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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-03-25 CC MINUTESThursday, March 25, 2021 Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Palm Springs Pursuant to Executive Order N-29-20, by Governor Newsom, this meeting was conducted by teleconference and there was no in-person public access to the meeting location. CALL TO ORDER: A Regular Meeting of the Palm Springs City Council was called to order by Mayor Holstege on Thursday , March 25, 2021, at 5:35 p.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Holstege led the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL: Present: Councilmembers Grace Elena Garner, Geoff Kors, Dennis Woods; Mayor Pro Tem Lisa Middleton; and Mayor Christy Holstege Absent: None. City Staff Present: David H. Ready, City Manager; Jeffrey Ballinger, City Attorney; Marcus Fuller, Assistant City Manager; and Anthony J. Mejia, City Clerk, were present at Roll Call. Other staff members presented reports or responded to questions as indicated in the minutes. PRESENTATIONS: • PALM SPRINGS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT UPDATE City Manager Ready provided an update of the Palm Springs International Airport, noting Southwest Airlines announced non-stop service to Las Vegas and spoke about other airlines expanding their non-stop destinations. • COVID-19 CASE UPDATE Emergency Management Coordinator DeSelms presented an update of COVID-19 statistics; discussed the number of cases in Riverside County and addressed testing and vaccinations. • COVID-19 WASTEWATER TREATMENT UPDATE Assistant City Manager Fuller presented an update on wastewater COVID-19 testing, noting a decrease in COVID-19 disease prevalence in the wastewater stream. City Council Minutes March 25, 2021 City of Palm Springs Page 2 • PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING THE RETIREMENT OF CITY MANAGER DAVID READY Mayor Holstege and the City Council presented a Proclamation to David Ready in recognition of his 20 years of service as City Manager and declaring March 25, 2021, as David H. Ready Day, and displayed a video highlighting his accomplishments. Former Councilmember Ginny Foat, on behalf of the Friends of Palm Springs Mountains, spoke in appreciation of David Ready and presented a token of appreciation. City Manager Ready expressed his gratitude to the City Council and City staff for their support. Mayor Holstege requested that the City Council consider naming the Palm Springs Dog Park in recognition of David H. Ready. ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGENDA: MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER KORS, SECOND BY MAYOR PRO TEM MIDDLETON, CARRIED 5-0, to accept the agenda with the removal of Consent Calendar Items No. 1K and 1O for separate discussion. REPORT OF CLOSED SESSION: The Regular Closed Session of the City Council of March 25, 2021, was called to order by Mayor Holstege at 3:00 p.m., with all members present. The meeting convened into Closed Session to discuss the following items as listed on the Regular Closed Session Meeting Agenda: CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – MATTERS CREATING SIGNIFICANT EXPOSURE TO LITIGATION, Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2): Six (6) matters that, under the existing circumstances, the City Attorney believes create significant exposure to litigation Threat of litigation from Chatten-Brown, Carstens & Minteer, LLP, dated March 18, 2021. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – DISCUSSION TO CONSIDER INITIATION OF LITIGATION, Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4): Under existing facts and circumstances, there are three (3) matters the City Council has decided or may decide to initiate litigation. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE EVALUATION, Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957: Employee: City Manager City Council Minutes March 25, 2021 City of Palm Springs Page 3 CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR, Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8: Property Description: Three single family lots in the Desert Highland neighborhood with assessor parcel numbers 669-401-039, 669-353-001, and 669 -401-010 Agency: City of Palm Springs City Negotiator: David H. Ready, City Manager or Designee Negotiating Parties: Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment Property Description: Parking Lot Adjacent to 3735 East Palm Canyon Drive (681-070-037) Agency: City of Palm Springs City Negotiator: David H. Ready, City Manager or Designee Negotiating Parties: Indigo 3735 E Palm Canyon Drive LLC, a Delaware LLC Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment Property Description: Palm Canyon Wash just West of Rim Road Agency: City of Palm Springs City Negotiator: David H. Ready, City Manager or Designee Negotiating Parties: Palm Canyon Farms LLC, a California LLC Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment Property Description: 3575 E Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, California 92264 (APN 681-070-013) Agency: City of Palm Springs City Negotiator: David H. Ready, City Manager or Designee Negotiating Parties: U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment Property Description: Dream Hotel, 450 Calle Alvarado, Palm Springs, CA 92262 Agency: City of Palm Springs City Negotiator: David H. Ready, City Manager or Designee Negotiating Parties: Lauri Kibby, Selene Palm Springs, LLC Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment Property Description: 3.6 Acres at SE corner of Indian Canyon Drive and San Rafael Road Agency: City of Palm Springs City Negotiator: David H. Ready, City Manager or Designee Negotiating Parties: Community Housing Opportunities Corporation (CHOC) Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment City Council Minutes March 25, 2021 City of Palm Springs Page 4 Property Description: Boulders Property (Lots 1-45 of Tract Map 31095/ APNs 504-150-011 through -055); Crescendo Property (APN 504-040-046); Rimrock Property (APN 681-480-011); Gene Autry Property (APNs: 677-540-028 & 677-540-029); Block G of parcel map 36446 (APN 513-560-048) Agency: City of Palm Springs City Negotiator: David H. Ready, City Manager or Designee Negotiating Parties: Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment Property Description: Riverside County Assessor Parcel No. 669-330-029 (Northwest corner of Tramview Road and Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs & a portion of James O. Jessie Desert Highland Park Agency: City of Palm Springs City Negotiator: David H. Ready, City Manager or Designee Negotiating Parties: Desert Community College District and Watermarke Homes/ John Pavelak Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment (Sale of Property) CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR, Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6: City Negotiator: David Ready, City Manager or Designee Kim Hardcastle, Acting Director of Human Resources Bryan Reyes, Chief of Police Peter Brown, Attorney Employee Organizations: Management Association of Palm Springs Palm Springs Firefighters Association Palm Springs Fire Management Palm Springs Police Management Association Palm Springs Police Officers Association Public Employees Association of Palm Springs All Unrepresented Employees City Attorney Ballinger reported that the City Council received briefings and provided direction to staff regarding the agendized Closed Session Items but did not take any reportable action. PUBLIC TESTIMONY: Maribel Nunez, speaking on Item 1O, expressed support for the proposed resolution. CITY COUNCIL, SUBCOMMITTEE, AND CITY MANAGER'S COMMENTS AND REPORTS: Councilmember Garner expressed gratitude for the vaccination clinic at the Ajalon Baptist Church. City Council Minutes March 25, 2021 City of Palm Springs Page 5 1. CONSENT CALENDAR: MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER KORS, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER WOODS, CARRIED 5-0, to approve the consent calendar, with the removal of Item Nos. 1K and 1O for separate discussion. A. LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR HOUSE RESOLUTION 69, SUNSHINE PROTECTION ACT MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER KORS, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER WOODS, CARRIED 5-0, to authorize the issuance of a letter to local federal representatives calling for their support of House Resolution 69, Sunshine Protection Act. B. APPROVAL OF PAYROLL WARRANTS, CLAIMS AND DEMANDS MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER KORS, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER WOODS, CARRIED 5-0, to adopt