(DRAFT MEETING MINUTES)
September 9, 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 September 9, 2026, at 6:02 PM.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor Soto 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; Mike Torres, Police Lieutenant; Kyle Stjerne, Chief of Police; Brenda Pree, City Clerk; and Evelyn Beltran, Chief Deputy City Clerk, were present at Roll Call. Other staff members presented reports or responded to questions as indicated in the minutes.
PRESENTATIONS:
(A) Swearing In and Badge Pinning Ceremony for Chief of Police Kyle Stjerne
City Manager Stiles presented Police Chief Stjerne. Chief of Police Stjerne was sworn in by Brooke Beare Stjerne.
PROCLAMATIONS: None.
ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGENDA:
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Motion by Councilmember deHarte, Second by Councilmember Garner, 5 – 0, to: Accept the Agenda with the removal of Consent Calendar Item Nos. 1F and 1G 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 September 9, 2026, was called to order by Mayor Soto at 3:00 PM.
Motion by Councilmember Garner, Second by Councilmember Bernstein, CARRIED 5 – 0, to: Add the following late-breaking closed session item:
LATE BREAKING CLOSED SESSION ITEMS RE: PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT Title: Interim City Manager
Title: City Manager
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, Gov. Code § 54956.9(d)(4)
Under existing facts and circumstances, there were two (2) matters.
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL — SIGNIFICANT EXPOSURE TO LITIGATION Gov. Code § 54956.9(d)(2)
Under existing facts and circumstances, there was one (1) matter.
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION Gov. Code § 54956.9(d)(1)
Under existing facts and circumstances, there were two (2) matters.
Center for Biological Diversity v. City of Palm Springs, City Council for the City of Palm Springs, Riverside County Superior Court, Case No. CVRI2505069 Worker’s Compensation Claim (John Hainsey) (ADJ20829539 and ADJ20829557)
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CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS, Gov. Code § 54957.6
City Negotiators: Scott Stiles, City Manager
Stephanie George, Human Resources Director
Peter Brown, Legal Counsel
Employee
organization:
Palm Springs Fire Management Association
City Negotiators: Naomi Soto, Mayor
Jeff Ballinger, City Attorney
Unrepresented
Employee:
City Manager
CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS, Gov. Code §54956.8
Property: APN: 513-092-009 Westernmost end of E. Andreas Rd.
City Negotiator: Scott Stiles, City Manager and Jeff Ballinger, City Attorney
Negotiating parties: Michael Braun, Grit Development
Under negotiation: Price and Terms
Councilmember Bernstein recused from the conference with real property negotiators closed session item (negotiating parties: Michael Braun and Grit Development).
LATE BREAKING CLOSED SESSION ITEMS RE: PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT Title: Interim City Manager
Title: City Manager
PUBLIC TESTIMONY (Agenda Items Only | Non-Public Hearing Items):
Scott Rusczyk, Jessica Mendoza, Steven Wijatyk, Albert Duarte, Caleb Ragan, Melissa Dolores-Silva, Eric Christen, and Hank Bates provided oral testimony.
1. CONSENT CALENDAR:
Motion by Councilmember deHarte, Second by Councilmember Garner, CARRIED 5 – 0, to: Approve the Consent Calendar with the removal of Item Nos. 1F and 1G for separate discussion.
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1A. MOTION TO READ ORDINANCE BY TITLE ONLY
Motion by Councilmember deHarte, Second by Councilmember Garner, 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 deHarte, Second by Councilmember Garner, CARRIED 5 – 0, to:
1. Approve the Special City Council Meeting Minutes of August 20, 2026.
2. Approve the City Council Meeting Minutes of August 26, 2026.
AYES: Councilmember Bernstein, Councilmember deHarte,
Councilmember Garner, Mayor Soto, Mayor Pro Tem
Ready
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSED: None
1C. DESTRUCTION OF OBSOLETE RECORDS PURSUANT TO THE
ADOPTED RECORDS RETENTION SCHEDULE AND DESTRUCTION
PROCEDURE
Motion by Councilmember deHarte, Second by Councilmember Garner, CARRIED 5 – 0, to: Adopt Resolution No. 25433 entitled, “A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS,
CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING THE DESTRUCTION OF RECORDS (AS
IDENTIFIED ON EXHIBIT “A”) AND IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE
RETENTION SCHEDULE ADOPTED PER RESOLUTION NO. 25239.”
