CITY COUNCIL,
LIBRARY AND OBSERVATORY BOARD,
HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD,
AND THE CITY COUNCIL REPRESENTING
THE REDEVELOPMENT SUCCESSOR AGENCY
REGULAR MEETING
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023
1:00 P.M.
LATE SUBMISSIONS AND/OR REVISIONS
~ CITY OF RANCHO MIRAGE
•Item No. 2 - Draft Minutes for November 16, 2023
•Item No. 3 - Draft Minutes for November 21, 2023
DRAFT 11/16/2023 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Page 1 of 9
CITY COUNCIL,
LIBRARY AND OBSERVATORY BOARD,
HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD,
AND THE CITY COUNCIL REPRESENTING
THE REDEVELOPMENT SUCCESSOR AGENCY
REGULAR MEETING
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2023
1:00 P.M.
DRAFT MINUTES
Meeting Location:
City of Rancho Mirage
City Hall - Council Chamber
69-825 Highway 111
Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
CALL TO ORDER– 1:01 P.M.
a) Flag Salute – Led by Mayor Kite.
b) Roll Call: Mallotto, Marker, Weill, Downs, Kite – All present.
Mayor Kite recognized and thanked Charles Townsend, Geri Downs, Jenny Weill, Todd Marker, and his wife Becky Kite, who were in the audience.
NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENTS
Wally Melendez, member of the public, spoke regarding climate change and the need for hydrogen chargers.
RECOGNITION OF MAYOR RICHARD W. KITE’S 23 YEARS OF SERVICE ON THE RANCHO
MIRAGE CITY COUNCIL
Mayor Pro Tem Downs recognized Mayor Kite’s 23 years of service on the Rancho Mirage City Council, which was the longest tenure of any Rancho Mirage Council Member, and included six terms as Mayor. He noted many of Mayor Kite’s achievements while serving on the City Council and presented a video highlighting his time on the Council. 2-1
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Mayor Pro Tem Downs presented Mayor Kite with two plaques; one honoring his 23 years of service and one honoring his recent term as Mayor. He then invited the entire Council to step down from the dais to take a group photo.
Council Member Weill recounted his first meeting with Mayor Kite; his friend Alan Seman introduced them, and he helped campaign for Mayor Kite at the time. He thanked Mayor Kite for his friendship and participation on the Council over the past 23 years.
Council Member Marker commented that it was an honor to work alongside Mayor Kite over the past year and wished Mayor Kite and his family all the best.
Council Member Mallotto noted that she was appointed to the Speakers Series Commission by Mayor Kite. She also mentioned how much the members of the League of California Cities adored him. She praised the Mayor for always having good intentions, being available as a mentor, and for his legacy with the City. She thanked Mayor Kite, his wife Becky, and their family for all that they had done for the City of Rancho Mirage.
Isaiah Hagerman, City Manager, commented that he had the pleasure of working with Mayor Kite for the past 11 years. He noted that the word gentleman was regularly used to describe the Mayor.
He commented on all the Mayor had done to contribute to the quality of life in Rancho Mirage and on the Mayor’s expertise relating to budgets. He also mentioned Mayor Kite's engagement with the community and his willingness to assist with any type of issues. Mr. Hagerman noted that Mayor Kite was known for always treating City employees with respect. He expressed his gratitude for all he had learned from Mayor Kite while working with him over the years.
Colin Kirkpatrick, City Attorney, recognized Mayor Kite on behalf of the Law Offices of Quintanilla & Associates. He expressed gratitude for the experience of working with such a strong and positive City Council, that truly looked out for the people. He added that Mayor Kite was the ideal public servant and an example for others to follow.
Public Comments
Marilyn Bauer, Rancho Mirage resident, commented that she had known Mayor Kite for 20 years, noting personal experiences with the Mayor, such as attending numerous Chamber of Commerce events. She read a copy of a letter she had written to Mayor Kite, calling him a Mayor of the People.
The meeting was recessed for a break at 1:32 P.M., and reconvened at 1:34 P.M., with Council Member Mallotto absent.
