HomeMy WebLinkAboutNon Agenda ItemGood morning Mr. Stiles,
First, I'd like to welcome you to the City of Palm Springs, where we are in dire need of a
great leader! We all look forward to the contributions that you can make to this great
City. I want to thank you personally in advance for reading this incredibly long email. I
hope you understand and appreciate that the details provided in this communication are
to give you a clear understanding of the tragedy that’s occurring at Palm Springs Swim
Center under the direction of Yvonne Wise.
I am writing you to address a number of significant issues regarding the Palm Springs
Swim Center and the oversight of the same by the Parks and Recreation Department.
Over the course of the last 6-8 months, the decline of this Department and the Palm
Springs Swim Center has been disheartening. I know that you have already heard from
others in the Community about the challenges all have been facing with respect to these
matters. I am sure that much of what I am going to outline may not be of great surprise
to you, but nonetheless, it is critically important information for you to be aware of as
you try to get things back on track.
To be clear, I like many other members of the Community, have no axe to grind. I love
the Palm Springs Swim Center and the City of Palm Springs. We all want what is best
for the City and its citizens. I personally work tirelessly to motivate and offer
opportunities to the youth and Masters swimmers of our community at Palm Springs
Swim Center. However, my team has been blocked, frustrated, abused, ignored, and
bullied by the leadership of the Parks and Recreation Department since Yvonne Wise
has taken on direct oversight of the Palm Springs Swim Center. Frankly, I would
absolutely describe that Ms. Wise has set up a hostile environment between herself, her
staff, and the public at large. She specifically told her staff and the lifeguards NOT to
talk to people on the ‘outside’ such as me about what she considers internal matters.
However, that doesn’t work! Honestly, some of the staff have advised both me
and others confidentially that they are afraid of her and their job as a result.
Before the arrival of Ms. Wise, my team and others enjoyed a terrific partnership with
the City at the Swim Center. There was a joint effort and energy to create the best
aquatics facility in the Coachella Valley. I know that you are aware of the numerous
representations that have been made by many others surrounding Ms. Wise's lack of
transparency, failure to communicate, and the basic courtesy to respond on issues for
which she is responsible. Ms. Wise has attributed some of these as challenges arising
as a function of her chronically understaffed department. Between myself and others,
we can easily provide documentary evidence of all of the issues I am raising herewith
by providing you with countless copies of e-mails to Ms. Wise.
Here's a brief history of how I'm involved with the City of Palm Springs. After 22 years
working for Palm Springs Unified School District, last June I took a leave from teaching
(a 6 figure salary) to run a year-round swim team, Elite Otters Swim Team/Palm Springs
Masters Swim Team which we started at the Palm Springs Swim Center four years
ago. Additionally, over the last 3 years, I’ve run the aquatics program for the City of
Palm Springs Eye Opener Program. Our swim team has grown exponentially from 2 to
03/23/2023
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over 125 since 2019. As such, we are one of the pool's biggest ‘customers', renting pool
time from the City a minimum of five days or more each week for 2+ hours per day. The
team caters to programming for children from the ages of 5 to Masters Program
swimmers of 75 years plus. We participate in swim meets throughout the Southwest
and host a number of swim meets each year at the Palm Springs Swim Center,
involving literally hundreds of swimmers at each event. The families/swimmers in
attendance reserve hundreds of hotel rooms and consume thousands of meals while
attending our swim events in Palm Springs, which is a huge boost for our economy.
In December of 2022, The Winter Age Group Championships (WAGS) Swim Meet was
hosted by my team at the Swim Center over a three-day period. WAGS is a swim meet
where the host is voted on and chosen a year in advance by the Board of Directors of
Southern California Swimming. This was our first time hosting WAGS, which also
meant it was our first opportunity to put the meet on successfully. More than 700
swimmers from across the western US came to Palm Springs to compete.
Leading up to WAGS, while planning and working with Ms. Wise, she lied, repeatedly
failed to respond to my communications and/or didn’t follow through with
agreements. In desperate need for help, in October I reached out to Theresa Gallavan
and the City Council explaining the importance of hosting a successful WAGS
championship meet in Palm Springs. Hosting a successful meet would help ensure that
our pool would be chosen to host WAGS again in the future. A meet of this caliber is
good for our entire community. Due to the inability of the Parks and Recreation Staff,
under Ms. Wise’s guidance, to manage and prepare the pool facility for such an event, I
was forced to contact Ms. Gallavan again, multiple times in November and December. I
explained to Ms. Gallavan that I had personally spent over $25,000 preparing for the
meet. I was putting my best foot forward by presenting a first class event, but if I walked
next store to the swim center I would find: mold in the drinking fountains, broken faucets
in the bathrooms, spider webs around garbage cans, broken lights covered in dead
insects, a broken ADA ramp sitting on deck, and the list goes on and on. It took blood,
sweat and tears to pull this event off successfully, a job made tremendously more
challenging due to the poor leadership of Yvonne Wise.
