DRAFT 07/18/2024 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Page 1 of 13
CITY COUNCIL,
LIBRARY AND OBSERVATORY BOARD,
HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD,
AND THE CITY COUNCIL REPRESENTING
THE REDEVELOPMENT SUCCESSOR AGENCY
REGULAR MEETING
THURSDAY, JULY 18, 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 Isaiah Hagerman, City Manager.
b)Roll Call: Mallotto, Marker, O’Keefe, Weill, Downs – Present.
PRESENTATIONS
Jewish Federation of the Desert Update
Alan Potash, CEO of the Jewish Federation of the Desert, announced that the Jewish Federation was taking over the Tolerance Education Center. He explained that the Tolerance Education Center faced challenges following the COVID-19 pandemic, which led them to contact the Jewish Federation about taking over leadership of the center’s mission. He introduced Jeff Hocker, Marketing & Public Relations for the Jewish Federation of the Desert, and mentioned they launched a podcast to engage with the community. He also introduced Bre Kotton as the new Education Director for the Tolerance Education Center and gave a presentation about the center.
Ms. Kotton spoke about her professional background and her journey to the Coachella Valley, which led her to work for the Tolerance Education Center.
Mayor Pro Tem Weill commented that he was pleased that the Jewish Federation of the Desert had taken over the Tolerance Education Center.
Mayor Downs expressed gratitude for the presentation. 4-1
DRAFT 07/18/2024 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 13
NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENTS
Brad Anderson, Rancho Mirage resident, expressed concern about automatic license plate readers, commenting that the information collected could be utilized unethically. He mentioned an investigation in Sacramento County involving the police department sharing data with outside agencies.
Wally Melendez, member of the public, expressed appreciation for the Rancho Mirage Library & Observatory. He spoke regarding the production of fuel cell electric vehicles by Hyundai and proposed that the City acquire hydrogen chargers. He also suggested opening a university in Rancho Mirage.
COUNCIL/BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS/REPORTS
Council Member O’Keefe spoke on the Citizens on Patrol Services (COPS) program and its ongoing efforts. He mentioned that the program could benefit from additional volunteers and encouraged anyone interested to visit the City website for more information. He shared that the Taste of Summer event would begin the next day and last until the end of July; residents could enjoy the ongoing deals while restaurants would benefit from the customers during the slowest time of year. Council Member O’Keefe noted that over 30 restaurants were participating, and wristband proceeds would benefit a charity of choice.
Mayor Pro Tem Weill spoke regarding the July 4th holiday and his attendance at the fireworks display at the Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa. He expressed gratitude for the the City’s relationship with the Agua Caliente Tribe, which began approximately 20 years ago.
Council Member Mallotto noted that the City Council recently attended the Cove Community Services Commission annual awards luncheon, which honored public safety personnel from the cities of Palm Desert, Indian Wells, and Rancho Mirage. She announced the names of the award recipients and commended all public safety officials for their service. She also shared that the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) recently held its annual General Assembly and complimented CVAG on the outstanding event. In conclusion, Council Member Mallotto announced that Mayor Pro Tem Weill was named chair of the CVAG Executive Committee.
Mayor Downs thanked everyone who wished him well throughout his medical recovery and reminded aging men of the significance of regular PSA testing and prostate screening for early detection. He reported that the short-term rental litigation had been resolved, with the judge ruling in favor of the City prohibiting short-term rentals in residential neighborhoods. He spoke regarding the 2022 election, noting that he, Council Member Mallotto, and Council Member Marker received 61% of the votes over three other candidates on the ballot who opposed the short-term rental ordinance. Mayor Downs also addressed speculation that the City Council authorized spending up to $4 million to upgrade the amphitheater by postponing a new fire station. He stated that the allegation was false; no discussion occurred regarding delaying the new fire station. He confirmed that the authorization for up to $4 million to refurbish the amphitheater was approved during the last budget session. He also spoke regarding the Human Rights Campaign, an organization that conducted surveys of cities around the country to assess diversity, equity, and equality. He noted that the maximum survey grade was 100 points and that the City of Rancho Mirage received a 100-point rating. 4-2
DRAFT 07/18/2024 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 13 CITY MANAGER COMMENTS – None.
