HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-06-11 CAC Regular Meeting Agenda Packet
CULTURAL ARTS COMMITTEE
CITY OF PALM DESERT
MEETING AGENDA
Wednesday, June 11, 2025
9:00 a.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/83338542730 or
call (213) 338-8477, Zoom Meeting ID: 833 3854 2730
•
Written public comment may also be submitted to cityclerk@palmdesert.gov. E-mails
received by 5:00 p.m. one day 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.NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENTS
This time has been set aside for the public to address the Cultural Arts
Committee on issues that are not on the agenda for up to three minutes.
Because the Brown Act does not allow the 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 Committee for a separate discussion.
RECOMMENDATION:
To approve the consent calendar as presented.
4.a APPROVAL OF MINUTES 5
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve the Minutes of May 14, 2025.
5.BUSINESS ITEMS
Items listed in this section are presented for the Committee's review and action.
Public comment is allowed on each item, with a three-minute time limit per
speaker. The committee may provide direction, request additional information,
or take action as appropriate.
5.a CONSIDERATION OF 2026 CALIFORNIA DESERT PLEIN AIR FESTIVAL
SPONSORSHIP
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RECOMMENDATION:
Recommend City Council approve sponsorship for the 2026 California
Desert Plein Air Festival.
5.b CONSIDER DEACCESSION OF TWO EL PASEO ENTRY SIGNS BY
WATER STUDIO
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RECOMMENDATION:
Recommend the City Council approve deaccession of two El Paseo entry
signs by Water Studio.
5.c CONSIDERATION OF SCULPTURE PURCHASE FROM 2025 DESERT X
EXHIBITION
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RECOMMENDATION:
Discuss purchasing one of the following sculptures from the 2025 Desert X
Exhibition:
Unsui by Sanford Biggers1.
Plotting Rest by Kapwani Kiwanga2.
Soul Service Station by Alison Saar3.
5.d OVERVIEW OF MEETING PROCEDURES, ROLES, AND
RESPONSIBILITIES
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RECOMMENDATION:
Receive and file.
6.INFORMATIONAL REPORTS
The liaisons and City staff may provide updates on projects, activities, or other
matters within the committee's scope. These are informational items with no
formal action.
Cultural Arts Committee Meeting
June 11, 2025
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6.a CITY STAFF
City staff will provide updates on relevant projects, activities, and other
matters within the committee's scope. These are informational items with no
formal action.
6.b PLANNING COMMISSION LIAISON
6.c ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION LIAISON
6.d CITY COUNCIL LIAISON
The liaison provides updates to facilitate communication between the City
Council and the Committee. This is an informational update with no formal
action.
6.e ATTENDANCE REPORT 69
7.REQUESTS FOR ACTION
Committee members may propose future agenda items within the committee's
scope. Items that receive support from at least one other member may be
placed on a future agenda for discussion and possible action. No formal action
will be taken at this time.
8.ADJOURNMENT
The next Regular Meeting will be held on July 9, 2025, at 9:00 a.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 Cultural Arts Committee was posted on the
City Hall bulletin board and City website not less than 72 hours prior to the
meeting.
/s/ Monique M. Lomeli, CMC
Senior Deputy Clerk
Cultural Arts Committee Meeting
June 11, 2025
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CULTURAL ARTS COMMITTEE
CITY OF PALM DESERT
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
1. CALL TO ORDER
A Regular Meeting of the Cultural Arts Committee was called to order by Chair Hauer on
Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at 9:00 a.m.in the Administrative Conference Room, City
Hall, located at 73-510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, California.
2. ROLL CALL
3. NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENTS
None.
4. CONSENT CALENDAR
Motion by: Committee Member Rose
Seconded by: Committee Member Simley
To approve the consent calendar as presented.
Motion Carried (6 to 0)
4.a APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion by: Committee Member Rose
Seconded by: Committee Member Simley
Approve the Minutes of April 9, 2025.
Motion Carried
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Cultural Arts Committee Regular Meeting Minutes
May 14, 2025
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4.b INFORMATIONAL REPORT ON DUELING PALMS BY KYLE ABSOLOM
Motion by: Committee Member Rose
Seconded by: Committee Member Simley
Receive and file informational report on Dueling Palms by Kyle Absolom.
