HomeMy WebLinkAboutSupplemental Packet - 2023-04-27
CITY OF PALM DESERT
CITY MANAGER’S OFFICE
INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM
Date: April 27, 2023
To: Honorable Mayor and Councilmembers
From: Anthony J. Mejia, City Clerk
Subject: City Council Meeting of April 27, 2023
Below you will find questions received from the Mayor or Councilmembers and answers provided by
City staff regarding tonight’s City Council meeting:
ITEM 1H: AWARD A CONTRACT TO M & M SWEEPING, INC., OF THOUSAND PALMS,
CALIFORNIA, FOR CITYWIDE SWEEPING SERVICES IN THE ANNUAL AMOUNT OF
$230,917, PLUS EXTRA SWEEPING SERVICES UP TO THE AMOUNT OF $25,000
(PROJECT NO. 754-24)
Q1: Why is the sweeping fee for the Aquatic Center greater than Civic Center Park given the
size of each location
A1: The annual street sweeping amount budgeted for the Palm Desert Aquatic Center is $10,000.
Staff budgeted this amount forecasting that extra labor hours would be needed to blow each
individual angled parking stall. This is because the street sweeper is too large for these areas.
The Civic Center parking lot, although larger, can accommodate the large street sweeping
equipment. However, the actual annual cost submitted by the vendor for the Palm Desert
Aquatic Center is $1,680.00. The annual cost submitted for the Civic Center Park is $5,472.
ITEM 1M: APPROVE APPROPRIATION, ASSOCIATED TRANSFERS, AND INCREASE IN
ESTIMATED REVENUE ASSOCIATED WITH AWARDED URBAN COMMUNITY
DROUGHT RELIEF FUNDING FOR TURF CONVERSION PROGRAMS
Q1: How long does staff anticipate it will take to get through the waitlist for the Turf
Replacement Program?
A1: According to CVWD, all grant funds have been allocated to those on the waitlist as of
March 30, 2023. While funds have been designated to specific projects, project times vary so it
could be several months before projects are complete.
Q2: How many residents and Commercial/HOAs are on the wait list to replace the combined
34,764 square feet?
A2: The waitlists included in the tables on the staff report breakdown to 7 Residents at 10,577 sq.
ft. and 4 Commercial/HOAs at 24,559 sq. ft. for a combined replacement of 34,764 sq. ft.
However, the total grant funding is anticipated to cover 51 Residents at 65,875 sq. ft. and 13
Commercial/HOAs at 64,696 sq. ft.
04/27/2023 Question & Answer Memo
Page 2 of 2
As a side note, residents and commercial/HOAs apply for projects and once approved and the
project is complete, they are reimbursed the combined rebate between the City and CVWD. At
times, those approved for projects decide not to move forward, in which case other projects in
the que move up in line. As such, all of these numbers are subject to change. Staff anticipates
bringing a full report back to the City Council once all projects are complete and funds are
expended to report the number of residents and commercial/HOAs served to include total sq.
ft. of turf converted.
ITEM 1P: AWARD A CONTRACT TO JOHN KALISKI ARCHITECTS, INC., FROM LOS ANGELES,
CALIFORNIA, TO PREPARE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY
AND MIXED-USE HOUSING PROJECTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $149,774
Q1: Request for clarification on 3.2.10.4. Doesn’t Kaliski have a current interest as architect
for the new Visitors’ Center?
A1: No, John Kaliski Architects, Inc., is not associated with the new Visitors' Center project.
ITEM 2A: PROVIDE DIRECTION ON AND AUTHORIZATION TO RELEASE A REQUEST FOR
PROPOSALS FOR OPERATION OF THE PALM DESERT IHUB
Q1: Have there been previous discussions or inquiries about converting the iHub into
educational space in the past?
A1: The iHUB was envisioned to support business development and provide educational space.
Currently, CSUSBPD sub-leases roughly 30% of the iHUB space which it uses for faculty
office and meeting space, as well as classroom space for its cyber security and
entrepreneurship programs.
Police
Budget
1Study Session
Police Budget-1
Law Enforcement Services
Enhancing Service Levels at Minimal Cost
Major Initiatives for FY 2023-24
▪Deploy phase 2 of the ALPR system
▪24/7 Investigative Tool
▪Force Multiplier
▪Increasing solve rates
▪Apprehending criminals before they can commit more crime
▪Addition of a School Resource Officer at Palm Desert Charter Middle School (50/50 cost share)
▪Enhanced school safety presence
▪Frees up patrol deputies of calls for service
▪Least expensive sworn position provided by RSCO
▪Traffic enforcement
▪More frequent DUI checkpoints
▪Deployment of Sheriff regional traffic enforcement team (VMET)
▪Greater coordination with Street Racing Team
Cost Containment Measures
▪Use of technology to keep staffing flat
▪Reallocating the 11 CSO's to take on duties done previously by sworn personnel
▪Evaluating cost recovery charges (i.e. Vehicle Impound fees and DUI -VICR)
2Study Session
Police Budget-2
Police Services
Non-General Fund Budget Non-General Fund Budget3
Significant Increase to budget includes:
•Increase to police services costs at 2.09% including addition of ALPR phase 2 and School Resource officer
(SRO)
FY 2023-24
Proposed Budget
Police
Services
Police Service 21,278,323
Professional Services 70,000
Contingency 40,000
Repairs and Maint 32,000
Supplies 19,200
Grand Total 21,439,523
Prior Year Budget 20,976,865
Study Session
Police Budget-3
POLICE BUDGET
4
LINE ITEM DESCRIPTION FTE
Hours Per
Day Days
FY 22/23
Rate
Estimated
Increase
FY 23/24
Est. Rate Per Position Request
1 General Law Enforcement (Patrol:SUP-B) 28 144 365 $209.35 2.50%$214.58 $404,275.79 $11,278,522
LINE ITEM DESCRIPTION Positions
Hours Per
Year
Percent
Staffed
FY 22/23
Rate
FY 22/23
Differential
Estimated
Increase
FY 23/24
Est. Rate
FY 23/24 Est.