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.Adopt Ordinance No. 1219, 2nd Reading, Adding Chapter 5.14 (Nonresidential Special Event Permits); Deleting Section 10.32.070 (Sidewalk Sales Prohibitions and Regulations); Deleting Chapter 8.10 (Illegal Dumping) and Adding Section 14.60.245 (Illegal Dumping); Adding Section 14.60.550 (Wasteful Landscape Irrigation and Vector Control) to Chapter 14.60 (Public Nuisances); Amending Chapters 5.04 (Business Licenses and Fees Generally) – Section 5.04.290 (Enforcement), Chapter 8.12 (Garbage Collection) – Section 8.12.170 (Self-Hauler Requirements), Chapter 6.60 (Animal Nuisances) – Section 6.60.010 (Animal Nuisances Defined), Chapter 10.40 (Stopping, Standing and Parking Regulations and Restrictions) – Section 10.40.120 (Street Vending – Permit Required – Restrictions), Chapter 14.60 (Public Nuisances) – Sections
14.60.050 (Trees and Shrubs) And 14.60.070 (Vehicle Parking), Chapter 14.80 (Administrative Citation and Appeal Procedures) – Section 14.80.030 (Time Period within which to Correct or Remedy Violations), Chapter 15.27 (Historic Preservation Program), Chapter 16.12 (Tentative Maps) – Section 16.12.080 (Expiration), Chapter 17.08 (Residential Districts) – Sections 17.08.012 (Allowable Residential Zone Uses, Permit Requirements and Project Review Authority) & 17.08.020 (Residential Districts General Development Standards), Chapter 17.20 (General Property and Use Standards) – Section 17.20.110 (Outdoor Storage), Chapter 17.30 (Standards for Specific Land Uses) –Section 17.30.030 (Animal Keeping), Chapter 17.34 (Introduction) – Section 17.34.010 (Introduction) of Division IV (Permits and Review), And Chapter 17.68 (Permit Implementation, Time Limits, and Extensions) – Section 17.68.060 (Expiration) of the Rancho Mirage Municipal Code.
3. Approve June 20, 2024, Regular Meeting Minutes.
4.Approve One-Year Extension of Completion Date for Parcel Map No. 37182 (Chandi).
5.Approve Final Parcel Map No. 38692 (Eisenhower Medical Center Child and Memory Care Facilities).
6.Approve Final Parcel Map No. 38152 (Clancy Lane).
7.Adopt Joint Resolution No. 2024-42, 2024-HA-04, 2024-SA-01, 2024-LB-02, 2024-CSD- 02, and 2024-JPFA-01, Approving Adoption of a Revised Purchasing Procedures Policy.
8. Approve Contracts.
9. Approve Demands.
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DRAFT 07/18/2024 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 13 Public Comments
Brad Anderson, Rancho Mirage resident, spoke regarding Consent Calendar Item No. 2, noting that the provision involved more rules and fewer property rights. He commented that the City was overreaching on the section pertaining to wasteful landscape irrigation and vector control, expressing that it appeared to be aimed at specific properties. He opposed limiting the number of animals that may be kept at a single residence. He also opposed Consent Calander Item No. 7, noting that the insurance waivers would not benefit the citizens.
Colin Kirkpatrick, City Attorney, announced that Council Member Marker would recuse herself from Consent Calendar Item No. 8 due to a potential conflict of interest, as her company, Marker Broadcasting, did business with The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa.
MOVED/SECONDED BY WEILL/MALLOTTO TO APPROVE CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM NOS. 1-7, AND 9, AS PRESENTED. MOTION CARRIED 5/0.
MOVED/SECONDED BY WEILL/MALLOTTO TO APPROVE CONSENT CALENDER ITEM NO. 8 AS PRESENTED. MOTION CARRIED 4/0 (MARKER RECUSED).
PUBLIC HEARINGS
10. Consolidated Landscaping & Lighting Maintenance Assessment District No. 87-01 - Final Engineer’s Annual Levy Report & Levy of Assessments for Fiscal Year 2024/2025.
A. Consider Adopting Resolution No. 2024-(Next-in-Order), Approving the Final Engineer’s Annual Levy Report for the Consolidated Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance Assessment District No. 87-01 for Fiscal Year 2024/2025.
