidewalk and keeping the turf next to the roadway will allow the City to maintain the appearance of its iconic corridor.
Installation of drought tolerant landscaping in the areas of turf removal, similar to existing portions along Highway 111, and upgrading irrigation systems to smart or drip irrigation technology.
Application of mulch and other ground cover to reduce evaporation.
In preparation for project implementation, the City issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for professional landscape architecture services. Following a competitive selection process, David Volz Design was chosen to lead the design phase of the project. The design was guided by the City’s existing Landscaping and Highway 111 General Plan Standards and conforms with both. Materials used for the design are based on lush Mediterranean style plantings, very green and colorful, and varying in height. The plant types include new trees, shrubs and ground covers. The materials are not sparsely planted cactus type vegetation that are common in other drought tolerant landscape projects seen throughout the Coachella Valley. Upon completion, the landscape project will uphold the City’s reputation for maintaining its iconic and picturesque corridor, a landmark that continues to attract attention and admiration.
Based on the completed design, the construction estimate for the project is over $5 million. This estimate includes construction, irrigation upgrades, planting, materials, and project management. Given the high estimated cost, Staff is in the process of amending the grant agreement to reflect the use of City’s maintenance crew and using the citywide
Joint Meeting Agenda- November 6, 2025
landscaping contract to greatly reduce cost burdens. If this project moves forward staff would recommend the work be phased to manage costs and allow time to seek additional grant funding.
The areas where turf removal is being proposed are highlighted in Attachment 1.
Attachment 2 is a rendering of the proposed improvements designed by David Volz. This design is consistent with other locations in the City where turf was removed and drought tolerant landscaping was installed.
This item has been agendized to provide the Council the opportunity to further discuss one of its strategic planning priorities, before any additional staff or consultant work is done to advance this project. If Council wishes to move forward with a project, the next step would be to host a community meeting on the proposed improvements. Staff could also complete a small pilot program to have Public Works staff remove some turf and replace with new landscaping to illustrate the proposed improvements, before moving forward on a larger scale.
It is appropriate for Council to discuss and evaluate if this project is still a Council priority and next steps for the project. It also provides Council an opportunity to determine if any additional information is needed before making a determination.
CITY COUNCIL STRATEGIC GOAL:
This project reflects a Council priority and a long-term commitment to sustainability and water conservation. By moving forward now, the City can take advantage of available state funding, reduce irrigation demands, and assist in addressing state and regional water conservation goals.
OPTIONS:
The City Council has the following options.
1. Authorize staff to initiate construction activities for the Highway 111 Drought Tolerant Landscape Project in accordance with the approved plans and grant requirements over a phased implementation Included in this option, Council could scale back the level of turf removal to fully utilize existing grant funds awarded.
2. Authorize staff to install a test area of the landscape project as designed and bring back to Council for further discussion.
3. Provide staff direction that additional information is needed and bring back for further discussion at a later date.
Joint Meeting Agenda- November 6, 2025
4.Decide not to move forward with the proposed project at this time and bring back to the Council’s 2026 Strategic Planning session for further discussion.
5.Decide not to move forward with the project and instruct staff to maintain the designs, unencumber any unused grant funding, and revisit the project at a later date.
6.Provide alternative direction.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The approved Capital Improvement Budget for this project is $1,070,000. The grant amount allocated is $650,000. If construction does not move forward at this time, the City will be required to de-obligate $650,000 in grant funds.
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA):
This project has been assessed in accordance with the authority and criteria contained in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the State and local CEQA Guidelines, and the environmental regulations of the City. The City acting as Lead Agency, has determined the Drought Tolerant Landscaping Turf Replacement qualifies as being Categorically Exempt from CEQA pursuant to Section 15301(c), Existing facilities and 15304(b) Minor Alterations to Land.
