HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002 - MINUTES - 8/28/2002 STUDY SESSIONSTUDY SESSION
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
August 28, 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
Rob Parkins, Palm Springs, stated there is concern on the proposed Ballot
Measures; that the four measures are designed to destroy the City; that there are
groups forming to oppose the measures and it is requested that the Council give
clear direction as to what will be cut should the Utility User Tax be discontinued.
Rick Service, stated that the parking measure, if passed will be a free for all for
parking in the downtown and added that the citizens need to be informed.
Grace Jablow, Palm Springs, stated that people live in Palm Springs for the
Quality of Life; that the four ballot measures will destroy the quality that the
citizens want and need and added that the Deville Group has conducted the
entire process of the measures in secrecy.
David J. Lynch, Palm Springs, stated that the Council does need to provide
information regarding the four ballot measures; that the measure take away the
ability of the City to move ahead; and that the proponents have not dealt with the
after effects should the measures be implemented.
Wesley Ross, Palm Springs, stated that new public policy should be adopted
regarding procedures followed by Police Officers and that residential burglaries
are not of the top priority.
E. COUNCIL COMMENTS/QUESTIONS/REPORTS
Councilmembers commented on various civic functions attended.
Mayor stated that the event planned for September 11 is on going and being
broadly supported by the Community.
F. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS –
City Manager stated that the ability of a staff member to attend Community
meetings is being extended to all Neighborhood Groups for staff support and
follow up.
G. STUDY SESSION
1. AIRPORT EXPOLSIVE DETECTION IMPLEMENTAITON PLAN
Executive Director – Airports reviewed handouts concerning deadlines imposed
by the FAA to airports for security measures, see copy attached.
2. VOTER INFORMATION CAMPAIGN ON BALLOT INITIATIVES
Director of Finance & Treasurer reviewed handouts concerning the Utility User
Tax and Transient Occupancy Tax, copies attached, and the impacts on the
budget.
Reller Spurgin: Questioned if the TOT issue would affect the expansion of the
Convention Center.
Director of Finance & Treasurer stated that the proposal has three tiers; that
none of the funding can be spent on safety services; that the expansion would be
an allowable use of the collection; but that the current funding set aside for the
expansion would be spent at the Council’s discretion.
Director of Finance & Treasurer stated contrary to the proponent’s information,
City spending has increased overall in the past 11 years at a rate of 2.2%.
Mayor stated that should the measure pass, it would be devastating for the
citizens; that it is important to have the Community involved.
Mr. Parkins stated that the reductions must be demonstrated to the public; that it
will be tough calls for each Department Head, but that it seems that the cuts
would be approximately20% across the board; that the last time a similar type of
issue came about the voters did understand the reduction of services and the
impact of getting what you pay for, but that it will be up to the Council to let the
public know specifically what would happen is the Utility User Tax is not in place.
Council discussion on ways to dissemble information to the public; staff directed
to report on how other entities have handled the issue of information to the
citizens in other cities.
ADJOURNMENT