Mayor Weill
Mayor Pro Tem Malott
Council Member Downs
Council Member Fromberg Edelstein
Council Member O'Keefe
REGULAR MEETING OF THE RANCHO MIRAGE CITY COUNCIL
AND COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT, ENERGY AUTHORITY,
HOUSING AUTHORITY, JOINT POWERS FINANCE AUTHORITY, LIBRARY
AND OBSERVATORY, AND REDEVELOPMENT SUCCESSOR AGENCY BOARDS
69-825 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
Thursday, June 5, 2025, 1:00 PM
MINUTES
1. GENERAL
1.A. Call to Order
Mayor Weill called the meeting to order at 1:02 P.M.
1.B. Flag Salute
Council Member Fromberg Edelstein led the flag salute.
1.C. Roll Call: Downs, Fromberg Edelstein, O'Keefe, Mallotto, Weill
All members were present.
2. PRESENTATIONS
2.A. Introduction of New Rancho Mirage Elementary School Principal
Jessica Whiteman, Director of Elementary Curriculum & Instruction at Palm Springs Unified School District (PSUSD), introduced Dr. Ryan Saunders, New Rancho Mirage Elementary School Principal, who shared his enthusiasm for the opportunity and expressed excitement about his new role.
2.B. Proclamation Recognizing Dennis Constant, Former Community Parks and Trails Commissioner
Mayor Weill presented Dennis Constant, former Rancho Mirage Community Parks and Trails Commissioner, with a proclamation in recognition of his dedicated service on the commission.
3. COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS/REPORTS
The following individual provided public comments: Brad Anderson.
Council Member O'Keefe expressed thanks to Dennis Constant and spoke regarding pet adoption, summer programs for children, and Pride Month.
Council Member Downs spoke regarding additional costs associated with the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) Arts & Music Line. He also spoke regarding the non-compete clause in the Desert Healthcare District lease with Tenet.
Mayor Pro Tem Mallotto congratulated the Rancho Mirage Library & Observatory on a recent grant award. She also spoke regarding Dr. Adrian Graff-Radford, who recently passed away, and extended condolences to his family.
Mayor Weill read a brief letter from a resident complimenting City staff.
4. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS/REPORTS
None.
5. CONSENT CALENDAR (A-J)
Isaiah Hagerman, City Manager, presented the Consent Calendar items.
The following individual provided public comments: Brad Anderson.
MOVED/SECONDED BY O’KEEFE/DOWNS TO APPROVE THE CONSENT CALENDAR AS PRESENTED. MOTION CARRIED 5/0.
5.A. Waive Full Reading of Any Ordinance Introduced or Adopted Pursuant to this Agenda
5.B. May 8, 2025, Special City Council Meeting Minutes
— RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve the May 8, 2025, Special City Council Meeting Minutes as presented.
5.C. May 15, 2025, Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
— RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve the May 15, 2025, Regular City Council Meeting Minutes as presented.
5.D. May 15, 2025, Special City Council Meeting Minutes
— RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve the May 15, 2025, Special City Council Meeting Minutes as presented.
5.E. Zoning Text Amendment Case No. ZTA25-0001. Applicant: City of Rancho Mirage. Location: City-Wide
— RECOMMENDED ACTION: Adopt Ordinance No. 1223, 2nd Reading, Amending Chapter 2.68 (Special Elections) – Section 2.68.040 (City Parks Maintenance); Adding Chapter 5.45 (Shopping Cart Management) to Title 5 (Business Taxes, Licenses, and Regulations); Amending Chapter 8.25 (Landing Of Aircraft) – Section 8.25.020 (Landing of Aircraft); Amending Chapter 8.26 (City Parks and Recreation Facility Regulations) – Section 8.26.030 (Group Use of Parks); Amending Chapter 8.63 (Camping Regulations) – Section 8.63.060 (Enforcement); Amending Chapter 14.20 (Definitions) – Section 14.20.100 (Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Code Definitions); Amending Chapter 17.20 (General Property and Use Standards) – Section 17.20.140 (Screening and Buffering); Repealing and Replacing Chapter 17.32 (Wireless Communication Facilities); Amending Chapter 17.34 (Introduction) of Division IV (Permits and Review) – Section 17.34.010 (Introduction); and Amending Chapter 17.48 (Conditional Use Permits) – Section 17.48.045 (Minor Conditional Use Permits) of the Rancho Mirage Municipal Code.
