HomeMy WebLinkAbout7/2/1986 - MINUTES CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
JULY 2, 1986
A Regular (Meeting of 'the City Council of the City of Palm Springs,
California, was called to order by Mayor Bogert, in the Council Chamber,
5200 TahgLdtz-•MCCalinm Way, on Wednesday, July 2, 1986 at 7:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Present: Councilmembers Apfelbaum, Birer, Foster, Smith
and Mayor Bogert
Absent: None
The meeting was opened with the salute to the Flag, and a Moment
of Silence.
COMMENDATION:
Resolution previously adopted, commending Toni Hanlon, was
presented to him.
COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY: Mayor declared the meeting adjourned
to convene in joint session.
JOINT PUBLIC HEARING
1 . McCALLUM BUILDING - DISPOSITION
Recommendation: That the Council/Agency consider Participation
Agreement with Wessman Development Company, for the sale and
remodeling of the McCallum Civic Building.
Redevelopment Director reported that a lengthy report was
given at the last study session; and highlighted the history
of the building from the City' s acquisition in 1975, concluding
with the current status of negotiation phase with Mr. Wessman.
He described Mr. Wessman' s project, and stated that staff (117)
recommends that the proceeds from the sale be placed in the
Parking Fund for parking within close proximity to the site;
that the proposal includes a sharing by the Agency of the
cost of improvements for public beneii't, i .e. , right-of-way
surrounding the property at 100%; library fountain, walks
and minor remodeling at 75%, courtyard and walks at Indian
and Tahquitz (excludes building) as well as public restrooms
at 50%, and area considered mall area at 25%, that Wessman
wi 1 I front the costs 100%, with the Agency to repay its cost
from 'tax increment proceeds from the project •- estimated at
$30,000 annually - at no interest; that sales tax from the
project is estimated at $58,400 annually; and if approved,
the work would commence within one year. Ile stated that the
AAC, Planning Commission, Historic Site and Library Boards
have approved the project.
In answer to question by Council , Redevelopment Director stated
that the City/Agency dual involvement relates to the sale
of the property by the City and the participation in the
agreement by the Agency; that the project can serve as a major
impetus for other projects , that there are four sites within —
close proximity which may be considered for parking; that
staff should be instructed to further explore those sites;
that the building is non-conforming, and in the absence of
intensifying its use, the proceeds do not have to go toward
providing parking, if the Council did not desire 'to do so.
Council Minutes
7-2-85 Page 2
1 . McCALLUM BUILDING (Continued)
Mayor declared the hearing opened.
John Wessman, 72-200 Clancy Lane, Rancho Mirage. stated that
the City has pedestrian activity downtown and needs to promote
and preserve that aspect of the community; that, the project
will be a major remodel , costing millions of dollars, and
more than if it were constructed from the beginning; and that
he guarantees that no expense will be spared in terms of details
and quality of the building.
Dan Johnson, Schlecht, Shevlin & Shoenb(-rger, , attorney
representing Plaza Investments, stated that the Plaza Submittal
was based on design criteria, including providing sufficient
parking; that in negotiating with Wessman, he believed the
C i%y relied on the premise that Mr. Wessman could get the
Tackett property, and build one project; that if the criteria
was changed, Plaza should be able to submit a new proposal
that would address changed circumstances; that he believed
the City should accept the original offer of Plaza, since
it was the only offer which met the criteria., or request
re- submittals; that if the Council agreed to construct the
parking on the Welmas Building, then Plaza would not have
any, objections to the approval .
Deyna (lodges, 2122 E. Baristo, President of the Palm Springs
Citizens & Merchants Association, questioned the rationale
for selling the building at the suggested price, and the manner
in which proposals were sought; and suggested that the Wall
Street Journal , L.A. Times ; and possibly listing with a Real
Estate Broker should be employed; that the Agency purchased
' vacant land for a fire station, and paid more than the proposed
sale of the (McCallum Building; that she believed the site
has increased in value since 1984, due to Maxims, the Marquis
and the pending Convention Center; that it was her understanding
there is not a current appraisal our the property; that she
believed Mr. Wessman's option expired in June, 1985; that
there is a parking problem downtown ; and suggested that perhaps
the property should be made into a park.
