PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL
STUDY SESSION MEETING
AGENDA
Thursday, August 20, 2026
2:00 p.m.
Council Chamber, City Hall
73-510 Fred Waring Drive
Palm Desert, California
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the purpose of the Study Session is to review the items listed on the agenda. No action will be taken.
This is a joint meeting of the Palm Desert City Council, Successor Agency to the Palm Desert Redevelopment Agency, Palm Desert Housing Authority, and Palm Desert Board of Library Trustees.
Pursuant to Senate Bill 707, this meeting may be conducted as a hybrid meeting allowing public access via teleconference or in person, and up to two Councilmembers may attend remotely.
WATCH THE MEETING LIVE: Watch the City Council meeting live at the City’s website:
https://palmdesert.zoom.us/ or on the City's YouTube Channel.
OPTIONS FOR PARTICIPATING IN THIS MEETING:
OPTION 1: IN PERSON
Attend in person in the Council Chamber, located at 73510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, California 92260.
OPTION 2: VIA EMAIL
Send your comments by email to: [email protected]. Emails received prior to 10:00 a.m. on the day of the City Council meeting will be made part of the record and distributed to the City Council.
Emails will not be read aloud at the meeting.
OPTION 3: LIVE VIA ZOOM
Access via https://palmdesert.zoom.us/j/83367449572 or zoom.us, click “Join Meeting” and enter Webinar ID 833 6744 9572.
OPTION 4: LIVE VIA TELEPHONE
Call (213) 338-8477 and enter Meeting ID 833 6744 9572 followed by #.
Pages
1. CALL TO ORDER - STUDY SESSION
2. STUDY SESSION TOPICS
2.a Introduction of the Commercial Compliance Program and Request for City Council Feedback
5 Recommendation:
Receive a presentation regarding the Commercial Compliance Program for discussion of the program’s objectives, priorities, and administrative framework; and provide feedback to staff regarding implementation.
2.b Progressive Design-Build Procurement Update and Project Delivery Approach for the New Palm Desert Library Facility
23 Recommendation:
Receive an update regarding the Progressive Design-Build procurement process for the new Palm Desert Library facility and provide feedback regarding the preferred design approach prior to formal City Council consideration.
3. ADJOURNMENT
City Council Study Session
August 20, 2026
2 4. PUBLIC NOTICES
Pursuant to Senate Bill 707, this meeting may be conducted as a hybrid meeting allowing public access via teleconference or in person. Members of the public may record open session meetings. Recording may be limited only if the manner of recording causes a persistent disruption due to noise, illumination, or obstruction of view.
Agenda Related Materials: Pursuant to Government Code §54957.5(b)(2) the designated office for inspection of records in connection with this meeting is the Office of the City Clerk, Palm Desert City Hall, 73-510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert. Staff reports for all agenda items considered in open session, and documents provided to a majority of the legislative bodies are available for public inspection at City Hall and on the City’s website at www.palmdesert.gov by clicking “Meetings & Agendas” at the top of the page.
Americans with Disabilities Act: It is the intention of the City of Palm Desert to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in all respects. If, as an attendee or a participant at this meeting, or in meetings on a regular basis, you will need special assistance beyond what is normally provided, the City will attempt to accommodate you in every reasonable manner. Quiet Space Accommodation: Individuals with disabilities who require access to a quiet space in order to participate in the meeting are encouraged to notify the City Clerk. Please contact the Office of the City Clerk, (760) 346-0611, at least 48 hours prior to the meeting to inform us of your needs and to determine if accommodation is feasible.
AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING
I, Michelle Nance, Assistant City Clerk of the City of Palm Desert, do hereby certify, under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California, that the foregoing agenda for the Palm Desert City Council, Successor Agency for the Palm Desert Redevelopment Agency, and Housing Authority, was posted on the City Hall bulletin board and City website www.palmdesert.gov no less than 72 hours prior to the meeting.
