HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-05-14Palm 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 - REGULAR SESSION - 4:00 P.M.
A Regular Meeting of the Palm Desert City Council was called to order by Mayor Trubee
on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 4:00 p.m., in the Council Chamber, City Hall, located at
73-510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, California.
2. ROLL CALL
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Moreno led the Pledge of Allegiance.
4. INSPIRATION
Mayor Trubee provided words of inspiration.
5. AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS, AND APPOINTMENTS
5.a Award: Civic Academy Participant Recognition
The following Civic Academy participants were recognized:
Those not in attendance, but still received certificates:
Docusign Envelope ID: E5E95502-1178-8A2E-8368-870C74A2AB38
City of Palm Desert City Council Minutes
May 14, 2026
5.b Award: Recognition of Service by Former Board and Committee Members
The following members were recognized:
5.c Proclamation: Public Works Week
Mayor Trubee presented a proclamation to Randy Chavez, Director of Public
Works, and Casey Arndt, Director of Capital Improvement Projects, in recognition
of Public Works Week, observed May 17 through May 23, 2026.
5.d Proclamation: Founder's Day
Mayor Trubee presented a proclamation to David Toltzmann on behalf of the
Palm Desert Historical Society, recognizing the Henderson Family and the
founding of Palm Desert.
6. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
6.a CalFire/Riverside County Fire Department Chief Robert Fish Introduction
West Desert Director Chief Cody Wright introduced new Riverside County Fire
Chief Robert Fish.
6.b Digital Accessibility Update
Ryland Penta, Community Relations Supervisor, narrated a PowerPoint
presentation and responded to City Council inquiries.
7. MAYOR/COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS AND REQUESTS FOR ACTION
Councilmembers provided updates on their attendance at various meetings and events.
Councilmember Moreno, with support of Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto, requested staff
evaluate the in-home childcare/support services in relation to economic development
programs.
8. NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENTS
Ron DeLuna, Palm Desert resident, spoke regarding a Supreme Court ruling regarding
district elections.
Mike Morsch, Palm Desert resident, spoke about conditions for future new bars in Palm
Desert.
Norman Taras, Palm Desert resident, spoke regarding concerns related to leaf blower
use.
Tammy Martin, Friends of the Desert Mountains, expressed appreciation to the City for
the Wildflower Festival held in March 2026.
Docusign Envelope ID: E5E95502-1178-8A2E-8368-870C74A2AB38
City of Palm Desert City Council Minutes
May 14, 2026
2
9. CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilmember Moreno pulled item 9.c for separate discussion.
Councilmember Harnik announced her recusal from Item 9.n due to the proximity of real
property.
Motion by: Councilmember Nestande
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
To approve the consent calendar as presented, with the exception of item 9.c, which
was pulled for separate discussion.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
9.a Approval of City Council, Successor Agency, and Housing Authority
Minutes
Motion by: Councilmember Nestande
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
Approve the Minutes of April 23, 2026.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
9.b Approval of Warrant Registers
Motion by: Councilmember Nestande
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
Approve the warrant registers issued for the period 2/23/2026 to 4/30/2026.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
9.c Adoption of Ordinance No. 1446 Repealing Chapter 2.66 (Environmental
Resources Committee) and Chapter 2.70 (Homelessness Task Force) of
Title 2 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code
Motion by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
Seconded by: Mayor Trubee
Adopt Ordinance No. 1446 entitled, “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.”
Motion Carried (4 to 1)
Docusign Envelope ID: E5E95502-1178-8A2E-8368-870C74A2AB38
City of Palm Desert City Council Minutes
May 14, 2026
3
9.d Adoption of Ordinance No. 1447 Amending Chapter 2.58 of the Palm Desert
Municipal Code Relating to the Responsibilities and Meeting Frequency of
the Parks and Recreation Committee
Ralph Perry, Palm Desert resident, spoke in opposition to changing the meeting
frequency of the Parks and Recreation Committee.
Motion by: Councilmember Nestande
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
Adopt Ordinance No. 1447 entitled “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 AND MEETING FREQUENCY OF THE PARKS AND
RECREATION COMMITTEE.”
