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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 :
City of Rancho Mirage
City Hall -Counci l Chamber
69 -825 Highway 111
Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
CALL TO ORDER -1 :01 P .M .
REGULAR MEETING
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2024
1 :00 P.M.
MINUTES
a) Flag Sa lute -Led by Council Member O'Keefe .
b) Roll Call: Mallotto , O'Keefe, Weill, Downs -All Present.
Mayor Downs extended warm wishes to the Jewish community on the occasion of Rosh Hashanah.
PRESENTATIONS
Palm Springs International Airport Master Plan Presentation .
Keith Young, Palm Springs International Airport Commissioner, gave an update on recent developments at the airport. He then introduced Mark Waier, Principal of Daley Strategies, Victoria Carpenter, Airport Administration Manager for the Palm Springs International Airport, and Jake Ingrassia, Marketing & Communication Specia li st for the Palm Springs International Airport, to present the Palm Springs International Airport Master Plan.
J Mr. Waier thanked Commissioner Young and the City for their support and presented an overview of the Palm Springs International Airport Master Plan. 10/03/202~Regular City Coun c.!i__M eetin g Minu_t e_s ______________ Page _1 of 9 _______ _
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Children's Discovery Museum of the Desert Update .
Council Member O'Keefe shared his enthusiasm for serving as the City's representative to the Children 's Discovery Museum. He highlighted the successfu l reopening of the museum in May after a four-year closure . Council Member O'Keefe presented a brief video showcasing the museum's reopening and introduced Cindy Burreson, CEO of the Children's Discovery Museum of the Desert.
Ms. Burreson provided an update on the Children's Discovery Museum , covering recent accomplishments and future initiatives .
NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENTS
Eric Ornelas, Communications Specialist at The Annenberg Foundation Trust at Sunnylands, President of Safe Schools for Desert Cities, and Board Director at the Rancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce , provided a business update from the Rancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce . He announced that the Chamber would host the Rancho Mirage State of the City on October 10th at the Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa. He also announced that Sunnylands had opened for its 14th season and provided an overview of their upcoming events . Mr. Ornelas concluded by thanking the City for its ongoing support.
Susan Ragsdale , member of the public, commented on the circumstances surrounding the termination of her tenancy.
Kristin Kramer, Rancho Mirage resident, expressed concerns about a safety issue related to the "No Turn on Red" sign at the intersection of Highway 111 and Frank Sinatra Drive . She also expressed concerns about pedestrians walking up the hill past The Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage and suggested adding a pedestrian pathway to improve safety .
Jim Fitzgerald, member of the public , spoke regarding the Fair Political Practices Commission's (FPPC) stance regarding Marker Broadcasting. He clarified his relationship with Marker Broadcasting and emphasized his extensive professional experience , noting his company's track record of successful event production , particularly his longstanding involvement with the City of Rancho Mirage.
Mayor Downs expressed gratitude to Mr. Fitzgerald for his contributions to the City of Ranch Mirage.
Wally Melendez, member of the public , voiced concerns about College of the Desert (COD) and advocated for the establishment of a local higher education institution in Rancho Mirage.
Patrick Lowry, Rancho Mirage resident, commented on his experience with the Palm Springs International Airport. He discussed his foundation , Adams St. Martin Foundation , and its support for the Children's Discovery Museum of the Desert in honor of his son . He expressed concern about the inadequate number of public safety officials in the community , emphasizing speeding as a significant problem, and commenting on high property and theft crime rates .
Tom Tokheim, Rancho Mirage resident , highlighted his professional experience and spoke of ways to prevent conflicts of interest in regard to agreements. 10/03/2024 Re~ul~ Ci!_y Co~ncil _MeE:.!in g Minutes --------Page 2 of 9 - -
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Gregory Goodman, Rancho Mirage resident, requested that the minutes from the previous Council meeting accurately reflect his comment suggested that the City allocate funds from recent savings to hire a dedicated Economic Development Director, citing the elimination of six (6) staff positions. He criticized a recently approved resolution , arguing that it posed a threat to small businesses . He noted that the resolution compelled businesses to choose between doing business with the City or a Council Member. Mr. Goodman expressed the importance of a business-friendly City, advocating for the appointment of an Economic Development Director and the reversal of the related resolution . He noted the closed session agenda item and commented that the public would be watching closely to ensure the responsible use of taxpayer funds .