/S/ Michelle Nance, CMC
Assistant City Clerk
City Council Study Session
August 20, 2026
3 4
City of Palm Desert Staff Report
Meeting Date: August 20, 2026
Prepared By: Paul Villanueva, Senior Code Compliance Officer Jesus Centeno, Senior Code Compliance Officer
Department: Development Services
Subject: Introduction of the Commercial Compliance Program and Request for City Council Feedback
Recommendation
Receive a presentation regarding the Commercial Compliance Program for discussion of the program’s objectives, priorities, and administrative framework; and provide feedback to staff regarding implementation.
Executive Summary
With the addition of a dedicated Commercial Code Compliance Officer this fiscal year, commercial code compliance has become a more focused component of the City’s overall code compliance efforts. Historically, commercial compliance activities were addressed as part of broader code compliance operations. The current Commercial Compliance Program provides an opportunity to establish a more intentional, proactive, and consistent approach to commercial properties while supporting the City Council’s goal of maintaining a clean, safe, and attractive community.
The program emphasizes education, outreach, and voluntary compliance while maintaining fair and consistent enforcement when necessary. Through proactive inspections and direct engagement with business and property owners, staff will work collaboratively to identify and address concerns related to public health and safety, property maintenance, and the overall appearance of commercial properties.
This Study Session provides an opportunity for the City Council to review the program, provide feedback on its approach and priorities, and ask questions as staff prepares for implementation.
Background
Without a dedicated routine inspection program, commercial enforcement was generally incorporated into officers’ broader daily workloads and prioritized based on observed conditions, service requests, and the severity of potential violations. This approach addressed immediate compliance concerns but limited opportunities to identify issues early, establish consistent inspection cycles, and build ongoing partnerships with businesses and commercial property owners.
Recognizing the importance of maintaining safe, attractive, and code-compliant commercial corridors, the City authorized additional staffing through the creation of a dedicated Code Compliance Officer position assigned to the commercial areas. This additional capacity allows the Division to conduct regular inspections of commercial properties, engage directly with 5
businesses and property representatives, provide education regarding municipal requirements, and address potential violations before they become more significant concerns.
Discussion
The Commercial Compliance Program and administrative framework includes:
Promoting voluntary compliance through education, outreach, and reasonable opportunities to correct violations.
Building partnerships with businesses, property owners, and community stakeholders. Protecting public health, safety, accessibility, and community standards. Ensuring fair, consistent, and transparent enforcement of municipal regulations. Supporting safe, attractive, and economically vibrant commercial areas.
The program will begin with education and communication to encourage compliance. When voluntary efforts are unsuccessful or immediate health and safety concerns exist, staff will utilize appropriate enforcement measures.
The Commercial Compliance Program includes the following focus areas:
Business License Compliance – Verify licensing requirements and promote lawful business operations.
Zoning Compliance – Address land use, operational, and property-related zoning concerns.
Zero Blight Program – Respond to property maintenance issues and quality-of-life concerns, including:
o Property and building maintenance
o Trash, debris, and nuisance conditions
o Unlawful outdoor storage, sales, or displays
o Abandoned or inoperable vehicles
o Shopping cart management
o Signage and temporary banner compliance
o Landscaping and exterior lighting
o Vacant or abandoned commercial properties
Homelessness Response in Commercial Areas – Coordinate with outreach teams and service providers to address impacts in commercial corridors. Entertainment Site Plan Compliance – Ensure compliance with approved entertainment uses and operating requirements.
Commercial Fire Inspection Coordination – Support inspections addressing occupancy, emergency access, and life-safety concerns.
The Commercial Compliance Program will focus initial implementation efforts on key commercial corridors throughout the City. The program will prioritize areas with significant 6
commercial activity, a mix of land uses, and opportunities to enhance property maintenance, compliance, and overall corridor appearance.
