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~ CITY OF RANCHO MIRAGE
CITY COUNCIL,
LIBRARY AND OBSERVATORY BOARD.
HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD,
AND THE CITY COUNCIL REPRESENTING
THE REDEVELOPMENT SUCCESSOR AGENCY
Meeting Location:
C ity of Rancho Mirage
City Hall -Counc il Chamber
69-825 Highway 111
Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
CALL TO ORDER-1 :01 P.M.
REGULAR MEETING
THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2024
1 :00 P.M .
MINUTES
a) Flag Salute: Led by Council Member O'Keefe.
b) Roll Call : Mallotto, Marker, O'Keefe, Weill , Downs -All Present.
NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENTS
Susan Ragsda le, member of the public, spoke regarding a lleged fraud related to her time living in Rancho Mirage and read a loud a letter to her former property manager.
Brad Anderson, Rancho Mirage resident, expressed disappointment in the Mayor's announcement that he would enforce the three-minute limit for public comments. He expressed concern regarding the cost of City fleet vehicles . He noted the importa nce of accurate meeting minutes and suggested the public be made aware of the reason for Council Member absences from meetings . He a lso commented that having an act ion item on the agenda following closed session was unusual.
Bill Riesen, Rancho Mirage resident, expressed appreciation for the 50th anniversary book provided to City residents.
04/18/2024 Regular City Counci l Meeting Minutes Page 1 of 8
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COUNCIL/BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS/REPORTS
Council Member Marker reported that the Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) had adopted the RCTC 2024 Traffic Relief Plan (TRP) and directed staff to come back with a ballot ordinance and expenditure plan to be considered for the November 2024 ballot. She added that RCTC would decide in June whether to place a ballot measure before Riverside County voters . She explained that TRP divided projects by geographic region (Western County, Palo Verde Valley , and the Coachella Valley); the foundations of the Coachella Valley sections had been consistent since it was initially drafted in 2019 and 2020 . She noted that money generated in the Coachella Valley would stay in the Coachella Valley. However, she reported that there was one major element that had changed from the original plan ; the tax was changed from one half percent to one percent , due to rising costs of construction following COVID. She reported that the initial work on shaping the pavement management program , focusing on the rehabilitation and reconstruction of roadways , was now being considered by CVAG (Coachella Valley Association of Governments) committees. She reported the concept was recently unanimously approved by the CVAG Transportation Committee and would be considered by the CVAG Executive Committee on April 29th . Council Member Marker also reported that CVAG 's Executive Director had worked with the City Manager to address previous concerns about pavement management responsibilities . She mentioned that she wanted to provide a recap , as it was highly likely a tax would be on the November ballot, and it was very important to be educated on the subject.
Council Member Marker cautioned the public to watch out for pedestrians during music festival season . She shared that local restaurants reported the festival season as be ing the slowest time of year for them and encouraged the public to dine at restaurants. She also announced a free concert at the Omni Rancho Las Palmas on April 24th , with country music superstar and American Idol winner, Scotty Mccreery.
Council Member O 'Keefe noted it was National Library Week and expressed gratitude for Rancho Mirage Library and Observatory staff. He reported that the library was looking for teen volunteers to help with the Summer Reading Club program. He reported that 1400 people had visited the library and observatory to witness the recent solar eclipse . He also reminded the community about the upcoming CV Symphony Disney/Pixar concert.
Council Member Mallotto reported her attendance at Eisenhower Medical Center's unveiling of a new postage stamp featuring Betty Ford. She congratulated The Joslyn Senior Center on the success of their recent Joslyn in Bloom fundraiser . She mentioned that the center's Executive Director, Jack Newby, was recognized at the event. Council Member Mallotto noted Mr. Newby's impending retirement and highlighted the progress made under his direction .
