HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-06-25Palm Desert City Council, Successor Agency to the Palm Desert Redevelopment
Agency, Housing Authority, and Board of Library Trustees
Regular Meeting Minutes
June 25, 2026
Present: Mayor Evan Trubee, Councilmember Jan Harnik, Councilmember Gina
Nestande, Councilmember Karina Moreno*, Mayor Pro Tem Joe Pradetto
*Councilmember Moreno participated remotely in accordance with Senate Bill
707 due to illness.
1. CALL TO ORDER - CLOSED SESSION - 3:30 P.M.
A Regular Meeting of the Palm Desert City Council was called to order by Mayor Trubee
on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 3:30 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 3:30 p.m.
4. CLOSED SESSION AGENDA
The following items were considered in closed session:
4.a Closed Session Meeting Minutes: May 28, 2026
4.b Conference with Real Property Negotiations pursuant to Government Code
Section 54956.8
Property Description: 37023 Cook St, Ste 102
Agency: City of Palm Desert
City Negotiator: Chris Escobedo/Richard Cannone/Amy Lawrence
Negotiating Parties: Sinatra and Cook Project, LLC
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms
5. ROLL CALL - REGULAR MEETING - 4:00 P.M.
6. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto led the Pledge of Allegiance.
7. INSPIRATION
Councilmember Harnik provided words of inspiration.
8. REPORT OF CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Shah stated that no reportable actions were taken.
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9. AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS, AND APPOINTMENTS
9.a Palm Springs Airport Commission Update
Kevin Wiseman, Palm Desert’s representative to the Palm Springs International
Airport (PSP) Commission, and Jake Ingrassia, representing the City of Palm
Springs, provided an annual update regarding the PSP airport.
10. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
10.a Riverside County Sheriff Department Update
Lt. Porras, of Riverside County Sheriff Department, provided an update on
upcoming Senior Scam Stopper Seminar July 8, 2026.
10.b Palm Desert Aquatic Center Update
Shawn Muir, Community Services Manager, narrated a PowerPoint presentation
regarding the re-opening of the Aquatic Center and responded to City Council
inquiries.
11. MAYOR/COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS AND REQUESTS FOR ACTION
Councilmembers provided updates on their attendance at various meetings and events.
Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto, with support of Councilmember Moreno, requested a review of
the Commercial Sign Ordinance and its enforceability.
12. NONAGENDA PUBLIC COMMENTS
Sensei Tamara Canedo-Lifschutz, of Seiden-Juku, spoke regarding efforts to expand
the organization's para karate program.
Todd Spitzer, Palm Desert resident, requested that the City Council agendize discussion
regarding the change in Palm Springs International Airport flight paths.
13. CONSENT CALENDAR
Motion by: Councilmember Nestande
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
To approve the consent calendar as presented, with the exception of items 13.c, and
13.l, which were pulled for separate discussion.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
13.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 June 11, 2026.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
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13.b Approval of Warrant Registers
Motion by: Councilmember Nestande
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
Approve the warrant registers issued for the period 9/3/2025 to 6/12/2026.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
13.c May 2026 Procurement Report
In response to inquiry, Shawn Muir, Community Services Manager, provided an
overview of the pilot median project and responded to City Council inquiries.
Motion by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
Seconded by: Councilmember Moreno
Receive and file the Procurement Report for May 2026.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
13.d Approve Annual Computer Software Maintenance with Various Vendors and
Authorize City Manager to execute renewal agreements.
Motion by: Councilmember Nestande
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
1. Approve Fiscal Year 2026-27 annual computer software maintenance
costs for the various vendors identified in the staff report, in the estimated
amount of $2,258,648.
2. Authorize the City Attorney to make necessary nonmonetary changes to
agreements.
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute renewal agreements, change
orders, amendments, and any document necessary to effectuate this
action.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
13.e Authorize the Levy of a Special Tax in Community Facilities District No.
2005-1 (University Park) for Fiscal Year 2026/2027
Motion by: Councilmember Nestande
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
Adopt Resolution 2026-031 entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the City
of Palm Desert, California, Authorizing the Levy of a Special Tax in Community
Facilities District No. 2005-1 (University Park) for Fiscal Year 2026/2027.”