Cindy Burreson, Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert (CDMOD) Executive Director, thanked Mayor Kite’s for his service on the CDMOD Board and his guidance over the years. On behalf of the CDMOD Board and staff, she expressed gratitude for Mayor Kite and announced that the museum’s trike track would be renamed in his honor.
Katie Stice, Rancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce President/CEO, described Mayor Kite as a true leader and thanked him for his continuous support of the community.
Council Member Mallotto returned to the dais at 1:36 P.M. (during Katie Stice’s comments).
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David Tsikman, representing Chabad of Rancho Mirage, expressed appreciation to Mayor Kite on behalf of the Jewish community and gifted him a Hannukah book.
Marcus Aleman, on behalf of Rancho Mirage Employee Association, thanked Mayor Kite for his support of City employees and his services to Rancho Mirage. He recalled that Mayor Kite sent birthday cards to every City employee and regularly checked in with staff to see how things were going.
Amir Afsar, Real Estate Litigation Attorney and CDMOD Executive Committee Member, recalled his experience working with Mayor Kite on the museum board. He expressed gratitude for the Mayor’s mentorship. He also praised the Mayor's efforts to keep the museum operating in the face of multiple layoffs during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the potential that it may not have reopened.
Randy Bynder, former Rancho Mirage City Manager, shared words of appreciation to Mayor Kite, on behalf of his wife and himself. He noted he worked with Mayor Kite for 20 years, describing him as a man of integrity, compassion, and always having the people’s best interest in mind.
Patrick Pratt, former Rancho Mirage City Manager, congratulated the City on its 50th anniversary.
He recalled being present at the beginning of Mayor Kite’s service on the City Council and witnessing the remarkable development of the City and the Coachella Valley. Mr. Pratt congratulated Mayor Kite on his 23 years of service. He expressed admiration for Mayor Kite's character and noted some of the Mayor’s many accomplishments.
Jack Newby, The Joslyn Center Executive Director, expressed gratitude to Mayor Kite, on behalf of the center, for his support of the center's projects and improvements. He read a brief note of gratitude and gifted the Mayor with an inscribed clock.
Charles Townsend, Rancho Mirage resident and former Rancho Mirage Council Member, commented on his time serving alongside Mayor Kite. On behalf of himself and his late husband and former Council Member, Gordon Moller, he expressed gratitude to the Mayor Kite for all of his help and support during their collaborative efforts.
Mayor Kite expressed appreciation for Mr. Townsend and his service on the City Council.
David Grey, Rancho Mirage resident and Rancho Mirage Planning Commissioner, praised Mayor Kite for helping to make the City of Rancho Mirage one of the greatest places to live. He added that, regardless of where one resided within the City, it was safe, clean, and beautiful.
Katie Barrows, former Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) Director, commended Mayor Kite for his integrity and demeanor when collaborating with CVAG. She thanked him, on behalf of all local communities, for protecting various species and natural open spaces.
Becky Kite, Rancho Mirage resident and Mayor Kite’s spouse, thanked CVAG's Katie Barrows for a gift recently given to Mayor Kite. She expressed gratitude to everyone who was present to support her husband. She shared it was a very difficult day for their family, adding that she had known her husband for 45 years. She offered personal anecdotes about Mayor Kite and his volunteer work for residents outside of regular office hours. She commented that her husband was the kindest person she had ever met, and he was the one who initiated the practice of sending birthday cards to every City employee. She acknowledged Mayor Kite's love for all Rancho Mirage employees, sharing his personal email address and phone number, and noting he would still be available to everyone.
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DRAFT 11/16/2023 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 9 Mayor Kite made his farewell comments, noting it had been a great 23 years. He commented that he had worked with three different city managers, all of whom were present. He thanked City Manager Isaiah Hagerman, City Attorney Steve Quintanilla, and City staff for making the City of Rancho Mirage the best in class. He shared that the City had always been his number one passion, and his last day was a difficult process. Lastly, he thanked his wife Becky for her continued love and support.