Differential Per Position Request
2 Dedicated Sheriff's Lieutenant 1 2088 100% $159.35 $0.00 2.50% $163.33 $0.00 $341,040.87 $341,041
3 Dedicated Sheriff's Sergeant - Motor 1 2088 100% $141.39 $2.93 2.50% $144.92 $2.99 $308,843.07 $308,843
4 Dedicated Sheriff's Sergeant - BDT 1 2088 100% $141.39 $0.00 2.50% $144.92 $0.00 $302,602.88 $302,603
5 Traffic Team (commercial enforcement:SDP-B) 0.69 1884 100% $209.35 $0.00 2.50% $214.58 $0.00 $404,275.79 $278,950
6 Dedicated Motorcycle Enforcement (SDC-B) 4 2088 100% $179.17 $1.97 2.50% $183.65 $2.01 $387,655.26 $1,550,621
7 Special Enforcement Team (SDC-B)3 2088 100% $179.17 $0.00 2.50% $183.65 $0.00 $383,459.63 $1,150,379
8 Business District Team (SDC-B)4 2088 100% $179.17 $0.00 2.50% $183.65 $0.00 $383,459.63 $1,533,839
9 Dedicated School Resource Officer (UDP-B) 1 1440 100% $120.74 $1.99 2.50% $123.76 $2.03 $181,135.15 $181,135
10 Burglary Suppression (SDC-B)2 1780 100% $209.35 $0.00 2.50% $214.58 $0.00 $381,959.08 $763,918
11 CVVCGTF Deputy (UDC)1 2088 100% $107.19 $0.00 2.50% $109.87 $0.00 $229,408.04 $229,408
12 CVNTF Deputy (UDC)1 2088 100% $107.19 $0.00 2.50% $109.87 $0.00 $229,408.04 $229,408
13 Community Service Officer II 11 2088 100% $62.32 $0.00 2.50% $63.88 $0.00 $133,377.26 $1,467,150
$8,337,294.88
LINE ITEM DESCRIPTION Request
14 Overtime $450,000
15 Palm Desert Station Facility Fee $359,100
16 Records Management System $117,577
17 Cal ID - Statewide Fingerprint ID System $50,889
18 Mileage Cost - Patrol Units $391,440
19 Mileage Cost - Plain Units $38,500
20 BSU Fuel $12,600
21 Motorcycle Fuel $6,600
22 Motorcycle Maintenance $32,000
23 Police Contingency Fund $30,000
24 Explorer Post 507 contribution $0
25 Operational Reoccuring Costs $70,000
26 Shop with a Cop/YBFIT $10,000
27 ALPR $255,000
$1,823,706
TOTAL $21,439,523
Projected increase from FY 2022/23 Police Budget estimate($20,991,935)
to the FY 2023/24 estimate, based on the current recommended $447,688
level of service.
Increase/Decrease 2.09%
DETAIL
Officer extended shifts, Investigations, CSO's , Sergeants, Dedicated
Cost Estimate (based on previous year actual cost)
Cost Estimate (based on previous year actual cost)
Billed at $1.00 per capita (50,889 as of 01/01/2022-DOF estimate)
466,000 miles $.84 per mile (based on current year average)
70,000 miles @ .55 per mile (based on current year average)
Costs for blood draws, blood analysis, sexual assault exams, etc.
Costs to participate in these annual events
Estimated costs to deploy cameras in 102 fixed locations
(Yearly costs 2,500 x 102 = 255,000 annual cost)
Avg. $1,050.00 per month x 12 months
Avg. $550.00 per month by 12 months
Avg. $8,000 per year x 4 motors
Funding for Palm Desert Explorer Post 507-Year 2 of a biannual budget
Special equipment, materials, training, & program support
Study Session
Police Budget-4
Five Year Budget History-Police Department
5
FIVE YEAR BUDGET
HISTORY – POLICE
DEPARTMENT
FY 19/20 FY 20/21 FY 21/22 FY 22/23 FY 23/24 5 Yr Ave
Patrol Hours 171.4 144 144 144 144
Patrol Rate Increase 5%6%4%1.89%2.50%4%
Total $ 22,276,227 $ 19,510,810 $ 20,015,128 $ 20,976,865 $ 21,439,523
Study Session
Police Budget-5
Positions Palm Desert
Patrol Deputies/Corporals (FTE)27.90
Special Enforcement Team (SET)3.00
Business District Team (BDT)4.00
COVE Commercial Traffic Enforcement 1.00
Motor Team 4.00
Burglary Suppression Team 2.00
School Resource Officer 1.00
CVVCGTF Deputy 1.00
CVNTF Deputy 1.00
Total Sworn Patrol & Special Teams 44.90
Captain 1.00
Lieutenant 1.00
Motor Sergeant 1.00
BDT/SET Sergeant 1.00
Rate Supported Lieutenants (FTE)1.54
Rate Supported Sergeants (FTE)5.68
Rate Supported Investigators (FTE)3.89
Total Sworn Management/Rate Support 15.11
Community Service Officer II (CSO)11.00
Rate Supported CSOs (FTE)1.99
Rate Supported Sheriff's Service Officer (FTE)1.07
Rate Supported Accounting Staff (FTE)1.86
Rate Supported Office Staff (FTE)3.74
Total Classified Support 19.66
Total Sworn Positions 60.01
Total Contract Positions 79.67
Total Sworn Positions p/ 1,000 Residents 1.1
6
•ALPR is a force multiplier
•SRO provides dedicated
resource to Palm Desert
Charter Middle School
•SRO also returns at least 1
hour per day of patrol
deputy time
Study Session
Police Budget-6
Reallocation of
CSO's
•Added resource to day time
traffic enforcement
•Night time traffic enforcement
•Contract admin support
7
DESCRIPTION FTE
Community Service Officer II Patrol 6
Community Service Officer II Crime
Prevention 1
Community Service Officer II Admin 1
Community Service Officer II Day Time
Traffic 2
Community Service Officer II Night Time
Traffic 1
Study Session
Police Budget-7
8Study Session
Police Budget-8
9Study Session
Police Budget-9
10Study Session
Police Budget-10
Going Forward
•Establishing new metrics and reporting methods
•Evaluate and monitor increased call for service activity
•Report back to Public Safety Committee and Council on a quarterly
basis
•Position city for contract negotiations next FY
11Study Session
Police Budget-11
Questions?
