I
ty CIN OF RANCHO MIRAGE
CITY COUNCIL,
LIBRARY AND OBSERVATORY BOARD,
HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD,
AND THE CITY COUNCIL REPRESENTING
THEREDEVELOPMENTSUCCESSORAGENCY
Meeting Location:
C ity of Rancho Mirage
City Hall -Council Chamber
69-825 Highway 111
Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
CALL TO ORDER -1:00 P.M.
REGULAR MEETING
THURSDAY, MAY 4, 2023
1 :00 P.M.
MINUTES
a) Flag Salute -Led by Council Member Mallotto.
b) Roll Call -Present: Mallotto, Marker, Weill, Kite.
Absent: Downs.
MOVED/SECONDED BY WEILL/MARKER TO EXCUSE THE ABSENCE OF MAYOR PRO TEM DOWNS. MOTION CARRIED 4/0.
PRESENTATIONS
Introduction of Talon Burgess, Assistant to the City Manager.
Isaiah Hagerman , City Manager, introduced Talon Burgess as the new Assistant to the City Manager, noting that Talon's wife, Julie, and their two children, T J, and Ryder, were in the audience. He noted that the role was to assist him in projects and shared Talon recently completed a management fellowship with the City of Indian Wells. He added that Talon was retired from the Marine Corps after serving for 20 years, in which he was deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. Mr. Hagerman thanked Talon for his service and dedication, commenting that it was great to see those who have served our country join local government.
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Mr. Burgess thanked Mr. Hagerman for the opportunity and expressed gratitude for the management fellowship he completed through ICMA (International City/County Management Association). He explained it was a great opportunity for Veteran 's interested in local government.
Council Member Weill welcomed Mr. Burgess and thanked him for his service.
Council Member Marker also thanked Mr. Burgess for his service .
NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENTS
Matt Johnson , President of Johnson Commercial Real Estate and Secretary of the Rancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce , provided an update on the Chamber. He reported on retention rates , survey results , real estate, and new staff members. He concluded by thanking the Council for being instrumental in the success of the Chamber.
Katie Stice, CEO of the Rancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce , thanked the City Council for their support and introduced new staff members.
Karla Romero , Controller of the Coachella Valley Water District, announced she was representing the California Society of Municipal Finance Officers (CSMFO). She summarized the great resources provided by CSMFO to members of every level of the finance profession. She also thanked Kofi Antobam , Director of Administrative Services , and Isaiah Hagerman , City Manager, for their contributions to CSMFO.
Wally Melendez, member of the public, spoke of his recent electric vehicle purchase and the need for condominiums in Rancho Mirage .
COUNCIL/BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS/REPORTS
Council Member Weill reported his attendance at a recent event at The River benefiting those with autism and commended the organization for their outstanding work. He also praised the Rancho Mirage Library and Observatory for becoming a certified autism center.
Council Member Mallotto congratulated the Rancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce on their continued success and service to the City of Rancho Mirage. She welcomed attendees to volunteer their talent and time with the organization .
Mayor Kite congratulated Council Member Weill on being honored by the Angel Light Academy at their 2023 Above & Beyond Awards Gala . He presented a video highlighting Council Member Weill , which was produced by the Angel Light Academy .
Council Member Weill thanked everyone for the kind words.
Council Member Marker expressed it was an honor to be in attendance when Council Member Weill received his award . She commented that Council Member Weill's dedication in making the desert a better place was recognized and she was truly proud to be able to serve on the City Council with him .
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CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
Isaiah Hagerman, City Manager, thanked Kofi Antobam, Director of Administrative Services , for the job he does, and Karla Romero for her attendance. He shared that Ms. Romero was someone he had long admired and that it was because of people like her that CSFMO was so valuable to financial professionals.
Mr. Hagerman requested Item No. 10 be heard prior to the Consent Calendar, to which there was no objection by the City Council.
NOTE: Item No. 10 was heard prior to consideration of the Consent Calendar.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Isaiah Hagerman, City Manager, presented the below-listed Consent Calendar items:
1. 2 .