Additionally, Last January, my team hosted a United States Masters Swimming (USMS)
event at the Swim Center for more than 170 swimmers from 35 clubs across the US. All
of the lifeguards called in ’sick’ two days before this event, putting the entire meet in
jeopardy and potentially creating a huge black eye for the City. Where was Ms. Wise for
all of this? Nowhere to be found. In fact, one of my coaches spent hours at the pool
along with a City Parks Supervisor vacuuming and cleaning the facility in order for the
meet to take place.
Our ‘home’ is the Palm Springs Swim Center. The community of swimmers is a vibrant
and caring one. The people who use the Swim Center are passionate about their
advocation and want the facility to be wildly successful. They have regularly voiced their
desire to be problem solvers with excellent ideas on how to move things forward, but
have not been engaged by the City or Parks and Recreation Department. In fact, my
03/23/2023
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husband and I have written a number of grants for the Pool on behalf of the City in the
last two years, resulting in more than $60,000 of funding for new equipment for the
Swim Center. If only the City would involve this group of interested people we could
have the Palm Springs Swim Center as a real gem in the Community instead of the sore
thumb that it has become. Frankly, it’s a lot more than a sore thumb - it's now a
disgrace.
Efforts to engage with the Parks and Recreation Commission over these many issues
have been thwarted by Ms. Wise’s office which acts as the Staff Liaison. I understand
that Ms. Wise will be giving a report on the Swim Center operations at the next
Commission hearing this Monday. Regretfully, no one is confident that the real and
truthful picture will be presented, as it is in Ms. Wise’s best interest to show that
everything is well under control. It is NOT.
For the last 6 months, the swim center has been on a downward spiral. Yvonne Wise is
full of empty promises and has poor communication skills. The Pool Supervisor has
been on paid leave for nearly 6 months while the pool deteriorates to filth and regular
closings due to understaffing. The locker room / changing areas are simply deplorable.
The facility is in bad need of repainting. We are lucky to have one of the few pools in the
country with both a heating and chilling system to keep the water temperature of such a
large outdoor pool at a consistent temperature year-round. However, the inability of the
current pool management to regulate this appropriately puts the public at risk.
Organizations such as the Red Cross, USA Swimming, United States Masters
Swimming, and others recommend that the temperature in such a facility be kept
between 78-80 degrees. The pool is often reaching temps of 81 - 84 degrees F which is
not suitable for a lap pool environment. Temperatures that high pose a huge liability for
swimmers who are lap swimming or training to overheat. This is a liability for the city,
as I've reached out numerous times explaining the dangers and requesting the pool
temperature be lowered. Furthermore, it dramatically increases the amount of
chemicals required to maintain the pool water in a sanitized condition. Finally, to heat of
pool of this size to 84 degrees is a huge financial drain on the City! I have notified the
Parks and Recreation Department about these issues many times, yet nothing has
changed.
I understand that the City Council has provided authorization to create a new role of
Aquatics Manager at it's February Meeting. Yet a month later, nothing has been posted
on the City HR website about this role. Can the public get an update on what is
happening?
I have tried for months to pay the City what is due under my contract for the pool rental,
but no one seems to be able to invoice accordingly (which is the normal process) or has
been able to take our payments since last October. This was a task that was easily
handled while Lindi Mills was supervising the Swim Center. In November, I notified Ms.
Gallavan that the City was not billing me, despite my numerous requests to pay my
bill. In December I begged the city to take payment on my account. Finally, on
December 28, I was able to successfully pay the amount owed allowing me to close out
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my books for the year. I have yet to receive an invoice for 2023 in spite of my regular
requests to pay my monthly fees. How many others' contracts with the pool are going
unpaid, as not many will act as I did repeatedly requesting to pay my bill.
Basic and simple tasks that are necessary to operate a pool such as this are simply
ignored - in spite of the fact that both I and others have often volunteered to help. The
bureaucratic approach to getting anything done is simply incredible. From the hanging
of backstroke flags which are necessary to protect swimmers from crashing into the end
of the pool, getting the pool scoreboard clock repaired, changing out a broken ADA
ladder (which took months), installing the new starting blocks, getting burnt out lights in
lighting fixtures on the pool deck replaced, to simply getting a time clock fixed is almost
impossible. In regard to the time clock, the pool’s digital time clock broke four months
ago. It has still not yet been repaired. For two months, I loaned the pool our Swim
Team’s clock because the general public who uses the pool needs this basic tool when
lap swimming. Regretfully, I had to take our clock back which has left the Swim Center
without this much-needed facility. A good, new digital clock suitable for the Swim Center
is available for purchase for roughly $1000 with overnight delivery. Yet the Swim
Center purchased two flimsy pace clocks which are almost impossible to see. One of
the clocks already broke because it was blown over in the wind in the first five days of
having it on deck. The second clock shows up from time to time, but since no one can
see it anyway it is a waste of everyone’s effort. Can no one from the Parks and
Recreation Department figure out how to resolve this issue? A properly working time
clock is an essential piece of equipment for every swim center. In the meantime, I have
bought another clock to use for our Swim Team given the essential nature of this piece
of equipment.