Motion Carried
5. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER
None.
6. BUSINESS ITEMS
6.a RECOMMEND APPROVAL TO RELEASE A REQUEST FOR
QUALIFICATIONS FOR SAN PABLO PHASE 2 ROUNDABOUT SCULPTURE
Management Analyst Powell provided a staff report and responded to Committee
Member inquiries.
Motion by: Vice Chair Adney
Motion to continue the item to the June Cultural Arts Committee Meeting.
Motion Fails due to lack of second.
Motion by: Committee Member Flint
Seconded by: Committee Member Boren
Recommend City Council approval to release a Request for Qualifications (RFQ)
for a sculpture to be installed in the San Pablo Phase 2 Roundabout, as
amended:
Include submissions from artists based in Canada and Mexico.
Add a 13 ft. minimum height requirement.
Exclude water and kinetic features.
Include a requirement to specify who is responsible for fabrication.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
6.b CONSIDERATION OF PURCHASE OF A SCULPTURE FROM THE 2025
DESERT X EXHIBITION
Management Analyst Powell provided a staff report and responded to Committee
Member inquiries.
Motion by: Vice Chair Adney
Seconded by: Committee Member Simley
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Cultural Arts Committee Regular Meeting Minutes
May 14, 2025
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To pursue negotiations for the purchase of The Act of Being Together by Jose
Davila from the 2025 Desert X Exhibition.
Motion Fails (2 to 4)
Motion by: Committee Member Rose
Seconded by: Chair Hauer
To accept staff's recommendation not to pursue the purchase of The Act of Being
Together by José Dávila from the 2025 Desert X Exhibition.
Motion Carried (4 to 2)
The Committee recessed at 9:54 a.m. and reconvened at 9:58 a.m. with all members present.
6.c REVISE PRIORITY ONE OF THE CULTURAL ARTS COMMITTEE’S FISCAL
YEAR 2025-2026 WORK PLAN
Management Analyst Powell provided a staff report and responded to Committee
Member inquiries.
Motion by: Committee Member Boren
Seconded by: Committee Member Rose
Accept the revised Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Work Plan and forward to the City
Council for approval.
Motion Carried (6 to 0)
6.d REQUEST FOR DIRECTION TO RELOCATE OR DEACCESSION OF LILY
PAD BENCH BY MICHAEL TODD
Management Analyst Powell provided a staff report and responded to Committee
Member inquiries.
Motion by: Committee Member Boren
Seconded by: Committee Member Flint
To remove and relocate the Lily Pad Bench by Michael Todd.
Motion Carried (6 to 0)
7. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS
7.a CITY STAFF
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Cultural Arts Committee Regular Meeting Minutes
May 14, 2025
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Management Analyst Powell provided information on the following:
Vinyl wrap art has been installed
Meeting materials will be available to be picked up or mailed to Committee
Members in advance of the meeting
7.a.1 CITY CLERK PRESENTATION
This item was removed from the agenda at the request of staff and will be
brought forward at a later date.
7.b PLANNING COMMISSION LIAISON
Planning Commission Liaison Holt was present and stated there have been no
reportable actions.
7.c ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION LIAISON
None.
7.d CITY COUNCIL LIAISON
City Council Liaison (alt.) Trubee commended the Committee for their dedication
and valuable discussions.
7.e ATTENDANCE REPORT
Report provided; no action taken on this item.
8. REQUESTS FOR ACTION
Committee Member Simley, with support from Committee Member Boren, requested
that staff research and agendize a discussion on the potential to purchase the following
pieces from the 2025 Desert X Exhibition:
Unsui by Sanford Biggers
Soul Service Station by Alison Saar
Plotting Rest by Kapwani Kiwanga
Vice Chair Adney encouraged Committee Members to visit the Act of Being Together
exhibit.
9. ADJOURNMENT
The Cultural Arts Committee adjourned at 10:25 a.m.
10. PUBLIC NOTICES
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Cultural Arts Committee Regular Meeting Minutes
May 14, 2025
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______________________________
Monique Lomeli, Senior Deputy Clerk
Recording Secretary
_________________________
Erica Powell, Management Analyst
Secretary
_________________________
DATE APPROVED BY CULTURAL ARTS COMMITTEE
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Page 1 of 2
CULTURAL ARTS COMMITTEE
CITY OF PALM DESERT
STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: June 11, 2025
PREPARED BY: Erica Powell, Management Analyst
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF 2026 CALIFORNIA DESERT PLEIN AIR FESTIVAL
SPONSORSHIP
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommend City Council approve sponsorship for the 2026 California Desert Plein Air Festival .
BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS:
The City of Palm Desert received a sponsorship request from Palm Springs Life and the Desert
Plein Air Association (DPAA) for the 2026 California Desert Plein Air Festival. The 2025 event,
held over three weeks in January, featured four days of paint-outs at scenic locations throughout
the Coachella Valley and surrounding desert are as, including multiple locations in Palm Desert.
The festival was headquartered at the Artists Center in Palm Desert and included artist
workshops, public talks, an exhibition and awards ceremony, and artwork sales. The event
attracted top plein-air painters from across the United States with $15,000 awarded for Best in
Show.
The 2025 festival was the first under the new branding as the California Desert Plein Air Festival
and successfully positioned itself as a destination art event for the region. Palm D esert served
as the core hub for event activity.
The festival exceeded expectations in both attendance and promotional reach:
Attendance:
o Over 3,000 attendees
Media Coverage:
o Editorial Impressions/Readers: 241,765, valued at $32,068
o Media Impressions/Readers: 1,066,520, valued at $71,604
o Total Advertising Impressions (Print, Digital, and Social): 1,308,285, with a total
value of $103,672
The 2025 festival demonstrated strong public engagement and economic impact, justifying
continued investment in its growth. Staff supports renewing the sponsorship to build on the
festival’s momentum and to strengthen Palm Desert’s reputation as a premier destination for
arts and cultural programming.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Palm Springs Life is requesting continued sponsorsh ip in the amount of $25,000 for the 2026
California Desert Plein Air Festival, which is the same amount that was awarded for the 2025
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Cultural Arts Committee
City of Palm Desert
(2026 CA Desert Plein Air Festival)
Page 2 of 2
event. Staff recommends approval of this sponsorship, with $12,500 allocated from the Public
Art budget and $12,500 from the City’s Marketing budget. The sponsorship will continue to
provide Palm Desert with significant marketing value, enhanced public programming, and
community engagement opportunities.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. 2026 California Desert Plein Air Festival Proposal
2. 2025 CA Desert Plein Air Festival Summary
3. 2025 Plein Air Budget
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Revenue Description of Services/Comments
Sponsorships Cash
City of Palm Desert 25,000
El Paseo Business Improvement District 5,000
Total 30,000
Ticket Sales $
Entry Fees Cat 1 765
Entry Fees Cat 3 2,950
Art Sold 4,820
Workshop Oil 783
Workshop Watercolor 967
Total Revenue 40,285
Expenses
General Expenses
Palm Springs Life Sponsorship Fees 20%6,000
Plein Air Magazine 2,195
Judging Fees 407
Program Expenses
Projector Rental 450
Projector Screen Purchase 76
Chair Rental 70
Guest Accommodations
Best Western 4,573
Awards Reception Expenses
Pacific Coast Palate Fee 3,000
Supplies 202 Plates, napkins, cups
Wine 224
Prize Money 15,000
Misc Expenses
Awards Ribbons 180
MailChimp 33
Insurance 100
Permit 135
Printing
Lanyards 32
Printing staff/artirsts 66
Waivers 12
Poster Boards 402
Rack Cards 286
Promotional
Website, campaign development, and media 25,000 Value
Workshop - Oil Expense
Hotel 350
Workshop - Watercolor Expense
Hotel 526
Total Expenses 59,320
Net Income (Loss)-19,035
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Page 1 of 2
CULTURAL ARTS COMMITTEE
CITY OF PALM DESERT
STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: June 11, 2025
PREPARED BY: Erica Powell, Management Analyst
SUBJECT: RECOMMEND THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVE DEACCESSION OF TWO
EL PASEO ENTRY SIGNS BY WATER STUDIO
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommend the City Council approve deaccession of two El Paseo entry signs by Water Studio.
BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS:
In September 2003, Palm Desert’s Art in Public Places Commission commissioned two entry
signs for the El Paseo business district. Designed by Orr Studio (now operating as Water Studio),
the signs were installed in the following locations:
1. El Paseo at CA-74 (West Entry)
2. El Paseo at Portola (East Entry)
Constructed of ridged copper with bronzed patina, each sign measured approximately 4 feet 6
inches wide by 6 feet tall and featured an integrated water element designed to operate year -
round. Over time, the combination of water and metal led to repeated deterioration of the fountain
components, requiring ongoing and costly maintenance.
On November 20, 2023, the entry sign located at El Paseo and Portola Avenue was struck by a
vehicle and sustained irreparable damage, necessitating its immediate removal. At its meeting
on January 17, 2024, the Cultural Arts Committee recommended that the City Council approve
the deaccession of both entry signs. However, the Committee advised that the sign at CA -74
remain in place until a replacement design was identified. Due to continued structural
deterioration, the remaining sign was removed by the City’s Public Works Department on May
29, 2025. The artist has been notified and is scheduled to retrieve the removed sign in late June
2025.
The Public Works Department will lead the planni ng, design, and installation of new entry
signage for the El Paseo business district as part of their wayfinding sign project. Staff
recommends approval of the complete deaccession of the two El Paseo entry signs by Water
Studio.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The cost of the artwork was $50,000 in January 2004. Staff has no record of current fair market
value.
ATTACHMENTS:
39
Cultural Arts Committee
City of Palm Desert
(Deaccession of Two El Paseo Entry Signs by Water Studio )
Page 2 of 2
1. Deaccession Worksheet
2. Entry sign photographs
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City of Palm Desert Public Art Deaccessioning/Relocating Worksheet
Artist: WATER STUDIO
Contact: Bridget Hormer 310-581-2221 or bridget@wstudio.com
Title: EL PASEO ENTRY SIGNS/FOUNTAINS
Location of work: EL PASEO/HWY 74 AND EL PASEO/PORTOLA AVE
Name of property: EL PASEO MEDIAN
Contact name: ERICA POWELL, PUBLIC ART MANAGEMENT ANALYST
Phone: 760-776-6346 Email: epowell@palmdesert.gov
Property owner at the time of commission: CITY OF PALM DESERT
Year commissioned/purchased: 2004
Purchase Price / Art in Public Places fee / Value at time of install: $50,000
($25,000/EA)
Dimensions: Height:6’ Width: 4’
Estimated current fair market value: not available
Source of estimation: dna
Proposed deaccession reviewed by City Attorney: Yes: X No:
Detailed reason for deaccessioning artwork:
Entry sign located at the Portola/El Paseo entrance was struck by a car in November
2023 and damaged beyond repair.
The sign located at the HWY74/El Paseo entrance is still in place. Fountains/pump in
disrepair.
Due to the excessive maintenance issues with the water features, and multiple pump
replacements, the fountain has been shut of permanently. Staff recommends keeping
the sign in place until a new sign is scheduled for installation.
Proposed deaccessioning and removal method: The City of Palm Desert would like
to offer the entry sign back to the Water Studio, provided they agree to deinstall it at a
mutually agreed-upon time before the installation of the new sign.
Docusign Envelope ID: D6515F21-6E62-4C2D-B3C2-E67E4BC4237B
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City of Palm Desert Public Art Deaccessioning/Relocating Worksheet
Condition: Excellent Good ___ Fair X Poor
Maintenance evaluation and instructions:
THE FOUNTAIN HAVE REQUIRED CONSTANT MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR
WORK.
CITY OF PALM DESERT
By:
Martin Alvarez
Director of Economic Development
Artist Representative
By:
Bridget Hormer
Docusign Envelope ID: D6515F21-6E62-4C2D-B3C2-E67E4BC4237B
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El Paseo Entry Sign Photographs
Portola entry sign
Portola damage in November 2023
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Hwy 74 entry sign
Hwy 74 deterioration
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Page 1 of 2
CULTURAL ARTS COMMITTEE
CITY OF PALM DESERT
STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: June 11, 2025
PREPARED BY: Erica Powell, Management Analyst
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION TO PURCHASE A SCULPTURE FROM THE 2025
DESERT X EXHIBITION
RECOMMENDATION:
Discuss purchasing one of the following sculptures from the 2025 Desert X Exhibition:
1. Unsui by Sanford Biggers
2. Plotting Rest by Kapwani Kiwanga
3. Soul Service Station by Alison Saar
BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS:
At its meeting on April 9, 2025, the Cultural Arts Committee (CAC) expressed interest in
acquiring a sculpture from the 2025 Desert X Exhibition, with specific reference to The Act of
Being Together by artist José Dávila. Due to budgetary impact, size, weight, and logistical
complexity, the Committee decided against the acquisition.
