Council presses for clearer oversight, executive‑director role in Blue Zones partnership with IEHP

Council members used Sept. 10 discussion to press staff about a recently signed amendment to the city's participation in a Blue Zones initiative with Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP).

Council members said the version before them did not clearly preserve the council's influence over hiring of the project's executive director and did not contain firm limits on the staff resources the city might be expected to commit. Councilmember Reddy and others said they had sought language giving the city the right to approve the executive director rather than a weaker right to register objections; staff and City Attorney said that the sponsor group had followed its usual practice and that a final termination clause had been added allowing the city to terminate within 45 days of IEHP's selection of an executive director if the city objects.

Council asked for reporting that explicitly aligns Blue Zones projects with council goals; Teresa Galavan, assistant city manager, said staff would incorporate a requirement that operational reports show how projects align with city priorities. Councilmembers asked about the length of any license to use the Palm Springs brand; staff said they would review the original agreement and return with details.

Why it matters: several council members said the city needs clearer, enforceable language to ensure the partnership's local projects follow council priorities and to limit staff time devoted to the program. Council expressed willingness to continue working with IEHP and Blue Zones, but asked for stronger contractual protections or a return to council for amendments.

Ending: Staff suggested the item could be agendized for council action at a later meeting to pursue revisions if the council desired; Mayor Pro Tem So to and other council members signaled interest in returning the item for action rather than accepting the signed amendment unchanged.