The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About7/12/1983 - MINUTES CITY OF PALM SPRINGS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES JULY 12, 1983 An Adjourned Regular Meeting of the City Council was called to order by Mayor Bogert, in the Large Conference Room, City Hall , 3200 Tahquitz-McCallum Way, on Tuesday, July 12, 1983, at 1 :30 p.m. ROLL CALL: Present: Councilmembers Doyle, Foster, Ortner and Mayor Bogert Absent: Councilman Maryanov LEGISLATIVE ACTION: 1 . SPECIAL TAX - POLICE Background: On July 5, 1983, the Council directed that proposed ordinance to impose a special tax for additional police services be revised and reconsidered at this time. Deyna Hodges, Convener for the Crime Reduction Task Force, stated that the task force held a meeting last week, at which representatives from four community groups attended, and at which the task force adopted recommendation, a full copy of which is on file in the Office of the City Clerk, (140) supporting a modified version of the ordinance to levy the special tax, i .e. , specifying four categories, authorizing pass-through on rent-controlled property, establishing base year of 1983-84, and imposing sunset provisions. She stated R the task force recommended a six-year termination, with voter approval to continue after four years, which would give a 2-year period in which to phase-out the additional service if the voters elected to discontinue the tax. She also stated that the four categories would result in the same revenue income; that only one issue should be placed on the ballot; and that the task force urged, although not included in the ordinance, that if the measure does not receive the 2/3 approval , that the Council not consider imposing a general tax after the election. Police Chief stated that the amounts from the four categories have been verified by the consultant, and will produce the same revenue; and that he believed the revised ordinance probably would be more acceptable to the community. Councilwoman Ortner stated that she supported the revised ordinance, and did not wish to commit to not considering a general tax at a later date if the measure did not receive the 2/3 vote. Coucilman Doyle stated that if the measure did not receive a 2/3 vote, and there was a strong response for police service, then the Council could still provide something. Mayor stated that a sunset clause would make it difficult for future Councils to deal with the additional services which would then be in-place. Some members of the task force expressed views that the ordinance would be easier to sell to the voters if it had a sunset clause, and that it would be easier to continue the tax than to remove it. Discussion ensued relative to the alternate language for Section 16. City Attorney explained that the alternate language, which ties continuance of the amount of this tax to the continuance of the increase appropriations limit, which requires a vote at the end of four years, but which need only be approved by a majority of the voters. City Manager stated that the State law gives Council Minutes 7-12-83 Page 2 I . SPECIAL TAX (Continued ) the ability to establish the tax, which requires a 2/3 affirmative vote, but there is no requirement to secure a 2/3 vote to extend the appropriations limit, and he believed that a majority of the community should determine the future of the City. Task force members agreed that once approved by 2/3 vote, the majority vote should prevail . Discussion also ensued regarding imposing a tax on unimproved property, which the task force originally had believed was an insignificant amount, but after comment by the City Attorney as to potential argument that if unimproved property was not included in the initial imposition of the tax, it would not be imposed when the property developed. Task force members noted that all property, once improved, should be subject to the tax. It was the consensus of the Council , and 'task force members, that a "no tax until improved" statement could be shown under the tax heading in the CONT'D ordinance for the Unimproved parcels category. (140) Following discussion, City Clerk read title of the Ordinance, as follows: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINNGS, CALIFORNIA, LEVYING A SPECIAL TAX FOR POLICE PROTECTION, AUTHORIZING SURCHARGE THEREOF ON RENT-CONTROLLED PROPERTY, AND INCREASING THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS' SPENDING LIMIT SET IN ACCORDANCE WITH ARTICLE XIII B OF THE CALIFORNIA CONSTITUTION BY THE AMOUNT OF THE PROCEEDS OF THE SPECIAL TAX. ' It was moved by Doyle, seconded by Ortner, and unanimously carried, Maryanov absent, that further reading be waived, and that the Ordinance be amended to reflect $25 per, dwelling unit for "residential " category; a "no tax until improved" under the "tax" heading for "Unimproved parcels" category; and Alternate language for Section 16. as provided by City Attorney; and that the Ordinance, as amended, be introduced for first reading. 2. MAIN LIBRARY PARKING LOT MODIFICATION Background: On July 6, 1983, the Council continued " consideration of recommendation to award contract for modifications to the parking lot at the main library. Members (99) of the Council visited the site to study plans in relationship thereto. Councilman Foster requested that this matter be continued, and an alternate bid be obtained as to possible further modifications of the design. He stated that since the main entrance will be moved, the pine trees and circular driveway now in place should become more of a focal point, with some means of keeping cars from parking in the area. Councilwoman Ortner stated that there is riot much shade ' from the pine trees, and perhaps something greener and more attractive could be planted. Councilman Doyle stated that this matter had been reviewed by the Library Board, staff, and technical experts on staff, and the Council forgot its policies and system for reviewing plans at early stages, and although he believed what had originally been proposed was appropriate, he recognized the concerns of Councilmember Foster, and supported a continuance. Council Minutes 7-12-83 Page 3 2. MAIN LIBRARY (Continued) Director of Community Development stated that modification of the design and alternate bid thereon could be obtained by the July 27 meeting; after which, it was moved by Doyle, CONT'D seconded by Foster, and unanimously carried, Maryanov absent, (99) that this matter be continued to July 27, 1983, and that alternate design and bid be obtained. Review Procedures: City Manager inquired if the Council wished to change its existing policy relative to review of plans and specifications, i .e. , apprised of the various projects and status, including preparation of plans and bidding stages; that members can review the plans as they choose, or call up any matter for review by the entire Council . Councilman Foster stated that he wished to be made aware of what is happening in a clearer manner, noting that the overview sometimes suggests that a project is supposed to be out to bid, but the plans have not been completed. Councilman Doyle expressed satisfaction with the policy, stating that the Council needs to be more aware of it and to follow it, and he did not see need for change. Comments concurred in by Mayor. No action. 3. COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS I It was moved by Ortner, seconded by Doyle, and unanimously carried, Maryanov absent, that the Mayor' s appointments, for terms ending June 30, 1986, be approved as follows: Sharon Apfelbaum, Planning Commission; Deyna Hodges and Peter Bray to the Downtown Development Advisory Commission. (60) Mayor noted that there remains an unexpired vacancy on the Downtown Development Advisory Commission, and it will be filled at a later date. ADJOURNMENT ' There being no further business, at 2:30 p.m. , Mayor declared the meeting adjourned to Wednesday, July 13, 1983, at 7:30 p.m. , in the Council Chamber. LC <�_ ` JUDITH SUMICH City Clerk