CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
Thursday, September 3, 2025
1:30 p.m.
City Hall Council Chamber
44950 Eldorado Drive, Indian Wells, CA 92210
Present: Mayor Taylor
Mayor Pro Tem Penna
Council Member Sanders
Council Member Reed
Council Member Whitman
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A. CONVENE THE INDIAN WELLS CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY, PLEDGE OF
ALLEGIANCE AND ROLL CALL
At 1:47 p.m., Mayor Taylor convened the City Council Special Meeting in the Indian Wells Council Chamber.
B. APPROVAL OF THE FINAL AGENDA
Mayor Taylor stated Items G-6 and G-8 were requested to be pulled from the Consent Calendar for separate discussion
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Penna, seconded by Mayor Taylor to Approve the Agenda as Amended. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5 - Penna, Reed, Sanders, Taylor, Whitman
NOES: 0 - None
C. PROCLAMATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
C.1 Introduction of New Indian Wells Public Works Superintendent Public Works Director Purvis introduced Shane Hyduke as the new Public Works Superintendent.
C.2 Emergency Preparedness Month Presentation by Indian Wells Emergency Coordinator Yessica Prieto Emergency Services Coordinator Yessica Prieto provided an update on emergency preparedness efforts, including regional emergency services partnerships, CERT and SIRT training programs, emergency planning updates, and upcoming community preparedness training and emergency supply outreach events. Ms. Prieto also advised that residents should maintain at least a seven- day emergency supply kit and follow the “duck, cover, and hold on” protocol during earthquakes.
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D. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Two written comments from Mr. David Sein and Vincent Whittaker were received and included in the agenda record.
Chief Executive Officer of the Children's Discovery Museum Cindy Burreson, and Board Chair Jamie Steinberg addressed the City Council and expressed appreciation for the Museum’s nearly 30-year partnership with the City. Ms. Burreson highlighted several City supported programs, including Science Fridays and Teen Center initiatives, and announced upcoming discounted museum admissions and membership opportunities for Indian Wells residents and hotel guests.
E. CITY MANAGER'S REPORTS
Dr. Christopher Freeland, City Manager, reported that more than 1,000 resident tickets for the WTA Finals will be distributed through a lottery program, with registration details to be provided in the coming weeks. Dr. Freeland also announced that Standard & Poor’s upgraded the City’s credit rating from A+ to AA-, a change expected to enhance the City’s investment standing and generate savings related to the proposed bond refinancing.
F. CITY ATTORNEY REPORTS AND COMMENTS
City Attorney Todd Leishman reported on two matters following closed session: Mr. Leishman reported the Court of Appeal issued its final opinion delivering a complete victory for the City. The unanimous, published opinion reverses both the trial court's judgment directing the City to issue an unrestricted short-term rental permit and the order awarding attorney's fees to the petitioners. The City will also recover all its appellate costs. The opinion affirms that the City's ordinance is not preempted by the Davis-Stirling Act, that the HOA opt-out procedure does not unconstitutionally delegate City authority, and that the City acted with rational grounds and did not act arbitrarily or capriciously. Mr. Leishman stated copies of the ruling are available upon request from the City Clerk.
Mr. Leishman further reported the landscape Ordinance Enforcement on Osage: The City is moving forward to abate a nuisance and remediate non-compliant landscaping at a residential property on Osage Road.
G. CONSENT CALENDAR
G.1 Adoption of Ordinance No. 771 Amending Sections 5.20.040, 5.20.080, and 5.20.220 of the Indian Wells Municipal Code to Authorize Restricted Short-Term Residential Rentals During Designated Special Events and Finding the Action to Be Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act Under State CEQA Guidelines Sections 15061(b)(3) and 15301 and Public Resources Code Section 21084
RECOMMENDED ACTIONS:
It was determined to ADOPT Ordinance No. 771 to read as follows:
ORDINANCE NO. 771
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF INDIAN WELLS AMENDING
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SECTIONS 5.20.040, 5.20.080, AND 5.20.220 OF THE INDIAN WELLS MUNICIPAL CODE
TO AUTHORIZE RESTRICTED SHORT-TERM RESIDENTIAL RENTALS DURING THE WOMEN’S TENNIS ASSOCIATION FINALS HELD AT THE INDIAN WELLS TENNIS GARDEN; AND FINDING THE ACTION TO BE EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT UNDER STATE CEQA GUIDELINES SECTIONS 15061(b)(3) AND 15301 AND PUBLIC RESOURCES CODE SECTION 21084; and
FIND that the adoption of the amendments is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) under State CEQA Guidelines sections 15061 (b)(3) and 15301 and Public Resources Code Section 21084, and that one of the exemptions to the Class 1 categorial exemption identified in State CEQA Guidelines section 15300.0 apply.