Resolution No. 24868 entitled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING PAYMENT OF PAYROLL WARRANTS/ DISBURSEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDING 02-20-21 AND 03-06-21 TOTALING $3,224,185.63 AND ACCOUNTS PAYABLE WARRANTS DATED 02-18-21 AND 03-04-21 TOTALING $7,381,227.84, IN THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT OF $10,605,413.47, DRAWN ON BANK OF AMERICA.” C. ACCEPTANCE OF THE 2020 SEWER COLLECTION SYSTEM REPAIRS, CITY PROJECT NO. 20-20 MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER KORS, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER WOODS, CARRIED 5-0, to: 1. Accept the public works improvement identified as 2020 Sewer Collection Systems Repairs, City Project No. 20-20, as completed in accordance with the plans and specifications. 2. Authorize the City Engineer to execute and file for recordation with the Riverside County Recorder a Notice of Completion for the 2020 Sewer Collection Systems Repairs, City Project No. 20-20. City Council Minutes March 25, 2021 City of Palm Springs Page 6 D. APPROVAL OF PROGRAM SUPPLEMENT AGREEMENT NO. N038 REV. 2, WITH THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA, FOR USE OF HIGHWAY BRIDGE PROGRAM (HBP) FUNDS FOR THE SOUTH PALM CANYON DRIVE OVER TAHQUITZ CREEK, CITY PROJECT NO. 12-02, FEDERAL AID PROJECT NO. BRLS 5282(042) MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER KORS, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER WOODS, CARRIED 5-0, to: 1. Adopt Resolution No. 24869 entitled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING PROGRAM SUPPLEMENT AGREEMENT NO. N038 REV. 2 TO ADMINISTERING AGENCY-STATE AGREEMENT FOR FEDERAL-AID PROJECT NO. 08-5282R, WITH THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA, IN THE AMOUNT OF $299,231 FOR THE SOUTH PALM CANYON DRIVE BRIDGE OVER TAHQUITZ CREEK, FEDERALLY-FUNDED PROJECT NO. BRLS 5282 (042), CITY PROJECT NO. 12- 02." 2. Authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents. E. SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 2041 OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, RELATING TO AN ANNUAL UPDATE OF THE PALM SPRINGS ZONING CODE (CASE 5.1466 ZTA) MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER KORS, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER WOODS, CARRIED 5-0, to adopt Ordinance No. 2041 entitled, "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING AN ANNUAL UPDATE TO THE PALM SPRINGS ZONING CODE (CASE 5.1466 ZTA)." F. REQUEST BY MARTYN L. BULLARD, OWNER, FOR APPROVAL OF MILLS ACT HISTORIC PROPERTY PRESERVATION AGREEMENT FOR THE KRAMER RESIDENCE, A CLASS 1 HISTORIC SITE LOCATED AT 800 EAST GRANVIA VALMONTE (APN #507-202-017), (HSPB #119) MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER KORS, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER WOODS, CARRIED 5-0, to: 1. Approve a Mills Act Historic Property Preservation Agreement between the City of Palm Springs and Martyn L. Bullard. A8713 2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the Agreement. 3. Direct the City Clerk to record the Agreement with the County of Riverside. City Council Minutes March 25, 2021 City of Palm Springs Page 7 G. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE OF BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FOR CANNABIS EQUITY GRANT FUNDING MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER KORS, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER WOODS, CARRIED 5-0, to: 1. Adopt Resolution No. 24870 entitled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE OF BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FOR CANNABIS EQUITY GRANT FUNDING." A8714 2. Authorize the City Manager to execute all documents consistent with this Resolution. H. WAIVER OF FEES RELATED TO PALM SPRINGS HIGH SCHOOL HOMECOMING CARAVAN, GRADUATION CARAVAN, AND BANNERS PROMOTING OUTSTANDING 2021 SENIORS MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER KORS, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER WOODS, CARRIED 5-0, to authorize the City Manager to waive fees in the amount of $16,900, for City services requested by Palm Springs High School associated with the 2021 Homecoming Caravan, 2021 Graduation Caravan, and Outstanding 2021 Senior Banners. I. ACCEPT A RESIGNATION FROM THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER KORS, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER WOODS, CARRIED 5-0, to accept with regret the resignation of Chantal Sanchez from the Parks and Recreation Commission. J. UPDATE TO REPRESENTATIVES TO THE RIVERSIDE COUNTY COMMUNITY ACTION COMMISSION MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER KORS, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER WOODS, CARRIED 5-0, to appoint Jay Virata, Director of Community & Economic Development Director, and Geoff Kors, Councilmember, to serve as the City's representative and alternate to the Riverside County Community Action Partnership. K. RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT FOR ASSEMBLY BILL 43, TRAFFIC SAFETY This item was excluded from the Consent Calendar. Please refer to Page 9 of these minutes for a summary of that action. City Council Minutes March 25, 2021 City of Palm Springs Page 8 L. AWARD OF CONTRACT TO ABACUS SPORTS INSTALLATIONS LTD, A PENNSYLVANIA CORPORATION, IN THE AMOUNT OF $98,315 FOR THE GYM FLOOR REPLACEMENT AT THE JAMES O. JESSIE DESERT HIGHLAND UNITY CENTER, CITY PROJECT NO. 20-26 MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER KORS, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER WOODS, CARRIED 5-0, to: 1. In accordance with Section 7.09.010 "Cooperative Purchasing Programs," of the Palm Springs Municipal Code, award a contract in the amount of $98,315 to Abacus Sports Installations LTD, a Pennsylvania Corporation dba Abacus Sports Synthetic Floor Installations, pursuant to Cooperative Purchasing Contract 060518-RBI. A8715 2. Authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents. M. RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY TO BECOME AN ADDITIONAL MEMBER OF THE CALIFORNIA COMMUNITY HOUSING AGENCY ("CALCHA"); APPROVING THE EXECUTION OF ONE OR MORE PUBLIC BENEFIT AGREEMENTS WITH CALCHA; AND SUPPORTING CALCHA'S ISSUANCE OF BONDS FOR THE PRODUCTION, PRESERVATION AND PROTECTION OF ESSENTIAL MIDDLE-INCOME RENTAL HOUSING WITHIN CITY LIMITS MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER KORS, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER WOODS, CARRIED 5-0, to adopt Resolution No. 24871 entitled, "RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY TO BECOME AN ADDITIONAL MEMBER OF THE CALIFORNIA COMMUNITY HOUSING AGENCY ("CALCHA"); APPROVING THE EXECUTION OF ONE OR MORE PUBLIC BENEFIT AGREEMENTS WITH CALCHA; AND SUPPORTING CALCHA'S ISSUANCE OF BONDS FOR THE PRODUCTION, PRESERVATION AND PROTECTION OF ESSENTIAL MIDDLE- INCOME RENTAL HOUSING WITHIN CITY LIMITS." A8716 N. PALM SPRINGS COVID-19 SMALL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM UPDATE MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER KORS, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER WOODS, CARRIED 5-0, to approve businesses listed for participation in the COVID-19 Small Business Assistance Program, as identified in the staff report on file with the City Clerk. City Council Minutes March 25, 2021 City of Palm Springs Page 9 O. RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL DENOUNCING VIOLENT CRIMES AGAINST ASIANS, ASIAN AMERICANS, AND PACIFIC ISLANDERS ACROSS THE COUNTRY This item was excluded from the Consent Calendar. Please refer to Page 10 of these minutes for a summary of that action. P. DISCUSSION ON ESTABLISHING A POLICY FOR DURATION OF THE TERM FOR THE CITY AUDITING FIRM MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER KORS, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER WOODS, CARRIED 5-0, to adopt Resolution No. 24872 entitled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING A POLICY FOR THE DURATION OF THE TERM FOR A CITY AUDITING FIRM.” Q. SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING "HERO PAY" FOR FRONT-LINE GROCERY WORKERS MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER KORS, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER WOODS, CARRIED 5-0, to adopt Ordinance No. 2040 entitled, "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE PALM SPRINGS MUNICIPAL CODE BY ADDING CHAPTER 5.87, RELATING TO GROCERY WORKERS IN PALM SPRINGS, AND ESTABLISHING LABOR STANDARDS AND REQUIREMENTS FOR PREMIUM PAY FOR GROCERY WORKERS WORKING IN PALM SPRINGS." EXCLUDED CONSENT CALENDAR: K. RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT FOR ASSEMBLY BILL 43, TRAFFIC SAFETY City Clerk Mejia announced that a revised letter