DRAFT 05/16/2024 Regular City Council Meeting Agenda Page 1 of 8
CITY COUNCIL,
LIBRARY AND OBSERVATORY BOARD,
HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD,
AND THE CITY COUNCIL REPRESENTING
THE REDEVELOPMENT SUCCESSOR AGENCY
REGULAR MEETING
THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2024
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 1:02 P.M.
a) Flag Salute: Led by Mayor Pro Tem Weill.
b) Roll Call: Mallotto, Marker, O’Keefe, Weill, Downs – All Present.
PRESENTATIONS
Recognition of Dorothea Bisbas, City of Rancho Mirage Poet Laureate.
Aaron Espinosa, Library Director, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Dorothea Bisbas for her remarkable 28-year commitment to poetry. He shared that Mrs. Bisbas was Rancho Mirage’s first Poet Laureate and served for over 14 years. He highlighted Dorothea’s passion for poetry, which significantly impacted the cultural landscape of the community and the lives of many.
Mayor Downs thanked Mrs. Bisbas for her service to the City. He presented her with a proclamation and award honoring her 28-year involvement with the Rancho Mirage Library and Observatory.
Presentation of a Resolution from Assemblymember Greg Wallis Honoring the 50th Anniversary of the City of Rancho Mirage.
Felipe Ortiz, representative of Assemblymember Greg Wallis’s office, presented the City with a resolution honoring the City of Rancho Mirage’s 50th anniversary.
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DRAFT 05/16/2024 Regular City Council Meeting Agenda Page 2 of 8 Mayor Downs thanked Mr. Ortiz for presenting the proclamation and asked him to thank Assemblymember Wallis on his behalf.
NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENTS
Terry Snodgrass, Rancho Mirage Women’s Club President, expressed thanks for the City’s support and for the Special Assistance Fund award received last fall. She expressed gratitude for the club’s history being captured in the “Rancho Mirage At Fifty” book. She highlighted the club’s background and mission, noting it had donated more than $950,000 to local organizations. Ms. Snodgrass announced the club’s forthcoming events, extending invitations to Council. She also praised the Council for their excellent work managing the City.
Susan Ragsdale, member of the public, spoke regarding her eviction from one of the City’s Housing Authority properties.
Wally Melendez, member of the public, expressed appreciation for the Brown Act, mentioning it helped with his public speaking skills. He advocated for an online Rancho Mirage University and for electric cars. He also spoke regarding climate change.
Brad Anderson, Rancho Mirage resident, expressed concern regarding a violation letter he received from Code Compliance. He spoke regarding the Riverside County Transportation Commission and urged City representatives to refrain from putting a sales tax on the ballot. He also spoke in opposition to the cost of license plate readers.
Michael Harrington, Rancho Mirage resident, expressed concern with the City of Rancho Mirage not being represented at Coachella Valley Animal Commission meetings.
COUNCIL/BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS/REPORTS
Council Member O’Keefe announced that May was Older Americans Month, sharing that The Joslyn Center offered 27 distinct services designed to help older Americans thrive in independence and support their well-being. He acknowledged the time of year for graduations and shared his attendance at Do The Right Thing, an event that recognized students for their achievements.
He announced the upcoming show, "Moana Jr.," which would be performed at the amphitheater.
Council Member O’Keefe announced that the Children's Discovery Museum of the Desert would re- open during Memorial Day weekend. He also paid tribute to those who have served our country, noting that the Palm Springs Air Museum would be doing a flyby and flower drop in their honor.
