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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPrelim - CC - 02-27-2020RAFT PRELIMINARY MINUTES / REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2020 CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBER 73510 FRED WARING DRIVE, PALM DESERT, CA 92260 I. CALL TO ORDER - 3:00 P.M. Mayor Nestande convened the meeting at 3:05 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Councilmember Jan C. Harnik Councilman Sabby Jonathan Mayor Pro Tern Kathleen Kelly Councilmember Susan Marie Weber Mayor Gina Nestande Also Present: Lauri Aylaian, City Manager Robert W. Hargreaves, City Attorney Andy Firestine, Assistant City Manager Rachelle D. Klassen, City Clerk Lori Carney, Director of Administrative Services Ryan Stendell, Director of Community Development Martin Alvarez, Director of Economic Development Janet M. Moore, Director of Finance/City Treasurer Tom Garcia, Director of Public Works Ty Davis, Division Chief, Palm Desert Fire/Riverside Co. Fire Dept./Cal Fire Lt. Matt Martello, Asst. Chief, Palm Desert Police/Riverside Co. Sheriff's Dept. Grace L. Rocha, Deputy City Clerk III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - A (CLOSED SESSION ITEMS) None IV. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION Request for Closed Session: PRELIMINARY MINUTES DRAFT REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 27, 2020 A. Conference with Legal Counsel regarding significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2): Number of potential cases: 2 NOTE: THE FOLLOWING ITEMS NOS. B(1) AND B(2) WERE LISTED ON AN AGENDA ADDENDUM POSTED AT LEAST 72 HOURS PRIOR TO THE MEETING. B. Conference with Real Property Negotiator pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8 1) Property: Joe Mann Park, Palm Desert (APN 637-062-010) Agency Negotiator: Lauri Aylaian/Ryan Stendell/City of Palm Desert Other Party Negotiator: PD Holdings Inc. Property Owner: City of Palm Desert Under Negotiation: x Price x Terms of Payment 2) Property: Palm Desert Country Club (APN 637-020-011) Agency Negotiator: Lauri Aylaian/Ryan Stendell/City of Palm Desert Other Party Negotiator: PD Holdings Inc. Property Owner: PD Holdings Inc. Under Negotiation: x Price x Terms of Payment With City Council concurrence, Mayor Nestande adjourned the meeting to Closed Session of the City Council at 3:05 p.m. She reconvened the meeting at 4:04 p.m. V. RECONVENE REGULAR MEETING - 4:00 P.M. A. REPORT ON ACTION FROM CLOSED SESSION. Mr. Hargreaves stated the City Council provided direction, but no reportable actions were taken. VI. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - Councilmember Jan C. Harnik VII. INVOCATION/INSPIRATION - Mayor Pro Tern Kathleen Kelly Mayor Nestande announced that Public Hearing Items C and D were advertised for 6:00 p.m. instead of 4:00 p.m. Therefore, the City Council will take a recess around 5:30 p.m., if necessary, and reconvene at 6:00 p.m. to address those two items. She apologized for any inconvenience this may cause. 2 PRELIMINARY MINUTES DRAFT REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 27, 2020 VIII. AWARDS AND PRESENTATIONS A. PRESENTATION OF QUARTERLY REPORT FROM ROLF HOEHN, CITY OF PALM DESERT APPOINTED REPRESENTATIVE TO THE PALM SPRINGS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT COMMISSION. Councilmember Harnik moved to, by Minute Motion, receive and file the Quarterly Report on the Palm Springs International Airport Commission. Motion was seconded by Jonathan and carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: Harnik, Jonathan, Kelly, Weber, and Nestande; NOES: None). IX. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - B MS. SHANNON BURTON, Palm Desert, CA, approached the City Council to speak on behalf of the Transgender Health and Wellness Center located in Cathedral City. Although the Center is not located in Palm Desert, she brings them up because they've helped her son considerably. Her son is a high school student in Palm Desert, and he's gone from being depressed and suicidal to someone that actually understands himself. Her concern is that the Center has received push back from taking part in Palm Desert events and from being available for the youth and adult transgender community in Palm Desert. She believes the City should encourage and embrace some of those invitations or reach out to the Center to be more involved with Palm Desert. Although, some of the programs at the high school are great and were in place for her son to not get bullied when he started his freshman year, who is now a sophomore, they really fall under the LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer) umbrella. She said they have been very resistant about having somebody come in that understands the transgender community specifically, because that community under that umbrella tends to be bullied. A very good illustration of that is the Center only receives 0.1 % funding. However, they do incredible work with very little money. Having a LGBTQ representative available at community events or allowed in the school system to speak and reach out to a very under served segment of the transgender youth and adult community. MR. DOUG GALLOWAY, Special Events Coordinator for the Palm Desert Youth Sports Association (PDYSA), announced they represent the boy's baseball and girl's softball league in Palm Desert. He and President of PDYSA Richard Weintraub are formally inviting the City Council to attend Opening Day, Saturday, March 14 at the Palm Desert Civic Center. They will feature a C47 Aircraft flyover during the National Anthem, which is being provided by the Palm Springs Air Museum. This year they will include an In N Out Burger cookout truck. During Opening Day, they hold their Hero's Softball Game where ABC Newscaster, Sheriffs, and PDYSA coaches compete against NBC Newscasters, Firefighters, and PDYSA coaches. He displayed the Pink Flamingo trophy that the networks will be competing for again this year. 3 PRELIMINARY MINUTES DRAFT REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 27, 2020 MS. JANE PETERS, Palm Desert, stated she was a resident of Palm Desert since 1996. She expressed her concerns about the high-speed traffic on Warner Trail. She said an independent traffic study was done on Warner Trail that said it was okay to increase the speed limit to 35 mph, which she believes is too fast for a residential street. Once people discovered the speed limit was increased to 35 mph, traffic there increased dramatically. She said drivers use Warner Trail to bypass traffic on Washington Street. However, they are not adhering to the 35-mph limit, but actually driving 40 to 45 mph, which has increased the traffic and road noise. Therefore, she is requesting the City reverse the speed limit to 25 mph, and if that's not possible, at least to 30 mph with increased traffic patrol of the street. The other problem is the approaching tennis tournament traffic, because drivers use Warner Trail to get to the stadium. Last year they experienced four hours of gridlock on Warner Trail going southbound. There was traffic from Hovley Lane to pass Fred Waring to try to get into the tennis stadium. Her husband, who has Parkinson's had to halt traffic in order for her to get out of the driveway, which is out of line for those who live on Warner Trail, and she would like to see something done to prevent it from happening again. She suggested signage or a traffic officer directing vehicles