3 .
4 .
5. Approve April 20, 2023 Regular Meeting Minutes.
Approve Final Acceptance of Parcel Map No. 37846 (Engler).
Receive and File the March 31, 2023 Quarterly Treasurer's Report.
Approve Contracts.
Approve Demands.
Council Member Weill asked if the $200,000 Vigilant Solutions contract included in Item No. 4 was on behalf of the Sheriff's Department for the purchase of license plate reader cameras.
Isaiah Hagerman, City Manager, responded that the subject contract was on behalf of the Sheriff's Department.
Council Member Weill commented he was happy the City was able to provide the cameras.
Public Comments -None .
MOVED/SECONDED BY WEILL/MALLOTTO TO APPROVE THE CONSENT CALENDAR AS PRESENTED. MOTION CARRIED 4/0.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
6. Environmental Assessment Case No. EA22-0015, and Major Modification Case No. MOD22-0035 -Eisenhower Cardiac & Vascular Institute Clinic Building . The Project Proposes to Demolish the Existing One-Story Desert Cardiology Center and Replace it with an Up To Four-Story 128,620 Square Foot Outpatient Cardiac and Vascular Clinic.
The Modification also Includes the Development of New Parking and Associated Site Improvements Located within the Eisenhower Medical Center Campus at 39000 Bob Hope Drive (APNs: 685-270-011, -014, -020, & -021 ):
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A.
B.
Consider Approving the Filing of a Notice of Exemption Based on Environmental Assessment Case No. EA22-0015 and Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15162 and 15332 (In Fill Development Projects); and
Consider Approving Major Modification Case No . MOD22-0035, Subject to the Conditions of Approval and Based on the Content and Findings in the Staff Report.
Ben Torres, Planning Manager, presented the staff report.
Public Comments
Shannon Palmer, Rancho Mirage Country Club resident , commented that the project would be a great asset to the community; however, he had concerns about noise . He mentioned working with Eisenhower staff in the past to reduce machinery noise, noting they had been receptive. He requested the City work with Eisenhower to mitigate noise related to the proposed project.
Council Member Weill complimented the CEO of Eisenhower and his team for being present.
He shared that Eisenhower was the single largest employer in the City of Rancho Mirage and was vital to the success of the City. He noted the project would be a wonderful addition to the City, as there was a growing need for medical care.
Mayor Kite spoke in favor of the project, noting that the Eisenhower partnership was one of the greatest in the medical field. He commented that Eisenhower was a world-class facility, vital to the community, and they were outgrowing their current one-story building .
Isaiah Hagerman, City Manager, commented on noise concerns from residents at Rancho Mirage Country Club, noting Eisenhower had been very proactive and great partners in taking initiative regarding the concerns. He asked Eisenhower staff if there was an update on removal of the cogeneration system .
Ali Tourkaman, Senior Vice President and Chief Construction Executive at Eisenhower, expressed appreciation of City staff. He commented that Eisenhower believed in being a good neighbor and took mitigation measures to minimize noise. He shared that Eisenhower was in the process of converting to fuel cell energy, an electrochemical process without any noise.
He added that the existing cogeneration system would be decommissioned once the fuel cell project was complete.
Isaiah Hagerman , City Manager, suggested City staff work with Eisenhower staff, from an RMEA (Rancho Mirage Energy Authority) standpoint, to encourage better technology for energy, as it could reduce some of the noise level as well.
MOVED/SECONDED BY WEILL/MALLOTTO TO:
A. APPROVE THE FILING OF A NOTICE OF EXEMPTION BASED ON ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT CASE NO. EA22-0015 AND PURSUANT TO
THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) GUIDELINES SECTION 15162 AND 15332 (IN FILL DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS); 05/04/2023 Reg ular City Council Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 9
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B. APPROVE MAJOR MODIFICATION CASE NO. MOD22-0035, SUBJECT TO THE
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL AND BASED ON THE CONTENT AND FINDINGS IN THE STAFF REPORT; AND
C. DIRECT STAFF TO WORK WITH EISENHOWER STAFF, FROM AN RMEA (RANCHO MIRAGE ENERGY AUTHORITY) STANDPOINT, TO ENCOURAGE BETTER TECHNOLOGY FOR ENERGY.
