Palm Desert City Council - Regular Meeting - April 10, 2025
1. CALL TO ORDER - CLOSED SESSION - 3:30 P.M.
A Regular Meeting of the Palm Desert City Council was called to order by Mayor Harnik on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at 3:30 p.m., in the Council Chamber, City Hall, located at 73-510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, California.
2. PUBLIC COMMENT FOR CLOSED SESSION ITEMS ONLY
None.
3. RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Harnik adjourned to Closed Session at 3:30 p.m.
4. CLOSED SESSION AGENDA
4.a
Closed Session Meeting Minutes: March 27, 2025
Public Comments:
4.b
Conference with Legal Counsel regarding Existing Litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)1 Public Comments:
4.c
Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation
Public Comments:
4.d
Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation
Public Comments:
5. ROLL CALL - REGULAR MEETING - 4:00 P.M.
6. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Pro Tem Trubee led the Pledge of Allegiance.
7. INSPIRATION
Mayor Harnik provided words of inspiration.
8. REPORT OF CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Shah stated that direction was given by the City Council; no reportable actions were taken.
9. AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS, AND APPOINTMENTS
9.a
NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK PROCLAMATION
1. Library Week Proclamation.pdf
Mayor Harnik presented a Proclamation to Library Services Director Shaffer declaring April 6–12, 2025, as National Library Week.
9.b
MCCALLUM THEATRE UPDATE
1. PD City Council Pitch Deck.pdf
2. Supplemental Material - additional comment.pdf
Robert McConnaughey and Kajsa Thuresson-Frery
, representing McCallum Theatre, provided an update on the McCallum Theatre and responded to Councilmember inquiries.
10. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
Chief Beverlin, of Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department expressed appreciation to City staff and the City Council for the groundbreaking event of Fire Station 102 and provided an update on the Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating and responded to Councilmember inquiries.
11. MAYOR/COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS AND REQUESTS FOR ACTION Councilmembers provided updates on their attendance at various events.
12. NONAGENDA PUBLIC COMMENTS
Miguel Gonzalez
, a College of the Desert student, advocated for a comprehensive tobacco license program to reduce youth access to tobacco products.
Mike Morsch
, Palm Desert resident, expressed appreciation to City staff and Councilmembers.
Joseph Gonzalez
, student at College of the Desert, spoke on the importance of regulating illegal flavored tobacco products in order to prevent youth addiction to tobacco products.
13. CONSENT CALENDAR
Motion by:
Councilmember Quintanilla
Seconded by:
Councilmember Pradetto
To approve the consent calendar as presented.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
13.a
APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL, SUCCESSOR AGENCY, AND HOUSING AUTHORITY MINUTES
1. Post-Meeting Minutes - StudySession_Mar27_2025 - English.pdf
2. Post-Meeting Minutes - Palm Desert City Council - Regular Meeting_Mar27_2025 - English.pdf Motion by:
Councilmember Quintanilla
Seconded by:
Councilmember Pradetto
Approve the Minutes of March 27, 2025.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
13.b
APPROVAL OF WARRANT REGISTERS
1. 2025.03.20_Check_Register_by_Bank_ID_and_Date__W1_and_W3.pdf
2. 2025.03.24_Check_Register_by_Bank_ID_and_Date__W1.pdf
3. 2025.03.25_Check_Register_by_Bank_ID_and_Date__W1.pdf
4. 2025.03.27_Check_Register_by_Bank_ID_and_Date__W1_and_W3.pdf
5. 2025.03.28_Check_Register_by_Bank_ID_and_Date__W1_EFT.pdf
6. 2025.03.31_Check_Register_by_Bank_ID_and_Date__W1.pdf
7. 2025.04.03_Check_Register_by_Bank_ID_and_Date__W1_-_PR_STIPENDS.pdf Motion by:
Councilmember Quintanilla
Seconded by:
Councilmember Pradetto
Approve the warrant registers issued for the period 3/20/2025 to 4/3/2025.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
13.c
RATIFICATION OF LETTERS OF SUPPORT FOR CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, SAN BERNARDINO FUNDING REQUESTS FOR AN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND VIRTUAL REALITY RESEARCH AND RETRAINING CENTER AND REGIONAL ENTREPRENEURIAL RESOURCE CENTERS PROGRAM
1. Ratify Letters of Support for CSUSB.pdf
2. 01 CSUSB Community Project Funding-Padilla.pdf
3. 02 CSUSB Community Project Funding-Schiff.pdf
Motion by:
Councilmember Quintanilla
Seconded by:
Councilmember Pradetto
Ratify letters of support for California State University, San Bernardino’s (CSUSB) Community Project Funding requests for the establishment of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Virtual Reality (VR) Research and Retraining Center and the Regional Entrepreneurial Resource Centers Program.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
13.d
RATIFICATION OF LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR PALM SPRINGS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT INLINE BAGGAGE HANDLING SYSTEM AND TERMINAL EXPANSION PROJECT
