~ CITY OF RANCHO MIRAGE
CITY COUNCIL,
LIBRARY AND OBSERVATORY BOARD,
HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD,
AND THE CITY COUNCIL REPRESENTING
THEREDEVELOPMENTSUCCESSORAGENCY
REGULAR MEETING
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023
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 .
1 :00 P.M.
MINUTES
a) Flag Salute -Led By Kofi Antobam, Director of Administrative Services. b) Roll Call : Mallotto , Marker, O 'Keefe , Weill, Downs -All Present.
Mayor Downs welcomed Council Member Michael O'Keefe to his first full City Council meeting .
PRESENTATIONS
Rancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce Update.
Katie Stice, Rancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce President/CEO , was present a long with executives from Children's Discovery Museum of the Desert, Sunnylands, and Omni Ra ncho Las Palmas Resort to wish City Manager Isaiah Hagerman a happy birthday. They expressed appreciation for his lead ership and support.
NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENTS
Isiah Harris , resident of Rancho Mirage , congratulated Council Member O'Keefe on his elevation to City Council. He also praised the City Manager and City staff for their excellent response in assisting a resident who s poke at the Decembe r 7th Council meeting regarding problems where she resided. 12/21/2023 Regular City Council M eet in g Minutes Page 1 of 10
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Deborah McGarrey, SoCalGas Public Affairs Manager, congratulated Council Member O'Keefe on his appointment to the City Council and provided information regarding winter gas bills . vehicle charging stations, noting how they both intertwine to improve the atmosphere.
COUNCIL/BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS/REPORTS
Mayor Downs wished the community happy holidays and a prosperous new year. He also reported his attendance at a memorial celebration by Wreaths Across America , an organization that places wreaths on the graves of Veterans .
Council Member Mallotto wished the happiest of holidays, a belated happy Hanukkah, and a prosperous new year to all constituents and business owners. She expressed her gratitude for their support , noting she looked forward to working with them in 2024.
Mayor Pro Tern Weill wished all viewers and constituents a happy and healthy new year.
He also reported his participation in the recent Riverside County Sheriff's Department Toy Drive held at Ben & Jerry's at The River.
Council Member Marker wished everyone a happy and healthy holiday season. She also reported that the new pickleball courts at Rancho Mirage Community Park were expected to be completed in January 2024 .
Council Member O'Keefe reported his participation in two recent ribbon -cutting ceremonies and complimented the Rancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce for always being present.
He expressed gratitude to City employees for their assistance as he began his role on City Council and to everyone who offered kind and welcoming remarks . Council Member O'Keefe commented that no one could truly replace Richard Kite , but he was nonetheless happy to be there and hoped he would behave in a way in which Mr. Kite would approve . He also wished everyone a happy holiday season and new year.
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
Isaiah Hagerman, City Manager, thanked City staff for their participation in the annual toy drive for children in need within the Valley, revealing that staff managed to contribute $5 ,000 worth of toys . He also acknowledged public safety personnel and the personal sacrifices they made to provide service during the holidays .
CONSENT CALENDAR
Isaiah Hagerman , City Manager, presented the following Consent Calendar items:
1. Approve December 5, 2023, Special Meeting Minutes.
2 . Approve December 7, 2023, Regular Meeting Minutes . 12/21/2023 Regul ar City Council M eeting Minutes ,___ -------Pag e 2 of 10
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3. Adopt Resolution No. 2023-58, Designating the City of Rancho Mirage's Authori zed Agents for Non-State Agencies as Required by the California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES).
4. Approve Final Acceptance of Emergency Street Repairs to Highway 111 (Tropical Storm Hilary Damage).
5. Approve Final Acceptance of Improvements for Parcel Map No . 36913 (Magnesia Falls Plaza).
6. Approve Final Acceptance of Wolfson Park Expansion (CP 20-364).
7. Approve Final Acceptance of Bob Hope Drive ADA Ramp Retrofit (CP 21-369).
8. Approve Final Acceptance of Demolition of Property Located at 41501 Button Drive (CP 22-378).
9 . Approve Final Acceptance of Citywide REAS Fisca l Year 2023-2024 (CP 23-384).
10. Adopt Resolution No. 2023-59, Approving the Ca lendar Year 2024 Salary Schedule to Comply with California Public Employee's Retirement System (CalPERS) Statutory and Regulatory Requirements for Compensation Earnable and Publicly Available Pay Schedules.
