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Home My WebLink About2002 - MINUTES - 2/27/2002 STUDY SESSIONSTUDY SESSION CITY OF PALM SPRINGS FEBRUARY 27, 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-No agenda nor report given. D. Public Comments - None E. COUNCIL COMMENTS/QUESTIONS/REPORTS Councilmembers commented on various civic functions attended. F. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS City Manager stated a TAC of CVAG had been formed to address PM10 violations and that a report addressing the issues will be completed by July 2002. G. STUDY SESSION 1. FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS PARADE UPDATE Stan Barnes, Parades of Palm Springs (POPS), reviewed a written report, copy on file in Office of the City Clerk, and added that the parade is expanding; that the budget for this year is projected to be $60,000; and that a funding request has been routed through the City Manager. Oden: Concern is that the entire parade rests on the efforts of a few; have a lot of volunteers, but is something happens to the main directors what would happen? Staff support is needed for the parade and the City needs to be fair to the organizers. Barnes: staff was addressed at Board level; event it big and growing; thought City could provide a staff person to assist; but that the parade is to be continued to be managed by POPS. Mayor: what is the length of time needed for City staff assistance. Barnes: If not doing logistics then are promoting; typically when a parade get this big there is paid staff; that donations are made to charities from any remaining funds. Mayor stated that there are two issues; one for continuing the funding source and the possibility of a staff person; that it may be that a contract with a term of five years should be entered; that it may also be that more than one staff person could be assigned at any given time. Oden: There is time to work out something that will benefit all parties. Mrs. Barnes: stated that POPS is considering bidding on other parades. Mr. Barnes stated that there are parade management companies. Mayor requested POPS submit what is the ideal funding stream and staffing needs and submit the request to the City Manager to be forwarded to the Council for review. 2. YOUTH CENTER FUNDING REQUEST Mr. Tom Brook, representing the Youth Center, stated that the request is for $50,000; that a few years ago the City did assist the Youth Center with funding for its boxing club; that there are 40 young people involved in the club; that this is the 60th year of operation of the youth center; that a new business plan has been submitted; that the center is offering rental space in the center for use by community organizations; that the Center is coordinating efforts with the homeless shelter for a feeding program; that the Center fills a need for kids at risk; that the annual membership is $12.00 per child; that staff hours need to be extended; that the insurance along for the center is $18,000 per year; that the Center spent $8,500 for the gym floor alone; that the minimum budget is $200,000; that the center is experiencing a deficit of $70,000; that the center is still operational, but it is getting questionable; that many programs are in danger of being cut; that there is major concern over the after school programs; that the youth center is an integral part of the community and in need of help. Mills questioned the timing of the need; and added that during his campaign for Office it was made clear that it is questionable why the City does not provide a permanent funding source for services that it does not provide for. Mayor questioned when the formal request for funds would come to the Council for consideration. City Manager stated that Councilmember Mills did request the additional funding for the youth organization; that the Council will start the budget process shortly and that there are many requests of this type that will be coming forward; that the Council will need to decide whether or not to fund the requests and from what allocation. Oden: Questioned if the Youth Center had requested CDBG funds. Mr. Brooks stated that the request was made for roof repairs. Oden: Concur with Mills; that this Center does in fact provide a service that the City does not provide; that the City should assist in the funding; that the request is for $50,000 and questioned if a smaller amount would suffice for immediate needs. Reller-Spurgin: Staff was directed to develop a policy to determine how to rank requests of Community Based Organizations (CBO); and added that in light of the recent initiatives that are being proposed, budget issues do need to be considered in light of what the effect of the measures might be. City Manager stated that the policy for the CBO’s is in the final stages and will be forthcoming to the Council. Reller-Spurgin: Stated that $50,000 was given to the Youth Center and additionally $50,000 to the Senior Center; that it was to be a one time funding; that the City can not guarantee this amount each year; and that the Council needs to express prudence in light of possible loss of the UUT. Oden: Stated concerns of Reller-Spurgin are valid. City Manager stated that a meeting would be arranged with the representatives of the Youth Center to determine if the appropriation can be a mix of inkind. Reller-Spurgin requested a copy of last year’s and this year’s budget of the Youth Center to be provided to the City Manager. Mr. Brooks stated that the concerns for the Youth Center stem from service and that control of the Center is not an issue. Mayor stated that the Youth Center has a legacy of providing for the City’s youth; that it always delivers to the children of the Community; that it does provide a service that the City does not provide; that this issue is for stop gap funding; that although the budget process has started, it would be good to try to help this organization’s immediate needs. Reller-Spurgin questioned where the money would come from and that the Council needs to be aware of the big picture. Oden: Stated that Reller-Spurgin request for the Youth Center’s budget will be helpful; that any funding the City allocates at this point will come from Fund Balance; that this need is immediate and after the assistance a full plan can be figured out. City Manager stated the funds can come from Fund Balance; that if the Council will allow an additional week meetings will be held with the Boards to determine if there are some inkind services that could be offered to offset the amount requested and that the matter will come back to the Council for full discussion on March 6, 2002. 3. INTERNATIONAL TRADE & ECONOMIC OUTLOOK SPONSORSHIP City Manager reported that the sponsorship would be funded for $5,000 from Economic Development funds. 4. VALLEY WIDE MODEL MASSAGE ORDINANCE Councilmember Reller-Spurgin not present for discussion of this item. City Attorney reviewed the proposed Ordinance, copy attached. Police Chief stated that enforcement is not the issue but whether the City is willing to accept lower standards in the Community. Oden: Questioned if the City had heard from the professionals in this field in our Community. City Attorney stated that there was no comment regarding this meeting, but that in the past issues were raised by the professionals in the Community. City Manager stated that the adoption of the proposed would result in a loss of revenue for the City. Director of Finance stated that the loss would be approximately $15,0000 per year and that it may increase complaints regarding administration. Oden: Stated that it would be preferable to hear from the professionals regarding the issue. Police Chief stated that past concerns were that others would be practicing in the Community and that most masseurs are protective of territory. City Attorney stated that the entire valley would have the same set of standards; that wherever the license was issued would not be a basis of where on could operate; and that some Cities may be adversely impacted with staff levels. Mayor stated that the City has always maintained high standards in the Community and a change should not be made unless the standards are raised. Oden questioned if other Cities have adopted the Ordinance. City Attorney stated that most have already adopted it and that it is an ongoing process. Council consensus: City Manager to draft letter to CVAG indicating Palm Springs is not interested in approving the Ordinance and will remain with its own standards. 5. ANIMAL SHELTER UPDATE Police Chief stated that Riverside County would build the facility. Oden: Stated that the primary concern is the level of service and distance of the facility from this City. Mills stated the report is long overdue; that the existing facility needs to be expanded; that it is obvious from the written report, copy attached, that CVAG will not meet the City’s needs; and that the City should not take less that what it is used to. Mayor stated that the concept is not viable for Palm Springs; that the City needs to manage to upgrade its facility and remain independent and questioned if our facility takes all size of animals. Police Chief stated that the County houses the larger animals. Council consensus: Investigate expansion of existing facility and not participate in Countywide Animal Shelter. ADJOURNMENT