(DRAFT MEETING MINUTES)
September 30, 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 30, 2026, at 5:42 PM.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor Soto led the City Council in the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL:
Present: Councilmember Jeffrey Bernstein, Councilmember Grace Garner, Mayor Pro Tem David Ready, Councilmember Ron deHarte, Mayor Naomi Soto
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; 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) City of Palm Springs and Desert Water Agency Water
Conservation Update
A presentation on water conservation updates was conducted.
PROCLAMATIONS:
Mayor Soto announced the issuance of the following proclamations:
• September was recognized as Employment Month.
• On September 21, 2026, American Veterans (AMVETS) Post 66, was honored with a proclamation.
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ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGENDA:
Motion by Councilmember Garner, Second by Councilmember Bernstein, CARRIED 5 – 0, to: Accept the Agenda with the removal of Consent Calendar Item Nos. 1C and 1N for separate discussion.
AYES: Councilmember Bernstein, Councilmember Garner, Mayor Pro Tem Ready, Councilmember deHarte, Mayor Soto
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSED: None
REPORT OF CLOSED SESSION:
The Closed Session of the City Council of September 30, 2026, was called to order by Mayor Soto at 3:33 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, Gov. Code § 54956.9(d)(1)
Two (2) matters
Peter Freymuth v. City of Palm Springs; Claim Nr. 21-159441; Workers Comp.
Appeal Bd. Case No. ADJ16059016
Tanner Johnson, Workers Comp. Appeals Bd. Case No. ADJ21733409 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 Teamsters
CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS, Gov. Code §54956.8 Property: 2731-2751 East Alejo Road, Palm Springs,
California, 92262
APN: 502-100-014
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City Negotiator: Scott Stiles, City Manager and
Victoria Carpenter, Interim Director of Aviation
Negotiating parties: Southern California Edison
Under negotiation: Price and Terms
Property: 333 North Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs,
California, 92262
APNs 677-270-018, 677-270-031, and portion of
677-270-051
City Negotiator: Scott Stiles, City Manager and
Victoria Carpenter, Interim Director of Aviation
Negotiating parties:
Under negotiation:
SkyWest Airlines, Inc.
Price and Terms
PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT
Interim City Manager
City Manager
PUBLIC TESTIMONY (Agenda Items Only | Non-Public Hearing Items):
None.
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. 1C and 1N for separate discussion.
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 Garner, Mayor Pro Tem Ready, Councilmember deHarte, Mayor Soto
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSED: None
1B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion by Councilmember deHarte, Second by Councilmember Garner, CARRIED 5 – 0, to:
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1. Approve the City Council Meeting Minutes of September 9, 2026.
2. Approve the City Council Special Closed Session Meeting Minutes of September 17, 2026.
AYES: Councilmember Bernstein, Councilmember Garner, Mayor Pro Tem Ready, Councilmember deHarte, Mayor Soto
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSED: None
1C. A REQUEST BY THE OWNERS OF THREE HISTORIC PROPERTIES
FOR APPROVAL OF MILLS ACT HISTORIC PROPERTY
PRESERVATION AGREEMENTS, INCLUDING 457 NORTH PALM
CANYON DRIVE (HSPB #167), ONE UNIT WITHIN THE RACQUET
CLUB COTTAGES WEST HISTORIC DISTRICT (HSPB # 88/HD-3) AT 360 CABRILLO ROAD, AND 765 VIA VADERA (HSPB #168)
Motion by Councilmember Bernstein, Second by Councilmember Garner, 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. 457 N. Palm Canyon Drive APN: 513-082-007.
b. 360 Cabrillo Road, Unit 231, APN: 504-131-032.
c. 765 Via Vadera, APN: 505-093-005.
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 Garner, Mayor Pro Tem Ready, Councilmember deHarte, Mayor Soto
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSED: None
1D. APPROVE AGREEMENT TO DELEGATE PERMANENT LOCAL
HOUSING ALLOCATION FUNDS TO THE COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE
DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS TO
ADMINISTER AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROJECTS AND PROGRAMS
FOR THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
Motion by Councilmember deHarte, Second by Councilmember Garner, CARRIED 5 – 0, to:
1. Approve the Agreement with the County of Riverside, Department City Council Minutes September 30, 2026
City of Palm Springs (DRAFT) Page 5
of Housing and Workforce Solutions to delegate Permanent Local Housing Allocation funds to the County of Riverside to administer affordable housing projects and programs for the City of Palm Springs; and,
2. Authorize the City Manager or their designee to execute the Agreement, including making minor, non-substantive changes and to sign all documents necessary.
