Palm Desert City Council, Successor Agency to the Palm Desert Redevelopment Agency, Housing Authority, and Board of Library Trustees Regular Meeting Minutes
June 11, 2026
Present: Mayor Evan Trubee, Councilmember Jan Harnik*, Councilmember Gina Nestande, Councilmember Karina Moreno, Mayor Pro Tem Joe Pradetto *Councilmember Harnik participated remotely while traveling on official Government business in accordance with Senate Bill 707.
1. ROLL CALL - REGULAR MEETING
A Regular Meeting of the Palm Desert City Council was called to order by Mayor Trubee on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at 4:00 p.m., in the Council Chamber, City Hall, located at 73-510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, California.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Nestande led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. INSPIRATION
Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto provided words of inspiration.
4. REPORT OF CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Shah stated that direction was given by the City Council; no reportable actions were taken.
5. AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS, AND APPOINTMENTS
5.a Proclamation: Pollinator Week
Mayor Trubee presented a proclamation to Shawn Muir, Community Services Manager, recognizing Pollinator Week, observed June 15 through June 21, 2026.
6. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
None.
7. MAYOR/COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS AND REQUESTS FOR ACTION
Councilmembers provided updates on their attendance at various meetings and events.
Councilmember Nestande reported on the activities of the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) Energy and Sustainability Committee. She highlighted the committee's coordination with the Inland Regional Energy Network (I-REN) to promote energy efficiency incentives.
Councilmember Moreno requested that staff provide information regarding the City's signage policy, advertise the locations of cooling centers on social media, and provide information on options for pet friendly cooling centers.
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2 8. NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENTS
Michael Piontkowski, Palm Desert resident, expressed concerns regarding the traffic signal timing delay at the intersection of Monterey Avenue and Avenida del Sol.
9. CONSENT CALENDAR
Motion by: Councilmember Moreno
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
To approve the Consent Calendar as presented, with the exception of Item 9.j, which was pulled for separate discussion.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
9.a Approval of City Council, Successor Agency, and Housing Authority Minutes
Motion by: Councilmember Moreno
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
Approve the Minutes of May 28, 2026.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
9.b Approval of Warrant Registers
Motion by: Councilmember Moreno
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
Approve the warrant registers issued for the period 12/31/2025 to 5/28/2026.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
9.c Finance Committee Reports
Motion by: Councilmember Moreno
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
Receive and file the Finance Director Report, Parkview Office Complex and Vacancy Report, Desert Willow Golf Resort Financial Reports, and City Treasurer Investment Report for January through March 31, 2026.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
9.d Adoption of Ordinance No. 1451, Amending Palm Desert Municipal Code Section 2.52.705(F), "Accrued Vacation Time Buy-Back," to Authorize Tiered Vacation Leave Buy-Back Amounts of Up to One Hundred Sixty (160) Hours per Calendar Year
Motion by: Councilmember Moreno
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
Adopt Ordinance No. 1451 entitled “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Palm Desert, California, Amending Palm Desert Municipal Code Section Palm Desert City Council Minutes
June 11, 2026
3 2.52.705(F), ‘Accrued Vacation Time Buy-Back,’ to Amend Annual Irrevocable Election Procedures, Increase Eligible Buy-Back Amounts, and Authorize a Limited Initial Implementation Transition Election Period,” to authorize eligible employees to buy back up to one hundred sixty (160) hours of vacation leave per calendar year, subject to tiered eligibility thresholds.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
9.e 2026 Biennial Notice for City Staff to Review the Conflict of Interest Code Pursuant to the Political Reform Act
Motion by: Councilmember Moreno
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
Adopt Resolution No. 2026-026 entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Palm Desert, California, Directing City Staff to Review the Conflict of Interest Code and Submit the 2026 Biennial Notice as Required under the Political Reform Act.”
