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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001 - MINUTES - 2/28/2001 - STUDY SESSIONSTUDY SESSION CITY OF PALM SPRINGS February 28, 2001 CONVENE IN OPEN SESSION A. Call Back 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 Frank Tysen, stated that the street lights proposed for Tahquitz Canyon should not be approved; that other Cities are removing street lights, but this City is putting more in; that the dark skies of the desert are being ruined; that the light is not decorative; that the program needs to be massaged to make sense; that when the neighborhood coalition has input, it should be listened to and brought into the process during the planning stages, not the end of the process; that Tahquitz Canyon corridor is something to be proud of in its simplicity; and that the proposed program is not conducive to the energy crises of the State, nor is it in compliance with 5.20.4 of the General Plan. Steve Lyle, 121 SPC, stated that as a member of the Indian Planning Commission full support is given to the program; that the program has been used in the downtown area with costs being split between the City and the property owners; that the program is successful; that the area needs the lighting for safety of the foot traffic; that the boulevard will be lit, but not so far as to light the medians in the street; and that the power issue should not overceed the safety issue. E. COUNCIL COMMENTS/QUESTIONS/REPORTS Councilmembers commented on various civic functions attended. Mayor requested the budget review schedule for 2001-02 be issued to the Council; and stated that Councilmember Hodges was successful in proposing a new split between CVAG and Cities for use of Measure A funds, with CVAG paying 75% and the City paying 25%. F. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS City Manager stated that the timing for the streetlights downtown has been changed to 5:30 p.m. to turn off at 10:30 p.m., per the Main Street recommendation; and that a report regarding two possible locations for the homeless shelter would be coming to Council within 30-60 days. Councilmember Oden requested notification of the meetings in order to start attendance. G. STUDY SESSION 1. EAST TAHQUITZ CANYON LIGHTING PROGRAM Director of Downtown Development reviewed a handout, copy attached, and added that the lights are decorative, not street lights; that the power usage would not be more than $2945 per year at today’s costs; that both the Tribal and the City Planning Commission approved the design and implementation of the program. Councilmember Hodges stated that Mr. Tysen indicated that the lights were not in compliance with the General Plan. Director of Planning & Building stated that the lights are in compliance; that the General Plan is referring to lighting in neighborhoods to avoid having big street lights lighting up the entire street; that the proposed lights do not have arms that cover one half of the street, that they are merely decorative and cast a low wattage circle of light on the sidewalk for safety. Director of Downtown Development stated that unlike the downtown lights, there will be no uplights on the standards proposed, nor electrical outlets; that the downtown lights do have uplighting to light up the palm trees; that the programs is a good community program; that the downtown has invested in the program and it has been successful. Mayor questioned if holiday banners will be able to be attached to the standards; and what is the centerline of light cast. Director of Downtown Development stated that banners could be attached and that the light circumference is two feet off the curb. Mayor stated that a typical street light arm extends over one lane; that the lights proposed will only light a passenger door parked along the side of the curb; and questioned the funding source. Director of Downtown Development stated that the Council did approve some of the funding in the budget and that the Community Redevelopment Agency does have some funds targeted for the project; that the logo that will be a part of some of the standards is an additional expense and has not been fully discussed whether the property owner or the Tribe will cover the costs. Mayor suggested something other than the Pacific Blue be used for the neon circles on the lights to distinguish between the uptown, downtown and the Tahquitz corridor. Director of Downtown Development stated that the choices are blue, red, yellow or clear. Councilmember Jones questioned by the same thing as downtown is not being used; that the light fixtures work well there; that there is not a need for two different types of fixtures going down the street; that is the second light is not used, costs will be cut; that there is a need for the lighting, but questioned what point the second light will serve. Director of Downtown Development stated that the Planning Commission did view the project on a monumental scale; that there is a lot of pedestrian traffic on the Tahquitz corridor; that the lighting will create an ambiance to the area; that it is more of as aesthetic feel and will create an identity for the area; and that the lighting will be used to create a theme for the area. Councilmember Jones stated that the need for the second light fixture is to put the logo up; and added that a monument sign would be more appropriate to designate the area. Director of Downtown Development stated that discussion with the Tribal Planning Commission did include a monument sign; that the logo on the standard was endorsed; that both planning commissions are comfortable with the