of support was distributed to the City Council and posted online and recommends that the City Council authorize issuance of the letter rather than a resolution of support. Mayor Pro Tem Middleton discussed amendments to AB 43; noted the bill is one of the most important traffic safety measures in the legislation; reported on AB 550, a companion bill, which addresses enforcement recommendations and asked staff to bring a recommendation of support to a future City Council meeting. MOTION BY MAYOR PRO TEM MIDDLETON, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER GARNER, CARRIED 5-0, to authorize a letter of support to the author(s) and local representatives for Assembly Bill 43, Traffic Safety. City Council Minutes March 25, 2021 City of Palm Springs Page 10 O. RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL DENOUNCING VIOLENT CRIMES AGAINST ASIANS, ASIAN AMERICANS, AND PACIFIC ISLANDERS ACROSS THE COUNTRY Councilmember Garner read the resolution and requested that the City Council accept the proposed revisions submitted via public comment. MOTION BY MAYOR HOLSTEGE, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER GARNER, CARRIED 5-0, to: 1. Adopt Resolution No. 24873 entitled, "RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, DENOUNCING VIOLENT CRIMES AGAINST ASIANS, ASIAN AMERICANS, AND PACIFIC ISLANDERS ACROSS THE COUNTRY," as revised. 2. Authorize the City Manager and City Clerk to take all necessary actions identified in the resolution. 2. PUBLIC HEARINGS: A. I. PRESENTATION ON CITY HOMELESSNESS PROGRAMS AND EFFORTS City Manager Ready narrated a PowerPoint presentation related to the City’s homelessness programs and efforts to reduce homelessness. During the course of discussion, the City Council spoke on other homeless services supported by the City and efforts to develop new affordable housing. A. II. PUBLIC HEARING - CITY COUNCIL REVIEW OF THE CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT ISSUED FOR WELL IN THE DESERT, LOCATED AT 441 SOUTH CALLE ENCILIA, LSC ZONE (CASE 5.1419 CUP) Director of Development Services Fagg narrated a PowerPoint presentation, summarizing the City Council’s previous actions related to Well in the Desert, adopted Conditions of Approval, and issues related to non-compliance; advised that the applicant has requested certain amendments to the CUP, noting that staff does not support the requested changes. Police Captain Kovaleff spoke on the increased number of calls for service and impacts to the Police Department associated to the Well in the Desert and Project Room Key. In response to City Council inquiry, Capt. Kovaleff described the challenges encountered by City staff including the need to remove human waste, drug paraphernalia, equipment damage, and vandalism. Mayor Holstege opened the Public Hearing. City Council Minutes March 25, 2021 City of Palm Springs Page 11 Arlene Rosenthal, representing the Well in the Desert, opined that the Well should be allowed to operate at its current location; spoke on their successes in helping those experiencing homelessness and addiction; asserted that individuals who create problems at the Well in the Desert or in the surrounding area are banned from the Well and are no longer their clients; urged the City Council to grant an extension to the CUP to allow them to identify an alternative site. Ms. Pitts, urged that the Well in the Desert be relocated, citing negative impacts to her quality of life and the surrounding neighborhood. Stephen Jaffe, President of Democrats in the Desert, urged the City Council not to make an emotional or impulsive decision about the location of the Well in the Desert. James Gavin, asserted that the Well in the Desert failed to adhere to the conditions of approval and that their permit should be revoked; stated that seniors, families, and businesses no longer feel the area is safe. William Gavin, asserted that the Well in the Desert has failed the community, neighborhood, and homeless; spoke on increased crime, drug abuse, threats and vandalism, and thefts in the neighborhood. Brian Volz, opined that the Well in the Desert is providing minimal services which do not address the underlying causes for homelessness; spoke on the increase in crime, litter, disturbances of the peace, and unsanitary conditions attributed to the Well in the Desert. Patrick Weiss, spoke on the success of