There being no further appearances, the hearing was closed.
Councilman Smith stated that it has been said consistently
that merchants do not want mini parks downtot,,in, especially
because of the potential For "hangouts" ; that there is a
conflict of views ; that Wessman is a developer with the
wherewithal and track record to make the project succeed;
that his projects end up looking like the drawings; that the
Council has a significant opportunity to take a blighted piece
of property and make it into something that is beautiful and
an advantage to the community; and that it should be taken.
Councilmesnber Birer stated that the private sector is different
from the public sector, and in this case, the Council must
create something that will be of value in terms- other, than
' just dollars, but aesthetics, and the potential for an
enterprise that may become key to downtown; that $$25 per square
foot is adequate; that the building would have to be demolished
for anyone to do anything with the property, but the developer
proposes taking what -is there and turning it 'unto something
very good, with a fair return to the City; and that the
developer' s willingness to advance the funds to the Agency
and accept repayment from tax accruals, is an advantage to
the City in getting a beautiful center, parking funds, and
a theme for other projects downtown.
Council Minutes
7-2-86 Page 3?
1 . McCALLUM BUILDING (Continued)
Councilman Foster stated that there were a number of responses "
to the original call for proposals, but only the two were
considered responsive; that the Plaza proposal was for more
dollars, but paid over a period of years, at no interest,
avid the analysis showed that it was, in fact, not a better
offer, but almost equal ; that the Council has tallied with
many interested persons who have wanted to develop the site,
and the Council must consider the benefits of the project,
as well as trying to get back its investment - which, initially,
was `r250,000.
Councilman Birer stated that the Plaza proposal did not include
parking on site, rather located elsewhere; and from a design
criteria, the proposals were basically equivalent.
In answer to question by Councilwoman Apfelbaum, City Attorney
stated that she would not have a conflict of 'interest because
of a limited partnership of her husband' s, but may on the
appearance of conflict; and he recommended that; she abstain
at this time, until he can explore it further• with her.
Resolution 15935, authorizing sale and approving Agr #2329,
was 'presented ; after which, it was moved by Birer, seconded
by Smith, and unanimously carried, Apfelbaum abstaining, that
Resolution 15935 be adopted.
Resolution 432, approving the owner-participation Agr 4157,
as recommended, was presented; after which, it was moved by
Birer, seconded by Smith, and unanimously carried, Apfelbaum
abstaining, that Resolution 432 be adopted.
(Note: The Agency remained in session and concluded its business; '
after which, the Council reconvened)
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
It was moved by 'Birer, seconded by Apfelbaum, and unanimously
carried, that the Minutes of June 4, 1986 be approved.
OTHER PUBLIC HEARINGS:
2. STREET VACATION - CERRITOS
On June 4, 1986, Council declared intent to vacate a portion
of the undeveloped portion of Cerritos Drive, within Mesquite
Country Club. Report highlighted by Planning Director.
Mayor declared the hearing opened; there being no appearances, (145)
the hearing was closed.
Resolution 15940 vacating easement as recommended, was
presented; after which, it was moved by Apfelbaum, seconded
by Birer, and unanimously carried, that Resolution 15940 be
adopted.
3. TTM 21492
Recommendation: That the Council approve -iTM 21492 to combine
property on El 'Segundo and Saturnine, Section lei, Bernard
Cravford. Director of Community Development reported receipt
of request by the applicant that this matter be continued (137)
for two weeks.
Mayor inquired if anyone wished to be heard; there were no
appearances, and it was moved by Foster, seconded by Birer,
and unanimously carried, that the hearing •be continued to
July 16, 1986.