Council Member Malloto commented that City Council Members attended City commission meetings as well as served on external agency boards. She expressed appreciation for being able to serve on the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) Homelessness Committee and commented on her experience learning about the growing issue of homelessness within the Coachella Valley. In addition, she expressed her gratitude to the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission (CVRM), Lift to Rise, and Shelter from the Storm, for their partnership with CVAG and their tireless efforts on the issue of homelessness. Council Member Mallotto noted that CVRM was fundraising to construct a 10-bedroom facility to accommodate sixty beds. 2-2
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Mayor Pro Tem Weill recognized Rick and Bunni Benaron for creating and delivering their “Rocket’s Rules” digital resource to Coachella Valley schools. He shared the book’s content, noting it was for safety and earthquake preparedness. He presented a synopsis of their most recent book, "Rocket's Sense of Safety and Beyond!," noting its relevance in today's world. He played a short video of “Rocket’s Drug and Medicine Safety” and expressed his appreciation for the generosity of the Benarons over the years. Lastly, Mayor Pro Tem Weill announced his attendance at the Steinway Society of Riverside County event at the library, noting that the performances were remarkable.
Council Member Marker shared that Foxy’s Kitchen and Bar would open on May 24, 2024. She shared a bit about Tim and Teri Fox, owners of the restaurant, and encouraged the community to dine at Foxy’s Kitchen and Bar.
Mayor Downs mentioned Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage marked the 10th anniversary of its grand reopening. He also provided an update on the Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) Traffic Relief Plan, pointing out that a portion of the Traffic Relief Plan outlined crucial projects for the Coachella Valley, including improvements to Highway 86, Interstate 10 improvements, and on/off ramps. He noted the possibility of a one percent sales tax increase to support the plan being on the November ballot. He also clarified which types of roadwork the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) handled and which were handled by individual cities. Mayor Downs also provided an overview of Assembly Constitutional Amendment No. 1 (ACA No.1), related to affordable housing, commenting that it would lower the threshold for passing a sales tax from two-thirds to fifty-five percent. He noted that every city in California was required to comply with updated housing elements, which required the construction of a significant number of affordable housing developments. He mentioned that the City Council had approved development agreements with three different developers for the development of affordable housing on four separate parcels. He explained that the intent of ACA No. 1 was to facilitate the process of raising capital for cities and counties to construct the necessary infrastructure to address affordable housing. Mayor Downs invited Tom Kirk, CVAG Executive Director, to the podium.
Tom Kirk noted the potential for the City’s responsibility for regional road maintenance to be reduced. He spoke on ACA No. 1, noting its relation to affordable housing, and recognized the City’s concerns over local road funding. He then spoke regarding CVAG’s Capital Improvement Program, noting ongoing projects and future initiatives including Coachella Valley Rail, increased capacity on Interstate 10, and toll lanes. Additionally, he reiterated his commitment to the Council for regional pavement management if funds became available.
Council Member Marker expressed gratitude to Mr. Kirk for his remarks and noted it was essential for the public to be educated on the subject at hand. She noted she was the City’s representative on the Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC).
Mayor Downs asked Mr. Kirk if ACA No. 1 would be on the November ballot.
Mr. Kirk responded that there was still an extensive amount of uncertainty around what would be on the ballot, and it was unknown if it would include ACA No.1.
Mayor Downs questioned whether RCTC could move forward with a sales tax proposal even if a two-thirds majority vote was required.
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Mr. Kirk replied that he still expected the sales tax proposal to proceed, adding that Riverside County had demonstrated its support for a sales tax measure that passed twice at the two-thirds level.
Public Comments
Brad Anderson, Rancho Mirage resident, spoke in opposition to ACA No. 1, noting that not everyone would benefit from it. He also spoke in opposition to toll roads.
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS – None.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Isaiah Hagerman, City Manager, presented the following Consent Calendar items:
1. Approve May 2, 2024, Regular Meeting Minutes.
2. Approve Final Parcel Map No. 38380 (Sanctuary).
3. Adopt Resolution No. 2024-21, Adopting the Amended and Restated Injury and Illness Prevention Plan.
4. Approve Contracts.
5. Approve Demands.
Public Comments
Brad Anderson, Rancho Mirage Resident, spoke regarding Agenda Item No. 4, expressing concern with a second phase of the Traffic Signal Interconnect project.
