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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-08-21 RPEC Meeting Agenda Packet City of Palm Desert Page 1 RESOURCE PRESERVATION & ENHANCEMENT COMMITTEE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA AGENDA (HYBRID MEETING) City Hall, Administrative Conference Room 73-510 Fred Waring Drive Palm Desert, CA 92260 Pursuant to Assembly Bill 2449, this meeting may be conducted by teleconference and there will be in-person public access to the meeting location. • To participate via Zoom, use the following link: https://palmdesert.zoom.us/j/83277460177 or call (213) 338-8477, Zoom Meeting ID: 832 7746 0177. • Written public comment may also be submitted to alawrence@palmdesert.gov. Emails 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. 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. ROLL CALL 3. ELECTION OF THE RESOURCE PRESERVATION AND ENHANCEMENT COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSON AND VICE CHAIRPERSON 4. NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT: This time has been set aside for the public to address the Resource Preservation & Enhancement 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. 5. PRESENTATIONS A. COACHELLA VALLEY WATER DISTRICT WATER CONSERVATION UPDATES B. PALM DESERT CIVIC ACADEMY – OCTOBER 2023 C. PALM DESERT HEAT MITIGATION EFFORTS Monday August 21, 2023 3:00 p.m. Regular Meeting Resource Preservation & Enhancement Committee Agenda August 21, 2023 City of Palm Desert Page 2 6. 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 Calendar within the three-minute time limit. Individual items may be removed by Committee Members for a separate discussion. A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES RECOMMENDATION: Approve the Resource Preservation & Enhancement Committee Regular Meeting minutes of June 19, 2023. 7. ACTION CALENDAR A. CHARGING STATION RECOMMENDATION: Provide comments regarding the release of a request for proposal to consolidate the maintenance and operation of all existing and future electric vehicle charging stations. 8. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS & COMMENTS A. RESOURCE PRESERVATION & ENHANCEMENT COMMITTEE MEMBERS B. CITY COUNCIL LIAISON C. CITY STAFF 1. RPEC Status Report D. ATTENDANCE REPORT 9. ADJOURNMENT: The next Regular Meeting will be held on October 16, 2023, at 3:00 p.m. 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 & 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 Recording Secretary 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, City Hall, 73-510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert. Staff reports for all agenda items 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. City of Palm Desert Page 1 RESOURCE PRESERVATION & ENHANCEMENT COMMITTEE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA MINUTES Click HERE to review the meeting audio. Click HERE to view the agenda packet. 1. CALL TO ORDER A Regular Meeting of the Resource Preservation & Enhancement Committee was called to order by Chair Gatons on Monday, June 19, 2023, 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 Present: Committee Members Vincent Heuring, Mel Mason, Stephen Nelson, and Chairperson Dean Gatons. Absent: Vice Chair Berlinda Blackburn Liaison(s) Present: Jan Harnik, City Council Liaison City Staff Present: Amy Lawrence, Deputy Director of Economic Development; Eric Ceja, Director of Economic Development; Kevin Swartz, Management Analyst, Shawn Muir, Community Services Manager, Randy Chavez, Deputy Director of Public Works, Lucero Leyva, Project Manager, and Monique Lomeli, Recording Secretary. 3. NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT: None. 4. PRESENTATIONS: A. NORTH PALM DESERT COMMUNITY PARK Interwest Consultant Gianno Feoli narrated a PowerPoint presentation on the conceptual design of the North Sphere Community Park and responded to Committee Member inquiries. During the course of discussion, individual Committee Members offered commentary as follows. The below points do not necessarily reflect Committee consensus: • Remain cognizant of the presence of excess sand. Monday June 19, 2023 3:00 p.m. Regular Meeting Item 6A-1 Resource Preservation & Enhancement Committee Minutes June 19, 2023 City of Palm Desert Page 2 ALL ACTIONS ARE DRAFT, PENDING APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES • Create community gardens in protected spaces. • Conduct traffic analysis to address ingress/egress of West parking lot and explore traffic calming measures. • Clarify emergency only exits on adjacent developments. • Preferential parking for electric vehicles and bicycles. • Incorporate security measures such as callboxes or security cameras. • Offer paved and natural running paths. The Committee took no formal action on this item. B. NORTH SPHERE FIRE STATION Project Manager Leyva narrated a PowerPoint presentation regarding the proposed North Sphere Fire Station location, project timeline, conceptual layout, and responded to Committee Member inquiries. C. ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATION PLANS Management Analyst Swartz narrated a PowerPoint presentation regarding the Electric Vehicle Charging Station plans and responded to Committee Member inquiries. Council Liaison Harnik encouraged staff and the Committee to explore all energy options, including the use of hydrogen fuel cells, before committing to one energy source. 5. CONSENT CALENDAR: MOTION BY COMMITTEE MEMBER MASON, SECOND BY COMMITTEE MEMBER NELSON, CARRIED 4-0, to approve the consent calendar. A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES MOTION BY COMMITTEE MEMBER MASON, SECOND BY COMMITTEE MEMBER NELSON, CARRIED 4-0, to approve the Resource Preservation & Enhancement Regular Meeting minutes of February 27, 2023. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER: None. 6. ACTION CALENDAR None. 7. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS & COMMENTS A. RESOURCE PRESERVATION & ENHANCEMENT COMMITTEE MEMBERS Committee Member Heuring provided comments in support of EV charging stations and requested an update on the ban of gas-powered leaf blowers. Committee Member Nelson reported on the recent Arbor Day Festival and suggested greater community outreach to highlight local events and increase attendance. Chairperson Gatons provided an update on the community’s positive response to turf conversion and green waste disposal opportunities and encouraged the City to develop a plan to prepare for the anticipated influx of traffic generated by the Portola interchange. Item 6A-2 Resource Preservation & Enhancement Committee Minutes June 19, 2023 City of Palm Desert Page 3 ALL ACTIONS ARE DRAFT, PENDING APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES B.CITY COUNCIL LIAISON Council Liaison Harnik encouraged the Committee and residents to exercise patience in traffic and expressed appreciation to City staff for continued progress on City projects. C.CITY STAFF Deputy Director Lawrence provided a written project status report and provided verbal updates on the mylar balloon ordinance, turf rebate program, environmental initiatives plan, and the resignation of Committee Member Dennis Guinaw. Community Services Manager Muir provided a verbal update on the Pollinator Garden’s participation in Pollinator Week and related activities. D.ATTENDANCE REPORT The attendance report was provided with the agenda materials. The Committee took no action on this matter. 8.ADJOURNMENT The Resource Preservation and Enhancement Committee adjourned at 4:46 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Monique Lomeli, Senior Deputy Clerk Recording Secretary ATTEST: Amy Lawrence, Deputy Director of Economic Development Staff Liaison APPROVED BY RPEC: __/__/2023 Item 6A-3 [This page has intentionally been left blank.] STAFF REPORT CITY OF PALM DESERT RESOURCE PRESERVATION & ENHANCEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING DATE: August 21, 2023 SUBMITTED BY: Kevin Swartz, Project Manager Chris Gerry, Project Manager REQUEST: Provide comments regarding the release of a request for proposal to consolidate the maintenance and operation of all existing and future electric vehicle charging stations. Recommendation Provide comments to staff regarding the release of a request for proposal (RFP) to consolidate the maintenance and operation of all existing and future electric vehicle charging stations. Background On June 19, 2023, the Resource Preservation and Enhancement Committee (RPEC) received an update on the City’s electric vehicle charging stations. As identified, there are 18 charging stations located throughout Palm Desert, and 17 charging stations are free for public use. Approximately 44% (8 of 18) of the charging stations are inactive and need repairs. Due to the use of multiple vendors and varying service levels, it has also been difficult to provide high quality and consistent service at electric vehicle charging stations. Discussion Staff proposes to release a request for proposal (RFP) to identify a third-party vendor to consolidate the maintenance and operation of all existing and future electric vehicle charging stations in Palm Desert. Conceptually, the vendor would install