HomeMy WebLinkAboutSupplemental Packet 2022-11-17CITY OF PALM DESERT
CITY MANAGER’S OFFICE
INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM
Date: November 17, 2022
To: Honorable Mayor and Councilmembers
From: Anthony J. Mejia, City Clerk
Subject: City Council Meeting of November 17, 2022
Below you will find questions received from the Mayor and/or Councilmembers and answers provided
by City staff regarding tonight’s City Council meeting:
ITEM 1M: APPROVE THE EXPANSION OF THE UNITE PALM DESERT SECURITY CAMERA
SYSTEM GRANT PROGRAM TO ALLOW BUSINESSES AND COMMERCIAL
PROPERTY OWNERS TO BE REIMBURSED FOR SECURITY CAMERA SYSTEMS
PURCHASED AND INSTALLED WITHOUT PRIOR APPROVAL FROM THE CITY
Q1. Has there been targeted outreach to businesses that have experienced theft and/or
vandalism in the past?
A1: Outreach to businesses has been on a general basis letting all businesses know about the
program. Targeted marketing of the program is something that we can do. Staff will work with
the Sheriff’s department to determine which businesses would best benefit from a camera
system and go out and meet with those businesses to let them know about the program.
Q2: Can some of the funds be allocated to generate signs indicating cameras are in use as
an additional deterrent? These could also be utilized to assist law enforcement to
identify those participating in street races and side shows.
A2: The funds approved by the City Council for this program are designated for the purchase and
installation of the security cameras only. With that, there is enough money in the fund to
expand the program to include signage. If directed by the City Council to expand the use of the
funds to include signage, staff will work with the Sheriff’s department to determine the best
signage to use.
ITEM 2C: AWARD A FIVE-YEAR CONTRACT TO THE CHRISTMAS KINGS FOR SEASONAL
LIGHTING AND DECOR IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $370,000 (PROJECT
NO. 775-24)
Q1: Is there a date for the Christmas tree lighting?
A1: The Shops on El Paseo will have the "Annual Holiday Tree Lighting" on November 18th
(4 p.m.to 6 p.m.). The City’s tree lighting partnership with the Gardens ended in 2019.
Q & A Memo-1
11/17/2022 Question & Answer Memo
Page 2 of 3
Q2: Given that this is a multi-year contract, has Lupine Plaza been factored in, if so, will it
be within “allowable extra work and services not to exceed $100K”?
A2: Although Lupine Plaza was not originally factored in, staff anticipated additional lights being
added in the future. Item No. 4 will authorize the City Manager to approve Change Orders for
additional lights, such as at Lupine Plaza, not specifically outlined in the original scope of work.
Q3: Page 2A-47, identifies a timeline for removal of El Paseo Seasonal Lighting installation
in May 2024. What is anticipated in the months prior that would require work in May?
A3: Previous internal discussions selected the removal of the seasonal lights to occur in May. This
was to provide ambiance light during the shopping season.
ITEM 2F: APPROVE A SECOND AMENDMENT TO THE DISPOSITION AND DEVELOPMENT
AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF PALM DESERT AND DESERT WAVE
VENTURES, LLC, AND TAKING CERTAIN OTHER NECESSARY RELATED ACTIONS
Q1: What was the original number of rooms originally proposed versus the number listed
on page 2F-61?
A1: The previously approved plans included 92 hotel rooms. The current proposal increases the
room count to 132-rooms.
Q2: What was the methodology for evaporation rates?
A2: Staff is providing the memorandum (see Attached) prepared by the applicant’s environmental
consultant for the original surf lagoon approval. The previous study calculated evaporation
using two methods:
•25+ year weather data for average monthly temperatures, humidity, wind, cloud cover and
solar radiation rates.
•Published monthly pan evaporation rates for the area.
Q3: Referring to page 2F-105, what is the anticipated timeline in months that correlates to
Progress Payments?
A3: Because the progress payments are performance-based, staff is unable to estimate a timeline
in months for payment of the corresponding improvements. The developer is only eligible for
payments once the milestones outlined in the agreement are achieved.
