HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Package - StudySession_Mar26_2026
PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL
STUDY SESSION MEETING
AGENDA
Thursday, March 26, 2026
2:30 p.m.
Council Chamber, City Hall
73-510 Fred Waring Drive
Palm Desert, California
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the purpose of the Study Session is to review the items listed on the
agenda. No action will be taken.
This is a joint meeting of the Palm Desert City Council, Successor Agency to the Palm Desert
Redevelopment Agency, Palm Desert Housing Authority, and Palm Desert Board of Library Trustees.
Pursuant to Senate Bill 707, this meeting may be conducted as a hybrid meeting allowing public
access via teleconference or in person, and up to two Councilmembers may attend remotely.
WATCH THE MEETING LIVE: Watch the City Council meeting live at the City’s website:
https://palmdesert.zoom.us/ or on the City's YouTube Channel.
OPTIONS FOR PARTICIPATING IN THIS MEETING:
OPTION 1: IN PERSON
Attend in person in the Council Chamber, located at 73510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert,
California 92260.
OPTION 2: VIA EMAIL
Send your comments by email to: CityClerk@palmdesert.gov.
Emails received prior to 10:00 a.m. on the day of the City Council meeting will be made part of the
record and distributed to the City Council. Emails will not be read aloud at the meeting.
OPTION 3: LIVE VIA ZOOM
Access via palmdesert.gov/zoom or zoom.us, click “Join Meeting” and enter Webinar ID 833 6744
9572.
OPTION 4: LIVE VIA TELEPHONE
Call (213) 338-8477 and enter Meeting ID 833 6744 9572 followed by #.
Pages
1.CALL TO ORDER - STUDY SESSION
2.STUDY SESSION TOPICS
2.a UPDATE ON THE DINING DECK PROGRAM 5
RECOMMENDATION:
Provide direction on the expiration of the Dining Deck Program effective
June 30, 2026 and direction on staff’s proposed outreach and
communication plan to the business community.
2.b OVERVIEW AND PROVIDE DIRECTION ON PARK IMPROVEMENT
PROJECTS
9
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff will provide an overview of the current park improvement projects and
related public engagement and request feedback on the scope of work.
2.c PRESENTATION REGARDING POTENTIAL UPDATES TO THE PALM
DESERT MUNICIPAL CODE RELATED TO USE OF THE CITY LOGO
AND PROVIDE DIRECTION REGARDING POTENTIAL UPDATES TO
MUNICIPAL CODE LANGUAGE AND THE STATUS OF PRIOR CITY
SEAL REDESIGN DISCUSSIONS
19
RECOMMENDATION:
Provide direction to staff regarding potential Municipal Code language
governing use of the City logo; and whether to pursue further evaluation of
potential updates to the City Seal.
3.ADJOURNMENT
City Council Study Session
March 26, 2026
2
4.PUBLIC NOTICES
NOTE: Pursuant to Senate Bill 707, this meeting may be conducted by
teleconference. Study Session is accessible in person or on the City’s website:
www.palmdesert.gov under the Council Agenda link at the top of the page.
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
by clicking “Meetings & Agendas” at the top of the page.
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, Michelle Nance, Assistant City Clerk of the City of Palm Desert, do hereby
certify, under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California, that the
foregoing agenda for the Palm Desert City Council, Successor Agency for the
Palm Desert Redevelopment Agency, and Housing Authority, was posted on the
City Hall bulletin board and City website www.palmdesert.gov no less than 72
hours prior to the meeting.
/S/ Michelle Nance
Assistant City Clerk
City Council Study Session
March 26, 2026
3
4
Page 1 of 3
CITY OF PALM DESERT
STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: March 26, 2026
PREPARED BY: Carlos Flores, AICP, Deputy Director of Development Services
SUBJECT: STUDY SESSION: UPDATE ON THE DINING DECK PROGRAM
RECOMMENDATION:
Provide direction on the expiration of the Dining Deck Program effective June 30, 2026 and
direction on staff’s proposed outreach and communication plan to the business community.
BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS:
Since 2020, the City of Palm Desert has monitored its Outdoor Dining Deck Program (Program),
which permits restaurant owners to build and use dining decks within city streets and public
rights-of-way. The program's current expiration date is June 30, 2026. The City Council has held
multiple meetings since 2020 to discuss and act on the Program.
