HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-05-21 CC MINUTESThursday, May 21, 2020
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 Kors on
Thursday, May 21, 2020, at 3:00 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor Kors led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL:
Present: Councilmembers Grace Elena Garner, Lisa Middleton, Dennis Woods; Mayor Pro
Tem Christy Holstege; and Mayor Geoff Kors
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:
Fire Chief Nalder provided an update regarding an explosion in Los Angeles caused by an illegal
cannabis manufacturing facility.
City Manager Ready presented an overview of the draft 2020/21 City Budget and potential
scenarios to address the budget deficit.
ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGENDA:
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER GARNER, SECOND BY MAYOR PRO TEM HOLSTEGE,
CARRIED 5-0, to remove Consent Calendar Item Nos. 1J, IN, 1O, and 1P for separate discussion.
City Council Minutes May 21, 2020
City of Palm Springs Page 2
REPORT OF CLOSED SESSION:
The Regular Closed Session of the City Council of May 21, 2020, was called to order by Mayor
Kors at 2:00 p.m., with all members present.
The following individuals spoke in opposition to the selling of the Boulders and/or Crescendo
properties and urged that the properties be preserved as open space:
Liz Loomis, representing the Little Tuscany Neighborhood Organization
Ned Barker,
Kathy Weremuik
Denise Hoetker
Fred Balduini
Rebecca Hendrickson
Bruce Hoban
The meeting convened into Closed Session to discuss the following items as listed on the Regular
Closed Session Meeting Agenda:
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION, Pursuant to
Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1):
4348 Lockwood Avenue LLC et al. v. City of Palm Springs et al.,
Case No. RIC 1703102, Superior Court of the State of California, County of Riverside
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 creates
significant exposure to litigation.
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.
CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR, Pursuant to Government Code
Section 54956.8:
Property Address/Description: 287 S. El Cielo Road (APN 502-210-023)
Agency: City of Palm Springs
City Negotiator: David Ready, City Manager or Designee
Negotiating Parties: Coachella Valley Rescue Mission
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment
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City of Palm Springs Page 3
Property Address/Description: Tahquitz Creek Golf Course, 1885 Golf Club Drive,
Palm Springs, CA, 92264
Agency: City of Palm Springs
City Negotiator: David Ready, City Manager or Designee
Negotiating Parties:
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment
Property Address/Description: APNs 677-444-010; 677-444-013; and 67470 Sarah
Street, Cathedral City, CA 92234
Agency: City of Palm Springs
City Negotiator: Marcus Fuller, City Engineer/Assistant City
Manager or Designee
Negotiating Parties: Luis A. Avila Paz, Rosario Avila and Maria Avila
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment
Property Address/Description: APNs 680-170-051 and 680-170-014
Agency: City of Palm Springs
City Negotiator: Marcus Fuller, City Engineer/Assistant City
Manager or Designee
Negotiating Parties: Bureau of Indian Affairs
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment (Lease)
Property Address/Description: Palm Springs Visitor’s Center (APN 504-040-053)
Agency: City of Palm Springs
City Negotiator: Marcus Fuller, City Engineer/Assistant City
Manager or Designee
Negotiating Parties: Coachella Valley Association of Governments
(CVAG)
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment (Lease)
Property Address/Description: APN 502-210-023 (2-acre portion located at the
northwest corner of East Baristo Road and El Cielo
Road)
Agency: City of Palm Springs
City Negotiator: David H. Ready, City Manager or Designee
Negotiating Parties:
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment (Lease)
Property Address/Description: 505-182-010 and 505-182-004 (Adjacent parcels
located at the southwest corner of North Palm
Canyon Drive and Stevens Road)
Agency: City of Palm Springs and Successor Agency of the
Former Redevelopment Agency of the City of Palm
Springs
City Negotiator: David Ready, City Manager or Designee
Negotiating Parties:
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment (Sale)
City Council Minutes May 21, 2020
City of Palm Springs Page 4
Property Address/Description: 505-182-010 and 505-182-004 (Adjacent parcels
located at the Southwest corner of North Palm
Canyon Drive and Stevens Road)
Agency: City of Palm Springs and Successor Agency of the
Former Redevelopment Agency of the City of Palm
Springs
City Negotiator: David Ready, City Manager or Designee
Negotiating Parties:
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment (Sale)
Property Address/Description: 3.6 Acres at SE corner of Indian Canyon Drive and
San Rafael Road APN 501-031-028
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 (Sale)
Property Address/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
CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR, Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6:
Agency Designated Representatives: David Ready, City Manager or Designee
Perry Madison, 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 Council Minutes May 21, 2020
City of Palm Springs Page 5
Assistant City Attorney Hull announced that the City Council unanimously added an urgency item
to the Closed Session Agenda regarding an amicus brief challenging an Executive Order related
to refugee resettlement, based on the findings that the matter came to the attention of the City after
the posting of the agenda and there is a need for immediate action; advised that the City Council
provided direction to sign onto the amicus brief; reported that the City Council received briefings
and provided direction to staff regarding the remainder of agendized Closed Session Items, but did
not take any reportable action.
