Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000 - MINUTES - 9/13/2000 - STUDY SESSIONSTUDY SESSION CITY OF PALM SPRINGS SEPTEMBER 13, 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 Howard Lapham, stated that there has been no progress on the formation of a CRA committee; that two Councilmembers had requested the matter be scheduled for discussion; those requests have not been fulfilled; that the committee is needed; that a history of the CRA has been complied in which he could review; that the downtown needs to move forward; that there are many economic projects that need to be worked on; that the assistance that the Committee could give to staff would be immeasurable; and questioned when the matter would be forthcoming. Bob Seale, stated that the item regarding the downtown advisory committee is needed; that the committee could work in conjunction with the Planning Commission and the Architecture Review Committee; that the Committee will balance out what is needed regarding aesthetics in the Community; and that it will be an opportunity for involvement for the citizens. Jane Smith, read letter from Patricia Barton, copy attached, and added that it is her opinion that the architect design review committee needs to be comprise of not only professionals, but of neighborhood residents. Eliza Goforth, read letter from Logan A. Need, copy attached. Frank Tysen, stated that the Palm Springs process, places designers at a disadvantage; that the committee is comprised of a group of professionals, judging peers; that is would cause difficulty in making decisions; and suggested that the Council review the Ordinance in place at Palm Desert, copy provided. E. COUNCIL COMMENTS/QUESTIONS/REPORTS Councilmembers commented on various civic functions attended. Councilmember Oden requested any traffic safety studies performed on the corner of Vista Chino and Roberto Miguel; questioned the excavation status of work being done in Ruth Hardy Park and added that commissions should be discussed in general at a study session. F. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS – Report he would be out of town September 15 through September 23, 2000. G. STUDY SESSION 1. QUARTERLY BUDGET REVIEW Director of Finance & Treasurer reviewed a power point demonstration, handout attached, Councilmember Jones stated that he did in fact feel mislead by staff; that it was presented by staff in January and February that the City was experiencing a $1.5 million deficit; that now the City has a $2.8 million surplus; that budget considerations may have been different if that knowledge was given to the Council; that he felt that it is maliputive of staff. Director of Finance and Treasurer stated that staff did not try to be misleading; that many figures are not solidified until March and April of each year; that the projects given to Council tend to be conservative, but are not intended to be misleading. Councilmember Hodges stated that there were some unfunded Council desires and that those concerns should be brought back to possible funding. Mayor stated that the figures are indicative of a good year closeout. 2. COACHELLA VALLEY ANIMAL CAMPUS City Manager reviewed letter from CVAG concerning the campus. Councilmember Hodges stated that the City should maintain some type of holding facility in Palm Springs for the convenience of its citizens. Council consensus to stay any action in order to monitor future proposed action by CVAG and possible funding ramifications. 3. ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE Director of Planning & Building reviewed the current make of the Committee; and reviewed handout, copy attached. Councilmember Oden questioned the difference between the Planning Commission that the ADRC. Director of Planning & Zoning stated the difference is in the dealing with the technical aspects of architecture; landscaping, lighting; that the Planning Commission is an oversight Commission; and looks at the entire project. City Attorney clarified that the Planning Commission takes legal action, such as approval of CUP’s, proposed zoning ordinance amendments, and the like; that the concern is by creating another committee, the process of getting development through will lengthen; that the meetings of both bodies are open, that there professional on Review go through plans at a fast pace, due to being professional in the industry; that should the Council choose to expand the ADRC the process of reviewing design will be lengthened. Mayor stated that the body of the architecture review is to review the architecture of the projects and make amendments that are needed; that it is informal that the meetings are open; that currently the group can move through many project at just one meeting and that the Council should be aware that expanding the committee to include laypersons will delay approvals and the progress of projects. Councilmember Jones stated that the concern of the citizens is the level of involvement of the residents; that it is clear that many residents do not feel involved in the City’s processes; that it is important when a project is being located in a neighborhood, that the neighborhood know about the impact it will be receiving; that there are many talented citizens in the City that are willing to assist in the various departments on a voluntary basis. Councilmember Hodges stated that the matter being on the agenda is somewhat surprising; that the entire department needs to be reviewed and understanding given in how it operates; that right now the options are not clear; that the process does need to be speeded up; that input is needed by the Community and that it maybe best to put a committee in place to review the entire planning process. Mr. Tysen stated that the public feels let out of this committee. Mayor stated that the meetings are open to the public. Council Directive to provide the Council with weekly updates on status of Committee and projects considered. 4. CITY HOTLINE (778-PSCH) UPDATE City Manager reviewed handout, copy attached, and added that the line is in effect. 5. DOWNTOWN ADVISORY COMMITTEE City Manager reviewed handout, copy attached, and added that this will be a citizen stake holder committee; that all will be invited to participate; that the meetings will be informational; that the membership will include two members of the Council. City Attorney stated that if the group is a Council recognized group, it may be subject to the Brown Act; and added that the composition will need to be examined to make the determination. Council directive for City Manager and City Attorney to work out composition of committee and return to Council for further consideration.