ITEM 3A: CONSIDERATION TO ADOPT A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION PURSUANT
TO THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT, AND APPROVAL OF THE
REFUGE SPECIFIC PLAN AND TENTATIVE TRACT MAP 38434 TO ESTABLISH UP
TO 969 RESIDENTIAL DWELLING UNITS, AND RELATED IMPROVEMENTS ON A
106.4-ACRE PARCEL LOCATED AT THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF GERALD FORD
DRIVE AND THE EXTENSION OF REMBRANDT PARKWAY
Q1: All the references to common recreational facilities are permissive, such as top of page
3A-81: "Common recreational facilities such as pools, spas, clubhouses, management
offices, barbecues and other facilities appropriate to the development may be
included." Does anything in all of this provide assurances that such amenities WILL be
built? Because planning area 4, the major common area, is the last phase (phase 8),
what recourse does anyone have if common area amenities are not built?
A1: Condition of approval 10.B of the Tentative Tract Map Resolution (see page 3A-101) requires
the central amenity area be developed prior to the occupancy of the 200th unit within Planning
Area 3: “The central amenity area shown on Lot Q shall be completed prior to the occupancy
of the 200th unit within Planning Area 3.”
Q & A Memo-2
11/17/2022 Question & Answer Memo
Page 3 of 3
Future development of the tract must abide this condition of approval. Staff has concluded that
the language on Page 81 of the packet is intended to list the potential amenities and that the
"may" can be modified to a "shall" or "must". The final design and architecture for the
amenities will be reviewed during the future submittal of a precise plan.
Q2: One of the listed goals for Town Center Neighborhood is "mixed use." There is a vision
that residents will have small establishments such as cafes within walking distance. We
do not achieve that in this specific plan. Is anything in the works for other land in the
vicinity which will achieve this goal?
A2: Within the immediate vicinity of the Refuge Specific Plan project there are vacant properties
which could accommodate small scale, neighborhood serving commercial uses. Additionally,
within the 170 acres within University Neighborhood Specific Plan (UNSP) envision mixed
uses within walkable distance to residential.
ITEM 3B: ADOPT A RESOLUTION FOR A HISTORIC LANDMARK DESIGNATION FOR THE
CHARLES E. DU BOIS HOUSE LOCATED AT 72806 BURSERA WAY (APN 628-102-
012) CASE NO. CRPC 22-03
Q1: Referring to page 3B-70, Statement of Significance section A, reads: “The development
of Purple Hills Estates was the first of the Tract Homes in Palm Desert complete with its
controversy.” What was the nature of the referenced controversy?
A1: Below is an excerpt describing the nature of the controversy (see page 3B-48):
“The Purple Hills Estates homes were not built as a contiguous tract development but were
scattered singly or in small groups among existing custom homes and vacant lots in South
Palm Desert. They can be seen primarily on Tamarisk, Goldflower, Salt Cedar and Shadow
Mountain, with a few on Joshua Tree and Bursera. At present there have been 43 homes
identified; these same designs can be seen in Indian Wells and Palm Springs.
The Architectural Committee for the Palm Desert Improvement Association, the predecessor
to the Palm Desert Property Owners Association, strongly discouraged tract housing anywhere
in Palm Desert, and especially homes built south of El Paseo where large lots and architect
designed homes were the norm. In the early 1960s the Palm Desert Sales Company wanted
approval from the PDIA to sell 30 lots in the vicinity of Tamarisk Street. The Architectural
Committee refused to approve the sale, believing that it was a tract development, but the
company manager sold the lots anyway. In response the Architectural Committee resigned en
masse.”
Q & A Memo-3
ITEM 2F
Question 2
Q & A Memo-4
Q & A Memo-5
Palm Desert Housing Authority
Jessica Gonzales
Housing Manager
November 17, 2022
Palm Desert Pacific Associates: Vitalia
Apartments Housing Density Bonus Loan
Agreement
2D Supplemental-1
2D Supplemental-2
Recommendation
1.Approve a Housing Agreement, substantially as to form,by and between the City of Palm Desert
Pacific Associates,LP (“PD Pacific Associates”),in accordance with the conditions of approval of
the development of 269-units known as Vitalia Apartments, a multifamily rental housing project
located at located off Gerald Ford Drive,Palm Desert,California (the “Project”).
