HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-02-25 CC MINUTESThursday, February 25, 2021
Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the City Council
of the City of Palm Springs
Pursuant to Executive Order N-29-20, by Governor Newsom, this meeting was conducted by
teleconference and there was no in-person public access to the meeting location.
CALL TO ORDER:
A Regular Meeting of the Palm Springs City Council was called to order by Mayor Holstege
on Thursday , February 25, 2021, at 5:40 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor Holstege led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL:
Present: Councilmembers Grace Elena Garner, Geoff Kors, Dennis Woods; Mayor Pro Tem
Lisa Middleton; and Mayor Christy Holstege
Absent: None.
City Staff
Present: David H. Ready, City Manager; Jeffrey Ballinger, City Attorney; Marcus Fuller,
Assistant City Manager; and Anthony J. Mejia, City Clerk, were present at Roll
Call. Other staff members presented reports or responded to questions as indicated
in the minutes.
PRESENTATIONS:
• COVID-19 CASE UPDATE
Emergency Management Coordinator DeSelms presented an update of COVID-19
statistics, noting decreases in all COVID-19 metrics. Mayor Holstege reported restaurant
and other essential workers are currently eligible to be vaccinated.
• COVID-19 WASTEWATER TREATMENT UPDATE
Assistant City Manager Fuller presented an update of wastewater COVID-19 tests
including updated test results and reduced COVID-19 disease prevalence in the wastewater
stream.
• COVID-19 MEMORIAL PROCLAMATION
Mayor Pro Tem Middleton read a Proclamation supporting the U.S. Conference of Mayors
resolution declaring March 1, 2021, to be the COVID-19 Victims and Survivors Memorial Day.
City Council Minutes February 25, 2021
City of Palm Springs Page 2
ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGENDA:
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER KORS, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER GARNER,
CARRIED 5-0, to accept the agenda with the removal of Consent Calendar Items No. 1A, 1C, and
1L for separate discussion, deletion of Item No. 5E from the agenda, and moving Item No. 5C to
be heard immediately after the Consent Calendar and the addition of Consent Calendar Item
No. 1M as the matter came to the attention of the City after the posting of the agenda and there is
a need for immediate action.
REPORT OF CLOSED SESSION:
The Regular Closed Session of the City Council of February 25, 2021, was called to order by
Mayor Holstege at 3:30 p.m., with all members present.
The meeting convened into Closed Session to discuss the following items as listed on the Regular
Closed Session Meeting Agenda:
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION, Pursuant to
Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1):
In re: 1875 N. Palm Canyon Partners, LLC,
Case No. 8:20-bk-1256-TA (TOVA Hotel Bankruptcy)
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – MATTERS CREATING SIGNIFICANT
EXPOSURE TO LITIGATION, Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2):
Seven (7) matters that, under the existing circumstances, the City Attorney believes creates
significant exposure to litigation.
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – DISCUSSION TO CONSIDER INITIATION OF
LITIGATION, Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4):
Under existing facts and circumstances, there are seven (7) matters the City Council has
decided or may decide to initiate litigation.
CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR, Pursuant to Government Code
Section 54956.8:
Property Description: Dream Hotel, 450 Calle Alvarado, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Agency: City of Palm Springs
City Negotiator: David H. Ready, City Manager or Designee
Negotiating Parties: Lauri Kibby, Selene Palm Springs, LLC
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment
Property Description: 3.6 Acres at SE corner of Indian Canyon Drive and San
Rafael Road
Agency: City of Palm Springs
City Negotiator: David H. Ready, City Manager or Designee
Negotiating Parties: Community Housing Opportunities Corporation (CHOC)
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment
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City of Palm Springs Page 3
Property Description: Boulders Property (Lots 1-45 of Tract Map 31095/APNs
504-150-011 through -055); Crescendo Property (APN 504-
040-046); Rimrock Property (APN 681-480-011); Gene
Autry Property (APNs 677-540-028 & 677-540-029); Block
G of parcel map 36446 (APN 513-560-048)
Agency: City of Palm Springs
City Negotiator: David H. Ready, City Manager or Designee
Negotiating Parties:
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment
Property Description: City owned Properties at Southwest Corner of Ramon Rd.
