(DRAFT MEETING MINUTES)
March 25, 2026
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 Soto on March 25, 2026, at 5:34 PM.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Jacqueline Reyes, student Vista Del Monte Elementary School, led the City Council in the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL:
Present: Councilmember Jeffrey Bernstein, Councilmember Ron deHarte, Councilmember Grace Garner, Mayor Naomi Soto, Mayor Pro Tem David Ready
Absent: None
City Staff
Present:
Scott Stiles, City Manager; Teresa Gallavan, Assistant City Manager; Flinn Fagg, Assistant City Manager; Jeff Ballinger, City Attorney; Andrew Mills, Chief of Police; and Brenda Pree, City Clerk, were present at Roll Call. Other staff members presented reports or responded to questions as indicated in the minutes.
PRESENTATIONS:
A. Visit Greater Palm Springs Update
Scott White, Visit Greater Palm Springs President/CEO, Davis Meyer, VP of Government & Industry Relations, and Colleen Pace, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, provided an update on Visit Greater Palm Springs.
PROCLAMATIONS:
Mayor Soto announced the issuance of the following proclamation:
March 10 th was proclaimed as Dolores Robinson Day.
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ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGENDA:
Motion by Councilmember deHarte, Second by Mayor Pro Tem Ready, CARRIED 5 – 0, to:
Accept the agenda.
AYES: Councilmember Bernstein, Councilmember deHarte, Councilmember Garner, Mayor Soto, Mayor Pro Tem Ready
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSED: None
REPORT OF CLOSED SESSION:
The Closed Session of the City Council of March 25, 2026, was called to order by Mayor Soto at 3:38 PM.
The meeting convened into Closed Session to discuss the following items as listed on the Closed Session Meeting Agenda, with no reportable action:
CLOSED SESSION ITEM(S):
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – INITIATION OF LITIGATION, Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4):
Under existing facts and circumstances, there was one (1) matter.
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL — SIGNIFICANT EXPOSURE TO LITIGATION, Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2):
Under existing facts and circumstances, there were two (2) matters.
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION, Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1):
Under existing facts and circumstances, there were two (2) matters.
Stephen Weaver v. City of Palm Springs, et al, Riv. Superior Court No.
CVPS2508986
Worker’s Compensation Claim # 17-132650, 18-138554, 20-152742, 22- 163568, 23-175432 (Alvaro Canchola) (ADJ18511120, ADJ13584513 and ADJ18511119)
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CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS, Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6:
City Negotiators: Scott Stiles, City Manager
Stephanie George, Human Resources Director
Peter Brown, Legal Counsel
Employee organization: Palm Springs Firefighters Association Palm Springs Fire Management Association
Public Employees Association of Palm Springs
Management Association of Palm Springs
PUBLIC TESTIMONY (Non-Public Hearing Agenda Items Only):
Michael Joseph Pitkin, David Paisley, and David Bell provided oral testimony.
1. CONSENT CALENDAR:
Motion by Councilmember deHarte, Second by Councilmember Bernstein, CARRIED 5 – 0, to: Approve the Consent Calendar.
1A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion by Councilmember deHarte, Second by Councilmember Bernstein, CARRIED 5 – 0, to: Approve the City Council Meeting Minutes of March 11, 2026.
AYES: Councilmember Bernstein, Councilmember deHarte,
Councilmember Garner, Mayor Soto, Mayor Pro Tem
Ready
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSED: None
1B. RATIFY THE NOMINATION OF THE CITY OF INDIO AND THE CITY
OF COACHELLA TO THE PALM SPRINGS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
COMMISSION
Motion by Councilmember deHarte, Second by Councilmember Bernstein, CARRIED 5 – 0, to:
1. Reappoint Rick Wise, representing the City of Indio, to the Palm Springs International Airport Commission, effective immediately, for a term ending March 31, 2029.
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2. Appoint Yadira Perez, representing the City of Coachella, to the Palm Springs International Airport Commission, effective immediately, for a term ending December 31, 2026.
AYES: Councilmember Bernstein, Councilmember deHarte,
Councilmember Garner, Mayor Soto, Mayor Pro Tem
Ready
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSED: None
1C. STAFF AUTHORIZED AGREEMENTS AND PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THE PERIOD OF FEBRUARY 1 THROUGH FEBRUARY 28, 2026
Motion by Councilmember deHarte, Second by Councilmember Bernstein, CARRIED 5 – 0, to: Receive and file the report of Staff Authorized Agreements and Purchase Orders for the period of February 1 through February 28, 2026.