1. Palm Springs Airport Baggage and Expansion.pdf
2. 01 Letter - Palm Springs International Airport.pdf
3. Supplemental Material - 2025-04-10 QA Memo 01.pdf
Motion by:
Councilmember Quintanilla
Seconded by:
Councilmember Pradetto
Ratify the letter of support for the City of Palm Springs’ Community Project Funding request for the Palm Springs International Airport Inline Baggage Handling System and Terminal Expansion Project.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
13.e
LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR SENATE BILL 664 (OCHOA BOGH) AND MONITOR ASSEMBLY BILL 262 (CALOZA)
1. AB 262 and SB 664 Legislation.pdf
2. 01 AB 262.pdf
3. 02 SB 664.pdf
4. 03 Draft Letter - SB 664 Blue Envelope Program.pdf
Motion by:
Councilmember Quintanilla
Seconded by:
Councilmember Pradetto
Direct staff to take a monitor position on Assembly Bill 262 (Caloza) – California Individual Assistance Act, allowing staff to track the bill as it progresses and return for further City Council consideration once a legislative analysis and fiscal impact are available.
Authorize the issuance of a letter of support for Senate Bill 664 (Ochoa Bogh) – Blue Envelope Program.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
13.f
LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR SENATE BILL 346 (DURAZO) – TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAXES AND SHORT-TERM RENTAL FACILITATORS
1. SB 346 Short Term Rental TOT.pdf
2. 01 Senate Bill 346.pdf
3. 02 SB 346 CalCities Support Letter.pdf
4. 03 Draft Letter of Support - SB 346.pdf
Motion by:
Councilmember Quintanilla
Seconded by:
Councilmember Pradetto
Authorize the issuance of a letter of support for Senate Bill 346 (Durazo) relating to transient occupancy taxes and short-term rental facilitators.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
13.g
LETTER OF OPPOSITION TO SENATE BILL 79 (WIENER) –TRANSIT-ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT
1. SB 79 Transit Oriented Development.pdf
2. 01 Senate Bill 79.pdf
3. 02 League of California Cities Letter.pdf
4. 03 Draft Letter.pdf
Motion by:
Councilmember Quintanilla
Seconded by:
Councilmember Pradetto
Authorize the issuance of a letter of opposition to Senate Bill 79 (Wiener) relating to transit-oriented development.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
13.h
RESOLUTION 2025-020 ADOPTING ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY CLRK-003 - LEGISLATIVE AND INTERGOVERNMENTAL LETTERS
1. Policy on Legislative and Intergovernmental Letters.pdf
2. 01 Resolution - Legislative and Intergovernmental Letters.pdf
3. 02 Exhibit A - Policy on Legislative and Intergovernmental Letters.pdf Motion by:
Councilmember Quintanilla
Seconded by:
Councilmember Pradetto
Adopt Resolution 2025-020 entitled “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY CLRK-003 - LEGISLATIVE AND INTERGOVERNMENTAL LETTERS.” Motion Carried (5 to 0)
13.i
RESOLUTION 2025-021 ESTABLISHING THE PUBLIC AFFAIRS MARKETING PANEL AND CLARIFYING MEMBERSHIP ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS AND APPOINTMENTS
1. Marketing Panel Update.pdf
2. 01 Resolution - Establishment of the Public Affairs Marketing Panel.pdf Motion by:
Councilmember Quintanilla
Seconded by:
Councilmember Pradetto
Adopt Resolution 2025-021 entitled “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING A PUBLIC AFFAIRS MARKETING PANEL TO BE ADVISORY TO THE PUBLIC AFFAIRS MANAGER AND RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO. 2025-012.” Motion Carried (5 to 0)
13.j
ACCEPTANCE OF A RESIGNATION FROM THE CIVIC ENGAGEMENT COMMITTEE
1. Acceptance of Resignation - Beare Stjerne.pdf
Motion by:
Councilmember Quintanilla
Seconded by:
Councilmember Pradetto
With regret, accept the resignation of Brooke Beare Stjerne from the Civic Engagement Committee.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
13.k
HOMELESSNESS TASK FORCE 2025 ANNUAL WORK PLAN
1. Approve the Homelessness Task Force 2025 Annual Work Plan.pdf
2. Supplemental Material - 2025-04-10 QA Memo 01 13k .pdf Motion by:
Councilmember Quintanilla
Seconded by:
Councilmember Pradetto
Approve the Homelessness Task Force's 2025 Work Plan.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
13.l
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE 2025 WORK PLAN
1. Public Safety Committee 2025 Work Plan .pdf
Motion by:
Councilmember Quintanilla
Seconded by:
Councilmember Pradetto
Approve the Public Safety Committee’s 2025 Work Plan.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
13.m
APPROVE CHANGE ORDER NO. 1 TO C47750 WITH WEST COAST ARBORISTS, INC., OF INDIO, CA, FOR ADDITIONAL ARBORICULTURAL SERVICES (PROJECT NO. MLS00026)
1. Approve Change Order to C47750 with West Coast Arborists for Arboricultural Services.pdf
2. 01 Change Order No. 1.pdf
3. 02 Agreement C47750.pdf
4. Supplemental Material - 2025-04-10 QA Memo 01 13m.pdf
5. Supplemental Material - 2025-04-10 QA Memo 02 13m.pdf Motion by:
Councilmember Quintanilla
Seconded by:
Councilmember Pradetto
Approve Change Order No. 1 to C47750 with West Coast Arborists, Inc. of Indio, CA, for additional arboricultural services to increase compensation in an amount not to exceed $275,000; for a total annual amount of $1,389,125.
