CITY COUNCIL
Revised Meeting Agenda

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City Hall Council Chamber
44950 Eldorado Drive, Indian Wells, CA 92210

 

Welcome to a meeting of the Indian Wells City Council.

 

 

Live Stream: Regular meetings held in the City Hall Council Chamber are streamed live. You can watch the meeting on any device or computer. Members of the public who wish to listen or watch the meeting may access the livestream during the regular meetings. LIVE STREAM CLICK HERE.

 

Public Comments: Members of the Public who wish to speak should fill out a blue slip and submit it to the City Clerk, comments are limited to 3 minutes. In accordance with State Law, remarks during public comment are to be limited to subjects within the City's jurisdiction. If you are unable to provide comments during meeting, written comments on agenda or non-agenda items or both, may be submitted at CityClerk@indianwells.com an hour prior to the start of the meeting.


Notification: If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable modification or accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) please contact the City Clerk at 760-346-2489, 48 hours prior to the meeting.

 

 

Please turn off all communication devices (phones) or put them on non-audible mode (vibrate) during Council proceedings. All documents for public review are available for public inspection at City Hall reception, 44-950 Eldorado Drive, Indian Wells during normal business hours. 

A.
CONVENE THE INDIAN WELLS CITY COUNCIL, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND ROLL CALL

 

MAYOR BRUCE WHITMAN
MAYOR PRO TEM DANA REED
COUNCIL MEMBER TOPER TAYLOR
COUNCIL MEMBER BRIAN PENNA
COUNCIL MEMBER GREG SANDERS

B.
APPROVAL OF THE FINAL AGENDA

 

C.
PROCLAMATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

 

D.
PUBLIC COMMENTS

 

Members of the Public who wish to speak on consent items OR items not listed on the agenda may do so at this time.  Public Comments are limited to 3 minutes. Speakers will be alerted when their time is up and are then to return to their seats and no further comments will be permitted.

Please note that while the City Council values your comments, the Council cannot respond nor take action on matters not listed on the agenda until the matter may appear on the forthcoming agenda.

E.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORTS

 

The City Manager or Department Heads may make brief announcements, informal comments, or brief the Council on items of interest.

F.
CITY ATTORNEY REPORTS AND COMMENTS

 

G.
CONSENT CALENDAR

 

All matters listed on the Consent Calendar are considered to be routine and will be approved by one motion.  Reading of text of Ordinances is waived and Ordinances are adopted as second reading, by title only.  There will be no separate discussion of these items unless members of the Council request specific items be removed from the Consent Calendar for separate discussion and action.

G.1
Annual Financial Report for the Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2024

This item has attachments. 
1.2025-01-30_Staff Report _Annual Financial Report.pdf
2.City Financial Statements FY 2023-24.pdf
  • RECOMMENDED ACTIONS:

    Council RECEIVES and FILES the City’s Annual Financial Report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024; and, 

    FINDS the project to be exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15060. 

G.2
Re-Adoption of the City’s Investment Policy

This item has attachments. 
1.2025-01-30_Staff Report_Investment Policy.pdf
2.Indian Wells Statement of Investment Policy.pdf
  • RECOMMENDED ACTIONS:

    Council RE-ADOPTS the City’s Investment Policy as presented; and


    FINDS the project to be exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15060.

G.3
Annual Review of FPPC Gift Restrictions, City Ticket Distribution Policy Reporting Requirement and Updates

This item has attachments. 
1.2025-01-30_Staff report _Ticket Policy.pdf
2.Resolution No. 2022-36.pdf
3.FPPC - Local Gift Fact Sheet.pdf
4.Legal Alert re Levine Act Updates.pdf
  • RECOMMENDED ACTIONS:

    Council RECEIVES and FILES information report; and


    FINDS the action exempt from CEQA review under CEQA Guidelines section 15061(b)(3).

