Indian Wells public meetings in 2025
35 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Special Planning Commission Meeting
The Indian Wells Planning Commission will hold a special meeting to consider an ordinance amending local code for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs) to comply with state law. The meeting is scheduled for December 18, 2025, at City Hall.
- Public hearing on ordinance amending Chapter 21.85 for ADUs and JADUs
- Consideration of Resolution No. PC 2025-09 recommending City Council adoption
- Finding that the action is statutorily exempt from CEQA review
City Council Special Closed-Session
The Indian Wells City Council will hold a special closed-session meeting to confer with its real property negotiator regarding APN 633-150-071 and with legal counsel on existing litigation (City of Indian Wells et al vs. Lissoy et al.). No public action is scheduled; only closed-session discussions will occur.
- Closed-session conference with real property negotiator on APN 633-150-071 with BBC Esmeralda, LLC; negotiating price and terms
- Closed-session conference with legal counsel on litigation: City of Indian Wells et al vs. Lissoy et al., Riverside County Superior Court (CVPS2204658)
City Council Special Closed-Session
The Indian Wells City Council held a closed‑session meeting to discuss a real‑property transaction. Council staff, represented by City Manager Christopher Freeland, met with BBC Esmeralda, LLC regarding the property identified by APN 633‑150‑071. The parties are negotiating the price and payment terms. No action was taken during this meeting.
- Conference with City’s Real Property Negotiator on APN 633‑150‑071; parties: City Manager Christopher Freeland and BBC Esmeralda, LLC; negotiation of price and payment terms
City Council Meeting
The Indian Wells City Council will hold a public hearing on an urgency ordinance amending accessory dwelling unit rules to comply with recent state law changes. The consent calendar includes approval of a crisis intervention agreement with Trauma Intervention Program and transitioning the fire engine from traditional to municipal staffing under CalFire. General business items include discussing results of a speed and volume study on four streets, approving an RFP for parking lot design at the Indian Wells Golf Resort, and adopting governance committee recommendations. The meeting also includes the reorganization of the council with a new mayor and mayor pro tem.
- Urgency ordinance amending Chapter 21.85 on Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior ADUs to comply with state law
- Approval of services agreement with Trauma Intervention Program for on-scene crisis intervention
- Transition of fire engine staffing from traditional to municipal under CalFire contract
- Discussion of Safer Streets Speed and Volume Study results on four streets
- Issuance of RFP for professional engineering and design services for Indian Wells Golf Resort parking lot
City Council Special Closed-Session
This is a special closed-session meeting of the Indian Wells City Council. The only item is a conference with the city's real property negotiator to discuss price and terms of payment for a specific parcel (APN 633-150-071) with BBC Esmeralda, LLC. No public votes or decisions are expected during the open portion.
- Closed session conference with real property negotiator regarding APN 633-150-071; negotiating parties are the city manager and BBC Esmeralda, LLC
Council Budget Study Session and Successor Agency Meeting
The Indian Wells City Council and Successor Agency will meet to approve the annual Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule, adopt the 2025 California Building Standards Codes, and approve $160,000 in grants-in-aid for Fiscal Year 2025-26.
- Council approves $160,000 in grants-in-aid for FY 2025-26
- Council adopts new Indian Wells City Seal
- Council adopts 2025 California Building Standards Codes
- Council approves variance for residence at 74589 Palo Verde Drive
- Successor Agency adopts Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule 2026-27
City Council Special Closed-Session
This is a special closed-session meeting of the Indian Wells City Council. The council will confer with legal counsel regarding existing litigation (City of Indian Wells, et al vs. Lissoy et al., Riverside County Superior Court case CVPS2204658). The council will also hold a conference with the city's real property negotiator concerning APN 633-150-071, with BBC Esmeralda, LLC, to discuss price and terms of payment. No open-session decisions are scheduled.
- Closed-session conference with legal counsel on existing litigation: City of Indian Wells, et al vs. Lissoy et al. (CVPS2204658)
- Closed-session conference with real property negotiator for APN 633-150-071 with BBC Esmeralda, LLC to negotiate price and terms
Housing Authority Meeting
The Indian Wells Housing Authority will discuss funding for homeless assistance and senior housing. The body is considering a contract for housing consulting services and a quarterly report on senior housing.
