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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2/17/1988 - MINUTES f'1 d CITY OF PALM SPRINGS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES FEBRUARY 17, 1988 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, February 17, 1988 at 7:30 p.m. ROLL CALL: Present: Councilmembers Apfelbaum, Birer, Foster, Smith and Mayor Bogert Absent: None REPORT OF POSTING OF AGENDA: Report of City Clerk: Agenda posted in accordance with Council policy on February 12, 1988. Item 10 to be deleted, there were no additional items. PRESENTATION: Rolph Arnhaym presented the Council with the City of Palm Springs Flag. 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 Birer, seconded by Apfelbaum, and unanimously carried, that the Minutes of January 26 & February 3, 1988 be approved. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None PUBLIC COMMENTS: a) Greg Moran, resident, stated that he would like the Airport parking concession to be bid by local people, and that the contract with APCOA not be extended for eighteen months. He added that he has a memo from APCOA indicating the opposite of what the Airport Commission wants. b) Chuck Amena, 1310 Camino Amapola, expressed concern as to when the traffic signal project at Vista Chino and Gene Autry Trail be completed. c) Dick O' Linn, questioned the first phase of budget cuts regarding Police and Fire personnel . He stated that the figures of crime are on the rise, and that the cuts of manpower will set the level below the 1980 levels. He asked for reconsideration of the concept. d) Ron Johnson, 7850 Paseo Azulejo, Chairman of the Cathedral Canyon Country Club Homeowners Association, Security Committee, showed photos of bikers encountering problems with the security gates; and stated that the Cathedral Canyon Country Club residents are being subjected to problems as a result of building biketrails. e) Bob Leonard, 7571 Paseo Azulejo, President of the Cathedral Canyon Country Club Homeowners Association #6, stated he represented 100 homeowners, and supported the abandonment of the easement. f) Diane Marantz, #6 Palomino Road, Park and Recreation Commission, stated that the Commission has no objection to the bike path, questioned what the Cathedral Canyon Country Club planned to do with the existing biketrail ; and stated that the Commission' s only reservations related to maintenance of the trail , and who would pay for it. Council Minutes 2-17-88 Page 2 g) George Goldberg, Palm Springs, questioned the Sign Ordinance regarding banners, and stated that one business was denied the privilege of erecting a banner, but the privilege was given to Convention Center. He cited his qualification as a building contractor, and questioned the need for adopting the code for reinforcement of buildings, and the effect it will have on older structures. h) Robert Voigt, 505 S. Farrell Dr, stated that public safety and fire are not the places to cut money from the budget, and suggested using more non-sworn personnel to release the sworn personnel to do more duties. He noted San Jose policy of billing drunk drivers for the costs involved in their case, and suggested it might be appropriate in Palm Springs. i ) Alvin Dunkin, 7810 Pasco Azueljo, stated that they have paid for security gates at Cathedral Canyon Country Club, and are not receiving a secure environment. LEGISLATIVE ITEMS: 1. BUDGET BALANCING PLAN Recommendation: That the Council adopt; proposed resolution to implement Phase I cuts of Scenario "B" of the budget options presented to the Council in City Manager memorandum of January 20, 1988. City Manager reviewed the background of events and decisions leading toward a resolution of the budget problems facing the City; and stated that if the utility tax is not continued by a majority vote of the people in November, 1988, it will cease; that the Scenario B represents a $1.7 million cutback over the next three and one-half years, with Phase I of it representing $700,000 in the next seventeen months; that the plan allows the future Council flexibility in making decisions as changes happen, including leaving the door open for the new Council to place the question of extending the utility tax on the ballot, perhaps at a reduced rate; that the gradual phasing eliminates panic, provides planned reduction, and avoids abrupt cessation and arbitrary cuts in November. He stated that over one-half of the tax funded operations are allocated to police and fire services, and it is difficult to make cuts without effecting them; that additional positions have been added to those departments since 1978, at a rate higher than for non-sworn personnel (23% Fire, 13-14% police, and 5% for others); that the proposed cuts are lighter on police and fire, than on other services; that the closing of Fire Station 5 would not take place until after the decision on the utility tax; and that an increase in the use of non-sworn personnel was also recommended by the Blue Ribbon Budget Conmmittee, and is being further explored by the Police Department. Councilmember Birer stated that the Council has wrestled with the problem for many months; that of the over $27 million operating budget, $13 million is for police and fire, and they could not be totally unaffected by the cuts; that the first phase cuts one traffic sergeant, and the elimination of the school resource officer could be forestalled by the participation in the cost of the program by the School District and/or other cities; that closing of Fire Station 5 would be preceded by efforts to have Cathedral City share in operating the station; and that Phase I is prudent and sensible, and caring of the taxpayers dollars. Council Minutes 001 2-17-88 Page 3 Councilmember Smith agreed with Councilmember Birer and stated that the action should not be interpreted that the City is trying to blackmail the people into voting for the Utility Tax. He stated that when the Council approved a $12 million budget for police and fire, even though the property tax only generates $8 million, it did so because it did not want to cut those services, and it still does not want to cut those services; and that he hoped the public will understand, and vote to continue the tax to support police and fire, and other services which are important to the City. Councilmember Apfelbaum stated that the decision has not been easy; that various groups have spent the last year going over the budget, and have done a good job in presenting recommendations which provide flexibility and stability. Resolution 16405 as recommended was presented; after which, iL was moved by Foster, seconded by Birer, and unanimously carried, that Resolution 16405 be adopted. 