MOVED/SECONDED BY WEILL/MALLOTTO TO APPROVE THE CONSENT CALENDAR AS PRESENTED. MOTION CARRIED 5/0.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
6. Consider Adopting Resolution No. 2024-(Next-in-Order), Calling an Election on Levying a Special Tax within the Area Proposed to be Annexed to Community Facilities District No. 1 (Annexation No. 195), Declaring the Election Results, Approving the Annexation of the Territory and Directing the Recordation of the Amendment of the Notice of Special Tax Lien. (In Connection with Tentative Parcel Map No. 38692 - Eisenhower Medical Center)
Jacob De la Cruz, Financial Analyst, presented the staff report.
Public Testimony – None.
Kristie Ramos, City Clerk, declared the election results as follows: the ballot for the 5 eligible votes was received on April 16, 2024, and was in favor, therefore, votes cast in favor equal 100% of total votes cast.
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MOVED/SECONDED BY WEILL/MALLOTTO TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2024-22 CALLING
AN ELECTION ON LEVYING A SPECIAL TAX WITHIN THE AREA PROPOSED TO BE ANNEXED TO COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICT NO. 1 (ANNEXATION NO. 195),
DECLARING THE ELECTION RESULTS, APPROVING THE ANNEXATION OF THE
TERRITORY AND DIRECTING THE RECORDATION OF THE AMENDMENT OF THE NOTICE OF SPECIAL TAX LIEN, IN CONNECTION WITH TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP NO. TPM 38692.
MOTION CARRIED 5/0.
ACTION CALENDAR
7. Consider Approving Final Acceptance of Tennis Court Conversion to Pickleball Courts (Rancho Mirage Community Park).
Ryan Stendell, Director of Public Works, presented the staff report.
Public Comments
Brad Anderson, Rancho Mirage Resident, spoke in favor of the project, but expressed concern with the cost.
Mayor Downs acknowledged the efforts by Tim Esser to get additional pickleball courts in the City, noting that Mr. Esser now served on the City’s Community Parks and Trails Commission.
Isaiah Hagerman, City Manager, noted the total cost of the pickleball courts project was $96,900.
MOVED/SECONDED BY MALLOTTO/MARKER TO ACCEPT THE SUBJECT
CONSTRUCTION IMPROVEMENTS (CONVERSION OF TENNIS COURTS TO
PICKLEBALL COURTS AT RANCHO MIRAGE COMMUNITY PARK) AND AUTHORIZE STAFF TO RECORD THE NOTICE OF ACCEPTANCE WITH THE COUNTY RECORDER’S OFFICE. MOTION CARRIED 5/0.
8. Consider Appointments of Representatives to Serve on Boards and Commissions.
Kristie Ramos, City Clerk, presented the staff report and listed the following nominations:
Nominations for the Community Cultural Commission:
Mayor Downs: Kayla Pressman
Mayor Pro Tem Weill: Frank Furino
Council Member Mallotto: Sally Traidman
Council Member Marker: Donna Malouf
Council Member O’Keefe: Guido Portante
Nominations for the Community Emergency Preparedness Commission:
Mayor Downs: Mitch Brown
Mayor Downs: Katie Stice (Technical Advisor)
Mayor Downs: MaryLou Suter (Technical Advisor)
Mayor Pro Tem Weill: Gary Jones
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Council Member Mallotto: Kirk Dandridge
Council Member Marker: Tonia Hyams
Council Member O’Keefe: Caprice Leinonen
Nominations for the Community Parks and Trails Commission:
Mayor Downs: Tim Esser
Mayor Pro Tem Weill: Nathan Jacroux
Council Member Mallotto: Warren Schneider
Council Member Marker: Ehrick Wright
Council Member O’Keefe: Dennis Constant
Nominations for the Historic Preservation Commission:
Mayor Downs: Carol Leibowitz
Mayor Pro Tem Weill: Kurt Penn
Council Member Mallotto: Christian Braun
Council Member Marker: Craig Traupane
Council Member O’Keefe: Frank Lopez
Nominations for the Housing Commission:
Mayor Downs: Jennifer Caridi
Mayor Pro Tem Weill: Darrell Mulvihill
Council Member Mallotto: Scott Newton
Council Member Marker: Leigh Genesen
Council Member O’Keefe: Isaiah Harris
