HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004 - MINUTES - 3/31/2004 CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
MARCH 31, 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 Council Chamber, 3200 Tahquitz Canyon Way,
on Wednesday, March 31, 2004, at 5:30 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.
REPORT OF POSTING OF AGENDA: City Clerk reported that the agenda was posted in
accordance with Council procedures on March 26, 2004.
REPORT OF CITY ATTORNEY ON MATTERS DISCUSSED IN CLOSED SESSION
(All Entities) - See items on Page 2 of agenda this date.
PRESENTATIONS: None
HOUSING AUTHORITY: INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY: FINANCING '
AUTHORITY: COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY: No Business
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Mr. Evans, no address given, expressed concern on street closures and development in
the Palm Hills area.
CONSENT AGENDA: None
PUBLIC HEARINGS: None
COUNCIL COMMENTS/ANNOUNCEMENTS/INTERAGENCY REPORTS: None
LEGISLATIVE ACTION:
1. CONVENTION CENTER EXPANSION PHASE II PROJECT—TRADE BIDS
Recommendation: That the Council approve trade agreements for the
Convention Center Expansion Phase II Project, subject to the approval of bond
documents. CP02-27. A4850 thru A4861.
Convention Center Project Administrator reviewed the staff report and added
that there is some risk involved in the approvals; that it will not be known until ,
around May 18, 2004 whether or not the bonds are insurable; but that: there will
be problems is there is no forward movement.
Adjourned Council Minutes
3-31-04, Page 2
' City Attorney stated that the risk involved is due to the Ordinance being subject
to referenda and that the time period will be 30 days after adoption of the
Ordinance.
Resolution 20868 thru 20885 as revised to modify wording to base approval were
presented; after which, it was moved by Mills, seconded by Pougnet and
unanimously carried, that R20868 —20885 be adopted.
2. CONVENTION CENTER EXPANSION PHASE II PROJECT— SURVEY
Recommendation: That the Council approve an agreement with the Keith
Companies for construction surveying and staking for the Convention Center
Expansion Phase II Project for $74,570. Subject to the approval of bond
documents. CP02-27. A4862.
Convention Center Project Administrator reviewed the staff report.
Minute Order 7465 as recommended was presented; after which, it was moved
by Mills, seconded by Pougnet and unanimously carried, that MO7465 be
adopted.
' 3. CONVENTION CENTER EXPANSION PHASE II PROJECT— EQUIPMENT
Recommendation: That the Council authorize Turner Logistics to direct
purchase of large equipment, Trade Bid 28, for $1,667,818; or authorize Turner
Logistics to direct purchase of large equipment and waive City's standard
payment retention requirements by modification of the payment schedule
reducing the cost by $19,142, for a total cost of $1,648,676. Subject to the
approval of bond documents. CP02-27. A4709
Convention Center Project Administrator reviewed the staff report.
Resolution 20886 as recommended to include waiving City standard payment
retention was presented; after which, it was moved by Mills, seconded by
Pougnet and unanimously carried, that R20886 be adopted.
4. CONVENTION CENTER EXPANSION PHASE II PROJECT— PARKING LOT
Recommendation: That the Council approve an agreement with Contreras
Construction Company, Bid Schedules Alternative A, Alternative Deductive C,
Additive D and E, for the Palm Springs Convention Center Expansion Phase II
Project for parking lot and street improvements for $730,356.25. Subject to the
approval of bond documents. CP02-27 A4863.
' Director of Public Works/City Engineer reviewed the staff report.
Minute Order 7466 as recommended was presented; after which, it was moved
by Foat, seconded by Mills and unanimously carried, that MO7466 be adopted.
Adjourned Council Minutes
3-31-04, Page 3
ADDITIONAL LEGISLATIVE ITEMS: None
ADDED STARTERS: None
REPORTS & REQUESTS:
CITY COUNCIL reports or requests
Councilmember Foat requested the formation of a subcommittee regarding the Desert
Fashion Plaza.
Councilmember Pougnet requested a report on the remaining of streets.
PUBLIC reports or requests
STAFF reports or requests
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business, Mayor declared the meeting adjourned.