11. Receive and File the Five -Year Development Impact Fee Report. 12 . Approve Appointment of Council Member O'Keefe to Outside Agency Boards, Committees, and Commissions.
13. Approve Contracts.
14. Approve Demands.
Public Comments -None.
MOVED/SECONDED BY WEILL/MALLOTTO TO APPROVE THE CONSENT CALENDAR AS PRESENTED. MOTION CARRIED 5/0.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
15. Environmenta l Assessment Case No. EA23 -0011 and Preliminary Development Plan Case No . PDP23 -0005 -Catino Town Center Phase 1. Applicant: DMB Development LLC on Behalf of EC Rancho Mirage Holdings LP. Consideration to Construct the First Phase of the Cotino Town Center, which Includ es Two (2) Restaurant Buildings Totaling 9,057 Square Feet. Three In-line Retail Buildings Totaling 25,254 Square Feet. the Artisan Village, a 4,440 Square-foot Back of House Building , and Ancillary Structures and Uses such as the Park , Shade Structures, and Restroom/Utility Building . The Artisan Village Consists of Nine (9) Small Tenant Buildings Totaling 1,844 Square Feet.
The Proposed Project will Result in 40,979 Square Feet of Combined Commercial and Office Space . The Subject Property (Tract No. 38291, Lot 186 and Tract No. 37563, Lot 6) is in the Northeastern Quadrant of the Section 31 Specific Plan Area and can be Accessed from Monterey Avenue (APNs : 685-220 -032 & 685-220-033). 12/21/2023 Regular City Counc il Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 10 ---------
7 A.
B.
Consider Finding Preliminary Development Plan Case No. PDP23-0005 to be Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15162 (Subsequent EIRs and Negative Declarations).
Consider Approving Preliminary Development Plan Case No. PDP23-0005, 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 -None.
Salvador Amezquita, Western State Regional Council of Carpenters representative, congratulated new Council Member O'Keefe. He spoke regarding environmental impacts of the project and requested that the City Council require that the project be built by contractors who hire locally, pay prevailing wages , and utilize State-certified apprenticeship programs.
Ian Gabriel, Lift to Rise representative, noted that the project's CEQA exemption was based on a study from four years ago. He requested the City reconsider the project's current and potential environmental impacts on neighboring areas, taking into account the shift in population and other economic factors occurring since the pandemic and the EIR.
Mayor Pro Tern Weill commented that he could already picture the amount of activity there would be at the project, with people going to restaurants and strolling through the village. He noted he expected the project to be a tremendous success; it would be a revolutionary project for the City and the entire Valley.
Mayor Downs spoke of concerns raised by Planning Commissioners when they reviewed the project, including outdoor shading and the design of the Monterrey Road entrance . He invited applicant representatives in attendance to address those concerns as they did at the Planning Commission meeting .
Paul Depilatis, MSA Consulting , explained how/why the specific outdoor shade structures were selected . He also explained that the current state of the Monterrey entrance was temporary, as it could not be fully completed until other project components were finished. He commented that the project was at an exciting point of development.
Eric Brown, DMB Development General Manager, spoke of the remarkable progress that had been made in just a year and what was still to come.
MOVED/SECONDED BY WEILL/MARKER TO:
A. FIND PRELIMINARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN CASE NO. PDP23-0005 TO BE EXEMPT
FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) PURSUANT TO CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15162 (SUBSEQUENT EIRS AND NEGATIVE DECLARATIONS); AND
8. APPROVE PRELIMINARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN CASE NO. PDP23-0005, SUBJECT
TO THE CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL AND BASED ON THE CONTENT AND FINDINGS IN THE STAFF REPORT.
12/21/2023 Regul ar City Council M eeting Minutes ------Page 4 of 10 ___ __,
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MOTION CARRIED 5/0.
16. Environmental Assessment Case No. EA22-0017 and Major Modification Case No.
MOD22-0049 -Westar New Retail Pad Building . Applicant: Connor Best of Westar Associates. Consideration to Demolish a Portion of a Parking Lot and Construct a New 4,500 Square-foot Retail Pad Building in an Existing Shopping Center Anchored by Gelson's Market. The Proposed Building will be Located on a 1.61-acre Parcel Along the West Side of Bob Hope Drive, Approximately 375 Feet South of the Bob Hope Drive and Gerald Ford Drive Intersection. This Request Also Includes Related Landscaping and Site Improvements. The Subject Property is Located at 36101 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage CA 92270 (APN: 674-600-003).