Nominations for the Library & Observatory Advisory Commission:
Mayor Downs: Ron Treat
Mayor Pro Tem Weill: Steve Ezer
Council Member Mallotto: Dom Summa
Council Member Marker: Lois Reese
Council Member O’Keefe: Donald Stein
Library Director/Astronomer Patrick Lambright (Technical Advisor)
Nominations for the Library & Observatory Foundation Board:
Mayor Downs: Robert Moon
Mayor Downs: Lucy Tagmyer
Mayor Pro Tem Weill: Gary Galton
Mayor Pro Tem Weill: Mary Willis-Yoshioka
Council Member Mallotto: Patrice Merritt
Council Member Marker: Peter Samuels
Council Member Marker: James Sowa
Council Member O’Keefe: Christine Hughes
Council Member O’Keefe: Leslie Usow
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Nominations for the Mobile Home Fair Practices Commission:
Mayor Downs: Marlene Cassetta
Mayor Pro Tem Weill: Diane Lynn
Council Member Mallotto: Stephen Moses
Council Member O’Keefe: Mike Renner
At-Large (Mobilehome Owner): Kenneth Easley
At-Large (Mobilehome Park Manager): Stan Markowitz
Nominations for the Planning Commission:
Mayor Downs: Murray Bryant
Mayor Pro Tem Weill: Jassen Agostini
Council Member Mallotto: Mark Curran
Council Member Marker: Pamela Chanter
Council Member O’Keefe: David Grey
Nominations for the Traffic Safety Commission:
Mayor Pro Tem Weill: Peter Javier
Council Member Mallotto: Steven Shuey
Council Member Marker: Owen McIntosh
Council Member O’Keefe: Michael Ziskind
Sheriff’s Department: Sheriff’s Sergeant Don Olson
Citizens on Patrol Services: COPS Captain Alfonso Carpenter
Mayor Downs nominated current Joslyn Center Board Member Hugo Aguas to continue serving on The Joslyn Center Board for the two-year term beginning July 1, 2024.
Mayor Downs also nominated Palm Springs International Airport Commissioner Keith Young to continue serving on the Airport Commission for the three-year term beginning July 1, 2024.
Public Comments
Brad Anderson, Rancho Mirage Resident, expressed concern with having to use the records request process to obtain information on residents who applied for commissions.
Council Member O’Keefe extended his appreciation to all the volunteers and encouraged all applicants to stay engaged in the City.
Mayor Downs echoed Council Member’s O’Keefe’s comments and shared his gratitude to all of those who serve on City commissions.
Mayor Pro Tem Weill thanked the applicants who were present, and shared he was looking forward to working with everyone.
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Isaiah Hagerman, City Manager, confirmed that the public was able to access residents’ applications for commissions via a public record request, as personal information needed to be redacted.
MOVED/SECONDED BY MALLOTT/WEILL TO RATIFY THE NOMINATIONS OF MEMBERS
TO SERVE ON VARIOUS BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS AS PRESENTED AND WAIVE ANY APPLICABLE TERM LIMITS. MOTION CARRIED 5/0.
9. Consider Annual Appointments of City Council Representatives to Various Outside Agency Boards, Committees, and Commissions.
Kristie Ramos, City Clerk, presented the staff report.
Public Comments
Brad Anderson, Rancho Mirage Resident, spoke in favor of Council Member O’Keefe serving as the City’s representative on the Coachella Valley Animal Campus Commission.
He mentioned he was unaware there was a Children's Discovery Museum board; however, he spoke in favor of the related appointment. He told the Council to keep up the good work.
MOVED/SECONDED BY WEILL/MARKER TO CONFIRM THE ANNUAL APPOINTMENTS OF
CITY COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES TO VARIOUS OUTSIDE AGENCY BOARDS, COMMITTEES, AND COMMISSIONS AS PRESENTED. MOTION CARRIED 5/0.
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 2:28 P.M.
Date Approved by City Council:
_______________________________
Kristie Ramos, City Clerk
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