City of PalmSprings Page1
Wednesday, June 11, 2025
Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the City Council
of the City of Palm Springs
CALL TO ORDER:
A Regular Meeting of the Palm Springs City Council was called to order by Mayor deHarteon Wednesday, June11, 2025, at 6:01 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor deHarteled thePledgeof Allegiance.
ROLL CALL:
Present: CouncilmembersJeffrey Bernstein, Grace Elena Garner, and David Ready; Mayor ProTemNaomiSoto; andMayorRondeHarte.
Absent: None.
City Staff Present: ScottStiles, City Manager; TeresaGallavan, AssistantCity Manager; Flinn Fagg, DeputyCity Manager; JeremyHammond, DeputyCity Manager; JeffBallinger, City Attorney; AndrewMills, Chiefof Police; andBrendaPree, City Clerkwerepresent at Roll Call. Otherstaff memberspresentedreportsor respondedto questionsas indicatedin theminutes.
PRESENTATIONS: None.
PROCLAMATIONS:
Mayor deHarteannouncedtheissuanceof thefollowing proclamations:
ThemayorrecognizedJune3, 2025, for the50thAnniversaryof El Mirasol Villas, a historicgay resortin theWarmSandsneighborhood. El MirasolVillas hasprovidedawelcoming, private, and social community for guestsall aroundthe world, fostering a senseof belonging, pride, and connection.
ThemayorproclaimedNationalHIV Long-TermSurvivorsAwarenessDayonJune5, 2025. This day honorsindividuals who have lived with HIV for an extendedperiod, recognizingtheir resilience, contributions, and ongoing challenges. It also raises awarenessabout HIV, the importanceof long-term care, and the progressthat has been made in HIV treatmentand prevention.
Themayorrecognized “PollinatorWeek”, from June16 to June22, asanannualeventthathelps raiseawarenessaboutthe importanceof pollinatorsandthe rolesthey play in our ecosystems, economies, andagriculture, aswell asthestepsthatcanbetakento protectthem.
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ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGENDA:
MOTION BY MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER GARNER, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER BERNSTEIN, CARRIED 5-0, to accepttheagendawith theremovalof ConsentCalendarItem No. 1H for separatediscussionandthecontinuationof Item1.K to adateuncertain.
REPORT OF CLOSED SESSION:
The ClosedSessionof the City Council of June11, 2025, was called to order by Mayor deHarte at 4:30p.m.
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER READY, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER BERNSTEIN CARRIED 5-0 to addthefollowing latebreakingitem to theclosedsessionagenda.
CONFERENCEWITH LEGAL COUNSEL — SIGNIFICANT EXPOSURETO LITIGATION Gov.
Code § 54956.9(d)(2)
One (1) matter
Themeetingconvenedinto ClosedSessionto discussthefollowing itemsaslistedontheClosedSession MeetingAgenda, with no reportableaction:
CONFERENCEWITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS G.C § 54957.6
CityNegotiators:
EmployeeOrganization:
ScottStiles, CityManager
StephanieGeorge, HumanResourcesDirector
PeterBrownLegalCounsel
PalmSpringsPoliceOfficersAssociation (PSPOA)
PalmSpringsPoliceManagementAssociation (PSPMA)
PUBLIC TESTIMONY:
Michael JosephPitkin, Tim Watts, Michael Shaw, andRobertFontesprovidedoral testimony.
1. CONSENT CALENDAR:
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER READY, SECONDBY COUNCILMEMBER BERNSTEIN, CARRIED 5-0, to approvethe ConsentCalendarwith the removalof Item No. 1H for separate discussion; ItemNo. 1.K wascontinuedto a dateuncertain.
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER READY, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER
BERNSTEIN, CARRIED 5-0, to approvetheCity CouncilMeetingMinutesof May 21, 2025, May 22, 2025, andMay 28, 2025.