away from Warner Trail. Mayor Pro Tem Kelly requested staff reach out to Ms. Peters and explore solutions. MR. ROB BALLEW, Interim CEO of the Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce, reported on the open house at the Henderson Building, which is a City -owned facility, which had a great turnout of 100 people. He said the Chamber is honored to be located there as their office. Also, a week ago, Mayor Nestande and Councilman Jonathan took part in the San Pablo Project by holding up signs that said business on the street were open for business. The other partners that day were Granite Construction, Star West, and the Chamber. He invited everyone to attend the upcoming Mayor's State of the City luncheon to be held on Friday, March 20, at the JW Marriott. MR. WALLY MELENDEZ was grateful forthe Brown Act, because it afforded people the opportunity to voice their opinions and concerns to help maintain a healthy community. He believes the City should do its part to push for a four-year bachelor's degree program at College of the Desert, help young people understand how real estate works, and learn about financing, stating these three components are tied together to help people become self-sufficient. X. CONSENT CALENDAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL A. MINUTES of the Regular City Council Meeting of February 13, 2020. Rec: Approve as presented. 4 PRELIMINARY MINUTES R A F e REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 27, 2020 B. CLAIMS AND DEMANDS AGAINST THE CITY TREASURY - Warrants Dated 1 /10/2020 and 1 /31 /2020. Rec: Approve as presented. C. CLAIMS AND DEMANDS AGAINST THE CITY/HOUSING TREASURIES - Warrant Dated 2/7/2020 (Joint Consideration with the Palm Desert Housing Authority - see Item T below). Rec: Approve as presented. D. COMPLIANCE ANALYSIS AND INVESTMENT REPORTS for the Months of November 2019 and December 2019 (Joint Consideration with the Successor Agency to the Palm Desert Redevelopment Agency - see Item R below). Rec: Receive and file. E. CITY COMMITTEE AND COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES. 1. Finance Committee Meeting of November 26, 2019. 2. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting of January 7, 2020. Rec: Receive and file. F. RESOLUTION NO. 2020 - 18 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Palm Desert, California, Setting Forth Its Findings and Authorizing the Destruction of Records that Have Been Digitally Imaged from the Department of Community Development/Code Compliance, to Rely on the Electronic Record as the Official Record - 2015 Closed Code Compliance Cases (Exhibit "A"). Rec: Waive further reading and adopt. G. RESOLUTION NO. 2020 - 19 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Palm Desert, California, Setting Forth Its Findings and Authorizing the Destruction of Records from the Department of Public Works, as Indicated on the Records Retention Schedule (Adopted September 12, 2019) - Records from 1985 through 2017 (Exhibit "A"). Rec: Waive further reading and adopt. 0 PRELIMINARY MINUTES z9 T REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 27, 2020 H. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of the Lease Agreement Between the City of Palm Desert and the Family YMCA of the Desert for the Jean M. Benson Child Care Center (Contract No. C39860). Rec: By Minute Motion, authorize the City Manager to execute said Lease Agreement between the City of Palm Desert and the Family YMCA of the Desert for the Jean M. Benson Child Care Center located at 75443 Orange Blossom Lane (APN 634-061-035). REQUEST FOR ADOPTION of Resolutions, Approving Both the Master Agreement for State Funding and the Program Supplement Agreement to the Master Agreement for the Local Roadway Safety Plan Project. Rec: Waive further reading and adopt: 1) Resolution No. 2020 - 20, approving Master Agreement No. 00557S between the State of California and City of Palm Desert (Contract No. C39870); 2) Resolution No. 2020 - 21, approving Program Supplement Agreement No. T76 to the Master Agreement for the Local Roadway Safety Plan Project (Contract No. C39880, Project No. 600-20). J. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION for City Manager to Enter Into a Three -Year Agreement with Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc. (ESRI), for an Enterprise Agreement Software License in the Amount of $57,750 Annually (Contract No. C39890). Rec: By Minute Motion, authorize the City Manager to enter into a three- year agreement with ESRI, Redlands, California, for an Enterprise Agreement Software License in the amount of $57,750 per year (total of $173,250 for three-year term) to provide unlimited software licenses, maintenance, support, training, and technical assistance for GIS (Geographic Information Systems) initiatives — funds are available in Account No. 5304190-4404000. K. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of Amendment No. 2 to Contract No. C36800 with Michael Baker International, Inc., for On -Call City Surveyor Services in the Amount of $50,000. Rec: By Minute Motion: 1) Approve Amendment No. 2 to subject contract with Michael Baker International, Inc., Palm Desert, California, for On -Call City Surveyor Services in the amount of $50,000; 2) authorize the City Manager to execute said Amendment— upon approval, funds will be available in Account No. 1104300-4301000 - Professional Architectural/Engineering. C.1 PRELIMINARY MINUTES I R A I F REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 27, 2020 L. REQUEST FOR ACCEPTANCE OF WORK for Contract No. C38090 — 2019 Citywide Striping Project (Project No. 564-19) (Cal -Stripe, Inc., Colton, CA). Rec: By Minute Motion, accept the work as complete and authorize the City Clerk to file a Notice of Completion for the subject project. M. EMERGENCY SERVICES COORDINATOR'S Monthly Report - January 2020. Rec: By Minute Motion, receive and file. N. REQUEST FOR DECLARATION of Various Pieces of Office Furniture as Surplus and for Authorization to Donate Them to the Coachella Valley Economic Partnership for Use at the Palm Desert iHUB, or for Disposal As Appropriate. Rec: By Minute Motion, declare various pieces of office furniture (listed on the accompanying staff report) as surplus and grant authorization to donate them to CVEP for the Palm Desert iHUB, or for disposal as appropriate. O. REAPPOINTMENTS/APPOINTMENTS to the Palm Desert Youth Committee. Rec: By Minute Motion: 1) Reappoint Alan Cho, Daphnie Driza, Kyna Huang, Georgette Jeffrey, Erin Kulas, Richard Post, Teana Ross, Todd Shaw, and Nelly Valencia to the Palm Desert Youth Committee for a one-year term (1/1/20 - 12/31/20); 2) appoint Kathryn Berenbaum, Avery Kruppe, Max Schick, and Kainan Simonds to the Palm Desert Youth Committee for a one-year term (1/1/20 - 12/31 /20). SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY P. MINUTES of the February 13, 2020, Regular Meeting of the Board of Directors of the Successor Agency to the Palm Desert Redevelopment Agency. Rec: Approve as presented. Q. CLAIMS AND DEMANDS AGAINST SUCCESSOR AGENCY TREASURY - Warrant Dated 2/7/2020. Rec: Approve as presented. VA PRELIMINARY MINUTES J - - A T REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 27, 2020 R. COMPLIANCE ANALYSIS AND INVESTMENT REPORTS for the Months of November 2019 and December 2019 (Joint Consideration with the Palm Desert City Council - see Item D above). Rec: Receive and file. PALM DESERT HOUSING AUTHORITY S. MINUTES of the Housing Authority Meeting of February 13, 2020. Rec: Approve as presented. T. CLAIMS AND DEMANDS AGAINST THE CITY/HOUSING TREASURIES - Warrant Dated 2/7/2020 (Joint Consideration with the Palm Desert City Council - see Item C above). Rec: Approve as presented. U. HOUSING COMMISSION MINUTES for the Meeting of January 8, 2020. Rec: Receive and file. Upon motion by Kelly, second by Harnik, and 5-0 vote of the City Council (AYES: Harnik, Jonathan, Kelly, Weber, and Nestande; NOES: None), the Consent Calendar was approved as presented. XI. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER None XII. RESOLUTIONS None XIII. ORDINANCES A. For Introduction: None B. For Adoption: None 8 PRELIMINARY MINUTES w,(A Fr REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 27, 2020 XIV. NEW BUSINESS A. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF A COMMUNITY STREET EVENT ON SAN PABLO AVENUE IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE 2020 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS (SCAG) REGIONAL CONFERENCE AND GENERAL ASSEMBLY. Ms. Aylaian requested this item be removed from the agenda and not be considered. What was originally planned as a reception in support of the SCAG General Assembly does not work with the conference schedule, and are unable to participate. Staff will schedule a different event strictly for the community sometime in the fall. Councilmember Harnik moved to withdraw the item from the Agenda. Motion was seconded by Kelly and carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: Harnik, Jonathan, Kelly, Weber, and Nestande; NOES: None) XV. CONTINUED BUSINESS None XVI. OLD BUSINESS None XVII. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF AN AMENDED CONDITION REQUIRING AN IN -LIEU AFFORDABLE HOUSING FEE ON A DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL AT PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB AND AN AMENDMENT TO THE OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE OWNERS OF PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB AND THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, APNs 637-190-021, 637-190-024, AND 637-190-027, Case No. CZ/PP/CUP 16-280 (PD Holdings, LP, Applicant) (Continued from the meetings of January 9 and February 13, 2020). Mr. Stendell requested a continuance of this item to the meeting of March 12, stating staff is confident they will be ready to hear this case at that time. Mayor Pro Tern Kelly moved to, by Minute Motion, continue the item to the meeting of March 12, 2020. Motion was seconded by Harnik and carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: Harnik, Jonathan, Kelly, Weber, and Nestande; NOES: None). 7 PRELIMINARY MINUTES R A F T REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 27, 2020 B. CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST TO REPROGRAM $14,900 IN FISCAL YEAR 2019-2020 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) FUNDS FOR PATH OF LIFE MINISTRIES TO PROVIDE LOCAL HOMELESSNESS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM SERVICES. Management Analyst Chris Gerry noted this was a public hearing for a substantial amendment to reprogram CDBG funds. In May 2019, the City Council awarded $14,000 to Council on Aging Southern California (COASC) to provide ombudsman services for seniors in long-term care facilities in Palm Desert. The organization has respectfully declined the funds due to an increase in State funding, which created a conflict with how they charge overhead rates. Therefore, COASC made a business decision to not pursue CDBG funds, not only from Palm Desert, but from other organizations as well. They did mention they will continue the services to Palm Desert residents regardless of whether they receive CDBG funds from the City. Typically, a decliner of CDBG funds is reprogrammed on the following CDBG cycle. However, in January 2020, the City Council considered preliminary recommendations to use CDBG for bridge housing through Path of Life Ministries, which is short-term housing. Today's public hearing and the passing of staff's request to submit a substantial amendment to Housing and Urban Development (HUD), will expedite the process to obtain a housing unit. It will likely take four to five months, because the City typically hears back from HUD in September or October. Following this public hearing, depending on Council's consideration, staff will begin to work with Path of Life Ministries on an agreement to provide a bridge housing unit. He added the City has contracted with County staff to identify the appropriate tenant and provide wraparound services. Mayor Nestande declared the public hearing open and invited public testimony FAVORING or OPPOSING this matter. With no public testimony offered, she declared the public hearing closed. Councilman Jonathan thanked Mr. Gerry for thinking outside the box and creating this opportunity, which is much appreciated. He added that one of the biggest impediments to success with homelessness is housing, so he is very grateful that the City is doing its part. Councilmember Harnik moved to, by Minute Motion, approve submission of the Fiscal Year 2019-2020 Action Plan First Amendment to the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for this purpose. Motion was seconded by Kelly and carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: Harnik, Jonathan, Kelly, Weber, and Nestande; NOES: None). With City Council concurrence, Mayor Nestande suspended the agenda at this point in order to take up Public Hearing Item E. 10 PRELIMINARY MINUTES DRAFT REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 27, 2020 C. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF A ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT, REPLACING PALM DESERT MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 25.28.030 - "MEDIUM/HIGH-DENSITY HOUSING OVERLAY DISTRICT' IN ITS ENTIRETY WITH A NEW "HOUSING OVERLAY DISTRICT," AND APPLYING SAID OVERLAY DISTRICT TO PARCELS IDENTIFIED IN THE CITY'S HOUSING ELEMENT AND PARCELS OWNED BY THE HOUSING AUTHORITY, AND FOR ADOPTION OF A NOTICE OF EXEMPTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA), Case No. ZOA/CZ 19-0004 (City of Palm Desert, Applicant). Principal Planner Eric Ceja pointed out that in January2019, the City Council directed staff to form an ad hoc Affordable Housing Policy subcommittee for the purpose of exploring affordable housing options, including a comparative housing analysis for how Palm Desert and the rest of the Coachella Valley perform for affordable housing. Out of that research, staff is proposing a Zoning Ordinance Amendment (ZOA) to establish a new Housing Overlay District. After 11/2 years of the subcommittee studying this issue, holding several meetings, including one in October to present the findings to the community. The subcommittee reviewed existing goals and policies, a comparative analysis from all Valley cities, and became familiarized with State law and legislation and how it will affect Palm Desert. The big question for the subcommittee is "What do we do now to incentivize affordable housing in the City." He displayed a snapshot of the City's current stock. The City currently has more than 1,767 of affordable housing; 1,113 is controlled/owned by the Palm Desert Housing Authority; 350 are developer provided rentals; 291 are owner occupied; and 245 are entitled and on the books, but not yet under construction. Of the 1,767 the following is how they are broken down by income category: 