2.Authorize the City Manager or his designee with consent of legal counsel to finalize such Housing
Agreement and documents as described in the Housing Agreement, or which are otherwise
required,to effectuate Housing Agreement.
3.Authorize the Mayor and/or City Manager to execute all necessary documents to facilitate the
Housing Agreement and the City Clerk to record.
2D Supplemental-3
Palm Desert Housing Authority
Jessica Gonzales
Housing Manager
November 17, 2022
Palm Desert Pacific Associates: Vitalia
Apartments Housing Loan Agreement
2E Supp-1
2E Supp-2
Benefit of
Financial
Support 269 units are proposed to provide the following housing opportunity
(includes 3 manager units):
81 units will be for
extremely low
income households.
105 units will be for
very low income
households.
24 units will be for
low income
households.
Meets the 2021-2029 RHNA Planning Period Need.
Project will be 100% affordable housing & operated as such for fifty-seven (57) years.
Project will serve the residents with the highest need comprised of Extremely Low,
Households.
2E Supp-3
Recommendation
•Waive further reading and adopt Resolution No.HA-_______,a resolution:
i.Authorizing the execution and delivery of a Loan Agreement,in substantial form,between the
Palm Desert Housing Authority and Palm Desert Pacific Associates, a California Limited
Partnership, approving a loan in the amount of $6,030,000 from the Authority’s Low and
Moderate Income Housing Asset Fund (“LMIHAF”)to fund the purchase by Palm Desert
Pacific Associates of a property and construction of 269 multi-family units consisting of 266
affordable housing units and three (3)on-site property manager units.
ii.Authorize the Chairman or Executive Director,in consultation with legal counsel,to execute
and deliver, for and in the name of the Authority, the Loan Agreement and documents
presented to the Authority Board at this meeting, as modified, provided such modifications
are materially consistent with the terms set forth in the Loan Agreement.
iii.Authorize the Chairman, the Executive Director,or their respective designees,in consultation
with legal counsel,to execute and deliver, for and in the name of the Authority, all other
necessary or proper documents and instruments, and to do all things which they may deem
necessary or proper to effectuate the purposes of the Resolution.
2E Supp-4
From:Eric Ceja
To:Anthony Mejia
Cc:Niamh M. Ortega
Subject:FW: Desert Wave Ventures Project
Date:Thursday, November 17, 2022 11:44:50 AM
Public comment for DSRT Surf agenda item F for Council.
Eric Ceja
Director of Economic Development
Ph: 760.346.0611 Direct: 760.776.6384
eceja@cityofpalmdesert.org
-----Original Message-----
From: Gonda, Krysten A. <krysten.gonda@cvusd.us>
Sent: Wednesday, November 16, 2022 1:58 PM
To: Eric Ceja <eceja@cityofpalmdesert.org>
Subject: Re: Desert Wave Ventures Project
Thank you so much. I really appreciate it. I will Zoom in just in case, but will do my best to be there in person.
Yes, please feel free to forward our exchange to our council members. DSRT Surf has been an incredible resource to
our high school surf club for years now. We started working together pre-pandemic and they have assisted us with
surf trips, donations of equipment, photography and video content for our students, and are even partnering with our
high school in the hopes of reducing single use plastic water bottles and providing access to clean and refreshing
water for our students. This group understands the value of being involved in the community. They truly believe in
supporting our youth and contributing to our local schools. They’re already doing so much. Imagine the impact they
will have once DSRT Surf is open in Palm Desert!
Krysten Gonda
> On Nov 16, 2022, at 12:08 PM, Eric Ceja <eceja@cityofpalmdesert.org> wrote:
>
> Hi Krysten,
>
> I don’t anticipate the item to be heard by the City Council until
> closer to 6pm; however, we do have a hybrid option and you always have
> the option to remote into the meeting through zoom. You can access the
> meeting through zoom here:
> https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/iKAWCAD7oztglV0fGBhM2
>
> I can also provide this email to the Clerk for distribution to the City Council as the email expresses its support of
the project and the developers efforts to work with youth in the area.
