HomeMy WebLinkAbout4/6/1983 - MINUTES CITY OF PALM SPRINGS ,
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
APRIL 6, 1983
A Regular Meeting of the City Council was called to order by Mayor
Bogert in the Council Chamber, 3200 Tahquitz-McCallum Way, on Wednes-
day, April 6, 1983, at 7:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Present: Councilmembers Doyle, Foster, Maryanov, Ortner
& Mayor Bogert
None
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 Redevelopment Agency;
after which, members reconvened as the City Council .
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
It was moved by Foster, seconded by Doyle, and unanimously
carried, that the minutes of February 23, March 2, 16, and `
22, 1983 be approved.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1 . GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT - REVISED HOUSING ELEMENT
Recommendation: That the Council approve revised Housing
Element. Report reviewed by Economic Development & Housing
Director.
Mayor, declared the hearing open; there being no appearances,
the hearing was closed.
Resolution 14546, approving revised element, was presented ; (101 )
after which, it was moved by Foster, seconded by Maryanov,
and unanimously carried, that Resolution 14546 be adopted.
2. ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT - ELECTRONIC GAME ARCADES
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Recommendation: That the Council amend the Zoning Text to
delete phrase "pinball machines, shooting galleries and elec-
tronic games as a primary use, "from the Uses Prohibited
category of the C-1 zone.
Mayor declared the hearing open; there being no appearances, +
the hearing was closed. (103)
City Clerk read title of Ordinance, as follows:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA,
TO DELETE OUTDATED LANGUAGE CONCERNING ELECTRONIC
GAME ARCADES IN C-1 ZONES.
It was moved by Doyle, seconded by Foster, and unanimously —
carried, that further reading be waived, and that Ordinance
be introduced for first reading.
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Council Minutes
4-6-83 Page 2
2A. BOARD OF APPEALS RULING - WM. GIETTER APPEAL
On March 16, 1983, the Council continued appeal of William
Gietter from Board of Appeals ruling, at request of appellant.
Building & Safety Director reviewed his report, dated March
16, 1983, and stated that there are provisions in ':he National
Electrical Code for interpretations by the building official ,
and that Board may make recommendations on such interpreta-
tions; that appeal is to waive lighting requirements for
self-storage facility, in that appellant believes there is
a distinction between warehouse and self-storage and states
his reason in his letter of appeal ; that hearing was held
by the Board and the request was denied for the reasons as
outlined in his said report; that the Board found a differen-
tiation exists between warehouses and self-storage and that
the Code applies 1/4 watt per square foot; that he believed (112)
this did not mean to concentrate all of the lighting in one
spot, but rather to spread that lighting over the total square
footage; that only the State Legislature can vary from the
code, however, local amendments may be adopted by the City
Council ; and that if the request were to be approved, the
matter should be referred to the Board for recommendation
regarding a code amendment. He strongly recommended that
any changes be through the Building Officials Conference,
noting that the only local amendments currently existing
relate to housing and are based on topographical and clima-
tological conditions.
Mayor declared the hearing open.'
Mr. Gietter, 2688 Calle Palo Fierro, stated that AB 750,
adopted by the State in 1981 , differentiates between warehouse
and self-storage - in self-storage the individual tenant
has control of the space, which is not the case in warehouses;
that his electrician contacted officials with the National
Electric Code who advised him that the control is not with
the Code but with fire prevention and a city has the right
to waive the 1/4 watt per sq. ft. and they would send a letter
of verification as to that statement; that other communities,
e.g. , Indio and Palm Desert, and counties do not require
the lighting in self-storage units; that his plans, as origi-
nally submitted, did not indicate the lights; that business
hours will be during the daytime, and tenant would have to
install the lights if evening hours were desired ; that he
was aware of one such facility in Palm Springs that does
not have lights; that lack of lights will preclude people
from living in the units; and that he did not want to have
keys or access to the content of the units.
In answer to question by Council , Building & Safety Director
stated that the National Electric Code is a membership agency,
comprised of cities and other agencies with staff who are
experts in interpretation of the code; that it communicates
only with building & fire officials and he did not believe
a letter would be forthcoming from it to Mr. Gietter, since
it is run as a consulting agency to its members; and that
AB 750 did not refer to electrical or building codes, and
if it wished to do so it could have likewise amended those
codes.
Mr. Gietter reiterated some of his previous comments, and
questioned why the subject was not addressed at time of plan
check.
There being no further appearances, Mayor declared the hearing
closed.
