HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-09-10Palm 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 - 2:30 P.M.
A Regular Meeting of the Palm Desert City Council was called to order by Mayor Trubee
on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at 2:30 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 2:32 p.m.
4. CLOSED SESSION AGENDA
The following items were considered in closed session:
4.a Closed Session Meeting Minutes: August 20, 2026
4.b Public Employee Performance Evaluation Pursuant to Government Code
Section 54957(b)(1)
Title: City Attorney
4.c Conference with Legal Counsel regarding significant exposure to litigation
pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)2
One (1) case. Threat of litigation pursuant to letter dated June 17, 2026.
4.d Conference with Real Property Negotiations pursuant to Government Code
Section 54956.8
Property Description: 75080 Frank Sinatra Drive
Agency: City of Palm Desert
City Negotiator: Chris Escobedo/Richard Cannone/Amy Lawrence
Negotiating Parties: The Regents of the University of California
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms
Docusign Envelope ID: DC5AA63E-7FB2-8372-81AE-FF75F71EEBE8
Palm Desert City Council Minutes
September 10, 2026
2
4.e 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
Mayor Trubee led the Pledge of Allegiance.
7. INSPIRATION
Councilmember Moreno provided words of inspiration.
8. REPORT OF CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Shah stated that no reportable actions were taken.
9. AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS, AND APPOINTMENTS
9.a Proclamation- National Preparedness Month
Mayor Trubee presented a proclamation to Daniel Hurtado, Public Safety Analyst,
in recognition of National Preparedness Month.
10. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
City Manager Escobedo advised that staff is recommending the continuance of
Item 13q related to the construction of a new library, while staff works with
College of the Desert to evaluate the feasibility of renovating and remaining at
the current library.
10.a CALFIRE/Riverside County Fire Department Update
Chief Cody Wright, CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department, presented a
PowerPoint update on Fire Department activities.
10.b Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
Daniel Hurtado, Public Safety Analyst, narrated a PowerPoint presentation on the
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan update process and encouraged residents to
complete a related survey.
11. MAYOR/COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS AND REQUESTS FOR ACTION
Councilmembers provided updates on their attendance at va rious meetings and events.
12. NONAGENDA PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mark Morris, Palm Desert resident, spoke regarding the creation of a new nonprofit
organization to create housing for students, families, and veterans.
Docusign Envelope ID: DC5AA63E-7FB2-8372-81AE-FF75F71EEBE8
Palm Desert City Council Minutes
September 10, 2026
3
13. CONSENT CALENDAR
Motion by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
Seconded by: Councilmember Harnik
To approve the Consent Calendar as presented, with the exception of Item 13.f, which
was pulled for separate discussion, and Item 13.q, which was continued to a date
uncertain.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
13.a Approval of City Council, Successor Agency, Housing Authority, and
Library Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes
Motion by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
Seconded by: Councilmember Harnik
Approve the Minutes of August 20, 2026.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
13.b Receive and File Applications for Alcoholic Beverage Licenses
Motion by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
Seconded by: Councilmember Harnik
Receive and File Applications for Alcoholic Beverage Licenses for:
Palm Valley Country Club (Redhawk F&B Management, LLC) 76200
Country Club Drive, Palm Desert, CA 92211-9509
Rockn Avenue (Rockn Avenue, LLC) 73730 El Paseo Ste. C, Palm
Desert, CA 92260
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
13.c Approval of Warrant Registers
Motion by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
Seconded by: Councilmember Harnik
Approve the warrant registers issued for the period 8/06/2026 to 8/27/2026.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
13.d July 2026 Procurement Report
Motion by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
Seconded by: Councilmember Harnik
Receive and file the Procurement Report for July 2026.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
Docusign Envelope ID: DC5AA63E-7FB2-8372-81AE-FF75F71EEBE8
Palm Desert City Council Minutes
September 10, 2026
4
13.e Receive and File Update on Fiscal Year 2025-26 Productivity
Savings/Innovation Reserve Requests
Motion by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
Seconded by: Councilmember Harnik
Receive and file the FY 2025-26 Productivity Savings/Innovation Reserve
update, including a summary of the five innovation requests submitted under the
City’s new Productivity Savings/Innovation Reserve Program.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
13.f Ratification of Letter Opposing Senate Bill 1379 (Cervantes) County of
Riverside: Separation of County Offices: In-Custody Reports
Councilmember Moreno expressed concern regarding the City’s opposition to
Senate Bill 1379 and stated that she did not support issuance of the letter.
