Orchid Tree Hotel plan, data center ban, cannabis lounges top a busy week at Palm Springs City Hall

A hotel plan for two historic sites, data center rules and cannabis consumption lounges are on the agenda at Palm Springs City Hall this week. Residents will also get a chance to meet candidates for three City Council seats before the November election.

The Historic Site Preservation Board will review plans to restore the Community Church and the Orchid Tree Inn bungalows as part of the Orchid Tree Resort and Spa. Both are vacant Class 1 historic sites. The church was damaged by fires in 2013 and 2022.

The City Council will consider extending its temporary ban on data center permits for another 22 months and 15 days. The council will also discuss the city’s mayoral position and consider a five-year agreement of up to $529,225 for 100 Taser devices.

In closed session, the council will discuss property negotiations with Southern California Edison and SkyWest Airlines. It will also discuss the city manager position and labor talks with two employee groups.

Here’s a look at the meetings scheduled this week:

City Council Candidate Forum (Monday, 5 p.m., Plaza Theatre)

Candidates for the District 1, 2 and 3 seats on the City Council will appear at a forum at 5 p.m. at the Plaza Theatre, 128 S. Palm Canyon Drive. ONE-PS is sponsoring the event, and doors open at 4:30 p.m. Residents can meet the candidates and submit questions ahead of the November election.

Parks and Recreation Commission (Monday, 5:30 p.m., City Hall)

The commission meets at 5:30 p.m. in the Large Conference Room at City Hall, 3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way. Commissioners will consider an update to golf course fees and a project update for the Ruth Hardy Park workout pad. They will also review the city’s ad hoc committees and discuss proposed end dates.

Historic Site Preservation Board (Wednesday, 10 a.m., City Hall)

The board holds a special meeting at 10 a.m. in the Large Conference Room at City Hall. It will consider a request from New Church II LLC to restore the church at 284 South Cahuilla Rd. and the bungalows at 261 South Belardo Rd. as part of the long-delayed Orchid Tree Hotel project

The church would become the hotel’s food and beverage space, and the eight bungalows would remain guest rooms. Staff recommends approval with conditions, including removing two trellis features and plantings that block views of the church.

City Council (Wednesday, 5:30 p.m. regular meeting, City Hall)

The council meets in closed session at 3:30 p.m. and in open session at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber at City Hall. Public hearings include the data center ordinance extension and landmark status for the Burgess Residence at 550 Palisades Dr.

The council will also introduce an ordinance amending city rules for cannabis consumption lounges. The consent calendar includes Mills Act agreements for three historic properties and a $108,481 extension of the city’s short-term rental compliance contract.

Tourism Advisory Committee (Thursday, 2 p.m., Convention Center)

The committee meets at 2 p.m. in the Palm Grove Meeting Room at the Palm Springs Convention Center. Gary Forsyth, director of Palm Springs Tourism, will open the meeting with its objectives. The agenda also includes a discussion titled “Turning Ideas Into Action,” followed by next steps and questions.

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