HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-02-24 RPEC Special Meeting Agenda Packet
RESOURCE PRESERVATION AND ENHANCEMENT COMMITTEE
CITY OF PALM DESERT
MEETING AGENDA
Monday, February 24, 2025
3:00 p.m.
Administrative Conference Room, City Hall
73-510 Fred Waring Drive
Palm Desert, CA 92260
Pursuant to Assembly Bill 2449, this meeting will be conducted as a hybrid meeting and there will be
in-person access to this location.
To participate via Zoom, use the following link: https://palmdesert.zoom.us/j/89664855295 or
call (213) 338-8477, Zoom Meeting ID: 896 6485 5295
•
Written public comment may also be submitted to cityclerk@palmdesert.gov. E-mails
received by 12:00 p.m. prior to the meeting will be distributed to the Committee. Any
correspondence received during or after the meeting will be distributed to the Committee as
soon as practicable and retained for the official record. Emails will not be read aloud except
as an ADA accommodation.
•
Pages
1.CALL TO ORDER
2.ROLL CALL
3.NONAGENDA PUBLIC COMMENTS
This time has been set aside for the public to address the Resource
Preservation and Enhancement Committee on issues that are not on the
agenda for up to three minutes. Speakers may utilize one of the three options
listed on the first page of the agenda. Because the Brown Act does not allow the
Resource Preservation and Enhancement Committee to act on items not listed
on the agenda, members may briefly respond or refer the matter to staff for a
report and recommendation at a future meeting.
4.CONSENT CALENDAR
All matters listed on the Consent Calendar are considered routine and may be
approved by one motion. The public may comment on any items on the Consent
Agenda within the three-minute time limit. Individual items may be removed by
the Resource Preservation and Enhancement Committee for a separate
discussion.
RECOMMENDATION:
To approve the consent calendar as presented.
4.a APPROVAL OF MINUTES 5
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve the Minutes of October 21, 2024.
4.b RESOURCE PRESERVATION AND ENHANCEMENT COMMITTEE
STATUS REPORT FOR FEBRUARY 2025
9
RECOMMENDATION:
Receive and file Resource Preservation and Enhancement Committee
status report for February 2025.
4.c UPDATE ON THE RESOURCE PRESERVATION AND ENHANCEMENT
COMMITTEE’S 2024/2025 WORKPLAN
27
RECOMMENDATION:
Receive and file update on the Resource Preservation and Enhancement
Committee’s 2024/2025 Workplan.
5.CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER
6.ACTION CALENDAR
The public may comment on individual Action Items within the three-minute time
limit. Speakers may utilize one of the three options listed on the first page of the
agenda.
7.INFORMATIONAL REPORTS & COMMENTS
7.a RESOURCE PRESERVATION AND ENHANCEMENT COMMITTEE
MEMBERS
7.b CITY COUNCIL LIAISON
7.c CITY STAFF
7.c.1 PRESENTATION ON THE IMPERIAL IRRIGATION DISTRICT (IID)
ENERGY/NORTH SPHERE ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE
PARTNERSHIP
29
RECOMMENDATION:
Receive and file presentation on the Imperial Irrigation District (IID)
Energy/North Sphere Energy Infrastructure Partnership.
7.c.2 PRESENTATION ON THE CITYWIDE PHOTOVOLTAIC PROJECT 41
RECOMMENDATION:
Receive and file presentation on the Citywide Photovoltaic Project.
7.d ATTENDANCE REPORT 57
2
8.ADJOURNMENT
The next Regular Meeting will be held on Monday, April 21, 2025, at 3:00 p.m.
9.PUBLIC NOTICES
Agenda Related Materials: Pursuant to Government Code §54957.5(b)(2) the
designated office for inspection of records in connection with this meeting is the
Office of the City Clerk, Palm Desert Civic Center, 73-510 Fred Waring Drive,
Palm Desert. Staff reports for all agenda items considered in open session, and
documents provided to a majority of the legislative bodies are available for
public inspection at City Hall and on the City’s website at www.palmdesert.gov.
Americans with Disabilities Act: It is the intention of the City of Palm Desert to
comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in all respects. If, as an
attendee or a participant at this meeting, or in meetings on a regular basis, you
will need special assistance beyond what is normally provided, the City will
attempt to accommodate you in every reasonable manner. Please contact the
Office of the City Clerk, (760) 346-0611, at least 48 hours prior to the meeting to
inform us of your needs and to determine if accommodation is feasible.
AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING
I hereby certify under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California
that the foregoing agenda for the Resource Preservation and Enhancement
Committee was posted on the City Hall bulletin board and City website not less
than 72 hours prior to the meeting.
/S/ Monique Lomeli, CMC
Senior Deputy Clerk
3
4
Resource Preservation and Enhancement Committee Meeting
1
RESOURCE PRESERVATION AND ENHANCEMENT COMMITTEE
CITY OF PALM DESERT
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
October 21, 2024, 3:00 p.m.
Present: Chair Berlinda Blackburn, Committee Member Estelle Dahl, Vice-
Chair Vincent Heuring, Committee Member Stephen Nelson,
Committee Member Donald Ziegler, Committee Member Dean
Gatons
Staff Present: Deputy Director of Economic Development Amy Lawrence,
Recording Secretary Michelle Nance, Damian Olivares
1. CALL TO ORDER
A Regular Meeting of the Resource Preservation and Enhancement Committee was
called to order by Chair Blackburn on October 21, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. in the
Administrative Conference Room, City Hall, located at 73-510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm
Desert, California.
2. ROLL CALL
3. NONAGENDA PUBLIC COMMENTS
None.
4. CONSENT CALENDAR
Motion by: Vice-Chair Heuring
Seconded by: Committee Member Gatons
To approve the consent calendar as presented.
Motion Carried
4.a APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion by: Vice-Chair Heuring
Seconded by: Committee Member Gatons
Approve the Minutes of August 26, 2024.
Motion Carried
5
Resource Preservation and Enhancement Committee Meeting
2
4.b RESOURCE PRESERVATION AND ENHANCEMENT COMMITTEE STATUS
REPORT – OCTOBER 2024
Motion by: Vice-Chair Heuring
Seconded by: Committee Member Gatons
Receive and file Resource Preservation and Enhancement Committee status
report for October 2024.
Motion Carried
5. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER:
4.c RESOURCE PRESERVATION AND ENHANCEMENT COMMITTEE
2024/2025 WORKPLAN UPDATE
Chair Blackburn requested that policies on matters within the scope of the
Committee be brought before the Committee prior to City Council consideration
and approval.
The Committee briefly discussed the immense value of the resources provided
on the landscape and maintenance page of the City's website.
Motion by: Vice-Chair Heuring
Seconded by: Committee Member Gatons
Receive and file update on the Resource Preservation and Enhancement
Committee’s 2024/2025 Workplan.
Motion Carried
6. ACTION CALENDAR
6.a GREENHOUSE (GHG) MEASURES FOR COMPREHENSIVE CLIMATE
ACTION PLAN (CCAP)
Deputy Director of Economic Development, Amy Lawrence, presented a staff
report and responded to member inquiries.
Motion by: Committee Member Gatons
Seconded by: Committee Member Nelson
Provide feedback on potential Greenhouse (GHG) Measures to be included in
the Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP).
Motion Carried
6
Resource Preservation and Enhancement Committee Meeting
3
7. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS & COMMENTS
7.a RESOURCE PRESERVATION AND ENHANCEMENT COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Committee Members requested to add updates on the following items to the next
Committee meeting agenda:
Notice of Completion for irrigation systems
Solar panels installed by the City of Palm Desert
Committee members also shared interest in having a representative from the
Living Desert Zoo and Gardens present and address the committee.
7.b CITY COUNCIL LIAISON
Mayor Pro Tem Harnik reported on the number of citations issued on Hovley
Lane and provided additional information on the solar panel projects and
discussions regarding artificial turf.
7.c CITY STAFF
Deputy Director of Economic Development Amy Lawrence provided updates on
the Environmental Initiatives Plan and the consulting contract that assists with
SB1383.
7.d ATTENDANCE REPORT
Report provided; no action taken on this item.
8. ADJOURNMENT
The Resource Preservation and Enhancement Committee adjourned at 3:47 p.m.