City Attorney Ballinger reported that on May 18, 2020, 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:
The following individuals spoke on Item 4B, voicing their support and recommendations for
maintaining service levels at the City’s aquatics center:
Bob Bielenberg
Stan May
Allison Alvarado
Maggie Scott
Gavin Scott
Michael Ventura, Assistant Principal, Palm Springs High School
Michael Marks, Boys and Girls Water Polo Coach, Palm Springs High School
Suzanne Kindel
Chantel Sanchez
Sheldon Harmatz
James Gleason
Jolie Estrada
Donnetta Montana-Cordova
Loni Mann
Eric Lemus
Jim Gazan
The following individuals spoke on Item 4B, voicing support for maintaining service levels and
programming at the public library:
Barbara Leadholm Abrams
Carol Palmer
Cathleen Brant
Kathy Weremuik
Irene Tritel
Arlene Dulaney
Carol Listenberger
Sheldon Harmatz
Nancy Morrison
City Council Minutes May 21, 2020
City of Palm Springs Page 6
The following individuals spoke on Item 4B, urging the City Council not to sell the Boulders,
Crescendo, and/or Palm Hills properties and to preserve these properties as open space:
J.R. Roberts
Liz Loomis, representing the Little Tuscany Neighborhood Organization
Ned Barker
Kathy Weremuik
Nickie McLaughlin
David Dry
Barb Kaplan
Sheldon Harmatz
Denise Hoetker
Fred Balduini
Rebecca Hendrickson
Charles Steinman
Michael Hammond
Bruce Hoban
Frank Tyson
Scott Bridgeman
Bettina Rosmarino
John Young
Judy Deertrack
The following individuals spoke on Item 4B, expressing support for adult and/or youth
programming at the City’s Community Centers and urging the City Council to continue funding
such programs:
Tod Davidson
Kristin MacLean
Natasha Montez
Matt Davidson
Margaret Cherry
Angela Cannady
Naomi Molina
Jessica Gallagher
Erica Ponce
Donnetta Montana-Cordova
Frank Galvez
Steve Beck
Nikkola Eto
City Council Minutes May 21, 2020
City of Palm Springs Page 7
The following individuals spoke on Item 4B, urging the City Council to explore all options before
considering layoffs to public safety services and/or layoffs of city employees:
Lauren Bixler
Jorge Diaz
Mike Casavan, Vice President, Palm Springs Police Officers Association
Michelle Martin
Cherie Miller
Jeanmarie Keough
Leslie Tisdale
Brittany Gunkel
Greg Gunkel
Jose Barragan
Stacey Payton
Sandy Bosler, President, Public Employees Association of Palm Springs
Jarvis Crawford
Peter Garcia
Jeff Kelsheimer, President, Palm Springs Firefighters Association
Barb Kaplan
Sheldon Harmatz
Billy Winters
Sadie Albers
Nicholas Guitron
David Newell, President, Management Association of Palm Springs
Sam Harris
Robert Perotti
John Darryl Thomas, speaking on Item 4A, urged the City Council to allow hotels, vacation rentals,
restaurants and bars to operate.
Robert Perotti, speaking on Item 4A, requested that the City Council allow vacation rentals to
operate.
Julius Turfur, speaking on Item 4B, recommended that the City Council consider allocating CDBG
funds to provide a local rent relief program.
Eric Lemus, representing California Partnership, speaking on Item 4B, urged the City Council to
fund a local rent relief program.
Jim Gazan, speaking on Items 4A and 4B, voiced support for moving forward with a less costly,
modified Downtown Park design and reallocating Measure J funds to other areas of need; voiced
support for allowing vacation rentals to begin operating in June 2020.