Under our current contract with the City for usage of the Swim Center there is an
effective language that has allowed us to work together to be responsive to the nature
of a recreation program such as ours. It is impossible to run any such program without
having flexibility. Prior to the pool supervisor, Lindi Mills, being removed from the swim
center, this worked effectively and without issue until Ms. Wise arrived. Now, any simple
request made in advance for access or changes to lane requirements (when they are
available which is language in the current contract) must be submitted to Parks and
Recreation where they must issue a contract amendment. This is an impossible
situation. In fact, it has been over a month since I requested to be able to use three
lanes of the pool on early Saturday morning and one lane on Sunday morning for swim
practices. I was told, since this is now a contract “amendment” (which is entirely
unnecessary) it takes legal review and "you will just have to wait in the queue". In the
meantime, I called the Palm Desert Aquatic Center which was able to accommodate me
within 24 hours. What gives?
In my effort to plan for the future of the team, I contacted Ms. Wise and told her that I
would be looking to renew our current contract which expires at the end of June 2023. I
was then provided with substantially new terms which would reduce my access to pool
lanes by 50% and adds new restrictions on coaches teaching during public swimming
hours which have been long-standing practices at the Swim Center long before my time.
03/23/2023
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Frankly, if it weren't for the efforts of the Swim Coaches, the Swim Center would have
literally no learn-to-swim programming at all. Through the efforts of teaching people to
swim, the audience of Swim Center users increases. Our coaches are all certified;
some have multiple accreditations that no one on the City’s staff possess. So again, no
dialogue, no discussion, no effort from Ms. Wise to try and find ways to address any
issue, she sends over a Docusign where her only communication is buried in a new
contract that this practice will be discontinued. Since when does one person in the City
administration have such power without any review or consultation. This new contract
was sent to me in Docusign format without any discussion, consultation or invitation to
review same - just take it or leave it. This needs to be addressed. I am truly concerned
that those like me from the public who speak up about these issues may or will see
efforts by Ms. Wise to be punitive in nature.
Mr. Stiles, I respectfully request your personal involvement in brokering a discussion
and a new relationship between the Community, the Swim Center and the Parks and
Recreation Department. There is no need for this situation to continue to fester save a
lack of concerted effort by those responsible to sit down, discuss and develop a clear
plan for operation of this treasured facility. I know that I would be delighted to volunteer
to serve on any Ad Hoc group which serves to address this need. In this regard, I have
also copied the Parks and Recreation Commission and City Council on this e-mail so
that this record can be public.
I look forward to hearing back from you.
Sincerely,
Laura Otteson
Elite Otters Swim Team
Owner/Head Coach
760-668-2663
"Building champions in life and in the pool!"
Elite Otters Swim Team
SoCal's Elite Swim Team
Visit us: eliteotters.com
Palm Springs Masters Swim Team
"Come make a splash!"
Laura Otteson M.Ed
USA Certified Swim Coach
ASCA Level 3
(760) 668-2663
03/23/2023
Public Comment
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From:Val Crotty
To:City Clerk
Subject:Fw: Failure Notice
Date:Thursday, March 23, 2023 7:04:02 PM
NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments
unless you are sure the content is safe.
Dear Brenda Pree
Hello I am a homeowner in Palm Springs CA since 1991.
I've gone from 4 homes at once with three being rentals in the 90s when there were more
rentals than renters.
I've over the decades lost everything and had to purchase a mobile home after several
surgeries and health expenses.
I'm now a disabled senior on Medicare and Medical
I no longer have abundant funds and my mobile home is in desperate need of structural
repairs or I'll become homeless.
This Grant programs the answer to my prayers and I appreciate the opportunity to advocate
for It in the hopes I can benefit from the $15,000.00 Grant that I believe will assure that I
will have a home to live in during my final years.
Please be sure my voice is heard at the City Council meetings starting tonight if you would
please.
I've been an exemplary citizen since I moved here in the beginning of the 1990s.
