[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6658281,"mediaKeyId","5023701-2bc53e46a4fd56267989faa9c7ea4bc5","parentId",5023701,"title","Council actions at a glance: fire hazard maps, solid‑waste rate, CIP, water authority items move forward","audioSeconds",4925,"startMs",6999000,"endMs",11924000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5023701-2bc53e46a4fd56267989faa9c7ea4bc5&start=6999&end=11924","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5023701-2bc53e46a4fd56267989faa9c7ea4bc5/thumbnail_6999000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6658281/Indio-City/Riverside-County/California/Council-actions-at-a-glance-fire-hazard-maps-solidwaste-rate-CIP-water-authority-items-move-forward","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6658281-8623f0e8fbd3f7027b7f489eabda9d22/orig.mp4?Expires=1771143276&Signature=hs~yZhuF9JU~AWz8ZGZPEPlg9kzh3DQ9MIcRTTkYDdyQyAFleBdhl2e3OS-bO3YIt9tdzoq4LRxngLqZNal58HmUi82CstHVckjQPKsS6BOG8PKLad2ST1A1DNGaXM-x-svIftS0yvi5tsMKiEdn5FcyZesJ1zt77MvbItYluHZoJXJVYg97Z3upKlflIBJKSGuGwi7DS4leu4Hx~GmFrrPzrrKs4CDP2j9u6FSNNvsebk41Ixav4i7FRDOHFAzoC8e04Zg0pash1Tm7IUjFSRNtiatk881tegUE-~YgHwAUde6LGSeIQ-3-TGCn9C9Q4lgZmXCXY3xaO1vB8aC3Gw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Indio, CA","date","2025-06-19T14:39:57Z","article","The Indio City Council took a series of formal votes on June 18, 2025. Key outcomes:

- Fire hazard severity zones (Ordinance item 9.1): The council introduced for first reading an ordinance adopting fire hazard severity zones as recommended by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal FIRE) pursuant to California Government Code section 51178. The measure was introduced and approved for first reading/title only by a 5-0 vote.

- Solid waste rate adjustment (Resolution 10499; public hearing item 10.1): After a noticed Proposition 218 public‑hearing process and receipt of seven written protests, the council determined a majority protest did not exist and adopted the rate adjustment. Staff reported the increase equates to a $1.41 per month rise for typical residential service; the resolution passed 5-0.

- Capital Improvement Program (Resolution 10495; public hearing item 10.2): The council adopted the FY2025–26 capital improvement program as required by Government Code section 66002, approving DIF‑funded and other capital projects including roadway widenings, storm drain improvements and park projects. The resolution passed 5-0.

- Indio Water Authority capital programs (Joint Resolution 10500; public hearing item 10.3): The council and Indio Water Authority approved a $14 million program of water authority capital projects for FY2025–26, including rate‑payer funded well rehabilitation and developer‑funded pipeline work; the joint resolution passed 5-0.

- Animal control and shelter services agreement (item 9.2): Council authorized the city manager to execute a revised agreement with Riverside County and directed staff to negotiate a one‑year initial term, require improved reporting and publish operational data; the motion passed 5-0 (see separate article for full discussion).

Votes and motions summary: Council votes were recorded during the meeting; several motions included minor staff corrections (for example one consent calendar item’s date was corrected before the vote). Where council members disclosed conflicts, the meeting record notes specific recusal or abstentions (for example, Mayor Pro Tem Holmes recused/had conflicts on items related to Terre Lago performance bonds and some downtown landscape districts and abstained from the downtown destination vote in the strategic plan).

Why it matters: These actions set policy and funding priorities for the coming fiscal year, including public safety planning (fire hazard mapping), municipal services pricing (solid waste rates), capital projects and water infrastructure.