The focus areas will include:
North Palm Desert – Washington Corridor: Primarily commercial areas requiring proactive compliance efforts related to property maintenance, business operations, and corridor appearance.
North Palm Desert – Monterey Corridor and I-10 Area: Commercial areas where proactive outreach and inspection efforts can support economic activity and property maintenances.
North Palm Desert – Cook Street Corridor and I-10 Area: Key commercial and industrial areas where coordinated compliance efforts can support consistent compliance and property maintenance.
Central Palm Desert – Cook Street Corridor: A mixed commercial and industrial area requiring coordinated attention to business compliance, site conditions, and regulatory requirements.
El Paseo and Highway 111 Commercial Corridors: High-visibility commercial districts where maintaining attractive, safe, and well-managed properties is essential to supporting the City’s economic vitality and destination reputation.
Staff will use these focus areas to establish program procedures, build relationships with businesses and property owners, identify common compliance challenges, and evaluate program effectiveness.
Staff requests feedback from the City Council on any additional goals or measures the City Council would like staff to consider.
Legal Review
This report has been reviewed by the City Attorney’s Office.
Financial Impact
There is no fiscal impact associated with this item.
Attachments
1. Study Session PowerPoint Presentation
7
Conflict of Interest Awareness Checklist
Note: This checklist is informational only and does not constitute a legal determination. Each Councilmember remains responsible for identifying, disclosing, and evaluating any disqualifying interests under the Political Reform Act and applicable FPPC regulations.
1. Site-Specific Property Interest
Does this item involve a project site or other identifiable real property? ☐ Yes
☒ No
If yes, identify the project site:
Councilmembers should consider whether they own, lease, or hold interests in real property within 1,000 feet of the project site. (Gov. Code § 87103(b); FPPC Reg. 18702.2).
2. SB 1439 / Gov. Code § 84308 Applicability (Campaign Contributions) Does this item involve a license, permit, other entitlement for use, or a contract or franchise agreement that is not competitively bid, a labor agreement, or a personal employment contract?
☐ Yes
☒ No
If yes, identify the applicant(s), appellant(s), party, or participant(s):
Councilmembers should review campaign contributions received within the prior 12 months from parties or participants to the proceeding and must not accept contributions over $500 from those parties for 12 months following the final decision. (Gov. Code § 84308). 8 Commercial Compliance Program
• Education
• Partnership
• Compliance
9 Commercial Compliance Program
Objectives
2 • Encourage voluntary compliance with municipal codes through education, outreach, and proactive
engagement
• Foster collaborative partnerships with businesses
and property owners for long-term compliance.
• Ensure fair, consistent, and transparent compliance
practices.
10 Why now?
3 Implementation of the proactive Commercial Compliance Program.
• Dedicated Code Compliance Officer provides focused
oversight.
• Proactive outreach and education with businesses
and property owners.
• Early identification and resolution of compliance
issues.
• Resolve issues proactively before they escalate.
11 Program Vision
4 Education • Partnership • Compliance
• Promote voluntary compliance through education and
proactive outreach.
• Build strong relationships with businesses and property owners.
• Preserve safe, attractive, and vibrant commercial areas. 12 Core Program Components
5 Commercial Compliance Program Areas
– Business License Compliance
– Zoning Compliance
– Zero Blight Program
– Outreach Response in Commercial Areas
– Entertainment Site Plan Compliance
– Commercial Fire Inspection Coordination
13 Business License & Zoning
Compliance
6 Supporting business operations through education, monitoring, and consistent compliance.
Business License Compliance
• Verify active business licenses for commercial operations. • Business License Inspections
• Identify and address unlicensed business activity.
• Assist businesses with licensing requirements and renewals.
Zoning Compliance
• Verify compliance with approved land uses and zoning
regulations.
• Investigate unauthorized uses and occupancy issues.
• Address outdoor storage, site maintenance, and operational violations.
