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Home My WebLink About2026-03-12Palm Desert City Council, Successor Agency to the Palm Desert Redevelopment Agency, Housing Authority, and Board of Library Trustees Regular Meeting Minutes , 1. CALL TO ORDER - CLOSED SESSION - 3:00 P.M. A Regular Meeting of the Palm Desert City Council was called to order by Mayor Trubee on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 3:13 p.m., in the Council Chamber, City Hall, located at 73-510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, California. 2. PUBLIC COMMENT FOR CLOSED SESSION ITEMS ONLY None. 3. RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION Mayor Trubee adjourned to Closed Session at 3:13 p.m. 4. CLOSED SESSION AGENDA The following items were considered in closed session: 4.a Closed Session Meeting Minutes: February 26, 2026 4.b Conference with Real Property Negotiations pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8 Property Description: Desert Willow Lot Pad C and D (APNs 620-450-012, 620-450-013, 620-450-014, 620-450-016, 620-450-017, 620-450-018, and 620-450-020) Agency: Successor Agency to the Palm Desert Redevelopment Agency City Negotiator: Chris Escobedo/Richard Cannone/Martin Alvarez Negotiating Parties: Kam Sang Company, Inc. Under Negotiation: Price and Terms 5. ROLL CALL - REGULAR MEETING - 4:00 P.M. 6. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Councilmember Harnik led the Pledge of Allegiance. 7. INSPIRATION Mayor Trubee provided words of inspiration. 8. REPORT OF CLOSED SESSION City Attorney Shah stated that direction was given by the City Council; no reportable actions were taken. Docusign Envelope ID: AF577B8E-2DB9-4D37-B741-E2E6C6274E41 Palm Desert City Council Regular Meeting Minutes March 12, 2026 2 9. AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS, AND APPOINTMENTS 9.a PRESENTATION - MINI MUSTER MONTH Mayor Trubee presented a Proclamation to Fire Chief Wright in celebration of Mini Muster Month. 9.b PRESENTATION - ENTREPRENEURIAL RESOURCE CENTER (ERC) ANNUAL REPORT UPDATE Dr. Ezekiel Bonillas, Assistant Professor of Entrepreneurship, narrated a PowerPoint presentation and responded to City Council inquiries. 9.c PRESENTATION - RIVERSIDE UNIVERSITY HEALTH SYSTEM BEHAVIORAL HEALTH (RUHS BH), MATURE ADULT PROGRAM Tony Ortego, Behavioral Health Program Administrator for RUHS BH Older Adults Program, provided a presentation and responded to City Council inquiries. 10. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS None. 11. MAYOR/COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS AND REQUESTS FOR ACTION Councilmembers provided updates on their attendance at various meetings and events. Councilmember Quintanilla requested staff explore opportunities for the City to incorporate SunLine Transit Agency’s Model City Program into future community events. Councilmember Harnik, with support from Councilmembers Nestande and Quintanilla, requested staff review Assembly Bill 2002 (Solache), which proposes codifying the Regional Early Action Program (REAP 1.0) grant program, along with a proposed $125 million complementary budget request, and report back regarding potential City support. 12. NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENTS The following individuals voiced concerns regarding the Refuge project located south of Gerald Ford Drive and West of Portola Road in regard to blow-sand and dust: • Charles Cronenweth • Jana Koroczynsky • Linda Candler 13. CONSENT CALENDAR Motion by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto Seconded by: Councilmember Nestande To approve the consent calendar as presented, with the exception of item 13.f, which was pulled for public comment. Motion Carried (5 to 0) Docusign Envelope ID: AF577B8E-2DB9-4D37-B741-E2E6C6274E41 Palm Desert City Council Regular Meeting Minutes March 12, 2026 3 13.a APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL, SUCCESSOR AGENCY, AND HOUSING AUTHORITY MINUTES Motion by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto Seconded by: Councilmember Nestande Approve the Minutes of February 26, 2026. Motion Carried (5 to 0) 13.b APPROVAL OF WARRANT REGISTERS Motion by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto Seconded by: Councilmember Nestande Approve the warrant registers issued for the period 2/19/2026 to 2/26/2026. Motion Carried (5 to 0) 13.c CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL FOR ISSUANCE OF THE KEY TO THE CITY Motion by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto Seconded by: Councilmember Nestande Approve the issuance of the Key to the City to Ron Gregory pursuant to Resolution No. 2025-072 and the Ceremonial Recognition Policy. Motion Carried (5 to 0) 13.d PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE 2026 WORK PLAN FRAMEWORK AND SUBCOMMITTEE STRUCTURE Motion by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto Seconded by: Councilmember Nestande 1. Receive and file the Public Safety Committee’s 2026 work plan framework. 