HomeMy WebLinkAbout2/1/1984 - MINUTES CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
FEBRUARY 1 , 1984
A Regular Meeting of the City Council was called to order by Mayor
Bogert, in the Council Chamber, 3200 Tahquitz-McCallum Way, on
Wednesday, February 1 , 1984, at 7:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Present: Councilmembers Foster, Maryanov, Smith &
Mayor Bogert
Absent: None
The meeting was opened with the salute to the Flag and a moment
of silence.
SWEAR-IN CEREMONY: City Clerk administered oath to Janice Lyle,
new member of the Historic Site Preservation Board.
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 Smith, and unanimously
carried, that the Minutes of January 10, 12 and 18, 1984
be approved.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1 . ROOM TAX INCREASE
On January 4, 1984, Council received public testimony
on proposed Ordinance to increase the Room Tax Rate from
7% to 9%, and scheduled this as time for additional public
hearing thereon. City Manager provided background leading
to this hearing.
Housing & Economic Development Director reviewed his report
of February 1 , 1984, detailing concerns which need to (140)
be investigated before Council considers increasing the
tax, and recommended deferring this matter for two weeks
until a conclusion is reached regarding the convention
center district proposal . He suggested that if the Council
determined to adopt the Ordinance at this time., then the
increase be implemented September 1 , 1984.
Mayor declared the hearing open.
Ralph Thornton, 5205 Waverly, Mgr of the Spa Ho Eel , stated
that the hotel supports the increased tax for the support
of the convention center, but does not support, in any
way, the proposed South Palm Canyon Drive site; that such
a site is unsuitable because it fails to accomplish what
a project of this nature should do, i .e. , stimulated
convention growth, help depressed area, and provide a
central focal point for the community; and noted reasons
why he did not believe the site accomplishes those ends,
including: traffic congestion and parking problems that
would have to be dealt with, the relocation of the center
of town, the perpetuation of diversity and in some cases
duplication, lack of opportunity for expansion, which
should be taken into account at the time of initial
planning, the drawing away from existing hotels, instead
of joining together to enhance those and build new hotels
in proximity thereto; and stated that serious long-range
planning should be given to the next 10 years, and beyond.
Council Minutes
2-1-84 Page 2
1 . ROOM TAX (Continued)
Don Brown, Executive VP, Chamber of Commerce, stated that
the Chamber Board supports moving ahead with the proposal ,
recognizing the problems of earmarking the funds, but
did not couple its support with a specific site, although
it favored a Section 14 location; and concerns of owners (140)
of small hotels„ that their clientele will pay the tax
and their facilities are not geared for the use of the
convention facilities.
There were no further appearances.
It was moved by Maryanov, seconded by Foster, and
unanimously carried, that the hearing be continued to
February 15, 1984.
2. A.D. 144 - CAMINO PAROCELA STREET IMPROVEMENTS
Recommendation: That the Council adopt: resolutions to
proceed with the construction of street: improvements in
Camino Parocela, between Calle Ajo and Calle Palo Fierro;
award contract to Kyser Construction, in amount of $71 ,
992.50; and award sale of the fronds to Stone & Youngberg, (56)
at an interest rate of 8.25% and a discount of 6.4%.
Director of Community Development reported that additional
CDBG funds appear to be available for this project, and
recommended that this matter be continued in order to
present a supplemental report which may be considered
by the Council to address allocating additional funds.
He stated that no written protests were filed.
Mayor declared the hearing open; there being no appearances,
the hearing was closed.
