City Council - October 20, 2026

At the October 20, 2026 regular meeting of the Desert Hot Springs City Council, the council unanimously approved a purchase-and-sale agreement for the property at 65311 San Jacinto Lane for $3,050,000. The city manager was authorized to place $85,000 in escrow to begin the purchase. The council also unanimously approved a professional services agreement with KDI for grant preparation, community outreach, and grant management for the planned 5.25-acre Skyborne Park. The agreement is not to exceed $89,035, with a 5% contingency, for a total of $93,486.75. The park’s estimated project cost is $8 million; staff said the state grant program offers awards up to $8.5 million and requires no funding match.

The council unanimously adopted an amended social media policy and an unconditional commitment letter concerning Brown Act public-comment allegations. Residents raised concerns about the city’s contract approval and audit controls, including a reported $50,000 license-plate-reader contract and questioned contract changes; no action on those matters was taken. Public comments also focused on the rental inspection ordinance, but the council appointed two members to a subcommittee to study the program rather than voting on repeal. The meeting additionally included an animal-services update; no related purchase or contract award was considered.