HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000 - MINUTES - 5/31/2000 - STUDY SESSIONSTUDY SESSION
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
May 31, 2000
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
Fred Ebeling, stated that there are a lot of wrongs that need to be righted within
the City; and added that if any citizens wished to speak to him, they could call
318-3311.
Bob We thorn, Orchid Tree Inn; stated that he is concerned about the lack of
business awareness by the Council; that there has been a down turn in hotel
occupancy; that it should be understood that you have to spend money to make
money; that tourism needs an increase in funding for advertising; that if the
funding was given it is possible that the UUT could be eliminated due to
increased TOT; that funds need to be geared to tourism and that the Council
should increase that budget.
Jim Davis, Holiday Inn, stated that the tourism budget needs an increase; that a
new foundation has been laid with the new director; that there are many ideas
that are being generated and those ideas need money to work; that May is a
month devoid of conventions and that consideration needs to be given to fill that
void.
E. COUNCIL COMMENTS/QUESTIONS/REPORTS
Councilmembers commented on various civic functions attended.
F. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS – None
G. STUDY SESSION
1. REVIEW OF SAFETY CONCERNS OF NURSES AT DESERT HOSPITAL
Assistant City Manager stated that concerns have been raised at a previous
Council meeting regarding safety issues at the hospital; that these concerns is a
direct impact on the Community; and direction is needed from the Council in any
possible action it may wish to proceed.
Oden: requested a letter be drafted addressing the concerns of the nurses, to be
signed on behalf of the Council by the Mayor; that the letter should include the
concern for general welfare and safety of the citizens; that the letter should be
reviewed by the City Attorney to be sure the Council is within its legal jurisdiction.
Mayor: stated that this is a different governing body that the Council is
addressing a letter to; that the letter needs to be clear that the Council is
addressing the concerns raised by the nurses, not labor negotiation issues; that
personally, he does not feel it is right for the Council to intervene in the situation.
Jones: concurred with Mayor.
Hodges: stated no intent to get in labor dispute; information given by the nurses
in a public meeting is of concern; that the residents depend on Desert Hospital
for emergency and aid; that it is not the place of the Council to get in the dispute,
but rather to address the concerns that the Community is concerned with.
Reller-Spurgin: stated that the Council should not put itself in the position of
negotiating raises for the nurses at Desert Hospital; that statements were made
about people not getting the proper care; that the statements are causing fear in
the Community and the Council must react to that fear.
Hodges: stated that the concern is for the residents and tourists in the
Community.
Oden: stated also want to protect ourselves; that concerns were publicly raised;
and that the Council needs to address those concerns.
Council consensus: Assistant City Manager to write letter, with City Attorney
review, to be signed by Mayor on behalf of Council.
2. GENE AUTRY/INTERSTATE 10
City Engineer reviewed drawings on wall; and added that 4 interchanges are
being studied; that the top two are Gene Autry and Indian Avenue; that it will be
two years before the projects actually start; that there will be partial cloverleaf’s
for ingress to traffic; that projections are that traffic will grow three times what it is
today; that some rights of way will need to be obtained; that the costs will be split;
that staff is concerned with some type of sidewalk over the bridge that
pedestrians may be used in the future.
Police Chief stated if the sidewalk is designed properly there should be no safety
issues.
City Engineer stated that the existing bridge will be used for southbound traffic
and a new bridge built for northbound; there will be a total of six lanes; that
sidewalks will be constructed to protect pedestrians; that there will be traffic
signals at the ramps; that the ramp lanes will start with a single off and widen out
to two lanes; that the public arts commission is working on the project for some
type of art work for the underpasses; that landscaping will be used on the sides
of the off ramps to acknowledge entry to Palm Springs; that none of the land
needed is protected land for the Fringe Toed Lizard.
Mayor requested images from the Phoenix interchanges for examples of
underpass artwork; and added that there will be some matching funds from
RCTC and CVAG.
3. 2000-01 BUDGET REVIEW
Assistant City Manager stated this might be the last workshop; that the hearing
will be June 7, 2000; and review handouts, copies attached.
Direction to Director of Finance & Treasurer to add $30,000 for holiday
decorations; $25,000 for PSCTV; and reviewed departmental budgets.
Mayor indicated the requests for funding regarding the Senior Center, Tourism
and the Film Festival be brought back to the Council at the next quarterly review;
and to begin possible renegotiations with LMI/SMG upon its request.
ADJOURN