- Proposed $250,000 total allocation for the Fiscal Year 2025–26 Homeless Assistance Program, including $60,000 each for Martha’s Village & Kitchen and Coachella Valley Rescue Mission
- Proposed $130,000 in funding for six nonprofit organizations via Grants-in-Aid Committee recommendations
- Proposed contract award to RSG, Inc. for housing consulting services with a supplemental appropriation of $75,450
- Senior Housing Update presentation by Abode Communities
- Quarterly Senior Housing Update report
Planning Commission Meeting
The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to consider a variance for a residence at 74589 Palo Verde Drive. The commission may recommend that the City Council approve a 3-foot encroachment into the side yard setback for new building additions.
- Proposed Variance No. 2025-0002 for a 3-foot side yard setback encroachment at 74589 Palo Verde Drive
City Council Special Closed-Session
The Indian Wells City Council will hold a closed‑session meeting. Council members will meet with legal counsel about one or more potential lawsuits and a specific dispute involving the Indian Wells Country Club Pickleball CUP. The council will also conduct the City Manager’s public employee evaluation. No other agenda items are listed.
- Conference with legal counsel regarding anticipated litigation – potential cases (Gov Code 54956.9(d)(2))
- Public employee evaluation of the City Manager (Gov Code 54957)
- Conference with legal counsel regarding anticipated litigation – dispute over Indian Wells Country Club Pickleball CUP (Gov Code 54956.9(d)(2))
City Council Meeting
The City Council will consider a $1.0 million funding request from Eisenhower Health to elevate its trauma center designation. The consent calendar includes multiple appropriations, a cost-sharing agreement with Palm Desert for Fred Waring Drive rehabilitation, and adoption of 2025 building codes. A public hearing will address amending the DUI vehicle impound fee and implementing a commercial kitchen fire compliance program. The Council will also discuss an amendment to the City Manager's employment agreement and the 2025 strategic plan.
- Cost-sharing agreement with Palm Desert for Fred Waring Drive rehabilitation
- $44,750 supplemental appropriation to Kimley-Horn for final map services
- $30,000 in Public Art Funds for ADA-compliant seating at Fairway Park
- $130,000 supplemental appropriation for Coachella Valley Rescue Mission and Martha’s Village & Kitchen
- $1.0 million funding request from Eisenhower Health for trauma center upgrade
City Council Meeting
The Indian Wells City Council will consider a consent calendar that includes a new three‑year Animal Services Agreement with the County of Riverside and a $3,500 supplemental appropriation for clinic costs. Other items include adopting the 2025 Emergency Operations Plan, a memorandum of understanding with Palm Desert for shared emergency resources, and several funding and policy resolutions. The meeting also provides time for public comments, city manager reports, and city attorney reports.
- Animal Services Agreement with County of Riverside and $3,500 supplemental appropriation
- Adoption of the 2025 Emergency Operations Plan
- Memorandum of Understanding with City of Palm Desert for emergency management resources
- Approval of $2,500 sponsorship for Desert Healthcare District Environmental Health Summit
- Supplemental appropriation of $3,901 per year for median sweeping contract on multiple streets
City Council Special Closed-Session
The Indian Wells City Council will convene a special closed-session meeting to discuss legal counsel for existing and anticipated litigation, including a dispute over the Indian Wells Country Club Pickleball CUP, and to negotiate the purchase of real property.
- Closed session: City Manager and City Attorney evaluations
- Closed session: Litigation with Lissoy et al (CVPS2204658)
- Closed session: Litigation with Matthew Parson et al (RIC 1811999)
- Closed session: Real property negotiations for APN 633-150-071
- Closed session: Real property negotiations for multiple APNs
Planning Commission Meeting
The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to discuss a variance request for a residential property. The body may recommend that the City Council allow a structure to encroach into the front yard setback.
- Proposed Variance No. 2025-0001 for a 20-foot encroachment into the front yard setback at 47655 Vintage Drive East to build a 342 square foot custom shade structure
City Council Special Closed-Session
This special meeting includes a consent calendar and general business items. The council will vote on an amendment to the Riverside County sheriff services agreement, a $100,000 supplemental appropriation for two motorcycles, and a potential shared-services agreement with Rancho Mirage. Other items include a pilot program for temporary speed cushions on Fairway Drive ($109,000), extension of affordable housing negotiations, adoption of fire hazard maps, and a new ordinance requiring emergency access systems at gated communities.