Council Minutes
7- 2-86 Page ✓p
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
a) Jeremy Crocker, 330 Wti". Arenas Road, stated that relative
to the Auto Center, the interior, parcel of the property
would have to be. developed to make the project workable;
that an article appearing in 'Desert View commented on
the mutt-million dollars required to haul the refuse from
the prior dump site; that to sell the land to the dealers
' at $2.44 per square foot means that the remainder would
have to be carried by the taxpayers out of new increase
in revenues coming from the utility tax; and that the
alternative would be that it would require an inordinante
pay back from a dealer selling and yielding bout 1% in
auto sales revenues in the City.
b) Ralph Hitchcock, SCE, stated that utility tax exemptions
can be made in Edison° s billing system, manually, but
leaves room for error; that the ordinance, substantially (140)
conforms to what Edison can live with; and he understood
that the Council might be looking at future modifications,
at which time, any concerns of Edison might be considered.
c) Robert Bertrand, 933 Chino Canyon, recommended that the
Council adopt: the same ordinance as PaTm Desert; and that
it change it.s election date to November General Election
dates., to save $27,000.
d) George Goldberg stated that the City needs a trash burning
center, to eliminate need for future dump sites.
e) James Toenjes, 1863 Park Drive, stated that he submitted
an archaeological report a number of years ago regarding (117)
' possible finds at the McCallum Building.
LEGISLATIVE ACTIOiN:
4. P.D. 177 & TPM 21324 _ EXPO ENTERPRISES
On dune l&, 1986, Council re-opened public hearing, and
continued consideration of Planning Commission recommendation
to approve above planned development district and parcel map
Foy, 40--unit mobilehome park on the south side of the west
end of Mesquite Avenue, pending a field trip.
Planning Director reported that action before the Council (116 &
relates to preliminary plan and tentative map, and final 137)
development plans would have to be approved, including grading,
landscaping, flood control , etc ; that suggested language was
previously presented, and has been added to the proposed
resolution, relative to resolution of open space.
in answer to question by Council , City Attorney stated that
it appears litigation will occur before right to use the
easement is established, but that the City should not be
involved in that regard, that if the project is approved,
and the easement is not upheld, the approval is useless unless
the developer can complete the project without it; that the
Planning Commission concluded .that the project has access
to Mesquite, and even if the interior street ended in a stub,
it would not make a difference to the project.
: It , ,, , COMIC i1 Minutes
7-2-86 Pale 5
4. P.D. 177 (Continued)
Planning Director stated that the AAC discussed the question
of height from the standpoint lacking a centrol location,
and the difficulty for certain people to be able, physically,
to get to the recreation area at all because of the steps;
however, it did think the structure was fairly limited and
the pool would not be seen from loader elevations.
Councilmember Smith stated that the concern of elderly tenants (137�
is valid, however, his primary concern relates to disruption
of the area above the 522 feet.
Councilmember Apfelbaum stated that if the pool area is
unattainable, tenants might attempt to use Parkview facilities,
and perhaps it should be more conveniently located.
Resolution 15936., approving P.D. and TTM, as recommenced,
was presented ; after which, it was moved by Foster, seconded
by Apfelbaum, and unanimously carried, that Resolution 15936
be adopted, subject to modification that no development be
allowed above 522 feet, and that adequacy of flood control
conditions be verified.
5. ORDINANCES FOR SECOND READING of ADOPTION (Intro 6- 18-86)
a
City Clerk read title of Ordinance 1267„ amending the CATV
Franchise after which, it was moved by Foster, seconded by (139)
Smith, and unanimously carried, that further reading be waived,
and Ordinance 1267 be adopted.
City Clerk read title of Ordinance 1268 adding Utility User ('140)
Tax to Municipal Code., after which, it was moved by Foster, '
seconded by Smith, and unanimously carried, that further reading
be waived, and Ordinance 1268 be adopted.