>
> Thanks,
>
>
> Eric Ceja
> Director of Economic Development
> Ph: 760.346.0611 Direct: 760.776.6384 eceja@cityofpalmdesert.org
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Gonda, Krysten A. <krysten.gonda@cvusd.us>
> Sent: Wednesday, November 16, 2022 7:54 AM
Item 2F Supp-1
> To: Eric Ceja <eceja@cityofpalmdesert.org>
> Subject: Desert Wave Ventures Project
>
> Good morning Mr. Ceja,
>
> I was hoping to attend the City Council meeting scheduled for Thursday, November 17 in support of DSRT Surf.
I’m looking at the agenda and trying to gauge an approximate time for when their item would be on the floor for
discussion.
>
> I’m a high school teacher who coaches the surf club at Desert Mirage High School. I always like to get my
students involved in these processes so that they can see how local government works and that they feel empowered
to get involved. I’d like to invite my students to attend tomorrow. I would also like to attend, but my schedule is
tight. The folks behind DSRT Surf are assisting my students with a beach clean-up in San Diego on Thursday, so I
will likely just be getting back from San Diego around 4 or 5. Do you think I would have time to get from Thermal
to Palm Desert in time to address the council?
>
> Thanks,
> Krysten Gonda
Item 2F Supp-2
SP/EA 22-0001 and TTM 38434
Refuge Specific Plan
PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 17, 2022
3A Supplemental-1
Vicinity Map
Highway 111
Larkspur LaneAGENDA ITEM 3.A.211/17/2022
3A Supplemental-2
Project Request
Request for City Council Approval of:
◦Specific Plan (SP) –Specific Plan for a 106.4-acre site located at the southwest corner of Gerald Ford
Drive and Rembrandt Parkway.
◦Up to 969-dwelling units (single-family and multi-family)
◦Environmental Assessment (EA) –Initial Study (IS) and Mitigated Negative Declaration in accordance
with California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
◦Tentative Tract Map (TTM) to subdivide a 93.56-acre portion of the site
Planning Commission recommends approval subject to added condition of approval at October
18th meeting
Project Applicant: Refuge Palm Desert
Project held a community meeting with nearby residents and has addressed concerns
AGENDA ITEM 3.A.311/17/2022
3A Supplemental-3
Specific Plan
106.4-acre parcel and establishing five (5) planning area:
◦PA 1 -Multifamily –269 units (Vitalia)
◦PA 2 –Single/Multifamily up to 3 stories
◦PA 3 -Single-family up to 2 stories
◦PA 4 –Open Space private amenity area
◦PA 5 –Open Space private landscape buffer
Planning
Area
(PA)
Area
(acres)
Density
Range
(du/ac)
Unit Range Land Use Height
(Stories)
PA 1 11.9 Up to 22.6 Up to 269 Multi-family Up to three
PA 2 16.4 10.0 –18.3 165 –302 Mixed
residential Two to three
PA 3 66.3 4.7 –6.0 315 –398 Single-family Up to two
PA 4 3.9 --Open Space One
PA 5 7.9 --Open Space None
Total 106.4 7.0 -9.1 749 -969 -
AGENDA ITEM 3.A.411/17/2022
3A Supplemental-4
AGENDA ITEM 3.A.511/17/2022
3A Supplemental-5
Environmental Assessment
Draft Initial Study identified that project measures could be mitigated to a less than
significant impact.
Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND)
Mitigation Measures and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program
◦Biological
◦Cultural -Monitoring
◦Traffic –Offsite improvements, signal, street.