12Study Session
Police Budget-12
Study Session:
Districting Options
City of Palm Desert
April 27, 2023
Study Session
Districting-1
City Council Subcommittee
Three (3) single member districts and two (2) members
elected at-large/citywide (Not Legally Viable)
Four (4) single member districts + at-large mayor
Five (5) single member districts
Demographic analysis on Advisory Measure B (Not Yet Available)
Analysis on Ranked Choice Voting
Evaluation of other demographers, specifically Paul Mitchell
December 15, 2022: Mayor
Pro Tem Quintanilla and
Councilmember Harnik
appointed to an ad hoc
subcommittee.
February 10, 2023:
Subcommittee met and
requested staff research
the following options:
Study Session
Districting-2
Registered Voters:11,832
Voters Casting Ballots:8,133
Voter Turnout:68.74%
Ballots Cast (City Election):7,159
Blanks:875 / 12.22%
Overvotes:109 / 1.52%
Ranked Choice Voting
City of Palm DesertCity of Albany
Registered Voters:27,655
Voters Casting Ballots:17,857
Voter Turnout:64.57%
Ballots Cast (City Election):16,177
Blanks:1,324 / 8.18%
Overvotes:381 / 2.36%
Study Session
Districting-3
Registered Voters:10,435
Voters Casting Ballots:7,224
Voter Turnout:69.23%
Ballots Cast (City Election):6,625
Blanks:538 / 8.12%
Overvotes/Suspended:61 / 0.92%
Ranked Choice Voting
City of Berkeley, D8City of Berkeley, D1
Registered Voters:9,142
Voters Casting Ballots:6,097
Voter Turnout:66.69%
Ballots Cast (City Election):5,176
Blanks:863 / 16.67%
Overvotes/Suspended:58 / 1.12%
Study Session
Districting-4
Ranked Choice Voting Findings
Blanks
12% skipping the Albany Election
8% skipping the Berkeley D1 Election
17% skipping the Berkeley D8 Election
Palm Desert voters did comparatively well
to Albany & Berkeley, with 8% of voters
skipping the Palm Desert election versus:
Overvotes
1.52% overvoting in the Albany Election
0.92% overvoting in the Berkeley D1 Election
1.12% overvoting in the Berkeley D8 Election
Palm Desert did worse in comparison to Albany &
Berkeley, with 2.23% of voters overvoting versus:
Future Action: Based on the findings, City staff will focus more attention on educating the community
about marking the ballot correctly and how to avoid overvoting.
Study Session
Districting-5
Demographer Options
National Demographics Corporation
Redistricting Partners
Founded in 1979, based in Glendale, CA
Headed by Doug Johnson, Ph.D.
Prides itself on being neutral technicians
Over 200 client jurisdictions
Never drawn maps for a political party
Founded 10+ years ago, based in Sacramento, CA
Headed by Paul Mitchell (also VP of Political Data, Inc.)
Over 75 client jurisdictions
Paul Mitchell is described as a redistricting consultant/strategist
to various democratic groups (Washington Post/Politico)
Study Session
Districting-6
Demographer Options
Redistricting Insights
Bear Demographics & Research
Founded in 2015, based in Woodland, CA
Headed by Matt Rexroad & Fabian Valdez, Jr.
Rexroad and Valdez also operate Meridan Pacific, a
Republican political consulting firm
Valdez previously served as the data director for the
California Republican Party
Founded in 2021, based in Los Angeles, CA
Headed by Andrew Westall & David Ely, of Compass Demographics
David Ely is the demographer for Attorney Kevin Shenkman
Study Session
Districting-7
Demographer Options
Best, Best, & Krieger - Election Division
Recommendation
The City utilized BBK Election Division Services for the 2020
Redistricting process. While BBK successfully completed
the process, they do not have an in-house demographer
resulting in a lack of control over the process.
Based on their nonpartisan and neutral stance, staff
recommends selecting National Demographics Corporation to
serve as the City's demographer.
Staff will return to City Council for award of contract with a
recommendation to find it is in the best interest of the City to
make an exception to the purchasing policy for demographer
services (PDMC 3.30.160[I])
Study Session
Districting-8
Potential Districting Milestone Schedule
August 2023: Staff presents a
detailed community outreach
plan
September to January 2024:
Community Outreach/Public
Hearings/Map Adoption
February 2024: Transmittal of
Final Map to Registrar of Voters
July 15, 2024:
Nomination Period Opens
By July 2023: City Council provides direction
on the # of districts and awards contract for
demographer services
Study Session
Districting-9
1. Federal Laws
Equal Population
Federal Voting Rights Act
No Racial Gerrymandering
2. California Criteria
(in priority order):
1. Geographically contiguous
2. Minimize division of neighborhoods
and "communities of interest" (Socio-
economic geographic areas that should
be kept together)
3. Easily identifiable boundaries
4. Compact (Do not bypass one group of
people to get to a more distant group of
people)
Prohibited: "Shall not favor or discriminate
against a political party."
1. Federal Laws 3. Other Traditional
Redistricting Principles
Respect voters' choice / avoid
unnecessary pairing of incumbents
Future Population Growth
Redistricting: Rules and Goals
Source: NDC
Study Session
Districting-10
Redistricting Options
FAIR MAPS ACT
Options Researched:
The FAIR Maps act prohibits the release of potential
maps prior to the public hearing process. Therefore, staff
will review the demographic information corresponding
to the number of districts.
Four (4) single member districts + at-large mayor
Five (5) single member districts
Study Session
Districting-11
Redistricting Options
In the demographer's preliminary best efforts,
below are demographic results for maintaining
the highest level of Latino CVAP in District 1:
Options D1 Latino CVAP D1 NH White CVAP
Existing 44.81%47.85%
Four Districts 39.93%52.70%
Five Districts 44.81%47.85%
Study Session
Districting-12
First-Time Districting Court Order Charter Amendment
A council may adopt
districts between federal
censuses if adopting
districts for the first time
A court orders the council to
redistrict
A charter city has adopted
different rules for mid-cycle
redistricting in the charter
Legal Analysis
Under the FAIR Maps Act, a City is prohibited from adjusting district boundaries until the 2030
Census, except under the following circumstances:
Study Session
Districting-13
Mid-Cycle Redistricting: Charter Amendment
EC 21625(c): Provides an exception for a Charter City that "has
adopted different rules for mid-cycle redistricting in its City Charter."
