(DRAFT MEETING MINUTES)
April 22, 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 April 22, 2026, at 5:36 PM.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Councilmember Garner 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; Jeremy Hammond, Deputy City Manager; Jeff Ballinger, City Attorney; Michael Torres, Acting Police Captain; 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. Blue Zones Palm Springs Project Update
Mihai Patru, Executive Director of Blue Zones Palm Springs, provided an update.
PROCLAMATIONS:
Mayor Soto announced the issuance of the following proclamations:
April 15, 2026, was proclaimed World Art Day.
April 17, 2026, was proclaimed Dr. Stan Hill Day.
On April 17, 2026, Joe Ann Crawford was honored with a proclamation. April 20 th through April 26th was proclaimed Lesbian Visibility Week. April 23, 2026, was proclaimed Dining Out for Life Day.
City Council Minutes April 22, 2026
City of Palm Springs (DRAFT) Page 2
ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGENDA:
Motion by Councilmember deHarte, Second by Councilmember Bernstein, CARRIED 5 – 0, to: Accept the Agenda with the removal of Consent Calendar Item Nos. 1G and 1J for separate discussion.
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 April 22, 2026, was called to order by Mayor Soto at 4:02 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 – EXISTING LITIGATION, Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1):
Under existing facts and circumstances, there was one (1) matter.
Palm Springs Promenade, LLC v City of Palm Springs, American Arbitration Association Case No. 01-23-0002-5716
Councilmember Bernstein recused from the Palm Springs Promenade closed session item.
CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS, Pursuant to
Government Code Section 54956.8:
Property: 165 N. Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
(APN: 513-092-009)
149 N. Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
(APN: 513-092-003)
146 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
(APN: 513-092-010)
City Negotiator: Scott Stiles, City Manager, and Jeff Ballinger, City Attorney Negotiating parties: Michael Braun, Town & Country Center, LLC Under negotiation: Price and Terms
City Council Minutes April 22, 2026
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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):
Chris Kiser, Lisa Middleton, Richard Gordon, Phyllis Ritchie, Michael Koth, Michael Pitkin, Scott Nevins, and Lisa Botts provided oral testimony.
1. CONSENT CALENDAR:
Motion by Councilmember Bernstein, Second by Councilmember deHarte, CARRIED 5 – 0, to: Approve the Consent Calendar with the removal of Item Nos. 1G and 1J for separate discussion.
1A. MOTION TO READ ORDINANCE BY TITLE ONLY
Motion by Councilmember Bernstein, Second by Councilmember deHarte, CARRIED 5 – 0, to: Approve.
AYES: Councilmember Bernstein, Councilmember deHarte,
Councilmember Garner, Mayor Soto, Mayor Pro Tem
Ready
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSED: None
1B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion by Councilmember Bernstein, Second by Councilmember deHarte, CARRIED 5 – 0, to: Approve the City Council Meeting Minutes of April 8, 2026.
AYES: Councilmember Bernstein, Councilmember deHarte,
Councilmember Garner, Mayor Soto, Mayor Pro Tem
Ready
City Council Minutes April 22, 2026
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NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSED: None
1C. CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTMENTS TO CITY BOARDS AND
COMMISSIONS
Motion by Councilmember Bernstein, Second by Councilmember deHarte, CARRIED 5 – 0, to: Adopt Resolution No. 25390 entitled, “A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS,
CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING PROCEDURES FOR CONSIDERATION OF
APPOINTMENTS TO CITY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS, AND PROCEDURES
FOR MAKING APPOINTMENTS THERETO, AND RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO. 18804.”
AYES: Councilmember Bernstein, Councilmember deHarte,
Councilmember Garner, Mayor Soto, Mayor Pro Tem
Ready
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSED: None
1D. RATIFY THE NOMINATION OF THE COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE TO THE
PALM SPRINGS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT COMMISSION
Motion by Councilmember Bernstein, Second by Councilmember deHarte, CARRIED 5 – 0, to: Reappoint Margaret Park, representing the County of Riverside, to the Palm Springs International Airport Commission, effective immediately, for a term ending June 30, 2029.