B. Consider Adopting Resolution No. 2024-(Next-In-Order), Ordering the Levy and Collection of Annual Assessments for the Consolidated Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance Assessment District No. 87-01 for Fiscal Year 2024/2025.
Ryan Stendell, Director of Public Works, presented the staff report.
Public Testimony – None.
MOVED/SECONDED BY MALLOTTO/WEILL TO:
A. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2024-43, APPROVING THE FINAL ENGINEER’S ANNUAL
LEVY REPORT FOR THE CONSOLIDATED LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 87-01 FOR FY 2024/2025; B. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2024-44, ORDERING THE LEVY AND COLLECTION OF
ANNUAL ASSESSMENTS FOR THE CONSOLIDATED LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 87-01 FOR FY 2024/2025; AND
C. DIRECT THE CITY CLERK TO FILE WITH THE APPROPRIATE AGENCIES
CERTIFIED COPIES OF THE ABOVE RESOLUTIONS AS MAY BE REQUIRED, TOGETHER WITH ACCOMPANYING EXHIBITS, ATTACHMENTS AND REPORTS.
MOTION CARRIED 5/0. 4-4
DRAFT 07/18/2024 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Page 5 of 13
11.Environmental Assessment Case No. EA24-0003, General Plan Zoning Map Amendment Case No. GPZMA24-0002, and Specific Plan Amendment Case No. SP24-0001 – Rancho Mirage Dog Park Property Land Use Reconfiguration. Applicant: City of Rancho Mirage. Consideration of a general plan zoning map amendment to reconfigure the existing land use which is currently split with approximately 25.21 acres of High Density Residential (R-H) on the south end and approximately 28.55 of Public Park (OS-PP) on the north end of the project site. The land use designations will be reconfigured so that the High Density Residential (R-H) is on the eastern side of the project site and the Public Park (OS-PP) on the western side. An amendment to the Monterey Specific Plan is also proposed to reflect these changes on the land use map. No new land uses or increases/decreases of present land uses or density are proposed, the project consists of reconfiguring the existing land use categories. The project site is located at the southeast corner of Key Largo Avenue and Via Vail. (APNs: 685-090-009, -012, -014, - 015, -016, & -017).
A. Consider Finding that the Action is Exempt from CEQA Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15162 (Subsequent EIRs and Negative Declarations).
B. Consider Adopting Resolution No. 2024-(Next-In-Order), Approving General Plan Zoning Map Amendment (GPZMA24-0002).
C. Consider Introducing and Adopting Ordinance No. (Next-In-Order), Approving Specific Plan Amendment (SP24-0001).
Ben Torres, Planning Manager, presented the staff report.
Public Testimony
Brad Anderson, Rancho Mirage resident, expressed concern about the project’s timing.
MOVED/SECONDED BY O’KEEFE/WEILL TO:
A. FIND THAT THE ACTION IS EXEMPT FROM CEQA PURSUANT TO CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15162 (SUBSEQUENT EIRS AND NEGATIVE
DECLARATIONS);
B. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2024-45, APPROVING GENERAL PLAN ZONING MAP AMENDMENT (GPZMA24-0002); AND
C. INTRODUCE ORDINANCE NO. 1220, 1ST READING, APPROVING SPECIFIC PLAN AMENDMENT (SP24-0001).
MOTION CARRIED 5/0.
12.Preliminary Development Plan Case No. PDP24-0002 and Environmental Assessment Case No. EA24-0005 – Via Vail Apartments. Applicant: Pacific West Companies, Inc.
Consideration of an affordable housing development, Via Vail Apartments, consisting of 236 units comprised of fifteen (15) two-story buildings with residential amenities such as a pool, community room, fitness room, leasing room, laundry facilities, and a tot lot. The units will be 100% affordable except for the three manager units that will remain unrestricted. The proposed project will have a density capacity of approximately 24 dwelling units/acre. The 10±-acre subject site is located on the southern side of Via Vail, 4-5
DRAFT 07/18/2024 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Page 6 of 13 between Monterey Avenue and Key Largo Avenue, adjacent to the Rancho Mirage Dog Park. (APN: 685-090-017).