2. Acknowledge the Committee’s action creating three subcommittees to guide 2026 priorities: Traffic, Budget, and Innovative Technology. Motion Carried (5 to 0) 13.e ACCEPTANCE OF A RESIGNATION FROM HOUSING COMMISSION Motion by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto Seconded by: Councilmember Nestande With regret, accept the resignation of Andrew Firestine from the Housing Commission effective February 9, 2026. Motion Carried (5 to 0) Docusign Envelope ID: AF577B8E-2DB9-4D37-B741-E2E6C6274E41 Palm Desert City Council Regular Meeting Minutes March 12, 2026 4 13.f ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 1443 AMENDING CHAPTERS 8.34 AND 8.36 OF THE PALM DESERT MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING TOBACCO RETAILER LICENSING, SMOKING REGULATIONS, FLAVORED TOBACCO LAW COMPLIANCE, AND KRATOM SALES AND POSSESSION Aaron Buchmann, representative of 7-11, spoke in opposition of a ban on vape products citing concerns for local retailers. Pedro Rodriquez, Code Compliance & Support Services Manager, responded to City Council inquiries. Motion by: Councilmember Nestande Seconded by: Councilmember Quintanilla Adopt Ordinance No. 1443 entitled, “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTERS 8.34 AND 8.36 OF THE PALM DESERT MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO TOBACCO RETAILER LICENSING AND SMOKING REGULATIONS TO COMPLY WITH CALIFORNIA FLAVORED TOBACCO LAWS, REGULATE KRATOM SALES AND POSSESSION, AND ENHANCE PUBLIC HEALTH PROTECTIONS AND MAKING A FINDING OF EXEMPTION UNDER CEQA.” Motion Carried (5 to 0) 13.g ADVANCE PAYMENT OF 2026 INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION EXPENDITURES FROM FISCAL YEAR 2026-27 ANNUAL BUDGET Motion by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto Seconded by: Councilmember Nestande 1. Approve advance payment of expenditures in an amount not to exceed $169,838, to be included in the FY 2026-27 Annual Budget, for production of the 2026 Independence Day Celebration. 2. Authorize the City Manager to finalize and execute vendor contracts and related agreements necessary for event production. Motion Carried (5 to 0) 13.h AWARD OF CONTRACT TO CLIFTON LARSON ALLEN, LLP. (CLA) TO PERFORM PROFESSIONAL AUDITING SERVICES FOR THE REPORTING REQUIRED FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDING JUNE 30, 2026, JUNE 30, 2027 AND JUNE 30, 2028 Motion by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto Seconded by: Councilmember Nestande 1. Award Professional Services Agreement C50500 with CliftonLarsonAllen, LLP. (CLA), to perform professional auditing services for the reporting required in fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, June 30, 2027, and June 30, 2028, in the amount of $105,462 for the first year, and two subsequent years as outlined in the contract. Docusign Envelope ID: AF577B8E-2DB9-4D37-B741-E2E6C6274E41 Palm Desert City Council Regular Meeting Minutes March 12, 2026 5 2. Authorize the Finance Director to negotiate and approve additional auditing or related professional services that may be necessary, in an amount reasonable for such services, and within available and previously approved budget appropriations. 3. Authorize the City Attorney to make necessary non-monetary changes to the agreement. 4. Authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement and any written requests for change orders, amendments, and any other documents necessary to effectuate this action, in accordance with Section 3.30.170 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code. Motion Carried (5 to 0) 14. ACTION CALENDAR None. 15. PUBLIC HEARINGS 15.a APPROVE OUTSIDE AGENCY COMMITTEE FUNDING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE PROGRAM YEAR 2026-27 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT Ivan Tenorio, Homeless and Supportive Services Manager, narrated a PowerPoint presentation and responded to City Council inquiries. Mayor Trubee opened and closed the public hearing, there being no member of the public wishing to speak. Motion by: Councilmember Quintanilla Seconded by: Mayor Trubee 1. Conduct a public hearing and accept public comment related to the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program Year (PY) 2026- 27. 2. Approve Outside Agency Funding Committee (Committee) recommendations for PY 2026-27 CDBG award of subrecipients, programs, and/or projects, and funding amounts as proposed. 3. Approve the use of the PY 2026-27 CDBG funding allocation awarded to the City of Palm Desert (City) by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the proposed funding of subrecipients' programs and/or projects recommended by the Committee. 4. Authorize staff to submit the recommended allocations to the County of Riverside Housing and Workforce Solutions (HWS). 5. Authorize the City Manager to execute any documents necessary to implement the actions taken herewith. Motion Carried (5 to 0) Docusign Envelope ID: AF577B8E-2DB9-4D37-B741-E2E6C6274E41 Palm Desert City Council Regular Meeting Minutes March 12, 2026 6 16. ADJOURNMENT The City Council adjourned at 4:52 p.m. Respectfully submitted, _________________________ Michelle Nance Assistant City Clerk/Assistant Secretary _________________________ Anthony J. Mejia, MMC City Clerk/Secretary Docusign Envelope ID: AF577B8E-2DB9-4D37-B741-E2E6C6274E41