HomeMy WebLinkAbout1/19/1983 - MINUTES CITY OF PALM SPRINGS ,
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
JANUARY 19, 1983
A Regular Meeting of the City Council was called to order by Mayor
Bogert in the Council Chamber, 3200 Tahquitz-McCallum Way, on
Wednesday, January 19, 1983, at 7:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Present: Councilmembers Doyle, Foster, Maryanov
and Mayor Bogert
Absent: Councilmember Ortner-Kubler
The meeting was opened with the salute to the Flag and a moment
of silence.
COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY: Mayor declared the meeting
adjourned for the purpose of convening as the Community Redevelop-
ment Agency; after which, the Council reconvened.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
It was moved by Foster, seconded by Maryanovv and unani-
mously carried, Ortner-Kubler absent, that the minutes
of January 5, 1983 be approved.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1 . COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUNDS
Recommendation: That the Council receive testimony for
ninth year CDBG program and establish priorities for
application to Riverside County.
Economic Development & Housing Director reviewed his report,
dated January 19, 1983, noting that neighborhood meetings (85)
have been held as well as meetings with individual residents ;
that this matter was reviewed at the last study session;
that staff has recommended that $45,000 of the entitlement
funds be used to cover City Administration of the CDBG
program ($10,000) and for economic survey and redevelopment
action plan ($35,000) and the remainder of 'Che funds be
used for sewer hook-up assistance, i .e. , to provide
low-interest loans to low-income homeowners who will be
required to comply with the mandatory sewer connection
program; and noted funding which will be made available
in the way of loans for economic development projects,
on a county-wide competitive basis, and which will have
to be repaid to the County.
Mayor declared the hearing open.
Belinda Greer, Chairperson for the Desert Highland Gateway
Estates Community, 701 Las Vegas Road, urged that the Council
consider priorities which the community has established.
Mr. Connie Greer, 701 Las Vegas Road, expressed need for
improving landscaping and identification at Indian/Las
Vegas Road and Palm Canyon/Gateway Drive, removal of
abandoned vehicles, beautification and cleanup of dirty
lots.
City Manager stated that additional funds sHouid not be
necessary to remove abandoned vehicles and those specified
by the neighborhood have been noted by the Police Department
that there are a number which appear to be abandoned and
others are clearly abandoned and those will be processed;
and that it takes approximately 30 days to complete the
process.
Building & Safety Director stated that approximately 350
19
' Council Minutes
1-19-83 Page 2
1 . CDBG FUNDS (Continued)
lots throughout the city were cleaned up about 21-2 years
ago, and since that time, the process has been to act on
a complaint basis; that inspection can be made and an effort
to get the lots cleaned up; and that it is difficult to
have the broken glass removed. In answer to question by
Council , he stated that he would investigate whether there
was any possibility of funding a joint effort on the part
of the City and neighborhood.
CONT'D
Wanita Moore, Desert Highland-Gateway Estate resident, (85)
stated that a meeting room with a capacity of 75 persons
is needed at the Desert Highland Unity Center; that the
existing meeting room is 'too small and that the multi-purpose
room is too large; that more classroom space, locker and
exercise rooms and showers are needed; that proper floor
covering is needed 'to avoid any health problems in the
future, i .e. , the tile floor is slippery and is not conducive
to playing sports on it.
There being no further appearancesthe hearing was closed.
,
Councilman Doyle stated that the comrnunity must recognize
that the program for the past 8-9 years has been an asset
to those sections of the community that needed some help,
and the dollars are not as much as they were and are not
enough to do the number of programs that will be recommended;
that perhaps volunteer assistance could be provided to
help with the cleanup priority, and perhaps landscaping,
which appropriately would not be extensive to maintain,
but which would be attractive, might be inc,uded in the
F 1983-84 budget; that the Maintenance and Cleanup Task Force
is proposing an "Adopt a Tree" program, which may begin
to address requests for trees ; that regarding additions
to the facility, the dollars are not available to make
the kinds of additions as might be desirable; and that
the community has benefited from it and hopefully will
continue to benefit from it and when the dollars are avail-
able, it can be made even more functional than it is today.