A motion was made by Council Member Sanders, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Penna to Adopt Ordinance No. 771. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5 - Penna, Reed, Sanders, Taylor, Whitman
NOES: 0 - None
G.2 Whistleblower Protection Policy
RECOMMENDED ACTIONS:
It was determined to ADOPT a Whistleblower Protection Policy establishing a formal process for employees and other covered individuals to report suspected unlawful conduct, fraud, waste, abuse, regulatory violations, unsafe practices, or other improper governmental activity; and
FIND the action exempt from CEQA review under CEQA Guidelines section 15061(b)(3).
A motion was made by Council Member Sanders, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Penna to Adopt Recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5 - Penna, Reed, Sanders, Taylor, Whitman
NOES: 0 - None
G.3 Supplemental Appropriation and Authorization to Retain GHD, Inc. to Perform Technical Review and Operational Evaluation of the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (“CVAG”) Regional Traffic Signal Synchronization (“CV Sync”) System
RECOMMENDED ACITONS:
It was determined to AUTHORIZE the City Manager and/or his designee to execute a professional services agreement with a GHD, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $62,346 to perform an independent technical evaluation and operational review of the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) regional traffic signal synchronization (CV Sync) project within the City of Indian Wells; and
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FIND the project to be exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15301 (Existing Facilities).
A motion was made by Council Member Sanders, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Penna to Approve Recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5 - Penna, Reed, Sanders, Taylor, Whitman
NOES: 0 - None
G.4 Approve the Modification of Speed Limits on Eldorado Drive and Fairway Drive
RECOMMENDED ACTIONS:
It was determined to APPROVE the modification of speed limits on Eldorado Drive and Fairway Drive, reducing them from 35 miles per hour to 30 miles per hour; and
FIND the project to be exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15301 (Existing Facilities).
A motion was made by Council Member Sanders, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Penna to Approve Recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5 - Penna, Reed, Sanders, Taylor, Whitman
NOES: 0 - None
G.5 Supplemental Appropriation and Amendment to Task Order No. 1 with Dokken Engineering for the Dakota Trail Flood Mitigation Project
RECOMMENDED ACTIONS:
It was determined to APPROVE an amendment to Dokken Engineering for expanded engineering design and construction support services for the Dakota Trail Flood Mitigation Project; and
APPROVE a supplemental appropriation of $386,500 from the Capital Improvement Reserve Fund for construction; and
FIND the project to be exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15301, Class 1(c) of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations.
A motion was made by Council Member Sanders, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Penna to Approve Recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5 - Penna, Reed, Sanders, Taylor, Whitman
NOES: 0 - None
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G.6 Indian Wells Preservation Foundation Event Calendar Fiscal Year 2026-27 City Clerk Angelica Avila presented the proposed FY 2026–27 event calendar for the Indian Wells Preservation Foundation. Council Member Whitman moved, and Council Member Penna seconded, to place on a future agenda a discussion regarding the City’s financial contribution to the Foundation, including consideration of funding additional oral history interviews.
RECOMMENDED ACTIONS:
It was determined to APPROVE the Indian Wells Preservation Foundation event calendar for Fiscal Year 2026-27 as recommended by the Community Activities; and
FIND the action exempt from California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review under Guidelines section 15061(b)(3).
A motion was made by Council Member Whitman, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Penna to Approve Recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5 - Penna, Reed, Sanders, Taylor, Whitman
NOES: 0 - None
G.7 Children’s Museum of the Desert Sponsorship
RECOMMENDED ACTIONS:
It was determined to APPROVE the Children's Discovery Museum sponsorship, including a $37,500 credit for use at the Indian Wells Golf Resort, for Fiscal Year 2026- 27; and
FIND the action exempt from CEQA review under CEQA Guidelines section 15061(b)(3).
A motion was made by Council Member Sanders, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Penna to Approve Recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5 - Penna, Reed, Sanders, Taylor, Whitman
NOES: 0 - None
G.8 Community Activities Committee Event Calendar for Fiscal Year 2026-27
Management Assistant Catherine Manning presented the FY 2026–27 Community Activities Committee event calendar approved by the Community Activities Committee on July 9, 2026.
Council Member Reed inquired about the Salton Sea tours, which have historically reached capacity. City Clerk Avila explained that attendance is limited to 60 participants due to venue constraints and noted that staff will explore additional buses and/or tour dates to accommodate demand.
The City Council expressed appreciation to Mayor Pro Tem Penna, the Committee members, and City staff for their efforts in planning and conducting the event.