In 2021, the Council took several actions to extend and refine its outdoor dining deck
program. The Program was initially extended through June 2022, with direction to develop
design guidelines approved by the Architectural Review Commission (ARC). Subsequent
extensions pushed the Program through June 2024 and then to June 2026, along with
the adoption of updated guidelines.
In 2024 and 2025, the City held study sessions to di scuss and move forward with
implementing an annual lease fee and to plan for the El Paseo Street Rehabilitation
project scheduled for Summer 2025.
On June 12, 2025, the City held a study session to receive an update on the dining deck
program, including the status of operators, next steps, and dining deck expectations. It
was reported that, with the exception of the “Little Bar” restaurant, all dining deck
operators were along El Paseo. The City Council formed an ad hoc subcommittee
(Subcommittee), consisting of Mayor Trubee and Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto, to review the
Outdoor Dining Deck Design Guidelines (Design Guidelines).
On August 28, 2025, the City Council considered revisions to the Design Guidelines
proposed by the Subcommittee that would prohibit din ing decks in the street and instead
allow outdoor dining directly on the sidewalk adjacent to a restaurant. After receiving
feedback, the City Council agreed to postpone implementation of the Guidelines updates
until Summer 2026. City Council discussions and actions relative to the Program are
outlined in Table 1 on the next page:
5
City of Palm Desert
Page 2 of 3
Table 1 – Council Program Summary
Date Topic/Action Staff Report
Link
June 24, 2021 Extended Program through June 30, 2022, and provide direction
to establish ARC approved dining deck guidelines
Link
June 9, 2022 Extended Program through June 30, 2024 Link
November 16,
2023
Extended Program through June 30, 2026, and adopted
updated dining deck guidelines
Link
April 11, 2024 Study session to discuss annual fee Link
May 23, 2024 Study session to receive direction on El Paseo Street
Rehabilitation project going into Summer 2025 and move
forward with annual lease rate
Link
October 24, 2024 Establish an annual lease rate for dining decks Link
May 22, 2025 Award contract for El Paseo Street rehab project for Summer
2025
Link
June 12, 2025 Study session to discuss outdoor dining deck program update Link
August 28 2025 City Council postpones implementation of the updates to the
Guidelines and continues program with existing Guidelines until
Summer 2026
Link
February 4, 2026 Subcommittee meets and agrees on June 30, 2026 Program
expiration
June 30, 2026 Expiration of the Program (November 16, 2023 City Council
decision)
The Subcommittee met with City staff on February 4, 2026, to receive a status update on existing
dining decks and discuss next steps. The City currently has two approved operators (Kitchen 86
and PizzaVino) and two applications under review (Armandos Restaurant and Little Bar).
The Subcommittee agreed that the Program should expire on June 30, 2026 as previously voted
by City Council, with no further extensions or updates. City staff seek direction from the City
Council to confirm the Program’s expiration. If the City Council directs staff to allow the Program
to expire, no further Council action would be required.
The following would be staff’s proposed Outreach and Communication Plan to communicate
with current and prospective operators as well as the business community overall:
1. April 2026: staff will send out letters and emails to all approved operators and applicants
of the Dining Deck Program, reminding them that dining decks must be removed by June
30, 2026.
2. April and May 2026: City staff will be available to meet one -on-one for individual
discussions on the removal of the dining decks and discuss any logistics.
3. May 2026: El Paseo Business District staff attendance at the monthly meeting.
4. May 2026: Social Media messaging of Program expiration.
6
City of Palm Desert
Page 3 of 3
5. May and June 2026: Staff to meet individually with Dining Deck participants to ensure the
removal plans are on track to meet the June 30, 2026 date.
Legal Review:
This report has been reviewed by the City Attorney’s Office.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no financial impact with this item.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Presentation will be provided prior to the meeting
CONFLICT OF INTEREST AWARENESS CHECKLIST:
☐ Site-Specific Property Interest – Councilmembers should check if they own or lease real
property within 1,000 feet of the project site (Gov. Code § 87103(b); FPPC Reg. 18702.2).
☐ SB 1439 Applicability (Campaign Contributions) – Applies to licenses, permits, or other
entitlements for use, and to contracts or franchise agreements other than competitively bid,
labor, or personal employment contracts.