City Council Minutes May 21, 2020
City of Palm Springs Page 8
Jeffrey Bernstein, speaking on Item 4A, urged the City Council to allow retailers to open
immediately with proper safety protocols.
Matt Bousquette, speaking on Item 1J, spoke on the negative impacts caused by the stalled Andaz
Hotel project and urged City Council to defer action on the requested permit extension.
Iris Johnson, speaking on Item 4A, opined that COVID-19 is a lie and that the City should open to
visitors.
Wolfgang Giesecke, speaking on Item 4A, urged the City Council to allow bars and restaurants to
use outdoor space to expand their business footprint, where possible.
MEETING RECESS
At 5:03 p.m. the City Council recessed and reconvened at 5:20 p.m., with all Councilmembers
present.
CITY COUNCIL, SUBCOMMITTEE, AND CITY MANAGER'S COMMENTS AND
REPORTS:
Councilmember Garner reported on her attendance at a Coachella Valley Economic Partnership
(CVEP) meeting, noting the importance of diversifying the local economy; encouraged residents
to volunteer with nonprofit organizations, noting that they are experiencing a shortfall of funding
and volunteers.
Mayor Kors reported on recent meetings with County Supervisors, Palm Springs Hospitality
Association, and other organizations regarding COVID-19 and benchmarks for reopening the
economy; displayed a slide listing available testing sites in the Coachella Valley.
Mayor Pro Tem Holstege provided an update on the Mayor’s Business Transition & Re-Entry
Task Force, noting that discussion topics have included supporting local businesses, facilitating
internet access, and advocating for a sub-regional approach towards reopening the economy;
reported on the Coachella Valley Association of Governments Homelessness Committee meeting,
noting the collaborative effort Countywide to shelter the homeless; announced that she will hold a
townhall meeting for District 4 on June 9, 2020.
Councilmember Middleton announced that she will be meeting with One-PS neighborhood
representatives and alternates for District 5; opined that the federal funding packages under
consideration do not adequately address smaller, tourism-based cities.
Councilmember Woods pointed out that the proposed budget cuts should be taken as an
opportunity to find efficiencies and eliminate redundancies; voiced support for reopening the
economy based on a sub-regional approach.
City Manager Ready thanked Toni Romero, Sacher Enterprises, and Destiny Church for providing
a food truck to deliver lunches to City Hall employees.
City Council Minutes May 21, 2020
City of Palm Springs Page 9
1. CONSENT CALENDAR:
MOTION BY MAYOR PRO TEM HOLSTEGE, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER
WOODS, CARRIED 5-0, to approve the consent calendar, with the removal of Item Nos. 1J,
IN, 1O, and 1P for separate discussion.
A. APPROVAL OF PAYROLL WARRANTS, CLAIMS AND DEMANDS
MOTION BY MAYOR PRO TEM HOLSTEGE, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER
WOODS, CARRIED 5-0, to adopt Resolution No. 24756 entitled, "A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA,
APPROVING PAYMENT OF PAYROLL WARRANTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDING
05-02-2020 BY WARRANTS NUMBERED 421064 THROUGH 421077 TOTALING
$20,790.49 CLAIMS, DEMANDS AND LIABILITY CHECKS NUMBERED 1113125
THROUGH 1113386 TOTALING $3,063,899.25, FOUR WIRE TRANSFERS FOR
$69,127.02, AND FIVE ELECTRONIC ACH DEBITS OF $1,521,392.24 IN THE
AGGREGATE AMOUNT OF $4,675,209.00, DRAWN ON BANK OF AMERICA."
B. TREASURER'S INVESTMENT REPORT AS OF MARCH 31, 2020
MOTION BY MAYOR PRO TEM HOLSTEGE, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER
WOODS, CARRIED 5-0, to receive and file Treasurer's Investment Report as of
March 31, 2020.
C. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF MILLS ACT HISTORIC PROPERTY
PRESERVATION AGREEMENT FOR A CLASS 1 HISTORIC SITE LOCATED
AT 1872 SOUTH BARONA ROAD (HSPB #93/HD-5)
MOTION BY MAYOR PRO TEM HOLSTEGE, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER
WOODS, CARRIED 5-0, to:
1. Approve a Mills Act Historic Property Agreement between the City of Palm Springs,
William Wilson and Karen Wilson and Sandcliff Homeowners Association, for
1872 South Barona Road, a Class 1 Historic Site (HSPB #93/HD-5). A8542
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the Agreement.
