HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-06-11 Regular Meeting Minutes - Signed
City of Palm Springs Page 1
Wednesday, June 11, 2025
Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the City Council
of the City of Palm Springs
CALL TO ORDER:
A Regular Meeting of the Palm Springs City Council was called to order by Mayor deHarte on
Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at 6:01 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor deHarte led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL:
Present: Councilmembers Jeffrey Bernstein, Grace Elena Garner, and David Ready;
Mayor Pro Tem Naomi Soto; and Mayor Ron deHarte.
Absent: None.
City Staff Present: Scott Stiles, City Manager; Teresa Gallavan, Assistant City Manager; Flinn Fagg,
Deputy City Manager; Jeremy Hammond, Deputy City Manager; Jeff Ballinger, City
Attorney; Andrew Mills, Chief of Police; and Brenda Pree, City Clerk were present
at Roll Call. Other staff members presented reports or responded to questions as
indicated in the minutes.
PRESENTATIONS: None.
PROCLAMATIONS:
Mayor deHarte announced the issuance of the following proclamations:
• The mayor recognized June 3, 2025, for the 50th Anniversary of El Mirasol Villas, a historic gay
resort in the Warm Sands neighborhood. El Mirasol Villas has provided a welcoming, private, and
social community for guests all around the world, fostering a sense of belonging, pride, and
connection.
• The mayor proclaimed National HIV Long-Term Survivors Awareness Day on June 5, 2025. This
day honors individuals who have lived with HIV for an extended period, recognizing their
resilience, contributions, and ongoing challenges. It also raises awareness about HIV, the
importance of long-term care, and the progress that has been made in HIV treatment and
prevention.
• The mayor recognized “Pollinator Week”, from June 16 to June 22, as an annual event that helps
raise awareness about the importance of pollinators and the roles they play in our ecosystems,
economies, and agriculture, as well as the steps that can be taken to protect them.
City Council Minutes June 11, 2025
City of Palm Springs Page 2
ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGENDA:
MOTION BY MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER GARNER, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER
BERNSTEIN, CARRIED 5-0, to accept the agenda with the removal of Consent Calendar Item No. 1H
for separate discussion and the continuation of Item 1.K to a date uncertain.
REPORT OF CLOSED SESSION:
The Closed Session of the City Council of June 11, 2025, was called to order by Mayor deHarte
at 4:30 p.m.
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER READY, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER BERNSTEIN
CARRIED 5-0 to add the following late breaking item to the closed session agenda.
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL — SIGNIFICANT EXPOSURE TO LITIGATION Gov.
Code § 54956.9(d)(2)
One (1) matter
The meeting convened into Closed Session to discuss the following items as listed on the Closed Session
Meeting Agenda, with no reportable action:
CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS G.C § 54957.6
City Negotiators:
Employee Organization:
Scott Stiles, City Manager
Stephanie George, Human Resources Director
Peter Brown Legal Counsel
Palm Springs Police Officers Association (PSPOA)
Palm Springs Police Management Association (PSPMA)
PUBLIC TESTIMONY:
Michael Joseph Pitkin, Tim Watts, Michael Shaw, and Robert Fontes provided oral testimony.
1. CONSENT CALENDAR:
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER READY, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER BERNSTEIN,
CARRIED 5-0, to approve the Consent Calendar with the removal of Item No. 1H for separate
discussion; Item No. 1.K was continued to a date uncertain.
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER READY, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER
BERNSTEIN, CARRIED 5-0, APPROVE THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF
MAY 21, 2025, MAY 22, 2025, AND MAY 28, 2025.
City Council Minutes June 11, 2025
City of Palm Springs Page 3
B. APPOINTMENTS TO VARIOUS BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER READY, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER
BERNSTEIN, CARRIED 5-0, TO
1. Appoint Stasik “Harrison” Winderbaum to the Administrative Appeals Board for a term
ending June 30, 2028.
2. Waive the requirements of the Palm Springs Municipal Code 2.06.010(c) and reappoint
Todd Burke to the Airport Commission for a term ending June 30, 2026. Reappoint
Samantha McDermott to the Airport Commission for a term ending June 30, 2028.
3. Appoint Gary Brackett to the Library Board for a term ending June 30, 2028.
4. Appoint Alexandra Phillips to the Parks and Recreation Commission for a term ending
June 30, 2028.
C. APPROVAL OF PAYROLL WARRANTS, CLAIMS AND DEMANDS
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER READY, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER
BERNSTEIN, CARRIED 5-0, TO ADOPT Resolution NO. 25315 "A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING
PAYMENT OF PAYROLL WARRANTS/DISBURSEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDING
05-10-25 TOTALING $2,620,083.33 AND ACCOUNTS PAYABLE WARRANTS DATED
05-08-25 TOTALING $8,243,498.52 IN THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT OF $10,863,581.85
DRAWN ON BANK OF AMERICA."
