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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Package - StudySession_Apr09_2026 PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION MEETING AGENDA Thursday, April 9, 2026 3:15 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 ORDINANCES AMENDING THE PALM DESERT MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO CERTAIN BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, COMMITTEES, AND TASK FORCES 3 RECOMMENDATION: Provide direction regarding proposed amendments to the Palm Desert Municipal Code relating to the Homelessness Task Force, Environmental Resources Committee, and Parks and Recreation Committee. 3.ADJOURNMENT 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 Meetings & Agendas 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 April 9, 2026 2 Page 1 of 4 CITY OF PALM DESERT STAFF REPORT MEETING DATE: March 12, 2026 PREPARED BY: Anthony J. Mejia, City Clerk SUBJECT: STUDY SESSION: ORDINANCES AMENDING THE PALM DESERT MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO CERTAIN BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, COMMITTEES, AND TASK FORCES RECOMMENDATION: Provide direction regarding proposed amendments to the Palm Desert Municipal Code relating to the Homelessness Task Force, Environmental Resources Committee, and Parks and Recreation Committee. BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS: The City of Palm Desert maintains several Boards, Commissions, Committees, and Task Forces that provide advisory input to the City Council on a range of policy areas. Periodic review of these bodies helps ensure that their structure, responsibilities, and meeting schedules remain aligned with current operational practices, regional coordination efforts, and the evolving needs of the community. In 2025, the City Council Subcommittee on Boards and Commissions met with staff to review feedback from departmental liaisons regarding the structure, scope, and meeting frequency of the City’s appointed bodies. Based on that discussion, amendments to the Municipal Code were adopted to clarify responsibilities, adjust meeting schedules, and standardize membership structures. In early 2026, staff gathered updated input fr om departmental liaisons to evaluate how the revised structures are functioning and to identify any additional adjustments that may be appropriate. On February 3, 2026, the City Council Subcommittee on Boards and Committees met with staff to review that input and discuss potential updates. Staff was directed to prepare the following amendments for Council consideration. Homelessness Task Force The Homelessness Task Force was established at a time when the City primarily relied on County services to address homelessness. Task forces are typically created to focus on a specific issue for a defined period of time and conclude once their work has informed ongoing policy or operational approaches. Since the Task Force was established, the City has developed a m ore comprehensive response model that includes dedicated staff, contracted outreach services, and partnerships with regional service providers. 3 City of Palm Desert Ordinances – Boards, Commissions, Committees, and Task Forces Page 2 of 4 Operationally, homelessness response efforts are now focused on program implementation, case management coordination, and service delivery. Homelessness-related updates are also provided through existing standing bodies, including the Public Safety Committee and the El Paseo Parking and Business Improvement District Board. Homelessness is also addressed regionally. Individuals experiencing homelessness frequently move among Coachella Valley jurisdictions, and the City participates in regional coordination through the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG), which maintains a homelessness committee with City Council representation. Based on the City’s current service delivery model and regional coordination structure, the Subcommittee discussed whether maintaining a separate standing task force remains necessary. The proposed amendment would sunset the Homelessness Task Force. Environmental Resources Committee Sustainability and environmental initiatives affecting Palm Desert are addressed through both City programs and regional coordination. The City actively participates in the CVAG Energy and Sustainability Committee, which meets monthly and provides a regional forum for energy policy, air quality, water resources, climate adaptation, and resilience planning. Palm Desert also participates in the region’s Comprehensive Climate Action Plan and engages in CVAG-led programs, including street sweeping coordination, used oil and tire amnesty grants, the Inland Regional Energy Network, and Property Assessed Clean Energy programs. A City Council liaison participates in the CVAG committee to ensure policy-level representation. Locally, the Environmental Resources Committee transitioned to an as -needed meeting model in February 2025. Since that time, no matters have been formally referred to the Committee, and the Committee convened once at the request of the Chair to discuss environmental messaging. Given the City’s participation in regional sustainability initiatives and the current operational structure for implementing environmental programs, the Subcommittee discussed whether maintaining a separate standing advisory body remains necessary. The proposed amendment would sunset the Environmental Resources Committee. Environmental initiatives will continue to be implemented through staff -led programs and regional coordination efforts. Parks and Recreation Committee The Parks and Recreation Committee is established to advise the City Council on matters related to parks and recreation. The current Municipal Code authorizes the Committee to advise on all matters pertaining to the creation, planning, acquis ition, operation, maintenance, coordination, management, and control of parks and recreation activities and facilities. The Code also requires each Committee member to inspect an assigned park and submit written observations