Motion by: Mayor Trubee
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
Ratify the issuance of the letter opposing Senate Bill 1379 (Cervantes) related to
the required separation of the Riverside County Sheriff and Coroner offices and
the establishment of a Medical Examiner's Office.
Motion Carried (4 to 1)
13.g 2026 League of California Cities Annual Conference Resolution and Second
Alternate Voting Delegate
Motion by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
Seconded by: Councilmember Harnik
1. Support Resolution No. 1, entitled “A Resolution of the General Assembly
of the League of California Cities Calling for a Working Group to Consider
a State Constitutional Amendment or Other Form of Initiative to Ensure
Final Local Authority Over Housing and Land Use Decisions,” and direct
the City’s voting delegate to vote in support.
2. Appoint Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto as the City’s second alternate voting
delegate for the 2026 League of California Cities Annual Conference
General Assembly.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
Docusign Envelope ID: DC5AA63E-7FB2-8372-81AE-FF75F71EEBE8
Palm Desert City Council Minutes
September 10, 2026
5
13.h 2026 Conflict of Interest Code Biennial Notice Pursuant to the Political
Reform Act
Motion by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
Seconded by: Councilmember Harnik
1. Receive and file the 2026 Local Agency Biennial Notice.
2. Direct staff to promulgate the necessary amendments and return to the
City Council in December 2026 for adoption pursuant to the Political
Reform Act.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
13.i Approval of the Third Amended and Restated Joint Powers Agreement for
Visit Greater Palm Springs
Motion by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
Seconded by: Councilmember Harnik
Approve the Third Amended and Restated Joint Powers Agreement for Visit
Greater Palm Springs and authorize the Mayor and City Manager to execute the
agreement.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
13.j Proposed Palm Desert 2027 Social Media Commemorations
Motion by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
Seconded by: Councilmember Harnik
Approve the proposed social media commemorations schedule for the 2027
calendar year, as reviewed by the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
13.k Informational Report regarding Temporary Road Closures on El Paseo
Associated with Fiscal Year 2026-27 Recurring Special Events
Motion by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
Seconded by: Councilmember Harnik
Receive and file an informational report regarding temporary road closures on El
Paseo associated with FY 2026-27 recurring special events.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
13.l Parks and Recreation Committee Fiscal Year 2026-27 Work Plan
Motion by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
Seconded by: Councilmember Harnik
Approve the Parks and Recreation Committee Fiscal Year 2026-27 Work Plan.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
Docusign Envelope ID: DC5AA63E-7FB2-8372-81AE-FF75F71EEBE8
Palm Desert City Council Minutes
September 10, 2026
6
13.m Three-Year Microsoft 365 Renewal through Insight Public Sector, Inc.
Motion by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
Seconded by: Councilmember Harnik
1. Approve a three-year Microsoft 365 subscription renewal with Insight
Public Sector, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $450,000, plus a 25
percent contingency of $112,500 for additional licenses and upgrades, for
a total authorization not to exceed $562,500.
2. Authorize the City Manager to finalize and execute the agreement and any
related purchase orders, annual renewal documents, amendments,
change orders, and other documents necessary to effectuate this action,
including the use of contingency funds and non-monetary modifications,
provided the expenditure does not exceed $562,500.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
13.n Housing Authority - Approve Change Order No. 1 to Contract HA50390 with
Van Engineering, Inc., for Taos Palms Apartments Site Improvement Project
(Project No. CHA00004)
Motion by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
Seconded by: Councilmember Harnik
1. Approve Change Order No. 1 to Contract HA50390 with Van Engineering,
Inc., of Wildomar, California, in the amount of $29,662.53 and appropriate
an additional $6,281.42 to cover the portion of the change order that
exceeds the project’s contingency, for Taos Palms Site Improvement
Project (Project No. CHA00004).