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
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13.f Approve Community Event Sponsorship and Outside Agency Funding for
FY 2026-27
Motion by: Councilmember Nestande
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
1. Approve Community Event Sponsorship awards in an amount not to
exceed $240,000, including the listed awards and any remaining Council-
approved sponsorship capacity, subject to applicable restrictions, event
confirmation, and agreement requirements.
2. Approve Outside Agency funding awards and sponsorships in the amount
of $958,555 to the organizations listed in Attachment C, subject to
program guidelines, eligibility requirements, and final documentation.
3. Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to approve alternate use
requests during the fiscal year when the revised request is consistent with
the original approved purpose and available unassigned budget.
4. Authorize the City Attorney to make necessary nonmonetary changes to
the agreements.
5. Pending approval of the FY 2026-27 Annual Budget, authorize the City
Manager to execute agreements and related documents necessary to
implement the approved awards.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
13.g Approve Contract Amendment No. 1 to Contract No. C50210 with Speridian,
LLC, to Expand Clariti System Implementation Work
Motion by: Councilmember Nestande
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
1. Approve Contract Amendment No. 1 to Contract No. C50210 with
Speridian, LLC, for additional services in the amount not to exceed
$250,224 and a seven-month project extension through January 31, 2027.
2. Authorize the City Attorney to make any necessary nonmonetary changes
to the agreement.
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute the amendment and change order
and any related documents to effectuate this action.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
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13.h Authorize the Levy of a Special Tax in Community Facilities District No.
2021-1 (University Park) for Fiscal Year 2026/2027
Motion by: Councilmember Nestande
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
Adopt Resolution 2026-032 entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the City
of Palm Desert, California, Authorizing the Levy of a Special Tax in Community
Facilities District No. 2021-1 (University Park) for Fiscal Year 2026/2027.”
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
13.i Approve Amendment No. 4 with Townsend Public Affairs, Inc., for
Legislative Advocacy and Grant Writing Services
Motion by: Councilmember Nestande
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
1. Approve Amendment No. 4 to Contract No. A45760 with Townsend Public
Affairs, Inc., for legislative advocacy and grant writing services through
June 30, 2027, in an amount not to exceed $114,000 for Fiscal Year
2026/27, and authorize total cumulative contract authority not to exceed
$401,250 for the full agreement term.
2. Ratify prior expenditures under Contract No. A45760 to reconcile the
contract record based on prior amendments and services rendered.
3. Authorize the City Attorney to make any necessary nonmonetary changes
to the agreement.
4. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute Amendment No. 4 and
any related documents necessary to effectuate this action.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
13.j Approve Amendment No. 8 to Contract No. C43370 with FG Creative for El
Paseo Parking and Business Improvement District Marketing Services and
Extend the Agreement through June 30, 2027
Motion by: Councilmember Nestande
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
1. Approve Amendment No. 8 to Contract No. C43370 with FG Creative for
El Paseo Parking and Business Improvement District marketing services
in an amount not to exceed $350,000 for Fiscal Year 2026-27.
2. Authorize the City Attorney to make necessary nonmonetary changes to
the agreement.
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement and all documents
necessary to effectuate this action.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
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13.k Authorize Amendment No. 2 to Contract No. C47890 with Goebel Partners,
LLC, Increasing the Contract Amount, Update Scope, and Extend the
Contract Term through June 30, 2027 for Continued Work on the Unified
Development Code
Motion by: Councilmember Nestande
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
1. Authorize Amendment No.2 to Contract No. C47890 with Goebel Partners,
LLC, increasing the contract amount by $142,716 for a total not to exceed
contract amount of $570,796, extending the contract term through June
30, 2027, and allowing for administrative extensions if necessary.
2. Authorize the City Attorney to make any necessary non-monetary changes
to the agreement.
3. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute the amendment and
all documents necessary to effectuate this agreement pursuant to Section
3.30.170 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
13.l Award Construction Contract to Bear Electrical Solutions, LLC, for the
Traffic Signal Modifications and Hardware Upgrades - Phase III (Project No.
MTS00005
Councilmember Moreno expressed appreciation for staff's proactive efforts to
maintain safe and reliable streets.
Motion by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
Seconded by: Councilmember Moreno
1. Award Construction Contract No. C50930 to Bear Electrical Solutions,
LLC, for the Traffic Signal Modifications and Hardware Upgrades - Phase
III in the amount of $423,000, plus an $80,000 contingency for unforeseen
expenses.
2. Authorize the City Attorney to make necessary nonmonetary changes to
the agreement.
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement and any written
requests for change orders up to the contingency amount, amendments,
and any other documents necessary to effectuate this action, in
accordance with Palm Desert Municipal Code Section 3.30.170(B).
4. Authorize the City Manager to execute the Notice of Completion (NOC)
and the City Clerk to file the NOC upon satisfactory completion of the
Project.
5. Find that the Proposed Action is Categorically Exempt from CEQA
Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301, Class 1, Existing Facilities.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
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13.m Award Maintenance Services Agreements to M. Brey, Inc., dba MBE
Construction and Urban Worx Construction, Inc., for On-Call Electrical
Services (Project No. MCS00001)
Motion by: Councilmember Nestande
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
1. Award Maintenance Service Agreement No. C50910 to Urban Worx
Construction, Inc., and Maintenance Service Agreement No. C50920 to M.
Brey Inc., dba MBE Construction, for on-call electrical services in the
amount of $100,000 each, for a total not to exceed $200,000 per fiscal
year for a two-year term with the option of two one-year extensions.
2. Authorize the City Attorney to make necessary nonmonetary changes to
the agreement.
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement, change orders, the
two one-year extensions, and any other documents necessary to
effectuate the actions taken herewith.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
13.n Approve Amendment No. C46142 to Contract No. C46140 with Desert Air
Conditioning, Inc., for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
Preventive Maintenance, Project No. MFA00008
Motion by: Councilmember Nestande
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
1. Approve Amendment No. C46142 to Contract No. C46140 with Desert Air
Conditioning, Inc., in the amount of $118,592, and extend the contract
term through June 30, 2027.
2. Increase the allowable extra work authorization for FY 2025-26 HVAC
repairs and replacements from $75,000 to an amount not to exceed
$125,000.
3. Authorize the City Attorney to make any necessary nonmonetary changes.
4. Authorize the City Manager or designee to approve said amendment and
additional contract extensions in accordance with the agreement,
including CPI-based adjustments as applicable.
5. Authorize the City Manager or designee to approve change orders for
unforeseen conditions and additional service locations in an amount not to
exceed $25,000, in accordance with Section 3.30.170 of Ordinance No.
1392.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
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13.o Resolution Authorizing an Internal Revolving Loan and Related
Appropriations for the Purchase of Golf and Utility Vehicles; Authorize
Surplus and Trade-In of the Current Fleet; and Approve a 48-month Lease
for GPS and Connectivity Technology Services
Motion by: Councilmember Nestande
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
1. Adopt Resolution No. 2026-033 entitled “A Resolution of the City Council
of the City of Palm Desert, California, Authorizing a Revolving Loan from
the Desert Willow Capital Fund to the Desert Willow Operations Fund for
Golf Cart Replacement and Establishing Terms for Repayment.”
2. Authorize the surplus and trade-in of the current golf cart fleet for an
estimated trade-in allowance of approximately $344,000, in accordance
with Finance Policy FIN-009.
3. Approve the purchase of golf and utility vehicles from Club Car, LLC, in
the estimated net amount of $1,567,076.64, inclusive of the estimated
trade-in allowance, from the Golf Course Capital Fund (Fund 441).
4. Approve a 48-month lease of GPS and connectivity technology services
from Club Car, LLC, in the estimated total amount of $329,712 before
applicable taxes and implementation-related costs, for a total not-to-
exceed authorization of $375,000, to be paid from the Desert Willow Golf
Resort Enterprise Fund.