to staff. Staff reported that the City maintains professional inspection and maintenance systems for parks and facilities. The formal assignment of inspection responsibilities to Committee members duplicates existing operational processes and extends the Committee’s role beyond advisor y 4 City of Palm Desert Ordinances – Boards, Commissions, Committees, and Task Forces Page 3 of 4 policy input. It also raises potential liability considerations when non-staff members are directed to perform site inspections on behalf of the City. Discussion with the Subcommittee included clarifying the distinction between policy-level recommendations and administrative functions. The proposed amendment would remove the formal park inspection requirement and refine the Committee’s responsibilities to emphasize parks and recreation policy, long-range planning, and major initiatives, while operational and maintenance functions remain administrative responsibilities of City staff. The Subcommittee also reviewed the Committee’s meeting schedule. Adjusting the regular meeting schedule to every other month would better align meetings with the pace of policy-level matters and allow for more substantive updates between meetings, while retaining the ability to convene special meetings if needed. Legal Review: This report has been reviewed by the City Attorney’s Office. FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is minimal fiscal impact associated with publishing the Ordinance. Adjustments to advisory structures may yield modest administrative efficiencies in staff preparation, agenda management, and meeting support. ATTACHMENTS: 1. Draft Ordinance – Homelessness Task Force and Environmental Resources Committee 2. Draft Ordinance – Parks and Recreation Committee 5 City of Palm Desert Ordinances – Boards, Commissions, Committees, and Task Forces 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). Property Address: Not Applicable ☐ SB 1439 Applicability (Campaign Contributions) – Applies to licenses, permits, or other entitlements for use, and to contracts or franchise agreements other than co mpetitively 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 an d disclosing any disqualifying interests in accordance with the Political Reform Act and FPPC regulations. 6 ORDINANCE NO. ____ AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, REPEALING CHAPTER 2.66 (ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE) AND CHAPTER 2.70 (HOMELESSNESS TASK FORCE) OF TITLE 2 OF THE PALM DESERT MUNICIPAL CODE WHEREAS, the City of Palm Desert maintains boards, commissions, committees, and task forces to provide advisory input to the City Council on a range of policy matters; and WHEREAS, the City Council periodically reviews those bodies to ensure that their structure, responsibilities, and meeting schedules remain aligned with current operational practices, regional coordination efforts, and the needs of the community; and WHEREAS, Chapter 2.66 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code establishes the Environmental Resources Committee, and Chapter 2.70 establishes the Homelessness Task Force; and WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that homelessness response efforts are now addressed through dedicated staff, contracted outreach services, service - provider coordination, existing standing bodies, and regional coordination, including participation in Coachella Valley Association of Governments efforts; and WHEREAS, the City Council has further determined that sustainability and environmental initiatives are addressed through City programs and regional coordination, including participation in regional sustainability and climate planning efforts; and WHEREAS, the City Council finds that maintaining separate standing bodies for the Environmental Resources Committee and Homelessness Task Force is no longer necessary and that repeal of those chapters will align the Municipal Code with the City's current operational and regional coordination structure; and WHEREAS, this Ordinance is not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Section 15378 of the CEQA Guidelines because it has no potential to result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable physical change in the environment and, in the alternative, it is exempt under Section 15061(b)(3) because it can be seen w ith certainty that there is no possibility that adoption of this Ordinance may have a significant effect on the environment. THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. The foregoing recitals are true and correct and are incorporated herein by this reference. 7 Ordinance No. _____ Page 2 SECTION 2. Chapter 2.66 of Title 2 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code, entitled “Environmental Resources Committee,” is hereby repealed in its entirety. SECTION 3. Chapter 2.70 of Title 2 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code, entitled “Homelessness Task Force,” is hereby repealed in its entirety. SECTION 4. Upon the effective date of this Ordinance: a. The Environmental Resources Committee and the Homelessness Task Force are dissolved. b. Any appointments to those bodies shall terminate automatically, without further action of the City Council. c. Any references in the Palm Desert Municipal Code, resolutions, policies, administrative documents, or other City records to those bodies shall be interpreted consistent with this Ordinance, and City staff is authorized to make non- substantive revisions as necessary to remove obsolete references and update administrative materials accordingly. SECTION 5. This Ordinance is intended to clarify the advisory role of the Pa rks and Recreation Committee. Any prior provisions or practices inconsistent with this Ordinance, including formal assignment of park inspections to Committee members, are hereby superseded. SECTION 6. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion of this Ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a decision of any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance. The City Council declares that it would have adopted this Ordinance, and each section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses, phrases, or portions be declared invalid or unconstitutional. SECTION 7. This Ordinance shall take effect thirty (30) days after its adoption. Within fifteen (15) days after adoption, the City Clerk shall cause the Ordinance, or a summary thereof, to be published in the manner required by law. ADOPTED ON ___________________. EVAN TRUBEE MAYOR ATTEST: 8 Ordinance No. _____ Page 3 ANTHONY J. MEJIA CITY CLERK 9 Ordinance No. _____ Page 4 I, Anthony J. Mejia, City Clerk of the City of Palm Desert, California, do hereby certify that Ordinance No. ____ is a full, true, and correct copy, and was introduced at a regular meeting of the Palm Desert City Council on _____________, and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council held on ______________, by the following vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: RECUSED: IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of the City of Palm Desert, California, on ____________________. ANTHONY J. MEJIA CITY CLERK 10 ORDINANCE NO. ____ AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 2.58 OF THE PALM DESERT MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE WHEREAS, Chapter 2.58 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code establishes the Parks and Recreation Committee to advise the City Council on matters related to parks and recreation; and WHEREAS, the current Municipal Code includes responsibilities related to park inspections and broadly references operational, maintenance, management, and control functions; and WHEREAS, the City maintains professional inspection and maintenance systems for parks and facilities, and the City Council finds that formal assignment of inspection responsibilities to Committee members duplicates existing operational processes and extends the Committee's role beyond advisory policy input; and WHEREAS, the City Council further finds that the responsibilities of the Parks and Recreation Committee should be refined to emphasize parks and recreation policy, long- range planning, and major initiatives, while operational and maintenance functions remain administrative responsibilities of City staff; and WHEREAS, this Ordinance is not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") pursuant to Section 15378 of the CEQA Guidelines because it has no potential to result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable physical change in the environment, and, in the alternative, is exempt under Section 15061(b)(3) because it c an be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that adoption of this Ordinance may have a significant effect on the environment. THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. The foregoing recitals are true and correct and are incorporated herein by this reference. SECTION 2. Amendment to Section 2.58.030 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows: § 2.58.030 Meetings. The Parks and Recreation Committee may hold regular meetings every other month on such date, time, and place as set by committee resolution or minute order. 11 Ordinance No. _____ Page 2 SECTION 3. Amendment to Section 2.58.040 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows: § 2.58.040 Responsibilities. The Parks and Recreation Committee shall serve in an advisory capacity to the City Council on matters relating to parks and recreation. The Committee shall have the following responsibilities: A. Policy and Long-Range Planning. Review and make recommendations to the City Council regarding parks and recreation policy, long-range planning, and master planning. B. Community Input. Receive and communicate community input regarding parks, recreation programs, amenities, and priorities. C. Major Projects and Initiatives. Review and make recommendations regarding significant parks and recreation projects, capital improvements, program enhancements, and other major policy matters affecting parks and recreation. D. Liaisons and Coordination. Members may be appointed by the Committee or City Council to serve as a liaison with other counties, districts, cities, agencies, commissions, committees, organizations, or groups as may be appropriate. E. Advisory Role. The Committee shall make recommendations to the City Council on policy matters concerning parks and recreation. Operational matters, including facility inspections, maintenance, and day-to-day administration, shall remain the responsibility of City staff. SECTION 4. This Ordinance is intended to clarify the advisory role of the Parks and Recreation Committee. Any prior provisions or practices inconsistent with this Ordinance, including formal assignment of park inspections to Committee members, are hereby superseded. SECTION 5. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion of this Ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a decision of any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance. The City Council declar es that it would have adopted this Ordinance, and each section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses, phrases, or portions be declared invalid or unconstitutional. SECTION 6. This Ordinance shall take effect thirty (30) days after its adoption. Within fifteen (15) days after adoption, the City Clerk shall cause the Ordinance, or a summary thereof, to be published in the manner required by law. 12 Ordinance No. _____ Page 3 ADOPTED ON ___________________. EVAN TRUBEE MAYOR ATTEST: ANTHONY J. MEJIA CITY CLERK 13 Ordinance No. _____ Page 4 I, Anthony J. Mejia, City Clerk of the City of Palm Desert, California, do hereby certify that Ordinance No. ____ is a full, true, and correct copy, and was introduced at a regular meeting of the Palm Desert City Council on _____________, and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council held on ______________, by the following vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: RECUSED: IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of the City of Palm Desert, California, on ____________________. ANTHONY J. MEJIA CITY CLERK 14