2. Authorize the Director of Finance to appropriate funds from Housing
Authority Fund Balance Reserves to Housing Authority Replacement
Expenditure Account No. 8714195-4331100, in the amount of $6,281.42.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
13.o Release the Cash Maintenance Bond for West Coast Self Storage located
on the Northwest Corner of Dinah Shore and Dick Kelly Drive
Motion by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
Seconded by: Councilmember Harnik
Release the cash Maintenance Bond for West Coast Self Storage in the amount
of $4,869.65 for public improvements.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
Docusign Envelope ID: DC5AA63E-7FB2-8372-81AE-FF75F71EEBE8
Palm Desert City Council Minutes
September 10, 2026
7
13.p Approve Amendments to Maintenance Service Agreements for Landscape
Maintenance Areas 2, 16, and 17
Motion by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
Seconded by: Councilmember Harnik
1. Approve Amendment No. 2 to Contract No. C49170 with Mariposa
Landscapes, Inc., of Irwindale, CA, to increase services and the annual
contract amount to $308,490.24, subject to consumer price index (CPI)
increases, and subject to the not to exceed Extra Work amount of
$105,000.
2. Approve Amendment No. 2 to Contract No. C49270 with Vintage
Associates, Inc., of Bermuda Dunes, CA, to increase services and the
annual contract amount to $525,660, subject to CPI increases, and
subject to the not to exceed Extra Work amount of $100,920.
3. Approve Amendment No. 2 to Contract No. C43140 with Vintage
Associates, Inc., of Bermuda Dunes, CA, to increase services and the
annual contract amount to $362,460, subject to CPI increases, and
subject to the not to exceed Extra Work amount of $70,000.
4. Authorize the City Attorney to make necessary non-monetary changes to
the amendments.
5. Authorize the City Manager to execute these amendments, the optional
contract extensions, including CPI increase requests, and execute any
other documents necessary to effectuate the actions taken herewith.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
13.q Award Progressive Design-Build Contract to Barnhart-Reese Construction,
Inc., for New Library Facility at the Former Parkview Office Building Site,
73-710 Fred Waring Drive (Project No. CFA00027)
John Curran, Palm Desert resident, spoke in support of library services and
emphasized the importance of maintaining access to programs and community
resources available.
Jan Buller, Palm Desert resident, spoke in support of the library and emphasized
its importance to the community.
Motion by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
Seconded by: Councilmember Harnik
Continue the item to a date uncertain.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
Docusign Envelope ID: DC5AA63E-7FB2-8372-81AE-FF75F71EEBE8
Palm Desert City Council Minutes
September 10, 2026
8
13.r Approve Amendment No. 7 to the Assembly Bill 2766 Vehicle Registration
Revenue Memorandum of Understanding with the Coachella Valley
Association of Governments for the Regional PM10 Street Sweeping
Program
Motion by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
Seconded by: Councilmember Harnik
1. Approve Amendment No. 7 to the Assembly Bill 2766 (AB 2766) Vehicle
Registration Revenue Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), Contract
No. C22646, with Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG),
increasing the City’s contribution of AB 2766 revenues from 75 percent to
100 percent and extending the term through June 30, 2028.
2. Authorize the Director of Finance to appropriate $20,000 from unobligated
AB 2766 Reserve Fund to AQMD / Dues Account No. 2384515 -4363000.
3. Authorize the City Attorney to make any necessary non-monetary changes
to the amendment.