Building & Safety Director stated that there has been lighting
required in all but one such facility, and that one was an
J Li
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Council Minutes
4-6-83 Page 3
2A. WM. GIETTER (Continued)
oversight and there will be action to correct it; and that DONT'
he is not responsible for administration of the codes by C ONT'
other jurisdictions.
Councilman Doyle stated that he supports the code as currently
written and he did not find any reason for exception as long
as there is uniform enforcement, and he did riot support the
appeal .
It was moved by Doyle, seconded by Ortner, and unanimously
carried, that the appeal be denied.
3. VARIANCE 6.333 - VIRGIL MURPHY APPEAL
Consideration of appeal by Virgil Murphy from Planning
Commission denial of variance for two side-yard setback vari-
ances to allow expansion of a single-family residence at
803 Monte Vista. (146)
Director of Community Development reviewed chronology of
events, as noted in his report, dated Aprill 6, 1983, and
reported that Planning Commission denied the variance, which
would, therefore, require removal of the existing slab and
structure encroaching into the northerly side of the property.
Mayor declared the hearing open. ,
J. K. Moran, Jr. , attorney representing the appellant, stated
that uses in the setback area are rampant and the subject
request should not be denied; that there is no adequate area
in which the structure can be built; that it would not be
fair to require the appellant to remove the structure, which
was in-place at the time he purchased the property and which
would cost $80,000 to relocate; that the City' s ordinance
was drafted to prevent such inequity and hardship; that it
is not visible from the street, and is surrounded by growth
and cannot be seen and there are no complaining parties.
In answer to question by Council , Mr. Moran stated that the
appellant represents that he owns from the wall to the street
line, which is an additional 7 feet, and he showed the wall
as his property line in following what he believed were staff
directions; that he is willing to concede that the wall is ^
in fact the property line, but he did not think it was crucial
to the discussion, and only raised it to show additional
reason why the variance should be granted; and that 'there
is enough room that the structure will not bother anyone.
Director of Community Development stated that staff may have
suggested that there would be room on the property for the
addition to be done legally, but there is no requirement
to reconstruct it somewhere else, nor did he believe it would
cost $80,000; that curb lines are seldom ,property lines;
and that visibility of the object is not criteria for granting
a variance.
*Exhibit submitted: 2 panels of photographs
Council Minutes
' 4-6-83 Page 4
3. MORPNV VARIANCE (Continued)
City Attorney stated that a memorandum to hilii from Joan
Baumgarten, dated March 25, 1983, was distributed to the
Council and to the appellant's attorney; thai the panels
of photographs submitted by Mr. Moran were not identified
other than a statement by Mr. Moran that they are violations, CONT'D
non-conformity or properties which enjoy a. particular (143)
privilege; that they do not help the appeal or authorize
the granting of the variance; that other non-con Forming uses
might justify granting others, but it is not �equired; that
the City code is drafted following State law for granting
variances which require that four specific -Findings must
be made; and that a buyer inherits whatever problems might
be in place at the time of purchase of the property.
Mr. Moran submitted a list of addresses of the photos in
his exhibit; and stated that City staff who made the decision
and recommendation to the Planning Commission had not been
on the property; that he had not received a copy of Ms.
Baumgarten 's memorandum and wished time to review it, but
felt it was insignificant in that it only stated that the
Council is not required to act, but may rule in a certain
way; and that there was no intentional violation and the
appellant is an innocent buyer.
There being no further appearances, the hearing was closed.
Councilwoman Ortner stated that the Council has tried to
correct these violations, and has a duty to uphold the codes.
Councilman Foster stated that a 2-ft setback creates a fire
hazard.
In answer to questions by Council , Director of Community
Development stated that the slab could be used for a patio,
but no structure could be attached to it; that of those items
listed in the chronology, permits have been taken and items
corrected or to be corrected; and that no staff person looked
x at the integrity of what was built, but it is not necessary
to physically enter the property to see that there is an
encroachment.
Councilman Doyle stated that there has been no significant
argument to support the variance, and he believed the Planning
Commission was correct in its findings that three of the
four specific findings could not be made; and that he did
not support the appeal .
It was moved by Doyle, seconded by Foster, and unanimously
carried, that the appeal be denied.
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Council Minutes
4-6-83 Page 5
PUBLIC COMMENTS: None
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LEGISLATIVE ACTION:
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4. PARCEL MAP 18787 - TENTATIVE MAP
James Schlecht, attorney for applicant, stated that he believed (119)
a number of the issues to which the applicant took exception
can be worked out with staff and he recommended that this
matter be continued to the next meeting; after which, it
was moved by Doyle, seconded by Foster, and unanimously
carried, that this matter be continued to April 20, 1983.