The Committee however requested that staff continue dialogue with Desert X for three
alternative artworks from the exhibition that align more closely in te rms of scale and installation
feasibility.
Sculpture Options:
1. Unsui by Sanford Biggers
Purchase price: $400,000.
Installation costs would be estimated at $100,000.
2. Plotting Rest by Kapwani Kiwanga
Purchase price: not available.
The sculpture is scheduled for installation in New York City.
3. Soul Service Station by Alison Saar
Purchase price: $600,000.
Desert X noted that this artwork may require excessive maintenance due to the
installation being built for temporary exhibition.
Given current program obligations and long-term considerations pertaining to the public art
budget, staff recommends the Committee consider deferring the acquisition to a future exhibition
cycle.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
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Cultural Arts Committee
City of Palm Desert
(Consideration to Purchase a Sculpture from the 2025 Desert X Exhibition )
Page 2 of 2
The estimated cost for Unsui by Sanford Biggers, including acquisition and installation, is
approximately $500,000. This would be a major investment within the FY 2025/2026 Public Art
Budget and would likely require reprioritization of other planned projects.
Acquisition of Soul Service Station by Alison Saar would exceed $600,000, not including
installation and unknown future maintenance expenses. Due to the temporary nature of this
sculpture, staff recommends against pursuing this option may present significant conservation
challenges over time.
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APPOINTED BODIES
C I T Y O F P A L M D E S E R T
C I T Y C L E R K ’S O F F I C E 2 0 2 5
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C I T Y O F P A L M D E S E R T
THE
BROWN ACT Exceptions: Ceremonial events,
conferences, community
meetings, and individual contacts
Bottom Line: Avoid discussing
committee business with
members outside of a meeting
G o l d e n R u l e : D e c i s i o n s a n d
d e l i b e r a t i o n s m u s t o c c u r i n
p u b l i c m e e t i n g s
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OK OK
OK BAD
OK BAD WORSE
WARNING: Serial Meetings
Communications whether verbal or written (emails or text messages) which
"daisy chains," leading to a discussion and potential decision outside of the
public meeting:
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Statement of Economic Interest (NetFile)
Annual StatementAssuming Office Leaving Office
April 1 of every yearwithin 30 days within 30 days
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When You Have A Conflict of Interest - Recusal
Leave the Meeting RoomAnnounce Your Conflict To Speak During Public Comment
You may not influence the
decision and must leave
the meeting room
You must announce you have a
financial conflict & describe the
nature of the conflict
If you would still like to comment
as a member of the public, please
contact the City Attorney or Clerk
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AB 1234: State-Required Ethics Training (NetFile)
All Appointed Members
Minimum of 2 hours of state-approved ethics training
Must be renewed every two years
Certificate are time monitored
IMPORTANT:
Choose the course for Local Officials, not State Officials
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C I T Y O F P A L M D E S E R T
Failure to Comply with Law
PDMC 2.34.100
Members who fail to complete mandatory training or
required disclosures by the deadline will be
automatically suspended five days after the City Clerk
certifies that three notifications were sent. Service is
immediately reinstated upon compliance.
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Public Records Act
All records (documents, emails, text, voicemail) pertaining
to city business, regardless of its location (personal devices
and accounts) must be disclosed upon request.
Best Practice: Do not text/email about City business without
including a staff member so that it is captured in the City's
server.
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Prior to 2023, terms like Boards, Commissions, Committees,
and Taskforces were used inconsistently without clear
definitions; since then, we've established that Boards and
Commissions are decision-making bodies, while Committees
and Taskforces serve in an advisory capacity to the City Council.
Boards, Commissions,
Committees, & Taskforces
Have final decision making authority,
unless appealed to the City Council.
Examples: Planning Commission,
Building Board of Appeals, and
Architectural Review Commission
Boards & Commissions
Advisory bodies to the City Council.