AYES: Councilmember Bernstein, Councilmember Garner, Mayor Pro Tem Ready, Councilmember deHarte, Mayor Soto
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSED: None
1E. RESOLUTION APPROVING PAYROLL & ACCOUNTS PAYABLE
WARRANTS, CLAIMS AND DEMANDS
Motion by Councilmember deHarte, Second by Councilmember Garner, CARRIED 5 – 0, to: Adopt Resolution No. 25434 entitled, “A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS,
CALIFORNIA, APPROVING PAYMENT OF PAYROLL
WARRANTS/DISBURSEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDING 06-06-26, 06- 20-26, 07-04-26 AND 07-11-26 TOTALING $10,962,260.53 AND ACCOUNTS PAYABLE WARRANTS DATED 06-04-26, 06-10-26, 06-18-26, 07-02-26, AND 07-09-26 TOTALING $34,264,670.21 IN THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT OF $45,226,930.74 DRAWN ON BANK OF AMERICA”.
AYES: Councilmember Bernstein, Councilmember Garner, Mayor Pro Tem Ready, Councilmember deHarte, Mayor Soto
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSED: None
1F. ACCEPTANCE OF INDIAN CANYON DRIVE SEWER PHASE 2, CITY PROJECT 01-11B
Motion by Councilmember deHarte, Second by Councilmember Garner, CARRIED 5 – 0, to:
1. Accept the public works improvement identified as Indian Canyon Sewer Phase 2, City Project 01-11B, as completed in accordance with the plans and specifications.
2. Authorize the City Engineer to execute and file for recordation with the Riverside County Recorder a Notice of Completion for Indian Canyon Sewer Phase 2 City Project 01-11B
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AYES: Councilmember Bernstein, Councilmember Garner, Mayor Pro Tem Ready, Councilmember deHarte, Mayor Soto
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSED: None
1G. APPROVE COOPERATIVE PURCHASE AGREEMENT WITH AXON
ENTERPRISE, INC. FOR THE PURCHASE OF 100 AXON TASER 10
DEVICES WITH CERTIFICATION BUNDLE, INCLUDING HARDWARE,
SOFTWARE, SERVICES, AND WARRANTIES FOR A FIVE-YEAR TERM Motion by Councilmember deHarte, Second by Councilmember Garner, CARRIED 5 – 0, to:
1. Approve Cooperative Purchase Agreement 26C142 (Attachment A) with Axon Enterprise, Inc. for the purchase of 100 Axon TASER 10 conducted energy devices (CEDs) with a certification bundle, including hardware, software, services, and warranties. The TASER 10 is the latest generation CED manufactured by Axon Enterprise, Inc. (formerly TASER International), and represents a significant advancement in less-lethal technology for law enforcement. The proposed agreement is for a five-year term commencing
November 1, 2026, in an amount not to exceed $529,224.69.
2. Waive the requirements in Section 7.08.02 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code for Disposition of Surplus Property and authorize the buy-back agreement with AXON in the amount of $55,534.24.
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents.
AYES: Councilmember Bernstein, Councilmember Garner, Mayor Pro Tem Ready, Councilmember deHarte, Mayor Soto
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSED: None
1H. APPROVE A TASK ORDER UNDER THE WASTEWATER SERVICES
AGREEMENT NO. A6804 WITH VEOLIA WATER WEST OPERATING
SERVICES, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $281,161.45 FOR THE
BOLERO ROAD SEWER MANHOLES REHABILITATION PROJECT,
CITY PROJECT NO. 23-13A
Motion by Councilmember deHarte, Second by Councilmember Garner, CARRIED 5 – 0, to:
1. Authorize the City Manager to approve a task order to Veolia Water West Operating Services, Inc. in the amount of $281,161.45 City Council Minutes September 30, 2026
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for the Bolero Road Manholes Rehabilitation, City Project 23-13A.
2. Appropriate $352,461.45 from the Wastewater fund.
3. Authorize the City Manager or his designee to execute all necessary documents.
AYES: Councilmember Bernstein, Councilmember Garner, Mayor Pro Tem Ready, Councilmember deHarte, Mayor Soto
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSED: None
1I. STAFF AUTHORIZED AGREEMENTS AND PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THE PERIOD OF AUGUST 1 THROUGH AUGUST 31, 2026
Motion by Councilmember deHarte, Second by Councilmember Garner, CARRIED 5 – 0, to: Receive and file the report of Staff Authorized Agreements and Purchase Orders for the period of August 1 through August 31, 2026.