Applicant(s)/Appellant(s): Not Applicable
Councilmembers should review any campaign contributions received within the last 12 months
from parties or participants to the proceeding and must not accept contributions over $500
from those parties for 12 months following the final decision (Gov. Code § 84308).
Note: These indicators are informational and do not constitute a legal determination. Each
Councilmember is responsible for identifying and disclosing any disqualifying interests in
accordance with the Political Reform Act and FPPC regulations.
7
8
Page 1 of 2
CITY OF PALM DESERT
STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: March 26, 2026
PREPARED BY: Shawn Muir, Community Services Manager
SUBJECT: STUDY SESSION: OVERVIEW AND PROVIDE DIRECTION ON PARK
IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff will provide an overview of the current park improvement projects and related public
engagement and request feedback on the scope of work.
BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS:
On June 12, 2025, the City Council approved contracts with five landscape architecture firms to
design improvements to seven park and trailhead locations. Initial improvement considerations
were outlined in the staff report and based on public input, Parks and Recreation Commit tee
meetings, city staff, and the city’s recreation partners. The scope of the agreements is broken
down into four tasks:
Public Engagement
Preliminary Planning and Conceptual Design
Construction Documents
Bidding and Construction Support
The staff report also included key design needs identified by staff for each park or trailhead.
Since that time, additional input may have been received from the community regarding the
needs for each location. Staff will provide an overview of these items and request Ci ty Council
feedback on whether they continue to reflect the need.
Staff will also provide an overview of the approach for the process for the park designs, which
includes review of the current scope, public engagement, and an opportunity for the City Coun cil
to add items to the scope prior to the park improvements going out to bid.
Legal Review:
This report has been reviewed by the City Attorney’s Office.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact associated with this presentation, as no formal action is being taken at
this time. Funding for the park design has already been included in the Fiscal Year 2025-26
Annual Budget and Five-Year Capital Improvement Budget (CIP) Plan.
9
City of Palm Desert
Study Session – Public Input on Park Improvements
Page 2 of 2
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Approved Staff Report – Park Design Agreements
2. Presentation will be provided prior to the meeting
CONFLICT OF INTEREST AWARENESS CHECKLIST:
☐ Site-Specific Property Interest – Councilmembers should check if they own or lease real
property within 1,000 feet of the project site (Gov. Code § 87103(b); FPPC Reg. 18702.2).
☐ SB 1439 Applicability (Campaign Contributions) – Applies to licenses, permits, or other
entitlements for use, and to contracts or franchise agreements other than competitively bid,
labor, or personal employment contracts.
Applicant(s)/Appellant(s): Not Applicable
Councilmembers should review any campaign contributions received within the last 12 months
from parties or participants to the proceeding and must not accept contributions over $500
from those parties for 12 months following the final decision (Gov. Code § 84308).
Note: These indicators are informational and do not constitute a legal determi nation. Each
Councilmember is responsible for identifying and disclosing any disqualifying interests in
accordance with the Political Reform Act and FPPC regulations.
10
ALL ACTI ONS ARE DRAFT PENDING APPROVAL OF THE FINAL MINUTES
Minute Action Summary
Agenda Number:
Title:
Date:
Motion by:
Seconded by:
Palm Desert City Council -Regular Meeting
13.r.
AWARD CONTRACTS TO FIVE VENDORS FOR PARK AND TRAILHEAD ENGINEERING AND DESIGN SERVICES PROJECTS NO. CPK00004, CPK00005, CPK00006, CPK00008, CPK00009, MPK00001, MPK00008
Thursday, June 12, 2025
1.Award Professional Services Agreement No. C49390A to Architerra Design Group for Park
and Trailhead Engineering and Design services in the amount of $119,299, plus $11,930
contingency for unforeseen circumstances.
2.Award Professional Services Agreement No. C49390B to HAI, Hirsch & Associates, Inc.
(Landscape Architects) for Park and Trailhead Engineering and Design services in the amount
of $125,140, plus $12,514 contingency for unforeseen circumstances.
3.Award Professional Services Agreement No. C49390C to Hermann Design Group for Park and
Trailhead Engineering and Design services in the amount of $172,170, plus $17,217
contingency for unforeseen circumstances.