Authorize the City Attorney to make any necessary non-monetary changes to the agreement.
Authorize the City Manager to execute said Change Order.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
13.o
AWARD CONTRACT NO. C49090 TO TRI-STAR CONTRACTING II, INC. FOR ON-CALL MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS FOR PUBLIC STREETS AND SPACES (PROJECT NO. SST00001)
1. Award Contract for On-Call Repairs for Public Streets and Spaces.pdf
2. 01 Maintenance Services Agreement.pdf
3. 02 Payment and Performance Bonds.pdf
4. 03 Tri-Star Contracting II, Inc. Proposal.pdf
Motion by:
Councilmember Quintanilla
Seconded by:
Councilmember Pradetto
Award Maintenance Services Agreement No. C49090 with Tri-Star Contracting II, Inc., of Desert Hot Springs, California, in the amount not to exceed $150,000 for FY 2024-25, and $500,000 annually thereafter for a 38-month term with the option of (2) additional one-year extensions.
Authorize the City Attorney to make necessary non-monetary changes to the agreement.
Authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement and any other documents necessary to effectuate this action, in accordance with Section 3.30.170 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
13.p
APPROVE AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO CONTRACT NO. C41450 WITH HINDERLITER, DE LLAMAS AND ASSOCIATES (HDL) TO CONTINUE BUSINESS LICENSE TAX AND FEES ADMINISTRATION
1. Approve Amendment No. 2 with HDL for Business License Administration.pdf
2. Amendment No. 1 - C41451.pdf
3. C41450 - Executed Agreement.pdf
4. Amendment No. 2 - C41450.pdf
Motion by:
Councilmember Quintanilla
Seconded by:
Councilmember Pradetto
Approve Amendment No. 2 to Contract No. C41450 with HdL to extend the term for one (1) year.
Authorize the City Attorney to make any non-monetary changes to the agreement.
Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute any amendments to the agreement.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
13.n
REJECT ALL PROPOSALS SUBMITTED FOR PUBLIC ART AND EL PASEO SCULPTURE MAINTENANCE SERVICES AND AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AN INTERIM SCULPTURE MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT
1. REJECT ALL PROPOSALS SUBMITTED FOR PUBLIC ART AND EL PASEO SCULPTURE MAINTENANCE SERVICES.pdf
2. Supplemental Material - 2025-04-10 QA Memo 01 13n.pdf Management Analyst Powell clarified that staff intends to negotiate the interim maintenance services at an hourly rate of $90.
Motion by:
Councilmember Nestande
Seconded by:
Councilmember Quintanilla
Reject all proposals submitted for Public Art and El Paseo Sculpture Maintenance Services.
Authorize staff to solicit new proposals for these services.
Authorize staff to negotiate and the City Manager to execute a six-month contract with Rice Construction from July 1, 2025, through November 30, 2025, to ensure continuity of service during the re-bidding process.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
13.q
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO CONTRACT NO. C47070 WITH FLOCK SAFETY FOR EXPANSION OF AUTOMATED LICENSE PLATE RECOGNITION (ALPR) SYSTEM; APPROPRIATION AND USE OF CITIZENS OPTION FOR PUBLIC SAFETY/SUPPLEMENTAL LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICES FUNDS
1. Approval of Amendment No. 1 with Flock Safety for the Expansion of the City’s ALPR System.pdf
2. 1. FLOCK Executed Agreement C47070 (Original).pdf
3. 2. Palm Desert Police Department SLESF Expenditure Plan 2025.pdf
4. 3. California Government Code 30061.pdf
5. 4. Flock Amendment No. 1 C47070 DRAFT.pdf
6. Supplemental Material - 2025-04-10 QA Memo 01 13q.pdf Public Safety Analyst Hurtado and Lieutenant Porras, Riverside County Sheriff's Department, responded to Councilmember inquiries.