◦Geology
AGENDA ITEM 3.A.611/17/2022
3A Supplemental-6
Tentative Tract Map
To subdivide a 93.56-acre portion of the proposed 106.4-acre RSP as
follows:
◦339 single-family residential lots -43.63 acres
◦1 condominium lot -14.29 acres
◦20 lots for onsite retention and open space amenity areas -14.15
acres
◦13 lots for public streets and 8 lots for private alleyways -21.49 acres
AGENDA ITEM 3.A.711/17/2022
3A Supplemental-7
AGENDA ITEM 3.A.811/17/2022
3A Supplemental-8
Community Engagement-Public Comment
Meeting with residents on August 23, 2022
◦Noticed within 1,000 feet of the site
◦Held at City Hall
◦Approximately 36 residents in attendance
Primary Concerns:
◦Added Traffic
◦Dust Control during construction
◦Impact on Views
3 residents spoke at the October 18, 2022, Planning Commission meeting
AGENDA ITEM 3.A.911/17/2022
3A Supplemental-9
AGENDA ITEM 3.A.1011/17/2022
3A Supplemental-10
AGENDA ITEM 3.A.1111/17/2022
3A Supplemental-11
AGENDA ITEM 3.A.1211/17/2022
3A Supplemental-12
Planning Commission Recommendation
Waive further reading and:
1.Conduct the public hearing and receive public testimony.
2.Adopt Resolution adopting a Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring
Reporting Program and approval of the Refuge Specific Plan (SP22-0001)to develop up to
969 dwelling units on a 106.4-acre site area located at the southwest corner of Gerald Ford
Drive and Rembrandt Parkway.
3.Adopt Resolution approving Tentative Tract Map (TTM)38434 subdividing a 93.56-acre
portion of the Refuge Specific Plan project site.
AGENDA ITEM 3.A.1311/17/2022
3A Supplemental-13
AGENDA ITEM 3.A.1411/17/2022
3A Supplemental-14
AGENDA ITEM 3.A.1511/17/2022
3A Supplemental-15
AGENDA ITEM 3.A.1611/17/2022
3A Supplemental-16
AGENDA ITEM 3.A.1711/17/2022
3A Supplemental-17
AGENDA ITEM 3.A.1811/17/2022
3A Supplemental-18
AGENDA ITEM 3.A.1911/17/2022
3A Supplemental-19
AGENDA ITEM 3.A.2011/17/2022
3A Supplemental-20
AGENDA ITEM 3.A.2111/17/2022
3A Supplemental-21
Location
11/17/2022 AGENDA ITEM 3.A.223A Supplemental-22
Existing and Surrounding Land Uses
Existing Uses General Plan Zoning
Project
Site Vacant Town Center Neighborhood (TCN)
7-40 Dwelling Units Per Acre
Planned Residential –22
dwelling units per acre
(PR-22)
North
Single-family
residential /
Sheriff Station
Conventional Suburban
Neighborhood (CSN) / Public
Facility/Institutional (PFI)
PR-5 / Public Institution
(P)
South Single-family
residential CSN PR-5
East Single-family
residential CSN PR-5
West Timeshare and
Golf Course Resort & Entertainment (R&E)PR-5
AGENDA ITEM 3.A.2311/17/2022
3A Supplemental-23
Background
Property is owned by the Successor Agency to the Palm Desert Redevelopment Agency
(SARDA).
December 2020 –The City entered into an exclusive negotiating agreement with the
project applicant on a portion of the site
◦Master planned residential development
August 2021 –The City Council approved the Vitalia Apartments in a separate action.
May 2022 –Applicant submitted application.
October 2022 –Planning Commission recommends approval of the project to Planning
Commission.
AGENDA ITEM 3.A.2411/17/2022
3A Supplemental-24
Specific Plan
Establishes 50’-0” buffer around the eastern and southern edges of the site witinh
Planning Area 5.
Limits homes to single -story along buffer area within Planning Area 3.
Limits buildings to two -story along the street and single-family residential within
Planning Area 2.
Block views of Sheriff Station within PA 2 and PA 3.
Pedestrian network.
Coordinated Landscape.
AGENDA ITEM 3.A.2511/17/2022
3A Supplemental-25
Analysis
Specific Plan satisfies State and local requirements.
Mitigated Negative Declaration complies with CEQA
Tentative Tract Map complies with requirements of Refuge Plan.
AGENDA ITEM 3.A.2611/17/2022
3A Supplemental-26
Item 3B Supp-1