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
9.f Ratification of Letters Supporting the City of Indian Wells Grant Applications
Motion by: Councilmember Moreno
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
Ratify the issuance of the letters supporting the City of Indian Wells’ application for funding through the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Implementation Grant Program and the California Transportation Commission’s Active Transportation Cycle 8 Grant Program.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
9.g Resolutions Calling the November 3, 2026, General Municipal Election, Ordering Services, and Adopting Regulations for Candidate Statements Motion by: Councilmember Moreno
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
1. Adopt Resolution No. 2026-027 entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Palm Desert, California, Calling for a General Municipal Election to be Held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, for the Election of Certain Officers as Required by the Provisions of the Laws of the State of California and City Charter.”
2. Adopt Resolution No. 2026-028 entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Palm Desert, California, Requesting the Board of Supervisors of the County of Riverside to Consolidate a General Municipal Election to be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, with the Statewide General Election to be Held on that Date Pursuant to Elections Code Section 10403.”
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4 3. Adopt Resolution No. 2026-029 entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Palm Desert, California, Adopting Regulation for Candidate for Elective Office Pertaining to Candidate Statements Submitted to the Voters at the General Municipal Election to be Held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.”
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
9.h Appointments to the City’s Boards, Commissions, and Committees Motion by: Councilmember Moreno
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
Appoint or reappoint the individuals outlined in the staff report to serve on the City of Palm Desert’s Boards, Commissions, and Committees for the term of July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2030, except as noted.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
9.i Appoint Amy Smith to the Board of Directors of the El Paseo Parking and Business Improvement District.
Motion by: Councilmember Moreno
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
Appoint Amy Smith to the Board of Directors of the El Paseo Parking and Business Improvement District (EPPBID) for the remainder of a term expiring June 30, 2028, to fill the seat vacated by David Fletcher.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
9.j Approve Flock Safety Amendment Order Form and Authorize Continued Expansion of the City’s Public Safety Camera System Under Contract No.
C47070
Daniel Hurtado, Public Safety Coordinator, and Lt. Daniel Porras of the Riverside County Sheriff's Department responded to City Council inquiries regarding information sharing between agencies, potential locations for future cameras, and efforts to ensure that soft targets, including schools, parks, and government buildings, have nearby camera coverage.
Motion by: Mayor Trubee
Seconded by: Councilmember Nestande
1. Approve the Flock Safety Amendment Order Form to Contract No.
C47070.
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the Amendment Order Form and related documents.
3. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute future order forms, amendments, equipment additions, relocations, and related documents necessary to maintain and expand the City’s public safety camera system, Palm Desert City Council Minutes
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5 provided the total contract amount does not exceed $2,500,000 through June 30, 2029.
4. Find that the action is exempt from further environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15301 and 15303.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
9.k Authorize Amendment No. 3 to Contract No. C46680 with Interwest Consulting Group for the University Neighborhood Specific Plan Update Motion by: Councilmember Moreno
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
1. Authorize Amendment No. 3 to Contract No. C46680 with Interwest Consulting Group, Inc., increasing the contract amount by $105,400 for a total contract amount of $370,280, with an additional $23,600 in contingency funding, extending the contract term through June 30, 2027, and allowing for administrative extensions, if necessary.
2. Authorize the City Attorney to make any necessary nonmonetary changes to the agreement.
3. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute the amendment and all documents necessary to effectuate this agreement pursuant to Section
3.30.170 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
9.l Resolution Approving the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Project List to be Funded by Senate Bill 1: The Road Repair and Accountability Act
Motion by: Councilmember Moreno
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
Adopt Resolution No. 2026-030 entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Palm Desert, California, Approving Before the City Council a List of Projects for Fiscal Year 2026-27 Funded By SB1: The Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017.”
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
9.m Authorize the City Manager to Approve Purchase of Annual Grass Seed for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 (Project No. MLS00021)
Motion by: Councilmember Moreno
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
1. Authorize the City Manager to approve the purchase of 158,500 pounds of grass seed from the lowest responsible bidder in an amount not to exceed $280,000 for Fiscal Year 2026-27.
2. Pursuant to Palm Desert Municipal Code Section 3.30.160(I), make a finding that such purchase is in the best interest of the City.
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6 3. Authorize the City Attorney to make necessary nonmonetary changes to the agreement.
