HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001 - MINUTES - 4/11/2001 WORKSHOPWORKSHOP
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
APRIL 11, 2001
CALL TO ORDER
A. ROLL CALL – All Present
B. REPORT POSTING OF AGENDA: City Clerk reported the Agenda was posted
in accordance with Council procedures.
C. PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Mary Jo Henter, Hyatt Regency, stated that the Convention Center expansion is
supported by the Hotel Association; that TOT had been raised to support the
expansion; that many conventions have been and will be lost if the Center is not
expanded; that the expansion is needed; that it is for future sales and for the
benefit of all in the Community, either directly or indirectly.
Michael Green, 555 San Lorenzo, stated that as a small hotel owner there are
benefits to the expansion of the Convention Center; that all are concerned that a
viable Center be maintained; that people come to the meetings, then come back
to vacation, thus utilizing the smaller hotels.
Howard Lapham, provided letter to Council, copy attached.
City Manager stated that it was requested of the hoteliers to get the ball rolling;
that in the 2002-03 budget discussion the matter of the expansion will be
discussed in detail.
WORKSHOP: THE FOLLOWING ARE COMMENTS AND CONCERNS EXPRESSED
BY MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL, NOT NECESSARILY IN ORDER, NOR
CATEGORIZED BY WHOM,
1. 2002-03 BUDGET ISSUES
Director of Finance & Treasurer reviewed handout, copy attached and added that
there had been few changes since the last review by the Council; that even
though the PUC has reduced the gas baseline, it may be just a slightly lower or
no effect on the UUT generated; that the deficit was addressed by changing of
some salaries from operation to enterprise; that the PM 10 inspector will come
from the CSA 152 fund; that the Fire Intern program will be stopped; that last
years funding for that program was not used; that the paramedic program
expansion will not be done, that the ID Techs will not be funded.
City Manager stated that the increase in salaries and health insurance is $1
million increase; that wages are up 6% due to the staffing of the jail; that the
major increases to the budget are insurance, health, property and liability and
utilities.
Risk Manager stated that we are getting quotes, but at this time it does seem that
the increase to premiums for insurance cover for property and liability will rise
29%.
Mayor stated that at the Council Cabinet meeting it was indicated by one of the
Chairs that building permits had gone up, but that there does not seem to be an
indicating number in the proposal.
Finance Director & Treasurer stated that even though the permits rise, it does not
correspond with increased revenue, that some of the permits are remodels of
businesses and homes, not new development.
Executive Director – Airports stated that with the new parking structure permits
there would be no change; that it is a City project, thus no fees for permits are
charged.
Reller-Spurgin questioned the apparent increase in property tax.
Director of Finance & Treasurer stated most pre-Prop 13 properties are selling,
thus an increase.
Mayor stated that the library literacy program salaries is being proposed to be
funded by Trust funds and that Trust Funds are not to be used for operations
expenses.
City Librarian stated this years funding is being advanced with the intent that the
City will fund the position next year.
Oden stated that alternative funding needs to be sought for next year, such as
CDBG or grants.
Reller-Spurgin questioned the proposed paramedic program.
Fire Chief stated that the amounts shown are for the salary difference between a
firefighter and a paramedic; that without the allocation the program will not be
expanded throughout the City.
City Manager stated that all fire personnel should have paramedic training and
was previously budgeted, but cut due to the deficit.
Mayor questioned without the funding what would happen.
Fire Chief stated that the program would remain the same, no expansion; that
AMR fines are about $14,000 for late calls; that the City does get the revenue for
the penalty, but that the citizen suffers for the late response.
Reller-Spurgin stated that item should be added for additional consideration.
Reller-Spurgin questioned the $25,000 for safety programs; that when hired Ross
safety training was alluded to; that there was not mention of a $25,000 charge.
Risk Manager stated that the $25,000 is for software, nothing to do with
personnel, just training.
Mayor questioned whether the new positions slated for the police department are
included.
Finance Director & Treasurer stated the proposed positions are for records and
are not included; that the 4 maintenance works for downtown are included to
assist in maintenance of the restrooms in the park, and will be offset by the
deletion of contract duties; that the contractor is not performing up to standards
and this will ensure that all the City’s restrooms are maintained; and that the
savings will be an immediate $20,000.
Oden: concerned on overall service, that originally the service for janitorial was
in-house; that over the years it was thought to save money to contract out; each
year the service is declining, but the cost is rising; and that it may be time to start
bringing some of the services back in-house.
Director of Parks & Rec stated that the City is finding that all things contracted
out are not good; that certain things can be contracted, but that others do need to
be maintained in-house.
Reller-Spurgin stated that a few years ago it was indicated that the service level
would be maintained at a cheaper cost.
Executive Director – Airports stated that an additional feature is with in-house
employees can move from one project to another, without an additional cost; and
that duties are needed can be shifted to the new priority.
Mills: any contractual duties added are paid at a higher cost; that reviewing the
youth center funding it does not seem to be included.