A. Consider Adopting Resolution No. 2024-(Next-in-Order), Approving the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program and Mitigated Negative Declaration (SCH#2024060305) for the Proposed Project Based on Environmental Assessment Case No. EA24-0005.
B. Consider Adopting Resolution No. 2024-(Next-in-Order), Approving Preliminary Development Plan Case No. PDP24-0002.
C. Consider Adopting Resolution No. 2024-(Next-in-Order), Approving City Development Impact Fee Deferral in Support of Pacific West Communities, Inc.
Pilar Lopez, Senior Planner, presented the staff report.
Lauren Alexander, Pacific West Companies representative, provided a presentation on the Pacific West Companies and the operations of the project.
Public Testimony
Brad Anderson, Rancho Mirage resident, expressed concerns about the project’s potential mess and elevation.
David Kowalczyk, Vice President of Human Resources for Eisenhower Health, thanked the City Council on behalf of the Rancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Directors for bringing additional housing to Rancho Mirage. He mentioned that Eisenhower Health had approximately 4,800 employees, many of whom were low-income and struggled to find reasonable accommodation near the main campus. He added that affordable housing was significantly important to the business community and the Eisenhower Health team.
Michael Murgas, Director of Sales and Marketing for Omni Rancho Las Palmas, spoke in support of additional housing in Rancho Mirage, noting that it was a business-friendly decision. He commended the City Council on behalf of the Rancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce along with the Board of Directors for their efforts to bring affordable housing and other developments to Rancho Mirage that attracted a top-tier workforce.
Council Member Mallotto commented on the challenges in bringing affordable housing to Rancho Mirage following the dissolution of the Redevelopment Agency in 2012. She noted that California’s state housing obligation remained, but the funds had diminished. She praised the Development Services Department, Planning Commission, Pacific West Companies, National Community Renaissance, USA Properties, and the prior City Council for their commitment to affordable housing.
Council Member Mallotto expressed excitement for the upcoming project and congratulated City staff and the developers.
Mayor Downs commented that affordable housing was considerably appropriate for the City’s health and economy. He mentioned he had lunch with the Rancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors in December 2021 and shared that they discussed affordable housing as a crucial contributor to Rancho Mirage’s workforce development.
Mayor Pro Tem Weill expressed appreciation for the housing development. He shared that the state mandate required approximately 1,700 housing units and that 2,300 units had received approval. 4-6
DRAFT 07/18/2024 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Page 7 of 13 MOVED/SECONDED BY WEILL/MALLOTTO TO:
A. ADOPT RESOLUTION No. 2024-46, APPROVING THE MITIGATION MONITORING
AND REPORTING PROGRAM AND MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION (SCH#2024060305) FOR THE PROPOSED PROJECT BASED ON ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT CASE NO. EA24-0005;
B. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2024-47, APPROVING PRELIMINARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN CASE NO. PDP24-0002; AND
C. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2024-48, APPROVING CITY DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEE DEFERRAL IN SUPPORT OF PACIFIC WEST COMMUNITIES, INC.
MOTION CARRIED 5/0.
ACTION CALENDAR
13.Consider Authorizing the City Manager to Enter into an Agreement, Approved as to Form by the City Attorney, with Visit Greater Palm Springs to bring the Live with Kelly & Mark Television Show to Rancho Mirage (if selected), in an Amount Not to Exceed $200,000.
Colin Kirkpatrick, City Attorney, announced that Council Member Marker would recuse herself from consideration of Item No. 13, due to her business relationship with The Westin Rancho Mirage.
Council Member Marker left the Council Chamber.
Gabe Codding, Director of Marketing, presented the staff report.
Carolina Viazcan, Vice President of Sales for Visit Greater Palm Springs, expressed gratitude for the prospective consideration, noting that it was an excellent opportunity to promote the City of Rancho Mirage, resorts, and the Palm Springs region. She thanked the City Council for their support.
Shannon Gilbert, General Manager of The Ritz-Calton Rancho Mirage, expressed excitement for the opportunity and thanked Visit Greater Palm Springs for their efforts. She spoke of the marketing opportunities for Rancho Mirage and the Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage.
Tom Scaramellino, General Manager of The Westin Rancho Mirage, spoke in favor of the proposed consideration, explaining that it was a significant opportunity for all commerce in the City.
