Palm Desert City Council, Successor Agency to the Palm Desert Redevelopment Agency, Housing Authority, and Board of Library Trustees Regular Meeting Minutes
September 11, 2025
Present: Councilmember Gina Nestande, Councilmember Karina Quintanilla, Councilmember Joe Pradetto, Mayor Pro Tem Evan Trubee, and Mayor Jan Harnik
1. CALL TO ORDER - CLOSED SESSION - 3:45 P.M.
A Regular Meeting of the Palm Desert City Council was called to order by Mayor Harnik on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at 3:45 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 3:45 p.m.
4. CLOSED SESSION AGENDA
4.a Closed Session Meeting Minutes: August 28, 2025
4.b Public Employee Evaluation pursuant to Government Code Section 54957:
Title: City Attorney
5. ROLL CALL - REGULAR MEETING - 4:00 P.M.
6. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Quintanilla led the Pledge of Allegiance.
7. INSPIRATION
Mayor Harnik provided words of inspiration and displayed the short film Boatlift – An Untold Tale of 9/11 Resilience, commemorating September 11, 2001.
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 PROCLAMATION: HUNGER ACTION MONTH
Mayor Harnik presented a Proclamation to Debbie Espinosa, President & CEO of FIND Food Bank, in honor of Hunger Action Month.
Palm Desert City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
September 11, 2025
2 9.b PROCLAMATION: CONSTITUTION WEEK
Mayor Harnik presented a Proclamation to Rhonda Latkovic, representative of the Cahuilla Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, in honor of Constitution Week.
10. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
None.
11. MAYOR/COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS AND REQUESTS FOR ACTION Councilmembers provided updates on their attendance at various meetings and events.
12. NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENTS
Bill Miller, Palm Desert resident, spoke regarding 65 Check, a non-profit organization that supports seniors in the community.
13. CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Pro Tem Trubee announced his recusal from Item 13f, citing a potential conflict of interest due to the proximity of the subject property to his property.
Mayor Harnik announced her recusal from Item 13f, citing a potential conflict of interest due to the proximity of the subject property to her property.
Motion by: Councilmember Pradetto
Seconded by: Councilmember Quintanilla
To approve the consent calendar, as presented, with the exception of Items 13p and 13q, which were pulled for separate discussion.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
13.a APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL, SUCCESSOR AGENCY, AND HOUSING
AUTHORITY MINUTES
Motion by: Councilmember Pradetto
Seconded by: Councilmember Quintanilla
Approve the Minutes of August 28, 2025.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
13.b APPROVAL OF WARRANT REGISTERS
Motion by: Councilmember Pradetto
Seconded by: Councilmember Quintanilla
Approve the warrant registers issued for the period 8/21/2025 to 8/29/2025.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
Palm Desert City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
September 11, 2025
3 13.c RECEIVE AND FILE APPLICATIONS FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE Motion by: Councilmember Pradetto
Seconded by: Councilmember Quintanilla
Receive and file the application for Alcoholic Beverage License for:
BOHEMIOS MEXICAN CUISINE, 34460 MONTEREY AVE. PALM
DESERT, CA 92211-6008.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
13.d ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 1433, AMENDING CHAPTER 29.30 OF THE PALM DESERT MUNICIPAL CODE TO RENAME THE “CULTURAL
RESOURCES PRESERVATION COMMITTEE” TO THE “HISTORIC
PRESERVATION COMMITTEE”
Motion by: Councilmember Pradetto
Seconded by: Councilmember Quintanilla
To adopt Ordinance No. 1433 entitled, “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 29.30 OF THE PALM DESERT MUNICIPAL CODE TO RENAME THE ‘CULTURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION COMMITTEE’ TO THE ‘HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE’.”
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
13.e ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 1434, AMENDING CHAPTER 2.66 OF THE PALM DESERT MUNICIPAL CODE TO RENAME THE “RESOURCE PRESERVATION AND ENHANCEMENT COMMITTEE” TO THE “ENVIRONMENTAL
RESOURCES COMMITTEE”
Motion by: Councilmember Pradetto
Seconded by: Councilmember Quintanilla
To adopt Ordinance No. 1434 entitled, “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 2.66 OF THE PALM DESERT MUNICIPAL CODE TO RENAME THE ‘RESOURCE PRESERVATION AND ENHANCEMENT COMMITTEE’ TO THE ‘ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE’.”