Councilman Foster stated that the tile floor has taken
a beating and needs to be upgraded and perhaps that could
be looked into, which could answer some of 'Lh2 concerns
expressed. He suggested that the use of the multi-purpose
room be looked at more closely to see if perhaps it could
be used for meeting rooms and classrooms.
City Manager stated that the question about rehabilitation
is appropriate; that the facility is used, and some of
the issues behind the requests should be further explored.
He stated hope that the people who expressed concern will
be available for various serious discussions and to work
through to complete exploration of these issues.
Councilman Maryanov stated that there are budget limitations
and he supports the suggestions made by the City Manager;
that he viewed the industrial land market survey as a
beginning to address need for jobs in the community and
a job-building program; and that he recommended proceeding
with both items as recommended in the staff report.
Council Minutes
1-19-83 Page 3
1 . CDBG FUNDS (Continued)
Councilman Doyle stated that the survey is important, but
he believed there are funding mechanisms within the
redevelopment process that would make that possible; that
he is concerned that the mandatory sewer hookup program
will place a financial burden on a lot of people who will
need assistance in that regard ; and that he recommended CONT' D
using the funds to cover the sewer hookup assistance. (85)
City Manager stated that he did not see funding the
redevelopment action plan survey on a city-wide basis,
and availability of funds in the redevelopment budget would
depend on whether the allocations are fully expended for
the major projects or if the desire was to cut away from
that.
In answer to question by Council , Economic Development
& Housing Director stated that the average sewer assistance "
loan is anticipated to be $1 ,500, and that possibly a time
limit could be placed by which persons would have to apply
for the loans, and if not utilized, excess funds could
be used to cover the cost of the survey.
Resolution 14484, establishing priorities, was presented ;
after which, it was moved by Doyle, seconded by Maryanov,
and unanimously carried, Ortner-Kubler absent, that Resolu-
tion 14484 be adopted, subject to increasing the Sewer
Hookup Assistance program to $150,000, and reducing the
survey by $25,000, and providing that if loans are not
applied for within 90 days from approval of the funding ,
that the survey be increased to the initial recommendation.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
a) Howard Lapham, 539 Vista Oro, commented on the lack
of completion of street work in the area of Sunny Dunes,
between Palm Canyon and Sunrise. He also spoke in opposi-
tion to retainingan out-of-tovn consultant to assist in
determining availability of lands for a convention center,
stating his opinion that there are local people who
can do this and that it is not that difficult of a task.
b) William Cotter, resident, offered to donate dollars
and time to build information center for the City.
Note: At the conclusion of the meeting under Public
reports; or requests., Don Lawrence, P.S. Project Steering
Committee Chairman, stated that Mr. Cotter' s proposal
has been reviewed by the Community Promotion Task Force.
c) Michael Green, 677 Ave. Granada, stated opinion that
it would not be sane to build a 172,000 sq. ft. , $34
million convention center; and that 100,000 sq. ft. ( 139)
would be sufficient and could be built for $15 million
and it would serve the 1500 hotel rooms pllus all existing
rooms.
Councilman Foster noted that $34 rniIIion was a
preliminary figure and is not suggested to be adopted
as a debt, but rather to see if the cost can be worked
out.
d) Clarence Dauphine, 879 Gateway, regarding subsidized
housing, suggested that the Board of Realtors be
apprised as to how the sale of such Units is -to be
handled and the price in order to be better informed
and to be able to refer people to the proper source.
19.
Council Minutes
1-19-83 Page 4
1 . PUBLIC COMMENTS (Continued)
e) Chris Mills, 278-C Palm Canyon, regarding Item 6, stated
that the project is 1500 ft. from the 65 db CNEL, and
the requirements of Title 24 of the State to maintain (137)
a 45 db level inside the units will be maintained;
that the project does not abut anything that would
' become involved or relate to aircraft movement; that
the developer desires to facilitate solving the acous-
tical problem and has suggested an 8-ft wall , rather
than the standard 6-ft wall .