APPOINTMENT OF MAYOR AND MAYOR PRO TEM - Determination of Length of Service and Appointment of Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem
Kristie Ramos, City Clerk, presented the staff report.
Public Comments – None.
MOVED/SECONDED BY MALLOTTO/MARKER TO APPOINT STEVE DOWNS TO SERVE AS MAYOR AND TED WEILL TO SERVE AS MAYOR PRO TEM. MOTION CARRIED 5/0.
Ms. Ramos administered the Oath of Allegiance to Mayor Downs and Mayor Pro Tem Weill.
Mayor Pro Tem Weill noted it was his third time serving as Mayor Pro Tem and it was always a privilege. He commented on his objective to uphold the City's standard of excellence.
Mayor Downs spoke of his involvement as president of his community HOA during the shutdown of its golf course, including negotiating a settlement and working with the City. He noted he then joined the City’s Planning Commission in 2019, and reflected on whether he would have become a member of the City Council had his community golf course not closed. He encouraged the public to think about problem solving and serve their communities when able. Lastly, he shared a quote by Muhammad Ali.
COUNCIL/BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS/REPORTS
Mayor Pro Tem Weill congratulated and thanked staff, the marketing department, and Desert Theatricals for the inaugural Veterans Day event recently held. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to participate, praised the outstanding performance, and presented a slideshow highlighting the event.
Council Member Marker congratulated Mayor Downs on being appointed Mayor.
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
Isaiah Hagerman, City Manager, held a moment of silence in honor of Kyle Gherardi, Rancho Mirage Code Compliance Office II, who recently passed away.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Isaiah Hagerman, City Manager, presented the following Consent Calendar Items, and noted that Item No. 4 would be continued to the next regular City Council meeting. 2-4
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Colin Kirkpatrick, City Attorney, announced that Council Member Mallotto would recuse herself from Consent Calendar Item Nos. 6 and 7, since she lived in the Del Webb Rancho Mirage community.
He noted that, since Council Member Mallotto’s potential conflict was based on the location of her primary residence she had the option to join members of the public and to comment on the issue as a private citizen. He added that, since the item was on the Consent Calendar, she did not have to leave the dais during the vote.
1. Waive Full Reading of All Ordinances Introduced or Adopted Pursuant to this Agenda.
2. Adopt Ordinance No. 1214, 2nd Reading, Repealing and Replacing Chapter 9.30 ("Use of Library and Observatory") of Division Ill ("Offenses Against Public Peace") of Title 9 ("Public Peace, Morals and Welfare") of the Rancho Mirage Municipal Code Regarding the Public's Use of the Rancho Mirage Library and Observatory.
3. Adopt Resolution No. 2023-(Next-in-Order), Approving the Disposition of Three Separate Parcels Approximately 25 Acres in Total, of a Larger 53.76 Acres within a Single Parcel Identified as Accessory Parcel Number 685-090-111, upon Compliance with Surplus Land Act, and Finding that such Declaration is Exempt from Environmental Review Under the California Environmental Quality Act.
4. Approve November 2, 2023, Regular Meeting Minutes.
5. Approve Appointment of Mitch Brown to the Rancho Mirage Community Emergency Preparedness Commission.
6. Approve Final Acceptance of Improvements for Tract Map No. 36809-2 (Pulte – Del Webb Rancho Mirage).
7. Approve Final Acceptance of Improvements for Tract Map No. 36809-3 (Pulte – Del Webb Rancho Mirage).
8. Approve Contracts.
9. Approve Demands.
Public Comments – None.
MOVED/SECONDED BY WEILL/MARKER TO APPROVE CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM NOS. 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, AND 9, AS PRESENTED. MOTION CARRIED 5/0.
MOVED/SECONDED BY WEILL/MARKER TO APPROVE CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM NOS. 6 AND 7, AS PRESENTED. MOTION CARRIED 4/0 (MALLOTTO RECUSED).