Martha’s Village and the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission, opining that the City Council should build a permanent homeless shelter. Joseph Ramani, voiced concern that his business is negatively impacted by the Well in the Desert and the increase in loitering near businesses. Mark Roznoski, spoke on the increased incidents of theft, assault, and vandalism during evening hours; urged that the City Council establish a 24-hour homeless shelter. Natalie, expressed concern regarding the lack of services available to the homeless after the Well in the Desert closes in the evening; voiced support for relocating the Well in the Desert. Denise Gwaldis, voiced concern that the Well in the Desert has negatively impacted surrounding businesses and residents. Jenny Gil, reported on incidents of aggressive and violent encounters between the homeless and visitors. Franco Luca Sermani, stated that the Well in the Desert is negatively impacting the community and it should be relocated. City Council Minutes March 25, 2021 City of Palm Springs Page 12 Arlene Rosenthal, opined that the issues raised during public comment can be addressed, noting that they provide on-site security and prohibit drug use on their property. In response to City Council inquiries, Ms. Rosenthal asserted that the increase in crime can be attributed to other cities sending homeless individuals to Palm Springs and the lack of enforcement in the criminal justice system; advised that she does not have data on the number of individuals who have transitioned to permanent, supportive housing, noting that partner organizations would have such information; indicated that she does not have the exact number of unduplicated clients attending the Well in the Desert; stated that she is willing to move the Well in the Desert if a suitable location is identified. There being no others desiring to speak, Mayor Holstege closed the Public Hearing. A. III. PRESENTATION FROM COUNTY STAFF REGARDING HOMESSLENESS PROGRAMS Greg Rodriguez, Heidi Marshall, and Kim Saruwatari, representing the County of Riverside, narrated a PowerPoint presentation with an update on the County’s homeless services and a potential navigation center in Palm Springs; responded to City Council inquiries. Mayor Pro Tem Middleton expressed concern related to the lack of communication and transparency associated with Operation Room Key; pointed out that the hotels utilized for the program are within blocks of each other which further exacerbated the concentration of homeless individuals in the downtown area. Mr. Rodriguez and Ms. Marshall advised that the County moved quickly to establish Operation Room Key due to the public health crisis; reported on the criteria for selecting the hotels and clients assigned to Operation Room Key; advised that the County has revised its Good Neighbor Policy to include improved communications and service protocols; noted that the hotels were provided with private security or utilized their own security; stated that there is a permanent placement plan for individuals still in the program when it terminates; spoke on the County’s efforts to establish overnight cooling centers, noting that they are partnering with the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission to scout possible locations; Mayor Holstege requested that the County provide data related to the outcomes of Operation Room Key. Mayor Pro Tem Middleton requested that City staff work with the County to release non-sensitive information to the public related to Operation Room Key. MEETING RECESS The City Council recessed at 10:02 p.m. and reconvened at 10:15 p.m. with all members present. City Council Minutes March 25, 2021 City of Palm Springs Page 13 Mayor Pro Tem Middleton opined that the Well in the Desert should be relocated, but that their permit should be extended while identifying an alternative location; stated appropriate wrap-around services should be provided at the new facility. Councilmember Garner agreed that the Well in the Desert should be relocated to a larger facility, noting that the City should assist with the relocation; voiced support for amending the conditions of approval to allow an outdoor smoking area in the rear of the property. Councilmember Kors agreed that City staff should assist the Well in the Desert in identifying alternative locations; stressed