CITY OF RANCHO MIRAGE
CITY COUNCIL%
LIBRARY AND OBSERVATORY BOARD,
HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD,
AND THE CITY COUNCIL REPRESENTING
THE REDEVELOPMENT SUCCESSOR AGENCY
REGULAR MEETING
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2024
1:00 P.M.
MINUTES
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.
a) Flag Salute — Led by Council Member Fromberg Edelstein. b) Roll CaII: Fromberg Edelstein, Mallotto, O'Keefe, Weill, Downs — All Present.
NON -AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENTS
Monica Bradley, Owner of Haus of Poke and Board Member of the Rancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce, extended a warm welcome to Council Member Fromberg Edelstein on behalf of the Chamber's Board of Directors. She expressed gratitude for the launch of the Shop Local Rancho Mirage Gift Card Program and highlighted the Chamber's recent Expo. She shared that Haus of Poke was thriving, due to the support of neighboring businesses and the City, and expressed pride in being part of the Rancho Mirage community.
David Kowalsak, Eisenhower Health representative and Board Member of the Rancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce, announced his election as Secretary to the Chamber's Executive Committee for 2025. He announced that the 2024/2025 Shop Local Guide was available and was a valuable tool for encouraging local spending and supporting the community's economic vitality. He also provided an update on Eisenhower Health and thanked the Council for their continued support of Eisenhower.
Susan Ragsdale, member of the public, shared she was pleased to see a new Council Member on the City Council. She wished everyone a happy holiday season and read a letter she had written about the holidays, social media posts, and tenant experiences. Lastly, she submited paperwork to the City Council.
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Wally Melendez, member of the public, spoke regarding the name change of Harvard University and noted that the subjects students studied had changed over time. He expressed support for Rancho Mirage offering university courses and emphasized the importance of environmental conservation.
Brad Anderson, Rancho Mirage resident, introduced his foster pet and mentioned that he had submitted written comments for the Council meeting.
PUBLIC HEARING
1. Crossings at Peterson Road — Environmental Assessment Case No. EA24-0008 and Preliminary Development Plan Case No. PDP24-0003— Applicant: Blieu Companies, LLC. Consideration of an Affordable Housing Development Consisting of up to 120 Units.
The Land Use and Zoning Designation for the Project Site is Currently Residential High Density (R -H) with an Affordable Housing Overlay (AHO). The AHO Designation Allows 28 Dwelling Units Per Acre and the Applicant is Proposing an Approximate Density of 10 Dwelling Units Per Acre. The Sub.ect Property is Located at 39360 Peterson Road (APN:
689-180-012):
A. Consider Adopting Resolution No. 2024 -(Next -in -Order', Approving and Adopting the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program and Mitigated Negative Declaration "SCH#2024090575) for the Proposed Pro.ect Based on Environmental Assessment Case No. EA24-0008.
B. Consider Adopting Resolution No. 2024 -(Next -in -Order;, Approving Preliminary Development Plan Case No. PDP24-0003.
C. Consider Adopting Resolution No. 2024 -(Next -in -Order' Approving City Development Impact Fee Deferral in Support of Blieu Companies, LLC.
Pilar Lopez, Senior Planner, presented the staff report.
John Bigley, Blieu Companies representative, commended staff for their efforts and presented an overview of Blieu Companies and their approach to affordable housing development.
Council Member Mallotto thanked Mr. Bigley and his team for their excellent work on the project. She expressed appreciation for the project, noting it would address a significant need within the community.
Mayor Pro Tem Weill expressed support for the proposed project, both as a City official and as a Veteran. He acknowledged that while the program was not exclusively for Veterans, it emphasized support for them, which he found important.
Mr. Bigley noted the VA's commitment to collaborating on the Rancho Mirage project.
Public Testimony — None.
Council Member Fromberg Edelstein shared that recent readings on women's healthcare for female Veterans prompted deeper reflection, particularly on the families of Veterans. She emphasized the importance of considering how housing initiatives impacted the children of Veterans and how changes could have generational effects. She expressed excitement about the long-term impact of the project, noting that it could inspire future generations to serve the country, as they will have been well cared for by their city.
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Mayor Downs expressed strong support for the project, noting that affordable housing had been a priority for the Council over the past year. He reported that the City was on track to meet its income - restricted affordable housing goal, having reached approximately 78% of the target.