Ending: Staff will implement the adopted resolutions, return with contract language and project details as directed, and report progress to the council as projects and contract actions move forward.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council / Indio Water Authority - 18 Jun 2025","oneSentenceSummary","At its June 18 meeting the Indio City Council introduced a fire hazard severity ordinance, approved a solid‑waste rate adjustment after hearing protests, adopted the annual capital improvement program and approved the Indio Water Authority capital plan; several other items were also approved on the consent calendar.","taxTitle","Indio City, Riverside County, California","taxId",3813,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6658286,"Council favors Miles Park for combined 9/11 and veterans memorial; directs joint commission design review",1076,4209000,5285000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5023701-2bc53e46a4fd56267989faa9c7ea4bc5&start=4209&end=5285","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5023701-2bc53e46a4fd56267989faa9c7ea4bc5/thumbnail_4209000.jpg","/articles/6658286/Indio-City/Riverside-County/California/Council-favors-Miles-Park-for-combined-911-and-veterans-memorial-directs-joint-commission-design-review","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6658286-7a3599acc5e7b22bab8c8ce9e7c9c45f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771143276&Signature=jS7vsJcmspEWwzzElcOOS7BNEn6nUDSaiKM9Qvp5szPB6wvUXxqHQvqd3sBeV-z-Rjns~oQgB1Uwzewsa18FHnnNtSYoxZlVCCA6BE8~5lW2lsyvTYDRSgNdZ1wNyGh84MpfsQXogkObg-KlTgYvqdEur-1~nrUF1OUVVfpPkZqogMN60mQW1F22zlQjYhlJmObDjBKLGqDS0l6Qs-duYpomuSNwmtYjZ4xaEgfzRwJOocLnkB3~nA2a1Y~~wZpeajgLo00IUhFDc3Z1rw2FSp2cUUDs6F-Hl50Iq3K3WnFE7Yo~wrARIXxyGohgAVgrJsgLZnJSH9QVztDQUxHxPQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Indio City Council members on June 18 discussed several potential sites for a long‑planned 9/11 memorial and a veterans memorial and coalesced around Miles Avenue Park as the preferred location, asking staff to develop siting and design options with local commissions.

City staff presented earlier design concepts showing a site originally planned at the Public Safety Campus corner of Dr. Carrion and Jackson; staff noted parking and visibility concerns at that original site. City Manager Brian Montgomery and other staff presented alternatives including locations on the Public Safety Campus, at Miles Avenue Park, at the sports complex and at other public lots downtown.

Council preference and why it matters: Council members said Miles Park offers space, proximity to the Indio History Museum and downtown, parking and pedestrian access that would make the memorial a visible downtown destination. Several council members expressed concern that the original Public Safety Campus location lacked sufficient parking and pedestrian sightlines for public reflection and events.

Council direction: Members directed staff to combine the two memorial concepts into a single location at Miles Park if practicable, to prepare conceptual renderings, and to convene a joint meeting of the Arts Commission and the Community Services Commission to develop design options for council review. Councilmembers also asked staff to consider lighting, tree preservation, parking and placement along the perimeter of the park for visibility. One councilmember suggested a location on the east side of Miles Park to maximize visibility from the street.

Public safety and access: Council emphasized the need for accessible parking, safe pedestrian approaches and a design that allows ceremonies and public gatherings without obstructing the park’s recreational uses. Staff noted that some portions of the park may require removal of a poorly pruned tree or landscaping changes to create a durable, low‑maintenance memorial area.

Next steps: Staff will return with renderings and options, and the council asked staff to coordinate input from the Arts Commission and the Community Services Commission in a joint meeting and then present preferred options for council confirmation.

Ending: Council members said pairing the 9/11 memorial with a veterans memorial at a visible location downtown could create a civic focal point and support downtown visitation and museum programming.","Council members favored siting a combined 9/11 and veterans memorial at Miles Park and instructed staff to work with the Arts Commission and Community Services Commission on design options and renderings for council review.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6658292,"Indio adopts 2025–2030 strategic plan, council approves downtown objectives after recusal",96,11227000,11323000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5023701-2bc53e46a4fd56267989faa9c7ea4bc5&start=11227&end=11323","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5023701-2bc53e46a4fd56267989faa9c7ea4bc5/thumbnail_11227000.jpg","/articles/6658292/Indio-City/Riverside-County/California/Indio-adopts-20252030-strategic-plan-council-approves-downtown-objectives-after-recusal","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6658292-a7814899327f40c7e1d9f850dacf44fb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771143276&Signature=f3yosK3pTE3o8lxe0H9j0k35Zy453hS-Ej7ZOduVBQ79NJF3LFaEpcJiaIUXyLmdsLqfEiHpCf8siQqGJKCFw1ndFZjnfx4AdeBPpUTKkFwnitmPhVUFJ7uWcTUgeoKC4aoj1yrsObKAf6sxMhgZZ2Em7-7AA4xAFUoOJwlr6RXACTyIoqKato2prBdBSnQVP9UBJnpTAcGHwWYJ17S0v97VqHZUuIntyAES-Wkle6oj7AWbzPsCkH5Y7k7TURQ6rlg~Aq-GACtETGFwVCFPejoush1j~2yu6xaUVX4xrJ-H---QKLyNUhaoXF3Nyu4Ki8jB5FjSzlFn6j3Bz0zPFQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Indio City Council adopted a new five‑year strategic plan on June 18, approving the city’s mission, vision, core values and a set of strategic focus areas intended to guide city policy through 2030.