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
Palm Desert City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
September 11, 2025
4 13.f ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 1435, APPROVING A GENERAL PLAN
AMENDMENT TO MODIFY THE CITY CENTER/DOWNTOWN SECTION OF
THE GENERAL PLAN TO REMOVE MINIMUM DENSITY REQUIREMENTS
AND CLARIFIES ALLOWED LAND USE TYPES AND MAKING A FINDING OF
EXEMPTION UNDER CEQA
Motion by: Councilmember Pradetto
Seconded by: Councilmember Quintanilla
To adopt Ordinance No. 1435 entitled, “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A
GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT TO MODIFY THE CITY CENTER/DOWNTOWN
SECTION OF THE GENERAL PLAN TO REMOVE MINIMUM DENSITY
REQUIREMENTS AND CLARIFIES ALLOWED LAND USE TYPES AND
MAKING A FINDING OF EXEMPTION UNDER CEQA. CASE NOS. GPA25- 0001”
RECUSED: Mayor Harnik, Mayor Pro Tem Trubee
Motion Carried (3 to 0)
13.g APPOINTMENT TO THE JOSLYN CENTER BOARD OF DIRECTORS LIAISON Motion by: Councilmember Pradetto
Seconded by: Councilmember Quintanilla
To appoint Mayor Pro Tem Trubee as the City Council liaison to the Joslyn Center Board of Directors, effective immediately.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
13.h AWARD A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT NO. C49890 TO CROSSTOWN ELECTRICAL & DATA, INC., FOR THE LOCAL HIGHWAY SAFETY
IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM 2025 PROJECT (CTS00005) – CEQA
DETERMINATION
Motion by: Councilmember Pradetto
Seconded by: Councilmember Quintanilla
1. Make a finding that the project is categorically exempt from further review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines, pursuant to Class 1, Section 15301 (Existing Facilities), and authorize the City Engineer to submit a determination of Categorical Exemption
2. Award construction contract no. C49890 to Crosstown Electrical & Data, Inc., of Irwindale, California, for the Local Highway Safety Improvement Program 2025 Project in the amount of $719,987.00, plus a $71,998.70 contingency for unforeseen expenses.
3. Authorize the City Attorney to make necessary non-monetary changes to the agreement.
Palm Desert City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
September 11, 2025
5 4. Authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement, amendments, change orders up to the contingency amount, and any other documents necessary to effectuate the actions taken herewith.
5. Authorize the City Manager to execute the Notice of Completion (NOC) and the City Clerk to file the NOC upon satisfactory completion of the Project.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
13.i AWARD CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT NO. C49900 TO GRANITE
CONSTRUCTION COMPANY FOR FIRE STATION 102 GERALD FORD DRIVE STREET IMPROVEMENTS (PROJECT NO. CFA00010) – CEQA
DETERMINATION
Motion by: Councilmember Pradetto
Seconded by: Councilmember Quintanilla
1. Make a finding that the project is categorically exempt from further review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines, pursuant to Class 1, Section 15301 (Existing Facilities), and authorize the City Engineer to submit a Notice of Exemption.
2. Award construction contract no. C49900, including Bid Alternative 1, to Granite Construction Company, in the amount of $3,203,261 (Project CFA00010) for Fire Station 102 Gerald Ford Drive Street Improvements Project.
3. Authorize the Director of Finance to set aside 10% contingency in the amount of $320,326.
4. Authorize the City Attorney to make necessary non-monetary changes to the agreement.
5. Authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement and any written requests for change orders up to the contingency amount, amendments, and any other documents necessary to effectuate this action, in accordance with Palm Desert Municipal Code Section 3.30.170(B).
6. Authorize the City Manager to execute the Notice of Completion (NOC) and the City Clerk to file the NOC upon satisfactory completion of the Project.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
Palm Desert City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
September 11, 2025
6 13.j INFORMATIONAL REPORT ON ROAD CLOSURES SCHEDULED TO OCCUR ON EL PASEO ASSOCIATED WITH FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 ROUTINE
SPECIAL EVENTS
Motion by: Councilmember Pradetto
Seconded by: Councilmember Quintanilla
Receive and file an informational report on road closures scheduled to occur on El Paseo associated with Fiscal Year 2025-26 routine special events.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
13.k INFORMATIONAL REPORT ON ROAD CLOSURES ASSOCIATED WITH THE
RUN TRAVIS RUN EVENT
Motion by: Councilmember Pradetto
Seconded by: Councilmember Quintanilla
Receive and file an informational report on road closures associated with the Run Travis Run event scheduled for Sunday, October 5, 2025.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
13.l REALLOCATE $30,000 IN FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUNDS
Motion by: Councilmember Pradetto
Seconded by: Councilmember Quintanilla
1. Approve the reallocation of $30,000 in Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, originally designated for the Fair Housing Council of Riverside County, to the Palm Desert Housing Authority.
2. Authorize staff to notify the County of Riverside of the approved reallocation and submit any required documentation in the County’s CDBG records pursuant to the Joint Recipient Cooperation Agreement.