14 Zero Blight & Outreach Services
7 Maintaining clean, safe, and accessible commercial corridors through coordinated response.
• Property and building maintenance
• Trash, debris, and nuisance conditions
• Unlawful outdoor storage, sales, or displays
• Abandoned or inoperable vehicles
• Shopping cart management
• Signage and temporary banner compliance
• Landscaping and exterior lighting
• Vacant or abandoned commercial properties
• Collaborative response to quality-of-life concerns in commercial areas
15 Entertainment, Fire & Regulatory
Compliance
8 Coordinated inspections to promote public
safety and regulatory compliance.
• Conduct coordinated Commercial Business Inspections
• Monitor Entertainment Site Plans and Temporary Use Permits (TUPs). • Coordinate Commercial fire inspections (Occupancy and emergency access requirements).
• Conduct regulatory massage establishment inspections. • Monitor regulatory cannabis compliance inspections.
• Verify tobacco retailer compliance inspections.
16 Branding & Outreach Strategy
9 Building Awareness & Partnerships with Business Districts – Develop a dedicated Commercial Compliance webpage and educational materials
– Provide information in the Weekly Administrative Report (WAR) for tracking and reporting
– Collaborate with El Paseo Business Improvement District and local business partners.
– Build strong communication channels with
businesses and property owners.
17 Phase 1 Commercial Compliance Corridor (El
Paseo, Hwy 111)
10 18
Phase 2 Commercial/Industrial Zones
North Palm Desert Monterey North Palm Desert
Cook
Corridor Corridor
11 19
Phase 3 Commercial/Industrial Zone Continued
North Palm Desert, Washington Central Palm Desert
Cook
Corridor Corridor
12 20
City Council Feedback
13 Staff requests feedback from the City Council:
1. Are there additional goals or measures the City
Council would like staff to consider?
21 Questions?
Paul Villanueva
Senior Code Compliance
Officer
Jesus Centeno
Senior Code Compliance
Officer
August 20, 2026
22
City of Palm Desert Staff Report
Meeting Date: August 20, 2026
Prepared By: Ryan Lamb, Senior Project Manager
Department: Capital Projects
Subject: Progressive Design-Build Procurement Update and Project Delivery Approach for the New Palm Desert Library Facility
Recommendation
Receive an update regarding the Progressive Design-Build procurement process for the New Palm Desert Library Facility and provide feedback regarding the preferred design approach prior to formal City Council consideration.
Executive Summary
This Study Session provides City Council with an update on the Progressive Design-Build procurement process for the New Palm Desert Library Facility and an opportunity to provide feedback on the design approaches developed through the Design Validation phase. No contract award, budget amendment, or financial action is requested at this time.
Following issuance of the Request for Proposals, the City received six proposals from Progressive Design-Build teams. The procurement process has included review and evaluation of the proposals, preparation of Design Validation Reports by the three highestranked teams, and multiple rounds of interviews with the Selection Committee. The process is intended to evaluate each team's qualifications, project approach, technical capabilities, design concepts, and demonstrated ability to successfully deliver the project in accordance with the City's established evaluation criteria.
Council’s feedback regarding the design approach and project priorities will help inform the next phase of the project as staff advances the procurement process. Staff anticipate returning to City Council at its September meeting with a formal recommendation for award of the Progressive Design-Build contract. Any contract award associated budget action, or other financial authorization will be presented to City Council for consideration at that time.
Specifically, staff requests Council feedback regarding the preferred design direction for the project, including whether the Progressive Design-Build team ultimately selected by the City should:
Continue development of the existing Richärd Kennedy schematic design, maintaining the established architectural vision and project layout; or Utilize the Progressive Design-Build process to refine and modify the schematic design, where appropriate, to improve constructability, cost efficiency, long-term operations, and overall project value while maintaining the approved program objectives. 23
Background
The New Palm Desert Library Facility has progressed through several major milestones since conceptual planning began.
