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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000 - MINUTES - 9/27/2000 - STUDY SESSIONSTUDY SESSION CITY OF PALM SPRINGS SEPTEMBER 27, 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, read a prepared statement, copy attached. Wendy Busig-Kohn, read a prepared statement, copy attached. Eric Langhman, PS Hotel & Hosp Association, stated that the hotel rate signs should be regulated; that the proposed ordinance does follow the direction of the Association; that approval is requested and with such the image of the Community will be improved. Ingrid Baddour, PSEDC, stated that the Corporation is interested in the establishment of the CRA Advisory Board; that the Corporation would like to take apart and assist with the formation and requested Council consideration of same. Jeannie Fout, owner of building located on North Palm Canyon, that the business is a day spa; that the proposed zoning ordinance would allow the business to operate as a stand alone business and requested approval of the ordinance. Sang Chu, Spa Sang owner, stated that the business requires a permit to operate; that the permit is difficult to get under the existing ordinance for massage; that the spa would like to do the massage, but not without the permit and requested Council approval of the proposed ordinance. Person, stated that he does own a beauty shop; that the upstairs would be perfect to locate a day spa; that the existing ordinance would require any massage to be a part of the beauty shops business; that the law does need to be change to allow the day spa’s to exist on a stand alone basis and requested Council approval of the proposed ordinance. Gary Bryant, stated that everyone is opening day spa’s; that the spa’s are what tourist expect in this community; that in order to get a certification for massage, many hours must be put in school for certification; and urged the City to assist the businesses in the transaction of moving to day spa’s. Michael Stackell, Spa De Jour, Ramon & Sunrise, stated that the issue is somewhat confusing on the spa issue; that other Cities allow day spa’s to operate, but in Palm Springs it seems that the spa’s must be linked to other businesses; that body work is a dedicated business; and that the industry is dedicated to helping others. Joe Bondoura, Eagle Rider, requested Council approval of the proposed ordinance and presented a handout, copy attached, for consideration. E. COUNCIL COMMENTS/QUESTIONS/REPORTS Councilmembers commented on various civic functions attended. Mayor announced the need to fill two vacancies on the Rent Review Board. F. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS – None G. STUDY SESSION 1. GOLF COURSE PERFORMANCE & PROPOSED RATE CHANGES Arnold Palmer representatives reviewed a power point demonstration, copy attached, and added that the proposed changes had been reviewed and approved by the Men’s and Women’s Club; that that the goal of the course management is to drive rounds; thereby raising the revenue; that the marketing department has created many levels of programs to draw the interest of hotels and residents; that the restrooms are in desperate need to remodel and that the management company would like to move the capital project ahead of schedule; that the shortfall currently is $200,000; that the debt service is $1 million per year; that rounds are up; that funding since the Palmer Company took over has gone from $800,000 to $200,000 in assistance; that when the bonds were refinanced, the term may have been extended; that the Management company is prepared to be competitive in the market for rates; that the PS area is gaining another four golf courses in the near future, forcing all to be competitive to get the business; that the goal has been to reduce the deficit little by little each year and to improve the rounds at the golf course; and that the marketing is taking place not only through the media, but by brochures at the hotels and on the internet. 2. COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY ADVISORY BOARD Redevelopment Director reviewed a handout, copy attached, and reviewed the possible composition of the Board; and stated that the direction need if approved, would be the qualification for members; powers, decision making capability; conflict of interest issues and whether the proposed body would be advisory to staff or to Council. Mayor questioned what other advisory bodies are in place. Redevelopment Director stated that there is a Red Team, Main Street, Uptown Board, Downtown Board, PS Hotel & Hosp Association and others. City Attorney stated that there is some concern for conflict of interest on this Board; that it would be vital to establish the goal; that while there are contentions that there were some bad deals entered into in the past; that none are cited happening within the past 10 years; that there has been a lot of time spent on examination of the issues; that the establishment of such a Board will tend to start dragging out the process of getting businesses in Palm Springs; that in working with the EDC many problems arose due to financial interests; that the Board would need to be comprise of a group of people who would not have those interests and that type of person is exactly what the Board needs to be comprised of; that it will be difficult to establish; that staff has looked at guidelines for the Board; that after review by the Attorney’s Office it is clear that the group simply will not work out; that there are some other avenues that could be pursued, such as encouraging the public to attend the DOGS meeting where new opportunities for the City are discussed. Councilmember Hodges stated that a subcommittee could be formed to look at the issue; that it is not desired to create another level of government, but to establish a tool to assist staff and the Council in decisions. Councilmember Jones concurred. Councilmember Reller-Spurgin stated that it would be better to form a group that could look at possible uses for all the vacant building in the City, rather than looking at new development. Mayor stated that the reason for establishment must be clear, in order to allow the Members of the Board to understand their purpose; that other items for consideration should be the expected goals, how they are presented to Council, whether the meetings are called for specific purposes or if a meeting date is established and meeting held whether needed or not. Councilmember Hodges stated that the concept is for the group to generate ideas of what needs to happen in the City; how to better utilize City dollars and the overall picture of economic development. Mr. Lapham reviewed the need for such committee, citing “past bad deals” and added that the Committee could also work closely with the Tribe in development. Council directive to revisit the matter in six months. 3. OFFICE OF NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT City Manager withdrew matter. 4. ZONING ORDINANCE TEXT AMENDMENTS Director of Planning & Building reviewed various handouts, copies attached, and added that the laws are set in place for all to follow; that there are some methods likewise in place to help individuals with its needs, but that conformity is what is sought. Councilmember Hodges stated that the use in question is that of massage at the Desert Isle. Director of Planning & Zoning stated that the ordinance prohibits massage as a stand alone business; that the use must be in conjunction with another use; that if one business is given permits, then all businesses in the same type of conditions should be issued permits; that the ordinance brings conformity to the uses in the City; and that is a use is consistent in the zone it will be permitted. Director of Planning & Building continued with review of handouts as attached. Adjourn