3. Direct the City Clerk to record the Agreement.
City Council Minutes May 21, 2020
City of Palm Springs Page 10
D. APPROVAL OF A NOTICE TO PROCEED TO VEOLIA WATER WEST
OPERATING SERVICES, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $180,512 FOR THE
SEWER MANHOLE REHABILITATION, CITY PROJECT NO. 20-17
MOTION BY MAYOR PRO TEM HOLSTEGE, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER
WOODS, CARRIED 5-0, to:
1. Authorize the City Engineer to issue a Notice to Proceed to Veolia Water West
Operating Services, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $180,512, for the Sewer Manhole
Rehabilitation, City Project No. 20-17 (the "Project").
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents.
E. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING APPLICATION FOR THE
LOCAL EARLY ACTION PLANNING (LEAP) GRANTS PROGRAM IN THE
AMOUNT OF $150,000 FROM THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
MOTION BY MAYOR PRO TEM HOLSTEGE, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER
WOODS, CARRIED 5-0, to adopt Resolution No. 24757 entitled, "A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORN IA,
AUTHORIZING APPLICATION FOR, AND RECEIPT OF, LOCAL GOVERNMENT
PLANNING SUPPORT PROGRAM FUNDS."
F. LOCAL EMERGENCY RELATING TO THE INCREASING SPREAD OF THE
NOVEL CORONAVIRUS 2019 PANDEMIC (COVID-19) - EXPENDITURE
UPDATE
MOTION BY MAYOR PRO TEM HOLSTEGE, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER
WOODS, CARRIED 5-0, to receive and file COVID-19 pandemic expenditure update.
G. APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT NO. 7228 WITH DOKKEN ENGINEERING IN THE AMOUNT OF
$31,306.75 FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES RELATED TO THE INDIAN
CANYON DRIVE SEWER LINE EXTENSION TO BE CONSIDERED AS PART
OF THE INDIAN CANYON ROAD AND BRIDGE PROJECT, CITY PROJECT
NO. 01-11
MOTION BY MAYOR PRO TEM HOLSTEGE, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER
WOODS, CARRIED 5-0, to:
1. Approve Amendment No. 1 to Professional Services Agreement No. 7228 with Dokken
Engineering in the amount of $31,306.75 for environmental services related to the
proposed Indian Canyon Drive Sewer Line Extension to be considered as part of the
Indian Canyon Road and Bridge Project, City Project No. 01-11. A7228
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents.
City Council Minutes May 21, 2020
City of Palm Springs Page 11
H. RATIFY THE NOMINATION OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA TO THE PALM
SPRINGS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT COMMISSION
MOTION BY MAYOR PRO TEM HOLSTEGE, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER
WOODS, CARRIED 5-0, to re-appoint Kathleen Hughes, representing the City of
La Quinta, to the Palm Springs International Airport Commission for a term ending
June 30, 2021.
I. ACCEPT A RESIGNATION FROM THE LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
MOTION BY MAYOR PRO TEM HOLSTEGE, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER
WOODS, CARRIED 5-0, to accept with regret the resignation of Harry Courtright from
the Library Board of Trustees.
J. APPROVAL OF A REQUEST TO EXTEND THE BUILDING PERMIT
EXPIRATION DATE FOR THE ANDAZ HOTEL
This item was excluded from the Consent Calendar. Please refer to Page 13 of these
minutes for a summary of that action.
K. AUTHORIZE AMENDMENT TO INDENTURE FOR 2019 AIRPORT
PASSENGER FACILITY CHARGE REVENUE BONDS (PALM SPRINGS
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT)
1. MOTION BY MAYOR PRO TEM HOLSTEGE, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER
WOODS, CARRIED 5-0, to adopt Resolution No. 24758 entitled, "A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA,
AUTHORIZING AMENDMENT OF THE BOND INDENTURE FOR THE CITY OF
PALM SPRINGS 2019 AIRPORT PASSENGER FACILITY CHARGE REVENUE
BONDS (PALM SPRINGS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT) AND APPROVING
RELATED ACTIONS."
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the First Amendment to Bond Indenture.
L. SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 2023 OF THE CITY
OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTIONS 91.00.10, 93.13.00,
AND 93.23.14 OF THE PALM SPRINGS ZONING CODE RELATIVE TO THE
DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS FOR ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS AND
JUNIOR ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS (CASE 5.1447 ZTA)
MOTION BY MAYOR PRO TEM HOLSTEGE, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER
WOODS, CARRIED 5-0, to adopt Ordinance No. 2023, "AN ORDINANCE OF THE
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTIONS 91.00.10,
93.13.00, AND 93.23.14 OF THE PALM SPRINGS ZONING CODE RELATING TO
ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS AND JUNIOR ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS
AND DETERMINING THE ORDINANCE TO BE EXEMPT FROM CEQA."
City Council Minutes May 21, 2020
City of Palm Springs Page 12
M. ACCEPTANCE OF THE AIRPORT TERMINAL MODIFICATIONS PROJECT,
CITY PROJECT NO. 19-22
MOTION BY MAYOR PRO TEM HOLSTEGE, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER
WOODS, CARRIED 5-0, to:
1. Accept the public works improvement identified as the Airport Terminal Modifications
Project, City Project No. 19-22, 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 Airport Modifications Project, City
Project 19-22.
N. AWARD THE PURCHASE OF TWO AIRCRAFT RESCUE FIREFIGHTING
VEHICLES FOR THE PALM SPRINGS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
This item was excluded from the Consent Calendar. Please refer to Page 13 of these
minutes for a summary of that action.
O. AUTHORIZATION FOR THE CITY COUNCIL TO SIGN ONTO A LETTER
FROM THE RIVERSIDE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS SEEKING THE
GOVERNOR’S SUPPORT RELATED TO COVID-19
This item was excluded from the Consent Calendar. Please refer to Page 14 of these
minutes for a summary of that action.
P. AUTHORIZATION TO ADVERTISE A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR
DESIGN-BUILD SERVICES RELATED TO THE FIRE TRAINING TOWER,
CITY PROJECT NO. 18-09
This item was excluded from the Consent Calendar. Please refer to Page 14 of these
minutes for a summary of that action.
Q. AUTHORIZATION FOR THE CITY COUNCIL TO DELEGATE AUTHORITY
TO THE CITY MANAGER FOR THE APPROVAL OF CONTINGENCY FUNDS
FOR THE PALM SPRINGS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TICKETING HALL
EXPANSION, FAA AIP GRANT NO. 3-06- 0181-054-2016, IFB NO. 19-03
MOTION BY MAYOR PRO TEM HOLSTEGE, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER
WOODS, CARRIED 5-0, to authorize the City Manager to approve and execute
construction contract change orders up to an additional $189,199.59 (for a maximum of
$1,689,199.59) for the Airport Ticketing Hall Expansion (the Project), IFB No. 19-03.
City Council Minutes May 21, 2020
City of Palm Springs Page 13
EXCLUDED CONSENT CALENDAR:
J. APPROVAL OF A REQUEST TO EXTEND THE BUILDING PERMIT
EXPIRATION DATE FOR THE ANDAZ HOTEL
Assistant City Manager Fuller presented the staff report and responded to City Council
inquiries.
Donald Braun, Applicant, summarized the qualifications and experience of his company,
noting that he is confident in their ability to complete the project; advised that his company
is entertaining offers to purchase the property or enter into a joint venture; offered to
provide the City Council with regular updates on the status of the project going forward.
In response to City Council inquiry, Mr. Braun indicated that his company has complete
ownership and control of the property and there is no involvement from the prior developer;
stated that the project is a high priority for his company, but felt that it is inappropriate to
commit to a completion date given the need to conduct due diligence on the condition of
the project; stated that he support a six month extension, independent of whether the local
emergency is lifted.
Mayor Kors requested that the applicant provide bi-monthly status updates to the City
Council in the future.
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER WOODS, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER
MIDDLETON, CARRIED 5-0, to approve the request for an extension of the building
permit for the Andaz Hotel for six (6) months.
N. AWARD THE PURCHASE OF TWO AIRCRAFT RESCUE FIREFIGHTING
VEHICLES FOR THE PALM SPRINGS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Airport Director Nolan presented the staff report and summarized the funding sources for
the purchase of the subject vehicles.
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER MIDDLETON, SECOND BY MAYOR PRO TEM
HOLSTEGE, CARRIED 5-0, to:
1. Award pursuant to IFB 20-01 the purchase of two 1500-gallon Class 4 ARFF vehicles,
including all bid alternates, shipping costs, and applicable sales tax, from Oshkosh
Airport Products, LLC, Neenah, Wisconsin in the amount of $1,724,997.49.