PUBLIC HEARINGS
10. Environmental Assessment Case No. EA23-0005 and Preliminary Development Plan Case No. PDP23-0001 – Cotino Clubhouse Campus and Parr House. Applicant: DMB Development LLC on behalf of ECRM Residential. Consideration to construct the Clubhouse Campus and “Parr House” on approximately 8.3 acres within the Section 31 Specific Plan area, 2-5
DRAFT 11/16/2023 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Page 6 of 9 also known as the Cotino development. The Clubhouse Campus serves as an amenity for club members and consists of 8 single-story buildings totaling 18,600 square feet of interior space: the lobby, restaurant, beach bar, studio/locker rooms, fitness center, creativity center, water sports rental center, and pool equipment storage. The project also proposes site amenities, such as two bocce ball courts, two tennis courts, six pickleball courts, a lap pool, spas, event lawn areas, and areas for overflow parking and future expansion of sports courts. The Parr House is a 5,577 square-foot two-story residence with a 552 square-foot detached garage intended as an additional amenity for club members and their families and guests. The Parr House will be located on a 25,690 square-foot lot adjacent to the Clubhouse Campus. The subject property is in the northeastern quadrant of the Section 31 Specific Plan area, at the intersection of Prismatic Boulevard and Brilliance Avenue (Tract Map No. 38291, Lots 176 (portion), 179-183, 184 (portion); APNs: 685-220-039, 685-220-016):
A. Consider Finding Preliminary Development Plan Case No. PDP23-0001 to be Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15162 (Subsequent EIRs and Negative Declarations).
B. Consider Approving Preliminary Development Plan Case No. PDP23-0001, Subject to the Conditions of Approval and Based on the Content and Findings in the Staff Report.
Joy Tsai, Senior Planner, presented the staff report.
Public Testimony
Julio Flores, member of Western States Regional Council of Carpenters (WSRCC), congratulated Mayor Downs and Mayor Pro Tem Weill, and expressed gratitude to Council Member Kite for his service. He explained that the project's environmental effects would have a significant influence on WSRCC and asked the City to require local contractors.
MOVED/SECONDED BY WEILL/MALLOTTO TO:
A. FIND PRELIMINARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN CASE NO. PDP23-0001 TO BE EXEMPT
FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) PURSUANT TO CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15162 (SUBSEQUENT EIRS AND NEGATIVE DECLARATIONS); AND
B. APPROVE PRELIMINARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN CASE NO. PDP23-0001, SUBJECT TO
THE CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL AND BASED ON THE CONTENT AND FINDINGS IN THE STAFF REPORT.
MOTION CARRIED 5/0.
11. Environmental Assessment Case No. EA23-0008 and Preliminary Development Plan Case No. PDP23-0003 – North Restaurant and Town Center Phase 1 Master Infrastructure of Section 31 (Cotino). Applicant: DMB Development LLC on behalf of ECRM Residential. Consideration to construct a two-story 13,050 square foot restaurant and the Town Center Phase 1 Master Infrastructure of Section 31 (Cotino), which includes the development of streets, parking, landscape, and related infrastructure to support the first phase of the development within the Section 31 (Cotino) Town Center. The subject property is located approximately 740 feet south from the intersection of Monterey Avenue and Gerald Ford Drive, on the west side of Monterey Avenue within Section 31 (Cotino); Lots 184 and 185 of Tract Map 38291 and APN: 685-220-033:
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DRAFT 11/16/2023 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Page 7 of 9 A. Consider Finding Preliminary Development Plan Case No. PDP23-0003 to be exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15162 (Subsequent EIRs and Negative Declarations).
B. Consider Approving Preliminary Development Plan Case No. PDP23-0003, subject to the conditions of approval and based on the content and findings in the staff report.
Pilar Lopez, Senior Planner, presented the staff report.
Public Testimony – None.
MOVED/SECONDED BY MALLOTTO/WEILL TO:
A. FIND PRELIMINARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN CASE NO. PDP23-0003 TO BE EXEMPT
FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) PURSUANT TO CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15162 (SUBSEQUENT EIRS AND NEGATIVE DECLARATIONS); AND,
B. APPROVE PRELIMINARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN CASE NO. PDP23-0003, SUBJECT
TO THE CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL AND BASED ON THE CONTENT AND FINDINGS IN THE STAFF REPORT.