3. Authorize City Attorney to review and finalize any required agreements or amendments.
4. Authorize the City Manager to execute any documents necessary to complete the reallocation.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
Palm Desert City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
September 11, 2025
7 13.m TRACT MAP 37506-2 PARKS D AND E, UNIVERSITY PARK – ACCEPT
PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS AND RELEASE RELATED BONDS, AND ACCEPT
A MAINTENANCE BOND
Motion by: Councilmember Pradetto
Seconded by: Councilmember Quintanilla
1. Accept public improvements for Park D and Park E of Tract Map 37506-2, University Park.
2. Release the following bonds:
a. Faithful Performance Bond in the amount of $815,648. b. Labor and Materials Bond in the amount of $815,648.
3. Accept the Maintenance Bond in the amount of $81,564.80.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
13.n REJECT ALL PROPOSALS FOR CITY FACILITIES JANITORIAL SERVICES AND AUTHORIZE STAFF TO READVERTISE THE REQUEST (PROJECT NO.
MFA00023)
Motion by: Councilmember Pradetto
Seconded by: Councilmember Quintanilla
1. Reject all proposals submitted under Request for Proposal 2024-RFP149, City Facilities Janitorial Services.
2. Authorize staff to readvertise the request and award with a more detailed scope of work.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
13.o RATIFY CHANGE ORDER NO. 3 TO CONTRACT NO. C43180 WITH BECK OIL FOR GAS AND DIESEL FUEL (MEQ00007)
Motion by: Councilmember Pradetto
Seconded by: Councilmember Quintanilla
Ratify Change Order No. 3 to Contract No. C43180 with Beck Oil, Inc., for Gas and Diesel Fuel Purchase, in the amount of $20,000, increasing the annual amount to $140,000.
Motion Carried
Palm Desert City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
September 11, 2025
8 13.r AWARD MAINTENANCE SERVICES AGREEMENTS C49910A TO HORIZON LIGHTING, INC., AND C49910B TO GA TECHNICAL SERVICES, INC., FOR ON-CALL ELECTRICAL SERVICES (PROJECT NO. MPK00009)
Motion by: Councilmember Pradetto
Seconded by: Councilmember Quintanilla
1. Award Maintenance Service Agreement No. C49910A to Horizon Lighting, Inc., and C49910B GA Technical Services, Inc., for on-call electrical services in the amount of $150,000 each, for a total not to exceed $300,000 per fiscal year, for a three-year term with the option of two oneyear extensions.
2. Authorize the City Attorney to make necessary non-monetary changes to the agreement.
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement, change orders, the two one-year extensions, and any other documents necessary to effectuate the actions taken herewith.
4. Authorize National Community Renaissance of California, to enter on-call contract with Horizon Lighting, Inc., and GA Technical Services, Inc., for on-call electrical services, on behalf of the Palm Desert Housing Authority.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
13.s AWARD MAINTENANCE SERVICES AGREEMENTS C49920A TO URBAN WORX CONSTRUCTION, INC., AND C49920B TO PRO-CRAFT
CONSTRUCTION, INC., FOR ON-CALL PLUMBING SERVICES (PROJECT NO. MPK00010)
Motion by: Councilmember Pradetto
Seconded by: Councilmember Quintanilla
1. Award Maintenance Service Agreements No. C49920A to Urban Worx Construction, Inc. and C49920B to Pro-Craft Construction, Inc., for on-call plumbing services in the amount of $150,000 each, for a total not to exceed $300,000 per fiscal year for a three-year term with the option of two one-year extensions.
2. Authorize the City Attorney to make necessary non-monetary changes to the agreement.
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement, two one-year extensions, change orders, and any other documents necessary to effectuate the actions taken herewith.
4. Authorize National Community Renaissance of California, to enter into on-call contracts with Urban Worx Construction, Inc. and Pro-Craft Construction, Inc., for on-call plumbing services, on behalf of the Palm Desert Housing Authority.
Palm Desert City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
September 11, 2025
9 Motion Carried (5 to 0)
13.t AWARD PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENTS NOS. C49930 AND C49940 TO SELBERT PERKINS DESIGN FOR THE DESIGN OF THE EL
PASEO PARKWAY IMPROVEMENTS AND TRAFFIC SIGNAL IISNS
REPLACEMENT
Motion by: Councilmember Pradetto
Seconded by: Councilmember Quintanilla
1. Award Professional Services Agreement No. C49930 to Selbert Perkins Design, Inc., of Playa Del Rey, California, in the amount of $75,000 for the design of the El Paseo Parkway Improvements (CST00013).
2. Award Professional Services Agreement No. C49940 to Selbert Perkins Design, Inc., of Playa Del Rey, California, in the amount of $65,000 for the design of the Traffic Signal IISNS Replacement (MTS00002).
