CITY COUNCIL,
LIBRARY AND OBSERVATORY BOARD,
HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD,
AND THE CITY COUNCIL REPRESENTING
THE REDEVELOPMENT SUCCESSOR AGENCY
REGULAR MEETING
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2022
1:00 P.M.
LATE SUBMISSIONS AND/OR REVISIONS
• CC01- Draft Minutes for July 21, 2022
• CC02- Draft Minutes for August 16, 2022
07/21/2022 DRAFT Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Page 1 of 8
CITY COUNCIL,
LIBRARY AND OBSERVATORY BOARD,
HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD,
AND THE CITY COUNCIL REPRESENTING
THE REDEVELOPMENT SUCCESSOR AGENCY
REGULAR MEETING
THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2022
1:00 P.M.
DRAFT MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER – 1:00 P.M.
a) Flag Salute: Led by Steven Quintanilla , City Attorney. b)
Roll Call: Downs, Smotrich, Weill, Kite, Townsend – All present.
PRESENTATIONS
Update on The Joslyn Center by Executive Director Jack Newby.
Counc
il Member Kite noted the City’s history of financial support for The Joslyn Center and introduced the facility’s Executive Director, Jack Newby.
Mr. Newby presented a video highlighting The Joslyn Center and provided an overview of the various services provided by the center.
Access Remotely iii
Zoom Link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84964388063?pwd=TmFzcUY4N
Ww0L2Vnbk9PVU15VWNxUT09
Passcode: 067172
Webinar ID: 849 6438 8063
Zoom Call-In Nos.: 1 (669) 900-9128 (Carrier charges may apply) 1 (888) 475-4499 (Toll Free)
At Meeting Location
City of Rancho Mirage
City Hall - Council Chamber
69-825 Highway 111
Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
Pursuant to Assembly Bill No. 361 (Effecti ve September 16, 2021), there will be the ability to teleconference into the meeting and the public may observe the meeting and offer public comment as follows:
SOCIAL DISTANCING REQUIRED FOR THE PUBLIC IF ATTENDING IN PERSON 1-1
07/21/2022 DRAFT Regular City Council Meeting Minutes P age 2 of 8
NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENTS
Marylin Bauer, Rancho Mirage resident, inquired about plans for celebrating the City’s upcoming 50 years of incorporation.
Mayor Townsend noted staff was actively working on plans for a celebration.
Abigail Wright, Rancho Mirage resident, expressed dissatisfaction with the landscaping on Da Vall Drive, outside of Casas Del Seville.
Susan Ragsdale, Rancho Mirage resident, spoke of her pending eviction.
Wally Melendez, member of the public, noted the excessive heat in the desert and emphasized the need to switch to alternative forms of energy for vehicles.
Blaine Siler, Rancho Mirage resident, commented that renovations to his home were postponed due to the historic preservation review proc ess. He requested the City Council approve his improvements and amend what modifications must be reviewed by the Historic Preservation Commission.
Majna Dukic, Director of Development Services, reported that proposed modifications to Mr. Siler’s home were scheduled for considerat ion at a special meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission meeting on August 3
rd.
COUNCIL/BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS/REPORTS
Mayor Townsend announced that he would not run for re-election in November. He spoke of his service on the City Council and the accomplishments in which he took pride.
Council Member Smotrich noted she was not wearing a mask because she was sick, but to keep herself well. She wished the community a wonderful summer. She also thanked Mayor Townsend for his service.
Council Member Downs thanked Mayor Townsend for his years of service to the City. He then listed the various City boards/commissions and requested that the Marketing Department create a video highlighting the boards/commissions and their impacts on the City.
Council Member Weill noted the Riverside C ounty Transportation Commission approved the environmental assessment for ra ilway transportation to connect the Coachella Valley and Los Angeles.
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
Isaiah Hagerman, City Manager, recognized the City staff and first responders who work outside throughout the day, noting the excessive heat the Valley had been enduring.