Palm Desert's Charter does not contain any rules regarding electoral
districts or mid-cycle redistricting.
Any amendment to the Charter would require majority vote at the
next Statewide Primary Election (March 2024) or Statewide General
Election (November 2024).
Authorization by ordinance alone would be vulnerable to legal
challenge for violating Section 21625 of the FAIR Maps Act.
Study Session
Districting-14
Mid-Cycle Redistricting: Court Order
The existing settlement agreement and stipulated judgment
contemplated allowing for mid-cycle redistricting to five single
member districts during its 10-year term.
To this limited extent, Attorney Shenkman and the Court have
already agreed this form of mid-cycle redistricting is permissible.
If the City intends to invoke the "court order" exemption under EC
21625, it would be prudent to seek an amendment to the stipulated
judgment that specifically addresses this issue. This would require
negotiation with Attorney Shenkman and his clients.
This process would eliminate one significant avenue of a Section
21625 challenge.
Study Session
Districting-15
Legal Analysis: Four Single Member Districts+At-Large Mayor
Four Single Member Districts + At-Large Mayor
Inconsistent with the stipulated judgment, Advisory Measure B, and probably applicable law.
Stipulated Judgment: does not authorize an adjustment to a "4+1" format. Only a five-
district option is contemplated.
A "4+1" option is technically allowed under GC 34886 which allows the City to transition
to a "by district with an elective mayor" format without holding an election, when in
furtherance of the purposes of the CVRA.
The demographer's preliminary best efforts could not identify a 4+1 configuration that
does not result in diluting Latino CVAP in District 1. Therefore, this option does not
appear to be in furtherance of the purposes of the CVRA.
The City would have to renegotiate with Attorney Shenkman and his clients and the
Court would have to approve an amended judgment.
Study Session
Districting-16
Legal Analysis: Five Single Member Districts
Five Single Member Districts
Consistent with the stipulated judgment, Advisory Measure B, and applicable law.
Stipulated Judgment: calls for "minimal changes to boundaries of the Civic Center District."
A five-district option is consistent with GC 34886, which allows a city to transition to
by-district election system without holding an election, provided the changes are in
furtherance of the purposes of the CVRA.
Absent a court order (via an amended judgment) there is risk of a third party legal
challenge to mid-cycle redistricting under EC Section 21625.
Study Session
Districting-17
Legal Analysis: Conclusion
Absent a court order or charter amendment, it does not appear the City may
mid-cycle redistrict under the FAIR Maps Act.
However, if Attorney Shenkman and his clients are agreeable to a change, the
risk of legal challenge is reduced.
A five single member district option would be fully compliant with the settlement/
stipulated judgment, Government Code 34886, and Advisory Measure B.
Federal and state law does not require the City to continue using Ranked Choice
Voting (RCV), however, elimination of RCV would require renegotiation of the
settlement/judgment to authorize its elimination.
Study Session
Districting-18
For Consideration at the May 25, 2023,
City Council Meeting
Maintain Existing Two (2) District System
Four (4) Districts + At-Large Mayor
Five (5) Districts
Rely on existing judgment as authority to go to 5 districts; or
Seek a Charter Amendment to allow mid-cycle districting; or
Seek an amended judgment/court order
If PD should be divided into smaller districts, what is the path forward:
Retain or seek elimination of Ranked Choice Voting?
Demographer Selection
Recommendation: National Demographic Corporation
Should Palm Desert be divided into
smaller districts?
What is the preferred path forward
for mid-cycle districting?
Ranked Choice Voting
Demographer Selection
Study Session
Districting-19
Whereas, athletic accomplishment requires dedication, collaboration, and strenuouspreparation, all of which are qualities that will serve student well in other endeavors throughout lite; and
'Whereas, the Palm Desert Aztecs have again matched academic excellence with noteworthyathletic accomplishments this year with 16 DEL League Champions and 9 CIF champions; and
Whereas, consistent excellence is shown in the football team's sixth straight year winning ashare of the DEL title, the boys' water polo team's fourth straight DEL title, and the boys' wrestling team taking 6th place statewide, with three wrestlers ranked in the top 20 nationally; and
Whereas, the boys' soccer team capped their historic season with an I I-game win streakculminating in a CIF-SS Division 5 championship; and
Whereas, the dance company from the PDHS Arts Academy combined athleticismwith artistic expression to win the 'T'alent Achievement Award in the Dance Category at the McCallum Theatre's Open Call this year;
Now, Therefore, I, Kathleen Kelly, Mayor of the City of PalmDesert, Calif omia, along with the entire City Council, do hereby congratulate the... Palm Desert High School
Athletic and Arts Programs and urge all citizens to join me in celebrating the incredible talents and accomplishments of each and every team member.
COUNCILMEMBER KARINA QUINTANILLA
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my
hand and have caused the Official Seal of the City
of Palm Dcsc11, California, lo be allixed this 27 "'
day of Ap1il, 202 1
Proclamation-1
CITY OF PALM
DESERT
CM Comments A-1
COMPLETED
TRAINING
CM Comments A-2
EOC
CM Comments A-3
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
CM Comments A-4
NEW STAFF
& NEW
PROJECTS
CM Comments A-5
DISASTER
SERVICE
WORKER
(DSW)
PROGRAM
CM Comments A-6
DSW
PROGRAM
CM Comments A-7
IN-HOUSE
EMERGENCY
SERVICES
CM Comments A-8
Help Lead Our City - Apply to serve on
a Committee or Commission
Applications are welcome year-round
Interviews in May and June
New Terms begin July 1st
www.palmdesert.org/volunteers
Architecture
Civic Engagement
Cultural Arts
Historic Preservation
Municipal Finances
Homelessness
Housing
Marketing
Parks & Recreation
Planning
Public Safety
Environmental
And more!
Topics include:
CM Comments B-1
From:FAITH C MCINNIS
To:CouncilMeeting Comments
Subject:5 Districts
Date:Tuesday, April 25, 2023 9:17:53 PM
Representation is a sacred American right. Last time I voted I was shocked to find out
how little & how unbalanced representation in our city is. As a fairly recent resident, I
look forward to that being corrected asap.
