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HomeMy WebLinkAbout6/3/1987 - MINUTES CITY OF PALM SPRINGS U 1 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES JUNE 3, 1987 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, 3200 Tahquitz-McCallum Way on Wednesday, June 3, 1987 at 7:30 p.m. ROLL CALL: Present: Councilmembers Apfelbaum, Birer, Foster, Smith and Mayor Bogert Absent: None The meeting was opened with the Flag Salute and a Moment of Silence. REPORT OF POSTING OF AGENDA: Report of City Clerk: Agenda posted in accordance with Council policy on May 29, 1987. COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY: Mayor declared the meeting adjourned for the purpose of convening as the Community Redevelopment Agency. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: It was moved by Birer, seconded by Foster, and unanimously carried, that the Minutes of April 28, May 12 & 20, 1987, be approved. PUBLIC HEARINGS: 1. REVISED CEQA PROCEDURES (CS. 5.0401) Recommendation: That the Council approve revised local ' guidelines for implementation of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Director of Community Development highlighted his report, (114) and noted that there are six major changes from existing procedures, which were reviewed in detail at the last study session. Mayor declared the hearing opened; there were no appearances, and the hearing was closed. Res 16210 approving revised guidelines and Rescinding Res. 12638, was presented; after which, it was moved by Birer, seconded by Apfelbaum, and unanimously carried, that Resolution 16210 be adopted. 2. CDBG FUNDS, 1987-88 Consideration of further public input and staff recommendation for allocation of 1987-88 CDBG Fund entitlement. City Manager reported that public hearing was held at (85) the last meeting; and that there was considerable discussion at the study session relating to the possibility of ' increasing the allocation for the Senior Center facility expansion. Council Minutesb,� 6-3-87 Page 2 4 2. CDBG FUNDS, 1987-88 (Continued) Economic Development & Housing Specialist reported that two hearings are required; that all projects contained in the Memorandum of the Director of Community Development are eligible for the program funds and meet community needs; and that the allocation for the study on the homeless is included in the administration of the program allocation. Mayor declared the hearing opened. Dick Westerland, Administrator for the Senior Center, stated that they are in full accord with the Staff recommendation. Joan Vaughn, Director of Campfire Youth Agency, requested that the Council allocate funds to provide playground equipment, and a bathroom addition which will allow doubling enrollment. Curtis Roberts, Jr. , President of the Community Action Group of Desert Highland-Gateway Estates, stated that there is a safety problem without lighting in the parking lot and walkway; and that he is wary that $15,000 will be enough to cover it. He stated that the parking lot is dark unless the lights for the total grounds are turned on, which did not happen before; and ii; was his understanding that some of the wires had been cut when the parking lot was constructed. Economic Development Specialist stated that if the allocation is not sufficient, additional funds would be ' found either through a re-allocation of the CDBG funded projects not expended, or other City funds, or installing the project in phases; and that the project has not been designed, and safety issues will be addressed. There were no further appearances, and the hearing was closed. City Manager stated that Councilwoman Apfelbaum reported at the study session that Supervisor Larsen had committed to the County providing $200,000 if the City provided $100,000 toward the Senior Center facility expansion, and if the Council desired to provide the funding, he recommended that it come from the allocation for the housing rehabilitation for the mobilehome park, which could be covered by housing set aside funds. Councilwoman Apfelbaum stated that Supervisor Larsen reiterated her commitment to match the funds on a 2: 1 ratio, with a second alternative that the County would loan the $100,000 with commitment that it would be repaid from the City's CDBG fund entitlement for next year; that the combined amount, plus the Senior Center's reserves, would enable it to secure bank financing, and break ground ' for the project. 7s�;; Council Minutes 6-3-87 Page 3 2. CDBG FUNDS, 1987-88 (Continued) Dick Westerland stated that the County Economic, Development Commission has indicated to them that the could make a loan of the balance needed, Councilwoman Apfelbaum stated that the issue of the Braille Institute vacating the premises needs to be addressed; and Supervisor Larsen would also like the Senior Center to be working on getting its budget in order in a professional way. Mike Bravo, Treasurer for the Center, stated that the financial difficulties are not totally related to management or prior accounting practices, but the main reason is that the funds raised from the annual Americana Ball have dropped off dramatically in the past two years; that records have been computerized in the past six months; and that they are getting their house in order. He stated that there are some funds to last over the next few months, but they will need to raise more funds, and they are addressing how that will be accomplished; and that materials requested by the City are being gathered. City Manager stated that the loan might be appropriate, and would permit more funds to be spent during the year on the programs outlined, and during the interim, it will take time before construction can commence; that there are loose ends which need to be tied, including what the County will commit to, and suggested that this matter be delayed one week. He noted that HUD has indicated that a short layover would be acceptable. ' It was moved by Apfelbaum, seconded Birer„ and unanimously carried, that this matter be continued to June 9, 1987. 