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RECOMMENDED ACTIONS:
It was determined to APPROVE the Community Activities Committee event calendar recommendation for Fiscal Year 2026-27 Event Calendar; and
FIND the project to be exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3).
A motion was made by Council Member Sanders, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Penna to Approve Recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5 - Penna, Reed, Sanders, Taylor, Whitman
NOES: 0 - None
G.9 Annexation of Property to Proposed Zone A11D Within Landscape and Lighting District No. 91-1 (Highway 111 Frontage at Club Drive/Vicky's of Santa Fe) RECOMMENDED ACTIONS:
It was determined to ADOPT Resolution No. 2026-28 to read as follows:
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-28
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF INDIAN WELLS, CALIFORNIA, INITIATING PROCEEDINGS FOR THE ANNEXATION OF TERRITORY (HIGHWAY 111 FRONTAGE AT CLUB DRIVE/VICKY’S) TO THE LANDSCAPE AND LIGHTING DISTRICT NO. 91-1 AND THE LEVY AND COLLECTION OF ANNUAL ASSESSMENTS RELATED THERETO COMMENCING WITH FISCAL YEAR 2027/2028, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF PART 2 OF DIVISION 15 OF THE CALIFORNIA STREETS AND HIGHWAYS CODE; and
ADOPT Resolution No. 2026-29 to read as follows:
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-29
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF INDIAN WELLS, CALIFORNIA, DECLARING THE CITY’S INTENTION TO ANNEX TERRITORY (HIGHWAY 111 FRONTAGE AT CLUB DRIVE/VICKY’S) TO THE LANDSCAPE AND LIGHTING DISTRICT NO. 91-1, AND
TO LEVY AND COLLECT ANNUAL ASSESSMENTS RELATED THERETO COMMENCING FISCAL YEAR 2027/2028, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF PART 2 OF DIVISION 15 OF THE CALIFORNIA STREETS AND HIGHWAYS CODE; AND CALLING FOR A PROPERTY
OWNER PROTEST BALLOT PROCEEDING TO SUBMIT TO THE QUALIFIED PROPERTY
OWNER(S) THE QUESTION OF LEVYING SUCH ASSESSMENTS FOR SAID ANNEXATION
TERRITORY PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE XIII D OF THE CALIFORNIA CONSTITUTION; and
DIRECT staff to mail the Notice of Public Hearing and Assessment Ballot to the affected property owner not less than 45 days prior to the scheduled Public Hearing; and
FIND the project to be exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) provision pursuant to Section 15060.
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A motion was made by Council Member Sanders, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Penna to Adopt Recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5 - Penna, Reed, Sanders, Taylor, Whitman
NOES: 0 - None
H. PUBLIC HEARINGS
There were no Public Hearings.
I.1 GENERAL BUSINESS
I.2 Amendment to Employment Agreement for City Manager
Finance Director Kevin McCarthy presented the Ninth Amendment to the Employment Agreement for City Manager Dr. Christopher Freeland, reflecting the Council's annual performance evaluation.
The proposed amendments include:
A 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment to base salary, effective July 1, 2026, consistent with the adjustment provided to all City employees.
A 2.5% merit-based performance pay increase, consistent with the City's pay-for-performance system, representing the midpoint of the 0–5% range.
A one-time deposit of 170 hours of vacation leave to the City Manager's leave bank, effective July 1, 2026, valued at $28,346.
The City Manager's resulting base salary is $330,119. Council members affirmed Dr. Freeland's effective management of a complex municipal organization.
RECOMMENDED ACTIONS:
It was determined to APPROVE the Ninth Amendment to the Employment Agreement for City Manager Dr. Christopher Freeland; and
FIND the action exempt from CEQA review under CEQA Guidelines section 5061(b)(3).
A motion was made by Council Member Sanders, seconded by Council Member Reed to Approve Recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5 - Penna, Reed, Sanders, Taylor, Whitman
NOES: 0 - None
I.3 Indian Wells 60th Anniversary Celebration Update
City Clerk Avila presented the recommended 60th Anniversary Celebration Program, developed by the Ad Hoc Committee consisting of Council Member Sanders and Mayor Pro Tem Penna.
RECOMMENDED ACTIONS:
It was determined to APPROVE the City of Indian Wells 60th Anniversary Celebration Program to support anniversary-related activities, commemorative projects, community events, and community engagement efforts from July 2026 through July 2027; and
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FIND the action exempt from CEQA review under CEQA Guidelines section 15061(b)(3).