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B. APPOINTMENTS TO VARIOUS BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER READY, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER
BERNSTEIN, CARRIED 5-0, to:
1. Appoint Stasik “Harrison” Winderbaumto theAdministrativeAppealsBoardfor a term endingJune30, 2028.
2. Waivetherequirementsof thePalmSpringsMunicipal Code2.06.010(c) andreappoint Todd Burke to the Airport Commissionfor a term endingJune30, 2026. Reappoint SamanthaMcDermottto theAirport Commissionfor a termendingJune30, 2028.
3. Appoint GaryBrackettto theLibrary Boardfor a termendingJune30, 2028.
4. Appoint AlexandraPhillips to theParksandRecreationCommissionfor a term ending June30, 2028.
C. APPROVAL OF PAYROLL WARRANTS, CLAIMS AND DEMANDS
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER READY, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER
BERNSTEIN, CARRIED 5-0, to adoptResolution No. 25315 "A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING
PAYMENT OF PAYROLL WARRANTS/DISBURSEMENTSFOR THE PERIODENDING 05-10-25 TOTALING $2,620,083.33 AND ACCOUNTS PAYABLE WARRANTS DATED 05-08-25 TOTALING $8,243,498.52 IN THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT OF $10,863,581.85 DRAWN ON BANK OF AMERICA."
D. RESOLUTION OF INTENTION TO LEVY ASSESSMENTS WITHIN THE PALM
SPRINGS SMALL HOTEL TOURISM BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT AND SETTING A TIME AND PLACE FOR THE PUBLIC HEARING; REVIEW AND
APPROVAL OF REPORT OF THE TOURISM BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT
DISTRICT ( TBID) ADVISORY BOARD, FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER READY, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER
BERNSTEIN, CARRIED 5-0, to:
1. ReviewandapproveReportof theTourismBusinessImprovementDistrict (TBID) Advisory Board, FiscalYear2025-2026; and
2. AdoptResolutionNo. 25316, “A RESOLUTIONOFTHE CITY COUNCIL OFTHE
CITY OFPALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, DECLARING ITS INTENTION TO
LEVY AND COLLECT ASSESSMENTSWITHIN THE PALM SPRINGSSMALL
HOTEL TOURISM BUSINESSIMPROVEMENTDISTRICT, AND SETTINGA TIME AND PLACE FORPUBLIC HEARING.”
E. SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 2111APPROVING THE 2025 FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONE MAP, AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 8.04
FIRE CODE) OF THE PALM SPRINGS MUNICIPAL CODE, AND THE
AMENDMENT OF APPENDIX S – VEGETATION MANAGEMENT GUIDELINE’
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER READY, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER
BERNSTEIN, CARRIED 5-0, to waive the secondreadingof text in its entirety, readby title only, andadoptOrdinance No. 2111entitled, “ AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PALM
SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, DESIGNATING FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONES WITHIN
THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGSBASED ON MAPS PROVIDED BY THE CALIFORNIA City CouncilMinutes June11, 2025
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DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRYAND FIRE PROTECTION, AMENDING CHAPTER8.04
OF THE PALM SPRINGSMUNICIPAL CODE, AND APPROVING AMENDMENTS TO
THE PALM SPRINGS FIRE DEPARTMENT VEGETATION MANAGEMENT
GUIDELINES."
F. SECONDREADING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 2112APPROVING CASE COZ-2024-0001, CHANGE OF ZONE, TO AMEND THE CURRENT ZONE DESIGNATION OF ‘PROFESSIONAL’ (P) TO ‘SERVICE/MANUFACTURING’ ( M-1) FOR A PROPOSED NEW 2,895-SF BANK AND AN AUXILIARY DRIVE- THRU FACILITY AT A 1.08-ACRE UNDEVELOPED SITE LOCATED AT THE SOUTHEAST
CORNER OF EAST RAMON ROAD AND SOUTH CALLE SANTA CRUZ, ZONE P, SECTION 19
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER READY, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER
BERNSTEIN, CARRIED 5-0 to waive the secondreadingof text in its entirety, readby title only, andadoptOrdinance No. 2112entitled, “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, APPROVINGCASE COZ-2024-0001, CHANGE OF ZONE, TO AMEND THE CURRENT ZONE DESIGNATION OF ‘ PROFESSIONAL’ (P) TO SERVICE/MANUFACTURING’ (M-1) FORA PROPOSEDNEW 2,895-SFBANK AND AN AUXILIARY DRIVE-THRU FACILITY AT A 1.08-ACRE UNDEVELOPED SITE
LOCATED AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF EAST RAMON ROAD AND SOUTH CALLE SANTA CRUZ, ZONE P, SECTION19.”