55% of the housing stock is dedicated for individuals or families that qualify as very low income; 39% as low income; and 6% as moderate income. He also displayed a Coachella Valley Comparative Analysis of all the Coachella Valley cities, which identified the number of housing units, persons per household, and jobs/housing balance. He said both the American Planning Association and the Building Industry Association recommended the City strive for a 1.5% job/housing ratio. In other words it takes 11/2 jobs to support every household in the community. The graphic shows Palm Desert and Rancho Mirage are the only two cities above the 1 %. Interesting to note is that Palm Desert has more housing units than the City of Indio, but they have a greater population. In Indio the persons per household is 3.3 and in Palm Desert it's closer to 2. The graphs also illustrate that Palm Desert remains the employment center for the Coachella Valley, which is why developing additional housing and finding incentives to make it happen is important. Another graph illustrates the City of Coachella is primarily providing rental multi -family units and farm labor units; the City of Indian Wells is predominately providing senior rental units; Palm Desert has a good mix of units, some of which are multi -family units, 11 PRELIMINARY MINUTES DRAFT REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 27, 2020 owner occupied, single-family homes, and senior units. Once the subcommittee put this information together, the big question became what policy options are worth pursuing. One of the options staff looked at is the Inclusionary Housing Ordinance, which is one that some cities have chosen to do, but none in the Coachella Valley. In looking at this option, it really gives mixed results. In most cities, specifically like San Jose and San Diego, the fee you have to collect to build a housing unit is so high that it makes the market -rate housing much more expensive. Therefore, the subcommittee didn't feel this was the right policy to pursue. Staff looked at aggressive marketing strategies for existing housing authority properties, but there is an issue with staffing levels and making sure things are timed correctly when housing goes out for building. Staff looked at a City Fee Evaluation, but because Palm Desert is currently doing a broader study of its fees, staff decided to table the item and review at a later time. Staff also looked at other medium sized cities and their policies, and one of the things they do is create a Housing Overlay District and apply it to various properties in their city with the intent to incentivize the private market to opt in and build affordable housing within that community, which is what staff is recommending today. Additionally, there are new State laws in place that allow for streamlining affordable housing development, aswell asclearances through the California Environment Quality Act (CEQA), and staff is doing its best to stay on top of it. With new grant funding coming and a new Housing Element Update that staff will be starting later this year, these are policies that staff will continuously be exploring and how they fit into Palm Desert. Today, staff is proposing an Affordable Housing Overlay District. The intent of this district is to incentivize the development of affordable housing units by providing flexible development standards, utilizing State density provisions, with a slight parking reduction. The only way a developer can participate in this program is if they provide at least 20% of the units in that development as income restricted. They can also receive expedited processing to get through the City's permitting process, including potential forthe City to waive plan check or inspection fees, depending on funds that are available. If the Housing Overlay Ordinance is passed, it will apply to the identified areas or properties. The properties that are identified are either Housing Authority owned or properties already identified in the City's Housing Element. Staff felt the selected sites were appropriate, because as development occurs within the lettered lots north of Frank Sinatra, staff has been consistently trying to negotiate affordable components on these parcels. Those negotiations have taken up a lot of time from staff, it has delayed housing development, so staff thought they can apply the policy to those selected parcel and hope the private sector will have enough incentive to actually choose to provide affordable housing rather than have staff negotiate it. Staff recommended Council waive further reading and the City Council adopt Ordinance 1352, approving the Housing Overlay District, and also adopt Ordinance 1353, to apply the Housing Overlay District to the map he just displayed. 12 PRELIMINARY MINUTES L' )IAFT REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 27, 2020 Councilman Jonathan stated that because he doesn't see the overlay covering all of Monterey Avenue, he wondered if the Overlay could be expanded if someone wanted to opt in, but was outside the area. Mr. Ceja answered yes, but the request would be initiated by a developer to expand it to other parcels, which would require a Change of Zone to their property, and that process brings it to a City Council hearing. In other words, they may not realize any time savings in permitting, because they would have to do a Change of Zone to bring it back to Council. Councilman Jonathan said he's surprised there is nothing along Monterey Avenue. Mr. Ceja explained the zoning for Monterey Avenue, particularly north of Frank Sinatra, is all commercially zoned. If you look at the map, there is a project currently in the process that includes some horizontal mix use for the front half along Monterey, which is zoned Commercial, and the back half along Gateway Drive is Planned Residential, which is identified in the map as parcel G where the Housing Overlay District would apply. Mayor Nestande declared the public hearing open and invited public testimony FAVORING or OPPOSING the matter. MS. ARACELI PALAFXO, Representative with Lift to Rise, stated they are a nonprofit entity that operates as a collective impact organization increasing housing stability for Coachella Valley families. They have a vision for all families to have safe, stable, and affordable housing. She said more than half of rental households have rent burden. Therefore, together with more than 50 institutional partners, they have developed a plan to increase the supply of affordable housing. They are grateful to City Staff, Director of Community Development Ryan Stendell, Principal Planner Eric Ceja and Management Analyst Jessica Gonzales who have been engaged and active in this campaign. They support staff's recommendation, because it pushes a bold policy that creates an enabling environment for affordable housing in the Coachella Valley. The Housing Overlay District not only creates local incentives, but also advances shared goals to produce more units. MS. TAYLOR LIBOLT VARNER, Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage, stated she is a planner with MSA Consulting, and one of the partners with the Collaborative Action Network. She thanked the City Council for their leadership and taking this step to address the housing affordability crisis. She said housing affects both the renter and developer, and steps like these are much needed. She believed it can serve as a model to other Valley cities, stating cities can learn from each