Y CITY OF RANCHO MIRAGE
CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL STUDY SESSION MEETING
THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2023 -10:30 A.M.
MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER-10:34 A.M.
a) Flag Salute -Led by Mayor Richard Kite .
b) Roll Call : Malotto, Marker, Weill, Downs, Kite -All present.
DISCUSSION ITEM
1. City of Rancho Mirage 50th Anniversary Celebration.
Isaiah Hagerman, City Manager, introduced the discussion item and called on Gabe Codding , Director of Marketing, to make a presentation.
Mr. Codding presented a PowerPoint including ideas on how to celebrate the City's 50th Anniversary . He noted the whole concept of the anniversary celebration was in its early stages and staff was open to any ideas or direction from the City Council.
Public Comments:
Jim Fitzgerald commented on his long-standing relationship with the City of Rancho Mirage and the Coachella Valley. He offered celebration ideas and offered his services to assist with the 50th anniversary.
Council Member Marker thanked Mr. Fitzgerald for attending the meeting, noting she had known him for over 30 years and had worked closely with him in many elements in the community. She noted Mr. Fitzgerald had been a big part of entertainment in Rancho Mirage for two decades , adding he would be excellent to curate a musical program to celebrate the City's anniversary should the City Council decide on it.
Dan Poppers noted he was a publisher, owner, and editor-in-chief of Golf News Magazine, as well as a resident of Rancho Mirage. He offered his expertise in the theme of golf in Rancho Mirage, which should be included in the celebration.
Council Member Weill thanked Mr. Poppers, noting that golf was synonymous with Rancho Mirage and the Valley. He mentioned he looked forward to the upcoming Senior Tour and noted Mr. Poppers' publication was well-received and it would be great to include something in it.
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7 Council Member Mallotto thanked marketing departme nt staff for the broad plan and benchmark to launch from . She noted the importance of former Commissioners, Council Members , families , and those who had left footprints with the City of Rancho Mirage being included in the celebration .
Council Member Marker s uggested further discussion on scheduling a music series at the amphitheater based on the presentation by Jim Fitzgerald . She also suggested that Palm Springs Life Magazine sell advertising , which could offset the City's costs.
Council Member Weill requested that the PowerPoint prese ntation be sent to Council Members.
Mayor Kite inquired as to th e timing of the celebration plan.
Mr. Codding commented that the discussion was very helpful. He added that staff would look into the ideas offered and bring a formal recommendation to Council as soon as possible .
In response to an inquiry by Mayor Pro Tern Downs , Mr. Codding explained how the so t h anniversary website/webpage would function .
Mayor Pro Tern Downs recommended incorporating Preservation Mirage, Festival of the Arts , Desert Theatricals , and possibly a movie series into the celebration. He noted a golf tournament could also be consid e red .
Mayor Kite noted the importance of Rancho Mirage golf courses and golf tournaments when celebrating the City.
Council Member Weill commented he would like to see an opportunity given to local merchants of Rancho Mirage to tie into the promotion of the celebration .
Mr. Codding suggesting possibly partnering with the Chamber of Commerce to tie in businesses .
Council Member Mallotto sugg ested including Eisenhower Health in the ce lebration.
Mayor Kite thanked everyone for coming and commended staff on the pres entation .
ADJOURNMENT
The special meeting of the City Council was adjourned at 11 :07 A.M. '
Date Approved by City Council: 3/2/2023
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Kri stie Ramos, City Clerk
0 1/19/2023 City Council Special Study Sess ion M ee ting Minutes Pag e 2 of 2