Motion by:
Councilmember Nestande
Seconded by:
Councilmember Quintanilla
Approve Amendment No. 1 to Contract No. C47070 with Flock Safety in the amount of $138,750 for the purchase and installation of 44 additional cameras.
Authorize appropriation in the amount of $133,000 from Fund 229-Public Safety Supplemental Law Enforcement Services Fund Balance (COPS/SLESF) to Account No. 2294210-4391400.
Authorize the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 1 and any necessary documents, and to make non-monetary modifications as needed.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
14. ACTION CALENDAR
14.a
CONSIDERATION OF APPROVING AN INTERIM CITY MANAGER EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT NO. C49100
1. Approve Interim CM Employment Contract.pdf
2. 01 Interim CM Employment Contract.pdf
City Attorney Shah provided an oral report summarizing the compensation and benefits for the Interim City Manager in accordance with Government Code § 54953(c)(3).
Motion by:
Councilmember Quintanilla
Seconded by:
Councilmember Pradetto
Approve the Interim City Manager Employment Agreement No. C49100 with Christopher Escobedo, effective March 24, 2025.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
14.b
PROVIDE DIRECTION ON LIBRARY FOUNDATION CONSIDERATIONS
1. PROVIDE DIRECTION ON LIBRARY FOUNDATION CONSIDERATIONS.pdf
2. 01 Other Fundraising Organizations Information.pdf
3. 02 Public Library and Foundation MOU Example.pdf
4. 03 Gift Acceptance Policy Example.pdf
5. 04 Palm Desert Staff Visit with DCF Report.pdf
6. Supplemental Material - 2025-04-10 QA Memo 01 14b.pdf
7. Supplemental Material - Foundation Presentation.pdf
8. 14b Public Comment.pdf
Director of Library Services Shaffer narrated a PowerPoint presentation and responded to Councilmember inquiries.
Jann Buller
, Palm Desert resident, spoke in favor of establishing a library foundation or partnering with the Desert Community Foundation.
Motion by:
Councilmember Quintanilla
Seconded by:
Councilmember Pradetto
Authorize staff to take all necessary actions to establish a charitable account to benefit the Palm Desert Library with the Desert Community Foundation, including the initial deposit of $50,000.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
15. PUBLIC HEARINGS
15.a
RESOLUTION 2025-022 AMENDING THE AMOUNT OF THE DUI DRIVER AND VEHICLE IMPOUND COST RECOVERY FEE PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 10.25 OF THE PALM DESERT MUNICIPAL CODE
1. Resolution amending the amount of the DUI driver and VICR Fee.pdf
2. 1. Resolution NO. 2025-__.pdf
3. 2. Supplemental Information Sheriff DUI VICR Fee.pdf
4. 3. Resolution 2014-95.pdf
5. 4. Presentation - DUI and Vehicle Impound Cost Recovery Fee Update 2025.pdf Public Safety Analyst Hurtado narrated a PowerPoint presentation and responded to Councilmember inquiries.
Mayor Harnik opened and closed the public hearing, there being no member of the public wishing to speak.
Motion by:
Councilmember Pradetto
Seconded by:
Mayor Pro Tem Trubee
Adopt Resolution 2025-022 entitled “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE AMOUNT OF THE DUI DRIVER AND VEHICLE IMPOUND COST RECOVERY FEE PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 10.25 OF THE PALM DESERT MUNICIPAL CODE AND RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO. 2014-95.” Motion Carried (5 to 0)
16. INFORMATION ITEMS
City Clerk Mejia provided a reminder of the April 30, 2025, deadline to submit applications for Boards, Commissions, Committees, and Task Forces.
17. ADJOURNMENT
Before adjourning, the City Council recognized the contributions of Jim Grayson, who served as a trusted legal advisor to the City since 2000. His expertise was instrumental in shaping major projects including Desert Willow, The Gardens on El Paseo, and numerous affordable housing initiatives. Mr. Grayson was also a mentor and valued partner to City staff. The City Council adjourned the meeting at 6:22 p.m. in his honor and memory, extending heartfelt condolences to the Richards, Watson & Gershon team and to Mr. Grayson’s family.
18. PUBLIC NOTICES