all new equipment at City sites (if appropriate) as leases expire at existing facilities, and work with staff on identifying new complementary locations throughout Palm Desert. The consolidation of the operation and maintenance functions creates more accountability, discretion of business models and gain of administrative efficiencies. Criteria in the RFP includes, but is not limited to, experience, business model, equipment, references, maintenance and operations, and future sites. Staff requests the Committee to provide comments regarding electric vehicle charging stations and the concept of consolidating operation and maintenance functions. The results of the RFP will be provided to City Council for consideration in October 2023. Fiscal Analysis There are no costs associated with releasing this RFP. Proposals received as a result of this RFP will include cost estimates for City Council consideration. Item 7A-1 [This page has intentionally been left blank.] CITY OF PALM DESERT RESOURCE PRESERVATION & ENHANCEMENT COMMITTEE MEMORANDUM To: Resource Preservation & Enhancement Committee (RPEC) Members From: Amy Lawrence, Deputy Director of Economic Development Date: August 21, 2023 Subject: RPEC Status Report for August 21, 2023 1.Mylar Balloon Update – Recently the City Council passed an ordinance banning mylar balloons in city parks that will officially go into effect on August 20, 2023. In effort to educate the public on this, we plan to post signage in all city parks and add language to our various special events applications. Staff was recently informed that the Coachella Valley Association of Governments’ (CVAG) Public Safety and Energy & Environmental committees will address this topic at their respective September meetings with possible discussion of a regional approach. City Staff will keep the RPEC members informed of any actions taken by CVAG. 2.Environmental Initiatives Plan – The Environmental Initiatives Plan Q2 2023 report is available for public view on the Engage Palm Desert Environmental Initiatives Plan project page or visit www.engagepalmdesert.com for more information. 3.Know Before You Throw Recycling Guide – The City and Burrtec recently mailed out the “Know Before Your Throw” recycling guide to all Palm Desert residents and businesses. This educational guide contains information on the City’s new organics recycling program, annual events, recycling and disposal programs, and detailed information on how to correctly dispose of various materials. Moving forward, the City plans to send an updated version of this booklet out every two years. 4.Edible Food Recovery – Part of SB 1383 includes a requirement for jurisdictions to establish edible food recovery programs with specific food generators to recover the maximum amount of edible food that would otherwise be landfilled or spoiled. These specific generators are categorized as Teir 1 (e.g. grocery stores) and Teir 2 (e.g. restaurants, hotels, health facilities, and large events that meet a certain criteria). The City began contracting with FIND Food Bank in 2022 to recover surplus food and contract with Teir 1 generators throughout Palm Desert. Staff is currently working with FIND to get a contract in place to recover surplus food and Item 8C-1 RPEC Status Report for August 21, 2023 Page 2 contract with Teir 2 generators beginning in 2024 per CalRecycle’s mandate. For more information on this process, visit the Engage Palm Desert Edible Food Recovery project page or visit www.engagepalmdesert.com for more information. 5.Gas-Powered Lawn Equipment Trade-in Incentive Outreach – Staff is in discussions with the Code Compliance team on how to conduct outreach to landscapers on equipment trade-in incentives available through South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD). Outreach ideas include 1) Code Compliance staff hand delivering landscapers brochures printed in English and Spanish outlining the incentive program and upcoming phase out of the purchase of gas-powered lawn equipment beginning in 2024; and 2) possibly setting up an onsite educational workshop or trade-in event with AQMD. More information on this will be forthcoming. Item 8C-2 Resource Preservation & Enhancement Committee Year 2023 2023 2023 2023 2022 2022 2022 Month Jun Apr Feb Dec Oct Aug Jun Day 19 17 27 19 17 15 20 Blackburn, Berlinda E -P P P P P 0 1 Gatons, Dean P -P P P P P 0 0 Gregory, Geoff 0 0 Gomez, Gustavo 0 0 Heuring, Vincent P -P P P E E 0 2 Mason, Melinda P -P P P P P 0 0 Nelson, Stephen 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 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 Item 8D-1