HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000 - MINUTES - 11/21/2000 - STUDY SESSIONSTUDY SESSION
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
NOVEMBER 21, 2000
CONVENE IN OPEN SESSION
A. Call Back to Order-Large Conference Room-Councilmember Oden absent
B. Flag Salute
C. City Attorney Report on Matters Discussed in Closed Session-See Page 2 of
Agenda this date.
D. Public Comments
Art Lyons stated that the electric crisis is like a train wreck headed our way; that it
will have far reaching effects on economic development; and the City should get
proactive on this issue.
E. COUNCIL COMMENTS/QUESTIONS/REPORTS - None
F. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
City Manager stated that the ad hoc downtown meeting was held last week; and
that more information will be forthcoming.
G. STUDY SESSION
1. PRESENTATION ON THE OFFICE OF NEIGHBORHOOD
IMPROVEMENT AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Mr. Seale, liaison for City Manager and Office of Neighborhood
Involvement, reviewed report, copy on file in Office of the City Clerk.
Councilmember Hodges questioned how areas could become organized.
City Manager stated they could attend the meetings for help in getting
organized.
Councilmember Hodges questioned how the public would be informed of
the meetings.
City Manager stated that the information regarding meeting times and
places will be on the City Hot Line, Channel 17, in the Desert Sun, and
any other avenue available to the City.
Councilmember Jones stated his appreciation for moving forward on this
issue; and that he wants to involve as many people as possible, because
that’s how democracy works.
Mayor stated that he would like a sense of validity in the neighborhood
groups that form; and that he would like to be informed of exactly who
represents and is designated to speak for each group or coalition to
insure authenticity of group consensus.
2. UPDATE ON CHAOTIC ELECTRIC POWER MARKET
Mr. Robert Nichols, President of New West Energy, reviewed PowerPoint
presentation on the electric power market, copy on file in Office of the City
Clerk.
City Manager stated that Kathryn De Rosa would come in to speak about
the situation with SCE in a few weeks time.
Mayor questioned what New West Energy could do for us.
Mr. Nichols stated that unfortunately, New West is in a position to have to
possible charge more than SCE rates to the customers of Palm Springs,
and that these customers would automatically be changed over to SCE,
for their own benefit.
Councilmember Hodges stated that no power plants have been built in
the last 15 years, and wondered why; that we can not accept this energy
situation regarding no lights for Christmas, cut-back on private and public
usage, etc.; it is time for SCE to step up to the plate; and we need to fight
this with the PUC.
Councilmember Jones asked if this energy crisis would have happened if
we hadn’t de-regulated.
Mr. Nichols stated that other states and entities are raising rates, even
though they haven’t de-regulated.
Assistant City Manager-Special Projects, stated that he has spent time
with New Energy representatives, and they are suggesting ideas to head
off some of the City’s problems; that they will help us with plans to get our
facilities in order for summer; and that some of the hotels are talking
about shutting down during the summer months, due to the expense and
availability of electricity in the valley.
Councilmember Reller-Spurgin stated her concerns regarding the elderly
in our community that may be without energy, and the health problems
that could occur; and that elected officials are responsible, to some
extent, for the community’s well being; that she is asking the City
Manager to make sure this ball doesn’t get dropped, even if we have to
hire someone to lobby the PUC from caving in to SCE.
3. UPDATE ON WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT EXPANSION
Assistant City Manager, Special Projects, reviewed a PowerPoint
presentation on the Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion, copy on file
in the Office of the City Clerk.
4. RELOCATION OF FIRE STATION NO. 1 – SITE AND FUNDING ISSUES
Fire Chief reviewed a PowerPoint presentation on the Relocation of Fire
Station No. 1, copy on file in the Office of the City Clerk.
Councilmember Hodges stated her concern regarding using
Redevelopment money for the station; that it sounds good, however, it
would not generate new dollars; and questioned the plan for existing
station repairs that have to be done.
Fire Chief stated that minor repairs have to be done just to maintain the
building, as it is an historical site.
Mayor stated his concerns regarding the site plan, taking into
consideration a possible Convention Center expansion.
City Manager suggested that they come back with more options and take
a further look at this issue, including new areas of financing; and that they
should put the cost of the exhaust system for the existing building in the
next budget.
ADJOURN