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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002 - MINUTES - 6/26/2002 STUDY SESSIONSTUDY SESSION CITY OF PALM SPRINGS June 26, 2002 CONVENE IN OPEN SESSION A. Call to Order-Hodges absent B. Adjourned Meeting-See Minutes this date C. Public Comments - None D. COUNCIL COMMENTS/QUESTIONS/REPORTS Councilmembers commented on various civic functions attended. E. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS – None F. STUDY SESSION 1. CVAG ELECTRICAL JPA Percy Byrd, Indian Wells, reviewed a handout, copy attached, and added that rates are continuing to climb with SCE; that the study will look at a variety of options; that the best way to proceed is to form a municipal district and acquire the distribution system from SCE; and that the direct access vehicle that was available through the State is now closed. Scott Blasings, attorney, stated that the Joint Powers Authority would be easy to create and dissolve if needed; that 45% of the States power is owned by municipal utilities; that two recent acquisitions, Laguna and Merced have been friendly acquisitions; that the JPA would allow for local process; local accountability; and not be subject to State regulations of public power systems. Percy Byrd stated that it is being requested that Palm Springs join in the valley wide effort; that if the City chose to place the measure on the ballot it would not cost more than $8,000 for the County to run the election; that to do the generation of power is not beneficial; that the power produced goes to the grid and cannot be designated for a particular area; that SCE typically goes in the open market to obtain a short and long term supply of power; that some cities do produce their own power; that overall municipal utilities do better than privately owned companies with stockholders; that a flat hourly rate would be established for kilowatt hour; that the investor owned utility (IOU) rates are set by the JPA; that the cost of purchase of the lines and system from SCE is estimated at $500 Million dollars; that bonds could be issued to support the buyout; that the reason to put the measure before the voters is to see if the voters will support the concept of municipally owned utilities; that the vote would be advisory; that each City could have a similar question on the ballot; that the savings is projected to be up to 15%; that the price of buyout from SCE does have to be deemed just and equitable; that SCE does make a strong presentation to discourage acquisition; that the process can be smooth and formation of the JPA be done within 6 – 8 weeks; that most Cities have reviewed the draft JPA; that wording from concerned parties has been edited and reviewed; that all Cities must participate for the concept to move forward; that with the flow of power a City cannot be skipped and then another picked up; that the debts of the JPA are divisible by membership and date of starting the member ship; that questions to do with the cogenerations plants in Palm Springs would need to be worked out; that there would be provisions for low/moderate income and reduced rates; that services that SCE provide would continue to be a part of the program; that assets of the Cities would be protected; that should the City move forward, all residents would have mandatory participation; that it will be an education process and that a large benefits will be given to the citizens. 2. HOT ROD AND BIKE WEEKEND Mr. Burke, Promoter stated that much has been in the press concerning the bikers; that the event is scheduled to take place in Palm Springs during October; that a zero tolerance policy will be in place; that drinking restrictions, the prohibition of “wearing of colors” and sales will be monitored; that additional security will be hired; that work has continued with SEPT and the local police department; that the two groups currently having problems, Hell’s Angels and Mongol’s have stated they will not attend the event; and that the event should run smoothly. Police Chief stated that colors can not be prohibited; that to wear what one wants is a first amendment right; that once word is out the event is on, the bikers will come; that the community can not be guaranteed safety; that it is recommended that the Council defer the event for one year to allow time for the bad blood between the two rival biker gangs to slow down. Linda Fort, Tourism Director, stated that this event has been promoted world wide; that many are expecting to come; that the hotels have held blocks of room for the event and that the room nights are needed to make up the effect of 9-11. Police Chief stated that the event does provide a great economy for the City, but the fear is that if the event goes bad, it will be a major impact that will hit the City forever; that right now things are bad between the two biker gangs and that if the City has the event is inviting trouble to the community. Oden stated no matter where one goes you can run into inappropriate dress and behavior; that all events have their problems; that it is curious that the City spends a lot of time “growing” an event and at the first mention of behavior problems the police stand is to cancel the event; that the City used to host Spring Break; that the weekend was full of young people celebrating; that the police stated that the event was out of control and could not be managed; that the City got rid of the event; that the event moved to Florida and other Cities, that those Cities manage Spring Break quite well, and questioned why the City of Palm Springs Police Department could not do the same. Mr. Burke stated that people do plan lives in advance; that to cancel the event this year will danger the event in years to come; that consistency in events is needed; that the promotion has been ongoing for 6 months, but that as a promoter what is best for Palm Springs is what should be done and what he will do. Oden questioned the amount of revenue the event generates. Director of Finance stated the total effect is about $2 million to the valley. Reller-Spurgin stated that the promoter covers all extra security costs. Mills questioned if the event took place what could be done differently than last year. Police Chief stated that the Department would be tapped out; that outside agencies could have to be hired; that it is not the venue area that is of concern, but the rest of the City; that having the event invites all to come; that the intelligence information on these groups is scary; and that it is the advise of the police department not to have the event. Reller-Spurgin stated that if the police department is saying the event is not safe and should not be held, then the answer is given. Mayor concurred. Tourism Director stated that many hoteliers have turned October business away due to the expectation of this event and that the impact will be felt in the community. Oden stated that it is of concern when an event is cancelled as an option of addressing concern; that this event is significant in the City, but that the citizens do need to be safe. Mr. Burke stated that the event is in deep at this point; that there is honor among these groups; that letters could be sent requesting them not to come; that it would not hurt to ask; that extra help could be obtained from the FBI and the National Guard to help address security issues. Police Chief stated that no event should need the National Guard and FBI to be called in. Council consensus due to Police Department recommendation, the event would be given a one year hiatus to come back for Council review in 2003. G. COUNCIL DISCUSSION ITEMS 1. CHARTER AMENDMENT – COUNCIL VACANCY City Attorney stated that the only directions concerning the possible charter amendment; that the duties of the Mayor, proclamations, and board & commission appointments do not need a Charter Amendment and that due to time constraints the only time sensitive issue is the issue concerning the Council Vacancy. Reller-Spurgin stated that the brief prepared by the City Attorney did seem the logical way to go. Oden stated that there is more than must the one item that may be a Charter Amendment and that the discussion did need to include all topics. City Attorney clarified that logically the issue would be the Council Vacancy, and that the other matters could be deferred for discussion. Oden stated that the meeting had been long and that at this time he left the meeting. 11:00 p.m. City Attorney reviewed the staff report, copy attached. Council consensus: No further direction given, Council Vacancy issue to remain as is.