G.4
Council Member Attendance at the 2025 Living Desert Event

This item has attachments. 
1.2025-01-30_Staff Report_Council Event Attendance.pdf
  • RECOMMENDED ACTIONS:

    Council APPROVES the attendance of Councilmember Sanders to attend the Living Desert Zoobilee Gala: Wild at Heart on February 22, 2025, as identified in the staff report; and

     

    FINDS the action exempt from CEQA review under CEQA Guidelines section 15061(b)(3).

G.5
City Treasurer’s Report for September 2024

This item has attachments. 
1.2025-01-30_Staff Report_Treasurers Report September.pdf
2.City Treasurer's Report.pdf
  • RECOMMENDED ACTIONS:

    Council RECEIVES and FILES the City Treasurer’s Report for September 2024; and


    FINDS the project to be exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15060. 

G.6
City Treasurer’s Report for October 2024

This item has attachments. 
1.2024-01-30_Staff Repoert_Treasurers October Report.pdf
2.City Treasurer's Report(1).pdf
  • RECOMMENDED ACTIONS:

    Council RECEIVES and FILES the City Treasurer’s Report for October 2024; and

    FINDS the project to be exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15060. 

G.7
City Treasurer’s Report for November 2024

This item has attachments. 
1.2024-01-30_Staff Report_Treasurers November Report.pdf
2.City Treasurer's Report(2).pdf
  • RECOMMENDED ACTIONS:

    Council RECEIVES and FILES the City Treasurer’s Report for November 2024; and

    FINDS the project to be exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15060. 

H.
PUBLIC HEARINGS

 

For each of the items listed under PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS, the public will be provided an opportunity to speak. After a staff report is provided, the Mayor will open the public hearing. At that time the applicant will be allowed five (5) minutes to make a presentation on the case. Members of the public will then be allowed three (3) minutes each to speak, unless there are a number of person’s wishing to speak and then the Mayor will allow only two (2) minutes, to accommodate for more persons.


The City Council may ask the speakers questions relative to the case and the testimony provided. The question period will not count against your time limit. After all persons have spoken, the applicant will be allowed three minutes to summarize or rebut any public testimony. The Mayor will then close the public hearing portion of the hearing and deliberate the matter.

H.1
Adoption of an Addendum to the Coachella Valley Association of Governments’ Transportation Uniform Mitigation Fee (TUMF) And Adopt the TUMF Inflation Adjustment and Revised Fee Schedule for Calendar Year 2025 

This item has attachments. 
1.2025-01-30_Staff Report_ Approving Nexus Study AddendumTUMF Fees.pdf
2.Resolution.pdf
  • RECOMMENDED ACTIONS:

    Council HOLDS a notice consolidated public hearing and receive public testimony; and


    ADOPTS Resolution approving an Addendum to the Coachella Valley Association of Governments Transportation Uniform Mitigation Fee (TUMF) 2018 Fee Schedule Update Nexus Report and Adopting the Coachella Valley Association of Governments Executive Committee’s TUMF inflation Adjustment and Revised Fee Schedule for Calendar Year 2025 Applicable to all Developments in the City of Indian Wells; and


    FINDS the project to be exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15060.

I.
GENERAL BUSINESS

 

The Mayor will call upon the members of the public to address the Council regarding the agenda item being considered. After the public has provided comment, the item is closed to further comment and brought to the Council for discussion and action.

I.1
Finance Committee Recommendation on Sponsorship for the Living Desert

This item has attachments. 
1.2025-01-30_Staff Report_Living Desert Funding Consideration.pdf
2.Indian Wells Proposal December 2024.pdf
3.IW Research Letter and Summary.pdf
4.Indian Wells Economic Driver.pdf
5.City Zoo Support - SD, LA, and SAC.pdf
6.Indian Wells Survey Monkey Responses.pdf
  • RECOMMENDED ACTIONS:

    Council REVIEWS and PROVIDES direction regarding the Finance Committee's recommendation for a funding request to the Living Desert Zoo in the amount of $2,000,000, to be disbursed in two equal annual payments; and 


    RECOMMENDS   the Finance Committee evaluate and propose revisions to the City's Extraordinary Policy in light of this funding process; and


    FINDS     the project to be exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15060. 