other on best practices for spurring the development of more units. As a development professional and board member of Desert Valley Builders Association, she commended Council for 13 DRAF PRELIMINARY MINUTES f REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 27, 2020 taking a critical look at some of the barriers to development and recognizing the City's role in incentivizing development, adding it will pay off. She thanked staff for inviting Lift to Rise to be involved and weigh in. With no further testimony being offered, Mayor Nestande declared the public hearing closed. Councilman Jonathan said affordable housing checks off so many boxes, and he's proud Palm Desert has been at the forefront of that effort: He said affordable housing improves people's lives and obviously prevents homelessness and it helps the environment. He believes the prior policy or lack thereof, was a hindrance to creating more affordable housing, so he commends staff and subcommittee for coming up with the proposed solution. He's hopeful and optimistic that it will result in much more affordable housing than seen in the last few years. Councilman Jonathan moved to waive further reading and pass to second reading: 1) Ordinance No.1352, approving Zoning Ordinance Amendment 19-0004, replacing Palm Desert Municipal Code Section 25.28.030 with a new "Housing Overlay District" and adopting a Notice of Exemption for same; 2) Ordinance No. 1353, applying the "Housing Overlay District" to parcels identified in Exhibit "A" of said ordinance. Motion was seconded by Kelly. Mayor Pro Tern Kelly commented the subcommittee found it powerful to see and learn about the numbers and to the extent that Palm Desert is the employment capital of the Coachella Valley. She's appreciative to hear there is a collective commitment to try to house more folks within Palm Desert who are traveling significant distances, which isn't good for their budget or the environment. She hopes that those in a position to collaborate with Palm Desert will take the signal from this action that it is committed to facilitate more affordable housing. Councilmember Harnik concurred. She added that Ryan Stendell, Eric Ceja, and Jessica Gonzales did a lot of work and they facilitated a great process. As already stated, the numbers show where Palm Desert stands and what it's committed to with regard to affordable housing. The subcommittee has presented very viable solutions to motivate development for affordable housing, and she's happy to see this product moving forward. Mayor Nestande added that one day, Palm Desert will have a Cal State University, so the City will need affordable housing for students as well. Mayor Nestande called for the vote and the motion carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: Harnik, Jonathan, Kelly, Weber, and Nestande; NOES: None). 14 PRELIMINARY MINUTES DRAFT REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 27, 2020 D. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF A ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT, REVISING PALM DESERT MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 25.32.030 - "ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS," SECTION 25.10.030, SECTION 25.18.040, AND SECTION 25.99.020 TO COMPLY WITH RECENTLY ENACTED STATE LEGISLATION PERTAINING TO ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS AND JUNIOR ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS, AND FOR ADOPTION OF A NOTICE OF EXEMPTION UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA), Case No. ZOA 20-0001 (City of Palm Desert, Applicant). Assistant Planner Nick Melloni stated this was a City initiated comprehensive amendment to the City's Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) Ordinance, it's in response to six new bills that became effective January 1, 2020, as passed by the legislature. With the adoption of the new legislation, the City's current ADU Ordinance is rendered null and void. The City's review is limited to the State Assembly Bills standards. Adoption of the proposed Ordinance Amendment would bring cities into compliance with what the State requires and also enable the City to review architecture and insure design is compatible with existing neighborhoods. It will also enable the City to restrict ADU in certain areas based on impacts to public safety. An ADU is a secondary dwelling unit, typically built on a lot. With an existing single-family home, an ADU can be attached, detached, or constructed from existing floor space, which are called Junior Accessory Dwelling (JADU) Units. The State adopted these bills to promote ADU as a means of housing and making it easier for residents to construct them. The bill also imposes restrictions on the types of development standards cities can implement to streamline the process for residents. The main changes are: 1) all residential lots have the potential to install Accessory Dwelling Units and/or a Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit; 2) the minimum required size for an ADU has decreased, including the maximum area. The new Ordinance addresses everything that the State requires. Staff is also proposing to restrict ADUs in the Hillside Planned Residential, because many of those properties are serviced by private roads that don't conform to Riverside County Fire Access Standards; there is concern with increasing density in that area. He said the Planning Commission recommended approval of the proposed Ordinance as presented under Planning Commission Resolution No. 2771. He noted the Ordinance qualifies under Statutory Exemption per CEQA. Staff recommended approval of Ordinance 1354 and passing it to second reading. Councilman Jonathan pointed out that on page two of the staff report, the fourth bullet point indicates the Ordinance would prohibit cities from enforcing owner -occupancy requirements until January 1, 2025. He wondered how this interacted with the City's Short -Term Rental (STR) Ordinance and if there was a conflict. 15 PRELIMINARY MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 27, 2020 Mr. Melloni said it didn't, because underthe current City's ordinance, in order to have an ADU, the owner of the property would have to live there, which is different from the Short -Term Rental Ordinance. Therefore, under the proposed Ordinance, an owner would be prohibited from renting out any accessory dwelling unit, both the ADU and JADU. If an owner wanted to have a short-term rental, they would have to rent out the main home. Councilman Jonathan felt there was a conflict with the current STR Ordinance, because currently the owner of the principal home can occupy it, and if they add an ADU, they would be able to rent it out in the R-1 Zone. Mr. Hargreaves agreed that currently that was true, but any ADU constructed under the new regime cannot be rented out as a STR, because there is a provision in the State legislation. As stated by staff, an owner can rent the principal unit and occupy the ADU. Mr. Melloni explained you don't have to be an on -site owner to have an ADU, but you do need to be an on -site owner to use it as a short-term rental. Councilman Jonathan senses there may be a potential conflict, and clarification may be needed in the Ordinance that allows STR of ADUs if the principal home is occupied or the STR Ordinance needs to refer to this new development that would exempt it from the STR Ordinance. Responding to question about being able to rent out a casita that is built in the