AYES: Councilmember Bernstein, Councilmember deHarte,
Councilmember Garner, Mayor Soto, Mayor Pro Tem
Ready
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSED: None
1E. APPROVAL OF PAYROLL & ACCOUNTS PAYABLE WARRANTS,
CLAIMS AND DEMANDS
Motion by Councilmember Bernstein, Second by Councilmember deHarte, CARRIED 5 – 0, to: Adopt Resolution No. 25391 entitled, “A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS,
CALIFORNIA, APPROVING PAYMENT OF PAYROLL
City Council Minutes April 22, 2026
City of Palm Springs (DRAFT) Page 5
WARRANTS/DISBURSEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDING 03-14-26
TOTALING $2,689,246.58 AND ACCOUNTS PAYABLE WARRANTS DATED 03-12-26 TOTALING $11,653,993.99 IN THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT $14,343,240.57 DRAWN ON BANK OF AMERICA”.
AYES: Councilmember Bernstein, Councilmember deHarte,
Councilmember Garner, Mayor Soto, Mayor Pro Tem
Ready
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSED: None
1F. STAFF AUTHORIZED AGREEMENTS AND PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THE PERIOD OF MARCH 1 THROUGH MARCH 31, 2026
Motion by Councilmember Bernstein, Second by Councilmember deHarte, CARRIED 5 – 0, to: Receive and file the report of Staff Authorized Agreements and Purchase Orders for the period of March 1 through March 31, 2026.
AYES: Councilmember Bernstein, Councilmember deHarte,
Councilmember Garner, Mayor Soto, Mayor Pro Tem
Ready
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSED: None
1G. ACCEPTANCE OF 2025 SLURRY SEAL, CITY PROJECT 25-02
Motion by Councilmember Bernstein, Second by Councilmember Garner, CARRIED 5 – 0, to:
1. Accept the public works improvement identified as 2025 Slurry Seal, City Project No. 25-02, as completed in accordance with the plans and specifications; and
2. Authorize the City Engineer to execute and file for recordation with the Riverside County Recorder a Notice of Completion for the 2025 Slurry Seal Project, City Project No. 25-02.
AYES: Councilmember Bernstein, Councilmember deHarte,
Councilmember Garner, Mayor Soto, Mayor Pro Tem
Ready
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
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RECUSED: None
1H. APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT NO. 3 TO PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT NO. 23P173 WITH KIMLEY-HORN AND ASSOCIATES,
INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $60,000 FOR THE DEMUTH PARK
PICKLEBALL COURT EXPANSION, CITY PROJECT NO. 22-24
Motion by Councilmember Bernstein, Second by Councilmember deHarte, CARRIED 5 – 0, to:
1. Approve Amendment No. 3 to Professional Services Agreement No. 23P173 with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. in the amount of $60,000, for a new not-to-exceed amount of $468,195 for the Demuth Park Pickleball Expansion, City Project No. 22-24; 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
1I. APPROVAL OF A NEIGHBORHOOD TRAFFIC CALMING REQUEST FOR TOLEDO AVENUE IN THE AMOUNT OF $30,000 AND
AUTHORIZATION TO PURCHASE AND IMPLEMENT TRAFFIC
CALMING MEASURES
Motion by Councilmember Bernstein, Second by Councilmember deHarte, CARRIED 5 – 0, to:
1. Approve a traffic calming request for the Toledo Avenue Neighborhood, which consists of the installation of two electronic speed feedback signs, one on the east side and one on the west side of S. Toledo Ave, between E. Sierra Way and Madrona Dr.
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
City Council Minutes April 22, 2026
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1J. AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT NO. 25S225 WITH CONVENTIONAL WISDOM
Motion by Councilmember Bernstein, Second by Mayor Soto, CARRIED 4 – 1, to:
1. Approve Amendment No. 1 to Professional Services Agreement No. 25S225 with Conventional Wisdom Corp. for an additional amount of $150,000, for a revised contract not-to-exceed total of $300,000, and extend the contract term one-year through July 20, 2027; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents.
