HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002 - MINUTES - 6/12/2002 STUDY SESSIONSTUDY SESSION
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
JUNE12, 2002
CONVENE IN OPEN SESSION
A. Call 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.
F. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS – City Manager announced appointment of Troy
Butzlaff as newly appointed Assistant City Manager
G. STUDY SESSION
1. CONVENTION CENTER MASTER PLAN
Robert Lyons, HNTB, stated that the last few weeks have been spent in research
for two subjects; the operational characteristics and urban design for the
Convention Center; that it has been found that most conventions have now
outgrown the facility; that the goal of the master plan is to give the visitors a
desert resort experience, encourage pedestrian traffic downtown and maintain
operations during construction; that it may be that a parking structure will be
needed; that the west side of the complex will need to contain buffers for the
abutting residential area; that in conjunction with the conventions most stay in at
the Windom; that there is a link to the Center; that the Center does need to
create a presence on Tahquitz; that the view of the mountains will play a
significant part in the urban design; that the loading docks do need to be
accessible, but secure; that the space does need to be increased to 50,000
square feet for meeting space; that exhibit space should be increase to 100,000
square feet; that the expansion will then meet 73% of Southern California
convention needs; that there are three schemes; that direction is needed on
which option the Council would want to pursue; that Scheme C does have the
most functional area; that the exhibit hall will be two story in the back of the
building; that the view of the mountains will be visible though the glass structure
in the back; that the kitchen will be relocated; that all back of the house functions
will now face north; that there will be an east and west entry point; that the major
impact will be on the infrastructure; that staff and the consultant would
recommend Scheme D; that the exhibit hall will be placed across the street from
the present building; that the building will be 100,000 square feet; that moveable
partitions will be install; that the cost will be lower maintenance; that Turner
Construction is costing up the proposals; that all points of issue indicated at
previous meetings of the stakeholders are being incorporated.
Council member Hodges stated that parking should be included with the overall
expansion.
2. INDIAN CANYON AND INTERSTATE 10 CONFIGURATION
City Manager stated the project is moving forward, but that there are some
concerns with CalTrans.
City Engineer stated that there is an impasse with CalTrans; that the loop road is
being proposed to be changed; that the length has been stretched; that there are
alternatives being discussed; that overall the ramp has a teardrop type of entry;
that the turn is a 35 degree; that it is considered safe and acceptable; that
direction is needed from the Council to indicate which recommendation to
pursue.
Council direction Alternative 4.
3. AIRPORT SECURITY IMPROVEMENTS
Executive Director – Airports stated that visual displays on the walls indicate how
the improvements would be best suited for airport purposes; that there will be
grants available, but that there will be cost impact to the airport; that the rental
car agencies are adjusting drop off points for returned vehicles; that signage will
be placed to indicate to the drivers where the drop offs will be; that at the
suggestion of the Mayor a map will be included in the vehicles glove box; that the
employee and long term parking will be adjusted to include overhead signage;
that vehicles will only travel to points east on the Mid Valley Parkway and the
w4esterly road will go directly t airport facilities; that the airport will be secure with
its new checkpoints and the overhead signage will impair vehicles from entering
into restricted areas; that a tent structure will be constructed over inspection
areas to indicate to vehicular traffic to slow down; and that as plans solidify, the
Council will be updated.
G. FUTURE AGENDA FORMATION
City manager stated that some type of policy needs establishment on items
brought by the Council and how they evolved to the agenda; that right now the
City Manager approves staff items for Council consideration; that when the
Council requests an item it is scheduled for a future study sessions; that direction
to staff to investigate and review an item is not given until it is clear that a
majority of the Council desires the information; that one suggestion would be that
as items are requested by the Council, each one would be listed on a study
session agenda, the item would then be reviewed to see if a majority of the
Council desires additional information on the item; that it would be a consensus
of the majority.
City Attorney stated that is one persons requests his review he typically will
review that item, it all want the item greater detail is given in the review and the
information is forwarded to all Members of the Council.
Hodges stated that the biggest concern is timing; that there are matters
requested to be brought forward that stay on a list until the matter is untimely for
discussion; that the procedure used currently to bring things forward is that some
members items are brought and others are not; that the procedure should be
consistent; that the issue of the planning department processes still has not
come forward and will probably be September before it does come.
Reller-Spurgin stated that it is unrealistic to have meetings until 1 a.m.
Hodges stated it might be that we need to have meetings each week.
Mills stated that a task force should be put together to review the entire
permitting process to include police, fire, engineering, planning and building.
Oden stated that it is not just the speed of the process, but an evaluation on how
we can make the process better.
ADJOURNMENT