- Amendment to Sheriff Services Agreement with $100,000 supplemental appropriation for two motorcycles
- Pilot program for temporary speed cushions on Fairway Drive with $109,000 supplemental appropriation
- Extension of exclusive negotiation agreements with Abode Communities and Summit Development for affordable housing
- Adoption of Ordinance No. 764 adopting Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map
- Adoption of Ordinance No. 765 requiring emergency access preemption systems at gated communities
City Council Special Closed-Session
The Indian Wells City Council will hold a special closed session to discuss existing litigation in a lawsuit against Lissoy et al. and anticipate potential litigation regarding a dispute over the Indian Wells Country Club Pickleball Conditional Use Permit. No public decisions are scheduled; only procedural items and public comments precede the closed session.
- Conference with legal counsel on existing litigation: City of Indian Wells v. Lissoy et al. (Riverside County Superior Court case CVPS2204658)
- Conference with legal counsel on anticipated litigation regarding a dispute over the Indian Wells Country Club Pickleball CUP (one potential case)
Special Housing Authority
The Indian Wells Housing Authority holds a special meeting with one action item: adopting a resolution to amend its bylaws regarding term limits for the tenant commissioner. No other general business is scheduled. The meeting is largely procedural.
- Resolution amending Indian Wells Housing Authority Bylaws concerning Tenant Commissioner term limits (Consent Calendar)
City Council Meeting
The Council will consider a consent calendar including a three-year sheriff services agreement with Riverside County, $400,000 for Player's Course renovations, and $160,000 for Celebrity Course repairs. A public hearing will set the Fire Access Maintenance District No. 1 annual levy. Under general business, the Council will select design components for the Safer Streets program on Fairway, Eldorado, Cook, and Rancho Palmeras, and introduce a fire hazard severity zone ordinance.
- Three-year sheriff services agreement with Riverside County Sheriff's Department (July 2025 – June 2028)
- $400,000 for Player's Course renovation including putting green relocation
- $160,000 for Celebrity Course pump vault and water feature repairs at Hole #18
- Safer Streets program design selection for Fairway Drive, Eldorado Drive, Cook Street, and Rancho Palmeras
- Ordinance adopting the Fire Hazard Severity Zone map from the State Fire Marshall
City Council Study Session
The Indian Wells City Council will hold a study session on June 4, 2025. Council members will hear regional updates from the Coachella Valley Association of Governments on air quality, transportation projects, and homelessness. No formal decisions are scheduled; the session is for informational discussion. Members of the public may submit comments limited to three minutes each.
- Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) regional updates on air quality, transportation projects, and homelessness
- Public comment period (comments limited to three minutes per speaker)
Planning Commission Meeting
The Indian Wells Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the Safer Streets project, consider public testimony, and determine the action is exempt from CEQA. The Commission will adopt Resolution No. PC 2025-06 recommending the City Council approve right‑of‑way improvements on Eldorado Drive, Fairway Drive, Cook Street and Rancho Palmeras. The meeting also includes standard procedural items such as roll call, agenda approval and public comments.
- Public hearing on Safer Streets improvements with staff report and public testimony
- Finding the Safer Streets action exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under Section 15301
- Adoption of Resolution No. PC 2025-06 recommending City Council approve right‑of‑way improvements on Eldorado Drive, Fairway Drive, Cook Street and Rancho Palmeras
- Review of findings from the Safer Streets public engagement process
- Standard procedural agenda items (roll call, agenda approval, public comments)
City Council Special Closed-Session
The council will hold a closed‑session to discuss two matters: labor negotiations with the Indian Wells Employee Association and a real‑property transaction for APN 633‑150‑071 with BBC Esmeralda, LLC, including price and payment terms. No other agenda items involve decisions or public hearings.
- Closed‑session labor negotiations with Indian Wells Employee Association
- Closed‑session real‑property negotiation for APN 633‑150‑071 with BBC Esmeralda, LLC (price and terms to be discussed)
City Council Meeting
The City Council will hold public hearings on expanding pickleball facilities at two local resorts and updating refuse collection rates. The body is also considering an ordinance to adopt the State Fire Marshall's Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map.
