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Home My WebLink About2004 - MINUTES - 1/7/2004 CITY OF PALM SPRINGS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES ' JANUARY 7, 2004 A Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Palm Springs, California, was called to order by Mayor Oden, in the Council Chamber, 3200 Tahquitz Canyon Way, on Wednesday, January 7, 2004, at 4:00 p.m., at which time, the City Attorney announced items to be discussed in Closed Session, and at 7:00 p.m., the meeting was convened in open session. ROLL CALL: Present: Councilmembers Foat, McCulloch, Mills, Pougnet and Mayor Oden Absent: None The meeting was opened with the Salute to the Flag by Boy Scout Troop 262 and an invocation by Reverend James G. Griffes — Palm Springs Presbyterian Church. REPORT OF POSTING OF AGENDA: City Clerk reported that the agenda was posted in accordance with Council procedures on January 2, 2004. REPORT OF CITY ATTORNEY ON MATTERS DISCUSSED IN CLOSED SESSION (All Entities) - See items on Page 4 of agenda this date. PRESENTATIONS: None. ' HOUSING AUTHORITY: INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY: FINANCING AUTHORITY: COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY: No Business PUBLIC COMMENTS: Susan Wasserman, Cathedral City, requested a review of Skate Park fees relating to non-residents, and added that both sons are skateboarders; that in November the Council approved an annual membership fee for residents, but daily fees for non- residents; that students in the Palm Springs Unified School District are excluded from membership if they are not also a resident; that daily fees thus far has been $55 for her sons to use the Skate Park; that it is recommended that an annual membership fee for non-residents be approved and requested that the Council direct the City Manager to review the fees for nonresidents and report back. Jon Shoenberger, Palm Springs, referred to a letter sent regarding the Planning Department reorganization; and added that the matter is scheduled to come up in two weeks; that others have written concerning the issue and more letters are being written; that personal contact has been made with all planning commissioners past and present, excluding one; that all are in agreement with his letter written to the Council; that it is important for the opinions of those who have given countless hours of community service to be considered; that the Council should also consider the opinions of those that have been and are currently involved in using the planning process and that it is recommended that no reorganization is done in the Planning Department. 1 Council Minutes 01-07-04, Page 2 Dr. Monet, Palm Springs, stated that at the December 17, 2003 meeting, public comments were given concerning the transgressions of G & M Construction; that there were other comments regarding the maintenance of the wash that were not from a surrounding resident view; that Mr. Wessman likewise spoke; that both comments were trying to influence the Council and turn the focus away from Mr. Marantz; that personal calls had been made to Building & Safety for answers for over a year; that the Department consistently states that G & M Construction had a multi-contract with the County; that the information is not true and that those that said that are also guilty of lies and transgressions; that questions must be answered; that the nature of actions taken are criminal; and that the perpetrators must be discovered and held accountable. Ron Jesser, Palm Springs, stated that an Araby resident meeting will be held January 15th at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall; that the residents have been told a report would be given at the meeting concerning the issues; that the report should be provided in advance if possible; that the South Ridge Cove development will also be discussed at that meeting; and that the Araby residents feel, due to George Marantz's unscrupulous conduct, that his wife, Diane Marantz, should be asked to resign as a Planning Commissioner. Keith McCormick, Exotic Car Auctions, expressed the desire to continue the use of the parking structure for auction events until convention center contracts are final; and that it is requested that the Council assist the promoter with the Convention Center bookings. Tom Suitt, Palm Springs, expressed congratulations to the new members; and added that meetings were held two weeks ago regarding a major Fortune 500 Company that wants to relocate in Palm Springs; that the meetings conducted were most professional; that the Council has a unique opportunity to step back and review City operates; that there is now the unity to change the unfriendly reputation of the City; and that if the council works together the City of Palm Springs will be known as progressive, rather than business unfriendly. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA: It was moved by Mills, seconded by McCulloch and unanimously carried, that Items 1 thru 5, excluding 3, be adopted. Review by City Manager of Consent Items to be clarified. 1. Res 20808 supporting and endorsing the College of the Desert's Bond issue, Measure B, for the March 2, 2004 consolidated election, 2. Res 20809 approving Final Map 28966, subject to final technical review and approval by the City Engineer, for Sanborn A/E representing Preserve Golf Company to subdivide property located at 555 N. Via Monte Vista. Section 10. R4E, T4S. A4814. 3. SEE EXTENDED CONSENT AGENDA ' 4. MO 7427 approving Change Order 2 to A4741 with B E McMurray Construction Inc for the Palm Springs International Airport Transportation Security Administration Baggage Area Project for $60,824.85. Total contract $537,830.85. CP2003-07. A4741. Council Minutes 01-07-04, Page 3 5. Res 20810 and 20811 approving Payroll Warrants and Claims & Demands. Note abstentions, if any: Councilmember Warrant# Payee Nature of Conflict Mills 993406 Animal Med Hosp Business related EXTENDED CONSENT AGENDA: Mayor declared Conflict of Interest due to proximity of residence and exited the Chamber. 3. RACQUET CLUB ROAD AND AVENIDA CABALLAROS TRAFFIC SIGNAL Recommendation: That the Council approve a contract with DBX Inc for the Racquet Club Road and Avenida Caballeros Traffic Signal Installation Project for $119,009. CP2002-17, A4815. Minute Order 7428 as recommended was presented; after which, it was moved by Pougnet, seconded by McCulloch and unanimously carried, Oden absent, that MO7428 be adopted. ' Mayor reentered the Chamber. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None COUNCIL COMMENTS/ANNOUNCEMENTS/INTERAGENCY REPORTS: Councilmembers reported on various civic and community organizational meetings and events which they attended, subsequent to the last regular meeting, and announced upcoming events of community interest. LEGISLATIVE ACTION: 6. KEITH MC CORMICK'S PALM SPRINGS EXOTIC CAR AUCTION Recommendation: That the Council approve a License Agreement and a Release and Waiver of Rights with Keith McCormick for use of the entire downtown parking structure for a Collector Car Show and Auction on February 28 and 29, 2004 for$5,000. A4816, 4817. Director of Downtown Development reviewed the staff report, and added that employees that typically park in the structure, are requested by their employers to park in alternative locations. ' Minute Order 7429 and 7430 as recommended were presented; after which, it was moved by Mills, seconded by Foat and unanimously carried, that MO7429 and 7430 be adopted. Council Minutes 01-07-04, Page 4 7. MUNICIPAL CODE AMENDMENT—AUCTION SALES ' Recommendation: That the Council amend the Palm Springs Municipal Code relating to auction sales at City Facilities and assign permit approval to the Director of Planning & Zoning. Director of Planning & Zoning reviewed the staff report and added that the Ordinance be revised to include non-enclosed structures. City Clerk read Title of Ordinance as follows: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE PALM SPRINGS MUNICIPAL CODE, CHAPTER 5.04, TO ALLOW AUCTION SALES AT CITY-OWNED FACILITIES SUBJECT TO LAND USE PERMIT APPROVAL BY THE DIRECTOR OF PLANNING & ZONING after which, it was moved by Mills, seconded by Foat, and unanimously carried, that further reading be waived and the Ordinance as revised be introduced. 8. SURPLUS CITY PROPERTY—AARF FIRE ENGINE Recommendation: That the Council approve the direct sale of surplus City ' property of an Oshkosh P-19 ARFF Fire Apparatus to the Department of the Army, United States Army Forces Central Command — Kuwait (ARGENT-KU) in the amount of$85,000. City Manager reviewed the staff report and added that this type of process has been used in the past. Resolution 20812 as recommended was presented; after which, it was moved by Pougnet, seconded by Mills and unanimously carried, that R20812 be adopted. 9. ADDITIONAL LEGISLATIVE ITEMS: None. ADDED STARTERS: None REPORTS & REQUESTS: CITY COUNCIL reports or requests 10. Treasurer's Investment Report as of November 30, 2003 — Rec'd & Filed. Councilmember Foat requested that the issue of Commission appointments and composition be scheduled for next Study Session; and that a review of the Study Session Docket to set an all-day Study Session also be scheduled. Councilmember Mills requested a review of election signage reform; and a report on current hiring policies, both in replacement and new hires. Council Minutes 01-07-04, Page 5 CITY COUNCIL reports or requests (Cont) Councilmember Pougnet requested a report on senior affordable housing to include the number of units available and the average rent payment. PUBLIC reports or requests STAFF reports or requests ADJOURNMENT: There being no further uusirress Mayor d�lax eting adjourned. PATRICIA A. SANDERS City Clerk