Mayor Pro Tern Weill announced that the Rancho Las Palmas Shopping Center had been sold to AlbaneseCormier of Beaumont, Texas . He provided a brief history of the shopping center, including ownership, improvements , and tenants . He noted the center was currently 94% leased and that Amazon intended to open the Amazon Fresh market in 2024 or 2025 . He reported that the new shopping center owners were very active ; they owned centers throughout the United States. Mayor Pro Tern Weill reported that he , Mayor Downs , and City staff recently met with AlbaneseCormier representatives, who left a very positive impression , and he wished them the best.
04f1 8~2024 Regular City Coun cil Me~ting Minutes
Mayor Downs reported his attendance at the Coachella Valley Economic Forecast , noting the forecast for the future economic conditions in the Coachella valley was positive , and shared the variety of gifts provided at the event. He spoke of the core values of the City Council , quoting the first Mayor of Rancho Mirage , William Rawitzer, who stated , "the City Council was devoted to making Rancho Mirage a city that will be known nation-wide for gracious living and for distinctive development." Mayor Downs commented that the sentiment lived on through the decades and instilled the current City Council with the values important in managing the City . He listed the core values as good governance , strong city management, fiscal responsibility, a commitment to public safety, a best-in -class approach to city planning and public works , and the best and broadest range of amenities and services delivered to residents . Mayor Downs quoted a 2022 article in The Desert Sun which stated , ''The people of Rancho Mirage have enjoyed the strongest community amenities for years." He commented that one such amenity was the 50th anniversary book the City recently delivered to its residents and mentioned the overall positive feedback received regarding the book . He noted he was contacted by someone unhappy about the City spending money on the book. He reported that the City of Rancho Mirage paid for the book , the total cost of which represented less than about one half of one percent of the City's annual budget. Mayor Downs commented that the 50th anniversary book was a remarkable gift the City was able to give residents and he was delighted and proud to be able to do it.
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
Isaiah Hagerman, City Manager, commented on the City's recent purchase of electrical veh icles , noting all government agencies were required by a new California Air Resource Board law to transition their fleet to all electric. He reported that some 2013 fleet vehicles that were expiring were replaced with electric vehicles. He noted that focusing on readily available pool vehicles would delay the transition of the more difficult vehicles to replace, such as big public works water trucks , for which all electric technology did not yet exist. Mr. Hagerman added that, as technology advanced, the City would continue to transition its fleet to electric.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Isaiah Hagerman, City Manager, presented the following Consent Calendar items:
1. Waive Full Reading of All Ordinances Introduced or Adopted Pursuant to this Agenda .
2. Approve April 4, 2024 , Regular Meeting Minutes.
3. Approve Extension of Completion Date for Tract Map 35089 (Bellavia). 4 . Receive and File the 2023 General Plan Annual Progress Report .
5. Approve Contracts .
6 . Approve Demands .
Public Comments -None.
04/18/2024 Regul ar City Council Meeting Minute s Pag e 3 of 8
MOVED/SECONDED BY WEILUMALLOTTO T O APPROVE TH E CONSENT CALENDAR AS PRE SENTED. MOTION CARRIED 5/0 .
PUBLIC HEARINGS
7 . Catana Specific Plan (Mixed -use Neighborhood on 36+ Acres Located at the Northwest Corner of Ramon Road and Rattler Road) -Environmental Assessment Case No . EA23- 0006; General Plan Zoning Map Amendment Case No . GPZMA23-0002 ; Specific Plan Case No . SP23-0002 ; Development Agreement Case No . DA23-0002; Tentative Parcel Map Case No . TPM23 -0004 (Tentative Parcel Map 38834); and Preliminary Development Plan Case Nos . PDP23-0006 and PDP2 3-0007 :
A. Consider Adopting Resolution No . 2024 -(Next-in -Order), Approving the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program and Mitigated Negative Declaration (SCH#2023120616) for the Proposed Project Based on Environment al Assessment Case No. EA23-0006 .
B. Consider Adopting Resolution No . 2024-(Next-in -Order). Approving General Plan Zoning Map Amendment (GPZMA23-0002), to Change the High Densit y Residential Land Use Designation to General Commercial for 8 .3 Acres Fronting Ramon Road , and Apply the Affordable Housing Ove rlay to 3 .3+ Acres .
