DRAFT 11/21/2024 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Page 1 of 5
CITY COUNCIL,
LIBRARY AND OBSERVATORY BOARD,
HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD,
AND THE CITY COUNCIL REPRESENTING
THE REDEVELOPMENT SUCCESSOR AGENCY
REGULAR MEETING
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 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 – 1:00 P.M.
a)Flag Salute – Led by Battalion Chief Matthew Kotz, CAL Fire / Riverside County Fire Department, and Crime Prevention Officer Kyle Albenesius, Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. b)Roll Call: Fromberg Edelstein, Mallotto, O’Keefe, Weill, Downs – All Present.
Mayor Downs welcomed newly appointed Council Member Fromberg Edelstein to the Rancho Mirage City Council. He commented that she represented a new generation of leadership and possessed an impressive background.
PRESENTATIONS
Presentation of a Proclamation Recognizing Friends of Musical Theater Club of Del Webb.
Council Member O'Keefe shared that Del Webb Rancho Mirage attracted many accomplished individuals who chose Rancho Mirage as their home, citing the DWRM Musical Theatre Club as an example of the community's talent and commitment. He highlighted the extensive experience of the club’s members, adding that their productions were highly acclaimed. Council Member O’Keefe announced that the club had won multiple Desert Star Awards from the Desert Theater League, which recognized excellence in theater throughout the Coachella Valley and Inland Empire. He emphasized that the awards were remarkable accomplishments, not only for the residents of Del Webb, but also for the entire City of Rancho Mirage. 3-1
DRAFT 11/21/2024 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 5 Mayor Downs, Council Member O’Keefe, and Council Member Mallotto presented a proclamation to Matt Comerford, Board President of the DWRM Musical Theatre Club.
NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENTS
Wally Melendez, member of the public, proposed the idea of creating a university within Rancho Mirage to offer a wide range of academic programs.
Patrick Lowry, Rancho Mirage resident, shared his love for Rancho Mirage and welcomed Council Member Fromberg Edelstein to the City Council. He voiced disapproval of the appointment process for the vacant council seat and expressed hope that the decision would bring something to the Council that was currently missing. He spoke regarding Rancho Mirage's rapid growth and encouraged the Council to listen to community input. Mr. Lowry praised the local first responders’ agencies and advocated for increased police presence in Rancho Mirage.
Brad Anderson, Rancho Mirage resident, expressed concerns regarding the transparency of the process by which items were added to City Council agendas. He expressed opposition to an appointment to the Council being made instead of an election being held, noting he submitted a related comment letter. He also spoke regarding the City’s conflict-of-interest policy.
COUNCIL/BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS/REPORTS
Council Member Mallotto extended a warm welcome to Council Member Fromberg Edelstein, commending her qualifications and expressing excitement to work with another woman on the Council. She reported her attendance at the Peace Officer & Public Safety (POPS) Awards Luncheon, extending her congratulations to all recognized public safety officers and commending their service.
Mayor Pro Tem Weill welcomed Council Member Fromberg Edelstein and recognized her ability to make significant contributions to the City Council. He mentioned it was an honor to attend the recent POPS Awards and extended gratitude to all public safety personnel. Mayor Pro Tem Weill announced the launch of the Rancho Mirage Shop Local Gift Card Program, noting that its timely introduction coincided with the upcoming holiday season, and provided an overview of the program. He added that nearly 30 Rancho Mirage businesses had already enrolled in the program and encouraged residents to visit ShopLocalRM.com for details.
Council Member O’Keefe welcomed Council Member Edelstein Fromberg and expressed anticipation for their collaboration. He shared that he attended a comprehensive crime prevention presentation by Crime Prevention Officer Kyle Albenesius, which provided valuable insights for HOA residents on safeguarding their homes and properties. He provided details regarding safety programs offered by the Sheriff's Department. Council Member O’Keefe encouraged those interested in crime prevention to contact Officer Albenesius or visit the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department website for more information.
Council Member Fromberg Edelstein expressed gratitude to the Council for her appointment and shared her excitement to serve the City of Rancho Mirage. She pledged to learn, lead, and contribute to the betterment of the community.
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DRAFT 11/21/2024 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 5 Mayor Downs noted that the December 5th City Council meeting would mark the end of his term as Mayor. He spoke regarding the outcome of the recent municipal election. He noted the exceptional qualifications of the City Council applicants and commented that Council Member Fromberg Edelstein was ultimately selected, emphasizing her qualifications and suitability for the role. Mayor Downs expressed confidence in the future of Rancho Mirage, citing the public’s faith in the City Council’s leadership and commitment to good governance. He also expressed enthusiasm for his upcoming year working as a Council Member.
