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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002 - MINUTES - 1/23/2002 STUDY SESSIONSTUDY SESSION CITY OF PALM SPRINGS JANUARY 23, 2002 CONVENE IN OPEN SESSION A. Call Back to Order-Large Conference Room B. Flag Salute C. City Attorney Report on Matters Discussed in Closed Session-See Page 2 of Agenda this date. D. Public Comments E. COUNCIL COMMENTS/QUESTIONS/REPORTS Councilmembers commented on various civic functions attended. Council member Oden questioned the safety provisions in Demuth Park due to the recent soccer umpire stabbing. City manager stated the incident was isolated; that the park is safe; that the particular incident started in Cathedral City and ended in DeMuth Park; and that the citizens should be able to rest assured that it is safe in the parks. City Manager questioned if a member of the Council desired to fill the CVAG Human Resources Committee; Council direction for staff to follow meetings through the video conferencing. F. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS-See above G. STUDY SESSION 1. DISCUSSION OF CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PARTNERSHIP City Manager stated that it is recommended that the City join the Chamber; that there are benefits ranging from supporting the Chamber, participation in the month newsletter with two pages dedicated to what the City chooses; and that the funds are available in the Economic Development Marketing Fund. Mr. Pinkney, typically the Chamber does raise its operating expenses through fundraisers; that membership to the Chamber is $200 per year and $10.00 per employee; that the total cost to the City is $4,780; and added that Council member Reller-Spurgin is recognized for her continuing support of the Chamber. Mayor stated that Member Reller-Spurgin is the Council liaison for the Council. Mr. Pinkney, stated that not only does Council Member Reller-Spurgin show support, but attends the fundraising events and does have a passion for the Chamber; that there are 950 members; that the City joining shows a partnership; that it also sends a message to the businesses in the Community; that the relationship will be long term and on going; but can be considered each year in the City budget. Reller-Spurgin stated that the City did contribute to the Chamber through its budget up to about 10 years ago; and questioned how many calls the Chambers answered on behalf of the City each week. Mr. Pinkney stated 18% of all calls are City related, i.e. Villagefest, building permits and the like; that the total operating budget is $400,000 annually; that the relationship between the City and the Chamber is symbolic, in that decisions by the Chamber remain independent of the City and express the viewpoint of the overall membership. Oden stated that it is good to have an independent relationship for another view; that the Chamber may be utilized to assist the City in its image; tat there are many programs, like the secret shopper that the Chamber could do for the City; that the newsletter will provide an avenue for the City to get a message out; and that it is essential for the City to have the Chamber as a partner. Mayor questioned the difference between a partner and being a member. Oden stated that it may be a different contribution; that the City could pay for services that it hires the Chamber to do; that a fee for service plan could be proposed based on what the City needs. Mr. Pinkney stated that the Chamber considers all its members as partners; that if the City needs assistance in a task the volunteers would rise to the task; and that the Chamber is a “get it done” organization. City Manager stated that issue would come to Council for action. Reller-Spurgin stated that the Chamber does need a sign placed at Palm Canyon and Amado, indicating its location. 2. LOBBYISTS ACTIVITY FOR 2002 Assistant City Manager reviewed a list, copy attached, for direction to the Lobbyist to pursue in the upcoming year. City Manager stated that a quarterly conference call during a study session would be done; that the City does need to be more aggressive in the pursuit of funds; that many funds are returned to the Federal government each year due to the lack of requests; that any concerns or requests could be directed to the City Managers Office for follow-up; and that a conference call with the lobbyist will be held in the upcoming week with a follow-up report to the Council on the discussion. 