City staff presented the final draft of the 2025–2030 Strategic Plan, which incorporates input gathered through public forums, stakeholder interviews, online surveys and outreach to local partners. Assistant City Manager Jonathan Nicks said about 800 people visited the plan website and the outreach generated more than 400 contributions. The plan groups priorities under six strategic focus areas: public safety; community well‑being; downtown destination; economic opportunity; organizational excellence; and public infrastructure.

The council first voted 5-0 to adopt the mission statement, vision, core values and five focus areas (public safety; community well‑being; economic opportunity; organizational excellence; and public infrastructure). That motion passed unanimously. The council then considered and approved the downtown destination focus area in a separate motion; Mayor Pro Tem Holmes did not vote on that portion and was recorded as abstaining after earlier disclosing potential conflicts tied to downtown and landscape districts. The council passed the downtown destination item with the remaining members voting in favor; the motion included direction to continue downtown activation, support retail and cultural programming, and coordinate design and placemaking elements.

Why it matters: The strategic plan sets formal citywide priorities for staff work plans, the capital improvement program and budget planning for the next five years. It also directs outreach, economic development and downtown activation work intended to support local businesses and visitors.

Plan highlights: The plan’s mission is “We provide outstanding public services to enhance the quality of life for residents, visitors and businesses in our community.” The vision statement frames Indio as “the vibrant heart of the desert where we take center stage and experience abundant opportunities to live our best life.” Specific objectives include enhancing public safety response, increasing access to community services, encouraging downtown activation and business retention, improving infrastructure and growing internal workforce development and training.

Public process and presentation: Nicks said the final draft reflects council direction from a May 21 review and incorporates edits suggested during public outreach. The consultant team that supported the plan (Barry Dunn & Associates) participated in the public workshops and prepared the stylized brochure staff showed council members. Nicks said staff will publish a digital brochure and a short, front‑and‑back summary for distribution to residents and partners.

Vote and next steps: The council adopted the plan and asked staff to finalize printed materials and the web presentation, expand outreach to underserved populations and align the plan with the city’s capital improvement and budget planning processes. Staff will use the plan to frame departmental work plans, performance measures and periodic progress reports to council.

Ending: Council members praised staff and the consultant team for the outreach and urged staff to make the plan accessible to residents via printed and online summaries that link objectives to planned projects and budgets.","The council unanimously adopted the citywide strategic plan, approving mission, vision, core values and five major focus areas; a second vote approved the downtown destination objectives after Mayor Pro Tem Holmes abstained from that portion.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6658297,"Indio council approves renewed animal services agreement with reporting and review requirements",3047,7898000,10945000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5023701-2bc53e46a4fd56267989faa9c7ea4bc5&start=7898&end=10945","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5023701-2bc53e46a4fd56267989faa9c7ea4bc5/thumbnail_7898000.jpg","/articles/6658297/Indio-City/Riverside-County/California/Indio-council-approves-renewed-animal-services-agreement-with-reporting-and-review-requirements","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6658297-890a8ab87023db6528180e095980e3a1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771143276&Signature=WgKIB4KFQdGHCI-oyUEG2kqD9~lzKmsyS7TTBEM6Jd-VakJ9E-OvwaLrkoUGkixl7ldMPo5l-TGXu~oRLjwOBNpJAyQ-hIssOyALQnd6qZ5R5P-~NfNqjV9K-op1Q1-SbgZINVTIwKOsLtyJ6pIU8BuAaaujVklV3hyb59HPAEtq5IlIzBfFaodcVoj9G-AZtdNVfv8dra6qRbHxTOC~2QatyS5oMkl~5A1FA5X9A8kY6GkRJsZ5PMfwy~vyFGIZZPAvsD9hqWFmP78dmjrvCkNYFnBmJE-emv3GC7Or0TdkEHRmATiHPb~N~itO7XUMclolDN8YDagc2UsA9q6Yhg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Indio City Council on June 18 approved a renewed agreement with Riverside County for animal control field and shelter services, while directing staff to secure more frequent performance reporting and a shorter review period.