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents.
City Council Minutes May 21, 2020
City of Palm Springs Page 14
O. AUTHORIZATION FOR THE CITY COUNCIL TO SIGN ONTO A LETTER FROM
THE RIVERSIDE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS SEEKING THE
GOVERNOR’S SUPPORT RELATED TO COVID-19
Mayor Pro Tem Holstege advised that she and Mayor Kors provided feedback and
requested modifications to the proposed letter, noting that the County declined to accept
the amendments.
The City Council took no action on this matter.
P. AUTHORIZATION TO ADVERTISE A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR
DESIGN-BUILD SERVICES RELATED TO THE FIRE TRAINING TOWER, CITY
PROJECT NO. 18-09
In response to City Council inquiry, City Manager Ready summarized the funding sources,
noting that the project is fully funded and recommended proceeding with the project.
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER MIDDLETON, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER
GARNER, CARRIED 5-0, to authorize Staff to advertise a request for proposals for
design-build services related to the design and installation of the Fire Training Tower, City
Project No. 18-09.
MEETING RECESS/RECONVENE
At 8:13 p.m., the City Council recessed and reconvened at 8:25 p.m., with all members present.
2. PUBLIC HEARINGS: NONE.
3. LEGISLATIVE: NONE.
4. UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
A. DISCUSSION OF IMPACTS AND RESPONSE TO THE LOCAL EMERGENCY
RELATED TO THE NOVEL CORONAVIRUS INCLUDING DISCUSSION AND
POSSIBLE DIRECTION REGARDING EMERGENCY ORDERS, SUCH AS THE
CITY’S SHORT-TERM LODGING PROHIBITION
Councilmember Woods announced his recusal due to a financial conflict of interest related
to possessing a homeshare permit, left the City Council meeting at 8:31 p.m.
City Attorney Ballinger presented the staff report. In response to City Council inquiries,
Mr. Ballinger advised that the State’s order continues to prohibit travel for leisure and
vacation purposes; opined that the City could rescind all prior orders related to hotels and
vacation rentals, while maintaining the provisions related to domestic violence victims and
witnesses and reservation cancellations via a resolution.
City Council Minutes May 21, 2020
City of Palm Springs Page 15
Councilmembers Garner and Middleton and Mayor Pro Tem Holstege voiced support with
aligning the City’s orders with the State and County’s orders as much as practicable.
Councilmember Middleton requested that the City’s orders be revised to state that
“residents over 65 or older and/or have chronic, underlying health conditions or a
compromised immune system are at severe, increasing risk from the virus and therefore,
must limit exposure to a greater degree, take more care and be much more cautious while
engaging in essential activities” rather than using the term “self-quarantine.”
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER GARNER, SECOND BY MAYOR PRO TEM
HOLSTEGE, CARRIED 4-0 (COUNCILMEMBER WOODS RECUSED), to direct staff
to prepare Resolution No. 24759 to remove the City’s short term lodging order (applicable
to hotels, vacation rentals, timeshares, homeshares), thereby leaving in place the State’s
stay-at-home order, with two exceptions:
1. Owners/Operators book at their own risk and will have to cancel any bookings that are
made that cannot be fulfilled because the State’s stay-at-home order remains in place
when those bookings arrive.
2. Lodging for victims and witnesses of domestic violence qualifies as a COVID-19
purpose.
Councilmember Woods returned to the City Council meeting at 8:45 p.m.
In response to City Council inquiry, City Attorney Ballinger reported that the State has not
indicated whether public pools are considered essential and may reopen, advising that he
will continue to seek clarification on the matter.
During the course of discussion, the City Council directed staff as follows:
1. Dog Parks: The City Council directed the re-opening of dog parks, with signs requiring
appropriate social distancing and face coverings. A limit of 10 persons in the small dog
park was placed. Seating areas are to be made inaccessible, to prevent gatherings.
2. Trailhead Parking: Council directed the re-opening of trailheads. Signage regarding
social distancing and face coverings are to remain in place.
3. Library Curbside Service: The City Council authorized the provision of curbside library
service.
4. ABC License Regulations: The City Council approved, in concept, the implementation
of recent ABC regulations that would allow certain ABC licensees to extend their
service area footprint onto adjacent parking areas and rights-of-way (subject to City
review/approval).