D. RESOLUTION OF INTENTION TO LEVY ASSESSMENTS WITHIN THE PALM
SPRINGS SMALL HOTEL TOURISM BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT AND
SETTING A TIME AND PLACE FOR THE PUBLIC HEARING; REVIEW AND
APPROVAL OF REPORT OF THE TOURISM BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT
DISTRICT (TBID) ADVISORY BOARD, FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER READY, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER
BERNSTEIN, CARRIED 5-0 TO
1. Review and approve Report of the Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID)
Advisory Board, Fiscal Year 2025-2026; and
2. Adopt a Resolution No. 25316, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, DECLARING ITS INTENTION TO
LEVY AND COLLECT ASSESSMENTS WITHIN THE PALM SPRINGS SMALL
HOTEL TOURISM BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT, AND SETTING A
TIME AND PLACE FOR PUBLIC HEARING.”
E. SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 2111 APPROVING THE
2025 FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONE MAP, AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 8.04
(FIRE CODE) OF THE PALM SPRINGS MUNICIPAL CODE, AND THE
AMENDMENT OF APPENDIX S – VEGETATION MANAGEMENT GUIDELINE’
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER READY, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER
BERNSTEIN, CARRIED 5-0 TO waive the second reading of text in its entirety, read by title
only, and adopt Ordinance NO. 2111 entitled, “ AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PALM
SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, DESIGNATING FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONES WITHIN
THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS BASED ON MAPS PROVIDED BY THE CALIFORNIA
City Council Minutes June 11, 2025
City of Palm Springs Page 4
DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY AND FIRE PROTECTION, AMENDING CHAPTER 8.04
OF THE PALM SPRINGS MUNICIPAL CODE, AND APPROVING AMENDMENTS TO
THE PALM SPRINGS FIRE DEPARTMENT VEGETATION MANAGEMENT
GUIDELINES."
F. SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 2112 APPROVING CASE
COZ-2024-0001, CHANGE OF ZONE, TO AMEND THE CURRENT ZONE
DESIGNATION OF ‘PROFESSIONAL’ (P) TO ‘SERVICE/MANUFACTURING’ (M-1)
FOR A PROPOSED NEW 2,895-SF BANK AND AN AUXILIARY DRIVE-THRU
FACILITY AT A 1.08-ACRE UNDEVELOPED SITE LOCATED AT THE SOUTHEAST
CORNER OF EAST RAMON ROAD AND SOUTH CALLE SANTA CRUZ, ZONE P,
SECTION 19
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER READY, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER
BERNSTEIN, CARRIED 5-0 to waive the second reading of text in its entirety, read by title
only, and adopt Ordinance NO. 2112 entitled, “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PALM
SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING CASE COZ-2024-0001, CHANGE OF ZONE, TO
AMEND THE CURRENT ZONE DESIGNATION OF ‘PROFESSIONAL’ (P) TO
‘SERVICE/MANUFACTURING’ (M-1) FOR A PROPOSED NEW 2,895-SF BANK AND AN
AUXILIARY DRIVE-THRU FACILITY AT A 1.08-ACRE UNDEVELOPED SITE
LOCATED AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF EAST RAMON ROAD AND SOUTH
CALLE SANTA CRUZ, ZONE P, SECTION 19.”
G. SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 2113 AMENDING PALM
SPRINGS MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 8.68, FLOOD DAMAGE PREVENTION,
MODIFYING FLOODPROOFING AND FREEBOARD REQUIREMENTS FOR
MECHANICAL AND UTILITY EQUIPMENT, AND FOR MANUFACTURED HOMES
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER READY, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER
BERNSTEIN, CARRIED 5-0 to waive the second reading of text in its entirety, read by title
only, and adopt Ordinance NO. 2113 entitled, “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING PALM SPRINGS
MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 8.68, FLOOD DAMAGE PREVENTION, MODIFYING
FLOODPROOFING AND FREEBOARD REQUIREMENTS FOR MECHANICAL AND
UTILITY EQUIPMENT, AND FOR MANUFACTURED HOMES”
H. APPROVE THREE-YEAR LEASE AGREEMENT NO. 25L155 WITH PACIFIC
CASTLE RIMROCK, LLC FOR TEMPORARY LIBRARY LOCATION FOR PALM
SPRINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY RENOVATION, PROJECT NO. 16-08
This item was removed from the consent calendar for consideration under the excluded consent
calendar.