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
9.e Adoption of Ordinance No. 1448 Amending Section 2.36.270 of the Palm
Desert Municipal Code Regarding Public Conduct, Recording, and
Disruption During City Council Meetings
Motion by: Councilmember Nestande
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
Adopt Ordinance No. 1448 entitled “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTION
2.36.270 OF THE PALM DESERT MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING PUBLIC
CONDUCT, RECORDING, AND DISRUPTION DURING CITY COUNCIL
MEETINGS.”
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
9.f Adoption of Ordinance No. 1449 Adopting Hillside Residential Design
Standards, Amending Palm Desert Municipal Code Title 25 and Making a
Finding of Exemption Under the California Environmental Quality Act.
Motion by: Councilmember Nestande
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
Adopt Ordinance No. 1449 entitled, “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA ADOPTING HILLSIDE
RESIDENTIAL DESIGN STANDARDS, AMENDING PALM DESERT MUNICIPAL
CODE TITLE 25 AND MAKING A FINDING OF THE EXEMPTION UNDER THE
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT.”
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
Docusign Envelope ID: E5E95502-1178-8A2E-8368-870C74A2AB38
City of Palm Desert City Council Minutes
May 14, 2026
4
9.g Ratification of Letter Opposing California Air Resources Board Proposed
Amendments to the Advanced Clean Fleet Regulation
Motion by: Councilmember Nestande
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
Ratify the issuance of the letter opposing the California Air Resources Board
proposed amendments to the Advanced Clean Fleets regulation.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
9.h Ratification of Letter Supporting Assembly Bill 2296 (Papan) Planning and
Zoning: Housing Element – Regional Housing Needs Allocation
Motion by: Councilmember Nestande
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
Ratify the issuance of the letter supporting Assembly Bill 2296 (Papan) related to
housing element planning and Regional Housing Needs Allocation requirements.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
9.i Ratification of Letter Supporting Assembly Bill 2517 (Calderon) Fire Hazard
Severity Zones
Motion by: Councilmember Nestande
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
Ratify the issuance of a letter supporting Assembly Bill 2517 (Calderon) related to
Fire Hazard Severity Zone designations.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
9.j Adoption of Interview and Appointment Policy for the City’s Boards,
Commissions, Committees, Task Forces, and Regional or External Bodies
Motion by: Councilmember Nestande
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
Adopt Resolution 2026-016 entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the City
of Palm Desert, California, Adopting a Policy for the Interview and Appointment
Process for the City’s Boards, Commissions, Committees, Task Forces, and
Regional or External Bodies.”
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
Docusign Envelope ID: E5E95502-1178-8A2E-8368-870C74A2AB38
City of Palm Desert City Council Minutes
May 14, 2026
5
9.k Approve Change Order to Contract C50470 with Tri-Star Contracting II, Inc.,
for the Mountain View Retention Basin Project (Project No. CDR00007)
Motion by: Councilmember Nestande
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
1. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute a Change Order to
Contract C50470 with Tri-Star Contracting II, Inc., for additional services in
an amount not to exceed $500,000, and a 45-day extension to complete
the contract.
2. Authorize maintaining contingency in the amount of $200,000 for
unforeseen expenses related to construction.
3. Authorize the Director of Finance to appropriate funds in the amount of
$500,000 from unobligated General Fund Reserves and Transfer funds
from Account No. 1104199-4501000 to Transfers In and Capital Projects
Disaster/Emergency Account No. 4004159-4219100.