4. Authorize the Mayor to execute the amendment and any related
documents to effectuate this action.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
13.s Approve Amendment No. 2 to Contract No. C43900 with Interwest
Consulting Group, Inc., on Dave Erwin Park (Project No. CPK00002)
Motion by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
Seconded by: Councilmember Harnik
1. Approve Amendment No. 2 to Contract No. C43900 with Interwest
Consulting Group, Inc., on the Dave Erwin Park project in th e amount of
$356,822, increase the existing $77,227 project contingency by $82,773
for a total project contingency of $160,000 for unforeseen expenses, and
extend the term of the contract through June 30, 2029.
2. Authorize the Director of Finance to appropriate funds in the amount of
$439,595 from unobligated Capital Project Reserves (Account No.
4004618-4400200).
3. Authorize the City Attorney to make necessary non-monetary changes to
the amendment.
4. Authorize the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 2 and any written
requests for amendments up to the authorized contingency amount, and
any other documents necessary to effectuate this action, in accordance
with Palm Desert Municipal Code Section 3.30.170(B).
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
Docusign Envelope ID: DC5AA63E-7FB2-8372-81AE-FF75F71EEBE8
Palm Desert City Council Minutes
September 10, 2026
9
14. ACTION CALENDAR
14.a Resolution Requesting Southern California Edison (SCE) to Minimize
Planned Outages During High Temperature Summer Months
Donald Zeiger, Palm Desert resident, spoke regarding the impacts of both
planned and unplanned power outages and the need to build capacity and
resiliency.
Richard Cannone, Assistant City Manager, narrated a PowerPoint presentation
and responded to City Council inquiries.
Jeremy Goldman, representing Southern California Edison (SCE), requested that
the City to meet with SCE before taking action to identify areas of potential
agreement on and responded to City Council inquiries.
During discussion, the following items were discussed:
Minimizing planned SCE outages during extreme summer heat.
Improving communication and advance notice for planne d outages.
Public safety considerations associated with planned and unplanned
outages during extreme heat.
Motion by: Councilmember Moreno
Seconded by: Mayor Trubee
Continue this item to the City Council meeting of November 12, 2026.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
14.b Palm Springs Preservation Foundation Funding Offer for Conceptual
Design of the Historic William F. Cody-Designed Entry Sign
Chris Gerry, Senior Project Manager, narrated a PowerPoint presentation and
responded to City Council inquiries.
Ron Marshall, representing the Palm Springs Preservation Foundation, spoke
regarding the historic significance of the former monument sign. In response to
City Council inquiries, he advised that acceptance of the funding would not
obligate the City to construct the sign and that the research and conceptual
drawings would themselves provide historical value.
During discussion, the following items were discussed:
Potential locations for the replica historic monument sign, including the
new library site and the Palm Desert Historical Society site.
Consistency with the City’s existing branding and monument entry signs.
Project costs and competing fiscal priorities.
Councilmember Moreno expressed concerns regarding fiscal priorities and
proceeding with conceptual design before identifying a location and
implementation plan.
Docusign Envelope ID: DC5AA63E-7FB2-8372-81AE-FF75F71EEBE8
Palm Desert City Council Minutes
September 10, 2026
10
Motion by: Councilmember Nestande
Seconded by: Mayor Trubee
To proceed with conceptual design of the historic William F. Cody-designed entry
sign using up to $30,000 in reimbursement funding offered by the Palm Springs
Preservation Foundation.
Motion Carried (4 to 1)
15. PUBLIC HEARINGS
15.a Conduct a TEFRA Public Hearing and Adopt a Resolution Approving the
California Municipal Finance Authority’s (“CMFA”) Issuance of Up to $62
Million in Tax-Exempt Bonds for Vitalia Apartments located at 36101
Explorer Drive
Denice Thomas, Deputy Director of Development Services, provided a staff
report 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: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
Seconded by: Councilmember Nestande
1. Conduct the public hearing and receive public comments under the
requirements of the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act ("TEFRA")
and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code") in
connection with the proposed issuance of bonds by the California
Municipal Finance Authority (“CMFA”) for the 269 -unit Vitalia Apartments,
a multifamily affordable rental housing project located at 36101 Explorer
Drive (APN 694-310-006), Palm Desert, California (the “Project”).
