WELCOME, ANNOUNCEMENTS, APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND INTRODUCTIONS

Board chairperson Carol Munro welcomed everyone to our General Membership Annual Meeting. She thanked The Ocotillo Lodge for again hosting our meeting in their clubhouse. She introduced the members of the Advisory Board who were present.

The unapproved Minutes of our last General Membership social meeting were mailed out in advance. Carol said that a copy of the unapproved minutes is on every table. A motion was made, seconded and carried to approve the minutes of the January 9, 2025 General Membership Social meeting.

Before starting the program, Carol asked everyone to introduce themselves, share what street they live on, and indicated whether this is their first meeting.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER, DAVID READY

Carol introduced our keynote Speaker David Ready. She reminded everyone that Mr. Ready was the City Manager of the City of Palms Springs from 2000-2021. He was elected in November 2024 as our District 5 City Council member.

Mr. Ready thanked us for inviting him. He said he was very proud of playing a role in the City’s certification of neighborhood organizations, which have become an essential part of the interaction between the City and every neighborhood in Palm Springs.

David said he is focused on two primary objectives: service delivery to residents, and economic development including downtown. He noted that income from our tourist industry is a key driver in our current levels of City services. He discussed a number of issues facing the city and our neighborhood, including traffic, the redevelopment of the Plaza Theatre, and the initial discussions regarding the potential housing development of the large undeveloped land parcel between 111 and E. Twin Palms Drive. His presentation was followed by a lively Q &A session with a number of questions from the attendees.

Carol shared that our second speaker, Daniel SeSeims, was unable to attend today. She asked Mr Ready to give a brief update on the City’s emergency preparedness efforts.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS SINCE LAST GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING

Carol gave a brief update on our key accomplishments since our last General Membership business meeting in November 2024 including: January 9th General Membership social meeting, February 8th guided neighborhood walking tour, February 17th very successful sold-out Twin Palms Modernism Home tour, and our most recent Community Grant of $2,000 to the Plaza Theatre Foundation for seat naming rights.

ONGOING ACTIVITIES

Larry Johnson said a copy of the current Financial Report was emailed out in advance, and a printed copy is on each table. He said he was available to answer any questions members might have. He also indicted that we are now accepting voluntary 2025 membership dues of $25 per household, and thanked those who have already done so.

Carol reported that our Little Free Library continues to be very well used by residents, and draws lots of positive feedback on its mid-century unique design. Carol also thanked Laura Miller for her daily efforts to keep the library well stocked and looking great.

Tom Eich gave an update on the status of our William Krisel Twin Palms Exhibit. He noted that the newest updated bi-panel is on display today, and encouraged everyone to check it out. He said the Board has completed an evaluation of the Exhibit, and has noted the need for some repairs and updating. In the coming months the Board will be discussing the Exhibit’s future direction.

Carol gave a brief update on ONE-PS, which is comprised of representatives from each of the recognized neighborhood organizations in Palm Springs.

PLANNED ACTIVITIES

Carol said that our next General Membership meeting will be in the Fall.

Carol reported that Modernism Week has changed its policy on neighborhood home tours, which are now only allowed ever other year. So our next Twin Palms Home Tour will be in 2027. She noted that the Board is considering ideas for other types of possible events in 2026.

Volunteer interest forms are on each table. As a volunteer run organization, Carol encouraged everyone to let us know how they would like to be involved.

Carol said the Board is always interested in ideas from the membership on possible Community Grants (i.e., grants to outside organizations) and Neighborhood Initiatives (i.e., projects TPNO takes the lead on.). She briefly reviewed some of our past grants and initiatives.

Carol shared a recap of recent activities related to a developer’s interest in proposing a housing development on the largest remaining undeveloped parcel in our neighborhood. This is very early in the process, and no formal application has been presented to the City by the developer. In February there was a well attended initial neighborhood meeting at the site, and there was a subsequent preliminary discussion session by the Planning Commission.

OPEN MEMBERSHIP DISCUSSION

Carol opened the meeting for further discussion. The primary focus of questions/concerns related to the possible development of housing on the large vacant property off 111, and how residents could be kept informed and engaged in the process.

CLOSING REMARKS AND ADJOURNMENT

Carol thanked everyone for participating into today’s annual meeting. She encouraged people to stay and socialize with their neighbors and enjoy the refreshments.