AYES: Councilmember Bernstein, Councilmember deHarte,
Councilmember Garner, Mayor Soto, Mayor Pro Tem
Ready
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
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RECUSED: None
1D. TEN (10) DAY MORATORIUM REPORT REGARDING ORDINANCE
NO. 2134 TEMPORARILY PROHIBITING THE APPROVAL OF DATA
CENTERS
Motion by Councilmember deHarte, Second by Councilmember Garner, CARRIED 5 – 0, to: Receive and file.
AYES: Councilmember Bernstein, Councilmember deHarte,
Councilmember Garner, Mayor Soto, Mayor Pro Tem
Ready
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSED: None
1E. AUTHORIZE THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS TO ENTER INTO A
THIRTY-SIX MONTH LEASE AGREEMENT WITH CLUB CAR, LLC FOR ONE HUNDRED FIFTY-TWO (152) 2027 TEMPO LITHIUM-ION GOLF CARS, FIVE (5) 2027 CARRYALL 500 – MAINTENANCE CART –
LITHIUM, ONE (1) 2027 CARRYALL 500 – DRIVING RANGE UNIT, ONE (1) 2027 CARRYALL 500 – CAFé EXPRESS – LITHIUM, AND ONE (1) 2027 CARRYALL 500 – MAINTENANCE CART – LITHIUM
TO SERVE THE PALM SPRINGS TAHQUITZ CREEK GOLF RESORT
Motion by Councilmember deHarte, Second by Councilmember Garner, CARRIED 5 – 0, to:
1. Approve a thirty-six month lease (Attachment A) of one hundred fifty-two 2027 Tempo Lithium Ion Golf Cars, five 2027 CarryAll 500 – Maintenance Cart – Lithium maintenance vehicles, one 2027 CarryAll 500 – Driving Range Unit, one 2027 CarryAll 500 – CAFÉ Express – Lithium beverage cart, one 2027 CarryAll 500 – Maintenance Cart – Lithium maintenance vehicle, subject to final City Manager and City Attorney approval, through Club Car, LLC, for a monthly lease payment of $25,576.79, and a total lease agreement amount of $920,764.46; 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
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RECUSED: None
1F. SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 2121 OF
THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER
5.55 OF THE PALM SPRINGS MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING
CANNABIS CONSUMPTION LOUNGES
Motion by Councilmember deHarte, Second by Councilmember Garner, CARRIED 5 – 0, to: Waive the second reading of text in its entirety, read by title only, and adopt Ordinance No. 2121, “AN
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 5.55 OF THE PALM SPRINGS
MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING CANNABIS CONSUMPTION LOUNGES.”
AYES: Councilmember Bernstein, Councilmember deHarte,
Councilmember Garner, Mayor Soto, Mayor Pro Tem
Ready
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSED: None
1G. APPROVAL OF A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH
ALTA PLANNING + DESIGN, INC., IN THE AMOUNT OF $953,702
FOR PROFESSIONAL TRANSPORTATION PLANNING AND
ENGINEERING SERVICES TO PREPARE THE COMPREHENSIVE
SAFETY ACTION PLAN, CITY PROJECT NO. 26-06
Motion by Councilmember Garner, Second by Councilmember Bernstein, CARRIED 5 – 0, to:
1. Approve a Professional Services Agreement with Alta Planning + Design, Inc. in the amount of $953,702 for professional transportation planning and engineering services to prepare the Comprehensive Safety Action Plan; an
2. Authorize the City Manager or his 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. APPROVE CONTRACT AGREEMENTS NO. 26B181 AND 26B182
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WITH POLAR ELECTRICAL COMPANY AND NO. 26B183 AND
26B184 WITH M. BREY, INC., DBA MBE CONSTRUCTION, FOR
ELECTRICAL REPAIR AND INSTALLATION SERVICE
Motion by Councilmember deHarte, Second by Councilmember Garner, CARRIED 5 – 0, to:
1. Approve Construction Agreement 26B181 (Attachment A) with Polar Electrical Company to provide electrical installation services for the Public Works department in an amount not to exceed $900,000 for an initial one-year term beginning September 10, 2026, through September 9, 2027, with four one-year extension options at the City’s sole discretion; and
2. Approve Contract Services Agreement 26B182 (Attachment B) with Polar Electrical Company to provide electrical repair services for the Public Works department in an amount not to exceed $75,000 for an initial three-year term beginning September 10, 2026, through September 09, 2029, with two one-year extension options at the City’s sole discretion; and