2. Adopt Resolution 2026-056 entitled, “Resolution of the City Council of the
City of Palm Desert approving the issuance of the California Municipal
Finance Authority exempt facility bonds in an aggregate principal amount
not to exceed $62,000,000 for the purpose of financing or refinancing the
acquisition, construction, improvement and equipping of Vitalia
Apartments and certain other matters relating thereto,” approving the
issuance of bonds by CMFA for the benefit of Palm Desert Pacific
Associates, a California Limited Partnership (the “Borrower”), to provide
for the financing of the Project, such adoption is solely for the purpose s of
satisfying the requirements of TEFRA, the Code and the California
Government Code Section 6500 (and following).
3. Authorize the Mayor to execute the Resolution and any related documents
necessary to carry out the intent of the Resolution, subject to review and
approval as to form by the City Attorney.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
Docusign Envelope ID: DC5AA63E-7FB2-8372-81AE-FF75F71EEBE8
Palm Desert City Council Minutes
September 10, 2026
11
15.b Designation of an Existing Single-Family Residence Located at 47550 Silver
Spur Trail as a Historic Landmark
Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto announced his recusal due to proximity to his real
property and left the meeting room.
Carlos Flores, Deputy Director of Development Services, provided a staff report
and responded to City Council inquiries.
Mayor Trubee opened and closed the public hearing, there being no members of
the public wishing to speak.
Motion by: Councilmember Nestande
Seconded by: Councilmember Moreno
Adopt Resolution 2026-057 entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the City
of Palm Desert, California, Designating the Property Located at 47550 Silver
Spur Trail as a Historic Landmark Pursuant to Criteria A and C of Palm Desert
Municipal Code Section 29.40.010 and Finding the Action Categorically Exempt
from the California Environmental Quality Act Pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines
Section 15308 (Assessor’s Parcel Number 630-250-046).”
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
15.c Resolution Authorizing Participation in the 2024-2028 Permanent Local
Housing Allocation Program and Adopt the City’s Five-Year Permanent
Local Housing Allocation Plan
Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto returned to the Council Chamber.
Ivan Tenorio, Homeless Services Manager, narrated a PowerPoint presentation
and responded to City Council inquiries.
Mayor Trubee opened and closed the public hearing, there being no members of
the public wishing to speak.
Motion by: Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto
Seconded by: Councilmember Moreno
1. Conduct a public hearing to receive public comment on the City's
proposed 2024-2028 Permanent Local Housing Allocation Five-Year Plan.
2. Adopt Resolution 2026-058 entitled "A Resolution of the City Council of
the City of Palm Desert, California, Authorizing the Application and
Adopting the PLHA Plan for the Permanent Local Housing Allocation
Program.”
3. Adopt the City's 2024-2028 Permanent Local Housing Allocation Five-Year
Plan.
4. Authorize the City of Palm Desert to submit an application to the California
Department of Housing and Community Development for Permanent
Local Housing Allocation Program formula funds for the 2024 -2028
allocation cycle, with an estimated five-year allocation of up to $751,531.
Docusign Envelope ID: DC5AA63E-7FB2-8372-81AE-FF75F71EEBE8
Palm Desert City Council Minutes
September 10, 2026
12
5. Authorize the City Manager to execute the Permanent Local Housing
Allocation Program Application, Standard Agreement, amendments, and
related documents necessary to administer the grant.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
16. ADJOURNMENT
The City Council adjourned at 6:23 p.m. in memory of former Architectural Review
Commissioner Nickolas “Nick” Latkovic.
Respectfully submitted,
_________________________
Michelle Nance, CMC
Assistant City Clerk/Assistant Secretary
_________________________
Anthony J. Mejia, MMC
City Clerk/Secretary
Docusign Envelope ID: DC5AA63E-7FB2-8372-81AE-FF75F71EEBE8