My husband and I always vote and encourage our family & friends.
Please vote the residents' will.
Faith McInnis
39360 Desert Greens Drive East
Palm Desert, CA 92260
253.223.7302
fcmcinnis@comcast.net
Public Comment-1
From:Michael Johnson
To:CouncilMeeting Comments
Subject:5 Voting Districts for City of Palm Desert
Date:Wednesday, April 26, 2023 10:27:46 PM
As a full time resident of Palm Desert it's important to me that we received full and equitable
representation. That's why I, along with the majority of voters decided to push for 5 districts
and I'm urging you to do the same.
Changing to 5 Districts means:
Increased representation: District One, in the central part of the city, enjoys its own elected
representative, the rest of Palm Desert does not. With 5 Districts, the representative would
have to live in the district they represent. Residents would have easier access to their
representative.
More attention to local issues: The tremendous growth in North and East Palm Desert
requires attention from their own elected representative.
Voting equity: Each Palm Desert voter would have one vote for their own representative
every four years.
Increased campaign efficiency: The current system favors incumbents with name
recognition and generous sources of donations. Candidates running in only one district can
focus on connecting with 10,000 voters, and don’t need big donors to reach 40,000 voters.
Thank you for your attention on this issue.
- Michael Johnson
92211
Public Comment-2
From:Nicole Johnson
To:CouncilMeeting Comments
Subject:5 Voting Districts for the City of Palm Desert
Date:Wednesday, April 26, 2023 10:30:49 PM
Hello,
I live in Palm Desert year round. During voting last year, the majority of
voters said yes on Measure B to establish five districts, with each district
electing a local representative.
At this time, three City Councilmembers live in South Palm Desert, while
two live in Central Palm Desert. Do they accurately grasp the issues North
and East Palm Desert residents face?
It is very important to me that the City Council represents ALL of Palm
Desert, especially with the growth of North Palm Desert (where I reside in
one of the new developments).
Please enact a five district map as soon as possible.
An involved and concerned Palm Desert Resident,
Nicole Johnson
35761 Cannon Drive
Palm Desert, CA 92211
Public Comment-3
From:Lynne Arkin
To:CouncilMeeting Comments
Subject:5 voting districts
Date:Wednesday, April 26, 2023 6:10:57 PM
Hello Community Members,
I strongly urge you to vote for the 5 voting districts which
will increase district voting participation along with addressing
district issues, both a critical component of our political process.
I love our desert and Palm Desert, in particular, and urge you to
acknowledge the advisory call registered by voters last November.
Thank you for your consideration as we all move forward to best serve
our respective districts and our quality of life in the desert.
Lynne Arkin
Palm Desert full-time desert resident
Public Comment-4
From:Níamh Ortega
To:CouncilMeeting Comments
Subject:FW: 5 district discussion
Date:Thursday, April 27, 2023 8:48:05 AM
Attachments:50yearsresized_32178492-0560-4444-b657-c0c208d02055.png
.
.
Níamh M. Ortega
Assistant City Clerk
760.776.6487
nortega@palmdesert.gov | www.palmdesert.gov
73510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, CA, 92260
.
-----Original Message-----
From: City Hall Mail <cityhall@palmdesert.gov>
Sent: Thursday, April 27, 2023 8:46 AM
Cc: Níamh Ortega <nortega@palmdesert.gov>
Subject: FW: 5 district discussion
Good afternoon Mayor & Councilmembers,
Please see the email below. Niamh is cc'd for public comments.
Thank you,
-----Original Message-----
From: Van Tanner <vangtanner@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, April 27, 2023 8:04 AM
To: City Hall Mail <cityhall@palmdesert.gov>
Subject: 5 district discussion
Good afternoon, I have been an active resident in Palm Desert for 42 years. When my wife and I moved here the
population was 15 thousand people. Today we are about 53 thousand and still growing. The housing growth is
coming from the north sphere, along with a new regional park. I am a proponent of creating 5 districts. Equal
representation should be offered to all residents as there are different issues that affect residents differently. The
public voted in favor of the 5 districts to elect the city council.
I encouraged the current council to follow what your constituents want.
Van G TANNER
Former Mayor of Palm Desert
Sent from my iPad
Public Comment-5
From:Níamh Ortega
To:CouncilMeeting Comments
Subject:FW: 5 districts for Council Meeting April 27th comment from public
Date:Thursday, April 27, 2023 8:01:19 AM
Attachments:50yearsresized_32178492-0560-4444-b657-c0c208d02055.png
.
.
Níamh M. Ortega
Assistant City Clerk
760.776.6487
nortega@palmdesert.gov | www.palmdesert.gov
73510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, CA, 92260
.
From: City Hall Mail <cityhall@palmdesert.gov>
Sent: Thursday, April 27, 2023 7:55 AM
Cc: Níamh Ortega <nortega@palmdesert.gov>
Subject: FW: 5 districts for Council Meeting April 27th comment from public
Good morning Mayor & City Councilmembers,
Please see the email below. Niamh is cc’d to include in public comments.
Thank you,
From: TERRY WOOD <terryprod@aol.com>
Sent: Wednesday, April 26, 2023 5:03 PM
To: City Hall Mail <cityhall@palmdesert.gov>
Subject: 5 districts for Council Meeting April 27th comment from public
City Council,
Last year over 53% of the citizens in Palm Desert voted in
favor of 5 districts, and don’t know why it became a fishing
expedition instead of respecting the voters in your district
Public Comment-6
and making it happen. If you are true representatives of
the whole community at large here in Palm Desert, then
you should not stall the five zones by waiting to put it on
the ballot in 2024. This would give some council members
another 4 plus years on council before it took effect. I
know Quintanilla has a smaller protected area of Hispanic
voters that cost a lot less to run a campaign in that zone
also. And some of us might not agree upon how it was
obtained through the lawsuit. But, at the same time the
majority of the council members live south of Highway
111, up Highway 74. This might cause some conflict of
interest in some resident’s minds of only that one area
having council members to represent everyone in the city.
I agree with Miss. Quintanilla and believe that with more
residents from different parts of our city that we can make
Palm Desert even a better place to live and work in.