Thank you,
Val J Crotty
31 Calle de los Vientos
Palm Springs CA 92264
760) 318-4224
Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android
From:City of Palm Springs
To:City Clerk; City Clerk
Subject:*NEW SUBMISSION* Submit Public Comment to the City of Palm Springs
Date:Thursday, March 23, 2023 4:25:44 PM
Submit Public Comment to the City of Palm Springs
Submission #:2321078
IP Address:98.97.60.144
Submission Date:03/23/2023 4:25
Survey Time:1 minute, 28 seconds
You have a new online form submission.
Note: all answers displaying "*****" are marked as sensitive and must be viewed after your login.
Full Name/Nombre
Erik Romney
City of Residence/Ciudad de residencia
Palm Springs,
Phone (optional) /Teléfono (opcional)
3238899193
Email (optional/opcional)
iamjustaduck@aol.com
Your Comments/Sus comentarios
April of last year, the neon sign that reads THEATRE, was repaired, and it was fully functional until August of last
year. Since then, that sign has been half-lit, with T-H-E on both sides being out of order. The Foundation that is
running fundraising operations are focused on the bigger picture stuff. I have gone through all the channels, walked
down every avenue, and that has all led me to city hall. “The sign has apparently been assessed recently by a couple
of sign companies at the request of Facilities and it apparently needs a greater degree of restoration that was done
last year and part of the issue is its lack of weathertightness.” Since we are talking about a city property, couldn’t the
city authorize and maintain its functionality? I, as well as others, would love for the sign to be fully functional again,
as soon as possible, as it stands as a beacon of light and as a show of support from the city, as well as an example
that the theatre is (again) coming back to town.
Thank you,
City of Palm Springs
This is an automated message generated by Granicus. Please do not reply directly to this email.
03/23/2023
Public Comment
Non Agenda Item
From:Jeffrey Bernstein
To:City Clerk
Subject:Fwd: Making the pool work better ... SOME IDEAS
Date:Thursday, March 23, 2023 11:00:47 AM
Jeffrey Bernstein
Mayor Pro Tem, Councilmember
City of Palm Springs
cell: 442-305-9942
Jeffrey.Bernstein@palmspringsca.gov
City Hall is open Monday –Thursday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. and closed on Fridays.
Begin forwarded message:
From: Sergio071364 <sergio071364@aol.com>
Subject: Making the pool work better ... SOME IDEAS
Date: March 23, 2023 at 10:13:13 AM PDT
To: "ron.deharte@palmspringsca.gov"
<ron.deharte@palmspringsca.gov>,
"jeffrey.bernstein@palmspringsca.gov"
<jeffrey.bernstein@palmspringsca.gov>
Reply-To: Sergio071364 <sergio071364@aol.com>
NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs -- DO NOT CLICK on links or
open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.
I had the wrong suffix on an email I cc'd you on that I sent to these individuals..
Here it is, FYI.
-----Original Message-----
From: Sergio071364 <sergio071364@aol.com>
To: yvonne.wise@palmspringsca.gov <yvonne.wise@palmspringsca.gov>;
grace.garner@palmspringsca.gov <grace.garner@palmspringsca.gov>
Sent: Thu, Mar 23, 2023 10:08 am
Subject: Making the pool work better ... SOME IDEAS
03/23/2023
Public Comment
Non Agenda Item
Dear Yvonne and Grace:
Here are some things to consider in making the pool work better. Everyone that swims
there is frustrated by the closures and the reservation system, etc. Some of these ideas
involve changing the programming of the reservation system, I would think this is possible.
1. Consider some 45 minute segments for reservations instead of one hour. About 1/2 of
swimmers are done in 45 minutes.
2. Mandatory sharing of some lanes. Some lane-sharing reservations for swimmers that
are okay with that. In other countries, swimmers ALWAYS have to share lanes.
3. At the beginning of the week, a swimmer can make up to 3 reservations at one time. Or
a maximum of 3 reservation times per week, then just show up for open swimming.
4. The whole thing about setting an alarm for 5:30 a.m. to make a swimming reservation is
just ABSURD. And then there aren't any left.
5. How many times have I gotten to the pool and it is closed? There has to be a way to
announce this on the website so we don't waste our time and gas driving there.
6. Some penalty for swimmers that don't show up. I have heard it said that there is no $
penalty or fee for not showing up, I don't know if this is true.
7. Lifeguard shortage: the lifeguards are on the watch for 20 minutes and then they switch?
They can't do this for 30 minutes?
8. Lifeguard shortage: just about everyone that swims at the pool is a trained swimmer, I
have never seen anything resembling a medical emergency. The city does not have
ambulances around the town waiting for bikers to get hurt, which happens with far greater
frequency. So I get confused here. Can you have "no lifeguard on duty" times for lap
swimmers?
9. I am a resident so I get the my 25 passes. But charging out-of-towners $16 to swim just
seems a bit steep. Is this my imagination that it is a bit steep?
