HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003 - MINUTES - 4/30/2003 STUDY SESSIONSTUDY SESSION
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
APRIL 30, 2003
CONVENE IN OPEN SESSION
A. Call to Order-Large Conference Room-Hodges absent
B. Flag Salute
C. City Attorney Report on Matters Discussed in Closed Session-See Page 2 of
Agenda this date.
D. PUBLIC COMMENTS - None
E. COUNCIL COMMENTS/QUESTIONS/REPORTS
Councilmembers commented on various civic functions attended.
F. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS - None
G. STUDY SESSION
1. CONVENTION CENTER EXPANSION PHASE II
Executive Director – Airports reviewed handouts, copy attached; and added that
the Planning Commission did approve the design of the project this date; that the
bids will go out in November with construction to start in late December; that
there will be approximately 15 months of construction; that the Convention
Center will remain open during construction.
Convention Center Director stated that with the construction schedule there will
be groups in house and sales will be booked during the period; that large
conventions will not be scheduled due to the disruption; that the marketing
program does need to start; that approximately $97,000 is needed to get the
program going; that the funds will be expended, if approved, before the end of
the current fiscal year.
Mayor questioned what the analysis findings were for Palm Springs as a
destination.
Convention Center Director stated that the feasibility study did find that for those
folks that fly into the PS airport, the majority use the PS area, rather than just
Palm Springs; that with the expansion the City will have one of the largest
convention centers to host larger groups in the area and will give a good position
to the City.
Council consensus to amend the 2002-03 Fiscal Year Budget for $97,000 to be
adopted at the next regular meeting.
2. DOWNTOWN COOPERATIVE MARKETING PROGRAM
Downtown Development Director reviewed handouts, copy attached; and added
that the City is on the verge of losing the vitality of the downtown; that there are
not as many customers in the downtown area; that the recommendation is to
implement a cooperative marketing plan with the City to seed the program for
$85,600; that the Jones Agency will assist in the program and that smaller
business will be invited to join in participation; and that the plan would be only a
one time investment for the City to “prime the pump”.
Oden stated that the original concept for this idea did come from Mr. Eric Meeks;
that there is some concern for the length of time; that it may be that the program
should be for 3 years; that the challenge will be to bring the smaller businesses
on board; and that a longer term investment may be more enticing for those
businesses; that besides the Desert Sun, the Desert Post Weekly and Desert
Woman should be utilized; that the kiosk for short infomercials is a good idea and
that it is timely for a joint marketing effort.
3. FUTURE STUDY SESSION DOCKET
City manager reviewed the Study Session docket to set meeting dates. See
attached schedule
Mayor requested the QUIMBY Act be set for the May 21, 2003 study session for
further review.
ADJOURN