9. PUBLIC NOTICES
_________________________
Michelle Nance, Deputy Clerk II
Recording Secretary
_________________________
Amy Lawrence, Deputy Director of Economic Development
Secretary
_________________________
DATE APPROVED BY RESOURCE PRESERVATION AND ENHANCEMENT COMMITTEE
7
Resource Preservation and Enhancement Committee Meeting
8
Resource Preservation and Enhancement Committee Meeting
Page 1 of 2
RESOURCE PRESERVATION AND ENHANCEMENT COMMITTEE
CITY OF PALM DESERT
STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: February 24, 2025
PREPARED BY: Amy Lawrence, Deputy Director of Economic Development
SUBJECT: RESOURCE PRESERVATION AND ENHANCEMENT COMMITTEE
STATUS REPORT FOR FEBRUARY 2025
RECOMMENDATION:
Receive and file Resource Preservation and Enhancement Committee status report for February
2025.
BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS:
Below is the status of projects/programs and follow-ups from previous meetings:
1. Southern California Edison (SCE) Presentation – Due to staff reassignments at SCE,
the presentation will be rescheduled for a future meeting.
2. Artificial Turf Policy Review Process – At the October RPEC meeting, a concern was
voiced about the process of seeking input on the proposed artificial turf policy. Below is a
timeline of when the item came before RPEC for consideration and feedback.
a. December 14, 2023 – Staff provided an informational presentation to the City
Council during a study session regarding the use of artificial/synthetic turf on City
property indicating that research would be conducted and RPEC would be
consulted about developing a policy.
b. February 26, 2024 – Staff requested RPEC members provide direction on
developing a policy on the use of artificial turf on City-owned properties, rights of
way, and parks. Following discussion, MOTION BY COMMITTEE MEMBER
MASON, SECOND BY VICE CHAIR BLACKBURN, CARRIED 6 -0, to direct staff
to develop a policy prohibiting the use of artificial turf on City owned properties and
to utilize desert landscaping where necessary. Staff report attached to include
12/14/23 City Council study session presentation.
c. August 26, 2024 – Staff requested RPEC members recommend that City Council
adopt a resolution approving the Administrative Policy to prohibit the use of artificial
turf/synthetic grass in public rights-of-way. Following discussion, MOTION BY
COMMITTEE MEMBER DAHL, SECOND BY COMMITTEE MEMBER
GREGORY, CARRIED 7-0, to recommend that City Council adopt a resolution
approving the Administrative Policy to prohibit the use of artificial turf/synthetic
grass in public rights-of-way.
9
Resource Preservation and Enhancement Committee Meeting
Resource Preservation and Enhancement Committee
City of Palm Desert
Status Report for February 2025
Page 2 of 2
3. SB 1053 Plastic Bag Ban – This legislation is aimed at closing a loophole in California’s
ban of single-use plastic bags at grocery store checkouts, which was first passed in 2014
and then approved by the state’s voters in 2016. It allowed stores to provide consumers
with thicker plastic bags at checkout. Beginning January 1, 2026, stores will only be
allowed to distribute recycled paper bags to customers at the point of sale. Staff is working
with our grants consultant to identify available funding to purchase reusable bags for
disbursement at City events to educate the public about this upcoming ban.
4. Environmental Initiative Plan Q4 2024 Report – The Environmental Initiatives Plan Q4
2024 report is available for public view on the Engage Palm Desert Environmental
Initiatives Plan project page or visit www.engagepalmdesert.com for more information.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no financial impact associated with this report.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Artificial Turf Policy Staff Report – 2/26/24
10
Resource Preservation and Enhancement Committee Meeting
STAFF REPORT
CITY OF PALM DESERT
RESOURCE PRESERVATION & ENHANCEMENT COMMITTEE
MEETING DATE: February 26, 2024
SUBMITTED BY: Shawn Muir, Community Services Manager
REQUEST: Provide Staff with Direction on Developing an Artificial Turf Policy
Recommendation
Provide staff with direction on developing a policy on the use of artificial turf on City-
owned properties, rights of way, and parks.
Background
On December 14, 2023, in response to multiple questions and suggestions from the
public in the past, Staff conducted research and provided a presentation to the City
Council regarding the use of artificial/synthetic turf.
Artificial turf is a landscaping option that has been praised for its benefits in beautifying
landscaped areas while reducing water consumption, however there are some drawbacks
to its use compared with natural grass. The City has addressed the topic in se veral
instances, however a formal policy on the use of artificial turf has not been adopted. Staff
provided the attached presentation on the history of the City’s stance on this matter, other
municipalities’ and organizations’ policies, and the known benef its and drawbacks of
using artificial turf.