5.F. Updated Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map
— RECOMMENDED ACTION: Adopt Ordinance No. 1224, 2nd Reading, Adopting the Fire Hazard Severity Zones as Recommended by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Pursuant to Government Code Section 51178.
5.G. Approval of Final Parcel Map No. 38899 (Courser Estates)
— RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve Final Parcel Map No. 38899, subject to final review and approval by the City Manager and City Attorney.
5.H. Proposition 4 Appropriations Limit for Fiscal Year 2025/2026
— RECOMMENDED ACTION: Adopt Resolution No. 2025-(Next-in-Order), Establishing the Appropriations Limit for Fiscal Year 2025/2026 in Accordance with the Provisions of Division 9 of Title 1 of the California Government Code.
5.I. Contracts
— RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve the terms of the contracts as presented and authorize the City Manager to execute the subject contracts.
5.J. Demands
— RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve the demands as presented.
6. PUBLIC HEARINGS
6.A. Annexation No. 197 to Community Facilities District No. 1 in Connection with Tentative Tract Map No. TTM 38222 (Bravo Dreams Lane)
— RECOMMENDED ACTION: Adopt Resolution No. 2025-(Next-in-Order), Calling an Election on Levying a Special Tax within the Area Proposed to be Annexed to Community Facilities District No. 1 (Annexation No. 197), Declaring the Election Results, Approving the Annexation of the Territory and Directing the Recordation of the Amendment of the Notice of Special Tax Lien, in Connection with Tentative Tract Map No. TTM 38222.
Jacob De La Cruz, Financial Analyst, presented the staff report.
No public testimony was provided.
Kristie Ramos, City Clerk, declared the election results as follows: the ballot for the 11 eligible votes was received on May 19, 2025, and was in favor; therefore, votes cast in favor equal 100% of total votes cast.
MOVED/SECONDED BY MALLOTTO/O’KEEFE TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2025-18, CALLING AN ELECTION ON LEVYING A SPECIAL TAX WITHIN THE AREA PROPOSED TO BE ANNEXED TO COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICT NO. 1 (ANNEXATION NO. 197), DECLARING THE ELECTION RESULTS, APPROVING THE ANNEXATION OF THE TERRITORY AND DIRECTING THE RECORDATION OF THE AMENDMENT OF THE NOTICE OF SPECIAL TAX LIEN, IN CONNECTION WITH TENTATIVE TRACT MAP NO. TTM 38222. MOTION CARRIED 5/0.
6.B. Annexation No. 198 to Community Facilities District No. 1 in Connection with Tentative Parcel Map No. TPM 38899 (Courser Estates)
— RECOMMENDED ACTION: Adopt Resolution No. 2025-(Next-in-Order) Calling an Election on Levying a Special Tax within the Area Proposed to be Annexed to Community Facilities District No. 1 (Annexation No. 198), Declaring the Election Results, Approving the Annexation of the Territory and Directing the Recordation of the Amendment of the Notice of Special Tax Lien, in Connection with Tentative Parcel Map No. TPM 38899.
Jacob De La Cruz, Financial Analyst, presented the staff repot.
No public testimony was provided.
Kristie Ramos, City Clerk, declared the election results as follows: the ballot for the 6 eligible votes was received on June 3, 2025, and was in favor; therefore, votes cast in favor equal 100% of total votes cast.