C . Consider Introducing Ordinance No . (Next-in-Order). 1st Reading, Approving Specific Plan (SP23-0002) to Establish the Development Standa rds and Guidelines for Three (3) Planning Areas within the 36+ Acre Site .
D. Consider Introducing Ordinance No . (Next-in-Order), 1st Reading , Approving t he Development Agreement by and Between McKeller McGowan Holdings , LLC . and Ramon & Rattler Partners , LLC , and the City of Rancho Mirage (DA23 -0002).
E. Consider Adopting Resolution No . 2 024 -(Next-in-Orde r). App roving Tentative Parcel Map (TPM23 -0004) to Subdivide the 36+ Acres into Three (3) Parcels Corresponding to the Three (3) Planning Areas and Preliminary Developme nt Plans Case Nos . PDP23-0006 and PDP23 -0007 for the Single-fami ly Residential Neighborhood in Planning Area 1 and the Affordable Apartments in Planning Area 2 .
Pilar Lopez, Senior Planner, presented the staff report.
Tim McGowan , applicant, presented a video highlighting the project and prov ided an overview of the untis that would be available .
Mayor Downs asked Mr. McGowan to share previous work he had done in the Coachella Valley .
Mr. McGowan noted his previous projects in Rancho Mirage included Santo Tomas and St. Augustine .
Mayor Downs thanked Mr. McGowan for his time and his long history with the City of Rancho Mirage. 04/18/2024 Reg ul ar City Co unci l M eeting M in utes ----------
Public Testimony
Brad Anderson, Rancho Mirage resident , spoke in support of the project, but expressed concern about a potential conflict of interest with regards to the Palm Springs Cemetery District.
Mayor Pro Tern Weill congratulated the developer on an excellent presentation and shared his support for the project.
Council Member O'Keefe thanked the Planning Commission and City staff for their thorough report . He congratulated the developer and wished him well.
Mayor Downs expressed his gratitude to Mr. McGrowan for his approach to affordable housing and for listening to the Council during their prior meeting on the project.
Isaiah Hagerman , City Manager, provided an overview of the City 's approach to affordable housing.
Council Member Mallotto noted she was advised that there was no conflict of interest due to her role as a trustee with the Palm Springs Cemetery District Board .
MOVED/SECONDED BY WEILUMARKER THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
A. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2024-14, APPROVING THE MITIGATION MONITORING
AND REPORTING PROGRAM AND MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION (SCH#2023120616) FOR THE PROPOSED PROJECT BASED ON ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT CASE NO. EA23-0006;
8. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2024-15 APPROVING GENERAL PLAN ZONING MAP AMENDMENT (GPZMA23 -0002), TO CHANGE THE HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL LAND USE DESIGNATION TO GENERAL COMMERCIAL FOR 8 .3 ACRES
FRONTING RAMON ROAD, AND APPLY THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING OVERLAY TO 3.3± ACRES;
C. INTRODUCE AND ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. (NEXT-IN-ORDER), APPROVING SPECIFIC PLAN (SP23-0002) TO ESTABLISH THE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES FOR THREE (3) PLANNING AREAS WITHIN THE 36± ACRE SITE; D. INTRODUCE AND ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. (NEXT-IN-ORDER), APPROVING THE
DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN MCKELLER MCGOWAN
HOLDINGS, LLC. AND RAMON & RATTLER PARTNERS, LLC. AND THE CITY OF RANCHO MIRAGE (DA23-0002);
E. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2024-16, APPROVING TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP (TPM23-0004) TO SUBDIVIDE THE 36± ACRES INTO THREE PARCELS CORRESPONDING TO THE THREE (3) PLANNING AREAS AND PRELIMINARY DEVELOPMENT PLANS CASE NOS. PDP23-0006 AND PDP23 -0007 FOR THE SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD IN PLANNING AREA 1 AND THE AFFORDABLE APARTMENTS IN PLANNING AREA 2;
ANO ADD CONDITION OF APPROVAL NO. SA, WHICH STATES: "INTERNAL VEHICULAR CIRCULATION FOR PLANNING AREA 3 WILL BE DETERMINED AT THE TIME OF POP SUBMITTAL. ANY IMAGES INCLUDED IN THE SPECIFIC PLAN ARE CONCEPTUAL IN NATURE." MOTION CARRIED 5/0.