The City Council Study Session facilitated a robust discussion on the use of artificial turf,
including the following topics:
• Clarification on the “informal policy” of using natural grass on recreational turf and
converting non-recreational turf to desert landscape
• Use of artificial turf in experimental areas – a small area was installed on an El
Paseo median
• Adverse impact on water supply as a result of “forever chemicals”
• Not favorable in areas where people and pets are recreating, but may be
aesthetically pleasing in landscaped areas such as medians and may help control
dust
• No good reason to use “plastic carpeting” in Palm Desert
• Frequency of replacement may be extended by increasing maintenance
• Base material impacts the heat that is emitted from the surface
11
Resource Preservation and Enhancement Committee Meeting
Staff Report
Provide Staff with Direction on Developing an Artificial Turf Policy
February 26, 2024
• Opportunities to provide aesthetically pleasing landscapes without the use of
artificial turf such as a variety of desert plants and inorganic material
• “Artificial” does not match the aesthetic that we strive for in Palm Desert
Staff intends to present a policy for the use of artificial turf in public parks and rights-of-
way for consideration at a future City Council meeting. Staff is requesting that RPEC
members provide direction on the development of the artificial turf policy and its content.
Fiscal Analysis
There is no cost associated with development of the updated landscaping policies to
reflect specific use of artificial turf. Any cost associated with this action is dependent on
the policy that is adopted.
12
Resource Preservation and Enhancement Committee Meeting
Use of Artificial Turf on City Property
City Council Study Session
12/14/2023 13
Resource Preservation and Enhancement Committee Meeting
Agenda
▪Background
▪Research
▪Pros and Cons
▪Current Informal Policy and next steps
14
Resource Preservation and Enhancement Committee Meeting
Timeline
2014
Cooperative
Landscape Water
Management
Program (CVWD)
2015
Citizen’s
Sustainability
Committee
addresses water
conservation
Comprehensive
Water Conservation
Strategy approved
2016
Staff requested
direction on use of
artificial turf on El
Paseo medians
Designation of El
Paseo turf as Active
Use Area
2018
Parks and
Recreation
Commission
research and
findings
2023
Community
member addressed
Mayor Kelly on
restricting the use
of artificial turf on
the City’s playing
fields
PALM DESERT AQUATIC CENTER FEE INCREASE September 14, 2023 3
Passive turf: medians, parkways, decorative landscape
Active turf: parks, seating areas, special events
15
Resource Preservation and Enhancement Committee Meeting
NFL Injuries
National Football League Players
Association (NFLPA) calling for a
return to natural turf
16
Resource Preservation and Enhancement Committee Meeting
Turf Removal Projects
Removal of turf in medians on Country Club Drive, between Portola Avenue and Cook Street
Removal of turf in median on Cook street, between Country Club Drive and Hovley Lane East.
Removal of turf around the Civic Center Campus on Fred Waring Drive and San Pablo Avenue
Removal of turf along the Haystack parkway from Highway 74 to Heliotrope Drive
Removal of passive turf at Hovley Soccer Park
17
Resource Preservation and Enhancement Committee Meeting
Community Organizations and other Municipalities
•No formal policy; currently discussing policy development
•Installed limited artificial turf at some schools
•Not used for sports
PSUSD
•No formal policy
•Not used
•Concerns about heat, vandalism, and ongoing maintenance
DSUSD
18
Resource Preservation and Enhancement Committee Meeting
Community Organizations and other Municipalities
City of La Quinta
•No formal policy
•Limited use in medians
•Still requires heavy
maintenance
City of Indian Wells
•No formal policy
•Used on several medians,
but not installed/planned
for recreational spaces
•High cost -$50,000 for
one small median
•Must be well-maintained
but has lasted over 10
years
•Difficult to dispose
City of Indio
•No formal policy
•Limited use around
monument signs
•Fading led to full
replacement within 2
years
19
Resource Preservation and Enhancement Committee Meeting
Community Organizations and other Municipalities
▪National Recreation and Parks
Association
▪California Parks and Recreation Society
▪Discussion boards
▪Stormwater mitigation
▪Athletic field conversion
20
Resource Preservation and Enhancement Committee Meeting
Maintenance
Artificial Turf
▪Debris removal
▪Rinsing
▪Brushing
▪Replenishing base
21
Resource Preservation and Enhancement Committee Meeting
Maintenance
Natural Grass
▪Mowing
▪Watering
▪Overseeding
▪Fertilizing
22
Resource Preservation and Enhancement Committee Meeting
Cost
▪Artificial turf has a higher up-front cost and lower overall maintenance
▪Cannot patch worn or damaged areas
▪More practical for small areas
▪Larger areas are easier and less expensive to maintain well with natural grass
▪Overseeding and fertilizer $1,600 per acre annually (currently ~75 acres of turf)
▪Watering
23
Resource Preservation and Enhancement Committee Meeting
Other Factors
•Appearance, smell, feel
•Water consumption
•Heat
•Stormwater
•Allergies
•Sanitation
24
Resource Preservation and Enhancement Committee Meeting
Policy is
currently
informal
Potential policy for use of artificial
turf in City of Palm Desert public
rights-of-way, landscaped areas,
and parks
Conduct additional research Present findings to Parks and
Recreation Committee and Resource
Preservation and Enhancement
Committee
Work with legal counsel to develop
policy
Present for consideration at a future
City Council meeting
25
Resource Preservation and Enhancement Committee Meeting
Thank you
Questions?