It was moved by Smith, seconded by Foster, and unanimously
carried, that action be continued to February 15, 1984.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
a) Russ Beirich, 415 S. Palm Canyon, President of Desert
Round Table, spoke in support of compensation for (701)
the Office of Mayor, stating that the result of recent
survey by Round Table, based on three different
questions, showed majority support of a salary for
the Mayor, i .e. , $15,000.
b) Jeremy Crocker stated that he has submitted a letter
regarding Item 14 on the agenda, (See Item 18) and
requested it be considered for public hearing.
c) Zachary Pitts stated that the McCalllum Civic Building
was offered for sale 18 months ago and the City received (1117)
offers at that time; that no award was made, nor were
offers rejected; that the City should not be in
competition with downtown merchants, and the building
should not be leased without parking; that the property
adjoins the Plaza, and he has twice offered to buy
it; and that if the City does not want to sell the
building as it is, then it should not go into
competition by leasing it.
LEGISLATIVE ACTION:
0
Council Minutes
2-1-84 Page 3
3. MUNICIPAL CODE AMENDMENT - MAYOR/COUNCIL COMPENSATION
On January 18, 1984, Council directed staff to prepare
an ordinance to provide an annual compensation of $15,000
for the Mayor and $1 ,800 for Councilmembers.
City Attorney stated that the proposed ordinance, follows
the directive of the Council , however, if the Council
desires to establish a salary for its member, it must
by statute, set a salary of $200 per month, which is based
on population formula specified in the Government Code.
Councilman Smith stated that most people with whom he
has had contact, have supported the idea of compensation
for the Mayor; that he believes it is a full-time position,
and the amount is more compensation, than actual salary.
Councilman Maryanov stated that his viewpoint is not
directed to the current Mayor, and did not think the Council
could begin to pay him enough for what he has done; however,
the City is a General Law City, run by a city manager,
and payment for the mayor begins to blur that distinction;
that he is concerned about the discrepancy between the (70)
two amounts of compensation, in that the City is governed
by five officials, and disparity is a concern; and that
he believed this to be a decision which should be made
by the electorate.
Councilman Foster stated that he has no problem paying
the mayor' s position, however, is uncomfortable with voting
a compensation for himself, and his intent is not to accept
it.
City Attorney stated ,that there is not provision to refuse
to accept, and believed it would be possible to do so.
City Clerk read title of the Ordinance, as follows:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA,
ADDING SECTION 2.04.020 AND 2.04.021 TO THE PALM SPRINGS
MUNICIPAL CODE, ESTABLISHING SALARIES FOR MEMBERS
OF THE CITY COUNCIL AND PROVIDING ADDITIONAL
COMPENSATION FOR THE MAYOR.
It was moved by Foster, seconded by Maryanov, and
unanimously carried, that further reading be waived;
and it was moved by Foster, seconded by Smith, and
carried by the following vote, that the Ordinance
be introduced for first reading:
AYES: Foster, Smith & Bogert
NO: Maryanov
ABSENT: None
038
Council Minutes
2-1-84 Page 4
4. MUNICIPAL CODE AMENDMENT - TIME SHARE OCCUPANCY TAX (Intro.
1-10-84)
City Clerk read title of Ordinance 1214 re Time Share
Occupancy Tax. (1110)
It was moved by Smith, seconded by Foster, and unanimously
carried, that further reading be waived, and Ordinance
1214 be adopted.
5. CO-GENERATION FACILITIES - QUALIFIED CONSTRUCTION BIDDERS
Recommendation: That the Council certify the firms
qualified as bidders for the construction of the
co-generation facilities (second phase of a 2-step bidding
process). (5`-)
Resolution 14923 certifying qualifier,) bidders, was
presented; after which, it was moved by Foster, seconded
by Maryanov, and unanimously adopted, that Resolution
14923 be adopted.
6. MUNICIPAL SOLAR UTILITY - LEASING PROGRAM
Recommendation: That the Council accept proposal of Jan
Hamrin Associates, in amount of $14,700, to develop an
operational MSU.
Building & Safety Director stated that this will enable
homeowners and owners of multiple residential property (5` )
to take advantage of tax credits available for the leasing
of solar systems. He stated that the first: phase is $5,000,
after which, it will be known whether it is feasible to
proceed; and the revenue that will be available to the
City to recover these costs as well as future administrative
costs.
