HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-06-18 EPPBID Meeting Mintues
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EL PASEO PARKING AND BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT BOARD
CITY OF PALM DESERT
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
1. CALL TO ORDER
A Regular Meeting of the El Paseo Parking and Business Improvement District Board
was called to order by Thomas Soule on June 18, 2026, at 8:04 AM in the
Administrative Conference Room, City Hall, located at 73-510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm
Desert, California.
2. ROLL CALL
3. NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENTS
None.
4. CONSENT CALENDAR
Public Affairs Manager Thomas Soule noted for the record that the financial statement
incorrectly listed the ending date as May 31, 2026, and should instead reflect April 30,
2026.
Motion by: Board Member Islami
Seconded by: Board Member Rafferty
To approve the consent calendar as presented.
Motion Carried (4 to 0)
4.a Approval of Minutes
Motion by: Board Member Islami
Seconded by: Board Member Rafferty
Approve the Minutes of May 21, 2026.
Motion Carried (4 to 0)
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4.b Financial Statement Ending May 31, 2026
Motion by: Board Member Islami
Seconded by: Board Member Rafferty
Approve the Financial Statement ending April 30, 2026.
Motion Carried (4 to 0)
5. BUSINESS ITEMS
5.a EPPBID Board Member Term Expirations and Reappointments
Public Affairs Manager Thomas Soule narrated a staff report.
Councilmember Harnik expressed appreciation for the work completed and the
continued volunteer efforts offered.
Motion by: Board Member Rafferty
Seconded by: Board Member Smith
1. Recommend that the City Council reappoint Rebecca Elliot and Mahasti
Islami to new three-year Board terms beginning July 1, 2026, and ending
June 30, 2029; and
2. Receive an update regarding the Board seat expiring June 30, 2026,
currently held by Michelle Maspero.
Motion Carried (4 to 0)
5.b Fashion Week El Paseo and Palm Desert Food & Wine 2026 Event Recaps
Public Affairs Manager Thomas Soule narrated a staff report and shared the
recap videos.
Representative for Palm Springs Life Magazine Paulina narrated the recap
reports and answered board members inquires.
Motion by: Board Member Rafferty
Seconded by: Board Member Islami
Receive and file the 2026 recap reports for Fashion Week El Paseo and Palm
Desert Food & Wine.
Motion Carried (4 to 0)
5.c FY 2026–2027 EPPBID Marketing Plan and Budget Allocation
FG Creative representative Stephanie Green narrated a presentation and
answered board members inquiries.
Motion by: Board Member Rafferty
Seconded by: Board Member Smith
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To continue the item to the next Regular Meeting and request that staff:
1. Work with FG Creative to further explore whether Bandwango would
participate in a revised six-month program. If Bandwango is unwilling to
participate, return with alternative recommendations for reallocating the
proposed Bandwango funding; and
2. Further evaluate the proposed Locale partnership and return with
additional information, including alternative options for using those funds
with existing or other marketing partners.
Motion Carried (4 to 0)
6. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS
6.a SHERIFF UPDATE
Deputy Lee with the Sheriff’s Business District Team, advised that enforcement of
illegal fireworks and unpermitted vendors will increase as the 4th of July
approaches and encouraged businesses to report concerns, while also noting
that the City’s annual fireworks show is expected to bring increased traffic,
visitors, and road closures near El Paseo.
6.b MARKETING UPDATE
Receive and file the April 2026 Monthly Marketing Report.
6.c CITY COUNCIL LIAISON
Councilmember Harnik provided updates on the ongoing discussions regarding
dining decks, City sponsorships as a tool for branding and marketing, and the
use of drones and other technology to support public safety on El Paseo and
throughout the City.
6.d CITY STAFF
Public Affairs Manager Thomas Soule reported that the Larkspur crosswalk
project has been postponed to summer 2027 due to delays and the upcoming
season, and noted that staff will reach out to merchants regarding July 4th and
250th anniversary-related promotions to support El Paseo marketing efforts.
7. REQUESTS FOR ACTION
None.
8. ADJOURNMENT
The El Paseo Parking and Business Improvement District Board adjourned at 9:44 a.m.
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9. PUBLIC NOTICES
_______________________________
Damian Olivares, Senior Deputy Clerk
Recording Secretary
_________________________
Thomas Soule, Public Affairs Manager
Staff Liaison
_________________________
DATE APPROVED BY EPPBID BOARD
July 16, 2026
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