Palm Desert City Council, Successor Agency to the Palm Desert Redevelopment Agency, Housing Authority, and Board of Library Trustees Regular Meeting Minutes
April 23, 2026
Present: Councilmember Jan Harnik, Councilmember Karina Moreno*, Councilmember Gina Nestande, Mayor Pro Tem Joe Pradetto, Mayor Evan Trubee
*Councilmember Moreno participated remotely pursuant to SB 707 while traveling on City business.
1. CALL TO ORDER - CLOSED SESSION - 3:00 P.M.
A Regular Meeting of the Palm Desert City Council was called to order by Mayor Trubee on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 3:15 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
3. RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Trubee adjourned to Closed Session at 3:15 p.m.
4. CLOSED SESSION AGENDA
The following items were considered in closed session:
4.a Closed Session Meeting Minutes: March 26, 2026
4.b Conference with Legal Counsel regarding Significant Exposure to Litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(e)(1) 1 case.
5. ROLL CALL - REGULAR MEETING - 4:00 P.M.
6. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Nestande led the Pledge of Allegiance.
7. INSPIRATION
Councilmember 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 Proclamation: Municipal Clerks Week
Mayor Trubee presented a proclamation to the City Clerk’s Office recognizing Municipal Clerks Week, May 3 to May 9, 2026.
Palm Desert City Council Meeting Minutes
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2 9.b Presentation: Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) Commission Update This item was continued to a date uncertain.
10. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
10.a Sheriff Department Update
Lt. Porras of the Riverside County Sheriff's Department provided an update on recent department activity.
11. MAYOR/COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS AND REQUESTS FOR ACTION Councilmembers provided updates on their attendance at various meetings and events.
Mayor Trubee, with support from Councilmember Nestande, requested that the City celebrate the founding date of Palm Desert on May 15, 1946, as noted on the flagpole plaque outside City Hall.
12. NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENTS
None.
13. CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilmember Harnik announced her recusal from Item 13.j due to the proximity of her real property.
Motion by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
Seconded by: Councilmember Nestande
To approve the consent calendar as presented.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
13.a Approval of City Council, Successor Agency, and Housing Authority Minutes
Motion by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
Seconded by: Councilmember Nestande
Approve the Minutes of April 9, 2026.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
13.b Approval of Warrant Registers
Motion by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
Seconded by: Councilmember Nestande
Approve the warrant registers issued for the period 4/2/2026 to 4/9/2026.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
Palm Desert City Council Meeting Minutes
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3 13.c March 2026 Procurement Report
Motion by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
Seconded by: Councilmember Nestande
Receive and file the Procurement Report for March 2026.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
13.d Receive and File Applications for Alcoholic Beverage Licenses Motion by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
Seconded by: Councilmember Nestande
Receive and file application for Alcoholic Beverage License for:
Suncrest Country Club (Keithcrest Food and Beverage, LLC) 73450 Country Club Drive Palm Desert, CA 92260
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
13.e Adoption of Ordinance No. 1445, Amending Chapter 9.26 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code Relating to Unlawful Camping
Motion by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
Seconded by: Councilmember Nestande
Adopt Ordinance No. 1445 entitled, “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 9.26
OF THE PALM DESERT MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO UNLAWFUL
CAMPING AND MAKING A FINDING OF EXEMPTION UNDER THE
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT.”
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
13.f Receive and File the Annual Low- and Moderate-Income Housing Asset Fund Report Relative to SB 341 for Fiscal Year 2024–25
Motion by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
Seconded by: Councilmember Nestande
Receive and file the Annual Low- and Moderate-Income Housing Asset Fund Report relative to Senate Bill 341 for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024–25.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
13.g Temporary Park Ordinance Waivers for the 2026 Coachella Valley Battle of the Badges Event
Motion by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
Seconded by: Councilmember Nestande
Approve a temporary waiver of the following Palm Desert Municipal Code (PDMC) sections for the 2026 Coachella Valley Battle of the Badges event, Palm Desert City Council Meeting Minutes
April 23, 2026
4 subject to compliance with all required permits, insurance, and conditions of approval:
a. 11.01.020 (Hours of Use in City Parks)
b. 11.01.140 (Amplified Sound in City Parks)
c. 11.01.080 H (Camping)
d. 11.01.080 O (Placement of Advertising Signage in City Parks) e. 11.01.080 Q (Vendor Sales in City Parks)
f. 11.01.080 W (Possession/Consumption of Alcohol in City Parks) pursuant to PDMC 9.58.040
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
13.h Amendment No. 1 to Contract No. C19290 for the Hovley Soccer Park Cell Tower Lease