Date Project Milestone
March 28, 2024 City awarded conceptual design services to Richärd Kennedy Architects.
February 27, 2025 Schematic Design was completed, and cost estimates were used to establish the City’s approved total project budget of approximately $30 million.
November 13, 2025 City Council awarded a progressive design-build contract to Tilden-Coil Constructors, Inc.
March 26, 2026 City Council approved Amendment No. 1 to Tilden-Coil’s contract to compensate for completed preconstruction/design services, add demolition of the Parkview Office Building, and conclude Tilden-Coil’s remaining design-build scope.
April 20, 2026 City released a new Request for Proposals for progressive design-build services.
May 21, 2026 Six proposal submissions were received.
June 15, 2026 First round of interviews with three shortlisted proposers were conducted.
Selection Committee selected two firms to return for second interviews.
July 7, 2026 Second interviews with two shortlisted proposers were conducted.
Analysis
The Progressive Design-Build procurement process was structured to identify the best team to partner with the City in delivering a library facility that satisfies the City's program requirements while effectively managing cost, schedule, constructability, and long-term operational considerations. This approach emphasizes qualifications and collaboration rather than price alone, recognizing that the selected team will participate in design refinement prior to development of a Guaranteed Maximum Price.
Consistent with the Request for Proposals, the Selection Committee evaluated firms based upon their qualifications, relevant experience, project team, technical approach, understanding of the project, interview performance, and overall ability to successfully deliver a project of this size and complexity. The committee included representatives from Capital Projects, Finance, Library Services, and the City's Construction Manager, consistent with the multidisciplinary evaluation process previously used to select Richärd Kennedy Architects for Conceptual Design Services.
Following the first round of interviews, the Selection Committee determined that the two highest-ranked firms were closely matched and that additional interviews would provide greater confidence before selecting the City's long-term Progressive Design-Build partner. The second interviews focused on each team's design philosophy, collaborative approach, cost management, value engineering methodology, constructability, risk management, and overall strategy for delivering the project through the Progressive Design-Build process. 24
Because Progressive Design-Build relies upon collaboration during Phase 1, staff believe it is appropriate to obtain City Council feedback regarding the desired level of design refinement before bringing forward a contract award recommendation.
Next Steps
Following this Study Session, staff will incorporate City Council feedback regarding the overall project direction, desired level of design refinement, and budget expectations. Staff anticipate returning to City Council in September 2026 with a recommendation for award of the progressive design-build contract, an updated project budget and any necessary financing actions for Council consideration.
Legal Review
This report has been reviewed by the City Attorney’s Office.
Financial Impact
There is no financial impact associated with receiving this Study Session update. No contract award, budget amendment, or additional appropriation is requested at this time.
Attachments
1. Presentation to be provided prior to the meeting.
25
Conflict of Interest Awareness Checklist
Note: This checklist is informational only and does not constitute a legal determination. Each Councilmember remains responsible for identifying, disclosing, and evaluating any disqualifying interests under the Political Reform Act and applicable FPPC regulations.
1. Site-Specific Property Interest
Does this item involve a project site or other identifiable real property? ☒ Yes
☐ No
If yes, identify the project site: 73-710 Fred Waring Drive Councilmembers should consider whether they own, lease, or hold interests in real property within 1,000 feet of the project site. (Gov. Code § 87103(b); FPPC Reg. 18702.2).
2. SB 1439 / Gov. Code § 84308 Applicability (Campaign Contributions) Does this item involve a license, permit, other entitlement for use, or a contract or franchise agreement that is not competitively bid, a labor agreement, or a personal employment contract?
☐ Yes
☒ No
If yes, identify the applicant(s), appellant(s), party, or participant(s):
Councilmembers should review campaign contributions received within the prior 12 months from parties or participants to the proceeding and must not accept contributions over $500 from those parties for 12 months following the final decision. (Gov. Code § 84308). 26