COUNCIL/BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS/REPORTS
Council Member O'Keefe provided updates on the wash on Frank Sinatra Drive , noting that there had been discussions over the years about constructing a bridge over the wash. He explained that the project was ultimately abandoned due to its impracticality and financial implications. He emphasized the importance of pedestrian connectivity within the City and noted that the City Council had directed staff to explore a locally funded project to improve connectivity at the intersection near Wolfson Park. Council Member O'Keefe explained that staff had determined that extending the south side of the roadway further into the channel was the most practical solution to accommodate bicycle and pedestrian access. He added that staff conferred with the Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) in April and were informed that the proposal would be deemed suitable for consideration . He mentioned that the project was currently in the 'project approval and environmental design' phase , and the next step would be to obtain formal approval from all relevant agencies . He noted that coordinating with multiple jurisdictions could be time-consuming, but all parties involved were motivated to secure approval for the project. He also announced the City's first Rancho Mirage Rescue Rally on October 12th at the Rancho Mirage Library & Observatory, noting that roughly 100 dogs and cats would be available for adoption . He detailed the several pet services that would be available and free of charge. Council Member O 'Keefe shared he was the City representative on the Coachella Valley Animal Campus Commission and was inspired by the shelter visits to help alleviate the overcrowding conditions. He thanked Aaron Espinosa, Library & Observatory Director, and the library and observatory staff for hosting the event.
Mayor Pro T em Weill reported his attendance at the 8th Annual A Few Good Men and Women Gala on September 27th , which honored notable Coachella Valley individuals for their significant contributions to the community. He recognized Brandon Weimer, Co-Founder of Brandini Toffee, as an honoree at the event and commended his efforts in the community. He noted his personal connection with Mr. Weimer and shared a 2017 story about Brandini Toffee's expansion into a larger facility to accommodate their growth. He explained that Brandini Toffee operates a unique model , manufacturing and selling their products from the same location . Mayor Pro Tern Weill recognized the City's successful partnership with the Coachella Valley Symphony, highlighting their contributions to memorable shows at the Rancho Mirage Amphitheater over the past seasons . He shared that CV Symphony's 32nd annual season would begin with their annual Halloween Spooktacular on October 19th , noting that the free concert at the McCallum Theatre was made possible partly through a partnership with the City of Rancho Mirage. Mayor Pro Tern Weill also expressed his appreciation to Dr. Lisa Lindley, CEO of CV Symphony, and John Mario, Music Director & Conductor, for their dedication to the organization and their commitment to enriching the community through music. 1~/03/2024 R~gula r City Co ~ncil Meeting Min_utes Page 3 of 9
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Council Member Mallotto announced the appointment of Ron Stillman to the Community Emergency Preparedness Commission. She expressed gratitude for Mr. Stillman's willingness to serve and acknowledged his valuable contributions to the community. She recognized the successfu l National Night Out event, thanking the Sheriffs Department, Fire Department, vendors, participants, service organizations, and Hayley Tice, Marketing & Events specialist, for their contributions. In addition , Council Member Mallotto congratulated Aaron Espinosa , Library & Observatory Director, for being named the California Library Association (CLA) Member of the Year. She noted that despite overseeing the Rancho Mirage Library and Observatory, Mr. Espinosa also managed the Rancho Mirage Writers Festival, which recently announced Bill Gates as an attendee. She mentioned that Mr. Espinosa was a lso the Staff Liaison for the Library and Observatory Foundation Board, the Library and Observatory Advisory Commission, and the Community Cultural Commission. She highlighted the achievements of the Rancho Mirage Library and Observatory, announcing that Mr. Espinosa would be honored at the CLA Annual Conference and that the library itself would receive the CLA PR Excellence Award for its 1oth Annual Rancho Mirage Artists Studio Tour and Pop-Up Gallery, which showcases local artists. Council Member Mallotto commended Mr. Espinosa and Library and Observatory staff on behalf of the City Council, the community, and library and observatory patrons for their dedication to providing excellent services.
