HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003 - MINUTES - 6/11/2003 STUDY SESSIONSTUDY SESSION
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
JUNE 11, 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
Charlie Robles, stated that tourism is the #1 industry for the City; that SMG is a
leader in the US; that the Bureau is doing well; that the Advisory Council does
meet for recommendations and consideration; and that the Council should
consider making appointments to the Board.
Casey Jones, stated that a City appointed Advisory Board for Tourism should be
set in place to oversee the department.
Shirley Bush, realtor, representing Quail Pointe stated that the CCR’s for the
neighborhood should delete the low-income restriction that was levied due to
density bonus for the developer; that at this point the home should be able to be
sold at market value.
Joy Meredith, President of Merchants Association; stated that Ms. Fort and SMG
do represent the City well and should be retained to assist in the tourism industry
of the City.
Clint Holland, Quail Point, stated that it is an encumbrance to the owners to have
the requirement concerning resale in the CC & R’s and requested consideration
of elimination of the requirement.
E. COUNCIL COMMENTS/QUESTIONS/REPORTS
Councilmembers commented on various civic functions attended.
Councilmember Oden requested the issue of Taxicab signage be scheduled for
discussion at an upcoming study session.
Councilmember Mills stated that the Hearing for the Airport Master Plan should
have included a mailing of all affected residents within 400 feet of the airport,
even though the mailing was not required.
F. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS - None
G. STUDY SESSION
1. SANTA ROSA & SAN JACINTO MOUNTAINS NATIONS MONUMENT
Connell Dunning, BLM, reviewed a power point presentation see attached
copy.
2. TOURISM ADVISORY COMMISSION
Assistant City Manager reviewed handouts, see attached copies.
Oden: Recommended that the Advisory Board for Tourism be Council
appointed; that some type of accounting of the $1.7 million budget given to
Tourism does need to be given to Council; that SMG does not have
expertise in Tourism; that there are many experts in our Community that
would be willing to serve; and that the City needs to close the loop on the
department to keep an awareness of what is going on.
Reller-Spurgin: Stated that other Contractors do have accountability to
the Council for the funds that the City allocates and that SMG should
likewise be audited.
Mayor stated that the SMG contract is in negotiations for renewal; that
inclusion of a Council appointed commission could be added by the
subcommittee that is reviewing the contract.
Mills stated that it is not clear how the current advisory boards is set in
place or what their involvement is, but that the Board could be evaluated
when the contract is reviewed.
Tourism Director stated that representatives are invited to serve on the
Board; that it is a working Board and a commitment must be made to
serve on a subcommittee; and that the major representation of hotels is
from the small or mid sized hotels.
Mills stated that the listing of the members of the advisory board is
considerable; that if the City privatizes a function, it is up to that company
to perform as the contract says; that the City should not place limitations
on the contract once it is entered into; and that should the Council desire,
it could recommend a Council appointed Board when the contract is
renegotiated.
Oden stated that the City may need to relook and undo a number of
contracts; that in this case the City is not shown anything; that it is not the
desire to get into day-to-day operations, but that accountability is desired.
Relller-Spurgin stated when negotiations started with PSDS, the City
required an audit of the company; that the financial books were completely
audited and that could and should be required with SMG.
Director of Tourism stated that the City is provided copies of the annual
audit of SMG along with a report concerning sales, advertising and
marketing; that the reports have been filed with the City since the original
contact was approved and that the copies should have been forwarded to
the Council by the City.
Council consensus to include the possibility of a Council appointed Board
with contract negotiations.
3. SMG CONTRACT RENEWAL
City Manager stated negotiations are ongoing for both Tourism and the
management of the Convention Center; that both contracts expire June
30, 2003; that the Council will be requested to extend the terms of both
contracts to allow final negotiations and for review as to form by the City
Attorney.
4. RELEASE/REMOVAL OF RESALE RESTRICTIONS
Mayor declared Conflict of Interest due to escrow activities and exited the
room.
Director of Economic & Community Development reviewed a handout, see
attached copy.
City Attorney stated that the homes affected are not a part of the counted
housing goals; that the City probably won’t be caught is we release the
density requirement; that he program could be changed to use income as
the resale guide; that the Agency is required to use 20% of its funds
towards housing; that it is recommended that the City create a program to
provide housing to those of low/moderate income according to the
established income guidelines; or the City could let a buyout period be
implemented; or the City could lift all restrictions without any return or
qualifiers.
Council consensus to move forward with contact with the residents, to
refine the recommendations listed on the handout dated June 11, 2003,
see attached copies; and report back to the Council with final
recommendation.
ADJOURN