26
Resource Preservation and Enhancement Committee Meeting
Page 1 of 1
RESOURCE PRESERVATION AND ENHANCEMENT COMMITTEE
CITY OF PALM DESERT
STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: February 24, 2025
PREPARED BY: Amy Lawrence, Deputy Director of Economic Development
SUBJECT: UPDATE ON THE RESOURCE PRESERVATION AND ENHANCEMENT
COMMITTEE’S 2024/2025 WORKPLAN
RECOMMENDATION:
Receive and file update on the Resource Preservation and Enhancement Committee’s
2024/2025 Workplan.
BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS:
Below is an update on the three projects outlined in the Resource Preservation and
Enhancement Committee’s 2024/2025 Workplan that was adopted by the City Council on May
9, 2024.
Develop a Climate Action Plan
Staff posted a survey on the City’s Engage Palm Desert website to seek community input for
the Coachella Valley Association of Government’s (CVAG) Comprehensive Climate Action
Plan (CCAP). There is no other update on this item.
Adoption of Ordinances and/or Policies related to Water and/or Energy Conservation
The Inland Regional Energy Network (I-REN)/The Energy Coalition completed an energy
analysis of City facilities and are in the process of completing energy audits of City Hall and
Desert Willow Golf Resort. Findings could tie into this project.
A policy banning artificial turf in the public right-of-way was approved by City Council on
September 26, 2024.
Education and Outreach for Water and Energy Conservation and Sustainable Landscaping
The City’s Cultural Arts Committee selected an artwork in conjunction with the Mayor’s
Monarch Pledge to be wrapped on a bench in the Civic Center Park and paced near the
pollinator garden. The bench is made from a recycled wind turbine.
The Wyland Foundation’s National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation is scheduled
for April 2025. Staff contacted Mayor Harnik to obtain approval to move forward.
Added CVWD’s book, Lush & Efficient landscape book to the City’s website.
Promotion of utility rebates, community partnerships, useful tips, etc. have been posted on
the City’s website, social media, and in the BrightSide newsletter.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no financial impact associated with this report.