MOTION CARRIED 4/0.
ACTION CALENDAR
7. Consider Reso lution No. 2023-12 Rescinding and Repealing City Council Resolution No. 2014-49, Terminating the Transportation Subsidy Program for Qualified Medical Cannabis Patients and Caregivers.
Talon Burgess, Assistant to the City Manager, presented the staff report .
Public Comments -None.
Council Member Weill commented that the program was established nine years ago, in a compassionate manner, but had not been used in the last four years.
Mayor Kite added that the City's heart was in the right place, to help people, when establishing the program .
Isaiah Hagerman, City Manager, commented the program had served its purpose. He added that with the evolution of cannabis, there were now many dispensaries widely avai lable.
MOVED/SECONDED BY WEILL/MARKER TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 2023-12, RESCINDING AND REPEALING CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 2014-49, TERMINATING THE
TRANSPORTATION SUBSIDY PROGRAM FOR QUALIFIED MEDICAL CANNABIS PATIENTS AND CAREGIVERS. MOTION CARRIED 4/0.
8. Consider Resolution No. 2023-13 Approving the Project List to be Funded by the Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Program, in Accordance with Senate Bill 1, the "Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017."
Ryan Stendell , Director of Public Works, presented the staff report .
Public Comments -None.
MOVED/SECONDED BY WEILL/MARKER TO APPROVE RESOLUTION NO. 2023-13,
APPROVING THE PROJECT LIST TO BE FUNDED BY THE ROAD MAINTENANCE AND REHABILITATION PROGRAM, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SENATE BILL 1, THE "ROAD REPAIR AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2017." MOTION CARRIED 4/0. 05/04/2023 Regular City Counci l Meeting Minutes Page 5 of 9
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9 . Fiscal Year 2023/2024 Levy of Assessments for Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance District No. 87-01:
A. Consider Resolution No. 2023-14 Initiating Proceedings for the Annual Levy of Assessments for the Rancho Mirage Consolidated Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance Assessment District No. 87-01 , for Fiscal Year 2023/24.
B.
C .
Consider Resolution No. 2023-15 Declaring Intention to Levy Annual Assessments for the Rancho Mirage Consolidated Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance Assessment District No . 87-01, for Fiscal Year 2023/24.
Consider Resolution No. 2023-16, for Preliminary Approval of the Engineer's Annual Levy Report for the Rancho Mirage Consolidated Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance Assessment District No . 87-01, for Fiscal Year 2023/24.
Ian Lasley, Assistant Director of Public Works, presented the staff report.
Public Comments -None.
Council Member Weill praised the Public Works Department, noting the comments he often received from the public on how well-maintained City landscape is kept.
Mayor Kite mentioned there were noticeable improvements in the landscaping since the landscape maintenance team was changed.
MOVED/SECONDED BY MALLOTTO/MARKER TO:
A. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2023-14, INITIATING PROCEEDINGS FOR THE
ANNUAL LEVY OF ASSESSMENTS FOR THE RANCHO MIRAGE
CONSOLIDATED LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING MAINTENANCE
ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 87-01, FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023/24; B. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2023-15, DECLARING ITS INTENTION TO LEVY
ANNUAL ASSESSMENTS FOR THE RANCHO MIRAGE CONSOLIDATED
LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 87-01, FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023/24; AND
C. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2023-16, FOR PRELIMINARY APPROVAL OF THE
ENGINEER'S ANNUAL LEVY REPORT FOR THE RANCHO MIRAGE
CONSOLIDATED LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING MAINTENANCE
ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 87-01, FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023/24.
MOTION CARRIED 4/0.
10. Consider Recommendation from the Parks and Trails Commission to Convert Two Existing Tennis Courts into Eight New Pickleball Courts at Rancho Mirage Community Park.
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····--·-----··············--------------------------------~ NOTE: Item No. 10 was considered prior to the Consent Calendar.