MOVED/SECONDED BY DOWNS/FROMBERG EDELSTEIN TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2025-19, CALLING AN ELECTION ON LEVYING A SPECIAL TAX WITHIN THE AREA PROPOSED TO BE ANNEXED TO COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICT NO. 1 (ANNEXATION NO. 198), DECLARING THE ELECTION RESULTS, APPROVING THE ANNEXATION OF THE TERRITORY AND DIRECTING THE RECORDATION OF THE AMENDMENT OF THE NOTICE OF SPECIAL TAX LIEN, IN CONNECTION WITH TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP NO. TPM 38899. MOTION CARRIED 5/0.
6.C. Consolidated Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance Assessment District No. 87-01 - Final Engineer’s Annual Levy Report and Levy of Assessments for Fiscal Year 2025/2026
— RECOMMENDED ACTION: 1) Adopt Resolution No. 2025-(Next-in-Order), Approving the Final Engineer’s Annual Levy Report for the Consolidated Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance Assessment District No. 87-01 for Fiscal Year 2025/2026; and 2) Adopt Resolution No. 2025-(Next-in-Order), Ordering the Levy and Collection of Annual Assessments for the Consolidated Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance Assessment District No. 87-01 for Fiscal Year 2025/2026.
Ian Lasley, Assistant Director of Public Works, presented the staff report.
No public testimony was provided.
MOVED/SECONDED BY FROMBERG EDELSTEIN/O’KEEFE TO: 1) ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2025-20, APPROVING THE FINAL ENGINEER’S ANNUAL LEVY REPORT FOR THE CONSOLIDATED LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 87-01 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025/2026; AND 2) ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2025-21, ORDERING THE LEVY AND COLLECTION OF ANNUAL ASSESSMENTS FOR THE CONSOLIDATED LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 87-01 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025/2026. MOTION CARRIED 5/0.
6.D. Assembly Bill 2561 Public Hearing on City Vacancies and Recruitment and Retention Efforts
— RECOMMEDED ACTION: Receive and file the AB 2561 staff report.
Kofi Antobam, Director of Administrative Services, presented the staff report.
No public testimony was provided.
MOVED/SECONDED BY DOWNS/O’KEEFE TO RECEIVE AND FILE THE AB 2561 STAFF REPORT. MOTION CARRIED 5/0.
7. ACTION CALENDAR
7.A. Annual Levy of Special Taxes and Assessments for Fire Protection and Prevention, and Community Facilities District Nos. 1 and 2
— RECOMMENDED ACTION: 1) Adopt Resolution No. 2025-(Next-in-Order), Ordering the Levy and Collection of the Fire Tax and Fire Excise Tax Pursuant to Ordinance No. 190 and Ordinance No. 475 for Fiscal Year 2025/2026; 2) Adopt Resolution No. 2025-(Next-in-Order), Establishing and Ordering the Levy and Collection of the Annual Special Tax Pursuant to Ordinance No. 485 for Community Facilities District No. 1 (Police and Fire Services) and Annexations thereto for Fiscal Year 2025/2026; and 3) Adopt Resolution No. 2025-(Next-in-Order), Establishing and Ordering the Levy and Collection of the Annual Special Tax Pursuant to Ordinance No. 767 for Community Facilities District No. 2 (Westin Vacation Club) and Annexations thereto for Fiscal Year 2025/2026.
Kofi Antobam, Director of Administrative Services, presented the staff report.
The following individual provided public comments: Brad Anderson.
MOVED/SECONDED BY FROMBERG EDELSTEIN/DOWNS TO: 1) ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2025-22, ORDERING THE LEVY AND COLLECTION OF THE FIRE TAX AND FIRE EXCISE TAX PURSUANT TO ORDINANCE NO. 190 AND ORDINANCE NO. 475 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025/2026; 2) ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2025-23, ESTABLISHING AND ORDERING THE LEVY AND COLLECTION OF THE ANNUAL SPECIAL TAX PURSUANT TO ORDINANCE NO. 485 FOR COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICT NO. 1 (POLICE AND FIRE SERVICES) AND ANNEXATIONS THERETO FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025/2026; AND 3) ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2025-24, ESTABLISHING AND ORDERING THE LEVY AND COLLECTION OF THE ANNUAL SPECIAL TAX PURSUANT TO ORDINANCE NO. 767 FOR COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICT NO. 2 (WESTIN VACATION CLUB) AND ANNEXATIONS THERETO FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025/2026. MOTION CARRIED 5/0.
