Mayor Mallotto
Mayor Pro Tem O'Keefe
Council Member Downs
Council Member Fromberg Edelstein
Council Member Weill
REGULAR MEETING OF THE RANCHO MIRAGE CITY COUNCIL
AND COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT, ENERGY AUTHORITY,
HOUSING AUTHORITY, JOINT POWERS FINANCE AUTHORITY, LIBRARY
AND OBSERVATORY, AND REDEVELOPMENT SUCCESSOR AGENCY BOARDS 69-825 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
Thursday, July 16, 2026, 1:00 PM
MINUTES
1. GENERAL
1.A. Call to Order
Mayor Mallotto called the meeting to order at 1:00 P.M.
1.B. Flag Salute
Mayor Mallotto led the flag salute.
1.C. Roll Call: Downs, Fromberg Edelstein, Weill, O'Keefe, Mallotto All City Council Members were present.
2. PRESENTATIONS
2.A. CAL FIRE / Riverside County Fire Department Update The presentation was tabled for a future meeting.
3. COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS/REPORTS
Council Member Weill noted his attendance at the Agua Caliente Resort Casino's 4th of July Fireworks and Drone Show and recognized Veterans in attendance. He also announced the 2026 Taste of Summer Rancho Mirage Program, in partnership with the City's Shop Local eGift Card Program.
Council Member Downs shared an update on the City's cost-sharing for the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) I-10 Monroe Street Interchange project and provided updated property crime statistics.
Mayor Pro Tem O'Keefe spoke regarding the newly constructed right-turn lane onto Ramon Road from Bob Hope Drive and noted the new sand fencing along Ramon Road and Dinah Shore Drive. He encouraged community members to donate to food and homeless shelters and reported that the Coachella Valley Animal Shelter was at 230% over capacity. He also shared information about the ongoing incentives.
Mayor Mallotto recognized the late Richard Oliphant and extended her condolences to his family. She reported visiting senior housing developments, alongside Council Member Fromberg Edelstein, to discuss available resources. She also
noted the recognition of the Rancho Mirage Amphitheater programming in the Los Angeles Times.
4. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS/REPORTS
None.
5. CONSENT CALENDAR (A-E)
Isaiah Hagerman, City Manager, presented the Consent Calendar items.
MOVED/SECONDED BY DOWNS/WEILL TO APPROVE THE CONSET CALENDAR AS PRESNTED. MOTION CARRIED 5/0.
5.A. Waive Full Reading of Any Ordinance Introduced or Adopted Pursuant to this Agenda
5.B. June 18, 2026, Regular City Council Meeting Minutes — RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve the June 18, 2026, Regular City Council Meeting Minutes as presented.
5.C. Rancho Mirage Energy Authority 2026 Integrated Resource Plan — RECOMMENDED ACTION: Adopt Resolution No. 2026-(Next-in-Order), Approving the Rancho Mirage Energy Authority 2026 Integrated Resource Plan.
(Adopted Resolution No. 2026-42)
5.D. Contracts
— RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve the terms of the contracts as presented and authorize the City Manager to execute the subject contracts.
5.E. Demands
— RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve the demands as presented.
6. PUBLIC HEARINGS
6.A. Zoning Text Amendment Case No. ZTA26-0002 – Applicant: City of Rancho Mirage. Consideration of an Ordinance Amending Section 17.32.040 (Preferred Locations) of Chapter 17.32 (Wireless Communication Facilities) of Title 17 (Zoning) of the Rancho Mirage Municipal Code — RECOMMENDED ACTION: 1) Find that the adoption of the Ordinance has been reviewed in compliance with the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and CEQA Guidelines, and that adoption of the Ordinance is categorically exempt from environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15303 (New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures), and 15332 (In- Fill Development Project); and 2) Introduce for first reading: A) Ordinance No. (Next-in-Order), Amending Section
17.32.040 (Preferred Locations) of Chapter 17.32 (Wireless Communication Facilities) of Title 17 (“Zoning”) of the Rancho Mirage Municipal Code to streamline the entitlement process for wireless communication facilities at designated preferred locations; or, B) Ordinance No. (Next-in-Order), Amending Section 17.32.040 (Preferred Locations) of Chapter 17.32 (Wireless Communication Facilities) of Title 17 (“Zoning”) of the Rancho Mirage Municipal Code to streamline the entitlement process for wireless communication facilities at designated preferred locations, excluding the following properties located at the northeast corner of Frank Sinatra Drive and Da Vall Drive from the list of designated preferred locations: APNs 674-220-019, 674-220-022, 674-220-023, & 674-220-003.