3. 1987-88 BUDGET Consideration of public input for 1987-88 budget. City Manager reported that the 1984-85 budget was the last year in which a budget was presented which was fully in line in terms of expenditures vs. income; that during 1984-85 the tax base was affected, and continues to be affected, by the termination of Revenue Sharing, a substantial decrease in the Room Tax revenue, and increases in insurance ($1.5 million over the $600,000 of two years (61:1 ago) ; that a $1. 5 million deficit was projected for 1985-86, which could be covered through reserves, but would lead to spending more than the City's income; that the 1986-87 deficit was projected to be over $2.5 million, and although the Council directed staff to looking at alternatives in terms of new revenues, there was not enough to make up the shortfall , and it made the judgement that $2. 5 million reduction in services would not be in the best interest of the community; that one-half of the tax ' supported funds are for police and fire services, which are least likely to be reduced, thereby throwing a greater burden on the remaining services; and that the Council imposed the utility user tax. He stated that the tax ICouncil Minutes 6-3-87 Page 4 3. 1987-88 BUDGET (continued) will be collected for about one-half of this year, and will go a long way toward reducing the shortfall ; that the tax will be collected for the full 1987-87 fiscal year, and the budget proposed is close to self-financed, with a shortfall of about $200,000, which would not be significant, except the tax will phase out in 1988 unless voter approval is given for its continuation; and that the two other taxes raised would be subject, to voter approval of a continuance. He stated that there is nothing new in the budget, but very much holds the line; that beyond 1987-88, the potential decrease in the tax, and the potential elect-ion and how the city will maintain the present levels after the next fiscal year must be looked at; that there are $4. 5 to $5 million in reserves which could be used, which would not last very long at $2. 5 million per year; that almost $1 million has been cut from the 1986-87 budget requests; that the Operating Funds are supported through taxes, of which parks, police, fire, landscaping, and animal control represent 60%, and the remainder are non-operating funds; that Enterprise funds are in good shape, and are not subsidized by the general tax dollars; that the bulk of new positions recommended are in the Enterprise Funds, primarily Airport and the Convention Center; that a 2¢ increase in the Room Tax approved by the Council some time ago, will support the operation of the Convention Center, and it will not be covered by general taxes. He stated that a sign maintenance crew is proposed, and is funded through other budget cutbacks within the same ' department, in order to accomplish this need; that other new positions include: one half-time person in the Library, one person in fleet management, and one person in Purchasing. He stated that the City has made substantial improvements in the past few years in terms of the Sewer Plant, drainage system, and flood control ; that the drainage fee, coupled with the benefit assessment district revenues, will make a substantial dent in needed drainage improvements; that there are no funds to help with improving residential streets, which are in need of work, particularly in the older areas. Relative to the CRA, he stated that the Agency and City have eight redevelopment project areas, and two in the downtown area have been funded. He also stated that an increase in the sewer service fee is recommended, although there has been no increase for two years, the percentage increase is 5%, and well below other areas; that additional requests have been received to fund other organizations, but no funds are provided in the proposed budget; and that the proposed budget, along with any changes as a result of the study session, will be submitted for approval on June 17. Finance Director reported that the Blue Ribbon Budget Committee has met weekly, and will submit its ' recommendations by the end of June. Mayor declared the hearing opened. Council Minutes 6-3-87 Page 5 g 3. 