HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003 - MINUTES - 5/15/2003JOINT MEETING
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
CITY COUNCIL
AND
AGUA CALIENTE BAND OF CAHUILLA INDIANS
MAY 15, 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. FINANCIAL ISSUES
Director of Finance & Treasurer reviewed the proposed budget for Fiscal
Year 2003-04; that the proposed revenue is approximately $50 million and
expenditures are equal; that the TOT collection rates are set at 12.5% for
group meeting hotels and 11.5 for all others; that public safety costs are
approximately $25 Million per year; that PERS and other costs have risen
dramatically; that health insurance and workers compensation continue to
rise; that a contributor to loss in revenue is the reduction of TOT from the
Spa Hotel; that the decrease is $700,000 per year; that a committee has
been established to review any and all recommendations to reduce the
budget; and that with the State reducing revenues to the Cities, it may be
that next fiscal year will continue to be dour.
Chairman Milanovich stated that as a part owner of the Wyndam Hotel
there will be a conflict of interest and that abstaining will be necessary.
H. TRANSPORATION ISSUES
Indian Avenue/I-10 Interchange
Joint Tribal/City TEA 21 Funding Request
City Engineer reviewed status of project; that application had been made
for the TEA 21 funds; that STIP funding had been lost due to the State
budget deficit; that currently there are Federal Bills pending with this
project being added on; that it does look hopeful that the project will be
added and approved; and that the outcome should be known by
September, 2003.
Belardo Bridge Update
Tribal Planning Director stated that the project is underway; that when the
biological field work is complete the noise study and public scooping
meetings will be upcoming; that the engineer should be on board fairly
soon and that the Bridge should be completed 10 – 21 months from this
date.
South Palm Canyon Bridge
City Engineer stated that highway funds had been applied for; that the
request is going through the process; that CalTrans has approved the
project; that the grant if funded, will be at 80% with the balance of 20%
being funded through Measure A funds.
I DEVELOPMENT ISSUES
New Casino Project
Tribal Attorney stated that the project is on schedule; that the exterior
should be completed fairly shortly; that the interior should be completed in
late October, with the grand opening sometime in November; that May 22,
2003 a Subcontractor Appreciation date will be hosted by PENTA Buidling
Group; and all are invited; and that Penta is doing its utmost to keep the
streets clean.
City Manager stated that no complaints on the project have been
registered with the City.
Visitor Center
Director of Community & Economic Development stated that work is
proceeding on the renovation; that Tribal concerns are being addressed;
that the design is moving forward; that the wall surrounding the site will be
lowered to 3 feet; and that a potential sign may be placed on the wall.
Mayor stated that Councilmember Mills was instrumental in securing land
for parking from Mr. Nichols; that the City will be allowed the use of the
land; that DWA will be contributing the plants for landscaping; that there
are future plans to include a coffee shop at a later date; that it is
anticipated that there will be a lot of pedestrian activity at the site.
Councilmember Mills stated that with the new parking area, an additional
36 car and several RV spaces will be within walking distance.
Tribal Member Preito-Dodd questioned if the signage at the entry way will
be changed.
Director of Community & Economic Development stated that the Arts
Commission did conduct a competition for the City’s signage program; that
a new gateway sign was selected, and that the plans will be reviewed by
the Commission in June, 2003.
Convention Center Phase II Expansion
City Manager withdrew the item.
J. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Chairman Milanovich requested an update on Desert Fashion Plaza to
include any CC & R’s concerning the development.
Mayor requested Tribal consideration of a Resolution of Support for
Interchange Funding for Highways 60, 91 and I-215.
Chairman Milanovich requested an update on the Rail Station located on
Indian Avenue be included for discussion.
Consensus to meet again on September 25, 2003 at 6 p.m., Convention
Center to include a tour of the remodeling.
ADJOURN