Public Comments
Peter Giagni, Rancho Mirage resident, spoke in favor of adding pickleball courts.
Kay Williams, Rancho Mirage resident, spoke in favor of adding pickleball courts and commented on her experience with the game.
Tim Esser, Rancho Mirage resident, spoke in favor of adding pickleball courts and mentioned the large number of supporters present. He thanked the Council for their hard work.
Lori Longnecker, Rancho Mirage resident, spoke in favor of add ing pickleball courts , noting wait times she had encountered.
Cathy Dolbee, Rancho Mirage resident, commented she tried golf, but pickleball was the best sport ever. She spoke in favor of additional pickleball courts.
Bernard Tan, member of the public, noted wait times to get a pickleball courts and thanked the Council for their support and assignment of the conversion .
Robert Hoffman Jr., Rancho Mirage resident, spoke in favor of adding pickleball courts and thanked the Council and staff for their efforts.
Joe Anderson , Rancho Mirage resident, spoke in favor of adding pickleball courts, noting the sport helped individuals connect through pleasant things like potlucks.
Shelly Almquist, Rancho Mirage resident, spoke in favor of adding pickleball courts, noting the sport brought people together socially .
Ron Schmick, member of the public, spoke in favor of adding pickleball courts . He mentioned he coaches pickleball and would soon turn 92 years old . He added that pickleball was simpler to learn and improve on than tennis .
Mary, member of the public, spoke in favor of adding pickleball courts , noting that the City could benefit from tournaments if there were more courts . She added that Rancho Mirage players were some of the happiest people she had ever met.
Bud Roberts, Rancho Mirage resident, mentioned that previous speaker Ron Schmick taught him how to play pickleball and had won several medals. He spoke in favor of adding pickleball courts.
Robbie Z ., Rancho Mirage resident, spoke in favor of adding pickleball courts and of her great experience playing pickleball in the Valley .
Council Member Marker commented she visited Tim Esser's home a long with the group of pickleball players from the audience and noted she had played pickleba ll for the past three years.
She spoke in favor of the proposed project and comme nded Ryan Stendell, Director of Public Works, for his extensive research.
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Council Member Weill mentioned seeing pickleball players on his way to the gym . He thanked those in the audience for attending. He added that he was a tennis player but would get ready to play pickleball.
Counci l Member Mallotto shared she played tennis and hoped to start pickleba ll shortly. She expressed gratitude to those in attendance for their support.
MOVED/SECONDED BY MARKER/WEILL TO APPROVE THE PERMANENT CONVERSION
OF TWO EXISTING TENNIS COURTS AT RANCHO MIRAGE COMMUNITY PARK INTO EIGHT NEW PICKLEBALL COURTS. MOTION CARRIED 4/0.
CLOSED SESSION AGENDA
1. 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 et al. v . C ity of Rancho Mirage et al.
2. 3.
Case No.: CVRl2100368
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
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL -EXISTING LITIGATION
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1 ).
Case Name: Wendy Hope Heckman v . City of Rancho Mirage Case No.: 5 :22-cv-2031 (Central District of California) 4 . 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.
5 . CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL -POTENTIAL INITIATION OF LITIGATION Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4). (1 Potential Case).
Steven Quintani lla, 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, Wendy Hope Heckman v. City of Rancho Mirage, an unspecified existing litigation item, and one potential initiation of li tigation item .
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
The City Council, Library and Observatory Board , Housing Authority Board, and the City Council representing the Redevelopment Successor Agency recessed into Closed Session at 2:57 P .M . 05/04/2023 Regu lar City Council M eeting Minutes Pag e 8 of9
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RECONVENE OPEN SESSION
Mayor Kite reconvened the meeting at 3:55 P.M .
CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENTS
Steve Quintanilla, City Attorney, reported there was no reportable action taken during closed session.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business to consider, the meeting of the City Council , Library and Observatory Board, Housing Authority Board, and the City Council representing the Redevelopment Successor Agency was adjourned at 3:56 P .M.
Date Approved by City Council: 5/18/2023
b+u·£~
Kristie Ramos , City Clerk
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