A motion was made by Council Member Sanders, seconded by Council Member Whitman to Approve Recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5 - Penna, Reed, Sanders, Taylor, Whitman
NOES: 0 - None
I. SUCCESOR AGENCY GENERAL BUSINESS
I.1 Authorize Issuance of Series 2026 Refunding Bonds to refund the Series 2015A and 2016A Outstanding Tax Allocation Bonds of the Successor Agency of the Redevelopment Agency of the City of Indian Wells, Approval of the Preliminary Bond Official Statement, Official Notice of Sale and Continuing Disclosure Certificate
Finance Director Kevin McCarthy presented the final documents for approval of the Series 2026 Refunding Bonds, which will retire the remaining Series 2015A and 2016A Tax Allocation Bonds of the Successor Agency. It was noted that projected net present value savings were approximately $1.6 million at the time of the staff report. Due to favorable bond market conditions and the City’s recent credit rating upgrade to AA-, estimated savings have increased to approximately $2 million, with additional savings anticipated at the time of bond issuance.
RECOMMENDED ACTIONS:
It was determined to APPROVE the execution and delivery of Bond Official Statement, Bond Notice of Sale, and Continuing Disclosure Agreement relating thereto, and other documents; and
ADOPT Resolution SA No. 2026-02 to read as follows:
RESOLUTION NO. SA 2026-02
A RESOLUTION OF THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE INDIAN WELLS
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY APPROVING THE FORM OF THE PRELIMINARY OFFICIAL
STATEMENT AND THE CONTINUING DISCLOSURE CERTIFICATE RELATING TO TAX
ALLOCATION REFUNDING BONDS AND AUTHORIZING CERTAIN OTHER ACTIONS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH; and
FIND the project to be exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the guidelines.
A motion was made by Mayor Taylor, seconded by Council Member Sanders to Adopt Recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5 - Penna, Reed, Sanders, Taylor, Whitman
NOES: 0 - None
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J. COUNCIL MEMBER'S REPORTS AND COMMENTS
J.1 COUNCIL MEMBER WHITMAN
Council Member Whitman reported that the SunLine Transit Agency has completed a portion of its community survey, with preliminary results indicating that most respondents prefer expanded service coverage over targeted corridor routes. Mr. Whitman noted that the survey remains ongoing.
J.2 COUNCIL MEMBER REED
Council Member Reed reported that the Public Safety Committee and Conservation Commission will resume meetings in September following the August recess. Mr. Reed noted that the Finance Committee's recommendations have largely been adopted by the Council. Mr. Reed inquired about the status of the Wireless Master Plan Ad Hoc Committee, and Dr. Christopher Freeland, City Manager, advised that the telecommunications item will return to the Council for one additional meeting.
Mr. Reed also reported on his attendance at a meeting of the Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) on behalf of Mayor Taylor. Mr. Reed noted that a ballot measure to extend Measure A, currently scheduled to expire in the mid-2030s, is planned for the November ballot and would authorize RCTC to leverage future revenues to fund transportation infrastructure improvements.
J.3 COUNCIL MEMBER SANDERS
Council Member Sanders reported that most boards and commissions did not meet in August due to the summer recess. Mr. Sanders emphasized the importance of convening the Municipal Code Update Ad Hoc Committee in the near term, given the scope and significance of its work.
J.4 MAYOR PRO TEM PENNA
Mayor Pro Tem Penna reported that the Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy approved a $1.6 million contribution to CVAG for shade structures and tree planting along the CV Link Trail.
Mr. Penna also noted that the Indian Wells Preservation Foundation is planning a joint unveiling ceremony for the four recently approved historic neighborhood signs, with the event date yet to be determined.
J.5 MAYOR TAYLOR
Mayor Taylor reported that the CVAG Transportation Committee discussed the City's interest in CV Link connectivity and is awaiting the City's preferred route proposal. Mr. Taylor also noted that the Committee approved funding for roadway improvement projects. Mr. Taylor further reported that the Coachella Valley Clean Air Ad Hoc Committee reviewed a study identifying health impacts associated with airborne dust and is pursuing mitigation efforts with affected property owners.
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Mr. Taylor moved, and Mayor Pro Tem Penna seconded, to waive closed session confidentiality.
The motion carried unanimously. Mr. Taylor disclosed that the City engaged DLA Piper in April to pursue a change to the FAA's revised landing pattern, which was implemented in June of the prior year. The City's legal argument centers on aviation safety, specifically the conflict between the new approach path and departure patterns from Bermuda Dunes Airport. A meeting in Washington, D.C. with FAA officials is being scheduled, with Mayor Taylor and Council Member Sanders attending alongside legal counsel. The Mayor requested that any Indian Wells residents with relationships within the current federal administration come forward to assist in facilitating or influencing the meeting.
K. ADJOURNMENT
At 3:59 p.m., Mayor Taylor adjourned to a City Council Special meeting to October 15, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chamber.
Respectfully Submitted,
________________________
Angelica Avila, MMC
City Clerk