G. SECONDREADING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 2113AMENDING PALM SPRINGS MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 8.68, FLOOD DAMAGE PREVENTION,
MODIFYING FLOODPROOFING AND FREEBOARD REQUIREMENTS FOR
MECHANICAL AND UTILITY EQUIPMENT, AND FOR MANUFACTURED HOMES
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER READY, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER
BERNSTEIN, CARRIED 5-0 to waive the secondreadingof text in its entirety, readby title only, andadoptOrdinance No. 2113entitled, “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING PALM SPRINGS MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 8.68, FLOOD DAMAGE PREVENTION, MODIFYING
FLOODPROOFINGAND FREEBOARD REQUIREMENTS FOR MECHANICAL AND UTILITY EQUIPMENT, AND FORMANUFACTURED HOMES”
H. APPROVE THREE-YEAR LEASE AGREEMENT NO. 25L155 WITH PACIFIC
CASTLE RIMROCK, LLC FOR TEMPORARY LIBRARY LOCATION FOR PALM SPRINGSPUBLIC LIBRARY RENOVATION, PROJECT NO. 16-08
This item wasremovedfrom theconsentcalendarfor considerationundertheexcludedconsent calendar.
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I. APPROVAL OF PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, AND ESTIMATE ( PS&E) AND
AUTHORIZATION TO BID STATE HIGHWAY MANHOLE REPAIRS, CITY PROJECT 24-04
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER READY, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER
BERNSTEIN, CARRIED 5-0 TO
1. Approvetheplans, specifications, andestimateandauthorizeStaff to advertiseand solicit bidsfor theStateHighwayManholeRepairs, City Project24-04, (“theProject”); and;
2. AuthorizetheCity Managerto executeall necessarydocuments.
J. APPROVAL OF A GRANT OF EASEMENT TO SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON ACROSS CITY- OWNED REAL PROPERTY LOCATED AT 3400 EAST TAHQUITZ CANYON WAY (APN:677-280-010, AIRPORT PROPERTY)
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER READY, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER
BERNSTEIN, CARRIED 5-0 TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A
GRANT OF EASEMENT (ATTACHMENT A) TO SOUTHERNCALIFORNIA EDISONTO
UNDERGROUND ELECTRICAL SUPPLY SYSTEM ACROSS A PORTION OF THE PROPERTYIDENTIFIED BY ASSESSOR’S PARCEL NUMBER 677-280-010 WITHIN AIRPORTPARKING LOT B.
K. AWARD OF A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT WITH SKANSKA USA BUILDING IN THE AMOUNT OF $ 71,774,497 AND THE ACCEPTANCE OF THE FEDERAL
AVIATION ADMINISTRATION ( FAA) AND TRANSPORTATION SECURITY
ADMINISTRATION ( TSA) GRANT AWARDS FOR THE FUNDING OF THE
PROJECT FOR AIRPORT BAGGAGE HANDLING SYSTEM IN-LINE SCREENING THE PROJECT”, AIRPORT PROJECT PSP-04
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER GARNER, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER BERNSTEIN, CARRIED 5-0 TO CONTINUETHIS ITEM TO A DATE UNCERTAIN.