And, 10. How much do you pay these lifeguards? They have been hearing so many
complaints lately, they must be all fed up. I'm frankly not surprised that they are frustrated
and that you can't keep them there.
That's it. I am happy to meet with anyone to see how we can make things better. Everyone
raves about the Palm Desert Swim Center so I want us to be just as good. : )
Sergio Garcia, concerned resident and PS swimmer
P.S. I guess we'll never know what happened with Lindi Mills, but that's another story. It
seems TO ME that the pool was working a lot better when she was around.
03/23/2023
Public Comment
Non Agenda Item
From:City of Palm Springs
To:City Clerk; City Clerk
Subject:*NEW SUBMISSION* Submit Public Comment to the City of Palm Springs
Date:Thursday, March 23, 2023 9:16:19 AM
Submit Public Comment to the City of Palm Springs
Submission #:2319876
IP Address:72.132.238.246
Submission Date:03/23/2023 9:16
Survey Time:16 minutes, 40 seconds
You have a new online form submission.
Note: all answers displaying "*****" are marked as sensitive and must be viewed after your login.
Full Name/Nombre
T Santora
City of Residence/Ciudad de residencia
Palm Springs, CA,
Phone (optional) /Teléfono (opcional)
3107959315
Email (optional/opcional)
trsantora@yahoo.com
Your Comments/Sus comentarios
I was recently informed by the Office of Sustainability that per city ordinance, temporary or vacation suspension of
trash pick-up service is not allowed. They indicated that revised guidelines were approved by City Council in Dec.
2022, but the changes have not yet gone into effect, and it will be six months or more before those revisions will be
implemented. As a former Sustainability Commissioner, I was shocked to find out about the current ordinance. It
seems inherently at odds with the City's climate and environmental goals. I want to thank you for your efforts to
update it. And while it is perfectly understandable that the staff needs to work on the logistics, e.g., forms, before
the revisions can be rolled out, I ask that you urge staff to complete their work before summer arrives so that
residents who travel during those months may take advantage of a suspension service when it is most desirable and
thereby reduce pollution and wasted fuel by unnecessary service stops.
Thank you,
City of Palm Springs
This is an automated message generated by Granicus. Please do not reply directly to this email.
03/23/2023
Public Comment
Non Agenda Item
From:Jeffrey Bernstein
To:Scott Stiles; City Clerk
Subject:Fwd: AA club in serious violations via violence and crime
Date:Wednesday, March 22, 2023 2:35:52 PM
Jeffrey Bernstein
Mayor Pro Tem, Councilmember
City of Palm Springs
cell: 442-305-9942
Jeffrey.Bernstein@palmspringsca.gov
City Hall is open Monday –Thursday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. and closed on Fridays.
Begin forwarded message:
From: Robert Anderson <vinland@live.com>
Subject: AA club in serious violations via violence and crime
Date: March 22, 2023 at 1:38:16 PM PDT
To: "grace.garner@palmspringsca.gov" <grace.garner@palmspringsca.gov>,
"Jeffrey.Bernstein@palmspringsca.gov" <Jeffrey.Bernstein@palmspringsca.gov>,
"Ron.deHarte@palmspringsca.gov"!<Ron.deHarte@palmspringsca.gov>,
"christy.holstege@palmspringsca.gov" <christy.holstege@palmspringsca.gov>,
"lisa.middleton@palmspringsca.gov" <lisa.middleton@palmspringsca.gov>,!
"Alyssa.Chavez@palmspringsca.gov" <Alyssa.Chavez@palmspringsca.gov>
Good afternoon,
My name is Robert Anderson and I am former resident of Palm Springs. While I do not reside here as of now,
I do work here and attend AA meetings here. However, after 3 years of being a member of the 559 Club in
Palm Springs (Named after their address); I have rescinded my membership due to the amount of physical
and verbal violence and altercations that take place at this meeting. A quick look into this email will show you
that the police are called to this particular meeting on a weekly basis. However, after yesterday I will no
longer sit down and tolerate the abuse taking place at this meeting hall. Yesterday, a homeless man walked in
and shared with the group. However, the group didn’t like his share and so 2-3 member continued to
physically and verbally assault the man who was both homeless and feeble. The secretary and leader of the
meeting did nothing to stop it. I would really appreciate it if the city would consider dissolving this group,
especially because I brought this to the attention of the AA Central Office and they will do nothing about it
either. Getting rid of this meeting would really, really help cut back on the drug use and homelessness and
crime happening in the immediate area as it is all related.
Best,
Robert Anderson
03/23/2023
Public Comment
Non Agenda Item
From:Jeffrey Bernstein
To:City Clerk
Subject:Fwd: Food Trucks and Sidewalk Vending
Date:Friday, March 10, 2023 10:18:14 PM
Thank you!