I.2
Review Design Recommendations for the Completion of Safer Streets Along Fairway and Eldorado Drive (Phase I)

This item has attachments. 
1.2025-01-30_Staff Report_Safer Streets Phase I.pdf
2.Exhibit 1 Fairway Rendering.pdf
3.Exhibit 2 Eldorado Rendering.pdf
4.Exhibit 3 Survey Results Community Meeting 2.pdf
  • RECOMMENDED ACTIONS:

    Council EVALUATES and ADOPTS the recommended improvements for Fairway Drive and Eldorado Drive recommended by the Planning Commission; and


    FINDS the project to be exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21080.17.

I.3
City Monument at Indian Wells Lane

This item has attachments. 
1.2025-01-30_Staff Report_IW Lane Monument Staff Report.Final.pdf
2.Attachment 1 Fire Exhibit.pdf
3.Attachment 2 Water Exhibit.pdf
4.Attachment 3 Bronze Exhibit.pdf
  • RECOMMENDED ACTIONS:

    Council APPROVES the conceptual design of the permanent City monument located on Indian Wells Lane at Highway 111; and


    APPROVES a preliminary project budget of $250,000 funded through the Arts in Public Places account; and


    FINDS the project to be categorically exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as not a project pursuant to Section 15378.

I.4
Approval to Call a Fire Access Maintenance District (FAMD) Special Election to be held on May 6, 2025

This item has attachments. 
1.2025-01-30_Staff Report_FAMD Call for Special Election.pdf
2.Resolution(1).pdf
  • RECOMMENDED ACTIONS:

    Council APPROVES Fire Access Maintenance District No. 1 (FAMD) request calling for a Special Election to be held on May 6, 2025, for all registered voters in the FAMD; and


    FINDS the project to be exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15060. 

I.5
Indian Wells Preservation Foundation Partnership Funding Request

This item has attachments. 
1.2025-01-30_Staff Report_IWPF Partnership Request.pdf
2.IWPF Partnership Events.pdf
  • RECOMMENDED ACTIONS:

    Council REVIEWS and CONSIDERS the Finance Committee recommendation to support the Indian Wells Preservation Foundation partnership request; and


    APPROVES supplemental appropriation of $6,000 for Fiscal Year 2024-25 and thereafter every Fiscal Year $11,000; and 


    FINDS the action exempt from California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review under CEQA guidelines section 15061(b)(3).

I.6
Sponsorship for City of Indian Wells as a Host City Sponsor for Epson Tour Championship 2025 and 2026

This item has attachments. 
1.2025-01-30_Staff Report_ Epson Tour Championship Sponsorship.pdf
2.Sponsorship Proposal.pdf
  • RECOMMENDED ACTIONS:

    Council REVIEWS and PROVIDES direction on the Finance Committee’s recommendation to continue serving as the Host City Partner for Epson Tour Championship for 2025 & 2026; and 


    FINDS     the project to be exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15060. 

I.7
Tennis Garden Sustainability Sponsorship Request

This item has attachments. 
1.2025-01-30-_Staff Report_Tennis Garden Sustainability Sponsorship Request.pdf
2.Tennis Garden Sustainability Sponsorship.pdf
  • RECOMMENDED ACTIONS:

    Council REVIEWS and PROVIDES direction on the Finance Committee’s recommended denial of the Tennis Garden Sustainability Sponsorship Request; and


    FINDS     the project to be exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15060. 

I.8
Indian Wells Support to those Impacted by Los Angeles County Wildfires

This item has attachments. 
1.2025-01-30_Staff Report_LA County Fire Assistance.pdf
  • RECOMMENDED ACTIONS:

    Council DISCUSSES and PROVIDES direction on opportunities to assist those impacted by the Los Angeles County Wildfires; and


    FINDS     the project to be exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15060. 

