Indian Wells public meetings in 2023
40 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Planning Commission Meeting
The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing regarding proposed changes to the City's landscape regulations. The commission is asked to adopt a resolution recommending that the City Council approve amendments to specific sections of the Municipal Code.
- Public hearing on amending Municipal Code Sections 21.60 and 21.90, and adding Section 21.60.085
- Resolution No. PC 2023-10 regarding landscape regulations
Council Budget Study Session and Successor Agency Meeting
The City Council and Successor Agency will meet to reorganize council leadership and review several administrative items. The agenda includes a public hearing on amending city landscape requirements in the zoning code. Members will also discuss a funding request for The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens.
- Public hearing on amending city landscape requirements in the zoning code
- Deed restriction for the Fairway Park project
- One-year agreement extension with De Novo Planning Group
- Variance for a 314 square foot garage at 45891 Club Drive
- Sponsorship approval for Desert International Horse Park
City Council Special Closed-Session
The council will review the City Attorney’s report regarding the rotation of the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem. This review is conducted under Municipal Code Section 2.08.160. The council is scheduled to receive and file the findings.
- Review of Mayoral and Mayor Pro Tem rotation under Municipal Code Section 2.08.160
City Council Special Closed-Session
The Indian Wells City Council will meet in a special closed session to discuss legal issues. The agenda includes conferences with legal counsel regarding potential and significant litigation exposure.
- Conference with legal counsel regarding initiation of litigation (one potential case)
- Conference with legal counsel regarding significant exposure to litigation (one potential case)
Planning Commission Meeting
The Planning Commission will consider a variance request for a garage extension at 45891 Club Drive. The project involves a 314 square foot extension that would encroach into the front yard setback. The commission is reviewing a resolution to recommend this variance to the City Council.
- Garage extension at 45891 Club Drive
- Front yard setback encroachment variance
Special Housing Authority
The Indian Wells Housing Authority is reviewing several funding requests and project updates. The agenda includes approving $250,000 for homelessness assistance and a $635,000 budget increase for capital improvements. The board will also consider a reimbursement agreement for channel lining work.
- $250,000 in homelessness assistance program funding recommendations
- $100,000 reimbursement agreement for channel lining work
- $635,000 supplemental appropriation for maintenance and capital projects
- Senior housing update from Abode Communities
City Council Meeting
The Indian Wells City Council will review several items including a $100,000 sponsorship for the Epson Tour Championship. The agenda also includes discussions on council policy regarding administrative non-participation and several routine consent calendar items.
- $100,000 level sponsorship for the 2024 Epson Tour Championship at Indian Wells Golf Resort
- $159,954 in Grants-in-Aid Committee funding recommendations for FY 2023-24
- Variance No. 2023-0003 for a 128 square foot golf cart garage addition at 77748 Cottonwood Cove
- Resolution supporting the Chuckwalla National Monument and Joshua Tree National Park expansion
- Amendment to the Community Assistance Funding Policy
City Council Special Closed-Session
The Indian Wells City Council met in a special closed session to discuss ongoing litigation and real property negotiations. The session included discussions regarding the price and terms for two specific land parcels.
- Legal conference regarding Matthew Parson, et al vs., City of Indian Wells et al.
- Real property negotiation for APN 633-150-077 with Pacific Silver Partners, LLC
- Real property negotiation for APN 633-150-071 with BBC Esmeralda, LLC
Planning Commission Meeting
The Indian Wells Planning Commission will hold public hearings on two items. The commission will consider amendments to the city's landscape ordinance and a variance for a golf cart garage addition at 77748 Cottonwood Cove.
- Resolution recommending amendments to the City’s landscape ordinance
- Variance request for a 128 square foot golf cart garage at 77748 Cottonwood Cove
City Council Meeting
The Council will consider funding for Whitewater River Channel and Fred Waring Drive cleanup following Tropical Storm Hillary. They will also discuss a proposal to transform the VUE Bar & Grill into a Richard Blais restaurant. Other items include employee salary updates and event sponsorships.
- $739,105 for Whitewater River Channel and Fred Waring Drive cleanup
- Proposal to re-imagine VUE Bar & Grill into a Richard Blais restaurant
- Three-year sponsorship agreement for Dr. George Charity Car Show
- Update to the FY 2023-24 employee salary range schedule
City Council Special Closed-Session
The Indian Wells City Council held a special closed session to discuss legal and property matters. The council met with legal counsel regarding one potential litigation case. They also met with a real property negotiator concerning APN 633-150-071 and BBC Esmeralda, LLC.
- Conference with legal counsel regarding one potential litigation case
- Real property negotiations for APN 633-150-071 involving BBC Esmeralda, LLC
City Council Special Closed-Session
The City Council will hold a closed session to discuss legal matters and real estate negotiations. Discussions include existing and anticipated litigation, as well as price and terms for two specific properties.
