Volume 27 | June 2019

INDIO CITY COUNCIL

Mayor Lupe Ramos Amith Mayor Pro Tem Glenn Miller

Councilmembers Elaine Holmes - Waymond Fermon - Oscar Ortiz

CITY MANAGER'S MESSAGE

Dear Neighbors,   Judging by the temperature of my steering wheel, Summer has finally arrived in the Coachella Valley. I wonder how long I will recall that we had a lovely, temperate Spring?    Our activity level at City Hall changes during the Summer -- from the frenetic pace of Festival Season, followed by City Budget season. Activity changes, but things stay plenty busy! After the City Council approves our new Fiscal Year 2019/20 Budget on June 19, our staff will begin with the very big job of implementing what can only be described as another “BOLD!” City Council Work Plan. The City Council adopted this philosophy for how they want our community to respond to the many opportunities presented to us in today's economy. They directed that we be "BOLD!" in seeking out ways to enhance our community - investment, development, neighborhood enhancement, employment, housing, youth opportunity, etc. While the traffic on City streets slows down in June, our workload picks up. It is the best time, for instance, to implement the roughly $8 million in street repair or rehabilitation projects that the Council allocated funding for once again this year. City staff and construction contractors will be very visible on our streets performing a variety of street work – crack sealing, slurry sealing, asphalt overlay and, in some cases, reconstruction of the streets.    While road repairs have been the #1 request of residents in recent years, the Work Plan includes much more than that. Following is a summary of the projects included in the Work Plan for our just adopted City budget. I can assure you that this is a very sizable commitment by a City of our size and relatively modest resources. It is BOLD! And please keep in mind that 90% of what we do every day is not even included on this list – things like Police Patrol, Emergency Medical response, landscape maintenance, project planning and permitting, code enforcement, crime investigation, firefighting, building inspection, senior and teen center operations, etc.   2019/20 City of Indio Work Plan Complete ALL the FY19/20 components of the CIP. (This includes $40 million in projects under one bullet point!) Open up Avenue 44 with temporary repairs Complete adoption of the General Plan Adopt the Zoning Code Update following General Plan adoption Adopt the Downtown Specific Plan Establish a Special Events regulatory office and develop a Downtown activation/special events plan Establish a formal Development Review Committee process Help get COD construction underway (including lease of lay down space or parking) Take possession of the White’s Steel site and perform demolition Move forward on a development MOU for the Grand Marketplace (former Indio Fashion Mall) Complete review and adoption of Citywide Fees & Charges Complete and implement the Development Impact Fee study Complete a 10-year General Fund Financial Model to assist as a long-term financial planning tool Complete an update of the Indio Water Authority rate study Complete the Municipal Power service delivery options evaluation Work with Riverside County Transportation Commission to move forward the Temporary Train Platform project Move substantially down the path in implementing internal IT projects to improve financial management, public safety communications, and land/permit management Move substantially down the path toward construction of a new Police Dispatch Center Adopt the Public Safety “Campus” Plan (Jackson Street Police and Fire Station upgrades) Acquire a new Fire Ladder Truck (shared in cost with other agencies) Move substantially down the path toward implementing ERICA public safety communications upgrades Complete the grant applications for SB 68, Tiger Grant and other funding opportunities Complete an internal Classification & Compensation study Work with Desert Recreation District on the following: Support for the Pawley Pool project Review of funding alternatives Consideration of a Gymnastics Center on the old Ralph’s site Evaluation of contracting Park maintenance functions Implement new Community Development Block Grant projects Initiate an Arts & Culture Master Plan Initiate a Citywide Fiber Master Plan Initiate the Street Light/Telecommunications Master Plan Consider a new Sign Code/Property Management Code and enforcement plan Evaluate upgrades to the Code Enforcement/Neighborhood Relations program associated with Short Term Rentals Review Tamale Festival Contract Consider moving the BBQ Festival to the Indio Towne Center Fill 15 new positions – 5 Sworn Police, 2 Civilian Police, a Chief Building Official, 2 Public Works Maintenance staff, 2 Water Authority staff, 2 Administrative staff, Marketing Manager Bring forward an evaluation of our LLD’s and recommendations to improve the quality of landscaping (if possible) Bring forward an evaluation of the City’s Risk Fund position with recommendations as appropriate Continue to process private development applications, including: Indio Grand Marketplace The Palms Shopping Center Hampton Inn Maya Cinemas New Gym/Fitness Tenant Golden Corral Dutch Bros. Coffee Courthouse Grill Showcase Shopping Center Buzz Box Chipotle Others? Indio Towne Center/Red Mountain Group: Burlington Marshall’s Ulta Others? New Apartment Projects in the John Nobles Neighborhood Ring Power Corp. Industrial Offices College of the Desert Expansion JFK Hospital Expansion Acadia Behavioral Health Facility Several Gas Station/Convenience Store Projects Numerous Single-Family Residential Subdivision Projects   I would be happy to address any specific questions about any of the above. I thank the Mayor & City Council and the City staff for putting in weeks of work on this year’s Budget. We hope we are meeting community expectations and hopes, and always appreciate your feedback. The more we hear from our public, the better we can gauge your hopes and measure our performance.    July 1 is the start of a New Year for us at City Hall! In that spirit, let me say thank you to our public for all the support we have received this last year.    Sincerely,   Mark Scott City Manager mscott@indio.org