and Vella Rd. APN: 680-072-005, 680-072-009, and 680-
072-012
Agency: City of Palm Springs
City Negotiator: David H. Ready, City Manager or Designee
Negotiating Parties: Sage Investco
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment (Sale of Property)
CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR, Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6:
City Negotiator: David Ready, City Manager or Designee
Kim Hardcastle, Acting Director of Human Resources
Bryan Reyes, Chief of Police
Peter Brown, Attorney
Employee Organizations: Management Association of Palm Springs
Palm Springs Firefighters Association
Palm Springs Fire Management
Palm Springs Police Management Association
Palm Springs Police Officers Association
Public Employees Association of Palm Springs
All Unrepresented Employees
City Attorney Ballinger reported that the City Council received briefings and provided direction
to staff regarding the agendized Closed Session Items but did not take any reportable action.
PUBLIC TESTIMONY:
The following individuals spoke in support of Item 5B related to “Hero Pay” for grocery and retail
pharmacy workers:
• Priya Vedula
• Sammy Flores
• Aron Velarde
• Stephanie Hart
• Lauren Wolfer
• Joe Duffle
• Dieter Crawford
• Lewis Stewart
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City of Palm Springs Page 4
• David Weiner
• Ricardo Cisneros
• Victor Ayala
• Edwin Ramoran
• Maribel Nunez
Butch Vexler, speaking on Item 5B, voiced support for the proposed ordinance, suggesting that
other essential workers such as telecommunication employees also deserve “Hero Pay.”
Mark Ostoich, speaking on Item 5B, voiced opposition to the proposal for “Hero Pay” citing
concerns regarding the potential for store closures; asserted that store closures would alter residents
traffic patterns and therefore the proposals should be subject to CEQA evaluation.
Deiter Crawford, speaking on Item 1I, voiced support for “The Wishing Well” art placement at the
Desert Highland Park as part of the Desert X 2021 exhibition.
Edwin Ramoran, speaking on Item 1I, voiced support for “The Wishing Well” art placement at the
Desert Highland Park as part of the Desert X 2021 exhibition.
CITY COUNCIL, SUBCOMMITTEE, AND CITY MANAGER'S COMMENTS AND
REPORTS:
Mayor Pro Tem Middleton reported on the activities of the CalPERS Board, League of California
Cities Board of Directors, and SunLine Transit Agency Board of Directors; announced that the
U.S. House of Representatives passed the Equality Act.
Councilmember Kors reported on the activities of the Desert Community Energy Board, Main
Street Palm Springs, and Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce; repo rted that the California
Mayors Coalition issued a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Minority Leader Kevin
McCarthy urging their support for President Biden’s COVID-19 Relief Plan.
Councilmember Garner encouraged residents to participate in upcoming Black History Month
activities; invited residents to attend the Bayanihan Desert’s discussion on the rise of hate crimes
against Asian American Pacific Islander communities.
Councilmember Woods reported on the Coachella Valley Traffic Synchronization Project, noting
that the project will improve traffic flow valley wide.
Mayor Holstege reported on her attendance at various meetings and events; announced that she
presented Jack Schreckengost, crossing guard for Vista Del Monte Elementary School, with the
Senior Inspiration Award for Palm Springs; requested that the Coachella Valley Association of
Governments and County of Riverside provide an update on the Housing First program at a future
City Council meeting.
Police Chief Reyes reported that it has come to his attention that the County of Riverside is
reportedly transporting homeless individuals from outside the area to Palm Springs hotels. In
response to City Council inquiry, Chief Reyes advised that the City received no notice of the
program.
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City of Palm Springs Page 5
Councilmember Kors and Mayor Pro Tem Middleton expressed concern that the County provided
no notice to the City despite many efforts between the City and County to collaborate on efforts to
address homelessness.
The City Council requested that staff agendize discussion regarding homeless individuals being
transported into Palm Springs for the next City Council meeting.
1. CONSENT CALENDAR:
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER KORS, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER GARNER,
CARRIED 5-0, to approve the consent calendar, with the removal of Item Nos. 1A, 1C, 1L,
and 1M for separate discussion. Councilmember Garner registered a “no” vote on Item No. 1J.