MOTION CARRIED 5/0.
12. Environmental Assessment Case No. EA22-0016 and Preliminary Development Plan Case No. PDP22-0003 – Nova Lane 9-Lot Residential Development. Applicant:
Jacqueline Park on behalf of 33329 Josefina, LLC. Consideration to construct nine (9) single-family residences with Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) within a private cul-de- sac street, Nova Lane. The project consists of three plan types that range in size from 4,500 to 4,900 square feet. The subject property is located within Tract No. 33329, on the east side of Via Josefina; APNs: 685-420-001 through -009:
A.Consider Finding Preliminary Development Plan Case No. PDP22-0003 to be exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15162 and 15061(b)(3) and determining that the previously adopted Negative Declaration based on Environmental Assessment Case No. EA050030 is still valid for the proposed project.
B. Consider Approving Preliminary Development Plan Case No. PDP22-0003, subject to the conditions of approval and based on the content and findings in the staff report.
Pilar Lopez, Senior Planner, presented the staff report.
Council Member Mallotto left the meeting at 2:43 P.M.
Public Testimony – None.
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MOVED/SECONDED BY WEILL/MARKER TO:
A. FIND PRELIMINARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN CASE NO. PDP22-0003 TO BE EXEMPT
FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) PURSUANT TO CEQA GUIDELINES SECTIONS 15162 AND DETERMINE THAT THE PREVIOUSLY
ADOPTED NEGATIVE DECLARATION BASED ON ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT CASE NO. EA050030 IS STILL VALID FOR THE PROPOSED PROJECT; AND
B. APPROVE PRELIMINARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN CASE NO. PDP22-0003, SUBJECT TO
THE CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL AND BASED ON THE CONTENT AND FINDINGS IN THE STAFF REPORT.
MOTION CARRIED 4/0 (MALLOTTO ABSENT).
ACTION CALENDAR
13. Consider Subcommittee Recommendation for Filling the City Council Vacancy Created by the Resignation of Mayor Richard W. Kite.
Kristie Ramos, City Clerk, presented the staff report.
Council Member Marker asked for an explanation of the process for calling a special election, when the person elected would be seated if one was held, and what the cost would be.
Ms. Ramos explained that, if the Council decided to call a special election, it would need to be called within a week, and be held in April of 2024. She noted the candidate elected would be sworn into office in May of 2024. She added that the County estimated the cost of a special election would be approximately $114,000.
Mayor Downs asked when candidates were able to pull papers to run for City Council in the November 2024 general municipal election.
Ms. Ramos responded that the nomination period for the November 2024 election would open in mid- July of 2024.
Public Comments
Wayne Avrashow, member of the public, commended Council Member Kite for his service on the City Council. He urged the Council to appoint someone to the position who would not run for City Council in the next general election.
Brad Anderson, Rancho Mirage resident, spoke in favor of holding a special election to fill the position.
Mayor Pro Tem Weill voiced support for appointing someone to the vacancy.
Mayor Downs noted that the Council was not authorized to impose restrictions on applicants.
Council Member Marker expressed support for appointing someone to fill the vacancy.
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DRAFT 11/16/2023 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Page 9 of 9 MOVED/SECONDED BY WEILL/MARKER TO:
A. ELECT TO APPOINT A QUALIFIED RANCHO MIRAGE RESIDENT TO FILL THE VACANCY CREATED BY COUNCIL MEMBER RICHARD W. KITE’S RESIGNATION FOR THE REMAINDER OF HIS UNEXPIRED TERM;
B. APPROVE THE ATTACHED CITY COUNCIL APPOINTMENT APPLICATION FORM; C. REQUIRE THAT A COMPLETE APPLICATION MUST BE SUBMITTED TO THE CITY CLERK’S OFFICE ON OR BEFORE 5:00 P.M. ON NOVEMBER 30, 2023, IN ORDER TO BE CONSIDERED BY THE CITY COUNCIL; AND
D. SCHEDULE INTERVIEWS FOR DECEMBER 5, 2023, IN THE CONTEXT OF A CITY
COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING DULY CALLED BY THE MAYOR, AND INCLUDE THE
VACANCY ITEM ON FUTURE CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDAS UNTIL THE VACANCY IS FILLED.
