HomeMy WebLinkAbout4/20/1988 - MINUTES CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
APRIL 20, 1988
A Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Palm Springs,
California, was called to order by Mayor Bono, in the Council
Chamber, 3200 Tahquitz-McCallum Way, on 1;ednesday, April 20, 1988,
at 7:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Present: Councilmembers Apfelbaum, Broich, Foster,
Neel and Mayor Bono
Absent: None
The meeting was opened with the salute to the Flag and a moment
of silence.
REPORT OF POSTING OF AGENDA:
Report of City Clerk: Agenda posted in accordance with Council
policy on April 15, 1988.
COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY: No Business
MAYOR PRO TEM: Election of Mayor pro tem
Mayor called for nominations for Mayor pro tem; after
which, Sharon Apfelbaum was nominated by Councilmember
Broich; there were no further nominations; and Sharon (70)
Apfelbaum was elected Mayor pro tem.
PUBLIC HEARING:
1. FISCAL YEAR 1988-89 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUNDS
Recommendation: That the Council hold the first required
public hearing and receive public comment on the allocation
of Fiscal Year 1988-89 Community Development Block Grant
Funds.
Economic Development & Housing Specialist reviewed the report
of the Director of Community Development, and stated that
the 1987-88 entitlement is $320,000; that several requests
for funding have been submitted; and explained how the funds (85)
may be spent, including an amount allocated for administration
of the program, which also includes the Fair Housing Program,
and the economic development marketing program. In answer
to question by Council , she stated that not all funds were
used from last year; and in some instances, carry over has
intentionally occurred, in order to have sufficient funds
to accomplish a particular project. She also stated that
the DARE program is one which would be eligible for funding.
Mayor inquired if anyone wished to be heard.
Rosemary Sweet, Catholic Charities, Nightingale I-louse, and
the Housing Authority, stated that the Shelter was opened
in January, and represents the product of joint private,
public, and nonprofit agencies, and urged that the Council
continue support of its operation.
Council Minutes
4-20-88 Page 2
1. CDBG (Continued)
Joanne D'Amico, Housing Authority, stated that a 16-room
run-down hotel was converted for the shelter; and urged
that the Council consider a $15,000 funding for a proportion
of the operating cost.
Yvonne Tack (sp?) stated that she has an agency for
rehabilitating female drug and alcohol users, and is ready
to open a 6-person live-in facility, but requires funding
for three months; that the facility would be through
volunteers for the first four months; and requested
consideration of $18,000 in funding.
Cora Crawford, 460 Las Vegas Road, requested that the
Council consider an unspecified sum to provide
beautification in the Desert Highland-Gateway Area, i .e. ,
street trees on Indian Avenue, Tramview, and Las Vegas
Road, property clean up for qualified seniors and
single-parent families. She stated the program would
create jobs in the community, and help people to help
themselves.
Joyce Mitchell , Wings of Love Ministries, requested
assistance in a three-month budget for a nonprofit facility
at 113 S. Indian Avenue, to provide training of domestic
help to serve dinners and banquets, and to serve as a
liaison between employers and employees in the field of
domestic help - the request was for $5,000.
No action required - second hearing to be held May 4,
1988.
2. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM-CITIZEN PARTICIPATION
PLAN
Recommendation: That the Council approve the Citizen
Participation Plan for the Community Development Block
Grant Program. (85)
Economic Development & Housing Specialist reviewed report
of the Director of Community Development, and stated that
the approved plan must be submitted to HUD.
Mayor declared the hearing; there were no appearances,
and the hearing was closed.
Resolution 16449 approving the Plan, as recommended, was
presented; after which, it was moved by Foster, seconded
by Apfelbaum, and unanimously carried, that Resolution
16449 be adopted.
3. C.U.P. 5.0465 NAIMCO INC. APPEAL
Recommendation: Consideration of appeal by Chris Mills,
representing NAIMCO from Planning Commission denial of
CUP to install kitchens in units of hotel at 1433 N. Indian
Ave. (78)
Planning Director reviewed the report: of the Director
of Community Development, which was reviewed in detail
at the last study session. He stated that the Planning
Commission concluded that the parking problem was not
going to go away, and asked that the Redevelopment Staff
look into the what possibilities the redevelopment process
might achieve on this project; that the Council could
uphold the Planning Commission, or overrule it, and if
appeal is granted, staff recommended that the condi-
tions in the proposed Planning Commission resolution be
included; and that the property has been boarded up for
Council Minutes
4-20-88 Page 3 (1 4 0
3. CUP 5.0465 (Continued)
In answer to question by Council , he stated that no proposal
was submitted to change the exterior of the building;
and that the architect has said that it would be operated
as a hotel , and the Commission does not get involved with
rates.
Mayor declared the hearing opened.