A. APPROVAL TO ENTER INTO SPONSORSHIP FUNDING AGREEMENT WITH
THE PALM SPRINGS ART MUSEUM
This item was excluded from the Consent Calendar. Please refer to Page 8 of these minutes
for a summary of that action.
B. STAFF AUTHORIZED AGREEMENTS AND PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THE
MONTH OF JANUARY 2021
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER KORS, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER
GARNER, CARRIED 5-0, to receive and file the report of Staff Authorized Agreements
and Purchase Orders for the period of January 1, 2021, through January 31, 2021.
C. RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT FOR SENATE BILL 314, THE BAR AND
RESTAURANT RECOVERY ACT
This item was excluded from the Consent Calendar. Please refer to Page 9 of these minutes
for a summary of that action.
D. TREASURER’S INVESTMENT REPORT AS OF DECEMBER 2020
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER KORS, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER
GARNER, CARRIED 5-0, to receive and file the Treasurer’s Investment Report as of
December 31, 2020.
City Council Minutes February 25, 2021
City of Palm Springs Page 6
E. ACCEPT THE SUPPLEMENTAL LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICES ACCOUNT
(SLESA) GRANT FROM THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA AND APPROVE AN
EXPENDITURE PLAN AND APPROPRIATION
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER KORS, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER
GARNER, CARRIED 5-0, to:
1. Accept the State of California Supplemental Enforcement Services Account Grant
(SLESA) and Expenditure Plan.
2. Direct the Director of Finance/City Treasurer to fund the appropriation.
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents.
F. APPROVAL OF COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF
PALM SPRINGS AND THE CITY OF CATHEDRAL CITY FOR THE
REPLACEMENT OF THE VISTA CHINO DRIVE LOW-WATER CROSSING
BRIDGE AT THE WHITEWATER RIVER, CITY PROJECT NO. 10-10,
FEDERAL-AID PROJECT NO. BR-NBIL (513)
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER KORS, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER
GARNER, CARRIED 5-0, to:
1. Approve an agreement by and between the City of Palm Springs and the City of
Cathedral City for funding the Local Share costs of the Preliminary Engineering, Right
of Way Phase, and the Construction Phase for the Vista Chino Drive Low-Water
Crossing Bridge at the Whitewater River, City Project No. 10-10, Federal-Aid Project
No. BR-NBIL (513). A8691
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents.
G. APPROVAL OF TRACT MAP 36914 AND A SUBDIVISION IMPROVEMENT
AGREEMENT WITH FARWEST INDUSTRIES, A CALIFORNIA
CORPORATION
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER KORS, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER
GARNER, CARRIED 5-0, to adopt Resolution No. 24858 entitled, "A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA,
APPROVING TRACT MAP 36914 AND AN ASSOCIATED SUBDIVISION
IMPROVEMENT AGREEMENT WITH FARWEST INDUSTRIES, A CALIFORNIA
CORPORATION, FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 777 SOUTH PALM CANYON
DRIVE, IN SECTION 22, TOWNSHIP 4 SOUTH, RANGE 4 EAST."
City Council Minutes February 25, 2021
City of Palm Springs Page 7
H. AWARD OF A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT TO ECOSENSE
CONSTRUCTION CORP, A CALIFORNIA CORPORATION, IN THE AMOUNT
OF $249,231 FOR THE SUNRISE PARK RESTROOM, CITY PROJECT
NO. 19-13
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER KORS, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER
GARNER, CARRIED 5-0, to:
1. Award a construction contract to Ecosense Construction Corp, a California corporation,
in the amount of $249,231 for the Sunrise Park Restroom, City Project 19-13. A8692
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents.
I. APPROVAL OF TEMPORARY ART PLACEMENT "THE WISHING WELL" BY
SERGE ATTUKWEI CLOTTEY AT DESERT HIGHLAND PARK AS PART OF
THE DESERT X 2021 EXHIBITION
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER KORS, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER
GARNER, CARRIED 5-0, to:
1. Authorize the temporary placement of public art "The Wishing Well" by the artist Serge
Attukwei Clottey at Desert Highland Park as part of the Desert X Exhibition subject to
payment of any required City fees.
