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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002 - MINUTES - 11/13/2002 JOINT STUDY SESSIONSTUDY SESSION CITY OF PALM SPRINGS NOVEMBER 13, 2002 CONVENE IN OPEN SESSION A. Call to Order-Large Conference Room-Oden absent B. Flag Salute C. City Attorney Report on Matters Discussed in Closed Session-See Page 2 of Agenda this date. D. Public Comments Richard Golay, Mesquite Avenue, stated that the traffic problems are getting worse on Mesquite since the opening of the MVP; that the street is deteriorating and action needs to be taken for safety reasons. Virginia Eikener, stated that it is impossible to cross Mesquite to the park due to the increase in traffic since the opening of the MVP. E. COUNCIL COMMENTS/QUESTIONS/REPORTS Councilmembers commented on various civic functions attended. F. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS – None G. STUDY SESSION 1. PHASE I CONVENTION CENTER COST ESTIMATE UPDATE Executive Director – Airports reviewed a handout, copy attached. City manager stated that it was thought that the kitchen could be separate, but it has been determined it cannot. Convention Center Director stated that the kitchen needs renovation; that the Springs Theater will be converted into meeting rooms; that the meeting space is needed and that the conversion will be a gain for the Center; that there will be an additional 20,000 square feet added to the kitchen; that the refrigeration trailers will be removed off site; that the life cycle on the kitchen equipment has been met; that ideally there are two kitchens needed, but that with this renovation 4,000 meals will be able to be handled at one time which should accomplish the immediate needs. Mayor stated that the first phase should be able to be paid through TOT collected; that there is a window of two years for funding of the project. Director of Finance & Treasurer stated that charges could be accumulated for the next 18 months to be a part of the bond issue; that it will all depend on the timing; that if the project is finished in April, then most of the costs could be folded into the bonds. City Manager stated that the contracts concerning the expansion would be starting through the approval process. Councilmember Hodges stated it would be preferable to pay as we go, rather than fold everything into the bond issue. Councilmember Mills requested that both options be brought to the Council for review. 2. MESQUITE AVENUE IMPROVEMENT City Engineer reviewed visual plans, see attached depictions, and added that there will be traffic-calming methods employed. Councilmember Hodges questioned if the stop sign at Vella would be changed. City Engineer stated that it would be a 4-way stop to include a left turn lane; that the CVAG predictions for 2020 are almost being met today regarding traffic counts. Councilmember Mills questioned if there would be a 4-way stop at Mountain View. City Engineer affirmed and added that the intersection is somewhat raised so that the crosswalk can be seen; that there will be an additional 4-way at Nuevo Vista at the DeMuth Park entrance; that there are no actual medians other than the left turn land at Nuevo Vista. Mayor stated that when the MVP was first proposed there was concern expressed for the increase of traffic; that traffic continues on down Mesquite rather than turning at Vella Road as proposed; that the traffic has increased and questioned what the speed limit will be. City Engineer stated 35 MPH; that there are needs to be address on Vella Road; that the General Plan will need to address those needs; that there does need to be a way to redirected traffic on Vella as opposed as continuing on Mesquite. Councilmember Mills stated that the MVP to airport will be an entry road to the east; that Vella Road may need to be turned into a one-way street; that it may be that the flow would be easier. Mayor stated that the Council did take action to close the airport loop road; that it may be that the intended closure should be revisited. Councilmember Mills stated that at this point it may be worth relooking; and questioned the parking ability along Mesquite. City Engineer stated that on street parking would still be allowed; that there would be two lanes each way on Mesquite with street side parking allowed. Councilmember Hodges questioned if the proposal would go to the Planning Commission for review. City Engineer stated that the Commission has reviewed the plans on five separate occasions; that this new proposal is incorporating the direction of the Planning Commission and the City Council. Councilmember Hodges stated that conceptually the proposal is agreeable. Councilmember Oden concurred and added that the Planning Commission should revisit the issues on Vella Road and the airport loop road; that this is not just an issue of Mesquite, but a secondary street classification; that typically the road should carry just local residential traffic, not be a thoroughfare. Councilmember Mills stated that the parking situation is of concern; that with the parrallel parking the median problem would be eliminated and not needed. Councilmember Reller-Spurgin stated that the Vella issue does need to be dealt with at this time so that in two years the issue is not back before the Council again. City Engineer stated that it seems the consensus is to send the plans back to the Planning Commission for review and add improvements to Vella Road. Mayor stated that there are only so many ways to go east-west in the Valley; that the Council does need to know the impacts to Vella and Ramon; that the impacts of losing the airport loop road will be felt by other streets; that the roadways are complicated; that there may need to be some type of traffic calming devices employed; and that the Planning Commission should revisit the project. Councilmember Reller-Spurgin concurred. H. JOINT CITY COUNCIL/PLANNING COMMISSION STUDY SESSION 1. PALM HILLS SPECIFIC PLAN Roll Call of Planning Commission: Those present: Mr. Klatcho, Ms. Marantz, Mr. Caffrey, Mr. Grence, Mr. Mathews, Mr. Shoenberger. Those absent: Ms. Conrad. Commissioner Shoenberger stated conflict of interest and excused himself from the diaz. PUBLIC COMMENTS: None DISCUSSION: City Manager stated that it is important to review larger project with both bodies present. Director of Planning & Zoning review a power point presentation, copy attached. Jim Cioffi reviewed a packet concerning Palm Hills, see attached copy. Comments by both entities were that the project will be exciting and large scale; that the area is one of the only remaining areas in Palm Springs that could be developed to this scale; that a field trip to the area is needed; that there will be a lot of infrastructure needed; that the General Plan will need amendments; that the beauty of the mountains must also be preserved; that there is great potential; that while the project is monumental it is not insurmountable. ADJOURNMENT