27
Resource Preservation and Enhancement Committee Meeting
28
Resource Preservation and Enhancement Committee Meeting
Page 1 of 1
RESOURCE PRESERVATION AND ENHANCEMENT COMMITTEE
CITY OF PALM DESERT
STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: February 24, 2025
PREPARED BY: Amy Lawrence, Deputy Director of Economic Development
SUBJECT: RECEIVE AND FILE PRESENTATION ON THE IMPERIAL IRRIGATION
DISTRICT (IID) ENERGY/NORTH SPHERE ENERGY
INFRASTRUCTURE PARTNERSHIP
RECOMMENDATION:
Receive and file presentation on the Imperial Irrigation District (IID) Energy/North Sphere Energy
Infrastructure Partnership
BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS:
Assistant City Manager Chris Escobedo will provide a presentation on the Imperial Irrigation
District (IID) Energy/North Sphere Energy Infrastructure Partnership.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no financial impact associated with this request.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Imperial Irrigation District (IID) Energy/North Sphere Energy Infrastructure Partnership
Presentation
29
Resource Preservation and Enhancement Committee Meeting
30
Resource Preservation and Enhancement Committee Meeting
IID ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE
PARTNERSHIP
Chris Escobedo
Assistant City Manager
31
Resource Preservation and Enhancement Committee Meeting
2/14/2025 2
WHY WE’RE HERE
•IID has a limited service
territory within Palm Desert
•Limited infrastructure – no new
development
•IID not PUC regulated like SCE
32
Resource Preservation and Enhancement Committee Meeting
2/14/2025 PRESENTATION TITLE 3
IID Service Area
33
Resource Preservation and Enhancement Committee Meeting
4
•Current Development
•Vacant land
•Commercial and hospitality areas lack infrastructure
•Area of Impact
•Zone 1 Demand = 10 MW new demand
•Zone 2 Demand = 5 MW new demand
•Combined = 15 MW new demand
Areas of Impact & Demand Study
34
Resource Preservation and Enhancement Committee Meeting
5
Cook Street
35
Resource Preservation and Enhancement Committee Meeting
636
Resource Preservation and Enhancement Committee Meeting
737
Resource Preservation and Enhancement Committee Meeting
8
High Level Total Substation Cost & City Amount
Substation $20.76 Million
Distribution Gateways $4.00 Million
Transmission Line Upgrade 2-92 kV $2.53 Million
Total $27.29 Million
Palm Desert Amount $5 Million
30 Year Bond Financing
Total Substation Cost $ 27.29 Million
City of PD Loan*$ 5 Million
Est. Bond Proceeds**$ 4.6 Million
Est. GF Tax Revenue at Buildout
(Including Property Tax, TOT, Sales Tax)
$1.3 Million - $2 Million
Cost & Financing
*PD Loan necessary to assist PD property owners and expedite project. Loan Agreement terms to be reimbursed by CFD infrastructu re bond proceeds.
**Bond Proceeds estimated with a conservative 2% increase in value over term of bonds. Annual CFD special tax to repay debt.
38
Resource Preservation and Enhancement Committee Meeting
Update Since Council Authorization
9
•City Council approved participation September 2024
•Palm Desert working with Rancho Mirage, County, IID and developers on next steps
•Project refinement
•Update to City Council scheduled for March 2025
39
Resource Preservation and Enhancement Committee Meeting
THANK YOU
40
Resource Preservation and Enhancement Committee Meeting
Page 1 of 1
RESOURCE PRESERVATION AND ENHANCEMENT COMMITTEE
CITY OF PALM DESERT
STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: February 24, 2025
PREPARED BY: Amy Lawrence, Deputy Director of Economic Development
SUBJECT: RECEIVE AND FILE PRESENTATION ON THE CITYWIDE
PHOTOVOLTAIC PROJECT
RECOMMENDATION:
Receive and file presentation on the Citywide Photovoltaic Project
BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS:
Capital Projects Manager Ryan Gayler will provide a presentation on the Citywide Photovoltaic
Project.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no financial impact associated with this request.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Citywide Photovoltaic Project Presentation
41
Resource Preservation and Enhancement Committee Meeting
42
Resource Preservation and Enhancement Committee Meeting
City of Palm Desert
Resource Preservation and Enhancement Committee
Citywide Photovoltaic Project
February 24, 2025
43
Resource Preservation and Enhancement Committee Meeting
2
Priority 1: The vision is to be a responsible steward of the
City’s natural resources. Priorities are to reduce per-capita
consumption of energy and water, promote greater use of
sustainable materials with an eye upon the needs of future
generations
Priority 2: Promote greater usage of more sustainable
materials.
•The well-being of future generations depends on a healthy
environment.
•Strategy: Develop policies and programs to discourage waste,
increase renewable energy production and increase the use of
environmentally responsible materials.