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07/21/2022 DRAFT Regular City Council Meeting Minutes P age 3 of 8
CONSENT CALENDAR
Isaiah Hagerman, City Manager, presented the following Consent Calendar items, requesting the City Council continue Item Nos. 5, 6, and 7 to the next regular City Council meeting:
1. Approve July 7, 2022, Regular City Council Meeting Minutes.
2. Approve Final Parcel Map No. 37182 (Chandi).
3. Approve Library and Observatory Closure for the Rancho Mirage Writers Festival.
4. Approve Demands.
5. Continued from July 7, 2022 - Approve Fi nal Acceptance of Improvements for Tract Map No. 36809-2 (Del Webb Rancho Mirage).
6. Continued from July 7, 2022 - Approve Fi nal Acceptance of Improvements for Tract Map No. 36809-3 (Del Webb Rancho Mirage).
7. Continued from July 7, 2022 - Approve Fi nal Acceptance of Improvements for Tract Map No. 36809-4 (Del Webb Rancho Mirage).
Public Comments:
Barbara Andrew, Rancho Mirage resident, expre ssed thanks to City staff and the City Council for investigating complaints regarding the Del Webb Rancho Mirage community.
Lorena Ritchey, Rancho Mirage resident, expressed thanks to City staff and the City Council for investigating complaints regarding the Del Webb Rancho Mirage community.
Council Member Downs noted st aff was still reviewing the dev elopments at the Del Webb Rancho Mirage community and expressed support for continuing the related agenda items.
Council Member Smotrich expressed support for the comments made by Council Member Downs and thanked staff for their efforts.
MOVED/SECONDED BY DOWNS/SMOTRICH TO APPROVE CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM NOS. 1, 2, 3, AND 4 AS PRESENTED AND CONTINUE ITEM NOS. 5, 6, AND 7 TO THE NEXT REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING ON SEPTEMBE R 1, 2022, AT 1:00 P.M. MOTION CARRIED 5/0.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
8. Amendments to the A dopted 2022–2029 Housing Element Update - Environmental Assessment Case No. EA21-0005 and Gener al Plan Text Amendment Case No.
GPTA21-0001:
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07/21/2022 DRAFT Regular City Council Meeting Minutes P age 4 of 8
A. Finding that the Previ ously Adopted Negative Decl aration for the 2022-2029 Housing Element Update is Still Valid and Pursuant to CEQA Section 15162 No Further Environmental Review is Required.
B. Resolution No. 2022-(Next-in-Order), Amending the Adopted 2022-2029 Housing Element Update.
Majna Dukic, Director of Development Services, presented the staff report.
Public Comments - None.
MOVED/SECONDED BY WEILL/SMOTRICH TO:
A. FIND THAT THE PREVIOUSLY ADOPTED NEGATIVE DECLARATION FOR THE 2022-2029 HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE IS STILL VALID A ND PURSUANT TO CEQA SECTION 15162 NO FURTHER ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW IS REQUIRED; AND
B. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2022-39, AMENDING THE ADOPTED 2022-2029 HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE.
MOTION CARRIED 5/0.
9. Resolution No. 2022-(Next-in-Order), A pproving the Designati on of the Residence Located at 37-190 Marber Drive as a Historic Resource Pursuant to Rancho Mirage Municipal Code Chapter 15.27.
Ben Torres, Planning Manager, presented the staff report, noting the City had 70 homes and 30 districts designated as historic resources.
Mayor Townsend thanked Mr. Torres, the Histo ric Preservation Commission, and Melissa Ritchey for their collective efforts with the property.
Public Comments - None.
MOVED/SECONDED BY TOWNSEND/SMOTRICH TO ADOPT RESOLUT ION NO. 2022-40 APPROVING THE DESIGNATIO N OF THE RESIDENCE LO CATED AT 37-190 MARBER
DRIVE AS A HISTORIC RESOURCE PURSUANT TO RANCHO MIRAGE MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 15.27. MOTION CARRIED 5/0.