Sincerely,
Terry Lynn Wood
Palm Desert
Public Comment-7
From:Gregg Akkerman
To:CouncilMeeting Comments
Subject:Moving to 5 Districts
Date:Wednesday, April 26, 2023 5:20:22 PM
My name is Gregg Akkerman and as a resident of Palm Desert I am hoping the Council will
find a way to move to 5 voting districts as soon as possible.
I have read the staff report related to this issue several times and my take away is that the only
real options are to do nothing or move to five districts (as opposed to any other re-districting
option).
To do nothing would be in direct conflict with the will of the voters who easily passed
Measure B last November.
Furthermore, waiting for the 2030 census data to become available in 2032, as mentioned as
one option in the staff report, would be a blatant delay tactic that would likely encourage
expensive legal action. The city of Santa Monica is estimated to have spent 16 million dollars
trying to avoid moving to multiple voting districts and this is in addition to the over 20 million
dollars they might have to pay the plaintiff's attorneys if they lose the pending Superior Court
case. That is not a path for Palm Desert to take.
Therefore, the clear choice is to adopt the suggested timeline put forth by City staff which
would require the Council to vote an approval of the 5-district plan by July of 2023, making
the new districts available in ample time for the 2024 election cycle.
I have often heard Palm Desert Council members applaud the importance of heeding the will
of the voters. This is the Council's chance to add actions to those words.
Thank you for your time,
Gregg Akkerman
greggakkerman@me.com
Public Comment-8
From:Liberty Naud
To:CouncilMeeting Comments
Subject:4/27 - Public Comment: Palm Desert Innovation Hub
Date:Thursday, April 27, 2023 1:14:38 AM
Eleven years ago, CVEP believed in two moms wanting to change lives through STEM
enrichment.
(UCLA, UC Berkeley, MIT, Carnegie Mellon)
The iHub propelled us forward, providing a professional home base and mentors instrumental
in our success.
(Cal Poly, Harvey Mudd, UCR Bourns College of Engineering; Harvard)
CVEP believed in our mission to create the next generation of technology heroes.
(Mechanical Engineer, Software Developer, AI Modeling, Cybersecurity)
The iHub enabled us to form lasting partnerships whose ripples still leave a wake today.
(Rocket Scientist, GIS Specialist, Government Legislation, Systems Engineer)
CVEP believed in the long game: they knew investing in us then, would pay off now.
(Tandem Diabetes, NASA, Lockheed Martin, Esri)
The iHub fostered the "can do and will do" attitude that all startups need; the cheerleader, the
reality checker, and the occasional kick in the butt.
(PayPal, Dropbox, SpaceX, google)
So what does a multi-year-incubation return on investment look like? How do you measure
that?
Joe Wallace, Lesa Bodner, Laura James; CVEP has a dream team of the experience, passion,
and grit needed to propel new companies forward.
Lesa introduced us to Fred Bell from the Palm Springs Air Museum. And now the valley has a
permanent Science & Technology Academy there. Joe introduced us to SCE who became a
long-term financial supporter. Laura was a soundboarding and mentoring master. And CVEP
would write and distribute press releases anytime we (or the kids) had a win.
But the real win? Every university, career, and company I listed off is a kid we used to serve.
Okay, so they're really adults now, but that's exactly my point. Innovation doesn't always
happen overnight, and company success can't always be measured in days, or months, or even
a handful of years.
And now? Eleven years later, 60% of them say they want to start their own tech companies.
And 30% of those *want* to come back to the Coachella Valley.
Let's make certain that CVEP has a technology-focused iHub in Palm Desert for them to come
home to.
With High 5's and Admiration, Liberty
-------
Liberty Naud
Founder & CEO, Jamberry Work Co-founder, SMaRT Education
Item 2A-1
From:Nia Ruth • Few & Far Wine
To:CouncilMeeting Comments
Subject:In Support of the Palm Desert iHub
Date:Thursday, April 27, 2023 8:42:35 AM
Hi there,
In advance of this afternoon's Council meeting, I'd like to share a bit about the impact the
Palm Desert iHub has had on me and my business in hopes the council will continue to
support its operations.
It took me a long time to find an entrepreneurial community and support for my business since
moving to the Valley, and the Palm Dessert iHub has provided both of those things for me.
The number of connections I've made at their numerous events - Morning Insights, Fast Pitch,
and Meet the Entrepreneurs, for example - have been invaluable to growing my network and
my business. I've also received a great deal of valuable information about the economics of the
valley based on the great work happening at the iHub, learned about several important local
businesses through various presentations, and had the opportunity to compete in the Fast Pitch
competition - something I would have never done if not for the encouragement and support of
the iHub team. I hope you will consider continuing to support the iHub in its current form as
its been incredibly beneficial to my success, and I very much foresee the team continuing to
support me down the line.
Thank you,
Nia
--
Nia Ruth, PhD
Founder & CEO of Few & Far Wine
@sipfewandfar
fewandfarwine.com
(858) 255-0977
Item 2A-2
From:Elizabeth Wong
To:CouncilMeeting Comments; Laura Pellior; Joe Wallace
Subject:Palm Desert iHub - CVEP Staff
Date:Thursday, April 27, 2023 7:14:44 AM
Dear Palm Desert City Council,
DoubleLock Healthcare, Inc. has developed a novel medical device, the DoubleLock Sterile
Entry Intravenous Port and Syringe System, that is a solution to the problem of healthcare
associated infections which costs the US Healthcare System $13 billion annually and takes the
lives of 99,000 patients each year. I have been a client of the Palm Springs iHub since idea
creation in 2017. Developing a novel medical device from concept to creation has been a long
and challenging journey. We recently completed proof-of-concept with Prototype #11 and are
in the process of seeking funding to further our project.
The staff at CVEP, including Joe Wallace and Laura Pellior have been enormously helpful in
being available to provide guidance, classes, help, and support whenever we needed them.
These services have been invaluable and priceless to our company, as we could never afford to
pay such high quality consultants as the CVEP staff on our limited budget. One day, when our
product finally hits the shelves, we can thank the CVEP staff for being an instrumental and
contributing partner.
Best Regards,
--
ELizabeth Wong
Founder and CEO
DoubleLock Healthcare, Inc.