4. Authorize the City Attorney to make any necessary non-monetary changes
to the change order.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
9.l Release the Monumentation Bond for Final Parcel Map 38120 Located at
the terminus of Brentwood Way and Taylor Avenue
Motion by: Councilmember Nestande
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
Release the monumentation cash bond of $2,000 for Final Parcel Map 38120.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
9.m Release Faithful Performance Bond, Payment Bond, and Accept the
Maintenance Bond for Crossings at Palm Desert located on the Southeast
Corner of Dick Kelly Drive and Gateway Drive
Motion by: Councilmember Nestande
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
1. Accept Public Improvement along Dick Kelly Drive and Gateway Drive
related to Resolution No. 2814
2. Release the following Public Improvement bonds:
a. Faithful Performance Bond in the amount of $93,812.00
b. Payment Bond in the amount of $46,906.00
3. Accept the Maintenance Bond in the amount of $9,381.20
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
Docusign Envelope ID: E5E95502-1178-8A2E-8368-870C74A2AB38
City of Palm Desert City Council Minutes
May 14, 2026
6
9.n Final Tract Map No. 38640 Bond Acceptance, located at 73815 Shadow
Mountain Drive, West of Portola Avenue
Motion by: Councilmember Nestande
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
1. Approve Final Tract Map No. 38640
2. Accept the following cash bonds for Final Tract Map No. 38640:
a. Faithful Performance Bond in the amount of $14,895.00
b. Payment Bond in the amount of $7,447.50
c. Grading Bond in the amount of $1,297.50
d. Monumentation Bond in the amount of $3,000.00
Motion Carried (4 to 0)
9.o Deaccession and Return of the Temporary Mural Off the Wonderland Trail
by Jacqueline R. Scibona
Motion by: Councilmember Nestande
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
1. Approve the deaccession of the temporary mural entitled Off the
Wonderland Trail by Jacqueline R. Scibona, previously installed on the
south walls of the amphitheater in Civic Center Park.
2. Find the Activity Categorically Exempt from the California Environmental
Quality Act under State CEQA Guidelines sections 15301 and
15061(b)(3).
3. Authorize staff to return the artwork to the Artist.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
9.p Utility Cabinet Art Implementation Strategy
Motion by: Councilmember Nestande
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
1. Authorize the Utility Cabinet Art Implementation Strategy.
2. Authorize the City Manager to implement the plan and execute all
documents necessary to effectuate this action within the approved budget.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
Docusign Envelope ID: E5E95502-1178-8A2E-8368-870C74A2AB38
City of Palm Desert City Council Minutes
May 14, 2026
7
9.q Approve Resolutions Initiating Proceedings and Declaring the City’s
Intention to Annex Tract 31377 (Corte Placitas) into Consolidated Palm
Desert Landscaping and Lighting District No. 1, Zone #6 (Hovley Lane), and
to Levy Annual Assessments Beginning Fisc
Motion by: Councilmember Nestande
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
1. Adopt Resolution 2026-017 entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of
the City of Palm Desert, California, initiating proceedings for the
annexation of territory (Tract 31377 – Corte Placitas) to the Consolidated
Palm Desert Lighting and Landscape District No. 1 (Zone #6 – Hovley
Lane) and the levy and assessment related thereto commencing with
Fiscal Year 2026/2027, pursuant to the provisions of Part 2 of Division 15
of the California Streets and Highways Code.”
2. Adopt Resolution 2026-018 entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of
the City of Palm Desert, California, declaring the City’s intention to annex
territory (Tract 31377 – Corte Placitas) to the Consolidated Palm Desert
Landscaping and Lighting District (Zone #6 – Hovley Lane), and to levy
and collect annual assessments related thereto commencing Fiscal Year
2026/2027, pursuant to the provisions of the Part 2 of Division 15 of the
California Streets and Highways Code; and calling for a property owner
protest ballot proceedings, to submit to the qualified property owners the
question of levying such assessments for said annexation territory
pursuant to the provisions of the California Constitution, Article XIII D.”
3. Authorize a City loan of $20,000 to fund initial landscape improvements, to
be recovered through annual assessments over a ten-year period.
4. Set a public hearing for July 9, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. in the Palm Desert
Council Chamber.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
9.r Approve Resolutions to Begin the Annual Assessment Levy Process for
City of Palm Desert Benefit Assessment District No. 1 for Fiscal Year
2026/2027
Motion by: Councilmember Nestande
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
1. Adopt Resolution 2026-019 entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of
the City of Palm Desert, California, Initiating Proceedings for the Levy and
Collection of Assessments for City of Palm Desert Benefit Assessment
District No. 1 for Fiscal Year 2026/2027.”
