HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000 - MINUTES - 12/13/2000 - STUDY SESSIONSTUDY SESSION
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
DECEMBER 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
The following persons spoke regarding the Airport Garden Apartments located at
2560 E. Tahquitz and stated that there are Code Enforcement and the Fire Code
Violations.
Jackie Harris
Judy Garner
Ric Campbell (filed petition, copy on file in Office of City Clerk)
Joan Weiss
Melissa Castro
Sue Ellen Costler
Mathew Talala, Village Pub, stated that things are good in downtown; that
parking is a problem; that there are new places opening; and that a parking
structure should be built downtown.
Bobby Wallace, stated that PS is enjoyable to live in; that the Spa Hotel is not
gay friendly and that he would continue to be at the Council’s meeting.
Joy Meredith, Crystal Fantasy, stated that parking is an issue downtown; that
there are separate issues from north palm canyon to south palm canyon; that the
limits for parking should be 3/hour; that the problem north of Tahquitz is the time
limits, and the problem south of Tahquitz is employee parking and requested
Council consideration of the separate issues.
Ric Service, 222 SPC, stated that there is a problem with downtown parking; that
the parking lots are full; that the foundation is for the employees and staff to have
parking; that the parking must be close to the businesses; that there are an
additional 500 employee spaces needed downtown; that the problems with
parking are day and night; that safe, well-lit parking is needed.
E. COUNCIL COMMENTS/QUESTIONS/REPORTS
Councilmembers commented on various civic functions attended.
Mayor announced Riverside County Transportation Commission did elect him as
Chair.
Reller-Spurgin stated that Leeds & Sons are disturbed by the number of times
Palm Canyon is closed for parades and now Tahquitz for slurry seal.
Jones stated that SCE has announced that rates will be sharply rising.
F. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS – None
G. STUDY SESSION
1. STIP POLICIES
Assistant City Manager-Operations gave presentation regarding the projects
slated for completion, copy of presentation attached.
Council comments included the subcommittee for Road Projects of Ms. Hodges
and the Mayor; Mayor requested staff to prepare a report regarding the time lines
starting in October 2000 for funding of STIP funds.
2. BUSINESS RETENTION AND EXPANSION PROGRAM (BREP)
Director of Economic Development and Kay Hazen, gave a power point
presentation regarding the BREP survey, copy attached. Discussion included
the results of the survey and whether the Council wished to continue to support
economic development programs and addressed the negative City Hall business
perception.
3. DOWNTOWN PARKING DISCUSSION
Assistant City Manager-Operations stated that stated that a comprehensive
consistent plan is needed to address the downtown parking issues; that there
have been discussion held at the downtown parking committee meeting; that
some of the members are Councilmembers Jones and Reller-Spurgin, Mathew
Talala, the manager of Muriel’s among others; that the issue is a time limit on the
parking lots that are City owned.
Mayor stated that the last time a parking program was introduced, the downtown
employees and business owners were upset at the plan; that there was not a
comprehensive informational program given to those affected; that it may be best
to take money from the parking budget to fund whatever is needed.
Director of Downtown Development stated that if the employee parking problem
could be solved, the entire problem would be solved; that most of the employees
that work in the downtown area do not live in Palm Springs; that in lieu parking
fees have resulted in less parking spaces being built downtown; that different
areas are being surveyed for possible parking structures; that 500 additional
employee spaces are needed just for the restaurants and nigh club facilities; that
Plaza Theater has no parking for its 100 employees; that if the employees of the
downtown area could be removed from the municipal parking lots, most of the
downtown problem would be solved; that the problem will get worse if there is no
solution found.
Jones stated hat he committee did recommend the 3/hr limit in the muni-lots; and
that would help to get employees to use an alternative; and that the Desert
Fashion Plaza lot is an alternative.
Hodges stated that one might not feel safe walking from work down to the DFP at
10 pm at night.
Director of Downtown Development stated that the Plaza is utilitized during
Villagefest and that with some type of structure built in close proximity; both
would help alleviate the problems.
Oden requested a letter be sent to the uptown area confirming the request of
limitation of 3/hr parking in Muni lot 2.
Mayor questioned the cost of a parking structure.
Director of Downtown Development stated that the project would be $6 million;
that there are financing mechanisms; that there is no easy answer, but that a
property program is needed.
4. DISCUSSION OF YOUTH COUNCIL MEMBER
Jones submitted a newspaper article concerning youth empowerment in Casper,
Wy. Copy attached.
Mayor stated that the youth of the Community have served on various Boards
and Commissions in the past, but that the Council has extensive meetings and
may not be the venue for youth representation; that the service would require the
parents to complete a Form 700 and that the goal for the service is not clear.
Reller-Spurgin stated that the youth representative for the skate park did help a
lot.
Hodges stated that the representation should be for a specific topic; and that
attendance of the Council meetings is open already.
Oden stated that the opportunity should be extended to the youth; that if the
opportunity was not used, at least it was extended; and that he will put together a
full presentation for the Council regarding the matter.
ADJOURN