AYES: Councilmember Bernstein, Councilmember deHarte,
Councilmember Garner, Mayor Soto, Mayor Pro Tem
Ready
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSED: None
1D. APPROVAL OF PAYROLL & ACCOUNTS PAYABLE WARRANTS,
CLAIMS AND DEMANDS
Motion by Councilmember deHarte, Second by Councilmember Bernstein, CARRIED 5 – 0, to: Adopt Resolution No. 25386 entitled, “A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS,
CALIFORNIA, APPROVING PAYMENT OF PAYROLL /
WARRANTS/DISBURSEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDING 02-14-26
TOTALING $2,742,790.06 AND ACCOUNTS PAYABLE WARRANTS DATED 02-12-26 TOTALING $6,000,998.72 IN THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT OF $8,743,788.78 DRAWN ON BANK OF AMERICA”.
AYES: Councilmember Bernstein, Councilmember deHarte,
Councilmember Garner, Mayor Soto, Mayor Pro Tem
Ready
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
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RECUSED: None
1E. APPROVAL OF PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS & ESTIMATE (PS&E), AND AUTHORIZATION TO BID THE 2026 PAVEMENT REHABILITATION,
CITY PROJECT NO. 26-01 (MEASURE J FUNDS)
Motion by Councilmember deHarte, Second by Councilmember Bernstein, CARRIED 5 – 0, to:
1. Approve the plans, specifications & estimate, and authorize Staff to advertise and solicit bids for the 2026 Pavement Rehabilitation, City Project 26-01 (“the Project”); and
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents.
AYES: Councilmember Bernstein, Councilmember deHarte,
Councilmember Garner, Mayor Soto, Mayor Pro Tem
Ready
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSED: None
1F. APPROVAL OF ADMINISTRATIVE CONTRACT MEMORANDA NOS. 4, 5, AND 6 TO THE WASTEWATER SERVICES AGREEMENT
(OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE NO. A6804) BETWEEN VEOLIA
WATER WEST OPERATING SERVICES, INC., A DELAWARE
CORPORATION, AND THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
Motion by Councilmember deHarte, Second by Councilmember Bernstein, CARRIED 5 – 0, to:
1. Approve the Administrative Contract Memoranda authorizing the budget increases; and
2. Authorize the City Manager or their designee to execute all required documents.
AYES: Councilmember Bernstein, Councilmember deHarte,
Councilmember Garner, Mayor Soto, Mayor Pro Tem
Ready
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSED: None
1G. APPROVE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT NO. 26B040 WITH DESERT FIRE EXTINGUISHER CO. INC., FOR COMPREHENSIVE FIRE
SUPPRESSION SERVICES
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Motion by Councilmember deHarte, Second by Councilmember Bernstein, CARRIED 5 – 0, to:
1. Approve Construction Contract No. 26B040 with Desert Fire Extinguisher Co., Inc., to provide comprehensive fire suppression services for an amount not to exceed $975,000 beginning April 1, 2026, through March 31, 2029, with two one-year extension options at the City’s sole discretion; and,
2. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all necessary documents.
AYES: Councilmember Bernstein, Councilmember deHarte,
Councilmember Garner, Mayor Soto, Mayor Pro Tem
Ready
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSED: None
1H. AUTHORIZE THE PURCHASE OF ONE (1) RAPIDVIEW MAINLINE
CCTV CAMERA TRUCK
Motion by Councilmember deHarte, Second by Councilmember Bernstein, CARRIED 5 – 0, to:
1. Approve the issuance of a purchase order to Municipal Maintenance Equipment, Inc., for the purchase of one (1) new Ford F-550 4x2 with a 16' box, equipped with a RapidView LLC IBAK PANORAMO 4K + HD mainline CCTV camera system, in an amount not to exceed $746,488.09, inclusive of a 10% contingency.
2. After delivery of the new vehicle, declare the existing vehicle (Unit 435) being replaced as surplus, waive the equipment requirements of 7.07.020 (5) of the Palm Springs Municipal Code and approve the surplus equipment to go directly to auction as authorized by the City Manager or designee.
3. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all necessary documents.
AYES: Councilmember Bernstein, Councilmember deHarte,
Councilmember Garner, Mayor Soto, Mayor Pro Tem
Ready
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSED: None
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1I. APPROVE AMENDMENT NO. 5 TO COOPERATIVE PURCHASE
AGREEMENT NO. 23C004 WITH TK ELEVATOR CORPORATION FOR
ELEVATOR AND ESCALATOR MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR
SERVICES FOR THE PALM SPRINGS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Motion by Councilmember deHarte, Second by Councilmember Bernstein, CARRIED 5 – 0, to:
1. Approve Amendment No. 5 to Cooperative Purchase Agreement No. 23C004 with TK Elevator Corporation to provide elevator and escalator maintenance and repair services for the Palm Springs International Airport for an additional amount of $66,721.16 and for a revised contract amount not to exceed $737,908.48, and extend the term for one year through April 2, 2027.
2. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all necessary documents.
AYES: Councilmember Bernstein, Councilmember deHarte,
Councilmember Garner, Mayor Soto, Mayor Pro Tem
Ready
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSED: None
1J. A REQUEST BY THE OWNERS OF TWO HISTORIC PROPERTIES FOR
APPROVAL OF MILLS ACT HISTORIC PROPERTY PRESERVATION
AGREEMENTS, INCLUDING ONE UNIT WITHIN THE COUNTRY CLUB
ESTATES HISTORIC DISTRICT (HSPB # 145 / HD-9) AT 1995
SOUTH CAMINO REAL AND 2455 SOUTHRIDGE DRIVE (HSPB #162) Motion by Councilmember deHarte, Second by Councilmember Bernstein, CARRIED 5 – 0, to:
1. Approve a Mills Act Historic Property Preservation Agreement between the City of Palm Springs and the owners of the following list of properties:
a. 1995 Camino Real (Country Club Estates), APN: 511-150-015. b. 2455 Southridge Drive, APN: 510-260-024.
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the Agreements.
3. Direct the City Clerk to record the Agreements with the County of Riverside.
AYES: Councilmember Bernstein, Councilmember deHarte,
Councilmember Garner, Mayor Soto, Mayor Pro Tem
Ready
NAYS: None
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ABSTAIN: None
RECUSED: None
1K. APPROVE AND AUTHORIZE SUBMITTAL OF CALIFORNIA OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT FORM 130 DESIGNATING PERSONNEL
TO ACT AS THE AGENT FOR THE CITY WHEN SEEKING FINANCIAL
ASSISTANCE AFTER A DISASTER
Motion by Councilmember deHarte, Second by Councilmember Bernstein, CARRIED 5 – 0, to:
1. Approve CalOES Form 130 Disaster Designees as the City Manager, Fire Chief, and Director of Finance and Treasury.
2. Direct the City Clerk to certify the CalOES Form 130.
3. Direct the Emergency Management Coordinator to transmit CalOES Form 130 to the California Office of Emergency Services.
AYES: Councilmember Bernstein, Councilmember deHarte,
Councilmember Garner, Mayor Soto, Mayor Pro Tem
Ready
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSED: None
2. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
2A. APPLICATION BY LUCIEN WOLFF FOR HISTORIC SITE
DESIGNATION OF “THE EDMUND GOULDING RESIDENCE”
LOCATED AT 1752 RIDGE ROAD, (APN 513-352-002) CASE: HSPB #171 (SY)
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Ready, Second by Councilmember
Bernstein, CARRIED 5 – 0, to:
1. Open the public hearing and receive public testimony.
2. Close the public hearing and adopt Resolution No. 25387 entitled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM
SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, DESIGNATING THE EDMUND GOULDING
RESIDENCE LOCATED AT 1752 RIDGE ROAD, AS A CLASS 1
(LANDMARK) HISTORIC RESOURCE HSPB #171, SUBJECT TO
CONDITIONS (APN 513-352-002)”.
AYES: Councilmember Bernstein, Councilmember deHarte,
Councilmember Garner, Mayor Soto, Mayor Pro Tem
Ready
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NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSED: None
3. BUSINESS & LEGISLATIVE:
3A. REVIEW OF PRESCOTT PRESERVE FIRE
Received and filed.
3B. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION
11.82.130(J)(1) OF THE PALM SPRINGS MUNICIPAL CODE
REGARDING VEHICLE STORAGE FACILITIES FOR NON-
CONSENSUAL TOWS
Motion by Councilmember deHarte, Second by Councilmember Garner, CARRIED 5 – 0, to: Waive the full reading of the ordinance text in its entirety and read by title only, and introduce for first reading Ordinance No. 2129 entitled, “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTION
11.82.130(J)(1) OF THE PALM SPRINGS MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING VEHICLE STORAGE FACILITIES FOR NONCONSENSUAL TOWS.”
AYES: Councilmember Bernstein, Councilmember deHarte,
Councilmember Garner, Mayor Soto, Mayor Pro Tem
Ready
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSED: None
PUBLIC COMMENT (Non-Agenda Items):
Paul Hinrichson, Bob Heinbaugh, and Michael Joseph Pitkin provided oral testimony.
CITY COUNCIL AND CITY MANAGER COMMENTS, REPORTS, & AGENDA DEVELOPMENT:
A. TENTATIVE UPCOMING MEETING SCHEDULE
City Manager Stiles and the City Council discussed the tentative meeting schedule and agenda items for upcoming meetings.
ADJOURNMENT:
The City Council adjourned the Regular Meeting of March 25, 2026, at 7:34 PM.
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Respectfully submitted,
Brenda Pree, MMC, CERA
City Clerk