5. Pools: The City Council directed staff to remove any further City order regarding pools.
City Council Minutes May 21, 2020
City of Palm Springs Page 16
B. CONTINUED DISCUSSION OF POTENTIAL GENERAL FUND BUDGET
IMPACTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE NOVEL CORONAVIRUS (COVID- 19);
FISCAL YEAR 2019/2020 ADJUSTED BUDGET AND FISCAL YEAR 2020/2021
PRELIMINARY BUDGET REVIEW
Councilmember Woods announced his recusal due to a conflict of interest as his residence
is within proximity to the Crescendo property, left the City Council meeting at 9:26 p.m.
Assistant City Manager Fuller provided an overview of the City’s real property.
Councilmember Middleton voiced support for identifying all options related to the
disposition of real property, noting that the City should analyze litigation risks associated
with any attempt to sell the Boulders and Crescendo properties; suggested that staff
evaluate other City assets such as surplus vehicles to determine if they have resale value.
Mayor Pro Tem Holstege recommended that the City Council proceed with listing all
viable properties with a broker to ascertain what options are available to the City Council
and concurrently seek community input regarding the use of such properties.
Mayor Kors and Councilmember Garner volunteered to serve as liaison to staff regarding
the listing of City properties with a broker and evaluating the possibility of partnering with
a land conservancy for the preservation of the Boulders and Crescendo properties.
Councilmember Woods returned to the City Council meeting at 9:40 p.m.
Mayor Kors noted that Grit Development may have the first right of refusal to purchase
the “Downtown Block G” parcel and requested that staff reach out to determine their
interest in purchasing the property at appraised value.
Councilmember Woods noted that he has spoken with the Coachella Valley Mountains
Conservancy regarding the possibility of purchasing and preserving the Palm Hills
property.
Mayor Pro Tem Holstege voiced support for merging the General Fund Reserve and
CalPERS Reserve and moving forward with a rolling budget as outlined by the staff report.
In response to City Council inquiry, City Manager Ready recommended that the City
Council maintain a 10% minimum reserve balance; summarized the City’s reserve
practices during the Great Recession.
Councilmember Middleton pointed out that the proposed budget continues to meet the
City’s CalPERS obligations; opined that reserves are accumulated so that the City may
respond to critical situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Councilmember Garner spoke on the importance of funding resident-centric programs such
as the community centers and library programs; expressed a willingness to use more
reserves to retain critical positions and programs; noted that the rolling budget will allow
the City Council to evaluate conditions as they may change or improve.
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Councilmember Woods spoke on the importance of maintaining reserves and planning for
the increased pension liabilities.
Mayor Kors requested that each Department Head provide a brief summary of the impacts
of the proposed layoffs.
Police Chief Reyes summarized the number of positions which are proposed to be frozen
or laid off; noted that his department will be significantly impacted due to the need for
police officers to transport suspects to the County jails; advised there will be impacts in the
Police Department’s ability to post, and respond to inquiries, on social media and other
media outlets; stated there will be delays in his department’s ability to respond to animal-
related calls for service; noted that there will be adjustments to the Police Department’s
front lobby desk coverage and open hours. In response to City Council inquiry, Chief Reyes
confirmed there are no cuts to the number of sworn officers, but that there are non-sworn
support staff proposed for layoffs; advised that due to Information Technology upgrades
there will be services which were previously provided at the lobby desk, which can now
be offered online; spoke on the challenges of hiring lateral police officers and the timeframe
to hire and train a new police officer recruit.
The City Council took no formal action and continued discussion of this matter to the
Adjourned Regular City Council Meeting of May 26, 2020.
5. NEW BUSINESS: NONE.
PUBLIC COMMENT: NONE.
CITY COUNCIL AND CITY MANAGER REQUESTS AND UPCOMING AGENDA
DEVELOPMENT:
The City Council requested that consideration of extending the temporary moratorium on evictions
due to nonpayment of rent due to COVID-19 be added to the Adjourned Regular Meeting Agenda
for May 26, 2020.
ADJOURNMENT:
At 11:00 p.m., the City Council adjourned to an Adjourned Regular City Council Meeting to occur
on May 26, 2020.
Respectfully submitted,
Anthony J. Mejia, MMC
City Clerk
APPROVED BY CITY COUNCIL: 06/25/2020