A.
B.
Consider Finding Major Modification Case No. MOD22-0049 to be Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Pu rsuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15332 (In-fill Development Projects).
Consider Approving Major Modification Case No. MOD22-0049, Subject to the Conditions of Approval and Based on the Content and Findings in the Staff Report.
Joy Tsai, Sen ior Planner, presented the staff report.
Public Testimony -None.
Mayor Pro Tern W ei ll acknowledged the applicant, Conner, who was in attendance.
He mentioned that Conner's family had owned the shopping center for the past 30 years and praised them for being wonderful developers who enhanced neighborhood safety and were good partners.
MOVED/SECONDED BY MALLOTTO/WEILL TO:
A. FIND MAJOR MODIFICATION CASE NO. MOD22-0049 TO BE EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT {CEQA) PURSUANT TO CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15332 {IN-FILL DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS); AND B. APPROVE MAJOR MODIFICATION CASE NO. MOD22-0049, SUBJECT TO THE
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL AND BASED ON THE CONTENT AND FINDINGS IN THE STAFF REPORT.
MOTION CARRIED 5/0.
17. Consider Adopting Resolution No. 2023-(Next-in-Order), Approving the Disposition and Development Agreement with Pacific West Communities, Inc., and Finding the Action Exempt from the California Environmenta l Quality Act. (10 Acres within APN 685-090- 011 -Parcel A-1).
Isa iah Hagerman, City Manager, made a brief introduction of Agenda Item Nos . 17 through 20.
He complimented Council's responsiveness to the issue, as well as the prompt efforts by the City Attorney, Director of Development Services, Housing Manager, developers, and partners.
He spoke of it being a significant moment for affordable housing within the City and noted the quick actions staff took to make the subject projects possible. 12/21/2023 Regular City Counci l Meeting Minutes Page 5 of 10 ------------
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Marcus Aleman, Housing Manager, presented the staff report.
Public Testimony
Katie Stice, Rancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce President/CEO, thanked Council Member Mallotto and Mayor Downs for attending a recent Chamber Board meeting . She shared several reasons why affordable housing was crucial from the Chamber's perspective, including attracting/retaining talent, increasing consumer spending, a stable and diverse work force, community development, and social costs.
Ed Moreno, Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort Manager, spoke of a need for affordable housing in the City of Rancho Mirage. He reported that, out of the first 75 employees on the resort 's staff roster , just one person resided in Rancho Mirage . He added that, to be able to provide service throughout the summer when they were short staffed, the resort would fly in 40 employees from Guatemala in February; they would reside in 20 of the resort's rooms, resulting in the resort being unable to maximize profits .
Tiffany Gorman, Director of Sales and Marketing at The Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage , complimented the City Council and staff for their approach to the short and long -term plans.
She noted how affordable housing would benefit the Ritz-Carlton's ability to draw in and keep talent for their resort .
Ian Gabriel, Lift to Rise representative, commended the City for prioritizing the sites for affordable housing and acting quickly. He commented that , with so many new jobs coming to the Valley , it was imperative that the City take into consideration the living situation of the workforce who would fill the roles and support the local economy. He also praised the three companies that would build the projects , all of which had a history of providing high-quality housing.
Council Member Mallotto noted the dissolution of redevelopment agencies and the challenges of delivering affordable housing without funds . She thanked City staff and the developers for making the projects possible .
Mayor Pro Tern Weill commented that the City had come a long way ; from having redevelopment funds for affordable housing, to having none . He noted that the City was now creating opportunities as a result of City-owned property . He commented it was an exciting time and what was be ing done complimented everything else the City was doing . He noted he was indebted to City staff for the amount of hours they put into getting the job done . Mayor Pro Tern Weill added that it would now be time to support the development partners and look forward to the projects getting funded.
Council Member Marker spoke in support of the project and voiced appreciation to staff and the subcommittee members for their efforts.
Council Member O'Keefe commend ed staff on the efforts put into completing tasks, noting the past two weeks had been incredibly enlightening.
Mayor Downs thanked the Council and City Manager for their commendations of staff and spoke about recent chang es made by the State of California that affected parce ls within the City.
