HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004 - MINUTES - 1/28/2004 CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
' JANUARY 28, 2004
An Adjourned Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Palm Springs, California,
was called to order by Mayor Oden, in the Large Conference Room, 3200 Tahquitz
Canyon Way, on Wednesday, January 28, 2004, at 7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Present: Councilmembers Foat, McCulloch, Mills, Pougnet and
Mayor Oden
Absent: None
The meeting was opened with the Salute to the Flag.
REPORT OF POSTING OF AGENDA: City Clerk reported that the agenda was posted in
accordance with Council procedures on January 23, 2004.
PRESENTATIONS: None
HOUSING AUTHORITY: INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY: FINANCING
AUTHORITY: COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY: No Business
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Jim Stuart, Palm Springs, expressed support of the Agua Caliente Master Plan of
' Section 14; and added that there is a concern regarding the payment of TOT for that
area; that there should be a TOT levied on the land in Section 14 to also included sales
tax; and that there should be some type of agreement worked out for the Tribal lands.
Sergio Santos, Coachella Valley Taxi Owner Association; requested the date for the
discussion of advertising on taxi cabs and indicated that there has been negative
publicity regarding the issue and that the issue does need to be discussed with the
Council.
APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA: None.
Aftab Dada, General Manager of the Hilton, stated that the convention center expansion
must be moved ahead; that the weekend business for the hotels remains strong, but
Sunday through Thursday is still a struggle; that the large conventions will generate the
economy and that the expansion is needed to further Palm Springs.
Michael Green, Desert Gay Tourism Guild president, stated that as part of the
subcommittee that has assisted in tourism development, a reinvestment is needed for
the Tourism department; that occupancy rates are down; that other cities are now
targeting the gay tourism market, and that the City must invest in tourism to retain and
grow in the market industry.
Ed Pollard, Ramada general manager, stated that additional funds do need to be spent
' on tourism; and that the City and the Tourism department could have a matching fund
for advertisement.
Ray LaVato, Desert Shadows, stated that the best revenue-producing tool is TOT and
that a greater investment must be made in the Tourism department.
Council Minutes
01-28-04, Page 2
Dwayne Roarball, Wyndham Hotel, stated that the delays in the expansion of the '
Convention Center has caused some cancellations of events; that the approval of the
expansion must move ahead and recommended approval of issues concerning the
expansion.
PUBLIC HEARINGS: None
COUNCIL COMMENTS/ANNOUNCEMENTS/INTERAGENCY REPORTS: None.
LEGISLATIVE ACTION:
1. CONVENTION CENTER EXPANSION — REVISED PLANS AND
SPECIFICATIONS, CP02-27.
On January 21, 2004 Council continued this matter to approve revised Plans and
Specifications and solicitation of bids for the Convention Center Expansion
Project, subject to Planning Commission approval, CP 02-27.
City Manager reviewed the staff report and requested approval of the plans and
specifications for the expansion and added that the bids for awarding of contracts
would come at a later date.
Convention Center Administrator stated that the plans and specifications have
been revised to maintain the integrity of the drawings, to include stone columns, ,
the weaving of roofline, natural wood ceilings but yet reduce costs; that there are
some changes in the exterior architectural plans; that an upgraded stucco
product will replace accents for stone; that the bid time line is tight and that the
project does need to proceed swiftly to meet opening deadlines.
Resolution 20819 as recommended was presented; after which, it was moved by
Mills, seconded by McCulloch and unanimously carried, that R20819 be adopted.
ADDITIONAL LEGISLATIVE ITEMS: None.
ADDED STARTERS: None
REPORTS & REQUESTS: None
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further bus' ess, Mayor declared the meeting adjourned.
PATRICIA A. SANDERS
City Clerk
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