PATRICIA A. SANDERS
City Clerk
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CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
MARCH 31, 2004
' A Special 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, March 31, 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 March 26, 2004.
PUBLIC HEARING
1. CASE 5.0728 - PD 101, 180 & 164 - SECTION 14 MASTER PLAN
ZONING ORDINANCE - MAP AMENDMENT
Recommendation: That the Council approve Case 5.0728 GPA, with various
amendments to the General Plan Land Use and Circulation Elements for 640
acres bound by Alejo Road, Sunrise Way, Ramon Road and Indian Canyon
' Drive. Zone C-1, C-1AA, C-2, R-G-A(8), R-2, R-4-VP, PD 101, 180 and 164;
and approve Section 14 Master Plan/Specific Plan with Statement of Facts and
Findings and Statement of Overriding Consideration and certifying the Final
Environmental Impact Report for Section 14; and amend the zoning map by
removal of exiting zone and replacement with new zones for Section 14.
Director of Planning & Zoning reviewed the staff report and visual aids on
display in the Chamber and added that the issue had been worked on for a
lengthy time; that letters received this date will be responded to within the
findings of the resolution; that several public meetings were held at City Hall;
that the first meeting had a large attendance; that the following two meetings
did not have as great of attendance; that adjustments were proposed by the
Planning Commission and were accepted by the Tribal Council; and that the
land use plan was a joint effort between the City and the Tribe.
Tom Davis, Tribal Planning Director, stated that incentives for development in
downtown Palm Springs has been addressed; that Section 14 does involve an
area that is subject to factional ownership and zoning and has not been
compatible to the rest of the City; that the Tribal Council has stood and remains
standing behind the protection of the environment; that there have been
comments made regarding Section 14 that are actually regional issues and that
the Tribal Council intends to continue to participate in the regional issues; that
' as the Zoning Ordinance stands, building height of 100 feet is allowed in this
section; that the proposal before the Council does make it more difficult to
develop beyond 60 feet in height, unless there is some type of consolidated
plan and that the Tribal Council did not desire a downgrade in zoning.
Council Minutes
3-31-04, Page 2
Mr. Bunce, Tribal Council Counsel, stated that the Tribal Council has worked
closely with the City not only on this issue, but on past issues; that the area is in '
fact Federal Reservation land, but that it is the Tribal Councils desire to work
jointly with the city and that the input received is valued; and that each project
proposed for the area will still need to go through the development process.
In answer to questions by Council, Director of Planning & Zoning stated that
once property lines are established, the general guidelines are that for one foot
of vertical building height there is one foot of horizontal setback; that the
Planning Commission did review the area for high rise, that the existing height
limit is best represented by the Wyndham with its urban design; that the
Planning Commission was not making a land use decision regarding the height
but did allow for the urban design of 60 foot vertical building with an additional
15 feet to allow for mechanical equipment; that projects with a consolidated
land mass of 60 acres will probably require a parking structure or parking
underground.
Mayor declared the Hearing open.
The following persons spoke in opposition of the item.
Greg Landenberg, Palm Springs
Cookie Busher, Palm Springs
Richard Hussar, Palm Springs '
Jane Smith, Palm Springs
Cheryl Hamlin, Palm Springs
Claire Jones, no address given
Lester Bagwell, Palm Springs
Joan Martin, no address given
The following persons spoke in support of the item.
Phil Tedesco, Palm Springs
Tom Suitt, Palm Springs
Michael Robb, no address given
Pete Snyder, no address given
Joy Meredith, on behalf of Main Street
In answer to questions from the Hearing, Tribal Counsel stated that leases that
are made with individuals of the Tribe are not controlled by the Tribal Council;
that within the area of Section 14 the Tribal owns 72 acres; that there is no
residential units on that land; that if there is difficulty with an individual allottee
regarding a lease, then the issue is between the tenant and the allottee.
City Attorney clarified that the issue before the Council is one of land use and
Band impacts. '
Councilmember Foat stated that the documentation regarding the issue was
received on March 22, 2004; that it is questionable why the material was just
provided for review by the Council; that at this time all the issues have not been
completely reviewed or digested; that there is question on the procedure that
Council Minutes
3-31-04, Page 3
should be used; that there is a Planning Commission recommendation and
questioned if the Planning Commission recommendation is approved would the
allowable height stay at 100 feet; and stated that a motion should be made to
specify the height at 60 feet with an additional 15 feet for mechanical
equipment.