Colin Kirkpatrick, City Attorney, announced that, due to Council Member Weill’s residence being within 500 feet of a preferred site identified in the item before the Council, he would recuse himself due to a conflict of interest in accordance with Title 2, Division 6 of the California Code of Regulations, commonly referred to as the FPPC Regulations, Section
18702.2, because there was a reasonably foreseeable financial effect resulting from the City’s decision. Additionally, due to Mayor Pro Tem O’Keefe’s and Council Member Fromberg Edelstein’s residences being approximately 567 feet and 715 feet, respectively, from a preferred site identified in the item before the Council, and after review of applicable conflict-of- interest laws and regulations, including, without limitation, FPPC Regulation Section 18702.2 and the factors prescribed in subsection (a)(8) of the same regulation, they would each recuse themselves due to a disqualifying conflict of interest.
In addition, Mr. Kirkpatrick explained that, because the two remaining Council Members did not constitute a quorum, the Council could proceed pursuant to the legally required participation exception under Government Code Section 87101 and FPPC Regulation Section 18705. He explained that, because there was no alternative source of decision-making and final action rested with the City Council, one official with a disqualifying interest could be selected by a random method to establish a quorum and allow the Council to hear and take action on the item. He noted that drawing straws was a recognized random method of selection.
Kristie Ramos, City Clerk, conducted the random drawing of straws to establish quorum, resulting in the selection of Mayor Pro Tem O'Keefe to participate in the item. Council Members Fromberg Edelstein and Weill recused themselves and left the chamber.
Ben Torres, Planning Manager, presented the staff report.
The following individuals provided public testimony: Art Williams, Adair Fell, Natasha Tanenbaum, Gary Tanenbaum, Michael Silver, Todd Spitzer, Brad Anderson, Steve Jopson, Robert Watkins, and Wayne Avrashow.
Majna Dukic, Director of Development Services, provided an overview of the proposed review and approval process.
Isaiah Hagerman, City Manager, commented on the history of the cell tower build rate in the city and the subsequent implementation of the wireless master plan.
Colin Kirkpatrick, City Attorney, explained that, under existing law, environmental effects could not be considered by the City.
A discussion ensued.
Following the vote for item No. 6A, Mayor Mallotto recessed the meeting for a break at 2:29 P.M. She reconvened the meeting at 2:34 P.M.
MOVED/SECONDED BY DOWNS/O’KEEFE TO: 1) FIND THAT THE ADOPTION OF THE ORDINANCE HAS BEEN
REVIEWED IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) AND CEQA GUIDELINES, AND THAT ADOPTION OF THE ORDINANCE IS CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT
FROM ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) PURSUANT TO CEQA GUIDELINES SECTIONS 15303 (NEW CONSTRUCTION OR CONVERSION OF SMALL STRUCTURES), AND 15332 (IN-FILL DEVELOPMENT PROJECT); AND 2) INTRODUCE FOR FIRST READING ORDINANCE NO. 1234, AMENDING SECTION 17.32.040 (PREFERRED LOCATIONS) OF CHAPTER 17.32 (WIRELESS COMMUNICATION FACILITIES) OF TITLE 17 (“ZONING”) OF THE RANCHO MIRAGE MUNICIPAL
CODE TO STREAMLINE THE ENTITLEMENT PROCESS FOR WIRELESS COMMUNICATION FACILITIES AT
DESIGNATED PREFERRED LOCATIONS, EXCLUDING THE FOLLOWING PROPERTIES LOCATED AT THE
NORTHEAST CORNER OF FRANK SINATRA DRIVE AND DA VALL DRIVE FROM THE LIST OF DESIGNATED PREFERRED LOCATIONS: APNS 674-220-019, 674-220-022, 674-220-023, & 674-220-003, AND EXEMPT THE PROPERTY AT WHISPERING WATERS (APN: 684-343-036). MOTIONED CARRIED 3/0 (RECUSED: FROMBERG EDELSTEIN AND WEILL).