4. Authorize the City Manager to execute the Agreement No. C50840 and any other documents, changes, or amendments necessary to effectuate this action.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
9.n Award a Maintenance Services Agreement to US Metro Group, Inc., for Janitorial Services at City-Owned Facilities
Motion by: Councilmember Moreno
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
1. Authorize the termination of Maintenance Services Agreement, Contract No. C42320, with Merchants Building Maintenance, LLC, for janitorial services at City-owned facilities in accordance with Section 3.4.1 of the agreement, with an effective termination date of August 31, 2026.
2. Award a Maintenance Services Agreement No. C50850 to US Metro Group, Inc., for janitorial services at City-owned facilities in the amount of $465,664.87, subject to cost price index (CPI) increase, for a three-year term with the option of two, one-year extensions.
3. Authorize allowable extra work and services in an annual amount of $40,000.
4. Authorize the City Attorney to make necessary nonmonetary changes to the agreement.
5. Authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement, amendments, and any other documents necessary to effectuate this action, in accordance with Municipal Code Section 3.30.170(B).
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
10. ACTION CALENDAR
10.a Establishment of Live Scan Fingerprinting Services at the Palm Desert Library
Angelique Hodges, Management Analyst for Library Services, narrated a PowerPoint presentation and responded to City Council inquiries.
City Council received and filed the informational report; no formal action was taken.
10.b Consideration of an International Surfing Association Para Surfing Championship Sponsorship
Amy Lawrence, Deputy Director of Economic Development, narrated a PowerPoint presentation and responded to City Council inquiries.
Motion by: Councilmember Moreno
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
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7 1. Approve a sponsorship contribution in the amount of $75,000 for the 2026 International Surfing Association (ISA) World Para Surfing Championship, contingent upon a matching sponsorship contribution of $75,000 from Visit Greater Palm Springs and a contribution of $150,000 from DSRT Surf and its partners, for a total event sponsorship package of $300,000.
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute any necessary agreements and related documents associated with the sponsorship, subject to City Attorney review.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
10.c Approve a Professional Services Agreement with Jewish Family Service of San Diego for Homeless Outreach and Engagement Services Ivan Tenorio, Homeless and Supportive Services Manager, and Pedro Rodriguez, Code Compliance & Support Services Manager, narrated a PowerPoint presentation and responded to City Council inquiries.
Motion by: Mayor Trubee
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
1. Approve a Professional Services Agreement No. C50870 with Jewish Family Service of San Diego in an amount not to exceed $200,000 for homeless outreach and engagement services from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, with two optional one-year extensions.
2. Authorize the City Attorney to make necessary nonmonetary changes to the agreement.
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement, exercise the two optional one-year extensions, and execute any documents necessary to effectuate this action, subject to available budget authority.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
10.d Consideration of an Extension to the Temporary Outdoor Dining Deck Program and Direction to Evaluate a Permanent Outdoor Dining Program Carlos Flores, Deputy Director of Development Services, narrated a PowerPoint presentation and responded to City Council inquiries.
Skip Paige, Palm Desert business owner, spoke in support of the dining deck remaining at Little Bar.
Discussion ensued regarding the number of dining deck applications on file, and overall program participation.
Motion by: Councilmember Nestande
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
1. Direct staff to explore the feasibility of establishing a permanent outdoor dining program within El Paseo’s public right-of-way, including evaluation of potential permanent sidewalk structure options, such as a pedestal paver system for an elevated sidewalk, and re-evaluation of the existing Palm Desert City Council Minutes
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8 lease rate structure adopted for the temporary outdoor dining program, and return to City Council with recommendations and a proposed program framework.
2. Approve an extension of the temporary outdoor dining deck program for existing permit holders that remain compliant to operate through June 30, 2027
NOES (1): Councilmember Moreno
Motion Carried (4 to 1)
11. PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
12. ADJOURNMENT
The City Council adjourned at 5:48 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
_________________________
Michelle Nance
Assistant City Clerk/Assistant Secretary
_________________________
Anthony J. Mejia, MMC
City Clerk/Secretary