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute a License Agreement with Desert X and/or
Serge Attukwei Clottey, in a legal form acceptable by the City Attorney, for temporary
placement of public art "The Wishing Well" at Desert Highland Park. A8693
J. REQUEST BY TOWER ENERGY GROUP, FOR A RESOLUTION OF PUBLIC
CONVENIENCE OR NECESSITY (PCN) FOR A TYPE 21 (OFF-SALE GENERAL -
PACKAGE STORE) LICENSE IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE OPERATION OF A
GROCERY STORE AT 3299 NORTH INDIAN CANYON DRIVE, ZONE C-1
(CASE 5.1511 PCN)
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER KORS, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER
GARNER, CARRIED 4-1 (WITH COUNCILMEMBER GARNER VOTING NO), to
adopt Resolution No. 24859 entitled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, DETERMINING THAT PUBLIC
CONVENIENCE OR NECESSITY WOULD BE SERVED BY THE ISSUANCE OF
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL LICENSE TYPE 21 FOR TOWER MARKET
GROUP LOCATED AT 3299 NORTH INDIAN CANYON DRIVE WITHIN CENSUS
TRACT NUMBER 446.05."
City Council Minutes February 25, 2021
City of Palm Springs Page 8
K. APPROVAL OF PAYROLL WARRANTS, CLAIMS, AND DEMANDS
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER KORS, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER
GARNER, CARRIED 5-0, to adopt Resolution No. 24860 entitled, "A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA,
APPROVING PAYMENT OF PAYROLL WARRANTS/DISBURSEMENTS FOR THE
PERIOD ENDING 01-23-21 AND 02-06-21 TOTALING $3,181,263.78 AND
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE WARRANTS DATED 01-21-21 AND 02-04-21 TOTALING
$5,272,319.43, IN THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT OF $8,453,583.21, DRAWN ON
BANK OF AMERICA."
L. APPROVAL OF A REVISED AND RESTATED ANIMAL SHELTER SERVICES
AGREEMENT WITH FRIENDS OF THE PALM SPRINGS ANIMAL SHELTER
This item was excluded from the Consent Calendar. Please refer to Page 9 of these minutes
for a summary of that action.
M. ADDED URGENCY ITEM: AUTHORIZATION TO ISSUE A LETTER TO
GOVERNOR NEWSOM REGARDING THE LACK OF GUIDELINES FOR
CORPORATE MEETINGS AND EVENTS
This item was excluded from the Consent Calendar. Please refer to Page 9 of these minutes
for a summary of that action.
EXCLUDED CONSENT CALENDAR:
A. APPROVAL TO ENTER INTO SPONSORSHIP FUNDING AGREEMENT WITH
THE PALM SPRINGS ART MUSEUM
Councilmember Kors requested that the agreement be modified to reflect that the program
will commence once the Museum is permitted to reopen.
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER KORS, SECOND BY MAYOR PRO TEM
MIDDLETON, CARRIED 5-0, to:
1. Approve a sponsorship funding agreement in the amount of $50,000 with the Palm
Springs Art Museum, in a form acceptable to the City Attorney, as amended. A8690
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents.
City Council Minutes February 25, 2021
City of Palm Springs Page 9
C. RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT FOR SENATE BILL 314, THE BAR AND
RESTAURANT RECOVERY ACT
Councilmember Kors noted that SB 314 would allow temporary improvements to expand
outdoor space to be made permanent and would make it easier for bars and restaurants to
share serving space.
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER KORS, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER
WOODS, CARRIED 5-0, to adopt Resolution No. 24857 entitled, "A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA,
DECLARING ITS SUPPORT FOR SENATE BILL 314, THE BAR AND
RESTAURANT RECOVERY ACT."
L. APPROVAL OF A REVISED AND RESTATED ANIMAL SHELTER SERVICES
AGREEMENT WITH FRIENDS OF THE PALM SPRINGS ANIMAL SHELTER
Mayor Pro Tem Middleton voiced support for restoring funding for the Palm Springs
Animal Shelter.
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER KORS, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER
GARNER, CARRIED 5-0, to:
1. Approve the Revised and Restated Animal Shelter Services Agreement with Friends of
the Palm Springs Animal Shelter, a California non-profit corporation, with an initial
term through June 30, 2026, subject to a five-year extension through June 30, 2031.