MOVED/SECONDED BY MALLOTTOIWEILL TO:
A. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2024-63, APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE MITIGATION
MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM AND MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION (SCH#2024090575) FOR THE PROPOSED PROJECT BASED ON ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT CASE NO. EA24-0008;
B. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2024-64, APPROVING PRELIMINARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN CASE NO. PDP24-0003; AND
C. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2024-65, APPROVING CITY DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEE DEFERRAL IN SUPPORT OF BLIEU COMPANIES, LLC.
MOTION CARRIED 5/0.
ACTION CALENDAR
2. November 5, 2024, Rancho Mirage General Municipal Election Results:
A. Consider Adopting Resolution No. 2024 -(Next -in -Order), Reciting the Facts of the General Municipal Election Held on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, Declaring the Results and Such Other Matters as Provided by Law.
B. Installation of Newly Elected City Council Members.
Kristie Ramos, City Clerk, presented the staff report.
Public Comments
Wally Melendez, member of the public, asked why the candidate who received the highest number of votes among the three other candidates in the recent election was not appointed to fill the vacant Council seat.
Mayor Pro Tem Weill expressed gratitude for the outcome of the recent election. He congratulated Council Member O'Keefe, highlighting his exceptional campaign, and noted he was honored to run alongside him. He mentioned that the results reflected the electorate's satisfaction with the City, which he believed was a compliment to not only the two incumbents but also the entire City staff.
Mayor Downs congratulated the residents of the City of Rancho Mirage, noting that voter turnout in Riverside County reached approximately 70%, while Rancho Mirage voter turnout ranged from 85% to 93%. He congratulated Council Member O'Keefe and Mayor Pro Tem Weill on their election victories.
MOVED/SECONDED BY FROMBERG EDELSTEIN/MALLOTTO TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2024-66, RECITING THE FACTS OF THE GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION HELD ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2024, DECLARING THE RESULTS AND SUCH OTHER MATTERS AS PROVIDED BY LAW. MOTION CARRIED 510.
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Ms. Ramos administered the oath of office to Council Member O'Keefe and Mayor Pro Tem Weill and presented them with Certificates of Election.
Council Member O'Keefe praised the City for a year of substantial progress, particularly in the areas of affordable housing, workforce housing, public safety, and public works. He shared that the City would focus on stimulating economic growth and enhancing cell phone service, guided by the results of studies scheduled to be completed later this month. He emphasized the City's strong financial position and its commitment to maintaining a high quality of life for its residents. He acknowledged Rancho Mirage's reputation as a well -managed and attractive city, highlighting its unique standard of living and its position as one of the best small cities in the nation. Council Member O'Keefe reflected on having an extraordinary year, mentioning that it exceeded expectations. He highlighted his commitment to approaching public and City issues with a positive attitude, noting that it was a principle he carried through his recent campaign. He expressed gratitude for the generous support received from the community. He reaffirmed the pledge he made last year that he would always place the interests of the City of Rancho Mirage above any personal agenda, would always honor his fiduciary duty, and would not break the public trust placed in him. He expressed hope that Council Member Fromberg Edelstein's first year would be as rewarding and informative as his own, and offered support whenever needed. He commended the City staff for their invaluable support and expertise throughout his tenure, noting it was an exceptional team. He expressed sincere gratitude to all for their trust and belief in his ability to serve as a City Council Member.
Mayor Pro Tem Weill expressed enthusiasm for his fourth term on the City Council, noting that his excitement remained as strong as it was during his first election. He described serving on the Council as a cherished privilege and duty, expressing pride in representing the City of Rancho Mirage.
He acknowledged that the electorates, by electing them to represent the City, were expressing gratitude for preserving the quality of life. He highlighted that their responsibility was to continue maintaining that quality. He acknowledged the significant contributions of City staff to the success of Rancho Mirage. He noted that, while the City Council received recognition, the true work was carried out by dedicated staff who implemented Council decisions and policies. Mayor Pro Tem Weill commended staff for their hard work and commitment. He expressed it was his honor and privilege to serve on the City Council.
Mayor Downs commented that Council Member O'Keefe and Mayor Pro Tem Weill were the people's choice, as well as his own, and he looked forward to serving the next two years on the dais with them.
3. Appointment of Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem.
Mayor Downs shared it was an honor to serve the City of Rancho Mirage. He explained that while the Council's role was primarily focused on policy -making, City staff were responsible for handling the operational work. He expressed gratitude to City staff and his fellow Council Members for their efforts during his tenure as Mayor. He expressed gratitude for being elected to the City Council and for the community's trust in him. He remarked that the best days of Rancho Mirage were yet to come, noting that its population could reach approximately 25,000 when fully built out. Mayor Downs commented that even with a projected population of 25,000, the City would remain relatively small, and emphasized the importance of continuing efforts to uphold the City's reputation as a great place to live. He noted that the City Council would continue to advance with thoughtful discussions on development, ensure excellent public safety, and uphold good governance and fiscal responsibility.