He noted housing needs at every level of the City and provided information regarding the State's affordable housing criteria.
12/21/2023 Regula r City Council Meeting Minutes Page 6 of 10 ------
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Mayor Pro Tern Weill commented that affordable housing did not have to be included in every single development in the City. He clarified that the responsibility of the Council was to deal with affordable housing in total within the confines of the City.
MOVED/SECONDED BY MALLOTTO/WEILL TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2023-HA-06,
APPROVING THE DISPOSITION AND DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT WITH PACIFIC WEST COMMUNITIES, INC. AND FINDING THE ACTION EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT AND EXECUTE A DISPOSITION AND DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT ("DDA") WITH ACCOMPANYING DEEDS FOR THE DISPOSITION OF PARCEL A-1 OF ASSESSOR'S PARCEL NUMBER 685-090-011 FOR THE
DEVELOPMENT OF MULTI -FAMILY AFFORDABLE HOUSING WITH PACIFIC WEST COMMUNITIES INC. IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS OF THE DDA SUBJECT
TO FINAL REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND GENERAL COUNSEL. MOTION CARRIED 5/0.
18. Consider Adopting Resolution No . 2023-(Next-in-Order), Approving the Disposition and Development Agreement with National Community Renaissance of California and USA Properties Fund and Finding the Action Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act. (10 Acres within APN 685-090-011 -Parcel A-2).
Marcus Aleman, Housing Manager, presented the staff report.
Public Testimony
Wally Melendez, member of the public, spoke of the term "affordable housing," commenting that it did not help the poor. He recommended that residents living in the developments be offered the option to purchase the units, so their money did not go to waste .
Taylor Libolt Varner, National Core Project Manager, commented on the opportunity and partnership with the City of Rancho Mirage for the production and long-term management of at least 150 work force housing units . She also noted her company 's continuous support and partnership with other organizations, including the Coachella Valley Association of Governments and Desert Recreation District. She thanked the City Council for recognizing the need of affordable housing for people among us like working families, first responders , and grocery employees.
MOVED/SECONDED BY WEILL/MARKER TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2023-HA-07,
APPROVING THE DISPOSITION AND DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT WITH NATIONAL
COMMUNITY RENAISSANCE OF CALIFORNIA AND USA PROPERTIES FUND AND
FINDING THE ACTION EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT AND EXECUTE A DISPOSITION AND DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT ("DDA") WITH ACCOMPANYING DEEDS FOR THE DISPOSITION OF PARCEL A-2 OF ASSESOR'S PARCEL NUMBER 685-090-011 FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF MULTI-FAMILY
AFFORDABLE HOUSING WITH NATIONAL COMMUNITY RENAISSANCE OF CALIFORNIA AND USA PROPERTIES FUND. IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS OF THE DDA
SUBJECT TO FINAL REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND GERNERAL COUNSEL. MOTION CARRIED 5/0.
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19. Consider Adopting Resolution No. 2023-(Next-in-Order), Approving the Disposition and Development Agreement with Blieu Companies and Finding the Action Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act. (5 Acres within APN 685-090-011 -Parcel A-3).
Marcus Aleman, Housing Manager, presented the staff report.
Public Testimony -None.
MOVED/SECONDED BY MALLOTTO/WEILL TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2023-HA-08,
APPROVING THE DISPOSITION AND DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT WITH BLIEU LLC
AND FINDING THE ACTION EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL
QUALITY ACT AND EXECUTE A DISPOSITION AND DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT ("DOA") WITH ACCOMPANYING DEEDS FOR THE DISPOSITION OF PARCEL A-3 OF ASESSOR'S PARCEL NUMBER 685-090-011 FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF MULTI-FAMILY
AFFORDABLE HOUSING WITH BLIEU LLC IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS OF THE
DOA SUBJECT TO FINAL REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND GENERAL COUNSEL. MOTION CARRIED 5/0.
20. Consider Adopting Resolution No . 2023-(Next-in-Order), Approving the Disposition and Development Agreement with Blieu Companies and Finding the Action Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act. (12.34 Acres -APN 689 -180-012).
Marcus Aleman, Housing Manager, presented the staff report.
Public Testimony
Mike Fontana , resident of Peterson Ranch, welcomed the developers to the neighborhood and requested they work with neighbors on their concerns, such as building codes, traffic, and the condition of vacant lot. He inquired about the entit lement process for the project.