Michael Murgas, Director of Sales and Marketing for Omni Rancho Las Palmas, commented that the proposed opportunity was unusual, and he hoped that the City Council would take it into consideration.
Ms. Viazcan shared that the Visit Greater Palm Springs Board approved $1 million in funding.
Mr. Codding explained that the production crew was scheduled to visit the area at the end of July, to make a destination decision, and that approval of the proposed funding was contingent on whether Rancho Mirage was selected.
Mayor Downs asked when a final selection decision was expected. 4-7
DRAFT 07/18/2024 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Page 8 of 13 Ms. Viazcan responded the decision would be made shortly after the scouting sessions.
Mr. Codding noted that a final decision was expected by early August.
Public Comments – None.
Council Member O’Keefe commented that tourism was Rancho Mirage’s primary industry, and the opportunity was an excellent fit. He rated Rancho Mirage’s resorts as the greatest in the Coachella Valley.
Mayor Pro Tem Weill requested clarification on the agreement’s budgetary implications.
Isaiah Hagerman, City Manager, explained that new funding was not being requested; the budgeted tourism fund, which was distinct from the general fund, was redirected towards the proposed agreement.
Council Member Mallotto expressed support of the proposed agreement.
Mayor Downs spoke in favor of the event, noting that contributions from Rancho Mirage, Visit Greater Palm Springs, and the local hotels would benefit the community on a larger scale.
MOVED/SECONDED BY MALLOTTO/WEILL TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER
INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH VISIT GREATER PALM SPRINGS, FOR AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $200,000, TO BRING THE LIVE WITH KELLY & MARK TELEVISION SHOW TO RANCHO MIRAGE, IF SELECTED. MOTION CARRIED 4/0 (MARKER RECUSED).
14. Consider Approving Sponsorship of the 2025 Rancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce Rammy Awards in an Amount Not to Exceed $15,000.
Colin Kirkpatrick, City Attorney, announced that Council Member Marker would recuse herself from consideration of Item No. 14, due to her business relationship with the Rancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce. Council Member Marker left the Council Chamber.
Gabe Codding, Director of Marketing, presented the staff report.
Katie Stice, CEO of Rancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce, thanked the City Council for their support throughout the years. She spoke regarding the Rammy Awards, mentioning that the Chamber of Commerce would hold their event at the Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage.
Public Comments – None.
Mayor Downs spoke in favor of sponsoring the Rancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce Rammy Awards.
MOVED/SECONDED BY O’KEEFE/MALLOTTO TO APPROVE SPONSORSHIP OF THE 2025 RAMMY AWARDS AT THE RITZ-CARLTON, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $15,000, IN CELEBRATING THE RANCHO MIRAGE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 70TH ANNIVERSARY.
MOTION CARRIED 4/0 (MARKER RECUSED). 4-8
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15. Consider Introducing Ordinance No. (Next-in-Order), 1st Reading, Amending Section
10.60.020 (Speed Limits Designated) of Chapter 10.60 (Speed Regulation) of Title 10 (Vehicles and Traffic) of the Rancho Mirage Municipal Code.
Ryan Stendell, Director of Public Works, presented the staff report.
Public Comments
Brad Anderson, Rancho Mirage resident, mentioned that he had attended a few Traffic Safety Commission meetings and thanked Mr. Stendell for speaking up about deferring bringing up speed limits before legislation. He commented on the traffic studies and his concerns about traffic diversions on Tamarisk Road.
Council Member O’Keefe requested clarification on the procedure of modifying speed limits.
Mr. Stendell responded that the City engineer had flexibility to increase or decrease speed limits, up to five miles per hour, and that flexibility could increase once the definitions of the passed assembly legislations were known. He mentioned that while major roadways would see several changes in speed limits, there was no need to modify speed limits generally, due to the City’s low traffic concerns.
Council Member Mallotto commended Mr. Stendell for addressing the concerns of the residents of the Tamarisk area and inquired about the purpose of the road striping.
Mr. Stendell explained that the City engineer analyzed complaints from residents in the affected area and devised the solution of edge striping to create friction with cars, which was successful in decreasing traffic issues.