In answer to question by Council , Building & Safety Director
stated that there will be a set of criteria that contractors
must comply with, including bonding and other types of
similar instruments; and that the City"s liability will
be limited to the extent that the contractors are legitimate
and have been reviewed by the City.
Minute Order 3341 accepting proposal , was presented; after
which, it was moved by Foster, seconded by Maryanov, and
unanimously carried, that Minute Order 3341 be adopted.
7. REVENUE COST ANALYSIS
Recommendation: That the Council approve agreement with
David M. Griffith and Associates, Ltd. , in amount of
$46,750, for a revenue cost analysis study; and amend (61 &
the budget to provide necessary funds, therefor.
1'I4)
Councilman Maryanov stated that he considers this contract
a means of identifying not only whether the amount of
fees charges is appropriate, but whether there should
be fees where there are none at the present time, and
possibly if the City is spending too much to provide a
given service.
Minute Order 3342 approving agreement;, and Resolution
14924 amending budget, were presented ; after which, it
was moved by Maryanov, seconded by Foster, and unanimously
carried, that Minute Order 3342 and Resolution 14924 be
adopted.
Council Minutes
2-1-84 Page 5
8. McCALLUM CIVIC BUILDING DISPOSITION
Recommendation: That the Council declare the McCallum
Civic Building site surplus and call for bids for long-term
leasing thereof, under certain conditions, and rescind
prior Resolution 14274.
Redevelopment Director reported that the property has
been offered for sale, but Council has not given indication
that any of the offers made are acceptable; that the latest
proposal is that the property be marketed under a lease
arrangement for a retail arcade within a renovated building;
that such a use may not be the ultimate decision, but
to-date the Council has not received what it considers
an adequate proposal ; that a retail arcade will provide
an opportunity for people who wish to start a business (117)
in Palm Springs, a chance to test it, without being stuck
with long-term leasing, e.g. , 10 years; that the proposal
is to see if there is a market for this type of use; that
60% of the revenue would be allocated directly into the
parking fund ; that the amount of the proposal is recommended
to be not less than $100,000 against a 6% gross, with
an annual rent adjustment within the first three years,
based on cost-of-living index, and thereafter each two
years; and that the offer would need to include a floor
plan and design for exterior renovation. He stated that
question remains whether the auditorium portion of the
site should be included in the retail arcade, or perhaps
serve as relocation site or restoration of theatre use.
He also stated that letter received from the Liebling
Trust indicates support of the proposal .
In answer to question by Council , Redevelopment Director
reported that the Council has not formally rejected the
previous offers which were made; and it might: be better
to bring that forward for Council consideration after
the lease proposals, if any, are received.
Councilman Maryanov stated that he favored having the
staff come up with recommendation that any money put into
the parking fund be spent for parking in this area.
Mayor suggested delaying action on the sale of the property,
and provide opportunity to update offers ; and lacking
success in that regard, then call for lease proposals.
As a result of discussion, proposed resolution, was revised,
as follows:
"Section 1 . That Resolution 14274, . . . . . . . . . is rescinded
effective March 1 , 1984. "
"Section 4. That the City Manager . . . . . . . . . .bids for
the sale of the property or for the lease
thereof for a term of 60 years"
"Section 8. That a minimum bid requirement for
leasing "
after which, it was moved by Maryanov, seconded by Foster,
and unanimously carried, Smith abstaining, that Resolution
14925, approving action as modified above, be adopted.
Council Minutes
2-1-84 Page 6
CONSENT AGENDA:
9. Minute Order 3343 ratifying expenditure of $9,360 for concrete
golf cart paths across the wash area at the Municipal Golf (92)
Course, under contract with Kyser Construction Co. , CP 83-67.
10. Minute Order 3344 awarding contract to Public Agencies Data
Systems (PADS) for the collection of delinquent parking (117)
citations.