NEWS OF INDIO

Burlington and Marshalls Now Open The much anticipated opening of Marshalls and Burlington at the Indio Towne Center occurred on May 16 and May 30, 2019, respectively. Shoppers can now enjoy a wide selection of apparel, accessories, and unique merchandise at great prices. It was a little more than 24 months ago that Indio experienced the closures of Kmart, SuperTarget and Toys 'R' Us. All big boxes have now been filled - El Super moved into the Kmart space; Treasure Hunt, Tractor Supply Co. and Buzz Box moved into the SuperTarget building; and Burlington is now in the Toys 'R' Us location. Indio's growing population, strategic location, income levels, readily available workforce, and business-friendly environment has made it a premier destination for major chains and independent businesses. Many of the City's major anchor stores have renewed their leases, and new retailers and restaurants are coming so stay tuned for major announcements! Let's continue to support Indio businesses across the City and keep our tax dollars to reinvest back into our public safety, roads and parks!

Ring Power Company Coming to Indio  In May 2019, the City and Successor Agency successfully sold a 8.5-acre industrially-zoned site off of Golf Center Parkway and South of Avenue 45 to Ring Power Corporation, a Caterpillar Inc. franchise, to establish the West Coast Regional Headquarters of their CAT Entertainment Services Division serving the Southwestern United States. The site will also stage their power generation and temperature control equipment used for major entertainment events such as the Coachella and Stagecoach music festivals, Super Bowl, World Series, and Indian Wells Tennis Tournament. Ring Power has a smaller leased facility in Long Beach but needed to expand and chose Indio because of its strategic geographic location in proximity to Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas and Phoenix. This will result in 50 new jobs and further establish Indio's reputation as the center for manufacturing and industry in the Coachella Valley and Eastern Riverside County.

Downtown Indio Specific Plan Open Houses The public is encouraged to attend the open houses for the Indio Downtown Specific Plan on Thursday, June 13 and Tuesday, July 9, 2019, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the lobby of the College of the Desert's Indio Campus located at 45524 Oasis Street, Indio, CA 92201. The purpose of the Indio Downtown Specific Plan is to facilitate and encourage development and improvements that will help realize the community's vision of Downtown as the center for commerce, arts, education, culture, entertainment and creative enterprise. The vision also includes creating Downtown as a vibrant, mixed-use urban center that provides opportunities for living, working and playing in a pedestrian-oriented, integrated environment. We want to hear your ideas on how to revitalize Downtown and make it the premier destination for residents and visitors alike. For more information or to submit your comments, go to  www.Indio.org/downtown .

Indio City Council Recognizes FIND Food Bank On May 15, 2019, the Indio City Council recognized FIND Food Bank for their outstanding service to the community. Established in 1983, FIND, which stands for "Food In Need of Distribution," is the only regional food bank in Eastern Riverside and Southern San Bernardino counties. They are a direct contractor with the USDA and distribute more than 10 million pounds of food annually to an average of 85,000 individuals each month. They also work with more than 100 community-based partners such as senior centers, faith-based organizations, and homeless shelters. In the Coachella Valley, one in six people are food insecure and a $1 donation equates to 7 meals. They chose Indio as their headquarters because of its strategic geographic location and it is the most populous city in the Coachella Valley. Indio is proud to be home to some of the most highly regarded non-profit organizations in the region. FIND Food Bank has been a great partner to the Indio community. Congratulations and keep up the good work! For more information about FIND Food Bank, go to www.findfoodbank.org.