Mr. Espinosa expressed appreciation for being recognized as the California Library Association (CLA) Member of the Year. He reflected on his journey working for the City of Rancho Mirage, noting that he never anticipated working in library serv ices. Mr. Espinosa shared that the CLA award honors not only him but a lso the Rancho Mirage team and community . He expressed gratitude to his family, noting that his daughters' love of reading inspired his commitment to accessible and welcoming libraries. He thanked the City Council, City Manager, and City staff for their partnership , which has been instrumental in the library and observatory's achievements. Mr. Espinosa recognized the invaluable contributions of the Rancho Mirage Library and Observatory staff, noting that their collaborative efforts have fostered his growth as a leader and contributed to the library's overall success . He also commended Jamie Kabler, Founder, Chairman , and President of the Rancho Mirage Writers Festival , and the Writers Festival Team for their efforts in making the Writers Festival a success .
Mayor Downs referenced a previously approved procedure adopted by the City Council to safeguard the public interest from potential conflicts of interest. He exp lained that State law prohibited cities from entering into contracts with businesses owned by City Council Members. He added that the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) had emphasized the responsibility of elected officials to avoid any appearance of a potential conflict of interest. Mayor Downs displayed a conflict of interest declaration form and explained that the City Council would implement the use of the form when conducting business with external vendors. He noted that the form would reassure Rancho Mirage residents and businesses that the City was taking reasonable steps to prevent impropriety and comply with State law. Additionally, Mayor Downs addressed the issue of cellular reception , c larifying that there were no barriers preventing cellular companies from constructing new cell towers. He shared that two cell towers had recently been approved ; one at the Highway 111 Fire Station and another at a building near the intersection of Bob Hope Drive and Highway 111. He reaffirmed that the City had also approved the development of a wireless master plan to enhance cellular service throughout the City .
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS -None .
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CONSENT CALENDAR
Isaiah Hagerman, City Manager, presented the following Consent Calendar Items:
1. Approve September 19, 2024, Regular Meeting Minutes . 2 . Approve Appointment of Ron Stillman to the Rancho Mirage Community Emergency Preparedness Commission . 3 . Approve Demands .
Public Comments -None.
Council Member O'Keefe requested that an exact quote of his comments regarding Agenda Item No. 7 be included in the September 19, 2024, Regular City Council Meeting Minutes.
MOVED/SECONDED BY O'KEEFE/WEILL TO APPROVE THE CONSENT CALENDAR, INCLUDING THE REQUESTED REVISION TO THE SEPTEMBER 19, 2024 MINUTES. MOTION CARRIED 4/0.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
4 . Environmental Assessment Case No . EA23-0010 , General Plan Zoning Map Amendment Case No. GPZMA23-0004, and Tentative Tract Map Case No. TTM23-0003 (Tentative Tract Map No . 38041) -Applicant: Mark Howard , La Paloma Homes , Inc . Consideration to Subdivide the 8.42-Acre Project Site into a 17 Residential Lot Gated Community with Lots Ranging in Size from Approximately 12,511 Square Feet to 22 ,323 Square Feet. Private Streets are Proposed in Addition to a Retention Basin and Perimeter Landscaping within the Common Areas of the Development. Access to the Site will be Via a Gated Entry Along Via Josefina , with an Emergency Access Gate Along Key Largo Avenue. A General Plan Zoning Map Amendment is also Proposed to Modify the Land Use Designation of APN : 685-080 -031 for a 1.5-Acre Portion of this Parcel from Very Low Density Residential (R -L-2) to Medium Density Residential (R -M). No Single-Family Residence Architectural Plans are Proposed as Part of this Project. The Subject Property is Located on the East Side of Via Josefina at the Terminus of Victory Drive (APNs: 685-080-031 I 685-080-010 I & 685 -030 -006), A. Consider Adopting Resolution No. 2024 -(Next-in -Order), Approving the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program and Mitigated Negative Declaration (SCH# 2024050169) for the Proposed Project Based on Environmental Assessment Case No . EA23-001 O; and B. Consider Adopting Resolution No . 2024-(Next-in-Order), Approving General Plan Zoning Map Amendment Case No . GPZMA23-0004 and approving Tentative Tract Map Case No . TTM23-0003 .