future, Mr. Melloni said an ADU has complete living amenities (bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and a separate entrance). He said typically a casita doesn't include a kitchen. Mayor Nestande said that in her neighborhood, many of the homes have these "stand-alone casitas" and people do, on occasion, live in the primary home and rent out the casita. She wondered if that would be banned moving forward. Mr. Melloni said it would have to fall under one of the categories the State prohibits, because the intent of having an ADU, specifically, is to provide a means of affordable housing. Further responding, he said it wouldn't have any affect in renting it out in the long-term. Mr. Hargreaves pointed out that any existing casitas are grandfathered, and new ones built under the new regime are meant to increase the housing stock. He said State law prohibits any new casitas or ADUs from being used as STR. 16 PRELIMINARY MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 27, 2020 Mayor Pro Tern Kelly understood casitas can continue to do what they are doing, as long as its complying with the City's Ordinance. She hopes staff will provide clear information to those who are coming in to get permits for new ADUs. Also, one topic that frequently comes up about solving the housing crisis is a recommendation to cities to develop stock plans for ADUs that can speed the permit approval process if people choose to use one of those stock plans. She's wondering if staff is looking at doing something of that nature. Mr. Stendell replied staff has not discussed that issue yet. He explained that standard drawings are at the applicant's expense and/or some will have to procure it. Based on the number of ADUs coming in, he wouldn't recommend it at this point, adding the City doesn't have thousands of 60x100 sized lots. Councilmember Harnik strongly suggesting a legalese on the permit application that states ADUs are exempt from using it as a short-term rental and requiring the applicant to sign off on it when the permit is issued. Mr. Melloni offered that prior to an ADU being issued, the property owner has to sign a declaration of restrictive covenants that states an ADU shall not be rented out on a short-term rental basis. With no further testimony being offered, Mayor Nestande declared the public hearing closed. Councilman Jonathan commented that the City is mandated to do this, and while he embraces the goal of affordable housing, he resents the State taking away local control on this issue. He would have preferred being tasked with coming up with our own criteria with some general guidelines, because this law prohibits the City from establishing the lot size and mandates that in an R1 Zone an ADU and a JADU are allowed, which causes him concern. Councilmember Harnik agreed, stating local decision making, local control, and local governance is important, and this is classic Sacramento overreach, adding cities should be given the opportunity to maintain the integrity of its neighborhoods. Mayor Pro Tern Kelly moved to waive further reading and pass to second reading Ordinance No. 1354, approving Zoning Ordinance Amendment 20-0001 to modify Palm Desert Municipal Code Sections pertaining to accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and junior accessory dwelling units (JADUs). Motion was seconded by Harnik and carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: Harnik, Jonathan, Kelly, Weber, and Nestande; NOES: None). 17 PRELIMINARY MINUTES DRAFT REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 27, 2020 E. CONDUCT A PUBLIC HEARING TO RECEIVE COMMUNITY INPUT REGARDING THE CREATION OF BOUNDARIES AND DRAFTING OF MAPS DEFINING CITY COUNCIL DISTRICTS COMPLIANT WITH THE CALIFORNIA VOTING RIGHTS ACT. Ms. Aylaian stated this was the second public hearing on the subject of changing the City of Palm Desert from At -large Elections to By District Elections. This is the outcome of a lawsuit that was filed and where a settlement was reached by two plaintiffs from Palm Desert that would move the City to District Elections, a system of voting that has not been used in Palm Desert. The term of the settlement broadly includes the establishment of two voting districts and the implementation of Rank Choice Voting (RCV). These are the terms of the settlement, but they are subject to final approval of the district map by both the Palm Desert City Council and the Plaintiff's. In order to form the districts, the exact boundaries need to be identified by soliciting public input on the boundaries and where they should be configured. She said the City has conducted a number of public houses/open forums to educate the public at large through the use of social media, mailers to every home and address in Palm Desert, and through being available to people who have questions. The City has also provided flyers that have been distributed broadly, including large religious organizations and school districts in Palm Desert. The first two public hearings are required to be conducted without maps, because it's an opportunity for members of the public to have input into how and where exactly the boundaries should be created. Although, the terms of the settlement stipulate that two districts will be formed and it's the intent of both the City and Plaintiff's to form two, it's possible for people to suggest five districts, which has been seen in other cities. At this point, no district geography is constrained as the City is asking for public input. At staff level, it is recommended that maps most readily supported will be those that include the two districts, one largely described as the business commercial core and the downtown area of the City, with the second one, a larger district, surrounding that core. She noted Dr. Justin Levitt from Nation Demographics Corporation is one of the demographers, and he's prepared to make a presentation about the districting process for the benefit of those in the audience who have not yet been exposed to this subject. Following, Council will solicit public input through the public hearing. The third and fourth public hearings, which will be coming up in two weeks and four weeks, will both include maps. Between now and the next public hearing (March 12), NDC will be busy gathering all the maps, suggestions, and comments submitted, to provide the City Council something to look at that will start a more detailed conversation about exactly where the boundaries should be created. DR. JUSTIN LEVITT, Representative from Nation Demographics Corporation, explained the City is looking at transitioning from an At -large 18 PRELIMINARY MINUTES DRAFT REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 27, 2020 System of elections to a By -District System. Much like how elected members to congress or legislature, where a representative will live in one district and is elected by the people who live in that district. There are some differences between what Palm Springs, Indio, and several other cities have done and what Palm Desert is doing. The reason Palm Desert is doing this, is because of the California Voting Rights Act (CVRA), which basically encourages or makes it easier for cities to switch from at -large elections where all residents of the city vote for all members of the Council to a by -district system. He said Palm Desert is not alone as there are more than 150 cities in California that have switched from at -large to district elections. Those cities that have fought