4.Award Professional Services Agreement No. C49390Dto In-Site Landscape Architects, Inc. for
Park and Trailhead Engineering and Design services in the amount of $400,051, plus $40,006
contingency for unforeseen circumstances.
5.Award Professional Services Agreement No. C49390E to lnterwest Consulting Group for Park
and Trailhead Engineering and Design services in the amount of $175,600, plus $17,560
contingency for unforeseen circumstances.
6.Authorize the City Attorney to make necessary non-monetary changes to the agreements.
7.Authorize the City Manager to execute agreements, amendments, change orders, and any
other documents necessary to effectuate this action.
YES:4
YES:4
Mayor Harnik
NO:0
Council member
Nestande
ABSTAIN: 0 CONFLICT: 1 ABSENT: 0
Motion Carried
Mayor Pro Tern Trubee Councilmember
Quintanilla
Councilmember Nestande
Mayor Pro Tem Trubee
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
Page 1 of 4
CITY OF PALM DESERT
STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: March 26, 2026
PREPARED BY: Thomas Soule, Public Affairs Manager
SUBJECT: STUDY SESSION: PRESENTATION REGARDING POTENTIAL
UPDATES TO THE PALM DESERT MUNICIPAL CODE RELATED TO
USE OF THE CITY LOGO AND PROVIDE DIRECTION REGARDING
POTENTIAL UPDATES TO MUNICIPAL CODE LANGUAGE AND THE
STATUS OF PRIOR CITY SEAL REDESIGN DISCUSSIONS
RECOMMENDATION:
Provide direction to staff regarding potential Municipal Code language governing use of the City
logo; and whether to pursue further evaluation of potential updates to the City Seal.
BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS:
Existing Municipal Code Language
Palm Desert Municipal Code Section 1.16 establishes regulations governing the use of the City
Seal. The section prohibits unauthorized use or reproduction of the City Seal and establishes it
as an official symbol of the City. The City Seal has been used as the City’s official symbol since
incorporation.
The Municipal Code does not currently include similar provisions governing use of the City’s
official logo.
Purpose of Potential Municipal Code Update
The City logo was originally developed to support Palm Desert’s tourism marketing efforts and
was used primarily in advertising and promotional materials aimed at attracting visitors. The logo
was designed to function as a flexible, audience -facing brand element, distinct from the City
Seal, which has historically served as the City’s formal governmental emblem.
In recent years, the City has increased the use of the City logo for general branding and non -
official applications. The City Seal continues to be used for official governmental purposes, while
the City logo is used more frequently in communications, branding, and operational applications.
Examples include the City’s vehicle fleet. Historically, City vehicles displayed the City Seal. As
vehicles are replaced, the City has begun using the City logo in place of the seal.
The Municipal Code currently does not include provisions addressing how the City logo may be
used or reproduced by outside parties. As use of the logo expand s, establishing Municipal Code
language would provide consistency with existing City Seal provisions and help protect the City’s
branding assets.
Staff is seeking direction regarding whether the City Council would like staff to prepare potential
Municipal Code language governing the use of the City logo.
19
City of Palm Desert_- City Seal & Logo Discussion
________________________________________________________
Page 2 of 4
Prior City Seal Redesign Discussions
In 2023, the City Council discussed updating the City Seal. Following that discussion, the City
engaged a designer to develop concepts intended to refresh the existing seal. Concepts
generated through that process were reviewed internally but were not adva nced for official City
Council consideration.
On March 27, 2025, the City Council held a study session to review a proposed approach for
exploring a potential redesign of the City Seal. The discussion outlined a multi -phase process
including design development, public engagement, and City Council review. Council provided
feedback on the proposed approach and expressed general support for proceeding with further
exploration.
At the regular meeting on the same date, the City Council also approved the format ion of an ad
hoc subcommittee to provide guidance to staff throughout the process.
In June 2025, following City Council direction, the City initiated an additional effort to explore
potential redesign concepts. A panel of local graphic design and art prof essionals was
assembled to oversee a request for proposals process seeking redesign concepts. The request
for proposals was distributed to multiple art schools across Southern California.
Proposals were due at the end of July 2025. Submissions were reviewed internally by staff and
with the City Council subcommittee. The process originally contemplated a public engagement
effort to narrow design options, with the goal of presenting final concepts to the City Council for
consideration in November 2025. None of the concepts received through this process were
advanced for City Council consideration.