A6292
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents.
M. ADDED URGENCY ITEM: AUTHORIZATION TO ISSUE A LETTER TO
GOVERNOR NEWSOM REGARDING THE LACK OF GUIDELINES FOR
CORPORATE MEETINGS AND EVENTS
Councilmember Kors spoke on the need for the Governor to work with the tourism industry
to set guidelines for corporate meetings and events.
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER KORS, SECOND BY MAYOR HOLSTEGE,
CARRIED 5-0, to authorize the issuance of a letter to Governor Newsome regarding the
lack of guidelines for corporate meetings and events.
City Council Minutes February 25, 2021
City of Palm Springs Page 10
2. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
A. AN APPLICATION BY STEPHEN ROSE, OWNER, FOR HISTORIC
DESIGNATION OF ''THE SUTTER RESIDENCE" LOCATED AT 1207 CALLE
DE MARIA, (APN #508-403-002), CASE HSPB #133
Development Services Director Fagg narrated a PowerPoint presentation. In response to
City Council inquiry, Director Fagg advised that if the applicant restores the screen wall
he may reapply for Class 1 Historic Designation.
Mayor Holstege opened the Public Hearing.
Steve Vaught, representing the Applicant, summarized the historic significance of the
subject property and urged the City Council to approve the designation.
Barbara Marshall, Palm Springs Preservation Foundation, spoke in support of the
application and urged City Council approval.
Stephen Rose, Applicant, thanked the City Council for its consideration and urged
approval.
There being no others desiring to speak, Mayor Holstege closed the Public Hearing.
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER KORS, SECOND BY MAYOR PRO TEM
MIDDLETON, CARRIED 5-0, to adopt Resolution No. 24861 entitled, "A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS,
CALIFORNIA, DESIGNATING ''THE SUTTER RESIDENCE" LOCATED AT 1207
CALLE DE MARIA AS CLASS 2 (HISTORIC MERIT) HISTORIC RESOURCE HSPB
#133, SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS (APN 508-403-002)."
3. LEGISLATIVE: None.
4. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None.
City Council Minutes February 25, 2021
City of Palm Springs Page 11
5. NEW BUSINESS:
A. ADMINISTRATIVE ANALYSIS AND CONFORMITY REPORT FOR A
PROPOSED 46-UNIT SINGLE-FAMILY DEVELOPMENT ON TRIBAL TRUST
LAND ON A 7.59-ACRE PARCEL AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF EAST
TAHQUITZ CANYON WAY AND SOUTH HERMOSA DRIVE, ZONE RA
(RESORT ATTRACTION), SECTION 14 SPECIFIC PLAN (CASE 5.1522)
Director of Development Services Fagg narrated a PowerPoint presentation and responded
to City Council inquiries.
During the course of discussion, the City Council conveyed support for the incorporation
of staff recommended conditions of approval.
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER GARNER, SECOND BY MAYOR PRO TEM
MIDDLETON, CARRIED 5-0, to adopt Resolution No. 24862 entitled, "A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS,
CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A CONFORMITY REPORT FOR A 46-UNIT SINGLE-
FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT ON TRIBAL TRUST LAND AT THE
SOUTHEAST CORNER OF EAST TAHQUITZ CANYON WAY AND SOUTH
HERMOSA DRIVE; DIRECTING STAFF TO TRANSMIT THE REPORT TO THE
TRIBAL COUNCIL OF THE AGUA CALIENTE BAND OF CAHUILLA INDIANS;
AND WAIVING THE JOINT MEETING BETWEEN THE CITY COUNCIL AND
TRIBAL COUNCIL (CASE 5.1522).”
B. DISCUSSION OF ESTABLISHING "HERO PAY" ORDINANCE FOR FRONT-
LINE GROCERY AND RETAIL PHARMACY EMPLOYEES
City Attorney Ballinger presented the staff report.
Councilmember Kors spoke about the risks taken by essential workers over the past year;
discussed the possibility of expanding the scope of the ordinance to include healthcare workers
and first responders; pointed out that the ordinance only applies to large employers;
recommended that the ordinance should take into account employers who voluntarily raised
their employees’ pay; suggested that the City consider the creation of a Hero Hazard Pay Fund
to help residents who work in other cities and not receiving hero pay in those jurisdictions.