f) Jane Ellison, attorney representing Vista Canyon Home-
owners Association, regarding Item 3, stated that since
the January 5, 1983 meeting, she has contacted an
engineer and asked if it would be possible to work (116)
with the project applicant to make the project livable
for both sides; and that she has not been able to meet
with the applicant. She submitted an engineer' s drawing
which she stated would lead to alleviating many of
the concerns of the homeowners, which proposes land-
scaping barriers and relocation of the road; that the
applicant' s proposal appears to contain cart and fill
which is no longer economically feasible since the
Dunham project is not involved, i .e. , dirt would have
to be purchased.
g) Larry Paul , engineer for applicant, stated that they
are aware of the Council ' s concerns and believe the
majority of those can be resolved; that he believed
the questions concerning the tennis court had been
resolved and demonstrated by the presentation of the (116)
colored map at the last meeting; that the Dunham parcel
will still need access even if a single unit is built
on the property and that access can be integrated into
the subject property; that he did not consider it appro-
priate for Ms. Ellison to submit the drawing at this
time and would be opposed to approval based on the
submittal of her drawing.
h) Dana Hodges, 822
El Conquistadore, suggested that z cent be added to
the sales tax to cover the cost of the convention center
rather than increasing the room tax.
i ) Don Lawrence, resident, commented on the need to address
the hazards caused by vehicle and recreation uses at
Windy Point.
Council Minutes
1-19-83 Page 5
LEGISLATIVE ACTION:
2. CONVENTION CENTER PROJECT
Recommendation: That the Council adopt "Alternative "B"
to provide $25,000 for professional services as detailed
in report of City Manager, dated January 19„ 1983, in con-
nection with the Convention Center.
City Manager stated that he recommended Alternative B based
on the premise that data available would allow taking steps
to tie down the land and test the market to see if there
is a private developer interested, which would justify
proceeding with the second phase of the study; that if
there is a feeling that there is good developer interest,
then there is a high possibility that through exclusive
negotiation, cost of getting the second phase can be shifted
to the private sector; that major firms need that kind
of data before proceeding and they have their own ideas (139) y
about proceeding and they may want to work with Touche-Ross
or their own consultant; that he believed it appropriate
to proceed with the smaller allocation at this time, of
which any contractual arrangement in excess of $5,000 would
have to be approved by the Council ; that there are many
local attorneys who specialize in land issues, including
Indian-owned land, but have so many clients that they could
not represent the City, therefore, the City is forced to
seek an out-of-town firm; and that the staff' will be able
to develop a time line and begin to do those things which
it can do.
Councilman Maryanov stated that the City Manager' s recom-
mendation enables the process to start and to have a cutoff
point that the Council is not committed to making it happen,
but to start the process in a preliminary way with an early
cutoff.
In answer to question by Council , City Manager stated that
there is a good possibility that the cost of the second
phase of the study could be shifted to a private developer;
that with a project of this size, any firm will want to
have that information; that pursuing the second phase could
increase costs and slowdown and result in duplication.
Councilman Doyle stated that he did not want to extend
the time, and desired staff to come back with specific
timetable, which he did not feel was spelled out in the
report.
Councilman Foster expressed agreement with the concept ,
and concern that the Touche-Ross study has set the criteria
for a cultural center so high that the cost of it takes
it out of the realm of possibility; that $25,0 per sq. ft.
for it is not feasible nor could the City support that;
that he believed the only way it will happen is for it
to be made a part of the convention center; and that he
believed it could be made part of the site and the issue '
pursued and the costs brought to within a reasonable cost
per sq. ft. for the two facilities.
City Manager stated his understanding that: the Council
directed that when a specific site is focused on, the
cultural center be included at least initially; and if
the recommendation is approved, staff would start
immediately.
Council Minutes
1-19-83 Page 6
' 2. CONVENTION CENTER PROJECT
Mayor stated that he did not agree with the concept and
believed that a Realtor could provide the same information;
that an out-of-town specialist is not needed; and that
once the land is obtained, promotional effort could be
made.
CONT'D
In answer to question by Council , City Manager stated that ( 139)
if funds are not necessary, there will be no expenditure;
that defining potential sites, locating property owners,
and preliminary appraisals will be done by staff; that
Indian-owned lands are primarily involved; which means
an elaborate process in terms of leases; that he was not
aware of any similar situation which did not involve legal
counsel to work through the process, which is the potential
expenditure of funds; that the City Manager is authorized
to approve expenditure up to $5,000 for contractual services,
and any additional sum would require Council approval .