7.B. Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Park Maintenance District Special Tax Levy
— RECOMMENDED ACTION: Adopt Resolution No. 2025-(Next-in-Order), Ordering the Levy and Collection of the Park Maintenance Special Tax Pursuant to Ordinance No. 685 for Fiscal Year 2025/2026.
Ian Lasley, Assistant Director of Public Works, presented the staff report.
MOVED/SECONDED BY O’KEEFE/FROMBERG EDELSTEIN TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2025-25, ORDERING THE LEVY AND COLLECTION OF THE PARK MAINTENANCE SPECIAL TAX PURSUANT TO ORDINANCE NO. 685 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025/2026. MOTION CARRIED 5/0.
7.C. Fiscal Year 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 Budget
— RECOMMENDED ACTION: Adopt Resolution No. 2025-(Next-in-Order), Approving the City’s Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Budget and Tentatively Approving the Fiscal Year 2026/2027 Budget; 2) Adopt Resolution No. 2025-LB-(Next-in-Order), Approving the Library and Observatory Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Budget and Tentatively Approving the Fiscal Year 2026/2027 Budget; 3) Adopt Resolution No. 2025-HA-(Next-in-Order), Approving the City of Rancho Mirage Housing Authority’s Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Budget and Tentatively Approving the Fiscal Year 2026/2027 Budget; 4) Adopt Resolution No. 2025-HA-(Next-in-Order), Approving a Schedule of Reimbursement for City Staff Time to be Paid to the City of Rancho Mirage for Fiscal Year 2025/2026 and Tentatively for Fiscal Year 2026/2027; 5) Adopt Resolution No. 2025-CSD-(Next-in-Order), Approving the Rancho Mirage Community Services District’s Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Budget and Tentatively Approving the Fiscal Year 2026/2027 Budget; and 6) Adopt Resolution No. 2025-(Next-in-Order), Approving a Reimbursement Schedule of City Staff Services Subject to Payment by Designated Special Funds for Fiscal Year 2025/2026 and Tentatively for Fiscal Year 2026/2027.
Kofi Antobam, Director of Administrative Services, introduced the item.
Joseph Carpenter, Assistant Director of Administrative Services, presented the staff report.
The following individual provided public comments: Brad Anderson.
A discussion ensued.
MOVED/SECONDED BY DOWNS/MALLOTTO TO: 1) ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2025-26, APPROVING THE CITY’S FISCAL YEAR 2025/2026 BUDGET AND TENTATIVELY APPROVING THE FISCAL YEAR 2026/2027 BUDGET; 2) ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2025-LB-01, APPROVING THE LIBRARY AND OBSERVATORY FISCAL YEAR 2025/2026 BUDGET AND TENTATIVELY APPROVING THE FISCAL YEAR 2026/2027 BUDGET; 3) ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2025-HA-01, APPROVING THE CITY OF RANCHO MIRAGE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S FISCAL YEAR 2025/2026 BUDGET AND TENTATIVELY APPROVING THE FISCAL YEAR 2026/2027 BUDGET; 4) ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2025-HA-02, APPROVING A SCHEDULE OF REIMBURSEMENT FOR CITY STAFF TIME TO BE PAID TO THE CITY OF RANCHO MIRAGE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025/2026 AND TENTATIVELY FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026/2027; 5) ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2025-CSD-01, APPROVING THE RANCHO MIRAGE COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT’S FISCAL YEAR 2025/2026 BUDGET AND TENTATIVELY APPROVING THE FISCAL YEAR 2026/2027 BUDGET; AND 6) ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2025-27, APPROVING A REIMBURSEMENT SCHEDULE OF CITY STAFF SERVICES SUBJECT TO PAYMENT BY DESIGNATED SPECIAL FUNDS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025/2026 AND TENTATIVELY FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026/2027. MOTION CARRIED 5/0.