Motion by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
Seconded by: Councilmember Nestande
1. Approve Amendment No. 1 to Contract No. C19290 for the Hovley Soccer Park Cell Tower Lease.
2. Authorize the City Attorney to make any necessary nonmonetary changes to the agreement.
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute the amendment and any other documents necessary to effectuate this action.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
13.i Amendment No. 1 to Contract No. C20220 for the Civic Center Park Cell Tower Lease
Motion by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
Seconded by: Councilmember Nestande
1. Approve Amendment No. 1 to Contract No. C20220 for the Civic Center Park Cell Tower Lease.
2. Authorize the City Attorney to make any necessary nonmonetary changes to the agreement.
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute the amendment and any other documents necessary to effectuate this action.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
Palm Desert City Council Meeting Minutes
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5 13.j Approval of Sculptures and Artist Honoraria for the 2027/28 El Paseo Sculpture Exhibition
Motion by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
Seconded by: Councilmember Nestande
1. Approve eighteen sculptures and six alternate sculptures for the 2027/28 El Paseo Sculpture Exhibition.
2. Approve an honorarium of $6,000 for eighteen participating artists, for a total of $108,000.
3. Authorize the City Attorney to make necessary non-monetary changes to the agreements.
4. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute agreements.
5. Authorize the City Manager to substitute artwork from the designated alternate sculptures, if necessary.
RECUSED (1): Councilmember Harnik
Motion Carried (4 to 0)
14. ACTION CALENDAR
14.a Establish a Pilot Adoption Incentive Program, approve operating procedures, and convert one mobile spay/neuter clinic to a trap-neuterrelease clinic for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Erika Castellano, Assistant to the City Manager, narrated a PowerPoint presentation and responded to City Council inquiries.
The City Council provided feedback on the Animal Services Pilot Program, including the implementation of the “Homeward Pause” pilot and the transition of a mobile clinic to a Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) model. The City Council discussed the importance of oversight measures, including managing animal property limits, the need to trap feral cats for the TNR clinic, and operating the pilot as a one-year program to evaluate effectiveness.
Motion by: Councilmember Harnik
Seconded by: Councilmember Nestande
1. Ratify City Manager Approval of the use of Innovation Reserves from Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 Cost Savings to fund the Animal Services Homeward Paws Pilot Pet Adoption Incentive Program.
2. Approve the conversion of one budgeted mobile spay/neuter clinic to a Trap-Neuter-Release clinic for FY 2025/26.
3. Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to develop procedures and administer the program.
4. Authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents to effectuate this action.
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April 23, 2026
6 5. Find that the action is not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act because it will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
14.b Ordinances Amending the Palm Desert Municipal Code to Dissolve the Environmental Resources Committee and Homelessness Task Force, and to Amend the Responsibilities and Meeting Frequency of the Parks and Recreation Committee
Anthony Mejia, City Clerk, provided a staff report and responded to City Council inquiries.
Donald Zeigler, Palm Desert resident, spoke in opposition to dissolving of the Environmental Resources Committee.
Paul Murphy, Palm Desert resident, spoke in opposition to amending the meeting frequency of the Parks and Recreation Committee.
Councilmember Moreno motioned to take each item separately. Motion failed due to lack of second.
The City Council provided feedback on the proposed committee dissolutions, including the Environmental Resources Committee and the Homelessness Task Force, with a member expressing concern regarding the approach and potential impacts on resident input.
The City Council also discussed the proposed change to the Parks and Recreation Committee meeting schedule, clarifying that moving to every other month meetings establishes a baseline while allowing flexibility for additional meetings as needed.
Motion by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
Seconded by: Mayor Trubee
1. Introduce Ordinance No. 1446 entitled “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, REPEALING CHAPTER 2.66 (ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE) AND
CHAPTER 2.70 (HOMELESSNESS TASK FORCE) OF TITLE 2 OF THE PALM DESERT MUNICIPAL CODE.”
2. Introduce Ordinance No. 1447 entitled “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 2.58 OF THE PALM DESERT MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING
TO THE RESPONSIBILITIES AND MEETING FREQUENCY OF THE
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE.”
NOES (1): Councilmember Moreno
Motion Carried (4 to 1)
Palm Desert City Council Meeting Minutes
April 23, 2026
7 14.c Update Regarding Senate Bill 707 Brown Act Compliance; Resolution Approving a Remote Access Service Disruption Policy; Ordinance Amending the Palm Desert Municipal Code Related to Public Conduct, Recording, and Disruptions During Meetings
Anthony Mejia, City Clerk, narrated a PowerPoint presentation and responded to City Council inquiries.
The City Council provided feedback regarding compliance with Senate Bill 707, including how remote access and disruption policies would function in practice.
The City Council discussed balancing the removal of disruptive individuals while maintaining public participation and expressed support for the new electronic subscription link for agenda materials.