DoubleLockHealthcare.com
Item 2A-3
From:Nima Pauline
To:CouncilMeeting Comments
Subject:PALM DESERT iHUB - ECM Textile Plastics & Recapture, Inc.
Date:Thursday, April 27, 2023 7:43:43 AM
Dear Palm Desert Mayor and City Council,
My name is Nima Pauline. I am the founder and CEO of Eco Culture Manufacturing, ECM Textile
Plastics & Recapture and Persona Cork. I am part of the CVEP Palm Springs, iHUB. I am writing this
email to express my concern and dismay that the city of Palm Desert is considering after 1 year.
1)Eliminating the Palm Desert iHub program altogether in order to sublease the space
2)Issuing a request for proposals to possibly select a new operator of the iHub.
First of all, after one year eliminating, the Palm Desert iHUB program is simply short sighted and not
in the spirit of true innovation. Innovation, this takes time, patience and most importantly, a
nurturing, supportive and enduring set of support systems and networks. This is what the Palm
Springs iHUB has given me and the community of Palm Springs. My ability to create my vast network
and huge footprint was a result of my Palm Springs iHUB family. I will break it down very simply.
AWARDS:
2019 Finalist Global Climate Action Summit 2019
2018 - United State Congressional Recognition for a Woman Owned Business
2018 - California State Assembly – Coachella Valley Women Owned Small Business Award.
2018 - County of Riverside Coachella Valley Small Business Award.
2018 - Coachella Valley Small Business Award - Female Entrepreneur of the Year
As of today 4/27/2023, we have accomplished this:
1.EPA Grant - Textile Waste – Solid Waste
2.MWCNT RFID Patent -October 2021
3.Department of Energy (DOE) A proposal for a Circular Economy and how textile
plastics and recapture fit in.
4.The National Institute of Standards and Technology wants to collaborate on my
patent.
5.Buying, as we speak, the only Vertical Shoe Company in California and
implementing my Congressionally awarded closed loop business model. Into 2 brands
Californians Shoes and Salpy Shoes all California made.
a)Southern California Based Footwear Factory | Shoe Manufacturers in USA
(cloverandcobbler.com)
b)Californians Footwear | Made in USA Shoes - 15% Off Your First Order
c)Salpy Handcrafted Shoes | Made in Los Angeles, USA (salpyshoes.com)
All this couldn't happen without CVEP iHub 8 years of dedication and trust in my abilities as an
innovator.
Please reconsider your position and think about what you are really deciding. Do you want
innovation and economic development for the Coachella Valley Community?
Kindest Regards,
Nima Pauline
www.ecoculturemanufacturing.com
Item 2A-4
From:Guy Assif
To:CouncilMeeting Comments
Subject:Palm Desert iHub and Agenda item 2A
Date:Thursday, April 27, 2023 6:46:31 AM
To Whom it may concern
It is with great concern that we learn of the fact that City staff and council are considering
either to eliminate the Palm Desert iHub program (so to sublease the space), or to issue a
request for proposals to possibly select a new operator to the iHub.
The benefit that we, Moducan Corporation, as an international company that specializes in the
design and engineering of emergency building technology aimed to support FEMA and our
military) drew, and continue to draw, from personal relationships created directly through
CVEP in the many events we were lucky to participate in - is truly immeasurable.
From being introduced to elected officials, in the local, state and federal levels, to our
interactions with other business leaders, and most importantly - to solid potential investors,
there is no better partner to walk that path with then CVEP, and I say this with full confidence
backed by my many years of experience in the business world.
As you consider your options during today's hearing, know that I would have made it a point
to appear in person to speak in support of CVEP has it not been for the fact that I am
scheduled to represent the Coachella Valley in the Riverside Innovation Month FastPitch
Finale - and important event that CVEP plays a key in its very existence and the Coachella
Valley as a whole can be proud of their hard work in that front.
You must understand that CVEP is key to drawing business, revenue and workforce to the
Coachella Valley, and they are a voice for many business owners and startup companies such
as us, effectively shining a light to the fact that innovations happen here each and every day.
Our community and businesses thrive on innovations and I can confidently say that has it not
been for Joe Wallace, Laura James, and the great staff at CVEP, startup such as ours would not
be where we are today!
As a resident of Rancho Mirage and as a startup who is looking to call the Coachella Valley our
home, I need it to be on record that I voice my strong opposition to such options considered
by City council’s, while lending my full support to CVEP.
I urge you in the strongest way possible, to please carefully consider the consequences to any
action taken that will affect the current fabric of our fragile startup community.
Item 2A-5
We NEED innovation in the Coachella Valley - WE NEED CVEP TO MAINTAIN ITS STATUS and
keep this great and vital spirit alive.
I will be willing and more than happy to schedule to meet, discuss and expand on (many)
examples to back up and validate for the City council each and every claim I am making in this
statement.
Thank you very much.
Respectfully,
Guy Assif
CEO - Moducan Corporation
United States:
2901 East Alejo Rd.
Palm Springs, California, USA
92262
Tel: (760) 799-3940
Canada:
24-55 Administration Rd.
Concord, Ontario, Canada
L4K-4G9
Tel: (416) 704-4703
European Union:
Minska Street 65, Suite 35, 03-828
Warsaw, Poland
IMPORTANT: The contents of this email and any attachments are confidential.
They are intended for the named recipient(s) only. If you have received this email by mistake,
please notify the sender immediately and do not disclose the contents to anyone or make copies thereof.
Item 2A-6
From:Rossana Jeran
To:CouncilMeeting Comments
Cc:Laura James; Joe Wallace
Subject:Save the Palm Desert iHub!
Date:Thursday, April 27, 2023 9:06:42 AM
Hello City Clerk,
I'm writing on behalf of our company Hello Computer, Inc. andour affiliation with the Palm Desert iHub. We were acceptedinto the ihub last December 2022. It has been an incredibleexperience and created much needed momentum for our startup.
Laura and Joe have been instrumental in refining our businessplan and helping me hone my presentation and pitching skills inpreparation to raise a seed round of capital. Their mentorshipand guidance is an imperative next step for our company to growand scale our business.