Priority 3: Encourage all new construction to be
net zero energy in design
City Council Priorities
Energy & Sustainability
New
Utility
Bill
44
Resource Preservation and Enhancement Committee Meeting
3
No upfront cost to City
0% Rate Escalator for 20 Years
Electricity Rate Stability
Monetize Federal Tax Credit
Operations & Maintenance Included
Guaranteed Performance
Future Ownership Flexibility
Benefits of the Power Purchase Agreement
SCE/CCA
Bill
SCE/CCA Bill
SCE/CCA Bill
PPA Payment
Solar savings
$19,913,402
$8,948,088
$8,588,921
$2,376,393
$0
$5,000,000
$10,000,000
$15,000,000
$20,000,000
$25,000,000
Without Solar With Solar
Palm Desert City Est. PPA 20Y Savings
Utility Bill Solar PPA Savings
City Savings
Electricity
Bill
Est. PPA
Payment
Electricity
Bill
45
Resource Preservation and Enhancement Committee Meeting
Civic Center (West) – 470kW
46
Resource Preservation and Enhancement Committee Meeting
Civic Center (East) – 180kW
47
Resource Preservation and Enhancement Committee Meeting
Aquatic Center – 345kW
48
Resource Preservation and Enhancement Committee Meeting
Aquatic Center – 345kW
49
Resource Preservation and Enhancement Committee Meeting
Artists Center – 133kW
Trees marked in yellow to
remain and are modelled
in the shade analysis.
Trees marked in green to
be removed.
50
Resource Preservation and Enhancement Committee Meeting
Artists Center – 133kW
51
Resource Preservation and Enhancement Committee Meeting
Desert Willow Golf Resort – 266kW
52
Resource Preservation and Enhancement Committee Meeting
11
Cash Flow Analysis
53
Resource Preservation and Enhancement Committee Meeting
12
Palm Desert City – Pricing & Savings
Assumes 4% Annual Utility Energy and Demand Charge Escalator
Assumes 1.5 Year to Complete Construction
Site PPA
Escalator
Solar System
Size (kW)
% Energy
Offset
EVCS Readiness
Conduit Included
Pre-Solar
Utility Bill
Year 1
Savings
20 Year
Savings
Civic Center West 0%470 91%5 Future Dual EVCS (10 Plugs)$235,282 ($229) $1,238,791
Civic Center East 0%180 99%2 Future Dual EVCS (4 Plugs)$94,430 ($9,731)$312,737
Aquatic Center 0%345 100%2 Future Dual EVCS (4 Plugs)$132,231 ($19,954)$368,179
Artists Center 0%133 91%None $74,213 ($14,361)$128,444
Desert Willow Golf Course 0%266 91%None $131,519 ($16,089)328,241
Total 0%1,394 94%-$667,674 ($60,364)$2,376,392
On Site Solar Capacity
•1,394kW across 5 Sites
No Upfront Cost
Save
•+$2.3M over 20 years
0% Rate Escalation for 20 Years
Operation and Maintenance Included
Solar Carport Structures
•Shaded Parking
•New LED Lighting
Local Labor
EVCS-Ready Infrastructure
Sustainability
•Solar Renewable Energy Credits
Secured NEM 2.0
54
Resource Preservation and Enhancement Committee Meeting
Current Project Status
Statewide,
Competitive RFP
Solar Carports
+1.3MW PV
+$2.3M Lifetime
Energy Savings
Turnkey Solutions
2024 Construction
Secured NEM 2.0
Legacy Rates
Staff, Peer, Legal
Reviewed
•Contract approved by the City Council October 2022
•All 6 sites have an approved interconnect application
•Aquatic Center and Artists Center Complete
•Civic Center East & West, and Desert Willow Academy to be
completed 2025
•Desert Willow Overflow lot to be completed 2026
55
Resource Preservation and Enhancement Committee Meeting
Desert Willow Overflow Lot – 763kW
56
Resource Preservation and Enhancement Committee Meeting
Resource Preservation Enhancement Committee
Year 2024 2024 2024 2024 2024 2023 2023
Month Oct Aug Jun Apr Feb Dec Oct
Day 21 26 17 15 26 18 16
Blackburn, Berlinda P P P P P E - 0 1
Dahl, Estelle P P
Gatons, Dean P P P P P P - 0 0
Gregory, Geoff P P P P P P - 0 0
Gomez, Gustavo E E E E P E - 0 2
Heuring, Vincent P P P P P P - 0 0
Mason, Melinda P P P P P P - 0 1
Nelson, Stephen P P P P A P -1 0
Zeigler, Donald P P P P A P -0 0
P
P
A
E
-
Palm Desert Municipal Code 2.34.010
Bimonthly: Two unexcused absences from regular meeting in any twelve-month period shall constitute an automatic
resignation of members holding office on boards that meet bimonthly.
Please contact the Recording Secretary to discuss any attendance concerns.
Total Absences
Unexcused Excused
57
Resource Preservation and Enhancement Committee Meeting