3. Approve Construction Agreement 26B183 (Attachment C) with M.
Brey, Inc., dba MBE Construction to provide electrical installation services for the Public Works department in an amount not to exceed $575,000 for an initial one-year term beginning September 10, 2026, through September 9, 2027, with four one-year extension options at the City’s sole discretion; and
4. Approve Contract Services Agreement 26B184 (Attachment D) with M. Brey, Inc., dba MBE Construction to provide electrical repair services for the Public Works department in an amount not to exceed $75,000 for an initial three-year term beginning September 10, 2026, through September 09, 2029, with two one- year extension options at the City’s sole discretion; and
5. 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
1I. DONATION OF ORIGINAL MORRIS KIGHT MEMORIAL PLAQUE AND LGBTQ+ SERVICE MEMBER MARKER TO THE LGBTQ+ HISTORY &
ARCHIVES OF THE DESERT
Motion by Councilmember deHarte, Second by Councilmember City Council Minutes September 9, 2026
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Garner, CARRIED 5 – 0, to:
1. Waive the surplus requirements of Section 7.08.02(5) of the Palm Springs Municipal Code and approve the donation of the original Morris Kight Memorial Plaque and LGBTQ+ Service Member Marker to the LGBTQ+ History & Archives of the Desert, a California non- profit corporation; and
2. Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute any documents necessary to complete the donation
AYES: Councilmember Bernstein, Councilmember deHarte,
Councilmember Garner, Mayor Soto, Mayor Pro Tem
Ready
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSED: None
1J. APPROVE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT NO. 26B203 WITH HTL
MECHANICAL, INC., AND NO. 26B204 WITH RIVCO MECHANICAL
SERVICES, INC., FOR HVAC REPAIR AND INSTALLATION
SERVICES
Motion by Councilmember deHarte, Second by Councilmember Garner, CARRIED 5 – 0, to:
1. Approve Construction Contract 26B203 (Attachment A) with HTL Mechanical, Inc., to provide on-call HVAC repair and installation services for the Public Works department in an amount not to exceed $975,000 for an initial one-year term beginning September 10, 2026, through September 9, 2027, with four one-year extension options at the City’s sole discretion; and
2. Approve Construction Contract 26B204 (Attachment B) with Rivco Mechanical Services, Inc., to provide on-call HVAC repair and installation services for the Public Works department in an amount not to exceed $417,856 for an initial one-year term beginning September 10, 2026, through September 9, 2027, with four one- year extension options at the City’s sole discretion; and
3. Authorize the City Manager or his 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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1K. APPROVE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT NO. 26C173 WITH BELFOR USA GROUP, INC. FOR ON-CALL GENERAL EMERGENCY
RESTORATION AND REMEDIATION SERVICES
Motion by Councilmember deHarte, Second by Councilmember Garner, CARRIED 5 – 0, to:
1. Approve Construction Contract No. 26C173 (Attachment A) with BELFOR USA Group, Inc., to provide on-call general emergency restoration and remediation services for the Public Works Department in the amount not to exceed $900,000 for the initial 3-year term beginning September 10, 2026, through September 9, 2029, with two one-year extension options at the City’s sole discretion.