Hello Computer, Inc. is a social purpose, technology companythat creates Edtech mobile apps to promote literacy andimagination in the Coachella Valley and worldwide. In fact, wejust returned from the World Literacy Summit in the UK whereour signature Mobile App, StoryTime International, whichtranslates unique stories into 137 languages, was featured as aworld wide digital tool to promote literacy.
As a result of the recent Fast Pitch, we ended up on the KESQevening news and placed 2nd in the competition. This broughtmuch needed exposure, traction and credibility to our work.
The monthly events that Joe and Laura have held at the iHubhave allowed us to meet and network with mentors and civicleaders of the Coachella Valley, who can help us get StoryTimeInternational into the hands of children, teachers and parentswho need it most. Without Joe and Laura, these introductionswould have been impossible.
We firmly believe that the Palm Desert iHub should continue tooperate as it has and that eliminating it or changingleadership would be detrimental to not only our business, butother companies under its guidance.
My business partner Christopher Taylor (Co-Founder/Developer)and I are committed to growing our company and creating'Silicon Desert' with the Palm Desert iHub to foster a regionof innovation, economic growth, jobs and opportunities intechnology for years to come.
Thank you and best regards,
Rossana Jeran and Christopher Taylor
--
Hello Computer, Inc.
Rossana Jeran
Co-Founder/CEO
310-663-7734
Item 2A-7
From:Wally Baker
To:CouncilMeeting Comments
Cc:Laura James; Ian Vos; Joe Wallace
Subject:Support for the Palm Desert Entrepreneurs iHub
Date:Thursday, April 27, 2023 9:20:24 AM
Support for the Palm Desert Entrepreneurs iHub
I am writing to express my support for your great facility and program, the
Palm Desert iHub (PDiHub), with the Coachella Valley Economic Partnership.
My name is Wally Baker and we own a residential condo in Palm Desert Resort
Country Club on Country Club Drive in your City as well as a property north of
the freeway.
I have been working on a couple versions of my startup with CVEP for about 4
years. My startup is now called NFT Shopping Network. It is a website and TV
Network that helps artists display and sell their digital art works online and on
TV using video. NFT Shopping Network won a second-place award at the Fast
Pitch in 2022. PDiHub staff helped me and the other entrants prepare and
present during the Fast Pitch process. Thanks to Laura James and her staff I
now work with CREATE Center for the Arts. PDiHub has always been there for
me. But let me explain.
I started going to the PDiHub when it opened a year and a half ago. I can just
drop-in or set up a meetup with other entrepreneurs there. Someone is always
available to greet us and make us feel comfortable. The idea of a local walk-in
facility is very appealing. I can also do casual meetups or brown bag lunches
with other entrepreneurs or staff. Or just have a cup of coffee. Frankly, I would
not have not been able to start my company in the valley as easily without
PDiHub and the staff.
Last year I was looking at pivoting my startup. Laura James at PDiHub assisted
me with a brief survey and outreach to local business leaders to discuss my
ideas and test the waters. She introduced me to at least 20 different people
and met with me probably 40 times over the last year to stay in touch and
nurture my company. These 20 intros by Laura may not sound like a lot but
Item 2A-8
when you are new to the valley it means a lot to connect directly with local
business leaders. Since then she and Ian Vos have offered their ideas and
suggestions to improve my business plan and outreach along the way. It is how
I got grounded in Palm Desert.
Laura James, Joe Wallace and Ian Vos have all been perfect to work with and
have helped me with my business plan, elevator pitch, hosted me at a lot of
great events with other startups, businesses. Ian Vos helped me with business
forms and guided me through the trademark process. PDiHub is a place where I
can get almost any kind of advice and assistance as I need it.
Business is often apprehensive of working directly with government staff (“Hi, I
am from the government and here to help you.”) so working through the CVEP
as the independent third party is the best possible choice for the PDiHub.
Please keep it that way.
Don’t take my iHub. Thank you.
Wally Baker
wally@nftsn.tv
Item 2A-9
From:Bill Schlanger
To:CouncilMeeting Comments
Cc:Laura James
Subject:Comments regarding Palm Desert iHub
Date:Thursday, April 27, 2023 9:57:41 AM
Good Morning City Council Members,
Please consider continuing your support for the Palm Desert iHub. It is a most valuable
addition to the community and this value can only be realized with long term support.
If I may use my company as an example. We have been a client of the Palm Springs iHub for
10 years. It took several years of nurturing to get us to the point where the company was
sustainable and profitable. The iHub staff provided us with coaching and key introductions
that has made our business possible.
We design and manufacture electronic systems. Today, there is a cluster of high tech
businesses here in the Palm Springs accelerator campus. We provide electronics to all of
them. This kind of ecosystem takes time to develop. It can develop in unexpected ways if this
ecosystem exists. For example, there is a business that makes and sells green laundry soap
and softener. They wanted a way to dispense their soap automatically. We developed an
automatic dispenser for them. There is not another resource like us in the valley. Had we not
both been neighbors in the accelerator campus, the company would not have been able to
capitalize on this opportunity for revenue growth. It should be noted that the soap company
has also greatly benefited from the assistance at the iHub as we have.
There are more examples of how the cluster of businesses supporting each other at the iHub.
When you support the iHub, you are creating an environment where a diverse ecosystem of
businesses can be created and thrive. This support benefits the community to a far greater
extent than the investment you will make.
Thank you.
Item 2A-10
From:Allie Lemieux
To:CouncilMeeting Comments
Subject:Palm Desert iHub/Agenda Item 2A
Date:Thursday, April 27, 2023 10:08:00 AM
Comment for consideration:
I own a second home in Palm Desert, and both my husband and I work regularly from PDiHub
– it is part of the reason we are able to spend so much time in Palm Desert, contributing to
the local economy. Without access to the convenient PDiHub, we would no doubt have to
spend more time in the Pacific Northwest to do our best work. The PDiHub has also
connected us with other entrepreneurs and supported the initiation of my own startup, which
is still in early stages. Access to both this space and the events/forums and opportunities to
connect with other innovators is a great contribution to the city of Palm Desert, and will
continue to support economic development and innovation in the area. Without it, people
will have to look elsewhere, which would be detrimental to the Palm Desert community.
Allie Lemieux
ex-Microsoft; Co-founder of Home to Hired LLC.
Item 2A-11