1987-88 BUDGET (Continued) Jeremy Crocker, 330 W. Arenas Road, commended the City for savings it has made, in particular, the refinancing of certificates of participation, and the use of chip seal as an effective and cost savings 'street program. He stated that he did not believe the Blue Ribbon Budget Committee is far enough removed from the City administration to make cuts needed in the budget, particularly, relative to salaries. He stated that he believed the future of the Room Tax is in jeopardy because of the last stages of development of the Convention Center; that it should be made to be functional and embellishments can come later; that the City has $36 million invested in cash reserves; that he has confidence in the downtown area, and that the number of rentals downtown is up, which shows that the confidence of others in annual sales. Tuck Broich, P.S. Citizens & Merchants Association, reported that the Board voted to request the Council to rescind the 3% Utility Tax. There were no further appearances, and the hearing was closed. No action at this time; budget study session set for June 6, 1987, 8:30 a.m. , City Hall . PUBLIC COMMENTS: a) Jeremy Crocker, 330 W. Arenas Road, stated his opinion that the action proposed in Item 4 is not in the interest of residents in the Valley; that wind turbines produce a greater amount of energy, and supply power (123) for the north end of the valley; that: the production supply should be even higher next year, in spite of removal of the tax credit; and that to consider the surrounding land as residential to reduce noise, might hamper future efforts. LEGISLATIVE ACTION: 4. COUNTY WIND ENERGY NOISE STANDARDS Recommendation: That the Council recommend that proposed revision to the County Land Use Ordinance not be approved as proposed, and that the County consider waivers in exchange for grant of noise easements. (123) Director of Community Development reported that this matter was reviewed in detail at the last study session, and that the bottom line is that the proposed amendments would put the burden of buffering wind turbine noise on adjacent property owners, which the Planning Commission and staff recommend as inappropriate. Res 16211 providing recommendation to the County, as ' recommended, was presented; after which„ it was moved by Apfelbaum, seconded by Foster, and unanimously carried, that Resolution 16211 be adopted. Council Minutes 6-3-87 Page 6 5. CONVENTION CENTER REFINANCING Consideration of action relative to refinancing the Convention Center bond issue. Matter to be rescheduled, not ready for action CONSENT AGENDA: 6. MO 3927 approving revised guidelines for the Senior Home Repair (85) and Housing Rehabilitation Program to increase allowable grant from $250 to $500. 7. Res 16225 amending the Comprehensive Fee Schedule to adjust sewer service charges from $6.85 to $7.20 per month for resi- dential units, and equal percentage increase for all other (61) units, effective July 1, 1987. 8. Res 16212 appropriating into reserves the unappropriated fund balances in designated City Operating and Capital Project funds (61) for future operations or projects. 9. MO 3928 authorizing purchase of multiuser Purchasing software from National Institute of Government Purchasing for $34,640; (117) and Res 16213 amending budget to appropriate $24,640 in additional funds. 10. Res 16214 and 16215 companion actions to CRA consolidation (124) of loans for CBD Project area, action taken this date. 11. MO 3929 approving Change Order No. 2 to increase contract by $93,783.50 for additional aircraft parking ramp removal (51) and replacement, Agr 2416. 12. MO 3930 approving purchase of a police vehicle through the State General Services Department, for $12,029.94. (84) 13. Res. 16216 and 16217 approving Payroll Warrants and Claims & Demands. (86) 14. MO 3931 ratifying emergency purchase of an outdoor freezer box from Thomas Air Conditioning Services, Inc. , for $12,146.43. (117) 15. Res 16218 amending the Allocated Positions & Compensation Plans to increase salary range for Co-generation Technician. (61) 16. Res 16219 approving Engineer' s Report and setting date for a hearing thereon for July 1, 1987, relative to annual (56) assessments for Street Lighting Maintenance District No. 3. 17. Res 16220 approving Engineer's Report and setting date for hearing thereon for July 1, 1987, relative to annual assessments (56) for Street Lighting Maintenance District No. 4. 18. Res 16221-22 confirming 1987-88 assessments for Street Lighting (56) ' Maintenace Districts 1 and 2, respectively. 19. Res 16223 approving Engineer's Report and setting hearing thereon for July 1, 1987 relative to annual assessments on (138) Parkways Maintenance Districts, numbers 6-A, 6-B and 6-C. S 7 Council Minutes 6-3-87 Page 7 20. Res 16224 approving Amendment No. 1 to Grant Agreement for (51) AIP Project 3-06-0181.-07. It was moved by Apfelbaum, seconded by Foster, and unanimously carried, that Resolutions 16212 through 16225 and Minute Orders 3927 through 3931 be adopted. COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS: None ADDED STARTERS (Determine eligibility for consideration) REPORTS OR REQUESTS: 21. CITY COUNCIL reports or requests a) Councilman Foster commended the Fire Department for quick action in responding to a recent fire in Tahquitz Canyon. 22. PUBLIC reports or requests - None 23. STAFF reports or requests - None ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Mayor declared I'he meeting adjourned to Tuesday, June 9, 1987 at 3 p.m. , in the Large Conference Room, City Hall . r JUDITH SUMICH City Clerk