MOTION CARRIED 4/0 (MALLOTTO ABSENT).
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Downs noted that Council Member Kite had cast approximately 4,000 to 5,000 votes during his term on the City Council and called for a salute to Council Member Kite.
Council Member Kite invited the audience to attend a reception in the lobby following the meeting.
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 3:04 P.M.
Date Approved by City Council:
_______________________________
Kristie Ramos, City Clerk
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DRAFT 11/21/2023 Special City Council Meeting Minutes Page 1 of 4
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
ACTING AS THE HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2023 - 1:00 P.M.
RANCHO MIRAGE CITY HALL – COUNCIL CHAMBER
69-825 HIGHWAY 111, RANCHO MIRAGE, CALIFORNIA
DRAFT MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER– 1:00 P.M.
a) Flag Salute
b) Roll Call: Mallotto, Marker, Weill, Downs.
ACTION CALENDAR
1. Discussion of affordable housing development and consideration to authorize staff and the general counsel to negotiate draft disposition and development agreements with accompanying deeds for the purpose of establishing site control for the development of affordable housing with The Pacific Companies, National CORE and USA Properties, and Blieu Companies for future consideration by the Housing Authority Board before the end of the calendar year.
Isaiah Hagerman, City Manager, introduced the item.
Marcus Aleman, Housing Manager, presented the staff report.
John Bigley, Blieu Companies, spoke of the effects of the high resource change. He noted that there were three ways for projects to get funded; bonds and tax credits, nine percent tax credits, and HCD funding. He explained how the point system worked for each funding type.
He mentioned he was available to answer questions and noted that his most recent project was Veterans Village of Cathedral City.
Mayor Pro Tem Weill asked the nature of the financing for the Cathedral City development.
Mr. Bigley replied that the Cathedral City project was a nine percent tax credit deal with VHHP (Veterans Homeless Housing Prevention) money, along with 53 County vouchers. He noted the importance of understanding what one was signing up for when considering the different resources available.
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Mayor Pro Tem Weill asked if Mr. Bigley anticipated using the same funding resources for the Rancho Mirage project.
Mr. Bigley replied that he would most likely use the same funding resources. He added that he would work with staff to determine the best resources to go after.
Mayor Downs asked if Mr. Bigley agreed with the staff report in that, if the designation changed to moderate, the opportunity to fund the project in Rancho Mirage would be gone.
Mr. Bigley responded that the opportunity would not be 100% gone, but it would be much more difficult.
Brad Anderson, Rancho Mirage resident, commented that the issue was not appropriate for a special meeting and there was no need to rush. He commented that the land designation change for the subject area was purposely done. He noted he would return at a later meeting to describe what affordable housing was. He added that he was glad redevelopment was gone.
Darren Berberian, The Pacific Companies, commented that losing the point would put the City in a tough position for affordable housing, as it was a very oversubscribed program. He added it would do a massive disservice to the City to not garner the point while it was there. He noted it would lock it in for seven years and there would be a DDA, stipulations, timelines; all the securities that cities needed.
Council Member Mallotto commented that the City had made a significant commitment to affordable housing and City residents and now saw the potential to lose that opportunity. She noted that the Council valued its citizens and the promise made, and felt very privileged to have the subject opportunity, even with the short notice that the State was redirecting. She thanked those in attendance for their efforts and expressed hope for success.
Mayor Pro Tem Weill commented there was no question as to the necessity of the subject meeting being held as a result of the State mandate. He noted the Council had no choice if it wanted to meet the obligation of providing affordable housing for residents. He added that the Council would make every effort possible to get projects into a form that was financeable and approved; the special meeting was an example of that, as there was a need for approval before January 1st.