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
1L. APPROVE COOPERATIVE PURCHASE AGREEMENT NO. 26C175
WITH L.N. CURTIS & SONS AND NO. 26C176 WITH ALLSTAR FIRE EQUIPMENT, INC., FOR THE PURCHASE OF FIREFIGHTING
EQUIPMENT, SELF-CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS, AND
PROTECTIVE GEAR
Motion by Councilmember deHarte, Second by Councilmember Garner, CARRIED 5 – 0, to:
1. Approve Cooperative Purchase Agreement No. 26C175
(Attachment A) with L.N. Curtis & Sons for the purchase of Firefighting Equipment, Work Apparel for Emergency Services, and Fire Hoses in an amount not to exceed $1,000,000 for a five-year term commencing on September 9, 2026 through September 8 ,2031;
2. Approve Cooperative Purchase Agreement No. 26C176
(Attachment B) with AllStar Fire Equipment, Inc., for the purchase of Firefighting Equipment, Work Apparel and Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) for Emergency Services, and Personal Alert Safety Systems (PASS) in an amount not to exceed
$1,000,000 for a five-year term commencing on September 9, 2026 through September 8, 2031;
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3. Waive the requirements for disposition of surplus property outlined in Palm Springs Municipal Code Section 7.08 for Personal Protective and Rope Rescue Equipment replacements;
4. 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
1M. APPROVE PARTICIPATING ADDENDUM 26C189 WITH
AMAZON.COM SERVICES LLC FOR THE PURCHASE OF MATERIALS
AND SUPPLIES
Motion by Councilmember deHarte, Second by Councilmember Garner, CARRIED 5 – 0, to:
1. Approve Participating Addendum (Attachment A) 26C189, with Amazon.com Services LLC for the purchase of materials and supplies for an annual amount not to exceed $300,000 for an initial term ending on January 18, 2028, with two additional two- year periods;
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
2. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
2A. CONDUCT A PUBLIC HEARING UNDER SECTION 53083 OF THE
CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE TO APPROVE A HOTEL
OPERATIONS COVENANT BETWEEN THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
AND WGI PALM SPRINGS, LLC PURSUANT TO MUNICIPAL CODE
CHAPTER 5.26 OF THE CITY’S HOTEL OPERATIONS INCENTIVE
PROGRAM
The item was continued to a date uncertain.
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3. BUSINESS & LEGISLATIVE:
3A. ADOPTION OF THE 2026/2027 LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM
Motion by Councilmember deHarte, Second by Councilmember Bernstein, CARRIED 5 – 0, to: Adopt the proposed 2026/2027 Legislative Platform.
AYES: Councilmember Bernstein, Councilmember deHarte,
Councilmember Garner, Mayor Soto, Mayor Pro Tem
Ready
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSED: None
3B. REPORT ON THE PERFORMANCE STATUS OF THE DREAM HOTEL
PROJECT
Received and filed.
3C. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE DIRECTION REGARDING
COMMUNITY WORKFORCE AGREEMENT (CWA)
No action was taken on this item.
RECESS/RECONVENE:
The City Council recessed at 8:48 PM and reconvened at 8:57 PM.
3D. APPROVE A FUNDING AND SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH
CARAVANSERAI - ALLIANCE FOR ENTREPRENEURS FOR
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT PROGRAM
("BIZUP: PALM SPRINGS")
Motion by Councilmember Bernstein, Second by Councilmember deHarte, CARRIED 5 – 0, to:
1. Approve a Funding and Services Agreement with Caravanserai - Alliance for Entrepreneurs for implementation of the Small Business Support Program ("Bizup: Palm Springs"); and
2. Authorize the City Manager or their designee to execute all necessary documents.
AYES: Councilmember Bernstein, Councilmember deHarte,
Councilmember Garner, Mayor Soto, Mayor Pro Tem
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Ready
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSED: None
3E. DISCUSSION OF CITY MAYORAL POSITION AND REPORT FROM AD
HOC SUBCOMMITTEE
Received and filed.
PUBLIC COMMENT (Non-Agenda Items):
None.
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 September 9, 2026, at 10:13 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Brenda Pree, MMC, CERA
City Clerk