this in court have settled in the seven figure s range as recently seen in the City of Santa Monica. Particularly here in the Inland Empire, just about every city has switched from at -large to district elections. State law requires to hold two public hearings without any maps. He said NDC has already received several maps from the community. In two weeks at the third public hearing, they will have the first draft maps. They don't have to be the final draft, because at the third public hearing, Council will have an opportunity to look through them and make changes or request looking at different options. At the fourth public hearing (March 26), the City Council will hopefully narrow it down to one or two maps so that an ordinance can be introduced to adopt a map in April. He said NDC is continuing to accept maps from the public, but the deadline is Friday (February 13), in order to have them available in time to bring back to the City Council. State law requires that maps must be posted by the City at least seven days before they are shown and discussed in public. A slightly earlier deadline affords NDC the time needed to process the maps, double check that the boundaries are correct, and that the required posting is done. If you don't get your map done by Friday (February 13), you have another opportunity to get a map in or submit revisions or changes, which is March 13 before the fourth public hearing. Once the districts are adopted, the established boundary lines will be used for the November 2020 election. After the results of the 2020 Census Data is received, the City will look at redrawing the boundary lines to make sure the population remains in balance and that the districts meet all the legal requirements priorto the November 2022 election. Dr. Levitt went on to describe the factors that need to be taken into account when drawing up maps that include state and federal laws, population, districts, etc. At the conclusion of his presentation, he encouraged the public to use the interactive tools in the City's Website at citvofpalmdesert.ora. to assist in drawing up a map and to be submitted by February 28 at PalmDesert@ NDCresearch.com to be addressed at the third public hearing of March 12, where maps will be shown. All submissions, whether they are balanced or not, will be posted online and made part of the official record of this process. Mayor Nestande declared the public hearing open and invited public testimony FAVORING or OPPOSING this matter. 19 PRELIMINARY MINUTES` . REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 27, 2020 MR. RON MOON, Mimosa Drive, Palm Desert, questioned who was the individual that proposed this "hybrid two -district." He was told that part of the intent albeit letter of the law, was to reduce individual expense in staying competitive within an election. He understood it will cost this individual 20%, but with the outline district, you still have residents having to come up with 80% of an election cost. He wanted to know if that was true. He was not in favor of the two districts, stating it's never been done anywhere else. He said one's vote is the most sacred thing in place, whether it's a state, county, or city election. He didn't appreciate the City experimenting with a two -district system. He would like to see Council divide the City up into five districts with five councilmembers, stating the "donut hole" can still be maintained along with four other districts. He would like someone to answer the question on whether a big portion of the CVRA was to make is less costly for an individual to run for City Council. MS. JAN BULLER, Somera Road, Palm Desert, thanked the City Council for the opportunity to participate, stating she attended all the public forums and has submitted maps for consideration. She said the settlement made sense to her in that it balanced legal requirements with the democratic processes that have served Palm Desert well in the pass. She said Council heard from residents questioning the fairness of the proposed representation, which was also a topic at the open houses. She heard merit in those arguments, but she asked the City Council to proceed with deliberations for the following reasons: 1) The City will finalize district maps per the settlement in late March or early April. After, City residents will need time to absorb the maps and decide if they want to run, file, and campaign, which is not much time before November 3, 2020; 2) the 2020 Census takes place on April 1 and results won't be released until March 2021, when the City will need to adjust its district boundaries. Therefore, proceeding with the two districts now made sense to her and it's realistic for meeting the November 2020 deadline. After the election, the City can evaluate the settlement model in advance of the 2022 election. She said there will be more time to consider other possible districts by applying the Census data efficiently for public participation and input, and for residents to understand the new maps, decide if they want to run for Council, and then campaigns. MR. JOSEPH SCARNA, San Juan Drive, Palm Desert, appreciated the opportunity to speak this evening, adding he's been a resident of Palm Desert for more than 30 years. At the last City Council meeting he made a statement that he was opposed to the two districts based on the humanity of it all. He hopes the City Council is still keeping an open mind rather than the two -district being a slam dunk. He suggested the City reach out to residents with a flyer of some sort, giving residents the benefit of a two or five districts, allowing them to decide. He said Council, of course, will make the final decision, but they will have a better understanding of its constituents. He asked Council to consider five -districts and making it fair. He didn't believe 20 DRAFT PRELIMINARY MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 27, 2020 everyone truly understood what was going on here, other than the demographic people, the courts, and attorneys pushing for this. He said Palm Desert has been very harmonious since 1973 and it's a lovely place to live. He would hate to think this was rushed without due diligence. He felt this matter needed more homework because there are consequences on these types of decisions. Even if the City Council went against the will of its residents, but if Council at least showed it gave true consideration, it would bode well rather than ignoring residents and their opinions. The idea of one representative against four didn't seem fair and it's not the right thing to do. He believed five districts gave everyone the same playing field and the same voice without one councilmember having to chase down two others to obtain a majority vote. He understood the current Council was exceptional, but what's to say the next one will be as well. With no further testimony being offered, Mayor Nestande declared the public hearing closed. XVIII. MAYOR AND COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS & REMARKS TO THE COMMUNITY A. Councilmember Jan C. Harnik Committee Reports and General Comments. SCAG Legislative Summit in Sacramento - attended the Summit February 18-19, and also the Riverside County Transportation Commission meeting. She said they followed up with legislators discussing the RHNA (Regional Housing Needs Allocation) numbers and how the process can be streamlined to build the homes needed. Legislators were left with ideas that would work for southern California cities, including the high-speed train, which remains to be an important project where funds are greatly needed. 