2. P.D. 174 - EQUESTRIAN V INC. Recommendation: That the Council approve P.D. 174 final development plans for Phase II of the equestrian center located at the easterly extension of Sonora Road, between the Tahquitz and Palm Canyon washes, Section 19. Director of Community Development reported that this item was reviewed at study session, and no further report was given. Resolution 16406 approving Phase II as recommended, was presented; after which, it was moved by Smith, seconded by Apfelbaum, and unanimously carried, that Resolution 16406 be adopted. 3. P.D. 185 - DESERT HOSPITAL Recommendation: That the Council approve P.D. 185 final development plans for Parking Lot C, as part of the Desert Hospital expansion. Planning Director reported that this item was reviewed in study session, in detail , and added that the Planning Commission recommended that the design be subject to Ordinance provisions of shade, and that any oversized trees will be dealt with by the Planning Commission. Resolution 16407 approving final plans as recommended, was presented; after which, it was moved by Foster, seconded by Apfelbaum, and unanimously carried, that Resolution 16407 be adopted. 4. 1985 UNIFORM FIRE CODE & AMENDMENTS Recommendation: That the Council adopt the 1985 edition of the Uniform Fire Code, with amendments, additions and deletions thereto. (Hearing to be held March 2, 1988 together with Uniform Building Codes) . This item was reviewed in study session, and no further report was given. City Clerk read title of the Ordinance, as follows. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING AND AMENDING THE PALM SPRINGS MUNICIPAL CODE, CHAPTER 11.02 TO ADOPT AND AMEND THE 1985 EDITION OF THE UNIFORM FIRE CODE rIr) Council Minutes 2-17-88 Page 4 It was moved by Smith, seconded by Foster, and unanimously carried, that further reading be waived, and the Ordinance be introduced for first reading. 5. AIRPORT PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEM Recommendation: That the Council award contract for installation of public address system at the Airport to Valley Sound Electronic Systems, for $152,000. Agr #12542, CP88-02. Director of Transportation and Energy stated that the complete sound system at the Airport will be replaced, and the cost is recovered directly from the Airport users; and that the bids were $70,000 under the estimated cost. MO 4125 awarding contract, as recommended was presented; after which, it was moved by Apfelbaum, seconded by Birer, and unanimously carried, that Minute Order 4125 be adopted. A6. BIKE TRAIL EASEMENT - CATHEDRAL CANYON: Director of Parks, Recreation and Library recommended that the City Council approve in concept, a joint use bicycle/equestrian trail at Cathedral Canyon Country Club; direct the staff to prepare a formalized agreement identi =ying the responsibilities of each party; require the developer, Falcon Lake Properties, to submit final plans for approval by the Council ; and require Falcon Lake Properties and Cathedral Canyon Country Club to maintain the easement, as is, until the construction of 0e joint-use trail is completed, and accepted. Councilmember Smith suggested staff consider extending the trail eastward. In answer to question by Council , Director of Parks, Recreation and Library stated there is no time frame For completing the biketrail , and maiintanence is the responsibility of Cathedral Canyon Country Club. It was moved by Foster, seconded by Apfelbaum, and unanimously carried, that the recommendation be approved. C0r.1',. dT AGENDA: 7. NO 4126 awarding contract Lo Thorson Electric Inc. , to furnish and install parking area lighting at Desert Highland Park, for $15,342 - Agr #2543, CP87-17. Res 16408 approving agreement with Peter- Fairchild for golf course priority use of Fairchild' s Bel Air Greens for selected hotels and the Convention Center - Agr #2544. 9. MO 4127 awarding bid for fence repairs to Riverside Fence, ('i1,) for $9,190. S. Reswithdrawn approving agreement with the County for the commitment of $100,000 of CDBG funds for the Senior Center. 19 4128 waiving policy prohibiting concurrent service on more than one commission, to allow Ray Hutchison to continue as hairman of the Rent Review Commission through the completion of El Dorado Mobile Home Park hardship rent increase hearing. Mr. Hutchison was appointed to the Airport Commission in December, 1987. !1 Council Minutes 2-17-88 Page 5 12. MO 4129 awarding bid for a multipurpose line striper to Hiway Marking Systems, Inc. , for $23,535. 18. 13. Res 16409, 16410, 16411, 16412 approving Payroll Warrants and Claims & Demands. 14. Res 16413 authorizing $297,500 loan from the ConvenLiion Center to the Redevelopment Agency for the Tahquitz Andreas Project Area. 15. MO 4130 awarding contract for aerial strip photography and mapping to assist in the design of streets in Assessment District 155 - Agr #2545. Councilmember Foster abstaining, due to real estate interest in area. 16. MO 4131 awarding purchase of a turf vehicle for Angel Stadium, from Electric Car Distributor for $6,673.76. 17. Motion concurring in CRA Resolutions 507 to date. It was moved by Apfelbaum, seconded by Direr, and unanimously carried, Foster abstaining on item 15, that Resolutions 16405 through 16412 and Minute Orders 4125 through 4131, and motion in Item 17, be adopted. REPORTS & REQUESTS: CITY COUNCIL reports or requests - None PUBLIC reports or requests - None STAFF reports or requests - None ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Mayor declared ':he meeting adjourned. JUDITH SUMICH City Clerk By: Patricia A. Bode Assistant City Clerk