5. Approve an appropriation of $1,567,076.64, plus a 10% contingency of
$156,708.00, for a total not-to-exceed amount of $1,723,784.64, from
unobligated Golf Course Capital Fund resources to Contingency Capital
Account No. 4414195-4809200 for the purchase of electric golf and utility
carts from Club Car, LLC, and authorize the associated Loan Receivable
to Account No. 4410000-1305201.
6. Authorize the City Attorney to make any necessary nonmonetary changes
to the agreement.
7. Authorize the City Manager to execute all agreements and related
documents necessary to complete the purchase.
8. Authorize the City Manager to approve the use of contingency funds, as
needed, only for documented trade-in adjustments, applicable taxes,
delivery costs, implementation costs, or other unforeseen costs directly
related to purchase and delivery, within the approved not-to-exceed
amount.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
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14. ACTION CALENDAR
14.a Approve the Management District Plan and Engineer’s Report and Order
the Levy and Collection of Assessments for the President’s Plaza I Property
and Business Improvement District for Fiscal Year 2026/27
Maria Murillo, Management Analyst, presented the staff report.
Motion by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
Seconded by: Mayor Trubee
1. Adopt Resolution No. 2026-034 entitled “A Resolution of the City Council
of the City of Palm Desert, California, Approving and Adopting the
Management District Plan and Engineer’s Report for the President’s Plaza
I Property and Business Improvement District for Fiscal Year 2026/2027.”
2. Adopt Resolution No. 2026-035 entitled “A Resolution of the City Council
of the City of Palm Desert, California, Ordering the Levy and Collection of
Assessments for the President's I Plaza Property and Business
Improvement District for Fiscal Year 2026/2027.”
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
14.b Ordinances Amending Title 8 and Title 11 of the Palm Desert Municipal
Code to Update Skate Park Regulations and Regulations Governing the
Distribution and Posting of Handbills in City Parks
Shawn Muir, Community Services Manager, provided a staff report and
responded to City Council inquiries.
Motion by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
Seconded by: Mayor Trubee
1. Find that the adoption of both proposed ordinances is exempt from review
under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to
CEQA Guidelines Sections 15378(b)(5) and 15061(b)(3), as set forth in
each ordinance and in this report.
2. Introduce Ordinance No. 1452 entitled “An Ordinance of the City Council
of the City of Palm Desert, California, Amending Chapter 8.85 of the Palm
Desert Municipal Code to Modernize Skate Park Regulations and Making
a Finding of Exemption Under CEQA.”
3. Introduce Ordinance No. 1453 entitled “An Ordinance of the City Council
of the City of Palm Desert, California, Amending Sections 11.01.010,
11.01.080, and 11.01.100 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code to Update
Regulations Governing the Distribution and Posting of Handbills in City
Parks, and Making a Finding of Exemption Under CEQA.”
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
15. PUBLIC HEARINGS
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15.a Introduce an Ordinance Amending Title 25 of the Palm Desert Municipal
Code to Re-Establish Golf Cart and Neighborhood Electric Vehicle Sales as
a Distinct Land Use Classification
Siji Fernandez, Senior Planner, narrated a PowerPoint presentation and
responded to City Council inquiries.
Mayor Trubee opened the public hearing. There being no requests to speak,
Mayor Trubee closed the public hearing.
Councilmember Harnik expressed a desire for additional community feedback
and raised public safety concerns regarding the proposed removal of window
glazing standards. In response, staff clarified that the window glazing standards
were originally intended to enhance product visibility.
A motion by Councilmember Moreno to table the item to obtain additional public
safety feedback regarding the window glazing standards failed due to a lack of a
second.
Motion by: Councilmember Harnik
Seconded by: Councilmember Nestande
1. Introduce Ordinance No. 1454 entitled “An Ordinance of the City Council
of the City of Palm Desert, California, Adopting Regulations for Golf Cart
and Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV) Sales, Amending Palm Desert
Municipal Code Title 25, and Making a Finding of Exemption Under the
California Environmental Quality Act.”