- Litigation: Matthew Parson, et al vs. City of Indian Wells et al (Case No. RIC 1811999)
- Real Property negotiation: APN 633-150-077 with Pacific Silver Partners, LLC
- Real Property negotiation: APN 633-150-071 with BBC Esmeralda, LLC
Special Planning Commission Meeting
The Planning Commission will hold a study session regarding draft landscape standards. The commission is tasked with discussing these drafts and providing direction to staff for consideration as revisions to the existing ordinance.
- 3rd discussion on potential revisions to the City's Landscape Ordinance
City Council Special Closed-Session
The City Council will meet in closed session to discuss ongoing lawsuits and real property negotiations. The meeting includes discussions regarding price and terms for two specific land parcels.
- Litigation: City of Indian Wells v. Lissoy et al.
- Property negotiation for APN 633-150-077 with Pacific Silver Partners, LLC
- Property negotiation for APN 633-150-071 with BBC Esmeralda, LLC
- Litigation: People of the State of California v. Ed Yawitz et al.
City Council Meeting
The City Council will consider establishing an electric vehicle charging fee and authorizing a golf course management agreement with Troon Golf. Other items include an amendment to the City Manager's employment agreement and a parcel map for Indian Wells Village Plaza.
- Establishment of an Electric Vehicle Charging Fee
- Golf Course Management Agreement with Troon Golf
- Fifth Amendment to City Manager Christopher Freeland's Employment Agreement
- Approval of Final Parcel Map No. 38283 at Indian Wells Village Plaza
- Adoption of the Multiple Employer OPEB/Pension 115 Trust
Special Planning Commission Meeting
The Planning Commission will hold a study session regarding potential changes to the city's landscape ordinance. The commission intends to discuss and provide direction to staff on draft landscape standards.
- Second discussion on potential revisions to the City's Landscape Ordinance
Special Planning Commission Meeting
The Planning Commission will hold a study session regarding the City's landscape standards. The commission is expected to discuss and provide direction to staff on potential revisions to these standards.
- Discussion on potential revisions to the City's Landscape Ordinance
City Council Special Closed-Session
The Indian Wells City Council met to ratify a local emergency declaration regarding Hurricane Hilary. The council also considered providing direction to staff concerning emergency measures.
- Ratification of Resolution No. 2023-32 declaring a local emergency related to Hurricane Hilary
Planning Commission Meeting
The Indian Wells Planning Commission will reorganize by appointing a new Chair and Vice Chair, then discuss logistics and scheduling for future study sessions on potential revisions to the city's landscape standards. No public hearings are scheduled. The meeting includes an update on city projects from the City Manager.
- Appointment of new Chair and Vice Chair
- Appointment of Design Review Committee Members
- Discussion on logistics for future landscape study sessions and meetings
- Update on City Projects by City Manager Christopher Freeland
Special Housing Authority
The Indian Wells Housing Authority will consider approving Abode Communities as the new property management company for Indian Wells Villas and Mountain View Villas. The recommended action is to authorize the Executive Director to execute a one-year agreement with an option to extend. This is the only substantive item on the agenda.
- Approval of Abode Communities as property manager for Indian Wells Villas and Mountain View Villas
- One-year agreement with ability to extend
- Staff report and draft management agreement attached
City Council Meeting
The City Council will hold public hearings on adopting a new user fee schedule, approving a major expansion at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens (new 8,050 sq ft Big Horn Café, patio, storage, splash pad), and adopting the 6th Cycle 2021-2029 Housing Element. They will also discuss funding for the Chamber of Commerce, Winterfest 2023, naming a future park at Eldorado and Fairway Drive, and approving the Golf Resort operating budget for FY 2023-24.
- Public hearing to adopt new and increased user fees for city services
- Public hearing to approve Modification No. 2 to Conditional Use Permit for Living Desert expansion (Big Horn Café, splash pad)
- Public hearing to adopt the 6th Cycle 2021-2029 Housing Element (General Plan Amendment)
- Discussion of Indian Wells Chamber of Commerce funding request for FY 2023-24
- Approval of Winterfest 2023 expenditures and naming of future park at Eldorado and Fairway Drive
City Council Special Closed-Session
This is a special closed-session meeting of the Indian Wells City Council. The council will evaluate the performance of the city manager and city attorney, discuss existing litigation, and negotiate property terms for two parcels with BBC Esmeralda, LLC. No public votes on these items are expected during the open portion of the meeting.
