HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003 - MINUTES - 9/24/2003 STUDY SESSIONSTUDY SESSION
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
SEPTEMBER 24, 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. SIGNAGE ON TAXI CABS
Director of Planning & Zoning stated that the Planning Commission did not
support a change in the Ordinance.
Sergio Santo, Coachella Valley Taxicab Coalition, (CVTC) stated that work on
the issue has been since March, 2003; that each entity stated that a different
entity has authority over the issue; that the Coalition was formed to help govern
the rules over taxis; that it is not mandatory to join the Coalition, but that 2/3’s of
the drivers are members; that this issue will be restricted as to what can be
advertised on the cabs; that there will be no offensive ads allowed; that there will
be a weekly advertising schedule available upon demand; that the members will
be the ads first and non members then will be allowed to have any ads that may
be left; that the program for the advertising works in other cities; that there sign is
Plexiglas; that the sides of the signage light up with emergency call 911 lights;
that the 911 lights would alert the public that the driver is in trouble and that
police assistance is needed; that the revenue that could be generated from the
ads is critical for the industry; that Palm Springs is the only city that has an
Ordinance against the signage; that if approved the industry would be able to
economically turn around and that by working together everyone could benefit
from the advertising.
In answer to questions by Council, Mr. Santo stated that research indicates a
reduction of 20-30% in accidents due to the top signs on cabs; that the research
credits that the lighted signage alerts drivers to the cabs; that there are three
possible locations for the signs; two on top and one at the trunk of the vehicle;
that the Coalition is open to discuss each location individually with the
Councilmembers.
Robin Burns, stated that it is important to view the regulations as a mechanism to
keep the signs uniform; that the regulait0ons will ensure that high standards are
upheld; that the industry has suffered economical losses since September 11,
2002; that the allowance of advertising on the cabs will bring economic revenue
and stimulation to the industry; that there is the additional aspect of safety; that
the population is growing along with the crime rate; that the safety side for the
drivers is of the utmost importance and that Palm Springs is the only City with
restrictions in place, while the airport and all other cities do not have any
prohibitions.
Mills stated that the major concern is aesthetic; that the proposed is a fixed sign
on the cab that travels every where; that the quality level must be in place; that it
would be best to limit the signage to one area only; and not allow multiple signs
on a single vehicle; that the safety aspect should be considered also.
Reller-Spurgin questioned if the Ordinance is violated who decides the violation.
City Attorney stated that currently it is an abatement provision of the Code; that
the current enforcement is impractical and that one of the requests from staff is to
change the violation to a misdemeanor of the Code.
Director of Planning & Zoning stated that should the Council decide to allow the
signs the Code would need to be changed to set up a permit fee and
enforcement fee/
Mayor stated that there is advertising at the baggage area of the airport and
questioned how the program is working out.
Executive Director – Airports stated that concession agreements do somewhat
regulate the advertising, but that first amendment rights do have the ultimate rule.
Mayor stated that then there are no controls over standards established by a
group.
City Attorney stated that a group could monitor itself, but that government
intervention is another matter; that the restrictions for government allows the
prohibition of obscene materials, not poor taste.
Oden stated that Sunline is the regulatory agency over taxis and should consider
this issue.
Mayor stated that Sunline only addresses public safety issues.
Oden stated that when the Sunline Group was setup and the program
established, it was supposed to review training, uniforms and the safety types of
issues and that this item should be referred.
Mr. Santas stated that the issue was brought to Sunline; that at the meeting the
Coalition was told that Sunline has no control over the issue; that all the Cities in
the Valley were then approached, but none, other than Palm Springs have an
Ordinance to prohibit the signage; that all avenues have ended with a dead-end
and now the issue is at the City of Palm Springs.
Mayor stated that Sunline would only review the matter and send it back to the
Cities for each position on the issue.
Mr. Santos stated that the Association is in disagreement with Sunline over the
issue of selling of taxis and does not have the best relationship.
Mills stated that the issue is a regional issue not local; that all Cities need to be
involved; that it is not fair to the industry to go from City to City and get no
answer; that the solution will be found regionally.
Oden stated that the issue should be taken by the City representative to Sunline
for consideration by Sunline.
2. CONVENTION CENTER
Executive Director – Airports reviewed site plans on display in the room, copy
attached and added that the schedule is somewhat behind, but that the month of
December will be a push to start the construction.
3. DESIGN REVIEW
Director of Planning & Zoning review handouts, copy attached.
Council direction to continue work on the Ordinance to allow final language to
come to Council for final consideration.
ADJOURN at 10:25 p.m.
ADJOURN