Jeffrey
Jeffrey Bernstein
Mayor Pro Tem, Councilmember
City of Palm Springs
442-305-9942
Jeffrey.Bernstein@palmspringsca.gov
Begin forwarded message:
From: Dean Lavine <dean@blackbookbar.com>
Subject: Re: Food Trucks and Sidewalk Vending
Date: March 10, 2023 at 10:12:09 PM PST
To: Grace Garner <Grace.Garner@palmspringsca.gov>, Jeffrey Bernstein <Jeffrey.Bernstein@palmspringsca.gov>, Lisa Middleton <lisa.middleton@palmspringsca.gov>, Christy Holstege <Christy.Holstege@palmspringsca.gov>, Ron deHarte
<Ron.deHarte@palmspringsca.gov>
Cc: Teresa Gallavan <Teresa.Gallavan@palmspringsca.gov>, Jeff Ballinger-C <Jeff.Ballinger-C@palmspringsca.gov>, Scott.Stiles@palmspringsca.gov, Flinn Fagg <flinn.fagg@palmspringsca.gov>
NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.
Hello all,
I thought you should be aware of what is happening in the Arenas District tonight:
There is a vendor on one corner.
There are also five hot dog carts placed in front of 5 bars/restaurants. Each cart is staffed by a kid on a street full of 21+ businesses at 10pm.
The entire street smells of hot dog, including inside our businesses.
Code endorsement is on their way out. The only thing they can do is ask them to be in compliance (with permitting) in 15 days.
Who manages the child labor part?
03/09/2023
Public Comment
Item 3C
03/09/2023
Public Comment
Item 3C
03/09/2023
Public Comment
Item 3C
03/09/2023
Public Comment
Item 3C
03/09/2023
Public Comment
Item 3C
03/09/2023
Public Comment
Item 3C
On Mar 9, 2023, at 10:38 AM, Dean Lavine <dean@blackbookbar.com> wrote:
Honorable Council Members,
This email is in regards to the Sidewalk Vending and Food Truck agenda items.
As this council weighs the merits of expanding food trucks and looking at regulations regarding street vending, there are some issues I feel I should speak up on.
Sidewalk vending:
The law is the law, and there is a reason for that.
However, when considering the intent of law, please be aware that restaurants do exponentially more for immigrants than sidewalk vending and food trucks combined.
For example: 30% of our staff is a first generation immigrant. Everyone on our staff makes more than $20 an hour (almost 30% higher than minimum wage). 95% of our staff works full time. They receive proper benefits as we comply with every federal, state and local law. It means they
get sick pay, harassment training, health insurance guidance, flexible scheduling (where we consider the needs of their families) and a work environment where they can grow. Our general manager is an immigrant who at 25 years old was recently promoted from server.
I am asking that Council enacts the recommendations of the city staff to ensure that sidewalk vending complies with safety and health issues. As many of you are aware we had a vendor operating without any health or city permits for months in our district. Regardless of their egregious health
violations, they also ran afoul of fire laws and would regularly fill the businesses in the districts with foul smelling smoke. This is not hyperbole. What recourse did we have?
Please consider all factors. Take a moment to fully understand the scope of the issue. How does it affect those that have invested so much in this community? What is a safe and healthy way to give entrepreneurs a step up? How can you consider everyone symbiotically?
Food trucks:
They can be amazing.
Food trucks can be a source of new and innovative cuisine. They can also be a cheaper avenue to starting a business. I believe every city should designate an area away from brick and mortar businesses where they can congregate together. Many cities have this and they are wonderful placeswhere entrepreneurs can show off. I would support a designated food truck parking lot that doesn't adversely affect brick and mortar businesses. They are also wonderful as they can bring food to areas that don’t have it: public parks, offices, construction sites, etc.
However, when they are allowed to roam freely they can be a threat to local businesses that employ local residents. Oftentimes food trucks can park nearby or in front of brick and mortar businesses without having to comply and go through all of the requirements that we have to.
Allowing food trucks in already congested areas to take up valuable parking spaces without complying with many laws/rules (signage, health dept, rent, business license, city permits, occupancy, trash rules, sustainability, etc) is unjust and unfair.
In Palm Springs, occupancy alone is a major issue. As our city lags behind by having occupancy rules based on a parking paradigm from the 80s, how does a food truck account for people who come to park at one?
I ask that the Council keep food trucks from areas that can exacerbate parking issues as well as pose a threat to our good standing restaurants that employ thousands and generate millions in taxes.
Arenas District:
Lastly I ask that you consider the Arenas District and it’s immediate surrounding areas in the same vein as you consider Palm Canyon. We are directly connected to Palm Canyon, but we can have greater challenges. We serve more visitors in one block than any other area of the city and wehave bigger parking challenges, as the employees of surrounding businesses (not in the District) take up a majority of our parking spaces.