7.D. Consideration of a $2 Million Grant to Eisenhower Health Foundation for a Workforce Development Program of a New Child Care Center
— RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve a grant of $2 million to the Eisenhower Health Foundation in support of the workforce development program of a new Child Care Center.
Isaiah Hagerman, City Manager, introduced the item.
Monica Vasquez, Eisenhower Health Foundation Director of Community Giving, presented a request for grant funding.
The following individuals provided public comments: Patrick Lowry, Brad Anderson, and James Graff-Radford.
A discussion ensued.
MOVED/SECONDED BY MALLOTTO/FROMBERG EDELSTEIN TO APPROVE A GRANT OF $2 MILLION TO THE EISENHOWER HEALTH FOUNDATION IN SUPPORT OF THE WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM OF A NEW CHILD CARE CENTER. MOTION CARRIED 5/0.
8. NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENTS
The following individuals provided non-agenda public comments: Patrick Lowry, Wally Melendez, Brad Anderson, and Susan Ragsdale.
9. CLOSED SESSION
9.A. Closed Session Agenda
— 1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54957. Public Employee: City Manager/Executive Director.
— 2. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR REGARDING UNREPRESENTED EMPLOYEE Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54957. City Representative: Colin D. Kirkpatrick, City Attorney. Unrepresented Employee: City Manager/Executive Director.
Colin Kirkpatrick, City Attorney, summarized the Closed Session Agenda, reporting that the City Council would meet in closed session to confer with legal counsel regarding one public employee performance evaluation item, pursuant to California Government Code Section 54957, related to the City Manager/Executive Director, and to confer with the labor negotiator regarding one unrepresented employee item, pursuant to California Government Code Section 54957, related to the City Manager/Executive Director.
The following individual provided public comments: Brad Anderson.
9.B. Recess to Closed Session
Mayor Weill recessed the meeting to Closed Session at 2:53 P.M.
9.C. Reconvene Open Session
Mayor Weill reconvened the meeting at 4:16 P.M., with all members present.
9.D. Closed Session Announcements
Colin Kirkpatrick, City Attorney, announced there was no reportable action taken during Closed Session.
10. ACTION CALENDAR CONTINUED
10.A. Consider Approving Any Proposed Revisions to City Manager/Executive Director Employment Agreement
Colin Kirkpatrick, City Attorney, reported that before the Council was a proposed amendment to the City Manager’s employment contract, which aligned his Health Savings Account and holiday schedule with the City Employee Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), increased his base salary by 5% to $357,000 annually, and raised his deferred compensation to the annual IRS maximum.
The following individual provided public comments: Brad Anderson.
MOVED/SECONDED BY MALLOTTO/WEILL TO AMEND THE CITY MANAGER’S EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT TO ALIGN HIS HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT AND HOLIDAY SCHEDULE WITH THE CITY EMPLOYEE MOU (MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING), INCREASE HIS BASE SALARY BY 5% TO $357,000 ANNUALLY, AND RAISE HIS DEFERRED COMPENSATION TO THE ANNUAL INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE (IRS) MAXIMUM. MOTION CARRIED 5/0.
11. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Weill announced that the meeting was being adjourned to June 18, 2025, at 1:00 P.M., in the Rancho Mirage City Council Chamber, as the June 19, 2025, Regular City Council Meeting would be canceled due to a City observed holiday. He added that the adjourned meeting on June 18, 2025, would serve as a Regular Meeting of the City Council, with the meeting agenda being released at least 72 hours prior to the meeting.
Mayor Weill adjourned the meeting at 4:21 P.M.
Date Approved by City Council: 06/18/2025