MOVED/SECONDED BY MALLOTTO/MARKER TO:
A. ACCEPT THE FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE ENGINEERING AND TRAFFIC SURVEY DATED SEPTEMBER 25, 2023; AND
B. INTRODUCE ORDINANCE NO. 1221, 1ST READING, AMENDING SECTION 10.60.020 (SPEED LIMITS DESIGNATED) OF CHAPTER 10.60 (SPEED REGULATION) OF TITLE 10 (VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC) OF THE RANCHO MIRAGE MUNICIPAL CODE.
MOTION CARRIED 5/0.
16. Consider Adopting Resolution No. 2024-(Next-in-Order), Determining the Amount of Property Tax Revenue to be Exchanged Between the County of Riverside and the City of Rancho Mirage Pursuant to LAFCO 2022-01-4 Relating to the Annexation of Approximately 256 Acres of the Section 24 Specific Plan that is Located within the Agua Caliente Indian Reservation (Annexation Case No. ANN22-0001).
Ben Torres, Planning Manager, presented the staff report.
The meeting was recessed for a break at 2:47 P.M. and reconvened at 2:51 P.M.
Colin Kirkpatrick, City Attorney, reported that the City Council went into recess due to a potential conflict of interest concerning the Council Members proximity to the annexation area. He announced4-9
DRAFT 07/18/2024 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Page 10 of 13 that Council Member Mallotto and O’Keefe would recuse themselves from consideration of Item No. 16 due to the proximity of their residences to the annexation area. Council Members Mallotto and O’Keefe left the Council Chamber.
Public Comments – None.
Mayor Downs commented that the Tribe requested the City Council participate in the annexation of the parcel of land.
MOVED/SECONDED BY WEILL/MALLOTTO TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2024-49,
DETERMINING THE AMOUNT OF PROPERTY TAX REVENUE TO BE EXCHANGED BETWEEN
THE COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE AND THE CITY OF RANCHO MIRAGE REGARDING THE ANNEXATION OF APPROXIMATELY 256 ACRES OF SECTION 24 TO THE CITY OF RANCHO MIRAGE. MOTION CARRIED 3/0 (MALLOTTO AND O’KEEFE RECUSED).
17. Consider Adopting Resolution No. 2024-(Next-in-Order), Requiring City Commissioners, Board Members, and Volunteers Submit to Criminal Background Checks.
Kristie Ramos, City Clerk, presented the staff report.
Public Comments
Brad Anderson, Rancho Mirage resident, spoke in opposition to the proposed resolution, commenting that it appeared intrusive.
Council Member Marker commented that it was essential to conduct background checks for volunteers that worked with children. She thanked the City Manager, City Clerk, and City Attorney for their due diligence on the report.
Council Member Mallotto commented that background checks were routine procedures to protect children.
Mayor Downs spoke in favor of the background checks, noting it would protect Rancho Mirage residents while also addressing liability concerns.
Isaiah Hagerman, City Manager, emphasized that the recommendation for background checks was not political and shared a real-life scenario that prompted staff to consider recommending implementation of background checks.
MOVED/SECONDED BY MALLOTTO/MARKER TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2024-50,
REQUIRING CITY COMMISSIONERS, BOARD MEMBERS, AND VOLUNTEERS SUBMIT TO CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS. MOTION CARRIED 5/0.
18. Consider Authorizing the City Manager to Enter into an Agreement, Approved as to Form by the City Attorney, with Celplan Wireless Global Solutions for a Wireless Master Plan in the Amount of $197,875.
Jason Jaurigue, Director of Information Services, presented the staff report. 4-10
DRAFT 07/18/2024 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Page 11 of 13 Isaiah Hagerman, City Manager, spoke regarding the circumstances surrounding previous cell phone towers that were approved but not established by the carriers. He commented on the feedback from residents about inadequate reception and mentioned that the proposed agreement was a more proactive solution. He discussed new technology that could improve mobile coverage and noted that consulting with experts on the subject would help the City develop a plan of action.
Public Comments
Brad Anderson, Rancho Mirage resident, opposed the proposition, commenting that the carriers had already assessed coverage and the information could be obtained from them.
Council Member O’Keefe commented that the lack of cell phone coverage was a public safety issue that needed to be resolved.