2. Find that, pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
and the State CEQA Guidelines, the approval of Case No. ZOA-26-0001
is not a project subject to CEQA and alternatively is exempt under State
CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3).
NOES (1): Councilmember Moreno
Motion Carried (4 to 1)
Following the vote, the City Council recessed from 5:24 p.m. to 5:35 p.m.
15.b Resolutions Related to the Adoption of the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Financial
Plan and Capital Improvement Program
Skky Wolkowicz, Management Analyst, and Veronica Chavez, Deputy City
Manager, narrated a PowerPoint presentation and responded to City Council
inquiries.
Mayor Trubee opened the public hearing and closed the public hearing there
being no other members of the public wishing to speak.
In response to inquiry, City staff acknowledged that the City’s website needs
improvements to ensure past City budgets remain readily available to the public.
Motion by: Councilmember Nestande
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
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1. Conduct a Joint Public Hearing and accept public comment on the
proposed Fiscal Year 2026–27 City and Housing Authority Financial Plan,
including the Capital Improvement Program.
2. Adopt Resolution No. 2026-036 entitled “A Resolution of the City Council
of the City of Palm Desert, California, Adopting the Financial Plan for the
Fiscal Year July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027 and Capital Improvement
Program for Fiscal Years 2026-27 through 2035-36.”
3. Adopt Resolution 2026-037 entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of
the City of Palm Desert, California, Establishing the Appropriations Limit
for Fiscal Year 2026–27.”
4. Adopt Resolution HA-133 entitled “A Resolution of the Palm Desert
Housing Authority of Palm Desert, California, Adopting the Housing
Authority’s Financial Plan for the Fiscal Year July 1, 2026, through June
30, 2027.”
5. Adopt Resolution 2026-038 entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of
the City of Palm Desert, California, Rescinding and Replacing Resolution
No. 2026-07, Adopting Authorized Classifications, Allocated Positions,
Salary Schedule, and Salary Ranges Included Herein and Attached as
Exhibit A Effective July 1, 2026,” setting the FY 2026–27 Salary
Schedules, Salary Ranges, and Allocated Classifications.
6. Approve the FY 2026–27 Out-of-State Travel List as provided in the
attached memorandum.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
15.c Approval of FY 2026-27 Solid Waste, Recycling, and Organics Service
Rates; Authorization of Annual Rate Adjustments through July 1, 2030; and
Approval of Residential Solid Waste Service Charges on the Riverside
County Property Tax Roll
Luis Moctezuma, Management Analyst, presented a staff report and responded
to City Council inquiries.
Mayor Trubee opened the public hearing, and closed the public hearing, there
being no members of the public wishing to speak.
City Clerk Mejia conducted the protest hearing and announced a total of 24
protest letters were received; there was no majority protest and reported that the
City Council may move forward with consideration of the rate adjustments.
Motion by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
Seconded by: Mayor Trubee
1. Conduct a public hearing to receive public testimony regarding proposed
solid waste, recycling, and organics service rate adjustments pursuant to
Proposition 218.
2. Adopt Resolution 2026-039 entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of
the City of Palm Desert, California, Approving FY 2026-27 Solid Waste,
Recycling, and Organics Service Rates and Authorizing Annual Rate
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Adjustments through July 1, 2030, Pursuant to the Franchise Agreement
with Burrtec Waste and Recycling Services, LLC.”
3. Conduct a public hearing to receive public testimony regarding the
placement of FY 2026–27 solid waste service charges for eligible single-
family residential properties on the Riverside County property tax roll.
4. Adopt Resolution 2026-040 entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of
the City of Palm Desert, California, Adopting the Report Proposing to have
Solid Waste Service Charges Collected on the Property Tax Roll for Fiscal
Year 2026-27 and Directing the City Clerk to File Said Report with the
Riverside County Auditor Controller to Place Said Charges on the Tax
Roll.”
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
16. ADJOURNMENT
The City Council adjourned at 6:06 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
_________________________
Michelle Nance
Assistant City Clerk/Assistant Secretary
_________________________
Anthony J. Mejia, MMC
City Clerk/Secretary
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