5. TENNIS CENTER - CONCESSION AGREEMENT r
Recommendation: That the Council approve concession agreement
with Pete Kelly and Marji Palmer for operation of the Tennis
Center. Report of Director of Community Services reviewed
by Community Services Planner.
Minute Order 3214, approving the agreement as recommended,
was presented; after which, it was moved by Foster, seconded (117)
by Maryanov, and unanimously carried, that Minute Order 3214
be adopted.
6. BOARD/COMMISSION APPOINTMENT POLICY
Consideration of revised requisites for consideration of
appointment to City boards or commissions and procedures
for making appointments thereto. Matter reviewed in detail
at last study session. City Attorney noted revisions, as
requested by Council in study sessions.
Resolution 14547, establishing policy and rescinding prior
resolutions, was presented; after which, it, was moved by
Doyle, seconded by Foster, and unanimously carried, that
Resolution 14547 be adopted.
7. MUNICIPAL CODE AMENDMENT - GARAGE, PATIO & YARD SALES
Recommendation: That the Council amend the Municipal Code
to add provisions regulating garage, yard and patio sales
within the city. Report reviewed by Director of Community
Development, stating that he was not aware iif the Planning (103)
Commission is aware of the change, but it is not one which �
requires its approval or recommendation.
Councilman Doyle suggested that if it is not aware of the
amendment, the Commission should be informed.
City Clerk read title of Ordinance, as follows:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA,
ADDING CHAPTER 5.58 TO THE PALM SPRINGS MUNICIPAL
CODE REGULATING GARAGE, YARD AND PATIO SALES WITHIN
THE CITY.
It was moved by Foster, seconded by Maryanov, and unanimously
carried, that further reading be waived and the ordinance
be introduced for first reading.
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Council Minutes
4-6-83 Page 6
8. MUNICIPAL CODE AMENDMENT - ENERGY COMMISSION
A City Clerk reading title of Ordinance 1179, introduced 3-16-83,
as follows:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA,
REMOVING THE SUNSET DATE OF THE ENERGY COMMISSION. (60)
It was moved by Doyle, seconded by Foster, and unanimously
carried, that further reading be waived, and that Ordinance
1179 be adopted.
9. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT SERVICES
Recommendation: That the Council approve agreement with
Wedin Enterprises, Inc. , in amount not to exceed $15,000
for professional consultant services in connection with rede-
velopment and economic development activities. (See CRA Minutes
of same date)
Resolution 14548 approving the agreement as recommended, & 133)
was presented; after which, it was moved by Maryanov, seconded
by Foster, and unanimously carried, that Resolution 14548
be adopted.
CONSENT AGENDA:
10. Resolution 14549 approving third time extension for Tentative
Tract Map 15687 for property on Ramon Road, between Calle E1 (137)
Segundo and Calle Encilia - Hacker/Badalian.
11 . Minute Order 3215 approving Change Order #8, in amount of
$151 ,664.12 to be received by the City as a result of arbitration (127)
award with Kenneth Fraser & Co. , Inc. re Wastewater Treatment
Plant.
12. Resolution 14550 approving lease to the FAA of a 1 .4 acre parcel
for the construction of an Automated Weather Observing System (51 )
(AWOS), for term April 15, 1983 through September 30, 2003,
w at no monetary consideration.
13. Minute Order 3216 awarding contract to Meyer Constructors in
amount of $12,899.57, for construction of ramps for the (129)
physically handicapped at various locations throughout the
city.
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14. Resolution 14551 adopting the 1982. Ed. of the Standard Specs (118)
for Public Works Construction.
15. Minute Order 3217 awarding contract to McKinney-BGW, Inc. ,
in amount of $14,944 for furnishing and erecting two steel (117)
structures at the City Corp. Yard.
16. Minute Order 3218 approving Change Order #1 to decrease contract
with Massey Sand & Rock Co. , for downtown crosswalk installation (56)
in amount of $69,538.60 (A.D. 133).
17. Resolution 14552 approving budget amendments to appropriate
funds for sick leave and vacation payouts, as authorized in (61 )
MOUs with various employee units.
18. Resolution 14553 approving Sewer Construction Refund agreement
with Radul Radovich, for sewer installed along Junipero, (128)
generally south and north of Via Olivera.
Council Minutes �
4•-6-83 Page 7
19. Minute Order 3219 ratifying emergency purchase for roof repair
at the McCallum Civic Building, from S & K Roofing Company (117)
in amount of $5,807.60.