Ben Torres, Planning Manager, presented the staff report. 10/03/2024 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes ------_Pag ~ 5 o!._9
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Public Testimony
Mario Gonzales, CEO and President of GHA Companies, thanked Majna Dukie, Director of Development Services, and Ben Torres , Planning Manager, for their hard work on the project. He recognized the Planning Commission's support for the project's approval on September 12th. He noted that GHA Companies had been developing homes in Rancho Mirage since the mid-1980s and expressed enthusiasm for contributing further to the community . He noted that the conditions of approval were reviewed, approved, and aligned with the recommendations of Rancho Mirage staff and the Planning Commission , and expressed optimism regarding the project's approval. Mr. Gonzalez highlighted the challenges posed by the lack of services, particularly from the Imperial Irrigation District (IID), and offered to support the efforts to address the community's needs.
Mayor Downs expressed support for the proposed project, referencing his attendance at the previous Planning Commission meeting . He thanked Mr. Gonzalez for his contributions.
Mayor Pro Tern Weill echoed Mayor Downs' comments, noting his own attendance at the Planning Commission meeting where the proposed project was discussed.
MOVED/SECONDED BY WEILUMALLOTTO TO:
A.
B.
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2024-57, APPROVING THE MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM AND MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION (SCH# 2024050169) FOR THE PROPOSED PROJECT BASED ON ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT CASE NO. EA23-010: AND ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2024-58, APPROVING GENERAL PLAN ZONING MAP AMENDMENT CASE NO. GPZMA23-0004; AND, APPROVING TENTATIVE TRACT MAP CASE NO. TTM23-0003.
MOTION CARRIED 4/0.
ACTION CALENDAR
5. Consider Options for Filling City Council Vacancy.
Public Comments
Brad Anderson , Rancho Mirage resident, voiced concerns about the absence of a staff report, emphasizing the significance of the item under discussion.
Patrick Lowry, Rancho Mirage resident , emphasized the importance of electing a new Council Member rather than appointing one to fill the vacancy. He expressed concerns with the potential decision to prevent Rancho Mirage residents from voting for a new City Council Member.
Wayne Avrashow, Rancho Mirage resident, commented on potential solutions for the City Council vacancy , noting that appointment was not an appropriate course of action and a traditional special election with polling places would be prohibitively expensive to the City. He advocated for a special election exclusively by mail-in ballot, emphasizing that this approach would provide Rancho Mirage residents with the opportunity to cast their votes . 10/03/20~4 Regular City Council M e~ing Minutes Page 6 of 9
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Mayor Downs addressed the City Council vacancy , explaining that former Council Member Meg Marker had resigned immediately afte r objecting to a conflict of interest item on a prior agenda . He mentioned that the City Council had adopted the conflict of interest measure with the intention of safeguarding the interests of Rancho Mirage's residents and businesses. Mayor Downs emphasized that specific conduct exhibited by former Council Member Marker was deemed unlawful under State law. He affirmed his belief in the importance of transparency and accountability. He outlined the two potential methods for addressing the City Council vacancy ; appointing a new member or holding a special election . He proposed waiting to fill the vacancy until after the November 5th election , as two Council seats would be up for election .
Council Member Mallotto agreed with Mayor Downs ' suggestion to postpone a decision regarding the City Council vacancy until after the election .
Mayor Pro Tern Weill also concurred with Mayor Downs' proposal.
Council Member O'Keefe also agreed with Mayor Downs' suggestion .
Mayor Downs directed the City Clerk to add the City Council Vacancy item to the next City Council meeting agenda . 6 . Consider Implementing the following Rancho Mirage Energy Authority (RMEA) Programs and Authorizing the City Manager or Designee to Take All Necessary Actions to Implement the Programs and Program Budget. Including the Approval and Execution of Associated Guidelines, Forms, or Agreements, Subject to the Approval of the City Attorney :
A. Residential Resiliency Battery Program
B . Residential ChargeUp Rancho Mirage EV Charger Program C . Residential Energy Efficiency Program
Jessica L. Pulliam, Deputy of Sustainability, presented the staff report.