Mark Irving , Blieu Companies representative , introduced himself and noted he was avai lable to answer any questions for Mr. Fontana. He expressed excitement about col laborating with the City and thanked previous speakers for their insights on affordable housing.
Majna Dukie, Director of Development Service, reported that each affordable housing project would go through the standard entitlement process, which included CEQA review.
Council Member Mallotto noted the project focused on housing for Veterans who served our Country and thanked everyone for their support.
Mayor Pro Tern Weill shared that, as a Veteran himself, the project meant a lot, and it was an inspiration to have it in Rancho Mirage.
Council Member Marker noted the project was unique and she looked forward to honoring Veterans .
Council Member O'Keefe shared his support for Veterans and the proposed project.
Mayor Downs expressed support for advancing the project. 12/21/2023 Regular City Council M eet ing Minutes Page 8 of 10 --~
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MOVED/SECONDED BY WEILL/MALLOTTO TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 23-HA-09
APPROVING THE DISPOSITION AND DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT WITH BLIEU LLC
AND FINDING THE ACTION EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL
QUALITY ACT AND EXECUTE A DISPOSITION AND DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT WITH
ACCOMPANYING DEEDS FOR THE PURPOSE OF ESTABLISHING SITE CONTROL OF ASSESSOR'S PARCEL NUMBER 689-180-012 FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF
AFFORDABLE HOUSING WITH BLIEU LLC IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS OF THE
DDA SUBJECT TO FINAL REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND GENERAL COUNSEL. MOTION CARRIED 5/0.
Isaiah Hagerman, City Manager, commented that it was a big day for affordable housing.
ACTION CALENDAR
21. Consider Adopting Resolution No. 2023-(Next in Order), Declaring the City's Intention to Annex Territory to Community Facilities District No. 1 and to Levy a Special Tax Therein for Additional Police and Fire Services, Preliminarily Approve a Map of the Area Proposed to be Annexed, and Schedule a Public Hearing to Consider the Annexation and the Levy of Special Tax for Annexation No . 193. (In connection with Tentative Tract Map No. TTM38291 -Cotino/Section 31, Phases 1 Band 1C)
Jacob De La Cruz, Financial Analyst, presented the staff report.
Public Comments -None.
MOVED/SECONDED BY MALLOTTO/WEILL TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2023-60,
DECLARING THE CITY'S INTENTION TO ANNEX TERRITORY TO COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICT NO. 1 AND TO LEVY A SPECIAL TAX THEREIN FOR ADDITIONAL
POLICE AND FIRE SERVICES, PRELIMINARILY APPROVE A MAP OF THE AREA
PROPOSED TO BE ANNEXED, AND SCHEDULE A PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER THE ANNEXATION AND THE LEVY OF THE SPECIAL TAX FOR ANNEXATION NO. 193.
MOTION CARRIED 5/0.
22 . Consider Adopting Resolution No. 2023-(Next in Order), Declaring the City's Intention to Annex Territory to Community Facilities District No . 1 and to Levy a Special Tax Therein for Additional Police and Fire Services, Preliminarily Approve a Map of the Area Proposed to be Annexed, and Schedule a Public Hearing to Consider the Annexation and the Levy of Special Tax for Annexation No. 194. (In connection with Tentative Parcel Map No. TPM38380 -South of Ginger Rogers Rd., Approximately 1,064 Feet East of Bob Hope Dr.)
Jacob De La Cruz, Financial Analyst, presented the staff report.
Public Comments -None.
12/21/2023 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Page 9 of 10
MOVED/SECONDED BY MARKER/WEILL TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2023-61
DECLARING THE CITY'S INTENTION TO ANNEX TERRITORY TO COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICT NO. 1 AND TO LEVY A SPECIAL TAX THEREIN FOR ADDITIONAL
POLICE AND FIRE SERVICES, PRELIMINARILY APPROVE A MAP OF THE AREA
PROPOSED TO BE ANNEXED, AND SCHEDULE A PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER THE ANNEXATION AND THE LEVY OF THE SPECIAL TAX FOR ANNEXATION NO. 194.
MOTION CARRIED 5/0.
Mayor Downs announced there would be no 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 2:52 P.M.
Date Approved by City Council: 1/18/24
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Kristie Ramos , City Clerk
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