20. Resolution 14554 amending the budget to appropriate $15,000 (61 ) I
from Golf Course Retained Earnings to cover unanticipated expend-
itures for fiscal year 1982-83.
21 . Resolution 14555, 14556, 14557 and 14558 approving Payroll (86)
Warrants and Claims & Demands.
22. Resolution 14559 concurring in CRA actions this date. (124)
23. Resolution 14560 amending the budget to appropriate $1 ,507 f
to provide additional assistance to A.D. 140 lava income home- (56)
owners in paying street improvements.
It was moved by Doyle, seconded by Maryanov, and unanimously
carried, that Resolutions 14549 through 14560 and Minute
Orders 3215 through 3219 be adopted.
24. TAHQUITZ-ANDREAS SURVEY AREA EIR - TRAFFIC CONSULTANT
Recommendation: That the Council authorize City Manager
to enter into agreement with JHK and Associates, in amount (124)
not to exceed $6,500, to provide traffic consulting services
for the Tahquitz-Andreas Survey Area EIR. Report reviewed
by Redevelopment Director.
Minute Order 3220 authorizing agreement was presented; after
which, it was moved by Ortner, seconded by Maryanov, and
unanimously carried, that Minute Order 3220 be adopted.
25, PARCEL MAP 17845 & TRACT 18785 - FINAL MAPS
Resolution 14561 , approving Final Parcel Map 17845, to combine
property on the NW corner of Calle Palo Fierro and E. Palm (119)
Canyon - Wagner/H. Hupe; and
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Resolution 14562, approving Final Tract Map 18785 for property
on the NW corner of Racquet Club Road and Indian Avenue - (137)
Sanborn/Racquet Club,
were presented; after which, it was moved by Doyle, seconded
by Maryanov, and unanimously carried, that Resolutions 14561
and 14562 be adopted.
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' Council Minutes
4-6-83 Page 8
26. CULTURAL. CENTER COMMITTEE
City Manager presented his recommendation relai,ive to a
cultural center committee, as a result of Council discussions
at recent study sessions.
In answer to question by Council , City Manager stated that
a target date of May 28 could be set, however, he was not (133)
certain whether, realistically, the subject could be dealt
with that soon.
Councilman Maryanov stated that the issue at hand is how
a cultural center can be paid for and not putting one together;
that he was not opposed to a theatre, and would like to see
one in Palm Springs; that unless the first consideration
is funding, he cannot support the recommendation; chat Touche-
Ross, Nederlander, and the community have looked at the
subject, and he believed the work proposed would be tantamount
to starting over again, unless the issue is funding with
recognition that funding will not come from the City; that
he was not concerned about financing, but paying for it;
that he did not feel the main problem was being addressed;
that one concern noted by Touche-Ross was the question of
simultaneous staff involvement in both a convention center
and a cultural center; and that he believed there were enough
people in the community who want a theatre and can put it
together with some help from the City, but not as the main
source.
1 Councilman Foster stated that the studies have been more
related to a convention center; that he sees 'the proposal
as making the cultural center a reality, including funding
- one charge to the committee is that it not consider city
funding; and that he did not believe the previous studies
were in-depth.
Councilman Doyle stated that he was hopeful the Mayor and
Councilman Foster would issue that charge to the committee;
that he has the same concerns as Mr. Maryanov, but he felt
they were marginally addressed in the recommendation; and
that the committee will have to consider where the funds
will come from to build and operate the center.
Mayor noted that Greg Millar has indicated a willingness
" to chair the committee.
It was moved by Foster, seconded by Doyle, and carried, by
' the following vote, that the recommendation be approved,
subject to revising 1 .B to add ". . . . . . . .and possible joint
use with convention center:"
AYES: Doyle, Foster, Ortner & Bogert
NOES: Maryanov
ABSENT: None
Council Minutes
4-6-83 Page 9 {
REPORTS & REQUESTS:
27. DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS - Received & Ordered Filed
a) Treasurer's Monthly - January & February, 1983
b) CVB - 2nd Quarterly, 1982-83
28. COUNCIL reports or requests
a) It was moved by Foster, seconded by Maryanov, and unani-
mously carried, that the Palm Canyon Committee be commended
for its unique downtown tours.
29. PUBLIC reports or requests - None
30. STAFF reports or requests
a) Proceedings & Accounting Reports for abatement of various -'
nuisances to be received and ordered filed; City Clerk (57)
to set date for public hearing thereon.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business at 9:30 p.m. , Mayor declared
the meeting adjourned. \
JUDITH SUMICH
City Clerk
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