Mayor Pro Tem Middleton voiced support for the proposed ordinance, noting that the City
should not be exempt from the ordinance.
Councilmember Garner pointed out that certain industries have enjoyed increased profits as a
result of COVID-19, yet employee wages remain stagnant.
Councilmember Woods requested that staff to evaluate potential consequences of the proposed
ordinance and report back to the City Council; suggested that the City Council consider
decreasing the threshold on the total number of employees before the ordinance applies.
City Council Minutes February 25, 2021
City of Palm Springs Page 12
Mayor Holstege recommended that the City Council focus on low-wage industries where
workers are at high-risk for COVID-19.
Councilmember Kors spoke on the need for more community outreach before the City Council
takes further action; agreed that the ordinance should also apply to City employees.
Mayor Pro Tem Middleton requested that staff provide additional information on the
profitability of grocery and pharmacy sectors of the market.
The City Council took no formal action on this matter.
C. PALM SPRINGS BUREAU OF TOURISM ASSESSMENT
City Manager Ready introduced Rob Hampton, Palm Springs Convention Center and
Bureau of Tourism, who presented a PowerPoint presentation and responded to City
Council inquiries.
Following discussion, the City Council expressed its support for moving forward with the
Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism Assessment.
D. AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Director of Community and Economic Development Virata narrated a PowerPoint
presentation. In response to City Council inquiries, Director Virata and Director Fagg
advised that the City has not met its Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA)
obligations, noting that one more affordable housing project would likely meet the current
requirements.
Councilmember Garner requested information about the current vacancy rate of properties
and the possibility of using vacant properties to meet RHNA obligations. City Attorney
Ballinger advised that some cities have considered enacting a vacancy tax and staff will
evaluate the feasibility and report back to the City Council.
Mayor Pro Tem Middleton reported on the historic rate of constructing new homes, noting
that the rate has significantly decreased over time; spoke on the need to make it easier for
builders to construct new homes; suggested that the City Council consider the use of
modular homes and other innovative housing options.
Councilmember Kors spoke on the need to educate the community about their ability to
construct accessory dwelling units and the need to construct more apartment buildings;
suggested that the City Council may need to review vacation rentals; stated that there is a
need for affordable family housing units and suggested that the City engage the school
district about potential solutions.
Councilmember Garner noted that millennials have higher debt than other generations and
have a need for moderate-income housing; agreed with the need to consider vacation
rentals and recommended meeting with housing developers to develop solutions; voiced
support for an inclusionary housing ordinance.
City Council Minutes February 25, 2021
City of Palm Springs Page 13
Mayor Holstege spoke on the need to consider amendments related to density and parking
requirements; suggested working collaboratively with non-profit organizations such as Lift
to Rise to find new solutions to the housing crisis.
The City Council took no formal action on this matter.
E. AUTHORIZE ISSUANCE OF LEASE REVENUE REFUNDING BONDS, 2021
SERIES A (DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION PROJECT) AND EXECUTION OF
RELATED DOCUMENTS
This item was removed from the agenda at the request of staff.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Dr. Christopher Itali Cardona, reported that several businesses do not provide reasonable
accommodations to the deaf community when requested; suggested that the City only issue permits
and business licenses to businesses committed to compliance with the ADA.
Lee Bartelmy, questioned when homeless individuals will be prioritized for COVID-19
vaccinations.
City Clerk Mejia read emails from Butch Vexler and Lennard Renteria, as an ADA
accommodation, which called for the City to provide ASL interpreters for City meetings and
events.
CITY COUNCIL AND CITY MANAGER REQUESTS AND UPCOMING AGENDA
DEVELOPMENT:
City Manager Ready discussed modifications to the City’s COVID-19 Emergency Orders, noting
that the order requiring restaurants to close by midnight will be rescinded.
Councilmember Garner noted that revisions to the City’s noise ordinance should be prioritized for
City Council consideration.
ADJOURNMENT:
The City Council adjourned at 10:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Anthony J. Mejia, MMC
City Clerk
APPROVED BY CITY COUNCIL: 04/08/2021