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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003 - MINUTES - 1/22/2003 STUDY SESSION (VER 2)STUDY SESSION CITY OF PALM SPRINGS JANUARY 22, 2003 CONVENE IN OPEN SESSION A. Call to Order-Large Conference Room-All Present B. Flag Salute C. City Attorney Report on Matters Discussed in Closed Session-See Page 2 of Agenda this date. D. Public Comments Dwayne Warball, Wyndam Hotel, requested continued support for the expansion of the Convention Center. Doug Lasnow, Street Bar, invited the public to “Calling all hearts” event to be held February 10 – 16, 2003 at the Street Bar. Joy Meredith, Crystal Fantasy, requested continued support for the expansion of the Convention Center and added that the downtown merchants support equal enforcement of City Ordinances. E. COUNCIL COMMENTS/QUESTIONS/REPORTS Councilmembers commented on various civic functions attended. F. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS City Manager stated that agenda setting will be considered at the next Study Session for Council determination of the docket. G. STUDY SESSION 1. PALM SPRINGS CONVENTION CENTER – PHASE II EXPANSION Director of Finance & Treasurer reviewed a financial accounting, copy attached. Executive Director – Airports reviewed handouts, copy attached and added that there are no funds budgeted for equipment, unknowns in the building and demolishion and that parking issues will need to be financially addressed, the opening is planned for December, 2004;that curbs, gutters and lighting issues will need to be financially addressed. Director of Finance & Treasurer started that the projects for TOT indicate an increase next year with a step down the following year; that the estimates are based on a CPI estimate; that the numbers are on the consverative side; that it is proposed to pay case for Phase I; that the TOT approved by the voters is proposed to go totally for the expansion and not be used for marketing; that the funds were not designated by the voters, but committeed by the Council; that the interest rate should run about 5.2%. Mr. Winters & Mr. Dicky (Project Architects) stated that the first bid package does need to be out by August, 2003; and reviewed the site plans on display in the room, see attached copies. Executive Director – Airports stated that the subcommittee is working with the Convention Center Director that the issue of concern is the meeting rooms; that if there were additional funding it is estimated an additional 20,000 square feet are needed. That currently the trend is for meeting rooms; that the availability does need to be there for conversion or designated spaces; that the puchase of movable walls could be done to convert exhibit hall space; that the cost per square foot is $260/sq ft for meeting room space and $200/sq ft for exhibit hall; that the upgrades do need to match the existing building to permit a seamless entry from the old to the new portion of the building; that there are unknowns when a building is renovated; that new ADA requirements must be met and some violations will be uncovered during the process; that the AV equipment does need upgraded; that direction is needed whether or not to stay south of Amado; that the cost will be up to $1.4 million to relocate the utlitiies if the street is closed; that to reversethe main entry will be around $1.8 millionl that there are further funds needed such as the marketing, Furniture and equipment and contingency funds; that it would be recommended to increase the meeting room space to 20,000 square feet by the ability to convert the ballroom; that it is redcommended to add an additional 6,000 square feet of meeting room space to the west side; that the parking lot will require an additional $2 million; that the direction is needed to proceed. Reller-Spurgin & Hodges stated that the building should stay south of Amado. Reller-Spurgin, Hodges, Mills & Oden stated that the reversal of the main entry should be made. Reller-Spurgin stated that marketing should start beforehand to sell the investment. Convention Center Director stated that the trend is for more meeting space; that the exhibit hall is needed just to get the conventions in the door.