ACTION CALENDAR
10. Appointment to The Joslyn Center Board of Directors.
Kristie Ramos, City Clerk, presented the staff report.
Public Comments - None.
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07/21/2022 DRAFT Regular City Council Meeting Minutes P age 5 of 8
Mayor Pro Tem Kite noted there was a lot going at The Joslyn Center and this appointment meant there would be an additional person to assist.
Mayor Townsend commented that he interviewed Mr. Aguas and his application and experience were stellar. He added that Mr. Aguas would be a great asset to the board.
MOVED/SECONDED BY TOWNSEND/KITE TO APPOINT HUGO AGUAS TO SERVE AS THE CITY’S REPRESENTATIVE ON THE JOSLYN CENTER BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE CURRENT TERM. MOTION CARRIED 5/0.
10A. Consideration of Modifying the Turf Rebate Program in Partnership with Coachella Valley Water District.
Jessica Pulliam, Senior Management Analyst, presented the staff report.
Victoria Llort, Coachella Valley Water Distr ict (CVWD) Government and Regional Affairs Coordinator, emphasized the success of the City of Rancho Mirage’s recently launched turf rebate program and expressed excitement to continue CVWD’s partnership with the City.
Isaiah Hagerman, City Manager, noted the success of the program and thanked Ms. Llort and CVWD for their partnership. He also presented a video highlighting the turf rebate program.
Public Comments:
Rick Andrew, Rancho Mirage resident, asked if his homeowners association could apply for a rebate and suggested the City Council consider o ffering a rebate program for replacing trees and plants with boulders, gravel, and other rocks.
Mr. Hagerman explained that homeowners associati ons may apply for the tu rf removal rebate.
He added that the City had no plans for a rebate for tree or plant replacement.
Council Member Weill noted the popul arity of the turf rebate progr am, emphasizing it was an excellent opportunity for residents to conserve water and lower their water bills.
Council Member Smotrich commented she was thr illed with the response to the program. She reminded applicants to follow the pr ogram guidelines and not skip a step in the process; for instance, they should not remove turf prior to approval of their application.
Council Member Downs mentioned t hat resorts were also taking advantage of the turf rebate program.
Mayor Pro Tem Kite spoke highly of the turf rebate program.
MOVED/SECONDED BY TOWNSEND/KITE TO APPROVE A MODIFICATION TO THE
RANCHO MIRAGE TURF REBATE PROGRAM IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE COACHELLA VALLEY WATER DISTRICT, APPROVE AN A DDITIONAL $750,000 ALLOCATION TO THE
PROGRAM, AND AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANA GER, OR DESIGNEE, TO TAKE ALL
FURTHER ACTIONS TO IMPLEMENT TH E SAME, INCLUDING APPROVING AND
EXECUTING ALL ASSOCIATED AGREEMENT(S), APPROVED AS TO FORM BY THE CITY ATTORNEY. MOTION CARRIED 5/0.
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07/21/2022 DRAFT Regular City Council Meeting Minutes P age 6 of 8
CLOSED SESSION
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1).
Case Name: Vacation Rental Owners and Neighb ors of Rancho Mirage et al. v. City of Rancho Mirage et al.
Case No.: CVRI2100368
2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1).
Case Name: Vacation Rental Owners and Neighbors of Rancho Mirage v. City of Rancho Mirage.
Case No.: CVPS2200167
3. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Case Name: Unspecified since disclosure would jeopardize pending settlement negotiations.
4. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54957.
Public Employee: City Manager/Executive Director
5. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NE GOTIATOR REGARDING UNREPRESENTED
EMPLOYEE
Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54957.
City Representative: Steven B. Quintanilla, City Attorney Unrepresented Employee: City Manager/Executive Director
6. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54957.
Public Employee: City Clerk/Board Secretary
7. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NE GOTIATOR REGARDING UNREPRESENTED
EMPLOYEE
Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54957.