City Council Minutes June 11, 2025
City of Palm Springs Page 5
I. APPROVAL OF PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, AND ESTIMATE (PS&E) AND
AUTHORIZATION TO BID STATE HIGHWAY MANHOLE REPAIRS, CITY
PROJECT 24-04
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER READY, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER
BERNSTEIN, CARRIED 5-0 TO
1. Approve the plans, specifications, and estimate and authorize Staff to advertise and
solicit bids for the State Highway Manhole Repairs, City Project 24-04, (“the Project”);
and;
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents.
J. APPROVAL OF A GRANT OF EASEMENT TO SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON
ACROSS CITY-OWNED REAL PROPERTY LOCATED AT 3400 EAST TAHQUITZ
CANYON WAY (APN:677-280-010, AIRPORT PROPERTY)
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER READY, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER
BERNSTEIN, CARRIED 5-0 TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A
GRANT OF EASEMENT (ATTACHMENT A) TO SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON TO
UNDERGROUND ELECTRICAL SUPPLY SYSTEM ACROSS A PORTION OF THE
PROPERTY IDENTIFIED BY ASSESSOR’S PARCEL NUMBER 677-280-010 WITHIN
AIRPORT PARKING LOT B.
K. AWARD OF A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT WITH SKANSKA USA BUILDING IN
THE AMOUNT OF $71,774,497 AND THE ACCEPTANCE OF THE FEDERAL
AVIATION ADMINISTRATION (FAA) AND TRANSPORTATION SECURITY
ADMINISTRATION (TSA) GRANT AWARDS FOR THE FUNDING OF THE
PROJECT FOR AIRPORT BAGGAGE HANDLING SYSTEM IN-LINE SCREENING
“THE PROJECT”, AIRPORT PROJECT PSP-04
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER GARNER, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER
BERNSTEIN, CARRIED 5-0 TO CONTINUE THIS ITEM TO A DATE UNCERTAIN.
L. ACCEPTANCE OF THE AIRPORT TAXIWAY REHABILITATION, CITY PROJECT 21-
27
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER READY, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER BERNSTEIN,
CARRIED 5-0 TO
1. Accept the public works improvement identified as the Airport Taxiway Rehabilitation, City
Project 21-27, as completed in accordance with the plans and specifications;
2. Authorize the City Engineer to execute and file for recordation with the Riverside
County Recorder a Notice of Completion for the Airport Taxiway Rehabilitation, City
Project 21-27; and
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents.
City Council Minutes June 11, 2025
City of Palm Springs Page 6
M. ACCEPTANCE OF THE HIGHWAY SAFETY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT (CYCLE
8), FEDERAL-AID PROJECT NO. HSIPL-5282 (047), CITY PROJECT NO. 16-18
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER READY, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER
BERNSTEIN, CARRIED 5-0 TO
1. Accept the public works improvement identified as the Highway Safety Improvement
Project (Cycle 8), City Project No. 16-18 (“Project”), as completed in accordance with
the plans and specifications; and
2. Authorize the City Engineer to execute and file for recordation with the Riverside
County Recorder a Notice of Completion for installation of the Highway Safety
Improvement Project (Cycle 8), City Project No. 16-18.
N. APPROVE NON-EXCLUSIVE OPERATING AND LEASE AGREEMENT NO.
25L118 WITH WORLDWIDE FLIGHT SERVICES, INC. FOR TERMINAL USE
SPACE AT PALM SPRINGS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER READY, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER
BERNSTEIN, CARRIED 5-0 TO
1. Approve the Airport Non-Exclusive Operating and Lease Agreement No. 25L118 with
Worldwide Flight Services, Inc. for the lease of 240 square feet of office space at
$133.04 per square foot per year, effective March 1, 2025 through February 28, 2026,
with two (2) one-year options to extend.
2. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all necessary documents.
O. APPROVE NON-EXCLUSIVE OPERATING AND LEASE AGREEMENT NO.
25L134 WITH UNITED SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS, INC. FOR HANGAR AND
OFFICE SPACE AT PALM SPRINGS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER READY, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER
BERNSTEIN, CARRIED 5-0 TO
1. Approve the Non-Exclusive Operating and Lease Agreement No. 25L134 with United
Service Organizations, Inc. for the lease of 4,000 square feet of hangar and office
space and eight (8) assigned parking spaces adjacent to the Palm Springs International
Airport, effective April 1, 2025 through March 31, 2026, with two (2) one-year options
to extend by the Lessee.
2. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all necessary documents.