Councilman Maryanov stated that he viewed this as a means
of getting started, with the ability to stop the process
- and only have spent a limited amount of funds.
` Resolution 14485 amending the budget as recommended, was
presented; after which, it was moved by Doyle, seconded
by Foster, and carried by the following vote, that Resolution
14485 be adopted, and that the City Manager report progress
and specific timeframes within four weeks:
AYES: Doyle, Foster, and Maryanov
NOES: Bogert
ABSENT: Ortner-Kubler
3. P.D. 132 - S. PLATT
Background: On January 5, 1983, Council held hearing to
reconsider Planning Commission recommendation to certify
EIR as complete and approve application for planned develop-
ment district for 11-unit hillside residential development,
and continued action to this date, pending field trip by (116)
Councilmembers.
Director of Community Development noted that field trip
was taken, after which, he reiterated specifics of the
project. He stated that applicant verbally requested that
' if the Council did not wish to approve the application
as submitted, that it be referred to the Planning Commission
and they would work with the Commission to look at redesign
on the location of the units.
Councilman Doyle stated that offer is appropriate and the
applicant has made a considerable effort to accommodate
development on the site without the ultimate in negative
impact.
Councilman Foster stated concern about the road into the
0-20 and the potential for future expansion; concern about
the units in the 0-20 and relationship to the house to
the north of the site; that the road should be regraded
or relocation considered so it is out of the 0-20; that
he could tolerate a small portion of each unit in the 0-20,
' provided it was clear this was not a precedent and would
not recur in the future; and that he has concerns regarding
the 15-ft cut for the tennis court, in that the natural
beauty will not be recaptured, and if the court can be
hidden, then it would be less severe.
It was moved by Doyle, seconded by Foster, and unanimously
carried, Ortner-Kubler absent, that this matter be returned
to the Planning Commission for restudy, taking into consider-
ation Council concerns as expressed above.
Council Minutes
1-19-83 Page 7
4. MUNICIPAL CODE AMENDMENT - WINDOW BARS, GRILLES, GRATES
Recommendation: That the Council amend the Municipal Code
to allow immediate regulation of bars, grilles, grates
or similar devices on windows and doors of residences, (103)
and adopt same as an urgency measure; matter reviewed in detail
at last study session.
City Clerk read title of Ordinance 1174, as follows:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, ,
TO REGULATE THE INSTALLATION OF BARS, GRILLES, GRATES,
OR SIMILAR DEVICES ON WINDOWS AND DOORS OF RESIDENTIAL
DWELLINGS.
It was moved by Doyle, seconded by Foster, and unanimously
carried, that further reading be waived and that Ordinance
1174 be adopted as an urgency measure; Ortner-Kubler absent.
5. ORDINANCES FOR READOPTION
Recommendation: That the Council readopt Ordinances 1170
and 1171 , relating to Home Occupations and PERS contract (110)
amendment, respectively, due to error relating to publication &10'I
thereof.
City Clerk read title of each ordinance, after which, it
was moved by Doyle, seconded by Foster, and unanimously
carried, Ortner-Kubler absent, that further readings be
waived, and that Ordinances 1170 and 1171 be readopted.
6. TENTATIVE TRACT MAP 18979 - HACKER/ELLIS
Recommendation: That the Council approve Tentative Tract
Map 18979 for property on El Cielo Road, between Tahquitz--
McCallum Way and Ramon Road, for condominium purposes.
Director of Community Development stated that there was (137)
some concern about soundproofing, however, whatever is
necessary to maintain a 45 db level within the project
must be accomplished; and to the degree that there are
studies, those have been made available to the applicant;
and that the Airport was concerned regarding avigation
easement, and if the project is approved, the easement
would be required and recorded.
City Attorney noted that the avigation easement and non-suit
covenant in this instance would be tailored to meet the
project, i .e. , to include ground noise.
Director of Community Development stated that the 8-ft
wall would be a variance which could be considered as a
mitigation measure.
City Attorney noted that the wall would be a means of attain-
ing the Title 24 limits.