J.
COUNCIL MEMBER'S REPORTS AND COMMENTS

 

On their own initiative, Council Members may make a brief
announcement or a brief report on their own activities. Council Members may ask a question for clarification, make a referral to staff, or take action to have staff place a matter of business on a future agenda. The Council may take action on items listed on the Agenda.

J.1
COUNCIL MEMBER SANDERS

 

Coachella Valley Animal Campus
Cove Communities Service Commission
Desert Sands Unified School District
Desert Recreation District 
Indian Wells Marketing Committee
Indian Wells Finance & Legal Oversight Committee
Indian Wells Public Safety Committee

J.2
COUNCIL MEMBER PENNA

 

Coachella Valley Mountain Conservancy
Indian Wells Preservation Foundation
Visit Greater Palm Springs
Indian Wells Community Activities Committee
Indian Wells Grants In Aid Committee
Indian Wells Public Safety Committee

J.3
COUNCIL MEMBER TAYLOR

 

Riverside County Transportation Commission
CVAG Homelessness Committee
CVAG Public Safety Committee
CVAG Transportation Committee
Indian Wells Golf Resort Advisory Committee

J.4
MAYOR PRO TEM REED

 

Southern California Association of Governments
CVAG Conservation Commission
CVAG Energy & Sustainability Committee
Desert Recreation District 
Indian Wells Marketing Committee
Indian Wells Finance & Legal Oversight Committee
Indian Wells Personnel Committee
Indian Wells Tee Committee

J.5
MAYOR WHITMAN

 

Cove Communities Services Commission
Council Ad Hoc Governance Committee
Council Ad Hoc Measure J Committee
CVAG Executive Committee
Desert Sand Unified School District
Indian Wells Finance & Legal Services Oversight Committee
Indian Wells Personnel Committee
Indian Wells Public Safety Committee
Indian Wells Tee Committee
Visit Greater Palm Springs

K.
CLOSED SESSION

 

Once the closed session has ended, the City Attorney or presiding officer will make any announcement required by the Brown Act relative to reportable actions taken during the closed session.

K.1
Conference with Legal Counsel Regarding Anticipated Litigation-Significant Exposure to Litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2) (One or More (1) potential cases).

 

K.2
Conference with City’s Real Property Negotiator Pursuant to Government Code 54956.8. Real Property: APN 633-150-071. Negotiating Parties:

 

On Behalf of the City of Indian Wells: Christopher Freeland, City Manager. Other Negotiating Parties: BBC Esmeralda, LLC an Illinois Liability Company. Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment.

K.3
Conference with Legal Counsel Regarding Existing Litigation, Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1):

 

Matthew Parson, et al vs., City of Indian Wells et al., Riverside County Superior Court, Case No. RIC 1811999 City of Indian Wells v. Parsons, Riverside County Superior Court, Case No. PSC 2002870/App. Ct. No. APP1900132.

K.4
Conference with Legal Counsel Regarding Existing Litigation, Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1):

 

City of Indian Wells, et al vs., Lissoy et al., Riverside County Superior Court (CVPS2204658).

K.5
Conference with City's Real Property Negotiator Pursuant to Government Code 54956.8. Real Property: APN 633-350-015. Negotiating Parties:

 

On Behalf of the City of Indian Wells: Christopher Freeland, City Manager. Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment.

L.
ADJOURNMENT

 

To a regularly scheduled meeting of the City Council to be held at 1:30 p.m. on February 13, 2025 in the City Hall Council Chamber.


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 

Affidavit of Posting,

I, Angelica Avila, certify that on January 24, 2025,  I caused to be posted a notice of a City Council Meeting to be held on January 30, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. in the City Hall Council Chamber.


Notices were posted at Indian Wells Civic Center and City's Website [www.cityofindianwells.org]

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