The council voted 5-0 to authorize the city manager to execute the contract in a form approved by the city attorney and asked staff to return with more frequent performance data, a publicly available dashboard, and a plan for a one‑year evaluation of service levels and costs. Assistant City Manager Jonathan Nicks told the council the county’s proposal would phase in added shelter staff across the region and would raise Indio’s proportional share of that countywide increase; the city’s share of the proposed county shelter staffing increase was listed as $351,841 for the total program. Nicks said the combined current cost for Indio’s shelter and field services was roughly $1.2 million and would rise over the next three fiscal years under the county proposal to roughly $1.7 million by year three if fully implemented.

Why it matters: Indio is one of several Coachella Valley cities that contract with the county for animal care and sheltering. Council members and residents pressed county staff for evidence that contracted animal control officers are present in the city as billed, and for clearer monthly reports so council and the public can judge whether the increased cost yields measurable service improvements.

Council and staff exchange: Assistant City Manager Jonathan Nicks and Riverside County’s new director of animal care, Mary Martin, answered detailed questions about staffing, weekend coverage and the proposed three‑year cost schedule. Martin said the county would work to improve communication and reporting, and that her office plans a public dashboard and more regular meetings with contract cities: “We absolutely want to do better with our communication,” she said, adding that the county will provide more timely intake and response metrics.

Council members repeatedly requested proof of service levels in the city. Several council members and members of the public described occasions when animal calls appeared not to have been handled promptly; county staff responded that officers respond to calls and that some days they are responding continuously to high call volumes. Jonathan Nicks reported county data showing about 56 weekend responses per month on average for the service area, a figure he said the city requested to understand weekend coverage options.

Public commenters and nonprofits: Michael Phibbs Russell, a resident and member of the County Animal Campus Commission, urged clearer contract language about behavior and medical care and a uniform timeframe for initial animal assessments. Kim Hardy of Loving All Animals and other local nonprofit partners said she has seen improvements and urged patience, while also volunteering nonprofit support such as spay/neuter clinics and foster recruitment.

Council direction and oversight: The council authorized the city manager to finalize the agreement but asked staff to: (1) negotiate a one‑year initial term with options for extension rather than an automatic multiyear lock‑in; (2) require monthly or quarterly operational reports (intakes, holds, transfers, outcomes, and weekend responses) and a publicly accessible dashboard; (3) continue to press the county for evidence that three full‑time officers are serving Indio as contracted and to identify any mutual‑aid pulls that remove officers from city coverage; and (4) continue working with nonprofit partners to expand spay/neuter, foster and transfer capacity to lower shelter intake.

What the contract covers: The proposed county changes include adding staff to shelter adoption and foster teams (countywide cost about $4.5 million) and modest increases to field services. Nicks said the county proposed phased increases to Indio’s shelter share (from about $399,000 in FY24-25 to higher amounts over subsequent years) and a modest cost increase for animal control field coverage, depending on whether the city retains seven‑day coverage or moves to a five‑day schedule.

Next steps: Staff will return with contract language that reflects council direction, a timeline and a reporting schedule. The council asked that staff bring an update after about six months of the new agreement’s operation so members can assess whether the increased outlay delivers measurable improvements.

Ending: Council members emphasized both accountability and partnership. The vote authorizes the city manager to sign the agreement as revised, and council members said they expect the county to deliver clearer data so city officials can track outcomes and justify future budget decisions.","After hours of questions about staffing and performance, the City Council authorized the city manager to execute a revised three‑year agreement with Riverside County Animal Services, with direction to prioritize a one‑year review, regular performance reports and better data sharing.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council actions at a glance: fire hazard maps, solid‑waste rate, CIP, water authority items move forward

Council favors Miles Park for combined 9/11 and veterans memorial; directs joint commission design review

Indio adopts 2025–2030 strategic plan, council approves downtown objectives after recusal

Indio council approves renewed animal services agreement with reporting and review requirements