Resolution 14486, approving the Tentative Map, as
recommended, was presented; after which, it was moved by
Foster, seconded by Maryanov, and unanimously carried,
Ortner-Kubler absent, that Resolution 14486 be adopted,
and that erection of an 8-fit wall be approved as a mitigation
measure, if approved by the Planning Commission.
1 9
Council Minutes
1-19-83 Page 8
CONSENT AGENDA:
7. Minute Order 3194 awarding purchase of 6 portable radios to (117)
MarCom Communications in amount of $5,878.76.
8. Minute Order 3195 approving Amendment #1 to AGR 1703 with
James Montgomery Consulting Engineers, Inc. , for services (127)
' associated with Construction Management for the upgrading
of the Wastewater Treatment Plant, in amount of $19,266.
} 9. Resolution 14487 approving Tentative Parcel map 19036 to combine
property on Avenida Olivos, between Tachevah and El Alameda (119)
KWL/Picchione.
10. Minute Order 3196 extending Hotel Smoke Detector Incentive
Program 90 days, for hotels which applied by December 31 , ( 87)
1982.
11 . Resolutions 14488 and 14489 approving Claims & Demands and (86)
Payroll Warrants.
It was moved by Doyle, seconded by Maryanov, and unanimously
carried, Ortner-Kubler absent, that Resolutions 1 487 through
11489 and and Minute Orders 3194 through 3196 be adopted.
12. ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 143 - ENGINEER
Recommendation: That the Council approve agreement with
Sanborn-Webb Inc. , and appoint same as engineer for Assess-
ment District 143 - installation of sewers for areas not
presently connected to the sewer system. (56)
' Resolution 14490, approving agreement and appointing
engineer, was presented; after which, it was moved by Doyle,
seconded by Foster, and unanimously carried, that Resolution
14490 be adopted; Ortner-Kubler absent.
13. AERIAL SURVEY
Recommendation: That the Council rescind Minute Order
3177, which awarded contract to Pictorial Sciences, and (136)
award contract to second low bidder, Aero Tech Surveys,
Inc. , for aerial photographic survey of the City and its
sphere of influence.
Director of Community Development stated that the low bidder
was not able to respond to the size of the format of the
project. In answer to question by Council , he stated that
there has not been any significant expense to the City
as a result of awarding to the second low bidder.
Minute Order 3197, approving actions as recommended, was
presented; after which, it was moved by Doyle, seconded
' by Maryanov, and unanimously carried, that Minute Order
3197 be adopted.; Ortner-Kubler absent.
Council Minutes
1-19-83 Page 9
REPORTS & REQUESTS:
14. CITY COUNCIL reports or requests
a) Councilman Doyle requested staff investigate need for
abatement proceedings relating to model for a proposed
project at Camino Parocela and Cerritos, noting that
the windows are no longer boarded.
b) Councilman Foster suggested publicizing letter of
commendation to City Librarian, Henry Weiss, from the
Library Board.
c) Councilman Foster suggested investigating possible
joint-effort program between Waste Disposal Services
and Gateway-Desert Highland neighborhoods to help address
their concerns.
Councilman Maryanov stated that area is not the only
place where dumping occurs; citing problem above Las
Palmas where dumping has occurred in connection with
new homes built.
d) Councilman Maryanov updated Council on work of the
League Rev & Tax Committee, i .e. , looking for a
guaranteed revenue base for cities, counties and schools,
and the development of a formula which would enable
entities to deal on that basis.
e) Councilman Foster stated that lack of sllurry or street
repair to the area of Sunny Dunes, between Palm Canyon '
and Sunrise, gives a poor impression and appears that
the area is being neglected.
City Manager stated that there are many reasons for
what has happened, the most significant being that
a great deal has been undertaken in terms of streets,
and staff is still ferreting out what works best.
Councilman Maryanov expessed hope that there has been
a learning from this problem, and that: it will not
recur in future years.
f) In response to inquiry by the Mayor, it was the consensus
of the Council to accept request of the Board of the
Desert Museum to meet in study session with the Council .
15. PUBLIC reports or requests - None
15. . STAFF reports or requests - None
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business at 9:30 p.m. , Mayor declared
the meeting adjourned.
0 0JUD.ITH SUMICH
City Clerk
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