7. ACTION CALENDAR
7.A. Consideration of Submitting a Proposed Transactions and Use Tax Measure to Rancho Mirage Voters at the November 3, 2026 Statewide General Election
— RECOMMENDED ACTION: 1) Adopt Resolution No. 2026-(Next-in-Order), Calling for the Placement of a General Tax Measure on the Ballot for the November 3, 2026, General Municipal Election for the Submission to the Qualified Voters of an Ordinance to Enact a Transaction and Use Tax at the Rate of One Cent (1¢); 2) Adopt Resolution No. 2026-(Next-in-Order), Providing for the Filing of Primary and Rebuttal Arguments and Setting Rules for the Filing of Written Arguments Regarding a City Measure to be Submitted at the November 3, 2026, General Municipal Election; 3) Adopt Resolution No. 2026-(Next-in-Order), Requesting the Board of Supervisors of the County of Riverside to Consolidate a General Municipal Election to be Held on November 3, 2026, with the Statewide General Election to be Held on that Date Pursuant to Section 10403 of the Elections Code; and 4) Consider designating a member or members of the City Council to author and file Primary Argument(s) for or against the ballot measure.
Kofi Antobam, Director of Administrative Services, presented the staff report.
The following individual provided public comments: Brad Anderson.
A discussion ensued.
MOVED/SECONDED BY WEILL/DOWNS TO: 1) ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2026-43, CALLING FOR THE PLACEMENT OF A GENERAL TAX MEASURE ON THE BALLOT FOR THE NOVEMBER 3, 2026, GENERAL
MUNICIPAL ELECTION FOR THE SUBMISSION TO THE QUALIFIED VOTERS OF AN ORDINANCE TO ENACT A TRANSACTION AND USE TAX AT THE RATE OF ONE CENT (1¢); 2) ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2026-44,
PROVIDING FOR THE FILING OF PRIMARY AND REBUTTAL ARGUMENTS AND SETTING RULES FOR THE FILING OF WRITTEN ARGUMENTS REGARDING A CITY MEASURE TO BE SUBMITTED AT THE NOVEMBER 3, 2026, GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION; 3) ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2026-45, REQUESTING THE BOARD OF
SUPERVISORS OF THE COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE TO CONSOLIDATE A GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 3, 2026, WITH THE STATEWIDE GENERAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON THAT DATE PURSUANT TO SECTION 10403 OF THE ELECTIONS CODE; AND 4) DESIGNATE THE MAYOR OF THE RANCHO
MIRAGE CITY COUNCIL TO AUTHOR AND FILE PRIMARY ARGUMENT(S) FOR THE BALLOT MEASURE ON BEHALF OF THE RANCHO MIRAGE CITY COUNCIL. MOTION CARRIED 5/0.
7.B. City Participation in County of Riverside’s Urban County Program, Community Block Development Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnership Program, and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) — RECOMMENDED ACTION: Adopt Resolution No. 2026-(Next-in-Order), Authorizing Participation in the County of Riverside’s Urban County Program for the Fiscal Years of 2027-2028, 2028-2029, and 2029-2030, and Approving the Cooperation Agreement for the Community Development Block Grant, HOME Investment Partnership Program, and Emergency Solutions Grant for Fiscal Years 2027-2028, 2028-2029, and 2029-2030.