2. Wall Street Journal Featured the Wave House - she pointed out that the newspaper featured the Miles C. Bates house, also known as the "Wave House." She noted the City Council and staff did a great job with this project and it was great to see Capital Improvement Project Technician Cora Gaugush be quoted. It shows that when everyone puts their minds together, great things get done. She added it was also featured in the Los Angeles Times and Architectural Digest. B. Councilman Sabbv Jonathan Committee Reports and General Comments. Coachella Vallev Association of Governments (CVAG) - Executive Committee - reported on two items: a) County Board Supervisor Manuel Perez proposed an item for discussion to impose a regional sales tax to fund homelessness and 21 PRELIMINARY MINUTES DRAFT REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 27, 2020 transportation needs. The CVAG Executive Committee voted not to move forward with the proposal at this time, but instead to refer the matter to CV Hart, which is a subcommittee of the CVAG Homelessness Committee for broader consideration that identifies the big picture issue of what is the real problem and what alternatives there are to solving homelessness and funding sources beyond the sales tax; b) State of California has funded a consulting firm in the amount of $4 million to evaluate five potential sites for the next stand-alone Cal State University Campus, which was good news, because the ball is moving forward. The bad news is that Palm Desert has competition. The CVAG Executive Committee and the attending cities understand the value and the dire need for Palm Desert to be that choice. The Executive Committee voted to issue a letter of support and encouraged all cities, school districts, etc., to issue their own letter as well. The consultant firm is visiting the City of Palm Desert tomorrow, and he will attend one of the directed meetings in the morning, and in the afternoon, there is a broader type of meeting that will take place in Coachella at their City Library. It's his understanding you have to RSVP in order to be allowed into that meeting. C. Mavor Pro Tern Kathleen Kellv Committee Reports and General Comments. None D. Councilmember Susan Marie Weber Meeting Summaries Report for the Period of February 1-15, 2020. With City Council concurrence, the Meeting Summaries Report was received and filed. 1. Coachella Vallev Animal Campus - reported their prices are going up and the letter of notification should have already been received by the City. She believed this issue can be reviewed with the budget. Ms. Aylaian agreed, stating the new information will be included in the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2020/2021. E Mavor Gina Nestande Committee Reports and General Comments. Cal State Consultant's Meetinq - offered she will be meeting with the Consultant's tomorrow morning at 11:00 a.m., stating she looked forward to it and most definitely will be advocating they choose Palm Desert. She said the Governor has narrowed the location down to five ram% PRELIMINARY MINUTES DRAFT REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 27, 2020 cities, and Palm Desert is one of them, but all the other four cities already have four-year universities within a very short drive. Whereas here in the City of Palm Desert, those wanting a higher education have to drive to the San Bernardino main campus, which is more than 60 miles away. F. City Council Requests for Action. 1. Request Eisenhower's Medical Center Campaian on a Future Agenda - Mayor Pro Tern Kathleen Kelly reported that Eisenhower provided the City Council with a presentation with a request for participation in a significant campaign to assure they can continue to provide the best possible care to Palm Desert residents, and she would like it on a future City Council agenda. 2. Reauestto Explore ReaulatorvArmroachesto Environmental Impacts from Leaf Blowers - Mayor Pro Tern Kathleen Kelly has received concerns about the environmental impacts from leaf blowers, in terms of noise, fumes, and stirring of particular matter. She requested staff explore possible regulatory approaches with the assistance of the Sustainability Committee. She noted the City of Palm Springs has tackled this issue and would have a piece of experience to learn from, both by way of publicity and grant funding to replace equipment for gardeners to achieve a better result. She would like to start the discussion, because it's her perception this is an established problem. Councilman Jonathan commented there was an opportunity here to utilize the Sustainability Committee for this purpose by offering them an open page to address the issue, and if the recommendation comes from them, the City Council can consider it. Mayor Nestande said she was the liaison on that Committee and she will try to get it on their next meeting agenda, which is April 20. 3. California Votina Riahts Act (CVRA)/District Votina - Mayor Pro Tern Kathleen Kelly stated that on the upcoming public hearing of March 12, a key person on the matter is not available to participate until 6:00 p.m. Therefore, she will make a request to keep the public hearing open until 6:00 p.m., but she will wait to see how things evolve, because it might naturally happen. She's notifying the City Council for planning purposes. 23 PRELIMINARY MINUTES DRAFT REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 27, 2020 4. Reauest for Update on the Desert Arc Project - Councilmember Jan C. Harnik requested an update. Mr. Stendell responded the City sent staff members along with the Applicant to Sacramento to obtain guidance from California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) on filling out the final application. The application has been filed and staff is waiting for the final award of home funds. He's hoping this application is the one that makes it across the finish line. G. City Council Consideration of Travel Requests/Reports. None XIX. STAFF REPORTS AND REMARKS A. City Manager Citv Manager's Meeting Summaries Report for the Period of February 3-14, 2020. With City Council concurrence, the Meeting Summaries Report was received and filed. 2. Personnel Update: Congratulated City Engineer Bo Chen on his retirement from the City, stating his last day was last week. Also, Code Compliance Rusty Hannah is retiring and moving to Colorado where he and his family will build a cabin. The City has promoted Mitchell Arbaugh who came originally as an Intern through the Chamber of Commerce Leadership Program. He then became a temporary employee, finished all his schooling, and after close to two years, was hired as an Accounting Technician. Finally, Jeremy Frey who has been with the City for five years as a Building Inspector II was hired as Building Facilities Supervisor. B. City Attorney None C. City Clerk None l=z! PRELIMINARY MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING D. Public Safety 1. Fire Department None 2. Police Department None DRAFT FEBRUARY 27, 2020 With City Council concurrence, Mayor Nestande called for a recess at 5:17 p.m. She reconvened the meeting at 6:00 p.m. to take up Public Hearing Items C and D. XX. ADJOURNMENT With City Council concurrence, Mayor Nestande adjourned the meeting at 6:36 p.m. ATTEST: RACHELLE D. KLASSEN, CITY CLERK CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA GINA NESTANDE, MAYOR 25