Reller-Spurgin stated that the Senior Center funding does needed to be reviewed
for increase; that although the $52,000 is in, it had sent a request for an
additional $100,000.
Mayor stated that Parades of Palm Springs should likewise be added.
Executive Director stated that POPS, Youth Center would be added to the list for
additional funding.
Reller-Spurgin directed the Senior Center be likewise added.
Mayor questioned the impact of Prop 218 on charges.
Director of Finance & Treasurer stated that the total cost center for the City is
$47 million; that the new proposal is 5% increase over the current year; that the
intent of Prop 218 is that any changes to taxes, such as business license must
go to the vote of the people; and that no charge in the City may exceed the cost
in which it occurred to produce.
Director of Finance & Treasurer stated that the CAP program is listed in level of
staff priority.
Reller-Spurgin stated the contractual amount of $46,101 could be removed for
the Tennis Center due to lease being approved.
Mayor ranked his priorities of capital improvements listed as 1, 3, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12,
15, 17, 18, and 23.
Reller-Spurgin list: 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 12, 15, and 18.
Oden list: 2, 7, 8, 15, 16, 17, and 18.
City Manager stated on the organization, there will be no Assistant City Manager
hired; that since the department heads will be asked to reduce; City Manager will
lead the way; that the PIO will be changed to Director of Public Affairs; that the
duties will include ONIPP, HRC staff and assisting the City Manager in special
projects as needed; that Executive Director - Airport will be changed to the
Assistant City Manager; that he will continue to be shifted to that category and
left until his retirement; that the police chief will be leaving June 30; that the
vacant commander position will be filled after the in-house appointment to chief is
made; and that the department heads will serve as assistant city managers also.
Oden stated that the optimism is appreciated by with so many changes at the
airport the Director is needed in that place; that it is not sure that the saving will
actually be good; that there are so many projects starting to happen that an
Assistant is needed.
Reller-Spurgin: concern should be given to the vacant commander position; that
many of the officers are very young and new to the force; that leadership is
needed.
City Manager stated many times the sergeants act as commanders; that the City
should go to 4 not 5; that one person should not make the entire department
come crashing down.
Reller-Spurgin stated that the cost might be far greater than a position.
Mayor stated the department heads are running at peak now; that an assistant is
needed for the City Manager; that there is a lot of popping of projects in the City;
that while it is not his job to questioned the restructure, and if you way 4 is ok and
5 commanders is not needed; then find, that the Council will not analyze each
level of each salary, but that it is recommended that the Assistant City Manager
be hired.
Mills stated that is the City is busy now, it will only increase; that efficiency goes
down with one has too many tasks to handle and recommended hiring the
assistant city Manager.
Mayor questioned if the police fitness program is working.
Police Commander stated that the program started in January and has about
50% participation.
Reller-Spurgin stated the program should be cut.
Oden stated that it clear that the officers were not buying in the program.
Mayor questioned the $400,000 increase to revenue related to sale of city
property.
Executive Director - Airports stated that is the Burnett Property.
Reller-Spurgin questioned the annual loss in Annexation 26.
Police Commander stated average tow calls per day 2 officers per call; that there
is no radio communication for the officers in the area.
Fire Chief stated that the revenue is exceeding by 3 to 4 times as much.
Council consensus to met with Riverside County Supervisors to review initial
agreement.
City Manager stated City Attorney stated that the initial review of the agreement
is iron clad not in the City’s favor and that a formal review of the agreement will
be requested before the Supervisor meeting.
Reller-Spurgin questioned the Palm Canyon Theater repairs.
Director of Planning & Building stated that investigating state registered site; that
Prop 40 is cumbersome, but hopefully the site will be designated.
Mayor stated that the repairs are ongoing and not fire damaged, but due to the
fire the problems have been discovered.
City Manager stated ADA doors are needed to Planning.
Mayor questioned if Prop 42 is passed would it be used for City streets; that
Measure A was to be used right of way to right of way, not curb to curb and what
would Prop 42 impact.
City Engineer stated wording of 42 is similar to A; that the City is also proposing
citywide districts to maintain landscaped medians; that the gas tax is short about
$800,000 to do the median project.
Mayor indicated that last year the CIP budget was too small.
City Manager stated only because most of the projects were out of the general
fund.
Director of Finance & Treasurer stated as the revenue reduces in the city the first
to go are the capital improvements.
Reller-Spurgin questioned how much revenue would come from the leisure
center fingerprinting machine.
Director of Parks & Rec stated that time would be scheduled for the
fingerprinting, that current staff would be used and that there should be a
substantial profit.
Mayor requested description of the portable toilets budgeted for Village fest.
Director of Parks & Rec stated trailer mounted units with ADA accessibility.
Mills stated the description given out does not say ADA ramp accessible.
Procurement Director stated the ramp is purchased separately at $2,000 per
ramp.
Reller-Spurgin stated why the repairs at Fire Station 1.
