Only one person chose to comment Monday, taking both the entire Palm Springs City Council and individual councilmembers to task for Justin Clifton's departure.
Current City Manager Justin Clifton Clifton is believed to be leaving to take a job in the private sector after 15 months in Palm Springs. His last day will be Sept. 16.
Candidates for City Council have until Aug. 12 to request paperwork from the city and turn in a minimum of 80 signatures from registered voters in their districts.
During Justin Clifton's tenure, the city first grappled with economic uncertainty brought on by the battle against COVID-19 — leading to job cuts at City Hall — then saw a rebound as visitors flocked to local hotels and vacation rentals.
Most councilmembers were on board with adjusting future elected officials' salaries or staffing. However, Councilmember Dennis Woods questioned whether a pay raise would attract a more diverse set of candidates.
Councilmember Christy Holstege, voicing opposition to having the discussion, said she feared any temporary halt on issuing licenses would result in a flood of applications and fear in the market.
A resolution passed Thursday evening by the City Council has specific language affirming that law enforcement here will not comply with attempts to investigate patients who travel to California seeking care.
Recommendations to reduce barriers to running include a salary increase for City Council members, whose current salary is $29,196
The city plans to store the statue at a maintenance facility and hopes to work with the Friends of Frank Bogert group to find a new location for the artwork.
Joy Brown Meredith, a city resident since 1978 and owner of Crystal Fantasy on North Palm Canyon Drive since 1987, will run in District 3.
Final recommendations from the group will be presented to the Palm Springs City Council in October and will help shape future legislation.