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS – None.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Isaiah Hagerman, City Manager, presented the following Consent Calendar items:
1. Approve November 7, 2024, Regular Meeting Minutes.
2.Approve Final Acceptance of CP 22-378 (Demolition of Properties Located on Sunrise Court).
3.Approve Contracts.
4.Approve Demands.
Public Comments
Brad Anderson, Rancho Mirage resident, spoke regarding Item No. 1, expressing concern over the delayed submission of the previous meeting's minutes. Regarding Item No. 2, he raised concerns about the City's acquisition of properties in the surrounding area, requesting clarification on the purpose and rationale behind the purchases.
MOVED/SECONDED BY WEILL/MALLOTTO TO APPROVE THE CONSENT CALENDAR AS PRESENTED. MOTION CARRIED 5/0.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
5.Consider Adopting Resolution No. 2024-(Next-in-Order), Adopting User and Regulatory Fees for Sidewalk Vending Permits, Street Vending Permits, and Self-Haul Weekly Reporting Review Fees.
Jacob De La Cruz, Financial Analyst, presented the staff report.
Public Testimony
Brad Anderson, Rancho Mirage resident, expressed concern that the proposed fees were excessive.
He commented that he understood the rationale behind the proposal, but felt the financial impact on residents would be too significant. 3-3
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MOVED/SECONDED BY MALLOTTO/O’KEEFE TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2024-61,
ADOPTING VARIOUS USER AND REGULATORY FEES FOR SIDEWALK VENDING PERMITS, STREET VENDING PERMITS, AND SELF-HAUL WEEKLY REPORTING REVIEW FEES.
MOTION CARRIED 5/0.
6. Consider Adopting Resolution No. 2024-(Next-in-Order), Approving the Issuance by the California Public Finance Authority of Tax-Exempt Revenue Bonds for the Purpose of Financing the acquisition, Construction, Equipping and Improvement of Certain Facilities for the Benefit of Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation.
Kofi Antobam, Director of Administrative Services, presented the staff report.
Public Testimony
Brad Anderson, Rancho Mirage resident, noted that he submitted written public comments on the topic. He expressed appreciation for the detailed staff report and commented on the potential liability issues that may arise.
MOVED/SECONDED BY WEILL/MALLOTTO TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2024-62,
APPROVING THE ISSUANCE BY THE CALIFORNIA PUBLIC FINANCE AUTHORITY OF TAX-
EXEMPT REVENUE BONDS FOR THE PURPOSE OF FINANCING THE ACQUISITION,
CONSTRUCTION, EQUIPPING AND IMPROVEMENT OF CERTAIN FACILITIES FOR THE BENEFIT OF HAZELDEN BETTY FORD FOUNDATION.
MOTION CARRIED 5/0.
ACTION CALENDAR
7. Consider Approving Memorandum of Understanding Between the City of Rancho Mirage and the Rancho Mirage Employees’ Association.
Kofi Antobam, Director of Administrative Services, presented the staff report.
Public Comments
Marcus Aleman, Chair of the Rancho Mirage Employee Association (RMEA), congratulated Council Member Fromberg Edelstein on her appointment. He expressed gratitude to the City Council for their collaborative approach to the recent employee salary and benefits negotiations and commended their commitment to open communication and fairness, which led to a positive outcome.
Brad Anderson, Rancho Mirage resident, expressed support for fair compensation for workers and the opportunity for them to live within city limits.
Mayor Downs expressed the importance of balancing fiscal responsibility with fairness to the City's residents and employees. He emphasized the need to manage the City's budget properly, while ensuring taxpayer money was spent wisely. He also highlighted the City's obligation to provide employees with a great workplace, fair treatment, and appropriate compensation. Mayor Downs expressed support for the Memorandum of Understanding, noting that it was fair and equitable to employees. 3-4
DRAFT 11/21/2024 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Page 5 of 5
MOVED/SECONDED BY MALLOTTO/WEILL TO APPROVE THE MEMORANDUM OF
UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF RANCHO MIRAGE AND THE RANCHO MIRAGE EMPLOYEES’ ASSOCIATION. MOTION CARRIED 5/0.
CLOSED SESSION AGENDA
1.CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - POTENTIAL INITIATION OF LITIGATION Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4). (1 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.
Public Comments
Brad Anderson, Rancho Mirage resident, expressed concern regarding a lack of transparency in City legal matters, particularly those related to potential litigation. He suggested more detailed information be included in agenda reports.
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 1:46 P.M.
RECONVENE OPEN SESSION
Mayor Downs reconvened the meeting at 2:30 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 2:31 P.M.
Date Approved by City Council:
____________________
Kristie Ramos, City Clerk
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