In conclusion, inflation has already had an adverse affect on our industry. During times of economic uncertainty restaurants suffer more than any other industry. We just emerged from the pandemic with 10% less restaurants in this country. In this valley, staffing is virtually impossible. Supply and demand in the kitchen has raised costs far beyond the rate of inflation. Please don't add to our challenges as we have seen that the rate of success in our industry can turn quickly. As the city has grown the number of restaurant seats has grown at a higher rate. Adding food truckswill surely affect how many people we employ, how much tax we generate and most of all our existence.
Thank you for your time in reading this and your consideration.
I understand that due to the Brown Act, you cannot discuss this amongst yourselves so I won't be offended if you don't reply all:)
Best,
Dean Lavine
Blackbook
03/09/2023
Public Comment
Item 3C
From:Jeffrey Bernstein
To:City Clerk
Subject:FW: Today"s Disgusting Report from the Swim Center
Date:Monday, March 20, 2023 2:17:24 PM
Jeffrey Bernstein
Mayor Pro Tem, Councilmember
City of Palm Springs
cell: 442-305-9942
Jeffrey.Bernstein@palmspringsca.gov
City Hall is open Monday –Thursday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. and closed on Fridays.
From: Eric Dyke <ericdyke@me.com>
Sent: Monday, March 20, 2023 12:43 PM
To: jnelson@gmavt.net
Cc: Scott Stiles <Scott.Stiles@palmspringsca.gov>; Teresa Gallavan
<Teresa.Gallavan@palmspringsca.gov>; Yvonne Wise <Yvonne.Wise@palmspringsca.gov>; Christy
Holstege <Christy.Holstege@palmspringsca.gov>; Grace Garner
<Grace.Garner@palmspringsca.gov>; Jeffrey Bernstein <Jeffrey.Bernstein@palmspringsca.gov>;
Palm Springs Swim Center <swim@palmspringsca.gov>; Ron deHarte
<Ron.deHarte@palmspringsca.gov>; Lisa Middleton <Lisa.Middleton@palmspringsca.gov>;
PSMastersSwim@gmail.com; Betsy <betsyfader@gmail.com>; Bob Bielenberg <beelee@saber.net>;
Donna Newton <donna4newton@aol.com>; eliteotters@yahoo.com; Jacque Bowman
<jacquebowman805@gmail.com>; Jeff Nelson & Paul Mahan <pjfol@gmavt.net>;
jennifer.franco@kesq.com; Jimmy A Boegle <jboegle@cvindependent.com>; Paul Yeomans
<pauly@usamktg.com>; paul.albani-burgio@desertsun.com; remignault@icloud.com;
richalther@msn.com; Shugrue, Terry J - (POR <TShugrue@tcco.com>; Steve Strickenberger
<sps1291@icloud.com>; thepalmspringspost@gmail.com; Xtian@aol.com
Subject: Re: Today's Disgusting Report from the Swim Center
NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open
attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.
To all
03/23/2023
Public Comment
Non Agenda
I am a paraplegic. I have had my share of issues and have been dealing with the city and their ada
coordinator since 2017. With Respect to my complaints. In fact, I have to go through their messy
office! often with boxes falling on top of me to get into the men’s change rooms with my wheel
chair. . The girls in the front office have to open up the locker room door from the office facing
naked men in the shower room. I’m sure the girls and aren’t thrilled and I’m sure the guys taking
showers aren’t liking the situation either. the ramp is far too steep, the chairlift was installed
incorrectly ( the city installed it rather then a professional pool contractor and doesn’t go low
enough in the water. . . I continue to go to Palm Desert pool where im welcomed
There are many ada violations here including not letting me get into the ada lane when there is
exercise classes. Then some of the exercise people stay and cite they were in the lane first so I have
to wait for them to leave the pool sometimes up to an hour after the class. There is nothing
enforced there There office is a pig sty not what you would expect from a municiple building
I have oodles of emails to the City over the past six years. They just ignore me .
It’s no fun being paralyzed and turned away from the pool
♿️ Eric Dyke ♿️
Mobile:780-418-3000
♿️ never say never ♿️
A person in a seatbelt isn’t nearly as restricted as a person in a wheelchair !!
On Mar 20, 2023, at 12:27 PM, jnelson@gmavt.net wrote:
All –
Just thought you might want to know that today (3/20) there has been a complete
failure of the drain in the mens restroom. There’s approximately 6 inches of grey water
in the shower stall and it’s also coming back up in the locker area. Unsanitary, unsafe
and disgusting. When is someone in City Government going to WAKE UP and deal
with the ongoing and complete failure of management at the Swim Center?