- Proposed construction of six pickleball courts at Indian Wells Country Club
- Proposed construction of four pickleball courts at Renaissance Esmeralda
- Supplemental appropriation of $200,000 for a Wireless Master Plan RFP
- Supplemental appropriation of $79,000 for Pavilion Hardscape Improvements
- Annual public hearing on refuse collection and recycling service rates
Special Housing Authority
The Indian Wells Housing Authority will consider approving a $120,000 supplemental appropriation for legal services, a $30,000 trash enclosure at Indian Wells Villas, and extending the Abode Communities management agreement through 2028. The board will also discuss and possibly adopt the FY 2025-27 biennial operating budget and capital improvement plan. A presentation on senior housing by Abode Communities is scheduled.
- Supplemental appropriation of $120,000 for ongoing legal services
- Supplemental appropriation of $30,000 for a trash enclosure at Indian Wells Villas
- Extension of Abode Communities property management agreement to five years ending June 30, 2028
- Review and approval of the FY 2025-27 biennial operating budget and capital improvement plan
- Senior housing update by Abode Communities Director of Property Management Operations
Planning Commission Meeting
The commission will hold a public hearing on a modification to Conditional Use Permit No. 2-85-6 to add four pickleball courts, lighting, canopies and landscaping at 44400 Indian Wells Lane. After hearing testimony, the commission will decide whether to find the project exempt from CEQA and adopt a resolution approving the permit modification. No other agenda items require a decision.
- Modification to Conditional Use Permit No. 2-85-6 for four pickleball courts at Renaissance Esmeralda Resort (44400 Indian Wells Lane)
- Staff recommendation to find the project exempt from CEQA under Sections 15301 and 15303
- Adoption of a resolution to approve the permit modification
City Council Joint Strategic Planning Session
The City Council, Housing Authority, and Golf Resort are meeting to review and discuss goals, strategies, and initiatives for 2025. The session includes a review of financial forecasts for the city and the Housing Authority.
- Review of 2025 Strategic Planning Goals, Strategies, and Initiatives
- City and Housing Authority financial forecast review
- Housing Authority 2025 goals and initiatives
- City 2025 goals and initiatives
- Golf Resort 2025 goals and initiatives
City Council Special Closed-Session
This is a special closed-session meeting of the Indian Wells City Council. The council will discuss existing litigation and real property negotiations in private, with no public action items on the agenda. Any reportable actions will be announced after the closed session.
- Conference with legal counsel on existing litigation: City of Indian Wells et al vs. Lissoy et al. (Riverside County Superior Court CVPS2204658).
- Conference with real property negotiator for APN 633-150-071; negotiating party BBC Esmeralda, LLC; price and terms of payment under discussion.
- Conference with real property negotiator for APN 633-350-015; negotiating party not listed; price and terms of payment under discussion.
City Council Meeting
The Indian Wells City Council will consider approving annual tax levies for the Street Lighting District No. 2000-1, the Landscape and Lighting District No. 91-1, and the Drainage Maintenance Benefit Assessment District No. 1 for Fiscal Year 2025-26. The meeting also includes a public hearing on the Whitewater River Low Flow Flood Channel emergency reconstruction project and the selection of a monument sign replacement option on Indian Wells Lane.
- Street Lighting District No. 2000-1 levy for 2025-26
- Landscape and Lighting District No. 91-1 levy for 2025-26
- Drainage Maintenance Benefit Assessment District No. 1 levy for 2025-26
- Whitewater River Low Flow Flood Channel emergency reconstruction project
- City monument sign replacement on Indian Wells Lane
State of the City
This is a ceremonial State of the City meeting combined with Hospitality Awards. No substantive decisions or legislative items are on the agenda; the meeting consists of pledges, public comments, and presentations.
- Public comments limited to 3 minutes on city jurisdiction topics
- Hospitality Awards presentation
- Adjournment to regular City Council meeting later on April 3, 2025
City Council Meeting
The City Council will consider updating the Comprehensive General Plan and rezoning certain parcels to Resort Commercial. The body will also discuss funding for the Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert and several annual assessment levies for fiscal year 2025-26.