Fire Chief stated air-conditioning and hearing systems.
Mayor stated if the station is to be relocated, why repair.
Fire Chief stated that the staff is currently occupying the building.
City Manager stated the uptown lighting is needed also; that the uptown suffers
due to no lighting; that at some point Council will need to address the corridors
lagging infrastructure.
Oden questioned the item for conduit undergrounding.
Information Services Director stated that the road will be torn up anyway; that the
City will have the opportunity to run a conduit to pull fiber optic through where it
can; that it will allow for a web based system; that the funding could come from
forfeiture assets, due to the need of the security cameras downtown and the
antenna problem.
City Manager stated the library issue is a long-term project; that the $60,000 from
the Trust Fund will be the project started; that the preliminary planning process
will start to determine if costs of the project.
Mayor questioned the funding of the Animal Shelter.
Executive Director – Airport stated that the first year would cover the debt
service; that the City will need architectural services that are reimbursable from
the bond issue.
Reller-Spurgin questioned if the small conference room upgrade is included.
City Manager stated the costs are included and that the goal is to create a
Boardroom similar to that of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians.
Mills questioned if the uptown lighting could be done in phases.
Executive Director – Airport stated that design would be Phase I, but that the
electrical and irrigation must be upgraded to do the lighting portion.
Mayor questioned the amount budgeted for traffic calming devices.
City Engineer stated that depending on what is used the price varies.
Mills stated that the devices were to be charged to the neighborhood assessment
district.
City Engineer stated that Mesquite Road will be curbed on the side by the Park;
that traffic on Mesquite has increased due to the MVP; that the strip gutter
located on Mesquite are in the fix program.
Mayor stated when the MVP was first proposed he did indicate a grave concern
for traffic past Vella Road on Mesquite; that there has been nothing done to
redirect traffic to Vella; that the street has ended by where the original concerns
were expressed.
City Engineer stated that the roadway is a second thoroughfare; that medians are
being planned to slow traffic; that a left hand turn permissible will be added.
Mills stated that as the City tries to get business friendly, a redo of the zoning
ordinance must be addressed it is difficult to read and calls must be directed to
the Planning Department to try to find anything in it.
City Clerk stated that the recodification of the zoning ordinance was based on the
cheapest cost and that is the resulting format.
Reller-Spurgin stated potential training of counter staff needs to be in the budget.
City Manager stated that the workshop discussion regarding the budget would be
continued to April 23, 2002 at 4:30 p.m., at the airport conference room.
2. CONVENTION CENTER EXPANSION
City Manager stated that ERA had completed its study.
Mayor stated that if nothing changed the number of rooms in the City, but the
room rate increased, TOT would likewise increase.
Director of Finance & Treasurer stated that TOT was flatter than last year, but
that projects, with the Convention Center expansion should result in increases.
Convention Center Director reviewed a handout and added that the kitchen
should be redone over the summer; that it is ready to go, just the funding is
needed; that the cost will be approximately $700,000; that the renovation for the
Springs Theater to be redone to meeting rooms is included in the initial $1.7
renovation; that there will be no upstairs built; that there will be a ballroom added;
that the growth will be in the northeast corner; that there are three parcels that
the City has bought near the Center; that it may be that space is leased across
the street for parking.
Mills stated that Section 14 is getting ready to go; that the space needed for the
next 10 years for the Center should be calculated at this time.
City Manger stated that conventions would dip somewhat during construction; but
that it will start climbing back up.
Convention Center Director stated that work is being done with clients; that most
understand that the work is being proposed in phases and the goal is not to
impair any conventions.
Mayor questioned the energy upgrades.
Convention Center Director stated that the upgrades will be about $170,000 to
include some solar uses; that Gen Set has been installed to provide backup.
Mayor stated that there are many Federal and State grants available for solar
upgrades.
Reller-Spurgin questioned if the Center was also designated as an emergency
shelter would additional funding be available.
Fire Chief affirmed.
Convention Center Director stated that some of the preliminary contracts are
ready for Council consideration; that it is the intent to use the same architect that
has done all the other work on the Center before.
Mills stated that the City should not be sold on using the same architect; that
there are chances of using of as-built drawings and bidding for an architect
getting a better product.
City Manager stated the recommendation would be investigated
Mills stated that the Master Plan integrity needs to be maintained; that the
process should not be slowed, but that the City does need to look at all
possibilities.
Convention Center Director stated that the architect could be requested to attend
a study session to discuss with the Council his package; that regarding parking
issues the Center has been lucky thus far, that when the lots are full the street
are available; that there is fairly low residential houses in the area, but hat in the
future it will need to be addressed.
Mills stated hat a full-fledged master plans does need to be drafted; that the site
entrance area should be addressed; and that this should take place before the
expansion.
Executive Director - Airport stated that for the immediate architectural concerns
HNTD could be used; and the master plan bid out.
Council concurred/
ADJOURN