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Desert Hot Springs council approves first readings, accepts fire station completion and clears $36.3M housing and transportation award
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Summary
The council unanimously approved several agenda items Jan. 20: first readings of ordinances (noise-control and city seal), accepted Fire Station 98 as complete (under budget), and authorized city staff to execute a $36.3 million AHSC award supporting Park Lane Homes and related transportation projects.
The Desert Hot Springs City Council on Jan. 20 approved multiple items intended to advance infrastructure, public-safety and housing projects.
Noise-control ordinance: Council members approved on first reading an amendment to chapter 8.12 that extends allowable hours for amplified sound from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. and clarifies exemptions for permitted special events. Staff said the change aligns the city with other Coachella Valley jurisdictions. The ordinance will return for a second reading and adoption on Feb. 3.
Fire Station 98: Staff recommended and the council accepted the notice of completion for Fire Station 98 (city project 8004). The original construction agreement with Oakview Constructors Inc. was $8,052,000; with a 10% contingency the total budget was $8,857,200. Final change orders totaled about $372,506; staff reported the project finished $432,694 under budget. Council authorized final payment and directed staff to file the notice of completion.
City seal and insignia: Council approved a first reading to amend chapter 1.1 of the municipal code to add logos for animal care and control and to prohibit unauthorized use of official seals. That ordinance also returns Feb. 3 for a second reading and adoption.
Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities award (Park Lane Homes): The council authorized the city manager to execute award documents related to an AHSC award the city received Dec. 10, 2025, for a joint application with developer Abode Communities. Staff said the total award is $36,301,486 and breaks down roughly as follows: about $24,600,000 in low-interest loans for phase 1 of Park Lane Homes (87 units); about $11,200,000 in grants to support sustainable-transportation infrastructure (downtown Pearson Boulevard complete-street work, a SunLine transit station, bike lanes, and a micro-transit service); and approximately $8,000 for resident support services. Abode will continue seeking additional housing funding and plans to apply for tax credits on Feb. 3.
Compensation ordinance: Council approved a first reading to increase base salaries for the mayor and council members so that total monthly compensation aligns with the Coachella Valley average; the item will return Feb. 3 for a second reading and adoption.
All motions noted in these items passed unanimously. Several items were identified as first readings and will return for final action on Feb. 3.