L. ACCEPTANCEOF THE AIRPORT TAXIWAY REHABILITATION, CITY PROJECT21- 27 MOTIONBY COUNCILMEMBERREADY, SECONDBY COUNCILMEMBERBERNSTEIN, CARRIED5-0 TO
1. AcceptthepublicworksimprovementidentifiedastheAirportTaxiwayRehabilitation, City Project21-27, ascompletedin accordancewiththeplansandspecifications;
2. Authorize the City Engineerto executeandfile for recordationwith the Riverside County Recordera Notice of Completionfor the Airport Taxiway Rehabilitation, City Project21-27; and
3. Authorize the City Managerto executeall necessarydocuments.
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M. ACCEPTANCE OF THE HIGHWAY SAFETY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT (CYCLE 8), FEDERAL- AID PROJECT NO. HSIPL- 5282 (047), CITY PROJECT NO. 16-18
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER READY, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER
BERNSTEIN, CARRIED 5-0 TO
1. Accept the public works improvementidentified asthe Highway SafetyImprovement Project (Cycle 8), City ProjectNo. 16-18 (“Project”), ascompletedin accordancewith the plansandspecifications; and
2. Authorize the City Engineerto executeandfile for recordationwith the Riverside County Recordera Notice of Completionfor installation of the Highway Safety ImprovementProject (Cycle 8), City ProjectNo. 16-18.
N. APPROVE NON-EXCLUSIVE OPERATING AND LEASE AGREEMENT NO. 25L118 WITH WORLDWIDE FLIGHT SERVICES, INC. FOR TERMINAL USE
SPACE AT PALM SPRINGS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER READY, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER
BERNSTEIN, CARRIED 5-0 TO
1. Approve the Airport Non-Exclusive OperatingandLeaseAgreementNo. 25L118 with Worldwide Flight Services, Inc. for the leaseof 240 squarefeet of office spaceat 133.04 persquarefoot per year, effective March 1, 2025throughFebruary28, 2026, with two (2) one-yearoptionsto extend.
2. Authorize the City Manageror designeeto executeall necessarydocuments.
O. APPROVE NON-EXCLUSIVE OPERATING AND LEASE AGREEMENT NO. 25L134 WITH UNITED SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS, INC. FOR HANGAR AND
OFFICE SPACE AT PALM SPRINGS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER READY, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER
BERNSTEIN, CARRIED 5-0 TO
1. Approve the Non-ExclusiveOperatingandLeaseAgreementNo. 25L134 with United ServiceOrganizations, Inc. for the leaseof 4,000 squarefeet of hangarandoffice spaceandeight (8) assignedparking spacesadjacentto the PalmSpringsInternational Airport, effective April 1, 2025throughMarch 31, 2026, with two (2) one-yearoptions to extendby the Lessee.
2. Authorize the City Manageror designeeto executeall necessarydocuments.
P. APPROVE NON-EXCLUSIVE OPERATING AND LEASE AGREEMENT NO. 25L133 WITH WEST AVIATION SERVICES – SAN DIEGO, INC. DBA SIERRA
AVIATION GROUP FOR TERMINAL OFFICE SPACE AT THE PALM SPRINGS
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER READY, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER
BERNSTEIN, CARRIED 5-0 TO
1. Approve the Airport Non-ExclusiveOperatingandLeaseAgreementNo. 25L133 with WestAviation Services – SanDiego, Inc. dbaSierraAviation Groupfor the leaseof 345squarefeet of office spaceat $133.04 per squarefoot per year, effective March 1, 2025throughFebruary28, 2026, with two (2) one-yearoptionsto extend.
2. Authorize the City Manageror designeeto executeall necessarydocuments.
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Q. ADOPT A RESOLUTION IDENTIFYING THE PROJECTS TO BE FUNDED BY SENATE BILL 1 (SB 1), THE ROAD REPAIR AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2017, FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-26
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER READY, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER
BERNSTEIN, CARRIED 5-0 TO ADOPTResolutionNo. 25317, “A RESOLUTIONOF THE
CITY COUNCILOFTHECITY OFPALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTINGA LIST OF PROJECTSFORFISCALYEAR 2025-26FUNDEDBY SENATEBILL 1 (SB1), THE ROAD REPAIRAND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF2017.”
