HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001 - MINUTES - 5/23/2001 - STUDY SESSIONSTUDY SESSION
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
May 23, 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
John Allen, PSFD, invited the public to the 70th Annual Firemen’s Fish fry to be
held on June 2, 2001 at 6:00 p.m., for a cost of $8.00.
E. COUNCIL COMMENTS/QUESTIONS/REPORTS
Councilmembers commented on various civic functions attended.
F. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS – None
G. STUDY SESSION
1. PS ECONOMIC REVIEW-LABOR MARKET ANALYSIS
Dr. John Husing reviewed a power point presentation, copy attached.
2. DOWNTOWN POLICE VIDEO PROGRAM
City Manager stated that the citizens should view the new program not as big
brother, but as a little friend; that the program will assist the police department in
crime investigations; that there are grant funds available and that the downtown
merchants support the program.
Police Chief stated that approval of the program will be a crime deterrent help in
crime detection, criminal apprehension and will enhance prosecution of cases;
that the citizens and visitors will have an enhanced sense of security; that most
of the costs will be covered by grants; that there is also of crime in the area due
to the opportunity; that the dispatchers will work with the cameras on an as
needed basis; that the dispatchers when receiving a 911 call will be able to zoom
in the area and assist Officers responding to the call; that there are 14 locations
proposed; that the policy is that the dispatchers will handle the monitors and that
volunteers will not be used; that there are 30,000 calls in this area alone; that the
City receives approximately 70,000 dispatch for service calls each year; that in
regard to legal liability, the City Attorney has stated that the cameras will not
impose a legal liability on the City is something happens in a surveillance area;
that the there were reported 35 shots fired in the area; that there were 30 rapes
reported; that the Police Advisory Committee did review the program and a
majority of the members did support the program; that other community that have
started the program are still in favor and support the program; that the issue of
crime moving from one area to another due to the cameras is difficult to
measure, but that in other areas the same type of opportunity for crimes does not
exist.
Councilmember Oden requested data from other Cities regarding the perception
of the cameras in the Community.
Councilmember Jones stated support for the program; that in the last year, his
own family was a part of the reported statistics on file in the police department;
that the program may assist in the prevention of crime; that the Council needs to
move ahead on the program; and that the program is worth every penny.
Councilmember Reller-Spurgin stated that as an elected official it is the duty to
provide a safe and secure environment for the citizens; that whenever one goes
in Circle K, a Casino, or bank, there are cameras watching; that as a victim one
never gets over a crime committed against them; that this will allow a sense of
security for those that go downtown and it is a needed program.
Mayor stated that the Council has worked hard to develop standards for the City;
that site lines, architecture and lighting considerations have been enhanced; that
the downtown used to feel dark and unsafe; that the lighting gives a perception of
increased safety; that with the numbers that the police department has given
regarding crime in this area, this program may serve as a deterrent; that the
criminal make think twice before committing an act against another; that in other
Countries cameras are the norm, that there is an increased comfort level for
pedestrians; and that the program should be supported.
Councilmember Reller-Spurgin questioned the cost of each camera.
Police Chief stated that the cost is not broken down for each camera, but is a
program.
Mayor directed that the cost for each camera be obtained.
Police Chief stated that there have been merchants that have indicated interest
in obtaining a camera to be a part of the program; that the program is
expandable; that the program will be used to be a crime deterrent, and not a
recording of what people are doing.
Councilmember Reller-Spurgin stated that the program should be viewed as a
positive thing for the City.
Mayor stated that some would see the cameras a deterrent for visiting Palm
Springs, while others will view the program as added security.
Councilmember Oden stated that the deterrent factor is valid; but that for some
this type of thing has a different feel; and those people should also be
considered.
Police Chief stated that the cameras would not be monitored in a way to keep
track of certain groups of people; that the cameras will be in place to be used
when assistance is needed and that the stereotyping will not occur.
Councilmember Oden stated that personally he has no program; and that he
does in fact trust and believe what the Chief is saying, but that there should be
some concern on how others may feel about the program.
Police Chief concurred and added that is why the matter took so long to come to
Council; that Community input was wanted; that other Communities were
researched to find out the perception of those affected; and that the majority
does agree that the program is a good thing.
Councilmember Hodges questioned that when the matter comes back, could a
report be included for any additional costs; that the report should include
maintenance, replacement and repairs and added that the program should not
end up like the paramedic program with the costs escalating after the program is
put in place.