2. Adopt Resolution 2026-020 entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of
the City of Palm Desert, California, Declaring Its Intention to Levy the
Annual Assessment for City of Palm Desert Benefit Assessment District
No. 1 for Fiscal Year 2026/2027, Pursuant to the Benefit Assessment Act
of 1982, and Appointing a Time and Place for the Public Hearing on These
Docusign Envelope ID: E5E95502-1178-8A2E-8368-870C74A2AB38
City of Palm Desert City Council Minutes
May 14, 2026
8
Matters,” and set a Public Hearing for July 9, 2026, at 4:00 p.m., at Palm
Desert Council Chamber.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
9.s Approve Resolutions to Initiate Annual Assessment Proceedings and
Preliminarily Approve the Engineer’s Report for Consolidated Palm Desert
Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance District No. 1 for Fiscal Year
2026/2027
Motion by: Councilmember Nestande
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
1. Adopt Resolution 2026-021 entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of
the City of Palm Desert, California, Declaring Its Intention to Initiate
Proceedings for the Levy and Collection of Annual Assessments for
Consolidated Palm Desert Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance District
No. 1 for Fiscal Year 2026/2027.”
2. Adopt Resolution 2026-022 entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of
the City of Palm Desert, California, Declaring Its Intention to Levy and
Collect the Annual Assessments for Consolidated Palm Desert
Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance District No. 1 for Fiscal Year
2026/2027 and Granting Preliminary Approval of the Engineer’s Report,”
and set a public hearing for July 9, 2026, at 4:00 p.m., at Palm Desert
Council Chamber.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
9.t Approve Resolutions to Initiate Renewal Proceedings for President’s Plaza
III Property and Business Improvement District, and Declare an Intention to
Renew the President’s Plaza III Property and Business Improvement
District
Motion by: Councilmember Nestande
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
1. Adopt a resolution entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of
Palm Desert, California, Initiating Proceedings for the Renewal of the
President’s Plaza III Property and Business Improvement District and the
Levy and Collection of Assessments Therein, Pursuant to the Provisions
of Part 7 of Division 18 of the California Streets and Highways Code, for
Fiscal Year 2026/2027.”
2. Adopt a resolution entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of
Palm Desert, California, Declaring the City’s Intention to Renew the
President’s Plaza III Property and Business Improvement District and to
Levy and Collect Assessments Therein, and to Call for an Assessment
Ballot Proceeding to Submit, to Qualified Property Owners within such
District, the Question of Levying Assessments for such District,
Docusign Envelope ID: E5E95502-1178-8A2E-8368-870C74A2AB38
City of Palm Desert City Council Minutes
May 14, 2026
9
Commencing Fiscal Year 2026/2027,” and set a Public Hearing for July 9,
2026, at 4:00 p.m. at the Palm Desert Council Chamber.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
10. ACTION CALENDAR
10.a Artist Selection for San Pablo Phase 2 Roundabout and Consideration of
Second Installation at East Dinah Shore Drive Roundabout
Erica Jimenez, Management Analyst, narrated a PowerPoint presentation and
responded to City Council inquiries.
During discussion, the City Council expressed consensus support for the
polished stainless steel sphere option over the illuminated acrylic sphere for
Gordon Huether’s “Cactus Blossom” proposal due to long term maintenance
considerations; and discussed a potential second installation at the East Dinah
Shore Drive roundabout, but no formal action was taken.
Motion by: Councilmember Harnik
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
1. Select an Artist proposal for the San Pablo Phase 2 Roundabout located
on San Pablo Avenue at the east entrance to College of the Desert.
2. Award an Artist Agreement No. C50740 in the amount of $200,000 for
design, fabrication, and delivery.
3. Authorize the City Attorney to make non-monetary changes.
4. Authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement and related
documents.
5. Find the actions categorically exempt from CEQA.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
10.b Introduction of an Ordinance Amending the Palm Desert Municipal Code
relating to City Council Agendas and Request for Action
Anthony Mejia, City Clerk, provided a staff report and responded to City Council
inquiries.
Motion by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
Seconded by: Councilmember Nestande
Introduce an ordinance entitled “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of
Palm Desert, California, Amending Section 2.36.060 of the Palm Desert
Municipal Code relating to City Council Agendas and Requests For Action.”
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
Docusign Envelope ID: E5E95502-1178-8A2E-8368-870C74A2AB38
City of Palm Desert City Council Minutes
May 14, 2026
10
11. PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
12. ADJOURNMENT
The City Council adjourned at 5:18 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
_________________________
Michelle Nance
Assistant City Clerk/Assistant Secretary
_________________________
Anthony J. Mejia, MMC
City Clerk/Secretary
Docusign Envelope ID: E5E95502-1178-8A2E-8368-870C74A2AB38