ATTACHMENTS:
1.Locations
2.Rendering
3.View Simulations
Joint Meeting Agenda- November 6, 2025
Hwy 111 Drought Tolerant Project
City Council and Successor Agency Joint Meeting:
November 6, 2025 - Presentation
General Business Item J.2
68%
February 1, 2023
23/24 Strategic
Planning
April 17, 2025
25/26 Strategic
Planning
April 2, 2024
24/25 Strategic
Planning
Project Timeline
May 15, 2025
City Council Meeting
(CIP Budget Approved)
Urban Community Drought Relief Grant
Primary Grant Recipient Subrecipient
City Budget:
$1,070,000
Grant Amount:
$650,000
Budget
Location
4.45 Acres of
Turf Removal
Turf Behind
Sidewalk Only
North & South Sides
of Hwy 111
Location
Location
Concept Plans
Concept Plans
Concept Plans
View Simulation
³
Possible Reduced Turf City Maintained Turf Areas
´
Grant Funded Turf Reduction ProjectN and S sides of Hwy 111, from Eldorado Dr to Indian Wells Ln 1 ATTACHMENT #1
Joint Meeting Agenda- November 6, 2025
³
Possible Reduced Turf City Maintained Turf Areas
´
Grant Funded Turf Reduction ProjectN and S sides of Hwy 111, from Indian Wells Ln to Miles/Ave/Manitou 2Page 282 of 295 Joint Meeting Agenda- November 6, 2025
³
Possible Reduced Turf City Maintained Turf Areas
´
Grant Funded Turf Reduction ProjectN and S sides of Hwy 111, from Miles Ave/Manitou to City Limits 3Page 283 of 295 Joint Meeting Agenda- November 6, 2025
³
Turf Replacement Areas South Side of Highway 111, west of Rancho Palmeras 4Page 284 of 295 Joint Meeting Agenda- November 6, 2025
ATTACHMENT #2
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ATTACHMENT #3
Joint Meeting Agenda- November 6, 2025
Joint Meeting Agenda- November 6, 2025
Pavement Rehabilitation
Riverside I-10 Corridor
-10 Pavement Projects (149 miles)
COACHELLA VALLEY ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS
November 3, 2025
City Council & Successor Agency Joint Meeting:
November 6, 2025 - Council Reports & Comments
Council Member Toper Taylor
Regional Map
CURRENT STATUS:
Construction Completed
Preparing Close Out Doc’s
EA 1C38U - 18.4 miles
In Beaumont & Banning from 10/60 Sep. to
Jct. 10/111 Sep.
Funding Year 2017/2018
Begin Construction 2019
End Construction 2023
Award Amount $202,672,800
CURRENT STATUS:
Preparing project concept
EA 1L190 - 7.5 miles
In and near Palm Springs From W/O JCT 111
to W/O Indian Ave. OC
Funding Year 2031/2032
Begin Construction 2032
End Construction 2034
Construction Cost $72,586,000
CURRENT STATUS:
•Preparing project report & environmentaldocument-May 2026 •Obtaining railroad permit
EA 1M360 - 11.8 miles
In and near Cathedral City, from Indian
Ave. to W/O Monterey Ave.
Funding Year 2027/2028
Begin Construction July 2028
End Construction Feb 2030
Construction Cost $57,784,000
CURRENT STATUS:
Construction completed
Final voucher completed
EA 1C060 - 7.9 miles
In and near Indio from Monterey Ave. OC
to Jefferson Ave. OC
Funding Year 2016/2017
Begin Construction Dec 2017
End Construction Oct 2018
Awarded Amount $6,127,600
CURRENT STATUS:
Preparing project concept
Funding Year 2032/2033
Begin Construction 2033
End Construction 2035
Construction Cost $61,000,000
SHOPP ID 20068 - 8.4 miles
From W/O EB off ramp (Jefferson St.) to E/O
Coachella Canal
Funding Year 2020/2021
Begin Construction Mar 2022
End Construction Jan 2026
Awarded Amount $200,497,000
CURRENT STATUS:
•Construction complete
•Preparing contract acceptance doc’s
EA 1C081 - 13.6 miles
In and near Coachella from E/O Coachella
Canal and E/O Hazy Gulch bridge.
Funding Year 2034/2035
Begin Construction 2036
End Construction 2039
Construction Cost $68,045,000
SHOPP ID 25540 - 15.3 miles
From W/O East Cactus City UC to W/O of
Hayfield Road
CURRENT STATUS:
Preparing project concept
CURRENT STATUS:
Preparing project concept
Funding Year 2034/2035
Begin Construction 2036
End Construction 2039
Construction Cost $38,638,000
SHOPP ID 25302 -15.3 miles
W/O Hayfield Road to SR 10/177 Separation
CURRENT STATUS:
Construction complete
Preparing close out doc’s
EA 1C082 - 29.3 miles
In and near Blyth from SR 10/177 to W/O Wiley’s
Well Rd.
Funding Year 2020/2021
Begin Construction April 2021
End Construction Dec 2024
Award Amount $289,221,500
CURRENT STATUS:
•57 % complete
•W/B JPCP from mesa to SR95 & E/B JPCP fromlovekin to SR95 to be completed by next May EA 1C08U - 22.3 miles
In and near Blyth from Teed ditch bridge to
Arizona State line.
Funding Year 2021/2022
Begin Construction July 2024
End Construction Sept 2026
Awarded Amount $ 239,148,000
Thank You!