City Council Preview: New amendment, land purchase, CAL FIRE updates and more on the agenda

At this week’s City Council meeting, councilmembers will vote to finalize a new amendment, discuss a land purchase, and review CAL FIRE’s agreement with the city and meet the new fire chief.

Councilmembers will vote to finalize the new Residential Rental Inspection Program they approved at the last meeting. The program shifts the city to a proactive enforcement model for rental properties that will ensure health and safety standards are met.

The purchase of 7.68 acres of land for $535,000 on Avenue 43 east of Burr Street is also on the agenda. The land is crucial for the future Northgate/Avenue 43 electrical substations, one of the initial four substations included in the joint powers arrangement between Indio and Imperial Irrigation District. 

CAL FIRE will present to the City Council a detailed breakdown of how the department uses funds for things like salaries and equipment. Councilmembers will also hear from newly appointed Riverside County Fire Chief Robert Fish.

Also on the agenda, a five-year commercial lease agreement with Mi Cultura Cuisine to open a second location downtown that includes a $70,000 tenant improvement allowance. Mi Cultura, whose original location is in Palm Desert, is a fast-casual Peruvian and Colombian restaurant and their second location will be on Oasis Street across the street from The Place.

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