3. Authorize the City Attorney to make necessary non-monetary changes to the contracts.
4. Authorize the City Manager to execute the agreements and any written requests for amendments, and any other documents necessary to effectuate this action, in accordance with Palm Desert Municipal Code Section 3.30.170(B).
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
13.u AUTHORIZE THE PURCHASE OF PLANTER BOXES FOR CATALINA COMMUNITY GARDEN (PROJECT NO. CLS00002)
Motion by: Councilmember Pradetto
Seconded by: Councilmember Quintanilla
1. Authorize the purchase of 50 concrete planter boxes from Seawright Custom Precast, Inc., in the amount of $241,533.75, plus a contingency of $24,000 for unforeseen circumstances.
2. Authorize the City Attorney to make necessary non-monetary changes to the agreement.
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute agreement no. C49950 and any written requests for change orders up to the contingency amount, amendments, and any other documents necessary to effectuate this action, in accordance with Palm Desert Municipal Code Section
3.30.170(B).
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
Palm Desert City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
September 11, 2025
10 CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER
13.p RATIFY CHANGE ORDER NO. 3 TO CONTRACT NO. C48140 WITH DBX, INC., FOR THE MARKET PLACE DRIVE AND COOK STREET TRAFFIC SIGNAL IMPROVEMENTS (CTS00001)
Councilmember Quintanilla expressed appreciation for staff’s dedication to the project.
Motion by: Mayor Pro Tem Trubee
Seconded by: Councilmember Pradetto
Ratify Change Order No. 3 to Contract No. C48140 with DBX, Inc., to increase compensation in the amount of $6,329.65 for the Market Place Drive and Cook Street Traffic Signal Improvements.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
13.q APPROVE AMENDMENT NO. 4 TO CONTRACT NO. C32410 WITH DESERT
RECREATION DISTRICT FOR PARK AND PORTOLA COMMUNITY CENTER
SERVICES
In response to City Council inquiry, Community Services Manager Muir provided information regarding the process by which members of the community can contact Parking Enforcement.
Motion by: Mayor Pro Tem Trubee
Seconded by: Councilmember Pradetto
1. Approve Amendment No. 4 to Contract No. C32410 with Desert Recreation District to incorporate the updated Pricing Matrix (Exhibit B), reflecting revised labor and material rates for Park and Portola Community Center services.
2. Authorize the City Attorney to make any necessary non-monetary changes to the amendments.
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute the amendments and any documents necessary to effectuate the actions taken herewith.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
Palm Desert City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
September 11, 2025
11 14. ACTION CALENDAR
14.a CITY MANAGER EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT NO. C49960
City Attorney Shah presented the staff report and read the compensation and benefits for the City Manager in accordance with Senate Bill 1436.
The City Council expressed its appreciation for City Manager Escobedo’s ongoing dedication and service to the City.
Motion by: Councilmember Quintanilla
Seconded by: Mayor Harnik
Approve the City Manager Employment Agreement No. C49960 with Christopher Escobedo, effective September 11, 2025, and authorize the Mayor to execute the agreement.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
14.b 2026 CALIFORNIA DESERT PLEIN AIR FESTIVAL SPONSORSHIP REQUEST Management Analyst Powell provided a staff report and responded to City Council inquiries.
In response to City Council inquiry, Paulina Larson, of Palm Springs Life, advised that artists and attendee surveys will be taken as part of the 2026 event.
Motion by: Councilmember Pradetto
Seconded by: Councilmember Nestande
Approve sponsorship for the 2026 California Desert Plein Air Festival, Sponsorship Agreement No. C49970.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
14.c AWARD OF CONTRACT NO. C49980 FOR EL PASEO COURTESY CART
PROGRAM
Business and Community Outreach Coordinator Mager narrated a PowerPoint presentation and responded to City Council inquiries.
Motion by: Councilmember Nestande
Seconded by: Councilmember Pradetto
1. Award contract no. C49980 to ACE Parking III, LLC, in an amount not to exceed $295,979 for the operation of the El Paseo Courtesy Cart Program during Fiscal Year 2025-26, with options for two one-year extensions.
2. Authorize the City Attorney to make non-monetary changes to the contract.
Palm Desert City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
September 11, 2025
12 3. Authorize the City Manager to continue negotiations with the vendor to finalize the contract, transfer necessary budget amounts, and to execute the agreement and any related amendments.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
15. PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
16. INFORMATION ITEMS
None.
17. ADJOURNMENT
The City Council adjourned at 6:04 p.m. in honor and memory of Harold Matzner.
18. PUBLIC NOTICES
_________________________
Monique M. Lomeli, CMC
Senior Deputy Clerk
_________________________
Anthony J. Mejia, MMC
City Clerk/Secretary