No funds were expended as part of this process.
Consideration
During a recent meeting with the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem, staff discussed how best to proceed
following the design exploration process. As no formal action has been taken by the full City
Council regarding whether to continue pursuing a redesign of the City Seal, staff is seeking
direction regarding the appropriate next steps.
The City Council may wish to consider the following options:
Option A: Direct staff to prepare proposed Municipal Code language addressing use of
the City logo while retaining the existing City Seal without further redesign exploration.
Option B: Direct staff to prepare proposed Municipal Code language addressing use of
the City logo and return with additional evaluation regarding potential updates to the City
Seal.
Legal Review:
This report has been reviewed by the City Attorney’s Office.
20
City of Palm Desert_- City Seal & Logo Discussion
________________________________________________________
Page 3 of 4
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact to the General Fund with this action.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. PDMC Section 1.16 – City Seal
2. City Seal Image
3. City Logo Image
4. Presentation will be provided prior to the meeting
21
City of Palm Desert_- City Seal & Logo Discussion
________________________________________________________
Page 4 of 4
CONFLICT OF INTEREST AWARENESS CHECKLIST:
☐ Site-Specific Property Interest – Councilmembers should check if they own or lease real
property within 1,000 feet of the project site (Gov. Code § 87103(b); FPPC Reg. 18702.2).
☐ SB 1439 Applicability (Campaign Contributions) – Applies to licenses, permits, or other
entitlements for use, and to contracts or franchise agreements other than competitively bid,
labor, or personal employment contracts.
Applicant(s)/Appellant(s): Not Applicable
Councilmembers should review any campaign contributions received within the last 12 months
from parties or participants to the proceeding and must not accept contributions over $500
from those parties for 12 months following the final decision (Gov. Code § 84308).
Note: These indicators are informational and do not constitute a legal determination. Each
Councilmember is responsible for identifying and disclosing any disqualifying interests in
accordance with the Political Reform Act and FPPC regulations.
22
§ 1.16.010. Definitions.
As used herein:
"Seal" means any seal, insignia, decal or other artistic rendering which is substantially
similar to, and is designed or intended to be a facsimile of, the seal of the city of Palm
Desert.
"Seal of the City of Palm Desert" means the official seal of the city of Palm Desert. The
seal may be described as follows: It contains the words "Palm Desert" Incorporated 1973
November 26 and features a palm tree in the foreground and, left to right, a tennis player,
a golfer and a bighorn sheep on a rocky slope in the background.
(Ord. 1275 § 1, 2014)
§ 1.16.020. Unauthorized or improper use prohibited.
No person, group, corporation, nonprofit organization, association or political committee
shall cause to be prepared, distributed or published, or permit the preparation,
distribution or publication of, any letter, advertisement, bumper sticker, flyer, pamphlet,
handbill or other written, or digital or electronic document or display containing the seal
of the city of Palm Desert, or any other similar seal, without the express authorization of
the city manager of the city of Palm Desert.
(Ord. 1275 § 1, 2014)
§ 1.16.030. Violation—Penalty.
(Ord. 1275 § 1, 2014)
A. Any person violating or causing or permitting the violation of Section 1.16.020
shall be punished by a fine not exceeding one hundred dollars; provided, however,
that any offense which would otherwise be an infraction shall be a misdemeanor if
a defendant has been convicted of two or more violations of this chapter within the
twelve-month period preceding the commission of the offense in the accusatory
pleading. For this purpose, a bail forfeiture shall be deemed to be a conviction of
the offense charged.
B. For purposes of this section and this chapter, a separate offense shall be deemed to
occur each time a written document is prepared, printed or published each day in
violation of Section 1.16.020. However, the printing or duplicating of a number of
such documents by mechanical means at one time, all of which are identical, shall
be deemed a single offense.
C. In addition to the penalties hereinabove set forth, the city of Palm Desert shall have
the right to initiate legal action against any person to restrain by court injunction the
printing, distribution or publication of any material prepared in violation of Section
1.16.020.
City of Palm Desert, CA
Downloaded from https://ecode360.com/PA4981 on 2026-03-06 23
24
Palm Desert City Seal Image
25
26
Palm Desert City Logo Image
27