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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001 - MINUTES - 1/4/2001 - JOINT STUDY SESSION CITY OF PALM SPRINGS JOINT STUDY SESSION CITY COUNCIL AND AGUA CALIENTE BAND OF CAHUILLA INDIANS January 4, 2001 An Adjourned Regular Joint Study Session of the City Council of the City of Palm Springs, California, was called to order by Mayor Kleindienst, at the Cahuilla Room, Spa Hotel, Tahquitz Canyon Way, on Thursday, January 4, 2001, at 6:00 p.m. ROLL CALL: Present: Councilmembers Jones, Hodges, Oden, Reller-Spurgin, and Mayor Kleindienst Absent: None REPORT OF POSTING OF AGENDA: City Clerk reported that the agenda was posted in accordance with Council procedures on December 29, 2000. PUBLIC COMMENTS: None 1. TAHQUITZ INTERPRETIVE CENTER LAND EXCHANGE Director of Planning & Building reviewed the site plan; and added that the Belardo Bridge is connected to the Center, in that to get to the Center the bridge is needed to be constructed; that it is a flood control matter and a part of the agreement existing and in place between both governmental bodies; that the matter of the dedication has been ongoing for some time; that the land concerned has been determined to be one of highest importance to the Tribe; that the Council is not adverse to the giving of the land, but that the bridge needs to remain a part of the picture; that there is no City funding for the bridge; and that a joint effort could be made to lobby for federal funding. Chairman Milanovich stated that the two issues are separate; that the City should not hold the land hostage for the bridge completion; that the Tribe has given its word to work with the City for the financing of the bridge; that all promises made by the Tribe have been fulfilled, and yet the City still does not deed the land as promised; that the Tribe has been working to obtain grants; that the Tribe will not nor has it indicated it will turn its back on the bridge; that the site in question is of great architectural value to the Tribe; that it is a part of the aboriginal home; and significant in the history of the Tribe; that the area needs to be maintained and protected; that the transfer of the land guarantees not only the land remaining open space, but shows that the City upholds it word; that it is better to take one issue at a time, deal with it, then move to the next issue; that the City usually ties many items together, making the resolution on one problem difficult to solve; that it is time to move forward; that a new Tribal Council could be in place next year, and the promises made by the City need to be completed. City Attorney stated that the reality on the bridge is that it is going through the Federal funding cycle; that the design, plans and construction mentioned in the agreement can not be met; that both attorney’s could work together to draft language acceptable to both Council’s to modify the bridge requirements. Councilmember Reller-Spurgin stated that a letter of intent or a goal statement needs to be defined by both parties. Assistant City Manager-Operations stated that it may be that a trip to Washington D.C. by both Councils is in order; that there are two ways to lobby for federal funding, one through the lobbyists and the second through the appropriation bills by Congress; that a coordinated effort needs to be made; that both lobbyists need to make it a priority. Councilmember Hodges stated that the land should be deed; that the City does not need the land, and it is time to deed the land to the Tribe. Council consensus to deed the land to the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians at the next regular meeting, and to work together to obtain federal funding and grants for the establishment of the Belardo Bridge. 2. BELARDO BRIDGE See item 1. 3. TRAILS ACCESS Director of Planning & Building stated that the Trail in question is the Likken Trail and access. Chairman Milanovich, stated that the Tribe is working with Desert Riders to address the issue; that there is come concern with security of the area; that there is not fencing to corridor off areas that should no be accessed; and that the matter will be resolved though discussion with the parties concerned. 4. SPA HOTEL Casino Project Update: Chairman Milanovich stated that the projection is 1 – 3 years for the completion of the expansion. Prairie Schooner: No Comment Post Office Relocation: Mayor stated that two sites are needed; that the downtown area needs an office, and that the massive handling site is being proposed on Airport property, near the customs office; that communication with the Federal level is not good; that calls are not returned; and that some assistance from the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians may be needed. Fire Station Site: Mayor stated that the site on Indian Avenue is becoming obsolete; that there is a limited area that can be used to cover the necessary area; that service delivery time has not changed, the area is getting difficult to access; that traffic congestion is difficult; that alternatives are being looked at; but that the station will need to be located within certain boundaries; that the area needed is between ¾ and 1 acre; that the station could be linked to a multi use facility; and the site needs to be in Section 14. Fire Chief in response to questions by Tribal Council stated that the site donation is being requested of the Tribe. Tribal Planning Director stated that the footprint of the Hotel/Casino would need to be established, before any area could be considered. 5. CANYON HOTEL UPDATE: No comment. 6. TAHQUITZ CANYON WAY LIGHTING PROJECT Director of Downtown Development reviewed plans for the lighting of Tahquitz Canyon, copy attached, and explained the reimbursement agreement that the City currently uses with the downtown merchants for the placement of lights; that the program is a voluntary buy in; that the City would own the bases and covers the electricity costs; that the merchant purchases the lighting standard; that the fixtures include and area to hang banners; that the program offers lighting to the sidewalks and a feeling of security for the tourists; and that should a merchant expand into the area where the fixture is located, the fixture can be moved. Tribal Chairman stated that the idea is a good one; that lighting is needed from the Wnydham to downtown; and questioned is the lighting is in the master plan. Tribal Planning Director stated that the lighting is in the master plan. Tribal Member questioned the amount of light generated, and whether it would impact “dark skies”. Director of Planning & Building stated that the lighting is directed downward; that the Planning Commission will be addressing the standards; that any new development in the area will be required to add the lighting; and that the City will work with current property owners regarding the installation. 7. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS: Tribal Council requested the matter of City communications be discussed at the next meeting. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, Mayor declared the meeting adjourned. PATRICIA A. SANDERS City Clerk