HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-02-12 - Study SessionStudy Session of the Palm Desert City Council, Successor Agency to the Palm Desert
Redevelopment Agency, Housing Authority, and Board of Library Trustees
Minutes
Mayor Pro Tem Joe
*Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto participated remotely in accordance with SB 707
due to illness.
1. CALL TO ORDER - STUDY SESSION
A Study Session of the Palm Desert City Council was called to order by Mayor Trubee
on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., in the Council Chamber of City Hall,
located at 73-510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, California.
2. STUDY SESSION TOPICS
2.a SUNLINE TRANSIT AGENCY COMPREHENSIVE OPERATIONAL ANALYSIS
Mona Babauta, CEO and General Manager of SunLine Transit Agency,
presented a PowerPoint on the agency’s comprehensive operational analysis,
encouraged public participation throughout the process, and responded to City
Council inquiries.
2.b PROVIDE DIRECTION ON FUTURE USES OF THE SHERIFF SUBSTATION
Jill Mendoza, Economic Development Manager, narrated a PowerPoint
presentation regarding potential reuse options for the Sheriff Substation at the
Civic Center Campus and responded to City Council inquiries.
Following the discussion, the City Council provided staff direction to proceed with
repurposing the site for future City use.
2.c DISCUSSION AND DIRECTION REGARDING POTENTIAL UPDATES TO
TOBACCO RETAILER LICENSING AND SMOKING REGULATIONS,
INCLUDING COMPLIANCE WITH CALIFORNIA FLAVORED TOBACCO LAWS
AND REGULATION OF KRATOM
Daniel Hurtado, Public Safety Coordinator, presented a PowerPoint and
responded to City Council inquiries.
Sergeant Nelson, Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, provided first-hand
experience regarding an individual under the influence of kratom.
Following the discussion, the City Council directed staff to proceed with Option B,
regulating kratom products and prohibiting synthetic kratom products.
2.d POTENTIAL INDOOR SPORTS COMPLEX PARTNERSHIP
Richard Cannone, Assistant City Manager, and Scott White, of Visit Greater Palm
Springs, presented a PowerPoint on the potential partnership for an indoor sports
complex and responded to City Council inquiries.
The City Council expressed support for continued exploration of a partnership
with Visit Greater Palm Springs to develop an indoor sports complex.
Docusign Envelope ID: 451C4E06-BA4F-40C8-A40E-F7BA6968D103
City of Palm Desert City Council Study Session Minutes
February 12, 2026
2
3. ADJOURNMENT
The City Council adjourned the Study Session at 3:24 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
_________________________
Michelle Nance
Assistant City Clerk/Assistant Secretary
_________________________
Anthony J. Mejia, MMC
City Clerk/Secretary
Docusign Envelope ID: 451C4E06-BA4F-40C8-A40E-F7BA6968D103