AYES: Councilmember Bernstein, Councilmember Garner, Mayor Pro Tem Ready, Councilmember deHarte, Mayor Soto
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSED: None
1J. APPROVAL OF PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, AND ESTIMATE (PS&E)
AND AUTHORIZATION TO BID THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT
PLANT ODOR CONTROL IMPROVEMENTS, CITY PROJECT NO. 23-16 Motion by Councilmember deHarte, Second by Councilmember Garner, CARRIED 5 – 0, to:
1. Approve the plans, specifications and estimate and authorize Staff to advertise and solicit bids for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Odor Control Improvements 23-16, (“the Project”)
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents AYES: Councilmember Bernstein, Councilmember Garner, Mayor Pro Tem Ready, Councilmember deHarte, Mayor Soto
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSED: None
1K. ACCEPTANCE OF STORMWATER OUTFALL REPAIR PROJECT,
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AIRPORT PROJECT PSP-0
Motion by Councilmember deHarte, Second by Councilmember Garner, CARRIED 5 – 0, to:
1. Accept the public works improvement identified as the Airport Stormwater Outfall Repair Project, Airport Project PSP-01, as completed in accordance with the plans and specifications.
2. Authorize the Interim Executive Director of Aviation to execute and file for recordation with the Riverside County Recorder a Notice of Completion for the Airport Stormwater Outfall Repair Project, Airport Project PSP-01.
AYES: Councilmember Bernstein, Councilmember Garner, Mayor Pro Tem Ready, Councilmember deHarte, Mayor Soto
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSED: None
1L. APPROVE AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO CONTRACT SERVICE AGREEMENT NO. A9084 WITH NEUMO TAX AND LICENSING, LLC FOR SHORT
TERM RENTAL ADMINISTRATION AND COMPLIANCE SOFTWARE
Motion by Councilmember deHarte, Second by Councilmember Garner, CARRIED 5 – 0, to:
1. Approve Amendment No. 2 (Attachment A) to Contract Services Agreement No. A9084 with Neumo Tax and Licensing, LLC to provide ongoing short term rental administration and compliance services extending the term through September 31, 2027 for an additional amount of $108,481, and for a revised contract amount not to exceed $516,181;
2. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all necessary documents subject to such changes/revisions agreeable to the City Manager and City Attorney.
AYES: Councilmember Bernstein, Councilmember Garner, Mayor Pro Tem Ready, Councilmember deHarte, Mayor Soto
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSED: None
1M. APPROVE CONTRACT SERVICES AGREEMENT NO. 26B205 WITH HTL MECHANICAL, INC., AND CONTRACT SERVICES AGREEMENT
NO. 26B206 WITH RIVCO MECHANICAL SERVICES, INC., FOR
HEATING, VENTILATION, AND AIR CONDITIONING (HVAC)
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REPAIR AND INSTALLATION SERVICES FOR THE PALM SPRINGS
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Motion by Councilmember deHarte, Second by Councilmember Garner, CARRIED 5 – 0, to:
1. Approve Contract Services Agreement No. 26B205 (Attachment A) with HTL Mechanical, Inc., to provide on-call HVAC repair and installation services in an amount not to exceed $350,000 for an initial three-year term commencing on October 1, 2026, and continuing through September 30, 2029, with two one-year extension options upon mutual written agreement of the parties.
2. Approve Contract Services Agreement No. 26B206 (Attachment B) with Rivco Mechanical Services, Inc., to provide on-call HVAC repair and installation services in an amount not to exceed $150,000 for an initial three-year term commencing on October 1, 2026, and continuing through September 30, 2029, with two oneyear extension options upon mutual written agreement of the parties.
3. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all necessary documents subject to such changes / revisions agreeable to the City Manager and City Attorney.
