HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002 - MINUTES - 5/22/2002 STUDY SESSIONSTUDY SESSION
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
MAY 22, 2002
CONVENE IN OPEN SESSION
A. Call Back to Order
B. City Attorney Report on Matters Discussed in Closed Session-See Page 2 of
Agenda this date.
C. Public Comments
David J. Lynch, 1111 Tahquitz, stated that the Council should reconsider closing
the Airport Access road; that comments from the people who have to use the
road should be solicited; and that before making a decision, maybe the issue
should be put on the November ballot.
John Connell, stated that the Parades of Palm Springs should be granted the
$30,000 funds being requested for operations of the 3 parades they put on.
Stan Barnes, stated that POPS puts on the Festival of Lights Parade, part of the
Veterans Day Parade, and will now be working on the Black History Parade; that
at least 70K people attend the Festival of Lights Parade; that they will be
contacting the hotels to see if they will have packages to entice the people to
stay overnight; and that he asks the Council support for the funding request of
$30K.
Gayle Hodges, stated that she and her husband are the owners of the “Big
Tractor” and put it in the Light parade each year; that she supports the renewal
of the Palm Canyon Theatre; and that some of the young actors could use the
Palm Springs Youth Center for plays, also.
Bob Harrison, member of the Desert Rose Theatre Company, stated that he also
attends the Metropolitan Church, which meets at the Palm Canyon Theatre on
Sunday; and that he feels the city should have to do an RFP so the theatre can
be open to others who might want to put on plays there.
Daniel Depros, stated that the Palm Canyon Theatre is the only equity theatre in
the valley; that they have an agreement to use amateur actors as well; and that
he supports the lease renewal.
Marylee Warner Riva, member of a Playwright Circle, stated that it is important
that all the Arts are supported in the valley; that it is time to give a chance to
different management of the Palm Canyon Theatre; that other groups need a
home; and that what the valley needs is a Palm Springs Performing Arts Center,
which would be a real community venture and benefit.
Joy Meredith, stated support for the Palm Canyon Theatre lease renewal; that
Parades of Palm Springs is a big benefit for the City and the merchants; and that
tourism is an investment in the City through marketing and advertising.
Bonnie Gilgallon, stated the reasons she feels the lease should not be renewed;
and would like other groups to get a chance. See attached statement.
Alan Worthy, stated opposition to the lease renewal; that this valley deserves a
professional theatre, with varied shows and productions; and that Palm Springs
is ready for a better regional theatre.
Gil Perollo, stated he has worked in productions at the theatre; that they were
unfortunate experiences; and that he opposes the renewal of the lease.
Penny Thompson, Desert Rose Theatre Company, stated she has been in
several touring shows throughout the valley and opposes the lease renewal. See
attached statement.
D. COUNCIL COMMENTS/QUESTIONS/REPORTS
Councilmembers commented on various civic functions attended.
E. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS – The brochure “Everything Under the Sun” has
been mailed out to Palm Springs residents, and work is being done on a Spanish
version.
F. STUDY SESSION
1. DISCUSSION OF 2002/03 PROPOSED BUDGET, INCLUDING
POSSIBLE REVENUE INCREASE
Director of Finance & Treasurer reviewed a handout, which is a recap of
the previous proposed budget documents, and requested guidance
regarding the recommendations.
Councilmember Reller-Spurgin questioned if the Police Dept. overtime
will over expend this year.
Councilmember Hodges questioned if the 2002-03 budget is being
realistic in the overtime for Police and Fire.
Director of Finance & Treasurer stated that it is realistic, barring any
unforeseen situations, such as the September 11th terrorism attack.
Councilmember Mills stated that in light of recent statements in the news,
maybe Tourism should be funded at a higher rate.
Councilmember Oden stated he would like to see Tourism and POPS
work together on advertising and tourism packages.
Consensus of Council is to allocate $120,000 additional to Tourism,
$30,000 to Parades of Palm Springs, and $15,000 for new chairs in the
Council Chamber.
Mayor stated that he wants the budget balanced, and the additional funds
requested by Council to come out of reserves, and wants the budget to
indicate that the additional funds are actually an investment in the City.
Councilmembers took a break and went to the Council Chamber to try the
sample of chairs available for purchase; 15 chairs will be purchased for
the Chamber. The remainder of chairs will be moved around so the small
conference room and the large conference room will have the best of the
current chairs.
2. DISCUSSION OF BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS APPOINTMENTS –
INTERVIEW SCHEDULES
Dates for interviews set: May 30th, June 4th, June 6th, June 7th and June
10th. Individual interviews will be for 10 minutes each, and as many of the
Council members as possible will attend each of the sessions. Adjourned
meeting will have to be called for June 12th to appoint selected applicants,
as the dinner is already scheduled for June 14th.
ADJOURNMENT