Council direction to receive a report on cost impacts for 2 – 5 years; whether or
not additional dispatchers will be needed and other Communities perceptions
after the program has been implanted.
3. DISCUSSION OF BOND REFINANCING
Susan Harrell, Harrell & Company, Bond Counsel, review a report, copy
attached.
Director of Finance & Treasurer stated that refinancing will allow interest rates to
be lowered; that there are two options that the Council can then direct, first to use
the annual savings to lower payments or to get the equity and use it for capital
improvements, but that the equity can not be used for operating costs; that
should the Council choose to move ahead it would be best served to do so
before the August date when the State will be entering the same market.
Councilmember Hodges stated that the last time the Convention Center was
refinanced, it was said that the bonds could not be refinanced again and
questioned if the City ever pays off bond indebtedness.
Director of Finance & Treasurer stated that there have been bonds paid off in the
past; that the bonds for the Convention Center are eligible for a refinancing.
Mayor stated that it would be good for the Council to know the amount of
possible improvement funds and possible projects.
Director of Finance & Treasurer stated that with all the refinancing the total
available would be approximately $7 million.
Ms. Harrell stated that under the Federal Tax Law, the City must spend the funds
within 36 months.
Councilmember Hodges suggested that the bonds be refinanced, no equity be
withdrawn and the payments be lowered; that in doing so the general fund would
have approximately $300-$350,000 a year additional.
City Manager stated that Council could consider all options, but that all scenarios
should be presented.
Councilmember Jones concurred with Councilmember Hodges.
Mayor stated that the refinancing were brought about due to the parking think
tank; that a parking structure is needed for the downtown; that there are no
immediate funds available; that the refinancing will assist in addressing that
need.
Councilmember Oden stated that there are projects that do have immediatecy to
them; that all the issues are not parking however; that the concern is that at the
last workshop a focus was not developed; and that the Council should finish
working out its priorities before considering projects.
Councilmember Hodges questioned if the parking structure would take all the
funds.
Councilmember Reller-Spurgin stated that the parking structure was put forward
to the Council with the concept of a private/public partnership.
City Manager stated that the parking think tank was put together to come up with
solutions; that funding is needed to build a structure; that the idea of a
private/public partnership was presented; and that Council needs to make the
determination is the parking issue is critical and is the refinancing is a reasonable
source of funding.
Mayor stated that there options for the Council; that the bonds can be refinanced
to reduce the current annual debt; that the bonds could be refinanced to get
equity to use for projects that the City needs to have done, but does not have the
funding for; that the parking problems will not go away; and it just depends on
how the Council wants to address the issue.
City Attorney stated that there is a list of improvements that the Council is
considering; and that the bond reissue is the cheapest way to get what is
needed.
Mayor stated that #1,2,8 & 19 should all be considered if the bonds are
refinanced.
Councilmember Oden stated that 1,2,7 & 8 should be considered if the bonds are
refinanced.
Councilmember Jones stated that if the bonds are refinanced and the annual
debt is reduced the City would have approximately $350,000 each year to pay for
projects; that the parking structure is for the benefit of downtown merchants; and
that they should contribute because it enhances their business.
Mayor stated that revenue for the City must be increased; that is there is no
parking downtown, the revenue will drop; that with out renovations to the
downtown the City has contributed to the use of the downtown area and it should
not be expected for the downtown businesses to carry all the burden regarding
the parking structure.
Councilmember Hodges stated that this is the first review of the matter; that a
decision on projects at this point is not timely; that many of the proposed projects
are only in the beginning stages, such as the skate park; that there should be
fundraising and Community involvement in the park; that the City does not have
to building the most expensive skate park around; and that there is a lot more
information needed before any projects can be selected.
Councilmember Reller-Spurgin stated that the parking structure for the downtown
affects all in the Community; that the downtown is where the majority of the City’s
revenue comes from; that when we have a healthy downtown, we have a healthy
City; that the parking structure should be a priority; and that the Council does
need to consider the matter.
Council direction that a complete report of where the financial picture is for the
Animal Shelter, Swim Center, Skate park be presented at the workshop and to
include the proposal for the parking structure. Workshop to be held on June 12.
4. CRA BUDGET DISCUSSION
Director of Finance & Treasurer reviewed handouts concerning the proposed
budget, copy attached.
Councilmember Hodges stated that each year this particular budget is left to the
last minute and comes for approval with no discussion.
ADJOURNMENT