AYES: Councilmember Bernstein, Councilmember deHarte,
Councilmember Garner, Mayor Soto
NAYS: Mayor Pro Tem Ready
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSED: None
2. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
2A. HISTORIC DESIGNATION – FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST SCIENTIST Eric Chiel provided oral testimony.
Motion by Councilmember Bernstein, Second by Councilmember deHarte, CARRIED 5 – 0, to:
1. Open the public hearing and receive public testimony.
2. Close the public hearing and adopt Resolution No. 25392 entitled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM
SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, DESIGNATING FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST SCIENTIST, AS A CLASS 1 (LANDMARK) HISTORIC RESOURCE HSPB #170, SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS (APN 508-191-030).
AYES: Councilmember Bernstein, Councilmember deHarte,
Councilmember Garner, Mayor Soto, Mayor Pro Tem
Ready
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSED: None
City Council Minutes April 22, 2026
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2B. CDBG 2026–2027 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN
Michael Pitkin provided oral testimony.
Motion by Councilmember deHarte, Second by Councilmember Bernstein, CARRIED 5 – 0, to:
1. Open the Public Hearing for public testimony.
2. Adopt Resolution No. 25393 entitled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA,
APPROVING THE 2026-2027 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK
GRANT (CDBG) ANNUAL ACTION PLAN; APPROVING THE
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT BUDGET FOR FISCAL
YEAR 2026-2027 IN THE AMOUNT OF $337,285; AUTHORIZING THE
SUBMITTAL OF THE PLAN AND BUDGET TO THE UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING & URBAN DEVELOPMENT (HUD);
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER OR DESIGNEE TO EXECUTE THE FUNDING APPROVAL/AGREEMENT WITH HUD – GRANT # B-26-MC-
06-0561 IN THE AMOUNT OF $337,285; AND TO EXECUTE THE
SUBRECIPIENT AGREEMENTS AND ALL NECESSARY DOCUMENTS IN
A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY.”
3. Approve the revised CDBG Owner Occupied Home Rehabilitation Program Guidelines.
4. Authorize the City Manager or designee to make minor non- substantive changes and to execute all necessary documents.
AYES: Councilmember Bernstein, Councilmember deHarte,
Councilmember Garner, Mayor Soto, Mayor Pro Tem
Ready
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSED: None
2C. HOTEL OPERATIONS COVENANT – TERRA PALM SPRINGS HOTEL Motion by Councilmember deHarte, Second by Mayor Pro Tem Ready, CARRIED 5 – 0, to:
1. Open the public hearing and receive public testimony.
2. Approve a Hotel Operations Covenant Agreement with Terra Palm Springs Hotel located at 888 N Indian Canyon Dr., Palm Springs.
3. Authorize the City Manager and City Attorney to make non- substantive changes as needed and execute all necessary documents.
City Council Minutes April 22, 2026
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AYES: Councilmember Bernstein, Councilmember deHarte,
Councilmember Garner, Mayor Soto, Mayor Pro Tem
Ready
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSED: None
2D. HOTEL OPERATIONS COVENANT – THE CACTAI PALM SPRINGS Motion by Councilmember deHarte, Second by Councilmember Bernstein, CARRIED 5 – 0, to:
1. Open the public hearing and receive public testimony.
2. Approve a Hotel Operations Covenant Agreement with 312 Monte Vista, LLC, dba The Cactai Palm Springs.
3. Authorize the City Manager or designee to make non-substantive changes and execute all necessary documents related to the subsidy.
AYES: Councilmember Bernstein, Councilmember deHarte,
Councilmember Garner, Mayor Soto, Mayor Pro Tem
Ready
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSED: None
3. BUSINESS & LEGISLATIVE:
3A. DISCUSSION OF CITY MAYORAL POSITION
Councilmembers Garner and deHarte provided a report, and City Attorney Ballinger provided an update.
PUBLIC COMMENT (Non-Agenda Items):
Jeffrey Monsoor 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.
City Council Minutes April 22, 2026
City of Palm Springs (DRAFT) Page 10
ADJOURNMENT:
The City Council adjourned the Regular Meeting of April 22, 2026, at 8:48 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Brenda Pree, MMC, CERA
City Clerk