standards as represented. Councilmember Jones stated that the second light fixture with the logo is only being used to identify the reservation land; that it is good that banners are not being used also; and that if they were the area would look like a circus. Mayor stated that the banners used throughout the City add a festive feeling to the Community; that personally he is ok with the logo on the standards; that it would be preferable that the landowners not have to bear the costs of the logo, but that the Tribe should contribute and offset the cost of the standards. Councilmember Hodges stated that the banners on the MVP are hard to read, and when one does it could cause an accident. Mayor stated that the banner policy should be scheduled for a study session discussion; and questioned what direction is needed for staff at this time. Director of Downtown Development stated that if the Council is comfortable with the program direction should be given to proceed with the Planning Commission. Mayor requested that the costs for holiday banners for the program be addressed in the upcoming budget discussions. Councilmember Reller-Spurgin stated that the lighting is needed for safety and the program presented is acceptable. Mayor stated that the City is pedestrian orientated; that it may be that discussions to include Avenida Caballeros should be included. Director of Downtown Development stated that LMI/SMG, Convention Center, would be approached. 2. FOREIGN TRADE ZONE Economic Development Director reviewed a handout; copy attached, and added that direction is needed from the Council in order to proceed. City Manager stated that activation of the plan is needed; and that the plan could be activated on speculation. Economic Development Director stated that the costs for activation of the zone is $12,500; that an area will be needed to be designated as a certified trade zone; that the boundaries could be expanded to include private, Indian leased or land with access to I-10; that right now the zone can not offer what is needed; that there are significant business leaders requesting expansion; that it does take time for preparation of the expansion of the boundaries; that the costs will be upwards of $20,000; that recently the City has been marketing with Mexicali; that Mexicali does have a supplier need for its assembly plants; that the FTZ in Palm Springs could host supplies to supply the commodities to the assembly plants; but that the zone must be activated in order to pursue the needed suppliers; and that staff is requesting Council consideration of two action items, one to activate the zone and second to move the boundaries of the zone; that the funds to cover the costs would come from the Economic Development Budget and from the funds from the Energy Marketing fund, if Council would redirect the funds. Councilmember Oden questioned if the local Enterprise, Empowerment zones are being worked with. Economic Development Director stated that the other entities are being worked with; and that the intent is to partner for a regional asset. Councilmember Hodges questioned if the zone was activated, would the activation be for 5 of the remaining 7 years. Economic Development Director concurred. Mayor directed the matter be brought forward for action at the next Council meeting. 3. UTILITY USERS TAX City Manager stated that the UUT was a measure voted on by the people of the City; that the question has come up of with the increase in energy costs is the City getting a windfall; that the City’s not receiving a windfall; that last year the city paid $528,000 for natural gas costs; that this year the costs will be $1.4 million; that the consumer is protected from the rising costs, but that the City is not; that out natural gas costs have risen 300%, while the customer has been capped at a 60% increase. Director of Finance and Treasurer reviewed a handout, copy attached, and added that in this month last year the natural gas costs was $33,000, and that this year the same month the cost is $275,000; that the customer is not affected like the City; that there are exemptions in place for those of low income; that the exemptions are the same as those offered by SCE or So. Cal Gas; and that if one or both of those entities grant the exemption, the City follows likewise. City Manager stated that for the user on the interruptible plan, the Council might wish to refund the portion paid on the penalty. Mayor questioned the costs of the penalties. Assistant City Manager stated that those that are on the program normally pay 8 cents a Kilowatt hour, that during the penalty time the cost is $9 to $21 per KWH; that one of the local hotels had penalty for one month of $1 million dollars. Mayor questioned if the CPUC will forgive the penalties. Assistant City Manager stated that the talks have not been concluded. Councilmember Reller-Spurgin stated that the review was beneficial of the UUT; that there is always a concern for the elderly and poor making a choice between electricity and medicine or food; and questioned if all are aware of the exempt status. Director of Finance & Treasurer stated that is SCE or So Cal Gas is exempting, likewise will the City, or that the resident can contact the City directly. Councilmember Reller-Spurgin stated that the refund of the penalty is fair. Councilmember Jones commented that there is also an exemption for those businesses whose utilities exceed certain set costs. Councilmember Hodges stated at this time it seems that the City is in the right direction, but that if cost for electricity do escalate, the issue may need to be readdressed. ADJOURNMENT