- Closed-session evaluation of City Manager Christopher Freeland
- Closed-session evaluation of City Attorney
- Conference with legal counsel on litigation: City of Indian Wells vs. Lissoy et al. (CVPS2204658)
- Real property negotiation for APN 633-150-071 with BBC Esmeralda, LLC
- Real property negotiation for APN 633-150-077 with BBC Esmeralda, LLC
Special Housing Authority
The Indian Wells Housing Authority is considering a supplemental appropriation to fund capital improvements and deferred maintenance. These funds are intended for projects at Indian Wells Villas and Mountain View Villas.
- $291,476 supplemental appropriation for deferred maintenance and capital improvements
- Maintenance and improvement projects at Indian Wells Villas
- Maintenance and improvement projects at Mountain View Villas
City Council Special Closed-Session
The City Council will meet in a closed session to discuss legal matters and real estate negotiations. Discussions include existing litigation, anticipated litigation, and price and terms for specific land parcels.
- Litigation discussion: City of Indian Wells, et al vs. Lissoy et al. (Riverside County Superior Court CVPS2204658)
- Real property negotiation: APN 633-150-071 with BBC Esmeralda, LLC
- Real property negotiation: APNs 633-310-021, 028, 035, 036, and 633-410-045, 051 with Brixton IW, LLC
- Discussion of anticipated litigation involving one or more potential cases
City Council Meeting
The Indian Wells City Council will consider adopting the city's appropriations limit for fiscal year 2023-24, updating employee salary schedules, and approving refuse collection rates for residential and commercial properties. The council will also discuss the fiscal year 2023-24 golf resort operating budget and capital improvement plan, and consider potential names for a new park at Eldorado and Fairway Drive.
- Adopt resolution establishing city's appropriations limit for FY 2023-24
- Approve annual levy of residential parcels for refuse collection and recycling services
- Discuss and approve golf resort operating budget and capital improvement plan for FY 2023-24
- Discuss naming of future park at northwest corner of Eldorado and Fairway Drive
- Annual appointments to commissions, committees, and boards
City Council Meeting
The City Council is meeting to discuss and potentially approve the biennial operating budget and five-year capital improvement plan. The body will also hold public hearings regarding annual levies for street lighting, landscape, and drainage districts.
- Approval of Fiscal Years 2023-25 Biennial Operating Budget and Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan
- Public hearing for Indian Wells Street Lighting District No. 2000-1 annual levy
- Public hearing for Landscape and Lighting District No. 91-1 annual levy
- Public hearing for Drainage Maintenance Benefit Assessment District No. 1 annual levy
- Authorization for City Manager to continue public safety speeding enforcement efforts
Planning Commission Meeting
The Indian Wells Planning Commission will consider adopting Resolution No. PC 2023-04, finding the Capital Improvement Program for fiscal years 2023/2024 through 2028/2029 conforms to the General Plan. The commission will also hold a study session on updating water-efficient landscape regulations to align with statewide water conservation initiatives, and provide direction to staff for potential amendments.
- Adopt Resolution No. PC 2023-04 for General Plan conformity of the Capital Improvement Program (FY 2023/24–2028/29)
- Study session on updating water-efficient landscape regulations to align with state water conservation initiatives
- No public hearing items on the agenda
- Approval of meeting minutes from March 30, 2023
City Council Special Closed-Session
This is a special closed-session meeting of the Indian Wells City Council. The council will discuss real estate negotiations for two properties and two potential litigation matters. No public decisions are scheduled; the agenda is limited to closed-session items and procedural actions.
- Closed-session real property negotiation for APN 633-150-077 and APN 633-150-071 with BBC Esmeralda, LLC on price and terms
- Closed-session discussion on anticipated litigation initiation (one or more potential cases)
- Closed-session discussion on significant exposure to litigation (one or more potential cases)
Planning Commission Meeting
The Indian Wells Planning Commission will hold public hearings on two items: a variance request for a 5-foot wall at 76470 Shoshone Drive and a modification to the Miramonte Resort and Spa's planned sign program. The commission will also approve minutes and take public comments. Both items include CEQA exemption findings.
- Variance No. 2023-01: 5-foot block wall encroaching into front and side-front setbacks at 76470 Shoshone Drive (APN 633-224-013)
- Resolution No. 2023-02 recommending City Council approve the wall variance
- Modification to Miramonte Resort and Spa Planned Sign Program (97-4) at 45000 Indian Wells Lane (APN 633-170-014)
- Resolution No. PC 2023-03 to adopt the sign program modification
- CEQA exemptions for both projects
City Council Special Closed-Session
The City Council is meeting to review and discuss the 2023 goals and objectives for the Indian Wells Golf Resort. The session includes a review of the resort's strategic asset plan and management agreements.
- Review of the IWGR Strategic Asset Plan
- Discussion of Troon Management Agreement and Amendments 1-5
- Review of Troon Restaurant Lease Agreement and True-Up Agreement
City Council Special Closed-Session
The City Council is holding a special closed-session meeting to discuss real property negotiations. The session focuses on the price and terms of payment for specific parcels of land.
