HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-09-05 RPEC Meeting Agenda PacketCity of Palm Desert Page 1
RESOURCE PRESERVATION & ENHANCEMENT COMMITTEE
CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA
AGENDA
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
Tuesday
September 5, 2023
3:00 p.m.
Special Meeting
Resource Preservation & Enhancement Committee Agenda September 5, 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 DesertResource Preservation and Enhancement Committee
August 21, 2023Conservation Updates
Item 5A-1
2
Long-Term Water Management GoalsMeet current & future water demands with 10% municipal
supply buffer
Avoid chronic groundwater overdraft
Manage and protect water quality
Collaborate with tribes and state and federal agencies on
shared objectives
Manage future costs
Minimize adverse environmental impacts
Reduce vulnerability to climate change and drought impacts
Item 5A-2
Major Sources of Water SupplyGroundwater
Natural Replenishment
Imported Surface Water
Colorado River
State Water Project
Recycled Water
Conservation
3Item 5A-3
State Water Project •3.8 million AF replenished atthe Whitewater GroundwaterReplenishment Facility since1973.
•SWP allocation is 138,000 AFannually.
•Since 2002 an average of 45%of SWP allocation has beenreceived.
•Replenishing 1,000 AF per day.
•Storing water in thegroundwater basin
SWP allocation is set for 100% in 2023
4
75%
100%
Item 5A-4
Thomas E. Levy Groundwater Replenishment Facility
Lake Mead, June 2019
5Item 5A-5
Colorado River500+ Plan ($200 M)
•Replenishment curtailment program
•9,083 af conserved in 2022
•$2.38 M reimbursed ($261.60/af)
Lower Colorado Conservation and Efficiency Program ($4 B)
•short-term actions (execution stage)
•Replenishment Facilities Curtailment Program
•up to 35 taf/yr for 3 years (up to 105 taf total)
•$42 M total reimbursed @ $400/af
•short-term actions (in negotiations)
•Colorado River Water Conservation Program (ag fallowing)
•up to 10 taf/yr for 3 years (up to 30 taf total)
•longer-term actions (Submitted 7/19)
•seeking authorization to submit proposals for recycled water expansion & golf course conservation
Thomas E. Levy Groundwater Replenishment Facility
Voluntary actions to reduce demand on the river
Item 5A-6
Item 5A-7
Item 5A-8
Colorado RiverAgricultural & Golf Conservation Actions
•About 60% of farms use drip irrigation.
•Water is delivered through a closed pipe
system to reduce water losses with 100%
customers metered.
•Replacing 70-year-old pipelines and
irrigation laterals to increase operational
efficiency, improve reliability, enhance
water conservation, and improve
customer service.
•Funded with a $60 million low-interest
loan from the US Bureau of Reclamation.
9Item 5A-9
Non-functional Turf“A ground cover surface of mowed grass that is solely
ornamental and not otherwise used for human recreation
purposes. Non-functional turf does not include school fields,
sports fields and areas regularly used for civic or community
events.”
•Applies to Commercial, Industrial,
Institutional users, including HOAs
•Applies to potable water only
•AB 1572 –Proposed legislation to
make the regulation permanent
•Residential property is not impacted,
including those within HOAs
Item 5A-10
11
Determining functional turf?HOAs should review turf areas and determine if the turf is functional
or not. CVWD may defer to HOAs determinations.
Key Considerations
•Turf is played on and used
•Large enough to allow active use
•Distinguishable by signage or postings
•Easily accessed, safe to reach and use
•Health of Trees and Non-Turf plantings
Item 5A-11
Conservation By The Numbers•$19.5 million investment for rebates
programs that save water use since July 2020.
•Customers reduced water use in 2022 by
13% compared to 2013, a reduction of more
than 4.8 billion gallons of water.
•23.5 million square feet of grass converted
into desert-friendly landscaping, saving
about 29,195 acre-feet of water since 2009.
•HOA and commercial customers have
converted to drip irrigation systems on more
than 1.3 million square feet of irrigated
landscape since 2017. Ironwood Country Club, Palm Desert
Item 5A-12
•Less green, more desert color/beauty
•Greater indoor water efficiency
•Changing mindsets and behavior
•Expectations from part-time residents
•Overseeding discouraged
•Laws and regulations change requirements for water use
•AB 1572 (Friedman) nonfunctional turf
•Outdoor water efficiency
•Indoor water efficiency
Future of water
Item 5A-14
Lorraine Garcia
Communication Manger &
Public Information Officer
Lorraine.Garcia@cvwd.org
www.cvwd.org
www.cvwd.org/ourpromise
Item 5A-15
CIVIC ACADEMYCity of Palm Desert
EXPERIENCE THE CITY FROM ART TO ZONING
The Palm Desert’s Civic Academy is a free ,
fun, and interactive way for community
members to get first-hand knowledge of our
city's many municipal processes and daily
functions.
This dynamic multi-week program will give
an insider's view of the City through hands-
on demonstrations, presentations, and
tours.
Academy participants will have the
opportunity to grow in their leadership skills,
analyze issues using data, connect with
decision-makers, and learn how they can
make a difference in our community.
For more information about Palm Desert's
Civic Academy, including eligibility
requirements, please view our webpage;
www.palmdesert.gov/CivicAcademy .
Class schedule
Citizen's Academy is held on five
consecutive Monday evenings,
from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Light food
will be provided.
October 2:
City Manager, City Clerk,
Homelessness & Disaster
Management
October 9:
Finance, Tourism, Marketing, &
Communications
October 16:
Economic Development,
Affordable Housing, &
Development Services
October 23:
Public Art, Parks & Recreation,
Environmental Programs, & Events
October 30:
Public Works, Capital Projects, &
Public Safety
Apply Today
To participate in the Civic Academy, apply at
www.palmdesert.gov/CivicAcademy. Applications
will be accepted through September 20th, 2023.
Stay Connected
For questions or updates about this program,
email Ryland Penta at rpenta@palmdesert.gov.
Item 5B-1
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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
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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
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CITY OF PALM DESERT
RESOURCE PRESERVATION & ENHANCEMENT COMMITTEE
MEMORANDUM
To:
From:
Date:
Subject:
Resource Preservation & Enhancement Committee (RPEC) Members
Amy Lawrence, Deputy Director of Economic Development
August 21, 2023
RPEC Status Report for September 5, 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 pr ogram, annual events, recycling and disposal
programs, and detailed information on how to corr ectly dispose of various
materials. Moving forward, the City plans to send an updated vers ion of this
booklet out every two year s.
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 s poiled.
These specific generators are categorized as Tier 1 (e.g. grocery stores) and Tier
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 Tier 1 generators throughout Palm Desert. Staff is
currently working with FIND to get a contract in place to r ecover surplus food and
Item 8C-1
RPEC Status Report for September 5, 2023
Page 2
contract with Tier 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