Measure J Oversight Commission closing in on project funding recommendations

The Palm Springs Measure J Oversight Commission has narrowed its list of recommended community projects. With formal recommendation to the Palm Springs City Council for funding still to come, the projects now come in under the $6 million allocated budget.

At its Feb. 20 meeting, the commission considered projects totaling $6.7 million, exceeding its budget by approximately $674,000. After voting unanimously against funding a $1.1 million LED lighting upgrade at Cerritos Park — citing insufficient documentation — $400,000 remained.

“This is by far the largest application that we received funding on, and of all the applications, we received the least supporting documentation,” said Chair Peter Sipkins, referring to the lighting project. “The applicant said, ‘If you give me this much money, I’ll contact a contractor and put it up to bid.’ I don’t think that’s the right way to ask for $1.1 million.”

The commission approved $500,000 for the Eisenhower Palm Springs Cancer Infusion Center and Cardiology Clinic, though commissioners plan to discuss whether the organization could supplement Measure J funds with additional fundraising, having already secured $9.5 million of their $10 million goal.

A $547,936 request for the G Force workout space and wellness area sparked debate about community benefit versus cost.

“I have nothing against the workout. Not a darn thing,” one commissioner said. “But I have to operate from the facts — 25 people a day would use this for over half a million dollars.”

Other commissioners defended the project, citing alignment with the city’s new Blue Zones initiative and Parks and Recreation long-range plan.

“This would be a park amenity that is not specific to one group,” explained Commissioner Lauren Wolfer. “It’s similar to a playground or a splash pad or a tennis court. It’s essentially a group exercise space that has shock absorbent flooring that is covered and shaded.”

Several solar installation projects received support, including at the Mizell Center and The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert (The Center). Commissioners noted these projects could help nonprofits redirect utility cost savings toward community services.

The commission also approved funding for critical infrastructure upgrades like elevator replacement at the Palm Springs Art Museum and accessibility improvements at the James O. Jessie Community Center.

Commissioners plan to review additional projects at their March meeting to determine allocation of the remaining funds. However, City Engineer Joel Montalvo cautioned against spending all available money.

“Generally what happens in projects, you will run into deficits or change orders, things of that nature that may require additional funding,” Montalvo said. “The commission may consider keeping a piggybank of community-initiated funds.”

For the March meeting, commissioners discussed inviting applicants and representatives from other city commissions to provide additional project details, particularly for applications that weren’t previously reviewed by the Parks and Recreation Commission or other relevant bodies.

Measure J is funded through a one-cent sales tax approved by Palm Springs voters which raises more than $20 million annually. Among other things, the money is used for a host of projects that anyone in the community can apply to fund.

The commission makes funding recommendations to the Palm Springs City Council, which makes final decisions.

---