CONSENT AGENDA:
6. MO 3767 approving amendment No. 7 to Agr 15➢8 with Golden West ('➢17)
Building Management Company, to correct amendment No. 6 to delete
the Main Library from the agreement.
It was moved by Foster, seconded by Apfelbaum, and unanimously
carried, that Minute Order 3767 be adopted
7. AIRPORT AIP 04 - MASSEY
Recommendation: That the Council authorize a Purchase Order
Change Order in the amount of $15,625.57 to the contract with
Massey Sand & Rock, based upon final calculation of actual
quantities installed as part of the runway extension project.
This item was reviewed in study session, and no further report (51 )
was given.
Minute Order 3768, approving change in purchase order amount,
as recommended, +.vas presented; after which, it was moved by
Apfelbaum, seconded by, Birer, and unanimously carried, that
Minute Order 3768 be adopted.
8. MUNICIPAL GOLF COURSE -- PRO SHOP
Recommendation: That the Council approve agreement with William
G. Kleindienst and Associates for architectural services for
the design of the remodeling and expansion of the Municipal (92)
Golf Course Pro shop, in amount of $12,000 - Agr #2330. Report
highlighted by Director of Community Services.
Council Minutes
7-2-86 Page 6
8. MUNICIPAL GOLF COURSE (Continued)
Minute order 3769 approving Agreement 2330, as recommended,
was presented; after which, it was moved by Apfelbaum, seconded
by Birer., and unanimously carried, that Minute Order 3769
be adopted.
9. MOU - POLICE_ UNIT
Recommendation: That the Council approve MOO for employees
in the Police Unit for 1986-87, which provides a. 1.5% salary
increase, and other~ total compensation changes; amend the
1986-87 Allocated Positions & Compensation Plans, to accommodate (110)
same; and approve agreements for group dental insurance and
sworn poi ice safety health and life insurance programs,
including City contribution rates, for 1986--87. Recommendations
highlighted by Personnel Director.
Resolutions 15937, 15938 and 15939, approving actions as
recommended, respectively, were presented; after which, it
was moved by Birer, seconded by Apfelbaum, and unanimously
carried, that Resolutions 15937 through 15939 be adopted.
10. COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS
It was moved by Birer, seconded by Smith, and unanimously
carried, that the Mayor' s appointments to various boards and
commissions, be approved as follows:
Commission_ Name Term
Airport James Stuart 6-30-87 (60)
Robert Brock 6-30-89
Jim Kalyvas 6-30-89
' Community Services Greg Hough 6-30-89
Jeanne Reller 6-30-89
CVB Scott Vaughan 6-30-89
Burton Spivack 6-30-89
Economic Develop. Russ Beirich 6-30-89
Frank Purcell 6-30-89
Dave Baron 6-30-89
Historic Site Richard Milanovich 6-30-89
Janice Lyle 6-30-89
Library Dorothy Kirby 6-30-89
Lynn Krall 6-30-89
Personnel Emmett Connors 6-30-89
Planning Gary Olsen 6-30-89
N. Palm Carryon Project Area Committee - Madelyn Brechlin; (124)
and Enima Brown to County Office on Aging.
REPORTS & REQUESTS: ',
CITY COUNCIL reports or requests - None
' PUBLIC reports or requests
a) Jeremy Crocker, 330 W. Arenas, stated that the Council ' s
interest in the Plaza de Pas Flores project should be (117)
sales tax revenue, since increase, in property tax wi11
pass to the Agency; that the front portion is highly
desirable for retail use, however, his conversations with
people, indicate that shoppers and pedestrians do not
travel beyond the street sidewalks for fear of being mugged;
that perhaps ingress and egress for the mall area should
be only through the shops; and that there is large parking
space deficiency for that block.
Council Minutes
7-2-86 Page 7
STAFF reports or requests -- None
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business at 9 p.m. , Mayor declared
the meeting adjourned to a Closed Session (Personnel ,) ; after
which, there was no further business, and the meeting was
adjourned.
t
jUDITH SUMICH
City Clerk