Examples: Cultural Arts Committee,
Homelessness Taskforce, and Parks
and Recreation Committee
Committees & Taskforces
01 02
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C I T Y O F P A L M D E S E R T
Staff Liaison
Serves as the City Manager’s delegate to the
committee.
Leads the agenda preparation
Ensures topics are within committee purview
Preparing SR and background materials
Decides order of agenda items
Keeps the City Manager informed of
committee activities
Facilitate communication between the
committee and city staff/council
Remain neutral and facilitate discussions
without influencing decisions
Advisor to the Chairperson on meeting
protocols
Recording Secretary
Prepares and publishes agenda
Sends notification email & supplemental
Prepares meeting minutes
Tracks attendance
Ensures compliance with Brown Act
Advisor to the Staff Liaison on meeting
protocols
Intervenes only when necessary
Roles and Responsibilities
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C I T Y O F P A L M D E S E R T
Chairperson/Vice Chairperson
Appointed at the first meeting after July 1 to a one-year term
Vice Chairperson serves in the absence of the Chairperson
Facilitator of Meetings
Ensures meetings run efficiently and fairly
Follows the agenda and keeps discussions on track
Encourages balanced participation from all members
Neutral Leader
Guides discussions without dominating or advocating
Ensure all viewpoints are heard without bias
Summarizes key points and builds consensus
Enforces Rules & Procedures
Upholds Brown Act and parliamentary procedures
Maintains decorum and professionalism
Roles and Responsibilities
Committee Members
Be Prepared
Understand the purpose and mission of the committee
Review the agenda packet materials in advance
Submit questions in advance to seek clarity
Act in the best interest of the community
Set aside personal agendas and bias
Decline gifts, favors, or promises of future benefits
Uphold the highest ethical standards/recuse when conflicted
Maintain civility
Avoid personal attacks, abusive conduct, or disrespectful remarks
Maintain decorum and professionalism
Respect the presiding officer and their ruling on matters of
parliamentary procedure
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C I T Y O F P A L M D E S E R T
Agenda
Management
PDMC 2.34.080:
“The staff liaison of each appointed
body shall oversee approving and
placing items on the agenda.”
Ensure topics align
with committee
purview
Prepare SR and
background
materials
Agendas should be
posted one week
in advance
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Consent
Calendar
A group of routine or non-
controversial items approved
together in one motion
without discussion, unless a
commissioner requests to
pull an item for separate
discussion.
Business
Items
Business items are individual
agenda topics that require
discussion, deliberation, and
a separate vote.
Informational
Reports
Brief updates on projects,
activities, or other matters
within the committee’s scope.
No formal action can be taken.
AGENDA CATEGORIES
Over the past year, all agendas have been updated to similar formats for
consistency and ensuring residents can expect the same process regardless
which meeting they attend.
01 02 03
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C I T Y O F P A L M D E S E R T
Annual Work Plans
Ensure committees are focused and
aligned with City Council priorities
Helps City leadership allocate
resources
Prevent taking on projects outside
their purview w/o authorization
Developing a Work Plan
Typically 3-5 objectives
Can be recurring significant efforts
or new initiatives
Multi-year objectives should be
renewed annually.
Must be approved by the City
Council (consent)
Amendments
A request for a significant effort
(beyond a presentation or project
update) may trigger a WP amendment
Agendize discussion of amending the
work plan and seek approval
Amended Work Plans must be
approved by the City Council
Annual Work Plans
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Scenario 1 A Committee Member
pushes a topic outside the
committee’s jurisdiction
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C I T Y O F P A L M D E S E R T
S1: Recommended Approach
1. Initial Intervention (Chairperson’s Role):
Politely redirect the discussion: “I appreciate your interest in this issue, but it falls outside
the committee’s responsibilities. Let’s stay focused on today’s agenda items.”
2. Staff Liaison’s Role in Reinforcement:
Provide clarification: “That’s a City Council-level decision, not within the purview of this
committee. If you'd like, I can direct you to the appropriate department or help you request an
item for City Council consideration.”
Offer an alternative: “We can check with the City Manager’s office on whether this issue is
being addressed elsewhere.”
3. Final Redirect (Chairperson’s Role):
If the member persists, reinforce committee boundaries: “We have a process for adding
items to future agendas, but since this is not within this committee’s authority, it would not be
appropriate for discussion here. Let’s move on to the next item.”