11 . Resolution 14926 aproving 12-mo. time extension for TPNI 18373
for property on the NE corner of Via Donna and Paseo El M-irador, (119)
Sec 11 , L. Zeheuss, expires: March 17, 1985.
12. Resolution 14927 approving 12-mo. time extension for TPM 14063,
for property on the SE corner of N. Palm Canyon and Camino (119)
Monte Vista, Sec. 10, A. Nermian, Expires: 12-23-84.
13. Resolution 14928 appointing 7-member PAC for PA#6 - N. Palm
Canyon Area. (124)
14. Resolution 14929 designating James Runge, Emergency Services
Coordinator, as local agent to obtain Federal financial assist- (1/14)
ance under the Disaster Relief Act or President' s Disaster
Relief Fund.
15. Resolutions 14935 and 14936 approving Payroll Warrants & Claims
& Demands. (86)
16. Minute Order 3345 awarding bid to purchase two 3-wheel gasoline
utility vehicles to Electric Car Distributors, in amount of (84)
$13,536.20.
17. Resolution 14930 approving Amendment #3 to the Allocated
Positions & Compensation Plans for 83-84, relative to Community (6.1 )
Development Department, to delete 1 Adm. Aide position (112
allocated to each Economic Development & Housing, and to
Redevelopment Agency) and to add an Economic; Dev & Hsg Spec
and a Redevelopment Specialist; and to establish hourly rate
for "Student Worker".
It was moved by Smith, seconded by Maryanov, and unanimously
carried, that Resolutions 14926 through 14930 and Minute Orders
3343 through 3345 be adopted.
18. PA#5 OASIS - PROJECT AREA COMMITTEE
Redevelopment Director stated that letter from Mr. Crocker
related to consistency of unit count, and he did not believe
the unit count was incorrect. He stated that both of (124)
the properties referred to in Mr. Crocker' s letter are
considered to be hotels by redevelopment definition, and
relocation requirements do not require that hotels guest
be relocated, therefore, the count was based on resident
hotel managers. He stated that the project extends over
30 years, and it is not known who will be relocated or
when.
Councilman Foster stated that 'there may be residents who
live in these units who are not transients, and may be
registered voters; however, over the 30 year period, things
will change and this will not have much affect on the
proposed recommendation to determine that a PAC shall
not be formed.
Resolution 14931 , determining that PAC shall not be formed
for the project area, was presented; after which, it was
moved by Smith, seconded by Maryanov, and unanimously
carried, that Resolution 14931 be adopted.
0 4 _.L
Council Minutes
2-1-84 Page 7
ADDED STARTERS:
19. Minute Order 3345, authorizing DWA to construct new water
main and related work in Civic Drive, as part of CP 83-11 , (136)
in amount of $10,534, and waiving formal bid, therefor.
20. Resolution 14932 approving participation in Riverside County
Flood Control District pass-through agreement relative to (124)
PA #3 South Palm Canyon, and rescind Resolution 14836.
20. Resolution 14933 approving participation in Riverside County
Flood Control District pass-through agreement for PA #4 (124)
Ramon-Bogie, and rescinding Resolution 14837.
21 . Resolution 14934 approving the issuance of Community
Redevelopment Agency COB Redevelopment Project Tax Allocation (124)
Bonds, 1984, Series A (PA#1-FINANCING) .
It was moved Smith, seconded by Maryanov, and unanimously
carried, that Minute Order 3345 and Resolutions 14932 through
14934 be adopted, Foster abstaining on Resolution 14933.
REPORTS OR REQUESTS:
22. CITY COUNCIL
a) Councilman Maryanov gave a status report of the
committee working on Senior Center issue.
23. PUBLIC reports or requests
24. STAFF reports or requests
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor declared the meeting
adjourned to February 14, 1984, at 3 p.m. , in the Large
Conference Room, City Hall .
RJ�UDITH:S61MICH
City Clerk