EXCLUDED CONSENT CALENDAR:
H. APPROVE THREE- YEAR LEASE AGREEMENT NO. 25L155 WITH PACIFIC
CASTLE RIMROCK, LLC FOR TEMPORARY LIBRARY LOCATION FOR PALM SPRINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY RENOVATION, PROJECT NO. 16-08
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER BERNSTEIN, SECOND BY MAYOR PRO TEM SOTO, CARRIED 5-0,
1. ApproveLeaseAgreementNo. 25L155with PacificCastleRimrock, LLC subjectto final City ManagerandCity Attorneyapprovalasto form, for theleaseof 6,001square feetstorefront, effectiveJuly 1, 2025throughJune30, 2028, with two (2) consecutive six-monthoptionsto extendby theLesseein anamountnotto exceed $514,166.00.
2. AuthorizetheCity Manageror designeeto executeall necessarydocuments.
2. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
A. AN APPLICATION BY JULI SAVITT-CAVNAR AND ADAM CAVNAR FOR HISTORIC SITE DESIGNATION OF “THE RICHARD AND SIGNE HOLECHEK RESIDENCE” LOCATED AT 2395PEBBLE BEACH DRIVE (APN 681-242-008), CASEHSPB #163 (SY)
MOTIONBY COUNCILMEMBERBERNSTEIN, SECONDBY COUNCILMEMBERGARNER, CARRIED5-0, to
1. Openthepublichearingandreceivepublictestimony.
2. ClosethepublichearingandadoptResolutionNo. 25318, “A RESOLUTIONOFTHE
CITY COUNCILOFTHECITY OFPALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, DESIGNATING THERICHARDAND SIGNEHOLECHEKRESIDENCELOCATEDAT 2395PEBBLE BEACHDRIVE, AS A CLASS1 (LANDMARK) HISTORICRESOURCEHSPB #163, SUBJECTTOCONDITIONS (APN681-242-008).”
3. BUSINESS & LEGISLATIVE:
A. GENERAL FUND, CAPITAL, AND AIRPORT DRAFT BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEARS 2025-26AND 2026-27
Councildiscussedtheitemandprovideddirectionto staff.
TheCity Councilrecessedat 8:28PM. Themeetingreconvenedat 8:39PM.** City CouncilMinutes June11, 2025
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B. INTRODUCE AND CONDUCT FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE ENTITLED,
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 5.92 OF THE PALM SPRINGS MUNICIPAL CODE, STRICTLY
REGULATING CO-OWNED HOUSING UNITS, AND DETERMINING SUCH ACTION
TO EXEMPT FROM FURTHER ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW PURSUANT TO THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT”
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER GARNER, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER BERNSTEIN, CARRIED 5-0, TO Introduce and conduct a first reading by title only, of ORDINANCE NO. 2114entitled "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 5.92 OF THE PALM SPRINGS MUNICIPAL
CODE, STRICTLY REGULATING CO-OWNED HOUSINGUNITS, AND DETERMINING
SUCH ACTION TO BE EXEMPT FROM FURTHER ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW PURSUANTTO THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT."
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Michael Pitkin andRonsonSouzaprovidednon-agendaoral testimony. ThomasPerry, JaneDodd and BrandonGeorgerregisteredbut did not provideoraltestimony.
CITY COUNCIL AND CITY MANAGER COMMENTS, REPORTS, & AGENDA DEVELOPMENT:
City ManagerStilesandtheCity Councildiscussedthetentativeupcomingmeetingscheduleandagenda items. All City Councilmembersprovidedcomment.
ADJOURNMENT:
TheCity Counciladjournedtheregularmeetingof Wednesday, June11, 2025, at10:48 p.m.
Respectfullysubmitted,
BrendaPree, MMC, CERA
City Clerk
DRAFTMINUTESPRESENTEDTOCITYCOUNCIL: 6/25/2025