City Representative: Steven B. Quintanilla, City Attorney Unrepresented Employee: City Clerk/Board Secretary
Steven Quintanilla, City Attorney, reported that the City Council would recess into closed session to confer with legal counsel regarding Vacation Rental Owners and Neighbors of Rancho Mirage et al. v. City of Rancho Mirage et al, Vacation Rental Owners and Neighbors of Rancho Mirage v. City of Rancho Mirage, an unspecified existing litigation item, performance evaluation for the City Manager, conference with labor negotiator regarding the City Manager, performance evaluation for the City Clerk, and conference with labor negotiator regarding the City Clerk.
The City Council, Library and Observatory Board, Housing Authority Board, and the City Council representing the Redevelopment Successor Agency recessed into Closed Session at 2:30 P.M. 1-6
07/21/2022 DRAFT Regular City Council Meeting Minutes P age 7 of 8
RECONVENE OPEN SESSION
Mayor Townsend reconvened the meeting at 4:02 P.M.
CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENTS
Steven Quintanilla, City Attorney announced that no reportable action was taken during Closed Session.
ACTION CALENDAR
11. Proposed Revisions to City Manager/Execu tive Director of Affiliated Agencies - Employment Agreement.
Steven Quintanilla, City Attorney, reported that at the City Council’s direction, the City Manager/Executive Director was offered an incr ease in his annual compensation to $300,000 and an increase of $50 per pay period to the employer contribution to his 457b deferred compensation retirement plan. He added that the City Manager/Executive Director accepted the offer.
Public Comments - None.
MOVED/SECONDED BY WEILL/SMOTRICH TO APPROVE AN AMENDMENT TO THE CITY MANAGER/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S EMPL OYMENT AGREEMENT INCREASING THE ANNUAL COMPENSATION TO $300,000 AND INCREASING THE EMPLOYER CONTRIBUTION TO THE 457B DEFERRED COMPENSATION RETIREMENT PLAN BY $50 PER PAY PERIOD. MOTION CARRIED 5/0.
12. Proposed Revisions to City Cl erk/Secretary of the Boards of Affiliated Agencies - Employment Agreement.
Steven Quintanilla, City Attorney, reported that at the City Council’s direction, the City Clerk/Board Secretary was offered an increase of $50 per pay period to the employer contribution to her 457b deferred compensation retirement pl an. He added that the City Clerk/Board Secretary accepted the offer.
Public Comments – None.
MOVED/SECONDED BY TOWNSEND/SMOTRICH TO APPROVE AN AMENDMENT TO THE CITY CLERK/BOARD SECRE TARY’S EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT INCREASING THE EMPLOYER CONTRIBUTION TO THE 457B DE FERRED COMPENSATION RETIREMENT PLAN BY $50 PER PAY PERIOD. MOTION CARRIED 5/0.
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07/21/2022 DRAFT Regular City Council Meeting Minutes P age 8 of 8
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business to consider, the meeti ng of the City Council, Library and Observatory Board, Housing Authority B oard, and the City Council repr esenting the Redevelopment Successor Agency was adjourned at 4:06 P.M.
Prepared by: Kristie Ramos, City Clerk
Date Approved by City Council:
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DRAFT 08/16/2022 Special City Council Meeting Minutes Page 1 of 2
SPECIAL MEETING
OF THE CITY COUNCIL,
LIBRARY AND OBSERVATORY BOARD,
HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD,
AND THE CITY COUNCIL REPRESENTING
THE REDEVELOPMENT SUCCESSOR AGENCY
TUESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2022 - 11:00 A.M.
DRAFT MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER – 11:04 A.M.
a) Flag Salute: Led by Is aiah Hagerman, City Manager.
b)
Roll Call: Downs, Smotrich, Weill, Kite, Townsend – All present.
PUBLIC COMMENT
S
Dan Poppers, Rancho Mirage resident, spoke in favor of the City C ouncil continuing to fund the
Turf Rebate Program.