Motion by: Councilmember Nestande
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
1. Adopt Resolution No. 2026-014 entitled “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING A
REMOTE ACCESS SERVICE DISRUPTION POLICY FOR BROWN ACT
MEETINGS.”
2. Introduce Ordinance No. 1448 entitled “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTION 2.36.270 OF THE PALM DESERT MUNICIPAL CODE
REGARDING PUBLIC CONDUCT, RECORDING, AND DISRUPTION
DURING CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS.”
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
14.d Review of Requests for Action Process and Proposed Amendment to Palm Desert Municipal Code Section 2.36.060
Anthony Mejia, City Clerk, provided a staff report and responded to City Council inquiries.
Following discussion, the City Council provided feedback supporting the requirement for written submissions in advance, noting it improves clarity and allows time to review proposals prior to presentation.
Motion by: Councilmember Moreno
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
Provide direction regarding proposed amendments to Palm Desert Municipal Code Section 2.36.060 related to: (1) requiring Requests for Action to be submitted in writing before the meeting; (2) retaining the requirement that a Request for Action receive support from at least one additional Councilmember; and (3) simplifying outdated agenda administration language.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
Palm Desert City Council Meeting Minutes
April 23, 2026
8 15. PUBLIC HEARINGS
15.a Conduct a TEFRA Public Hearing and Approve Bond Issuance by the California Municipal Finance Authority (CMFA) for the Palm Desert Family Housing Project at Cook Street and Frank Sinatra Drive; Supersede Resolution No. 2026-010
Ivan Tenorio, Homeless and Supportive Services Manager, and Jared Suzuki, of California Municipal Authority, provided a staff report and responded to City Council inquiries.
Mayor Trubee opened and closed the public hearing, there being no other member of the public wishing to speak.
Motion by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
Seconded by: Mayor Trubee
1. Conduct the public hearing and receive public comments under the requirements of the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act ("TEFRA") and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), in connection with the proposed issuance, in one or more series, of exempt facility bonds for a qualified residential rental project pursuant to Section 142(a)(7) of the Code by the California Municipal Finance Authority ("CMFA"), a joint exercise of powers authority and public entity of the State of California, in an amount not to exceed Eighty Million Dollars ($80,000,000) (the "Bonds"). The Bonds will finance or refinance the acquisition, construction, improvement and equipping of the Palm Desert Family Housing Project, a 298-unit multifamily affordable rental housing development (295 income restricted units and 3 manager units) located at the northwest corner of Cook Street and Frank Sinatra Drive (APN 694- 200-021) in Palm Desert, California.
2. Adopt Resolution No. 2026-015 entitled "RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT APPROVING THE
ISSUANCE OF THE CALIFORNIA MUNICIPAL FINANCE AUTHORITY
EXEMPT FACILITY BONDS IN AN AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT
NOT TO EXCEED $80,000,000 FOR THE PURPOSE OF FINANCING
OR REFINANCING THE ACQUISITION, CONSTRUCTION,
IMPROVEMENT AND EQUIPPING OF PALM DESERT FAMILY
HOUSING AND CERTAIN OTHER MATTERS RELATING THERETO,"
approving the issuance of the Bonds by CMFA for the benefit of Sinatra Family Housing, LP, or a related entity, to provide for the financing of the Project. Such adoption is solely for the purpose of satisfying the requirements of TEFRA, the Code, and California Government Code Sections 6500 et seq. This action is intended to supersede Resolution No. 2026-010 solely for TEFRA public approval purposes with respect to the Bonds and Project.
3. Authorize the Mayor to execute the Resolution and any related documents necessary to carry out the intent of the Resolution, subject to review and approval as to form by the City Attorney.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
Palm Desert City Council Meeting Minutes
April 23, 2026
9 15.b Re-Introduce for First Reading the Hillside Residential Design Standards and an Ordinance Amending Title 25 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code Siji Fernandez, Senior Planner, narrated a PowerPoint presentation and responded to City Council inquiries.
Mayor Trubee opened and closed the public hearing, there being no other member of the public wishing to speak.
Motion by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
Seconded by: Councilmember Moreno
Re-introduce Ordinance No. 1449, by title only, entitled “AN ORDINANCE OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA
ADOPTING HILLSIDE RESIDENTIAL DESIGN STANDARDS, AMENDING PALM DESERT MUNICIPAL CODE TITLE 25 AND MAKING A FINDING THE OF EXEMPTION UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT.” Motion Carried (5 to 0)
16. ADJOURNMENT
The City Council adjourned at 5:28p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
_________________________
Michelle Nance
Assistant City Clerk/Assistant Secretary
_________________________
Anthony J. Mejia, MMC
City Clerk/Secretary