Marcus Aleman, Housing Manager, presented the staff report.
MOVED/SECONDED BY FROMBERG EDELSTEIN/WEILL TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2026-46, AUTHORIZING THE CITY’S PARTICIPATION IN THE COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE’S COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG), EMERGENCY SOLUTIONS GRANT (ESG), AND HOME URBAN COUNTY PROGRAMS FOR FEDERAL FISCAL YEARS 2027, 2028, AND 2029, WITH THE REVISED PARTICIPATION TERM OF OCTOBER 1, 2026, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2029. MOTION CARRIED 5/0.
7.C. Documentation and Reimbursement of General Fund Advance for Successor Agency Enforceable Obligation Payment and Approval of Loan Agreement between City of Rancho Mirage and Successor Agency to the Rancho Mirage Redevelopment Agency
— RECOMMENDED ACTION: 1) Adopt Resolution No. 2026-(Next-in-Order), Authorizing the Execution and Delivery of a Debt Service Loan Agreement Between the City of Rancho Mirage and the Successor Agency to the Rancho Mirage Redevelopment Agency to Memorialize and Repay an Enforceable Obligation of the Successor Agency, Making Certain Determinations Relating thereto, and Authorizing Certain Other Action in Connection therewith; and 2) Adopt Resolution No. 2026-SA-(Next-in-Order), Authorizing the Execution and Delivery of a Debt Service Loan
Agreement Between the City of Rancho Mirage and the Successor Agency to the Rancho Mirage Redevelopment Agency to Memorialize and Repay an Enforceable Obligation of the Successor Agency, Making Certain Determinations Relating thereto, and Authorizing Certain Other Action in Connection therewith.
Kofi Antobam, Director of Administrative Services, presented the staff report.
The following individual provided public comments: Brad Anderson.
MOVED/SECONDED BY O'KEEFE/DOWNS TO: 1) ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2026-47, AUTHORIZING THE
EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF A DEBT SERVICE LOAN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF RANCHO
MIRAGE AND THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE RANCHO MIRAGE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY TO
MEMORIALIZE AND REPAY AN ENFORCEABLE OBLIGATION OF THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY, MAKING CERTAIN
DETERMINATIONS RELATING THERETO, AND AUTHORIZING CERTAIN OTHER ACTION IN CONNECTION THEREWITH; AND 2) ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2026-SA-01, AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF
A DEBT SERVICE LOAN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF RANCHO MIRAGE AND THE SUCCESSOR
AGENCY TO THE RANCHO MIRAGE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY TO MEMORIALIZE AND REPAY AN
ENFORCEABLE OBLIGATION OF THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY, MAKING CERTAIN DETERMINATIONS RELATING THERETO, AND AUTHORIZING CERTAIN OTHER ACTION IN CONNECTION THEREWITH. MOTION CARRIED 5/0.
8. NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENTS
The following individuals provided non-agenda public comments: Maddy Bogh (representing Southern California Edison), Patrick Lowry, Susan Ragsdale, Wally Melendez, and Brad Anderson.
9. CLOSED SESSION
9.A. 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, announced that the City Council would recess to Closed Session to confer with legal counsel regarding one potential initiation item, pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4).
9.B. Recess to Closed Session
Mayor Mallotto recessed the meeting to Closed Session at 3:24 P.M.
9.C. Reconvene Open Session
Mayor Mallotto reconvened the meeting at 4:30 P.M., with all City Council Members present.
9.D. Closed Session Announcements
Colin Kirkpatrick, City Attorney, announced that no reportable action was taken during Closed Session.
10. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Mallotto adjourned the meeting at 4:30 P.M.
Date Approved by City Council: 09/03/2026