ACTION CALENDAR
1. Adopt Joint Resolution No. 2022-(Next- in-Order), Making Fi ndings Pursuant to Government Code Section 54953, as Amended by Assembly Bill 361, and Authorizing Continued Remote Teleconference Meetings of the City Council and Affiliated Agenc ies and All Other City-Affiliated Brown Act Bodies, in Ac cordance with AB 361 During the Current State of Emergency Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Kristie Ramos, City Clerk, presented the staff report.
Access Remotely iii
Zoom Link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83506155247?pwd=bldxVndwQm
dWUVhnUDN4K2IzdnAwdz09
Passcode: 233820
Webinar ID: 835 0615 5247
Zoom Call-In Nos.: 1 (669) 900-9128 (Carrier charges may apply) 1 (888) 475-4499 (Toll Free)
At Meeting Location
City of Rancho Mirage
City Hall - Council Chamber
69-825 Highway 111
Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
Pursuant to Assembly Bill No. 361 (Effecti ve September 16, 2021), there will be the ability to teleconference into the meeting and the public may observe the meeting and offer public comment as follows:
SOCIAL DISTANCING REQUIRED FOR THE PUBLIC IF ATTENDING IN PERSON 2-1
DRAFT 08/16/2022 Special City Council Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 2
MOVED/SECONDED BY TOWNSEND/SMOTRICH TO ADOPT JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 2022-41, MAKING FINDI NGS PURSUANT TO GOVERNMEN T CODE SECTION 54953, AS AMENDED BY ASSEMBLY BI LL 361, AND AUTHORIZING CONTINUED REMOTE
TELECONFERENCE MEETINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL AND AFFILIATES AGENCIES AND ALL OTHER CITY-AFFILIATED BROWN ACT BODIES. MOTION CARRIED 5/0.
2. Consider Allocating Additional Funds to the Turf Rebate Program in Partnership with Coachella Valley Water District.
Isaiah Hagerman, City Manager, presented the staff report.
Victoria Llort, Coachella Valley Water Distr ict (CVWD) Government and Regional Affairs Coordinator, thanked the City Council for their par tnership on the Turf Rebate Program and for considering appropriating additional program funds. She described the significant impact the program has had on encouraging turf conversion and described the application process.
Mr. Hagerman noted that turf conversions done prior to the implementation of the rebate program were not eligible for the rebate.
Council Member Smotrich asked if there was an application deadline.
Mr. Hagerman explained that applications would be accepted until funds were depleted.
Council Member Weill noted the City’s reserve funds provided the opportunity for beneficial programs like the Great Plates Program and the Turf Rebate Program.
Mayor Pro Tem Kite inquired about the number of applications received and average square footage requested per applicant.
Mr. Hagerman reported that 28 HOA/commercial applications and 88 residential applications were received. He added that the amount of turf being removed at residential properties ranged from 300 to 10,000 square feet.
Ms. Llort described additional rebate programs offered by CVWD.
Council Member Downs spoke in favor of appr oving the additional funding and spoke to the importance of conservation.
MOVED/SECONDED BY DOWNS/WEILL TO APPROVE A MODIFI CATION TO THE
RANCHO MIRAGE TURF REBATE PROGRAM IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE COACHELLA VALLEY WATER DISTRICT AND APPROVAL OF AN ADDITIONAL $750,000 FOR A TOTAL OF $2,000,000 ALLOCATION TO THE PROGRAM AND AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER,
OR DESIGNEE, TO TAKE ALL FURTHER ACTIONS TO IMPLEMENT THE SAME,
INCLUDING APPROVING AND EXECUTING ALL ASSOCIATED AGREEMENT(S), APPROVED AS TO FORM BY THE CITY ATTORNEY. MOTION CARRIED 5/0.
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DRAFT 08/16/2022 Special City Council Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 2
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business to consider, the meeti ng of the City Council, Library and Observatory Board, Housing Authority B oard, and the City Council repr esenting the Redevelopment Successor Agency was adjourned at 11:36 A.M.
Prepared by: Kristie Ramos, City Clerk
Date Approved by City Council:
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