ACTION CALENDAR
8. Consider Approving the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Rent Levels for Parkview V illas , San Jacinto Villas, Santa Rosa Villas, and Whispering Waters Age -Restricted Residential Complexes .
Marcus Aleman , Senior Planner, presented the staff report.
Public Comments -None.
MOVED/SECONDED BY MALLOTTO/MARKER TO APPROVE THE FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025
RENT LEVELS FOR PARKVIEW VILLAS, SAN JACINTO VILLAS, SANTA ROSA VILLAS, ANO WHISPERING WATERS AGE-RESTRICTED RESIDENTIAL COMPLEXES. MOTION CARRIED 5/0.
9. Consider Adopting Resolution No. 2024-(Next-in-Order), Approving the Second Amended and Restated Visit Greater Palm Springs Joint Powers Agreement.
Gabe Codding , Director of Marketing, presented the staff report.
Public Comments
Brad Anderson , Rancho Mirage resident , commented that the City spent a lot of money on tourism and Visit Greater Palm Springs , and suggested money spent on private entities be suspended .
Mayor Downs expressed support for the inclusion of the City of Coachella and noted the importance of economic development in the desert.
MOVED/SECONDED BY OOWNS/O'KEEFE TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2024-17,
APPROVING THE SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED VISIT GREATER PALM SPRINGS JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT. MOTION CARRIED 5/0.
CLOSED SESSION AGENDA
1. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54957
Public Emp loyee: City Clerk/Board Secretary
04/18/2024 Regu lar City Counci l Meet ing Minutes ------· --------
2 . CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR REGARDING UNREPRE SENTED
EMPLOYEE
Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54957
City Representative: Colin D. Kirkp atrick, City Attorney Unrepresented Employee: City Clerk/Board Secretary
Colin Kirkpatrick, City Attorney , reported that the City Council would recess into closed session to confer with legal counse l regarding a performance evaluation of the City Clerk/Board Secretary , and a conference with labor negotiator regarding an unrepresented employee , City Clerk/Board Secretary .
Public Comments
Brad Anderson , Rancho Mirage resident , recommended increasing transparency about issues discussed in closed sessions as well as pay increases .
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 : 15 P .M.
RECONVENE OPEN SESSION
Mayor Downs reconvened the meeting at 3:18 P .M
CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENTS
Colin Kirkpatrick , City Attorney, reported that there was no reportable action taken during closed session .
ACTION CALENDAR
10 . Consider Approving Proposed Revisions to City Clerk/Board Secretary of Affil iated Agencies Employment Agreement.
Col in Kirkpatrick , City Attorney, reported that before the Council was a proposed amendment to the City Clerk's employment contract to increase her base salary to $135,000 and increase her deferred compensation contribution to $250 per pay period .
Public Comments
Brad Anderson , Rancho Mirage resident , expressed confusion with there being no reportable action announced for closed session. He expressed support for livable wages fo r employees .
He suggested having an elected City Clerk instead of an appointed one . 0 4/18/2024 Regular City Council M eetin g Minutes -----· ---
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MOVED/SECONDED BY DOWNS/MALLOTTO TO INCREASE THE CITY CLERK'S BASE SALARY TO $135,000 ANNUALLY AND INCREASE HER DEFERRED COMPENSATION CONTRIBUTION TO $250 PER PAY PERIOD. MOTION CARRIED 5/0.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business to consider , the meeting of the City Counci l, Library and Observatory Board, Housing Authority Board , and the City Council representing the Redevelopment Successor Agency was adjourned at 3:23 P.M .
D,te Approved by City Council: o5/ o';} / 1nY-\ M,~ s, 1 y er