the importance of collecting client and outcome data to help support future grant applications; expressed support for amending the conditions of approval to allow an outdoor smoking area in the rear of the property. Councilmember Garner requested that City staff ensure that representatives of Well in the Desert are included in discussions about alternative locations. MOTION BY MAYOR HOLSTEGE, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER KORS, CARRIED 5-0, to: 1. Amend the conditions of approval to allow an outside smoking section at the rear of the property in the back-parking lot. 2. Continue the Public Hearing to the City Council meeting of April 22, 2021. 3. Direct staff to work with the applicant to pursue alternate locations for the Well in the Desert facility. B. PUBLIC HEARING - REQUEST BY THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS TO AMEND PORTIONS OF CHAPTER 91, CHAPTER 92, CHAPTER 93, AND CHAPTER 94 OF THE PALM SPRINGS ZONING CODE, AND TO AMEND SECTION 93.63.080 OF THE PALM SPRINGS MUNICIPAL CODE, ADOPTING REVISIONS TO THE ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW PROCESS AND ASSOCIATED ENTITLEMENT PROCESSES Mayor Holstege announced her recusal due to potential impacts to her source of income and left the meeting. Development Services Director Fagg narrated a PowerPoint presentation and responded to City Council inquiries. Mayor Pro Tem Middleton opened the Public Hearing. Kathy Weremuik, voiced support for the proposed amendments, stressing the importance of a pre-submittal conference between staff and the applicant; noted that there is a need City Council Minutes March 25, 2021 City of Palm Springs Page 14 for a skilled employee in urban design and architecture to participate in the conference meetings. There being no others desiring to speak, Mayor Pro Tem Middleton closed the Public Hearing. Councilmember Woods spoke on the importance of adopting design guidelines and ensuring that skilled staff are available to assist applicants. MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER GARNER, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER WOODS, CARRIED 4-0 (WITH MAYOR HOLSTEGE RECUSED), to introduce Ordinance No. 2042 entitled, "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING PORTIONS OF CHAPTER 91, CHAPTER 92, CHAPTER 93, AND CHAPTER 94 OF THE PALM SPRINGS ZONING CODE, AND AMENDING SECTION 9.63.080 OF THE PALM SPRINGS MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADOPT REVISIONS TO THE ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW PROCESS AND ASSOCIATED ENTITLEMENT PROCESSES." City Clerk Mejia read the ordinance by title. Mayor Holstege returned to the meeting. 3. LEGISLATIVE: None. 4. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: A. DISCUSSION REGARDING TEMPORARY MORATORIUM ON EVICTIONS FOR COMMERCIAL TENANCIES City Attorney Ballinger presented the staff report and responded to City Council inquiries. During the course of discussion, the City Council requested that any extension of the eviction moratorium should be tailored to provide eviction relief to local, small businesses. The City Council directed that the Emergency Services Director to extend the moratorium on commercial businesses for 30 days and to return to City Council with suggested verbiage consistent with the City Council’s direction. MOTION BY MAYOR HOLSTEGE, SECOND BY MAYOR PRO TEM MIDDLETON, CARRIED 5-0, to direct the Emergency Services Director to extend the Moratorium on Commercial Evictions by 30 days. 5. NEW BUSINESS: None. City Council Minutes March 25, 2021 City of Palm Springs Page 15 PUBLIC COMMENT: None. CITY COUNCIL AND CITY MANAGER REQUESTS AND UPCOMING AGENDA DEVELOPMENT: Councilmember Kors requested that discussion related to Desert Community Energy be agendized for a City Council meeting in April 2021; requested a joint meeting with the Human Rights Commission be scheduled in April or May 2021. Mayor Pro Tem Middleton requested that staff agendize a discussion regarding homelessness for a future City Council meeting. Mayor Holstege requested that staff agendize consideration of submitting a community project to Congressman Ruiz for the Fiscal Year 2021-22 Federal Budget. ADJOURNMENT: The City Council adjourned at 11:53 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Anthony J. Mejia, MMC City Clerk APPROVED BY CITY COUNCIL: 09/09/2021