Public Comments
Brad Anderson , Rancho Mirage resident, commented on his experience with the Rancho Mirage Energy Authority (RMEA) and expressed concerns over the structure of the proposed program.
Isaiah Hagerman , City Manager, clarified that the program was self-funded , with all revenue and rebates com ing from the program's budget. He added that customers who participated in the program for extended periods, thereby contributing to the fund for a longer duration , would be eligible for increased rebates . He also provided details on the optional Green Rate program, emphasizing its provision of 100% green energy.
Mayor Downs spoke in favor of the proposed program and thanked Ms . Pu lliam for her efforts.
J MOVED/SECONDED BY O'KEEFE/MALLOTTO TO APPROVE THE FOLLOWING ITEMS AND AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER OR DESIGNEE TO TAKE ALL NECESSARY ACTIONS TO IMPLEMENT THE PROGRAMS AND PROGRAM BUDGET, INCLUDING THE APPROVAL AND EXECUTION OF ASSOCIATED GUIDELINES, FORMS, OR AGREEMENTS, SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF THE CITY ATTORNEY:
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A. RESIDENTIAL RESILIENCY BATTERY PROGRAM
B. RESIDENTIAL CHARGEUP RANCHO MIRAGE EV CHARGER PROGRAM C. RESIDENTIAL ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROGRAM
MOTION CARRIED 4/0.
7 . Consider Authorizing the City Manager to Enter into Agreement(s), Approved as to Form by the City Attorney, with Imperial Irrigation District (110) for One-Third (1/3) of the Total Deposit on the Long-Lead Time Equipment for the 110 Substation.
Isaiah Hagerman, City Manager, presented the staff report .
Public Comments
Brad Anderson , Rancho Mirage resident, spoke in opposition to the development of the 110 Substation.
Mario Gonzales, CEO and President of GHA Companies , emphasized the critical importance of the 110 Substation project, underscoring the substantial infrastructure improvements necessary. He offered his support for the ongoing process and inquired whether the City of Palm Desert, City of Rancho Mirage, and Riverside County would be participating in the development of the project.
Isaiah Hagerman, City Manager, clarified that the Imperial Irrigation District (110) was overseeing the selection of participants, with assignments being made on a first-come, first-served basis. He further explained that the 15 megawatts designated for Rancho Mirage were strictly reserved for City-initiated projects. He expressed appreciation to 110 for their partnership with the City and their diligent efforts to resolve the obstacles that had emerged. He acknowledged the delay in the project's initial timeline but assured that all three governing bodies were actively working to secure the required approvals to initiate the project.
Mr. Gonzales thanked Mr. Hagerman for the explanation.
Mayor Pro Tern Weill remarked that the 110 Substation project had been a topic of discussion at the preceding Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) Executive Committee meeting, noting that the imperative of initiating the project was to mitigate escalating costs. He expressed support for the proposal , emphasizing the urgency of meeting the State's affordable housing mandate.
Mayor Downs echoed Mayor Pro Tern Weill 's comments.
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 (IID) FOR ONE-THIRD (1/3) OF THE TOTAL DEPOSIT ON THE LONG LEAD TIME EQUIPMENT FOR THE IID SUBSTATION. MOTION CARRIED 4/0.
CLOSED SESSION AGENDA
1. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6(a)
Designated City Labor Negotiator: Isaiah Hagerman , City Manager Employee Organization: Rancho Mirage Employees Association _10/03/2024 Regular City C°-uncil ~eetin~_lylinu_tes ~age 8 of 9
,-Colin -:;kpatrick, City Attorney, reported that the City Council would recess into closed session to 7 confer with legal counsel regarding one labor negotiation item.
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
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The City Council, Library and Observatory Board , Housing Authority Board , and the City Council representing the Redevelopment Successor Agency recessed into Closed Session at 3:16 P.M .
RECONVENE OPEN SESSION
Mayor Downs reconvened the meeting at 4 :09 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 : 10 P .M .
Date Approved by City Council:\,/ o :'.\-(:}a~ ~ ~
Kristie Ramos , City Clerk
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