- Closed session negotiation for real property APN 633-150-077 and APN 633-150-071 with BBC Esmeralda, LLC
City Council Meeting
The City Council will discuss the design and construction of a passive park at the corner of Eldorado and Fairway Drive. The body is also considering updates to municipal codes regarding RV parking and accessory dwelling units, as well as annual fire tax levies.
- Approval of passive park design and construction at Eldorado and Fairway Drive
- Ordinance amending Section 11.36.125 regarding RV-Parking Permits
- Ordinance amending Chapter 21.85 regarding Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units
- Annual levy of Special Fire Tax Standby and Availability Charges for Fiscal Year 2023-24
- Annual levy of Fire Access Maintenance District No. 1 for Fiscal Year 2023-24
City Council Special Closed-Session
The City Council is meeting in a special closed session to confer with legal counsel. The discussion focuses on the initiation of litigation and cases involving significant exposure to litigation.
- Conference with legal counsel regarding anticipated initiation of litigation (two or more potential cases)
- Conference with legal counsel regarding anticipated litigation with significant exposure (two or more potential cases)
Planning Commission Meeting
The Indian Wells Planning Commission will meet to review and make a recommendation on the final design for a passive park. The commission will also consider the approval of meeting minutes from December 2022 and January 2023.
- Design review for the passive park at the northwest corner of Eldorado Drive and Fairway Drive
City Council Special Closed-Session
This is a special closed-session meeting of the Indian Wells City Council. The only substantive item is a closed-session conference with legal counsel regarding existing litigation in the case City of Indian Wells, et al vs. Lissoy et al. in Riverside County Superior Court. The meeting is otherwise procedural, with no public decisions or discussions on other matters.
- Closed session: Conference with legal counsel on existing litigation (City of Indian Wells, et al vs. Lissoy et al., Riverside County Superior Court CVPS2204658)
City Council Meeting
The City Council will hold a public hearing to amend zoning codes regarding Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADU). The body will also discuss recreational vehicle parking permits and funding for the Turf Rebate Program.
- Proposed ordinance amending Chapter 21.85 of the Zoning Code for ADUs and JADUs
- Proposed ordinance amending Section 11.36.125 regarding RV parking permits
- Supplemental appropriation of $140,000 for grant writer services to Engineering Solutions Services
- Approval of $39,171 for water filtration and $19,037 for irrigation pump repairs at Indian Wells Golf Resort
- Approval of Final Parcel Map No. 38396 for Amethyst Drive
Housing Authority Meeting
The Indian Wells Housing Authority will vote on supplemental appropriations totaling $145,000 for legal services and a capital improvement project at Indian Wells Villas, including sidewalk and ADA ramp repairs. The board will also consider extending an exclusive negotiating agreement with Abode Communities for affordable housing development and authorizing negotiations for new property management services at two housing complexes.
- Supplemental appropriation of $80,000 for legal services and $65,000 for capital improvements at Indian Wells Villas (sidewalk, ADA ramp, landscaping, drainage repairs)
- Six-month extension of exclusive negotiating agreement with Abode Communities for affordable housing development
- Authorization to negotiate with Abode Communities for property management at Indian Wells Villas and Mountain View Villas, or issue an RFP
- Approval of action items from the 2023 Housing Authority Strategic Planning Session
- Quarterly Senior Housing Update report to be received and filed
City Council Meeting
The City Council and Housing Authority are holding a joint strategic planning session. No other specific agenda items or decisions were listed in the provided document.
- City Council and Housing Authority Joint Strategic Planning Session
Planning Commission Meeting
The Indian Wells Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on a resolution recommending that the City Council adopt an ordinance amending Chapter 21.85 of the Zoning Code regarding Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs). The Commission will also consider approving the November 16, 2022 meeting minutes and hear public comments on non-agenda items.
- Public hearing on Resolution PC 2023-01 recommending ADU/JADU zoning code amendments
- Proposed ordinance is statutorily exempt from CEQA under state ADU law
- Approval of November 16, 2022 Planning Commission meeting minutes
- Public comments on items not on the agenda
City Council Meeting
The Indian Wells City Council will discuss potential changes to the Recreational Vehicle permit process and review requests for proposals regarding City Attorney services. The agenda also includes an annual review of gift restrictions and campaign contribution reporting.
- Discussion on possible changes to the Recreational Vehicle Permit Process
- Discussion on Request for Proposals for City Attorney Services
- Discussion on Request for Proposals for Indian Wells Golf Resort Management Agreement legal services
- Annual review of FPPC gift restrictions and city ticket distribution policy
- Introduction of new Director of Indian Wells Tourism, Don Prince