P. APPROVE NON-EXCLUSIVE OPERATING AND LEASE AGREEMENT NO.
25L133 WITH WEST AVIATION SERVICES – SAN DIEGO, INC. DBA SIERRA
AVIATION GROUP FOR TERMINAL OFFICE SPACE AT THE PALM SPRINGS
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER READY, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER
BERNSTEIN, CARRIED 5-0 TO
1. Approve the Airport Non-Exclusive Operating and Lease Agreement No. 25L133
with West Aviation Services – San Diego, Inc. dba Sierra Aviation Group for the
lease of 345 square feet of office space at $133.04 per square foot per year, effective
March 1, 2025 through February 28, 2026, with two (2) one-year options to extend.
2. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all necessary documents.
City Council Minutes June 11, 2025
City of Palm Springs Page 7
Q. ADOPT A RESOLUTION IDENTIFYING THE PROJECTS TO BE FUNDED BY
SENATE BILL 1 (SB 1), THE ROAD REPAIR AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF
2017, FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-26
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER READY, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER
BERNSTEIN, CARRIED 5-0 TO ADOPT Resolution No. 25317, “A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING A LIST OF
PROJECTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 FUNDED BY SENATE BILL 1 (SB 1), THE ROAD
REPAIR AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2017.”
EXCLUDED CONSENT CALENDAR:
H. APPROVE THREE-YEAR LEASE AGREEMENT NO. 25L155 WITH PACIFIC
CASTLE RIMROCK, LLC FOR TEMPORARY LIBRARY LOCATION FOR PALM
SPRINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY RENOVATION, PROJECT NO. 16-08
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER BERNSTEIN, SECOND BY MAYOR PRO TEM
SOTO, CARRIED 5-0,
1. Approve Lease Agreement No. 25L155 with Pacific Castle Rimrock, LLC subject to
final City Manager and City Attorney approval as to form, for the lease of 6,001 square
feet storefront, effective July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2028, with two (2) consecutive
six-month options to extend by the Lessee in an amount not to exceed $514,166.00.
2. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all necessary documents.
2. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
A. AN APPLICATION BY JULI SAVITT-CAVNAR AND ADAM CAVNAR FOR HISTORIC
SITE DESIGNATION OF “THE RICHARD AND SIGNE HOLECHEK RESIDENCE”
LOCATED AT 2395 PEBBLE BEACH DRIVE (APN 681-242-008), CASE HSPB #163 (SY)
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER BERNSTEIN, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER GARNER,
CARRIED 5-0, to
1. Open the public hearing and receive public testimony.
2. Close the public hearing and adopt Resolution No. 25318, “A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, DESIGNATING
THE RICHARD AND SIGNE HOLECHEK RESIDENCE LOCATED AT 2395 PEBBLE
BEACH DRIVE, AS A CLASS 1 (LANDMARK) HISTORIC RESOURCE HSPB #163,
SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS (APN 681-242-008).”
3. BUSINESS & LEGISLATIVE:
A. GENERAL FUND, CAPITAL, AND AIRPORT DRAFT BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEARS
2025-26 AND 2026-27
Council discussed the item and provided direction to staff.
**The City Council recessed at 8:28 PM. The meeting reconvened at 8:39PM.**
City Council Minutes June 11, 2025
City of Palm Springs Page 8
B. INTRODUCE AND CONDUCT FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE ENTITLED,
“AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING
CHAPTER 5.92 OF THE PALM SPRINGS MUNICIPAL CODE, STRICTLY
REGULATING CO-OWNED HOUSING UNITS, AND DETERMINING SUCH ACTION
TO EXEMPT FROM FURTHER ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW PURSUANT TO THE
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT”
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER GARNER, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER
BERNSTEIN, CARRIED 5-0, TO Introduce and conduct a first reading by title only, of
Ordinance NO. 2114 entitled "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS,
CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 5.92 OF THE PALM SPRINGS MUNICIPAL
CODE, STRICTLY REGULATING CO-OWNED HOUSING UNITS, AND DETERMINING
SUCH ACTION TO BE EXEMPT FROM FURTHER ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
PURSUANT TO THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT."
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Michael Pitkin and Ronson Souza provided non-agenda oral testimony. Thomas Perry, Jane Dodd and
Brandon Georger registered but did not provide oral testimony.
CITY COUNCIL AND CITY MANAGER COMMENTS, REPORTS, & AGENDA
DEVELOPMENT:
City Manager Stiles and the City Council discussed the tentative upcoming meeting schedule and agenda
items. All City Councilmembers provided comment.
The City Council unanimously agreed to cancel the regular meeting of October 8, 2025, due to scheduling
conflicts resulting in a lack of a quorum.
ADJOURNMENT:
The City Council adjourned the regular meeting of Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at 10:48 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
_________________________
Brenda Pree, MMC, CERA
City Clerk
DRAFT MINUTES PRESENTED TO CITY COUNCIL: 6/25/2025