West Nile Virus Detected in Indio The first mosquitoes to test positive for the West Nile Virus for 2019 were detected in Indio in May in the area around Golf Center Parkway and Avenue 43. The Coachella Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District, headquartered in Indio, have performed larval and adult mosquito control activities along with ultra-low volume spraying to stop the spread of the virus. Mosquitoes acquire the virus from infected birds. Individuals who are at the greatest risk for infection, such as children, seniors, or those with lowered immune systems, may experience fevers, headaches and body aches. One can prevent mosquito bites by not going outside during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active, using mosquito repellent, wearing pants and long sleeve shirts, and repairing window and door screens. The public is urged to prevent mosquito breeding by eliminating standing water around the house. For more information, go to  http://www.cvmvcd.org/ .

Students Tour Indio Fire Station On the morning of May 10, 2019, 25 students from Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic School in Indio toured Fire Station 1 (also known as Fire Station 86) at 46990 Jackson Street and learned about fire safety and equipment. Firefighters shared their experiences on the job and answered insightful questions from the students. Twenty eight firefighters and a Battalion Chief are assigned to the station, which serves as the fire headquarters in Indio, and includes one fire engine, one ladder truck, and one paramedic ambulance. There are 55 full-time Cal Fire personnel in total that is contracted by the City through the County of Riverside. Thank you to the brave men and women who save lives and property every day! For more information, go to  www.indio.org/your_government/fire/default.htm .

Happy Birthday Indio!  On May 16, 2019, the City of Indio celebrated its 89th birthday. It is the birthplace of the Coachella Valley and was the first city incorporated in 1930. Indio began as a railroad town in 1876 as the natural midpoint between Los Angeles and Yuma, Arizona, where trains and workers could take a break and rest. Indio soon became the center for agriculture. After date palms were transplanted to Indio from Algeria in 1903, the date industry became an economic boon to the community and region. Today, Indio and the Coachella Valley produces all of the country's 41 million pounds of dates every year. In the middle of the 20th century, Indio was the "Hub of the Valley" and was the center for business, government, and entertainment with a population of 5,300. Indio's population grew to 50,000 in 2000 and is expected to reach 100,000 by 2020. Today, Indio is the fastest growing city in the Coachella Valley and Eastern Riverside County. It is the only city with two high schools and has the highest population of children and young adults in the Coachella Valley. It is a year-round community and most of the Coachella Valley's workforce reside in Indio and the East Valley. More than 2,500 residential units are planned or under construction, the most in the region. For more history about the City of Festivals, go to  www.indio.org/about/history.htm  or  www.cvhm.org/ .

Students Graduate from California Desert Trial Academy College of Law   On May 11, 2019, the California Desert Trial Academy (CDTA) College of Law celebrated its fourth graduating class of law school students - William Sanderson, Vincent Sbardella and Victor Landa Suarez. The ceremony took place at the Fantasy Springs Special Events Center with 100 attendees and featured Commencement Speaker Douglas P. Miller, Associate Justice of the 4th District Court of Appeal. William Sanderson worked at a civil litigation firm and intends to work in the Public Defenders’ Office to obtain valuable trial experience. Vincent Sbardella has been working with a civil litigation firm and plans to continue working in that field. Victor Landa Suarez worked in business management consulting and the Riverside County Law Library. All three students are preparing to take the California Bar Exam in July. Congratulations and good luck to our graduates! The CDTA College of Law is the only law school in Riverside County and is located at 45290 Fargo Street in Downtown Indio. It has state-of-the-art facilities and classrooms, and offers distance learning courses. For more information, go to www. cdtalaw.com/ . The CDTA College of Law, the California Superior Court's Larson Justice Center, Riverside County's Law Library and District Attorney's office, and numerous law firms along Highway 111 have made Downtown Indio the center for law and legal studies in the Coachella Valley.

Indio General Plan Open House a Success!  Thank you to all the community members who participated and made Indio's General Plan Open House a success on May 9, 2019. Approximately 50-75 people from a cross section of our community (youth, seniors, and families) gathered at Indio’s Emergency Operations Center to review and give feedback on each element of the General Plan - land use, transportation, housing, safety, conservation, open space, noise, public health, sustainability, and economic development. Thank you to all of our community and business partners for spreading the word, and special thanks to the Desert Recreation District for providing the children's activity table.  The General Plan is a state-mandated document that presents the City’s vision for its future physical development. It was last adopted in 1993 and the current update will plan for Indio’s future development to 2040. If you missed the Open House, you can view the General Plan at  www.indio2040.org  and submit your comments to to Leila Namvar, Senior Planner, at  lnamvar@indio.org .