Council Member Mallotto mentioned that as more housing was developed, cellphone usage would increase, and the City Council was attempting to be as proactive as possible in addressing the issue.
She echoed Council Member O’Keefe’s comment about the lack of coverage being a safety issue and spoke on her experience dealing with limited cell phone reception.
Mayor Pro Tem Weill spoke in favor of the agreement, commenting on the inadequate reception and the challenges caused by cell phone companies failing to construct approved towers.
Council Member Marker echoed the concerns regarding inadequate cell phone coverage, noting that land lines were also crucial in an emergency.
Mayor Downs commented that the lack of cell phone coverage was also a quality-of-life issue and that the proposed agreement would assist the City in engaging with experts to find a solution. He addressed residents’ claims that the City Council opposed additional cell phone towers, clarifying that the assertions were false.
MOVED/SECONDED BY O’KEEFE/MALLOTTO TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO
ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT, APPROVED AS TO FORM BY THE CITY ATTORNEY, WITH
CELPLAN WIRELESS GLOBAL SOLUTIONS, FOR A WIRELESS MASTER PLAN IN THE AMOUNT OF $197,875. MOTION CARRIED 5/0.
19. Consider Authorizing the City Manager to Enter into Agreement(s), Approved as to Form by the City Attorney, with Imperial Irrigation District (IID) Regarding the Financing of a Substation to Serve the City, Including an Initial Deposit Not to Exceed $1.2 Million.
Isaiah Hagerman, City Manager, presented the staff report.
Public Comments
Brad Anderson, Rancho Mirage resident, opposed the agreement with IID and commented that the construction of a substation was for the previously approved low-income housing, which was an uncommon procedure.
Mayor Pro Tem Weill spoke regarding the importance of supplying power to the neighboring areas, mentioning that it was crucial to the City’s progress. 4-11
DRAFT 07/18/2024 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Page 12 of 13 Mayor Downs commented on the circumstances surrounding IID’s reluctance to fund the substation and the City’s approach to divide the expense.
MOVED/SECONDED BY MALLOTTO/WEILL TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER
INTO AGREEMENT(S), APPROVED AS TO FORM BY THE CITY ATTORNEY, WITH IMPERIAL
IRRIGATION DISTRICT REGARDING THE FINANCING OF A SUBSTATION TO SERVE THE CITY, INCLUDING AN INITIAL DEPOSIT NOT TO EXCEED $1.2 MILLION. MOTION CARRIED 5/0.
20. Consider Providing Staff Direction Regarding Tenet Lease with Desert Healthcare District and the Non-Compete Provision, which Restricts Taxpayer Funds and Elected Board’s Over the Next 30 Years.
Isaiah Hagerman, City Manager, presented the staff report.
Public Comments
Brad Anderson, Rancho Mirage resident, spoke in favor of the City Council’s recommendation regarding the Tenet lease with the Desert Healthcare District. He commented on the Desert Healthcare District's administration and taxpayer funds.
Mayor Pro Tem Weill commended Mr. Hagerman for voicing genuine concerns for the public’s benefit regarding the Tenet lease and recognizing the non-compete clause. He commented on the language of the draft lease and expressed hope that the final product would be less restrictive.
Mr. Hagerman mentioned that Michele Finney, CEO of Desert Care Network, had submitted a Valley Voice article on the topic.
Council Member Mallotto commented that acute patient facilities should prioritize the public community over their shareholders.
Mayor Downs recited the Desert Healthcare District’s mission statement, noting that it did not align with the language of the Tenet lease. He shared that the City Council-approved letter and resolution was delivered to the Desert Healthcare District and encouraged anyone with concerns to express them to the District at future meetings.
CLOSED SESSION AGENDA
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - POTENTIAL INITIATION OF LITIGATION Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d) (4). (One Potential Case) Colin Kirkpatrick, City Attorney, reported that the City Council would recess into closed session to confer with legal counsel regarding one potential initiation of litigation 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 4:27 P.M. 4-12
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RECONVENE OPEN SESSION
Mayor Downs reconvened the meeting at 4:50 P.M.
CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENTS
Colin Kirkpatrick, 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 4:51 P.M.
Date Approved by City Council:
____________________
Kristie Ramos, City Clerk
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