If disruptions continue, the Chair may call for a recess or remind members of meeting
decorum.
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Scenario 2 A Committee wants to
direct staff on operational
matters
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Committee Purview
(Your Advisory Role)
Providing recommendations on programs, policies, or
priorities referred to the committee
Offering community-based insight on how proposed
actions may affect residents
Identifying emerging trends, needs, or opportunities
within the committee's focus area
Reviewing and commenting on draft plans, designs, or
outreach strategies
Examples:
Recommending locations or features for future park
development (Parks & Rec)
Suggesting strategies to increase public engagement in
civic programs (Civic Engagement)
Recommending cultural preservation goals for historic
properties (CRPC)
Identifying gaps in library programs or resources to
better serve the community (LAC)
Offering insight on local impacts of homelessness
initiatives (HTF)
Operational Decisions
(Handled by City staff)
Operations vs.
Committee Purview
Day-to-day administration of City services and programs
Managing budgets, contracts, and personnel
Determining workflows, timelines, and resources
Implementing Council-approved policies and
regulations
Making technical or compliance-based decisions
Example:
Selecting a contractor for a project
Adjusting staff schedules or workload
Choosing how to implement a marketing strategy
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S2: Recommended Approach
1. Initial Intervention (Chairperson’s Role):
Politely correct the misunderstanding: “Our role is to make recommendations, not to direct
city staff on operations. Any operational decisions need to go through the City Manager.”
2. Staff Liaison’s Role in Reinforcement:
Cite Palm Desert Municipal Code (PDMC) § 2.04.050 & § 2.04.060, which clarify that
operational decisions fall under the authority of the City Manager: “Per PDMC, staff may take
direction only through the City Manager’s office, not from committees or individual members .”
Offer an alternative approach: “If you’d like to formally recommend an action, the committee
can make a motion for staff to research the feasibility of the idea and present it to City Council .”
3. Final Redirect (Chairperson’s Role):
If the committee persists in giving direct instructions, reaffirm city policies: “To stay compliant
with city governance, we need to follow the appropriate channels. If this issue is a priority, we can
document it as a formal recommendation to City Counci l.”
Redirect and move forward: “Since this falls outside our jurisdiction, let’s refocus on today’s
agenda.”
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Scenario 3 A heated debate erupts
over an item NOT on the
agenda
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C I T Y O F P A L M D E S E R T
S3: Recommended Approach
1. Initial Intervention (Chairperson’s Role):
Quickly refocus discussion: “I understand this is an important issue, but since this topic is not on
today’s agenda, we cannot have a full discussion or take action at this time. If this is a priority, we
can request that it be placed on a future agenda.”
2. Staff Liaison’s Role in Reinforcement:
Cite Brown Act (§ 54954.2) to explain why non-agendized topics cannot be discussed: “Under
the Brown Act, discussions must be noticed on the agenda to ensure transparency. Since this topic
was not formally agendized, we cannot engage in extended discussion or make decisions on it
today.”
Offer alternatives: “If the committee wants to pursue this issue further, we can either:
Formally request it be placed on the next agenda for discussion and possible action.
Staff can note the concern and direct it to the appropriate city department outside of this meeting.”
3. Final Redirect (Chairperson’s Role):
If members persist, firmly reinforce compliance: “This discussion is now out of order. To
comply with city policy and the Brown Act, we must return to our scheduled agenda items .”
If disruptions continue, call for a brief recess to restore order.
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THANK YOU!
68
Cultural Arts Committee
Year 2025 2025 2025 2025 2025 2024 2024 2024 2024 2024 2024
Month May Apr Mar Feb Jan Dec Nov Oct Sep Aug July
Day 14 9 12 12 8 11 13 9 11 10
Adney, Carol P P P - - P P P P - P 0 0
Boren, Maureen P P A - - P P P P - E 1 2
Flint, Lori P E P - - P P P P - E 0 2
Hauer, Liz P P P - - P P P P - P 0 0
Mitze, Tom A P P - - P P P P - P 1 0
Rose, Pia P P P - - P P P P - P 0 0
Simley, Ann P P P - - P P P P - P 0 0
P Present
P Remote
A Absent
E Excused
-No Meeting
Resigned/Not Yet Appointed
Palm Desert Municipal Code 2.34.010
Three 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
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