Stay Cool Indio!  As we approach the hot summer months here in the desert, check out these summer safety tips to prevent heat-related illness:  - Drink plenty of water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine. - Wear a wide-brimmed hat, or use an umbrella for shade. - Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose clothing. - Slow down—rest in the shade or a cool place when possible. - Never leave a child, elderly, disabled person, or animal alone in a vehicle. - Keep shaded areas with fresh water for outdoor animals. - Check on friends and neighbors who are elderly, have medical conditions, or are at higher risk for problems when it is very hot. - When it is hotter than 90˚, visit a friend that has air conditioning in their home or a cool place like a mall, a library or one of the following cooling centers in Indio - Coachella Valley Rescue Mission, 84110 Manila St. (760) 851-2160; Indio Senior Center (Seniors Only), 45700 Aladdin St. (760) 391-4170; Martha's Village & Kitchen, 83791 Date Ave. (760) 347-4741.   For more information, go to  www.capriverside.org/ .

Be Aware of Fireworks Safety as July 4th Approaches As the 4th of July approaches, you may be preparing to set off fireworks with family and friends. While it is legal to possess and use fireworks in the City of Indio, parents and kids need to be aware of fireworks safety. Despite the dangers of fireworks, few people understand the associated risks – such as devastating burns, other injuries, fires, and even death. Neighborhood and backyard fireworks displays bring in some of the most serious injuries to the hospital. An average of 230 people per day come to the emergency room for firework-related injuries. If you plan to use fireworks this July 4th, please adhere to these guidelines: Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks. Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities. Parents don't realize that young children suffer injuries from sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees – hot enough to melt some metals. Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully. Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap. Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly. After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding it to prevent a trash fire.

Wedding Venues in the City of Indio If you or a loved one are saying “I do” and you want to keep the festivities local, look no further than the City of Indio for a diverse mix of wedding venues offering accommodations and cost options for every style and budget. To assist you in your search, the City has put together a list of the primary wedding venues located within this beautiful destination. Whether it’s your wedding, your future, or both – consider choosing Indio!  Click here for a list of wedding venues. Click here for a list of hotels.

Summer at the Indio Teen Center The Indio Teen Center is gearing up for summer with weekly trips scheduled throughout the summer. Tuesday College Trips and Beach Day Fridays will help our teens beat the heat. The Teen Center will be open Monday-Friday from 1:30 – 5:30 p.m. from June 13 th – August 16 th . As always, membership is FREE and open to all 8 th -12 th grade students, including incoming 8 th graders. Plus, we are continuing with our Intergenerational Summer Olympics on Wednesdays at 12 noon, where we team up an ITC member with an Indio Senior Center (ISC) member to compete in various ‘minute-to-win-it’ games for a chance to win some gift cards courtesy of a grant from the Staples Foundation. Finally, Indio Youth Advisory Council (YAC) is currently accepting applications for their 2019/2020 term. Founded in 1998, YAC is the voice of Indio youth and consists of high school students looking to increase participation in their local government and community; as well as develop their leadership skills. They attend Indio City Council Meetings and report on youth-related issues and projects. For the latest info on the ITC and YAC please follow them on Instagram and add us on Snapchat ‘indioteencenter". More info at www.indio.org/your_government/community_services/teen/default.htm .

The City of Indio is the largest and fastest growing city in the Coachella Valley with more than with more than 89,000 residents. Nearly 1.4 million people visit Indio every year to attend its world famous arts, food, and music festivals. With nationally recognized public safety services, exceptional schools, great parks and senior and teen centers, no wonder more than 2,700 new housing units are in construction or being planned throughout the city in addition to new hotels, restaurants and retailers. Indio was the first city incorporated in the Coachella Valley on May 16, 1930, and is governed by an elected City Council that employs a City Manager. The City of Indio embraces its diversity and provides outstanding municipal services to enhance the quality of life for its residents, visitors and business community.

City of Indio |100 Civic Center Drive | (760) 391-4000 information@indio.org | www.indio.org

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