3. PLAZA MERCADO PARKING – 2/HR LIMIT City Manager stated that the downtown businesses have requested a two hour limit be put in place; that many spots are being taken by one person who spends the entire day at work; that staff does recommend that the City take the two hour limit area wide to cover all municipal parking lots; that employee parking is and remains a problem in the downtown. Oden stated that the Mercado Lot is full before the stores open with presumably employees parking; and questioned who would monitor the lot for compliance. Director of Downtown Development stated APCOA the City’s parking enforcement unit would monitor with no additional staff needed; that the enforcement would take place all day until 7 p.m., that Mr. Wessman, DFP owner, has offered downtown employees and employers to use the DFP parking lot for a fee of $40.00 per month; that the lot is now open with a $5.00 per day parking fee; that the lot parking is private enterprise with no jurisdiction by City Officials. City Manager stated that enforcement of the limit would be done and that the employer should encourage the employee to park in areas that the customers don’t use. Reller-Spurgin questioned the amount of parking spaces at the Plaza Mercado. Director of Downtown Development stated that there are 150 spaces of which 75 are allocated to the owner; that with the consistent enforcement of the two hour limit the lot should have a quicker turnover; that the new structure will offer monthly rentals at $30.00; that Mr. Wessman is offering monthly parking at the Desert Fashion Plaza for $40.00 a month or $5.00 a day; that the DFP lot will close at 11:00 pm. City Attorney stated that Mr. Wessman does own various lots in the downtown area; that the City does not have control over what he chooses to charge; that it would be best if all are treated in the same manner, but that the City does not the ability to regulate. Mayor stated that whatever the property owner charges is beyond the control of the City; that while the City can provide input to the owner, there are no legal ramifications; that the focus should remain on the Mercado parking lot. Oden: stated that if the Mercado is changed all the lots should be changed to two hour. Assistant City Manager stated enforcement would not be an issue if all the lots have the same limit; that the Council would need to approve a formal action; and signage would need to be developed. Mayor stated that prior to the transition period, notices do need to be made in the paper and at the businesses and an implementation plan developed. City Attorney stated that the only item listed for discussion is the Mercado Parking Lot; that the overall parking the downtown should not be discussed, nor direction given. Mills: stated that the first time the issue of parking limits came up it was a heated discussion at the Council’s meeting; that the two hour limit was simply imposed with limited communication and that staff should not make the same error; that it is important to note that when the employees are required to pay for parking, it may move them to park on residential street. Reller-Spurgin stated that last time the downtown employees felt left out of the process; that there was also a safety factor of females walking long distances with their tip money; and that better communication does need to be done this time. City Manager stated that the downtown area is running out of options; that parking is at a premium; that the employees along take around 400 spaces; that the new structure will help relieve some of the problem but will not address the entire issue. Oden suggested that staff create an implementation plan, talk to various groups and businesses before the plan is implemented. Mayor stated that if the Council waits for a plan to be developed it would be a full month before the issue is addressed on a formal basis. Oden stated that time is of the essence, but that it is important to let the Community does have the ability to provide input on an action of this significance. Mayor stated that staff should be able to get the work out and come back to the Council at its next meeting for action. Council consensus to direct staff to bring the matter back for formal action on 2/6/02. 4, QUARTERLY BUDGET UPDATE & 02-03 Director of Finance & Treasurer reviewed a handout, copy attached, and added that the adjusted cash balance is $6.8 million; that included in the figures are the changes in the current fiscal year and a portion of the prior years surplus; that at the end of this fiscal year there should be a surplus of $261,000, leaving a cash balance of $7 million; that sales tax is 2% up over last year; that sales from car dealerships are going well; and that restaurants are holding with a small increase for the fiscal year. Mayor stated that after the 9-11 event, the City did allocate an additional $100,000 to the tourism budget; that it was beneficial for the City to try to forestall any dip in tourism. City manager stated that the goal this year is to get the budget to the Council for review in a timely manner; that there will be more aggression in the capital improvement budget and that there will be a supplemental to show the residents the cost of each department vs the service rendered. Oden questioned the impact of decreased passenger activity at the airport. Reller-Spurgin left at 8:35 p.m. Assistant City Manager stated that the airport would probably experience a $1.6 million deficit; that passenger flights are down; but that the airport is holding a higher average than the national average. Mayor stated that the City will support the airport is whatever method is necessary. Assistant City Manager stated that Horizon has started, northwest will be starting in March and is going to a second flight to Minneapolis; that work is progressing on FAA grants; that Thursday staff did request an additional $881,000 in grants, with the hope to get $200,000; and that the next grant due is related to the blast assessment. ADJOURNMENT