03/23/2023
Public Comment
Non Agenda
Meanwhile, we understand that 7 deep lanes in the pool have been rented out to a
Canadian swim team for the week, with no notice whatsoever to the regular pool
users. And what impression does the City give to our visitors when they see the scene
of filth in the locker room?
GET A CLUE PLEASE!
Jeff Nelson
On behalf of the Palm Springs Swim Center Watchdogs
(802) 989-3393 cell
Summer Address:
Lucky Dog Farm
1357 VT Route 17 E
Addison VT 05491
Winter Address:
PO Box 4152
Palm Springs CA 92263
03/23/2023
Public Comment
Non Agenda
From:Linda Russell
To:City Clerk
Subject:Vista Chino Closure
Date:Friday, March 17, 2023 8:09:52 AM
NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open
attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.
It’s ridiculous and unacceptable to not have a bridge built across the Vista Chino wash. Have lived here in PS 30 yrs
plus and sick of the traffic and inconvenience. Build the bridge and solve this problem!!
Sent from my iPad
03/23/2023
Public Comment
Non Agenda
From:City of Palm Springs
To:City Clerk; City Clerk
Subject:*NEW SUBMISSION* Submit Public Comment to the City of Palm Springs
Date:Saturday, March 18, 2023 3:54:25 PM
Submit Public Comment to the City of Palm Springs
Submission #:2310620
IP Address:72.132.189.197
Submission Date:03/18/2023 3:54
Survey Time:2 minutes, 52 seconds
You have a new online form submission.
Note: all answers displaying "*****" are marked as sensitive and must be viewed after your login.
Full Name/Nombre
Michael Alcenius
City of Residence/Ciudad de residencia
Palm Springs,
Phone (optional) /Teléfono (opcional)
2028413810
Email (optional/opcional)
malcenius@gmail.com
Your Comments/Sus comentarios
Whether or not Pacaso is permitted to purchase and manage co-owned properties in Palm Springs should be put to
a public vote as was the short term vacation issue. It is a change in how our neighborhoods can be marketed and
how viable they are as investments and/or primary residents.
Thank you,
City of Palm Springs
This is an automated message generated by Granicus. Please do not reply directly to this email.
03/23/2023
Public Comment
Non Agenda
From:Jeffrey Bernstein
To:City Clerk
Subject:Fwd: 2380 n San Antonio road exceeding capacity for occupancy and parking
Date:Sunday, March 12, 2023 10:14:48 PM
Thank you!
Jeffrey
Jeffrey Bernstein
Mayor Pro Tem, Councilmember
City of Palm Springs
442-305-9942
Jeffrey.Bernstein@palmspringsca.gov
Begin forwarded message:
From: Marvin Grossman <dogsupplies54321@gmail.com>
Subject: Re: 2380 n San Antonio road exceeding capacity for
occupancy and parking
Date: March 12, 2023 at 11:02:28 AM PDT
To: Marvin Grossman <dogsupplies54321@gmail.com>
Cc: Jeffrey Bernstein <Jeffrey.Bernstein@palmspringsca.gov>, Patrick
Clifford <Patrick.Clifford@palmspringsca.gov>
03/09/2023
Public Comment
Non Agenda
NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs -- DO NOT
CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.
Regards
> On Mar 12, 2023, at 10:54 AM, Marvin Grossman <dogsupplies54321@gmail.com>
wrote:
>
> Gentleman
>
> Today at 9 AM to car showed up and 15 people left this house packed their bags and
wraps. I have reported every weekend problems with this Airbnb 15 people stayed at
this home. We’re all being played they should have their license revoked. This is a
nuisance, an inconvenience, and every weekend is become a problem. Please do
something I’m begging you.
>
> And once again, the owner is being retaliatory against me, which is going to cause
me to have to file a civil lawsuit against him, and then bring in the city of Palm
Springs, which I don’t want to do.
>
> When I first reported him on February 12, I got over 100 Robo calls because he had
my phone number but he didn’t have my email address. I used to fake email address but
I ended up getting calls from mortgage brokers and lenders debt, relief people, etc..
>
> Then I reported him on March 11, and within 15 minutes after your compliance
officer contacted them. I was signed up to move my car Mercedes-Benz he didn’t know
the model he used an email address is Marvin grossman@aol.com which doesn’t exist
but it again my phone number is valid and I ended up getting upset over 40 calls to
03/09/2023
Public Comment
Non Agenda
move my car from Palm Springs to Hooker Oklahoma.
> Can you imagine the stress this is causing me the last three months I have better
things to do
>
> I will be sending multiple emails of the photos because of the capacity constraint
>
> Regards
>
> Marvin grossman
> <image1.jpeg>
> <image0.jpeg>
03/09/2023
Public Comment
Non Agenda