Mayor Downs commented that the subject matter was a critically important issue that the Council must face immediately. He noted that consultant Nicol Criste, was in attendance and asked her to explain more about the reason why the City must make a decision by the of the calendar year.
Ms. Criste commented that the high resource area designation was a prime consideration when the housing element was prepared and she had not seen a housing project go through the TCAC system, as competitive as it was, without full points. She explained that it was typically difficult to get projects funded in the Coachella Valley because big cities were more competitive; however, there were currently projects going in in the valley for the first time in many years. She added that, if a project did not garner full points, when there were 10 projects ahead of it that were garnering full points, that project would not get funded for years, if at all. She commented
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that she wished she could explain why TCAC decided to modify their maps, but they had a methodology that was nearly impossible to understand. She noted that losing the high resource designation, when high resource sites were specifically selected to improve potential, would definitely impact the ability to meet obligations under RENA. She reported she was currently dealing with another housing element that was about to get decertified for a different issue, as HCD was actively pursuing noncompliant cities; however, there was a method to avoid that risk in the subject case.
Mayor Downs reported that the City originally asked for a request for quotations on 10 acres of the 25-acre parcel; however, when the City learned it was about to lose the designation, it was realized that there was an issue and concluded that a concept to develop affordable housing on all 25 acres should be brought to the Council for approval and award to three developers.
He added that, if the City did not get this done, it had a problem meeting that which the housing and community development agents in California required it to do over the next eight-year cycle of its housing element, which was to entitle 1750 affordable housing units. He added that the City had a unique opportunity to do that now and needed to try.
Council Member Mallotto commented that the business community, such as hotels, restaurants, and the hospital, had been expressing the importance of their employees having affordable housing in the City. She noted that the subject plan would provide tremendous relief to the business community and was just one portion of a very solid plan.
Mr. Hagerman clarified that the recommendation being considered by the Council was not a final approval, it was formal direction to staff to get things in motion and see if it could get done before the end of the year. He added that consideration of final approval would be brought back to the Council in the form of a public hearing at a regular City Council meeting in December. He noted that there were other agencies the City would need to rely on, like HCD; even if the City did everything right on its end, there was not guarantee it would get done, due to reliance on other agencies. Mr. Hagerman noted that the City received some great responses to the RFQ and was now able to interact with three developers instead of just one. He commented on the importance of the 25 acres within the scope of the City’s housing element and affordable housing picture, adding that none of the units were planned to be age restricted. He added that about half of the parcel would be parkland and the other half would be multi-family affordable housing.
He reported that the three companies identified in the staff recommendation were the top three ranking companies.
Mayor Downs commented that the proposed process allowed the City to lock in the right designation prior to the end of the fiscal year.
Mr. Hagerman explained that disposition development agreements established site control Referencing the map included in the staff report, he explained that the 10-acre parcel identified as Parcel 1 was intended to go to The Pacific Companies, the 5-acre parcel identified as Parcel 3 was for National CORE and USA Properties, and the 10-acre parcel identified as Parcel 2 was for Blieu Companies. He noted that each company submitted a proposal which was reviewed by staff. He added that the DDAs established what would be done by the developer and what would be done by the City. He reiterated that the item before the Council was not for a final approval, but for direction to staff to start the process.
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MOVED/SECONDED BY MALLOTTO/WEILL TO AUTHORIZE STAFF AND THE GENERAL
COUNSEL TO NEGOTIATE DRAFT DISPOSITION AND DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENTS
WITH ACCOMPANYING DEEDS FOR THE PURPOSE OF ESTABLISHING SITE CONTROL
FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING WITH THE PACIFIC COMPANIES,
NATIONAL CORE AND USA PROPERTIES, AND BLIEU COMPANIES FOR FUTURE
CONSIDERATION BY THE HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD BEFORE THE END OF THE CALENDAR YEAR. MOTION CARRIED 4/0.
ADJOURNMENT - 1:31 P.M.
Date Approved by City Council:
___________________________
Kristie Ramos, City Clerk
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