He expressed confidence that the current City Council would work collaboratively and effectively in the best interest of the community. He thanked everyone for their collaboration during his term as Mayor.
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Kristie Ramos, City Clerk, presented the staff report.
Public Comments --- None.
Mayor Pro Tem Weill presented Mayor Downs with a gift on behalf of the City Council, in recognition of his tenure as Mayor of Rancho Mirage, and commended the Mayor for his exceptional leadership.
MOVED/SECONDED BY DOWNS/O'KEEFE TO APPOINT TED WEILL TO SERVE AS MAYOR AND LYNN MALLOTTO TO SERVE AS MAYOR PRO TEM. MOTION CARRIED 5/0.
Council Member O'Keefe expressed appreciation for Council Member Downs, commending his eloquence. He shared that he had gained significant insights from Mayor Downs' approach to persuasive communication and writing, as well as the understanding of policy and the issues they worked on together. He acknowledged his commitment to the core values of Rancho Mirage and highlighted his strong leadership, clear communication, and unwavering dedication to fiscal responsibility, public safety, and quality City services.
Ms. Ramos administered the oath of office to Mayor Weill and Mayor Pro Tem Mallotto.
Mayor Pro Tem Mallotto expressed gratitude to the residents of Rancho Mirage for their confidence in electing her to the City Council in 2023. She shared that she was reminded daily of the honor and privilege to serve the City. She highlighted that Rancho Mirage was a truly special City, attributing its exceptional quality of life to the thoughtful policies and measured decisions made by both past and current City Councils. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work with her colleagues and shared her enthusiasm for collaborating with Council Member Fromberg Edelstein, highlighting her exceptional background and long-standing connection to the City. She praised City staff, acknowledging their hard work in contributing to the quality of life for businesses and residents of Rancho Mirage. Mayor Pro Tem Mallotto acknowledged the role of City Council in setting policy and expressed gratitude to the dedicated staff, including public safety, for their exceptional work in contributing to the City's success. She shared she was grateful for her colleagues at Brady Sandahl Real Estate Group for their support and generosity in providing her the opportunity to represent the City. Lastly, she indicated her eagerness to assume the role of Mayor Pro Tem for the ensuing year and to contribute to a year filled with accomplishments.
Mayor Weill shared that he felt privileged to have Mayor Pro Tem Mallotto serve as Mayor Pro Tem and anticipated working collaboratively with her. He expressed appreciation for their relationship, praising Mayor Pro Tem Mallotto as a dedicated and committed person who always prioritized what was best for the City. He highlighted her considerate nature, thoughtfulness, and well-meaning character. He noted that her kindness consistently transcended her actions. Mayor Weill commented that it had been a privilege to work with Council Member Downs and expressed his continued anticipation of their relationship in the years to come. He praised Council Member Downs as an inspiration and an eloquent spokesperson. He shared his enthusiasm for working alongside Council Member O'Keefe, both as a professional colleague and during his initial campaign and commended Council Member O'Keefe for his positive outlook throughout the campaign and for ultimately achieving victory. Mayor Weill congratulated Council Member Fromberg Edelstein and noted his eagerness to work with her, sharing that he looked forward to getting to know her. He praised her abilities and depth of understanding of both people and the City, noting that her contributions will be a wonderful complement to the existing team. He acknowledged the exceptional work of the entire City Staff, highlighting that the positive comments received by the City Council were a direct reflection of staffs commitment to excellence. In conclusion, Mayor Weill shared his deep sense of honor and privilege in holding the position of Mayor and leading the City of Rancho Mirage. 12/05/2024 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Page 5 of 6
Council Member Downs reflected on the strength of the City's mayoral rotation system, noting that it removed political elements and alleviated stress and conflict on the Council. He emphasized that the system promoted strong and effect collaboration.
Mayor Weill expressed agreement with Council Member Downs, acknowledging that those currently serving were following in the footsteps of great leaders who had laid the foundation for the City.
He emphasized the privilege of serving in a city that was stable and strong, noting that this stability was built over many years through the efforts of past leaders. He reflected on the honor of working with previous Mayors, mentioning that the foundation they inherited was remarkable, and he hoped to continue building on that success with the same spirit of achievement that had defined the City.
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 2:11 P.M.
Date Approved by City Council: \2./ 1'5\ f 10-2-L\
Kristie Ramos, City Clerk
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