AYES: Councilmember Bernstein, Councilmember Garner, Mayor Pro Tem Ready, Councilmember deHarte, Mayor Soto
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSED: None
1N. APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT NO. 5 TO AGREEMENT NO. A9206
WITH SAME DAY EXPRESS, DBA SIGNATURE SCULPTURE, FOR
PUBLIC ART CLEANING, MAINTENANCE, INSTALLATION, AND DEINSTALLATION SERVICES Motion by Councilmember deHarte, Second by Councilmember Garner, CARRIED 5 – 0, to:
1. Approve Amendment No. 5 (Attachment A) to Agreement No.
A9206 with Same Day Express, dba Signature Sculpture, for the cleaning and maintenance of public art pieces for an additional amount of $120,525, for a revised contract amount not to exceed $318,724.50;
2. Authorize the City Manager or their designee to execute all necessary document
AYES: Councilmember Bernstein, Councilmember Garner, Mayor Pro Tem Ready, Councilmember deHarte, Mayor Soto
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NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSED: None
1O. APPROVE AN AMENDMENT TO THE AGREEMENT WITH LIEBERT
CASSIDY WHITMORE TO PROVIDE EMPLOYMENT AND LABOR
RELATIONS LEGAL SERVICES
Motion by Councilmember deHarte, Second by Councilmember Garner, CARRIED 5 – 0, to: Approve an Amendment to the Agreement for Special Services with Liebert Cassidy Whitmore to provide consulting, representational and legal services pertaining to employment relations matters.
AYES: Councilmember Bernstein, Councilmember Garner, Mayor Pro Tem Ready, Councilmember deHarte, Mayor Soto
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSED: None
2. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
2A. APPLICATION BY THE RHONDA SASSOON REVOCABLE TRUST FOR HISTORIC SITE DESIGNATION OF “THE BURGESS RESIDENCE”
LOCATED AT 550 PALISADES DRIVE, (APN 513-110-043) CASE:
HSPB #174
Motion by Councilmember deHarte, Second by Councilmember Garner, CARRIED 5 – 0, to:
1. Open the public hearing and receive public testimony.
2. Close the public hearing and adopt Resolution No. 25435 entitled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, DESIGNATING THE BURGESS
RESIDENCE AS A CLASS 1 (LANDMARK) HISTORIC RESOURCE
HSPB #174, SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS (APN 513-110-043).”
AYES: Councilmember Bernstein, Councilmember Garner, Mayor Pro Tem Ready, Councilmember deHarte, Mayor Soto
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSED: None
2B. EXTENSION OF INTERIM URGENCY ORDINANCE (ORDINANCE NO. 2134) TEMPORARILY PROHIBITING THE APPROVAL OF
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APPLICATIONS AND PERMITS RELATED TO DATA CENTERS FOR
AN ADDITIONAL PERIOD OF TWENTY-TWO (22) MONTHS AND
FIFTEEN (15) DAYS
Motion by Councilmember Garner, Second by Councilmember Bernstein, CARRIED 5 – 0, to:
1. Open the public hearing and receive public testimony; and
2. Close the public hearing, waive further reading and adopt Ordinance No. 2135 entitled, “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, IN
ACCORDANCE WITH CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION
65858, EXTENDING AN INTERIM URGENCY ORDINANCE NO. 2134
TO TEMPORARILY PROHIBIT THE APPROVAL OF ANY LAND USE
ENTITLEMENTS AND/OR PERMITS TO ALLOW THE OPERATION OF
DATA CENTERS FOR AN ADDITIONAL PERIOD OF TWENTY-TWO
(22) MONTHS AND FIFTEEN (15) DAYS IN THE CITY OF PALM
SPRINGS”
AYES: Councilmember Bernstein, Councilmember Garner, Mayor Pro Tem Ready, Councilmember deHarte, Mayor Soto
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSED: None
3. BUSINESS & LEGISLATIVE:
3A. INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA,
AMENDING CHAPTER 5.55.500 OF THE PALM SPRINGS MUNICIPAL
CODE REGARDING CANNABIS CONSUMPTION LOUNGES
Motion by Councilmember Bernstein, Second by Councilmember deHarte, CARRIED 5 – 0, to: Waive the reading of text in its entirety, read by title only, and introduce for first reading Ordinance No. 2121 entitled, “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 5.55.500 OF THE PALM SPRINGS MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING CANNABIS CONSUMPTION LOUNGES.”
AYES: Councilmember Bernstein, Councilmember Garner, Mayor Pro Tem Ready, Councilmember deHarte, Mayor Soto
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSED: None
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3B. DISCUSSION OF CITY MAYORAL POSITION AND REPORT FROM AD
HOC SUBCOMMITTEE
Received and filed.
PUBLIC COMMENT (Non-Agenda Items):
Jesse Neimeyer-Romero 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 September 30, 2026, at 8:02 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Brenda Pree, MMC, CERA
City Clerk
City Council Review: 10/14/2026