Planning Director stated that the Specific Plan was sent to the Council in
November; that there was concern due to the newly elected Members of the
Council with inundation of materials and that materials were given in
succession of progress; that inquiries are addressed in the EIR; and that a full
EIR was conducted.
Motion to limit building height to 60 feet with an additional 15 feet for
mechanical equipment was presented; after which, it was moved by Foat and
died due to a lack of second.
Councilmember Mills stated that even though the Motion died, the issue could
be considered on individual project review; and added that as a previous
member of the Planning Commission, the issue was dealt with many times;
that the Plan was impressive and still is; that the proposal is more open; that a
high end look of mixed use development is to be offered; that the issue is not
just one of zoning, but the Plan has many facets including sidewalks and
landscaping; that the Plan is well thought out to take smaller parcels with
' several different zones and tie them together to create an opportunity to do a
large scale project; that in the end a less dense look with more open space is
created; that the Plan should be supported; that this will be improvements to a
major part of the City that has sat idle for a long time; that appreciation is given
to the Tribe for working with the City and considering enhancements to the
plans; that it should be remembered in 1988 the City agreed to allow Indian
development at 100 feet while limiting other development to 60 or 75 feet; that
there is no reason now to change the limits or setback; and that even with the
additional footage the City will not be sacrificing.
Mr. McCulloch stated that the Master Plan was distributed to the public two
years ago; that the Plan is not new, nor was it dropped on the Community in
the past few months.
Councilmember Foat stated that the Plan is agreeable, the area does need to
be developed; that the land is empty and filled with debris; that change is
difficult for many of us; that the City is not a little Village anymore; and that
growth is vital for survival; but smart growth is needed; that there are major
concerns with the Plan; that there are density issues; that there are building
height issues; and that due to the concerns, personally, a vote will not be given.
Councilmember Pougnet stated that staff should be commended on the
process; that there was opportunity for the citizens to participate in meetings
that did explain the Plan; and that concurrence with Mr. Mills is given
concerning development projects that will come back to the Council for
consideration.
Council Minutes
3-31-04, Page 4
Mayor Oden stated that the opportunity can not be missed to move forward;
that the City does need smart growth; that the Tribe has worked with the City;
that the Plan is not problem free, but that a cooperative working relationship is
in place to work out issues; that the Council will continue to evaluate projects
for quality and that there is a commitment from the Tribe to continue to work
with the City.
Resolution 20866 (GPA) and Resolution 20867 (Master/Specific Plan) as
revised to include water requirements to the statement of overriding concerns
were presented; after which it was moved by Mills, seconded by Pougnet and
carried by the following vote that R20866 and 20867 be adopted.
AYES: Councilmembers McCulloch, Mills, Pougnet, and Mayor Oden
NO: None
ABSTAIN: Councilmember Foat
It was further moved by Mills, seconded by Pougnet and unanimously carried,
that further reading be waived and the City Clerk read the Title of Ordinance for
introduction and first reading.
City Clerk read Title of Ordinance as follows:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS AMENDING THE
ZONING MAP BY REMOVING ALL EXISTING ZONING WITHIN SECTION 14
AND ESTABLISH NINE NEW LAND USE DESIGNATIONS FOR 640 ACRES
BOUND BY ALEJO ROAD TO THE NORTH, SUNRISE WAY TO THE EAST,
RAMON ROAD TO THE SOUTH AND INDIAN CANYON DRIVE TO THE
WEST, ZONE C-1, C-1-AA, C-2, R-G-A(8), R-2, R-4, R-4-VP, PD101, PD180
AND PD164, SECTION 14.
After which, it was moved by Mills, seconded by Pougnet and carried by the
following vote that the Ordinance be introduced for first reading.
AYES: Councilmembers McCulloch, Mills, Pougnet and Mayor Oden
NO: None
ABSTAIN: Councilmember Foat
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business, Mayor declared the meeting adjourned.
PATRICIA A. SANDERS
City Clerk