- Ordinance No. 762 to approve General Plan Update and Zone Map Amendment No. 2025-01
- 180-day extension of exclusive negotiation agreements with Abode Communities and Summit Development for affordable housing
- One-time funding request of $10,000 for the Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert
- Final project cost approval of $3,635,314 for Whitewater Channel West Drop Structure Repair
- Supplemental appropriation of $800 for City Hall security system licenses and one camera
Special Planning Commission Meeting
The Planning Commission is holding a community meeting (the second) for the Safer Streets Indian Wells Project, Phase 2. The project aims to reduce speed, enhance mobility, and improve safety. No action will be taken; the meeting is for public input and discussion only.
- Safer Streets Indian Wells Project Phase 2 community meeting
- Project goal: reduce speed and enhance safety for residents
- Presentation of Phase 2 renderings (Attachment 1)
- Public comment period during the staff presentation
Housing Authority Meeting
The Indian Wells Housing Authority is meeting to receive updates on senior housing and property maintenance. The body is considering a supplemental budget appropriation to fund deferred maintenance and capital improvement projects at two properties.
- Supplemental appropriation request of $132,176.25 for deferred maintenance and capital improvement projects
- Senior Housing Update presentation by Abode Communities
- Quarterly Senior Housing Update report
City Council Meeting
This meeting includes a public hearing to consider certifying the Final Environmental Impact Report for the City's comprehensive General Plan Update, adopting General Plan Amendment 2025-01, and approving a zone map amendment. Also on the agenda are discussions on adopting a model Good Neighbor Policy on homelessness, considering a potential local sales tax ballot measure, and approving design enhancements for the Players Course at Indian Wells Golf Resort including a $50,000 change order. The council will also discuss several requests to place future agenda items on topics like city manager settlement authority and city seal modification.
- Public hearing to certify Final EIR and adopt General Plan Update and Zone Map Amendment (No. 2025-01)
- Discussion on adopting a CVAG model resolution establishing a Good Neighbor Policy focused on homelessness
- Consideration of a potential local transactions and use/sales tax ballot measure
- Approval of design enhancements for the Players Course redesign, authorizing a $50,000 change order for bunker sand blend
- Council Member requests to agendize future discussions: settlement authority, city seal modification, fiscal policy revisions, and sponsorship policy
City Council Meeting
The Indian Wells City Council will receive financial reports for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, and consider a $2 million funding request for the Living Desert Zoo. The council will also review design recommendations for safer streets and approve a special election for a Fire Access Maintenance District.
- Re-adopts City Investment Policy
- Approves $2M funding for Living Desert Zoo
- Evaluates Safer Streets design for Fairway and Eldorado Drive
- Approves special election for Fire Access Maintenance District on May 6, 2025
- Approves $250,000 for City monument on Indian Wells Lane
Planning Commission Meeting
The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on a comprehensive update to the City’s General Plan, including a zone map amendment, and will consider certifying the Final Environmental Impact Report. They will also vote on temporary use permits for a charity event at the William F. Cody House and for city-sponsored Wellness Week yoga and tai chi activities.
- Public hearing on General Plan Update (Resolution PC 2025-01) recommending adoption of General Plan Amendment No. 2025-01 and Zone Map Amendment No. 2025-01
- Consideration of certifying Final Environmental Impact Report for the General Plan Update (Resolution PC 2025-02)
- Temporary Use Permit for Indian Wells Preservation Foundation charity event at 45755 Cielito Drive on Friday, February 28, 2025, 4–6 p.m.
- Temporary Use Permit for city-sponsored Wellness Week outdoor yoga and tai chi at Fairway Park (45881 East Eldorado Drive) on February 12 and 14, 2025, 9:00–9:30 a.m.
Special Planning Commission Meeting
The Special Planning Commission will appoint a new Chair and Vice Chair and select members for the Design Review Committee as part of a reorganization. It will also hold a community meeting on the Safer Streets Program Phase 2. The meeting concludes with scheduling the next regular commission meeting for January 30, 2025.
- Appointment of new Chair and Vice Chair
- Appointment of Design Review Committee members
- Safer Streets Program Community Meeting #1 (Phase 2)