Chris Mills, 121 S. Palm Canyon, Architect for the project,
stated that the property owner took the property back (78)
from the person who started doing the illegal work, which
was red-tagged; that 12 of the units have kitchens which
have been in place for many years; that the additional
kitchens are prefabricated; that the parking problem exists
whether the property is operated as a hotel , or as apart-
ments; that the owner wishes to offer the same amenity
for all units, and is looking for a longer-staying guest;
that there are no drawings yet, but the intent is to upgrade
the front and landscaping, which could be a condition
of approval ; that if the appeal is denied, the owner could
simply reopen the property, no upgrade could be
required; that the owner is willing to commit to a hotel
operation; and that there is no loss of parking, since
there is no parking, however, 18 spaces probably would
be required under the Code.
Jim Stuart, North Palm Canyon Advisory Committee, stated
that it approved the project, because the members thought
it better to have an upgraded site under controlled condi-
tions, with the possibility of housing for service type
employees, than the existing circumstances; and that there
is vacant property to the south, which possibly could
be used for parking.
Jim Shaw, 120 Vereda Sur, stated that he owns property
across the street, and not all service people have cars,
and others living in similar units in the area, have three
cars; that as many as five to eight people live in these
little places; that the project is a bandage approach;
that redevelopment is needed, if it is to be done properly;
that the owner is an absentee owner, and does not plan
to operate the property; that any stay longer than 30
days will mean no room tax to the City; that if the vacant
lot is used for parking, it will become trashy; and he
urged upholding the Planning Commission.
There were no further appearances, and the hearing was
closed.
Councilmember Apfelbaum stated that the property and
surrounding area are dilapidated, and ideal for redevelop-
ment.
It was moved by Apfelbaum, seconded by Foster, and unani-
mously carried, that the Planning Commission denial be
upheld.
It was moved by Apfelbaum, seconded by Foster, and unani-
mously carried, that the Redevelopment Agency be requested
to look at the possibility of land assembly and development
for this area.
Council Minutes
4-20-88 Page 4
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
a) Jeanette Hardenburg, Rent Review Commission stated
that she disagreed with the City Attorney's recommenda-
tion concerning the amendm--nts to the Rent Control ( 85)
Ordinance, and if the Council did not wish to follow
the Commission 's recommendation, the matter should
be returned to the Commission for input.
b) Alexander Grovue, 1111 E. Alejo Road, stated that
the annual expense for police overtime and additional
enforcement during Easter Week is wasteful , and
suggested a low-intensity, pedestrian, family festival
downtown during Easter Week, moving Highway III to
parallel commercial streets. He stated that the event
would discourage cruising, and increase business down-
town. Mayor requested that he submit additional inform-
ation.
c) Jeremy Crocker, 330 W. Arenas Road, read a prepared
statement, a copy of which is on file with the City
Clerk, regarding the positive impact of wind power
in the mix of factors which determine SCE rates. He (89)
noted that based on a 7.8¢ pkh rate, nearly 572 million
kilowatt hours were consumed; and based on his research,
SCE purchased approximately 426.5 million kilowatt
hours of power generated by the wind turbines in the
San Gorgonio Pass.
d) George Goldberg, Palm Springs, congratulated the Mayor
upon his election; scolded him for being polite to
the former mayor; commented on harassment by City
officials and employees; and stated) that it is time
for a change.
e) Dr. Friedman, 449 E. Arenas, #401, questioned what
the City's policy is on trimming trees; stated that
he was not able to find a policy; and that he has
a person who has offered to trim trees for $35 per
tree.
f) Ody Lee, Desert Political Action Association, spoke
in favor of amending the Rent Ordinance to require
the attendance of a full commission before a decision
may be made. He reviewed in considerable detail ,
including reading three letters, in full , which were
sent to the Mayor, Council and City Attorney regarding
the posting of signs in mobilehome park offices concern-
ing rent control regulations. ( 85 )
City Attorney stated that the specific requirement
to post signs is not included in the amendment. He
explained the background of the hardship increase
guideline relating to allowing mortgage interest as
an expense in determining hardship, and the Council 's
most recent decision to wait for the Appellate Court
decision before taking specific action on relief for
those who purchased property in reliance upon that
guideline, before it was repealed.
Council Minutes
4-20-88 Page 5 P42
g) Hunter Johnson, 245 S. Palm Canyon, submitted a letter
from Palm Springs Main Street, indicating that the
Downtown Business Improvement Association and Palm
Springs Now have formed the Board of Directors of
the main street program; and requested that Council (70)
and staff be represented, specifically, by Councilmember
Broich and Redevelopment Director Feenstra.
LEGISLATIVE ACTION:
4. MUNICIPAL CODE AMENDMENT RENT CONTROL
Recommendation: That the Council adopt ordinance to provide
for the limited appointment of a Commissioner pro tem to
codify the procedure to initiate Commission proceedings,
to require action by Commission to be taken by vote of majority
of entire Commission and to clarify other portions of the (85 )
rent control ordinance.
City Attorney stated that the recommendation, and report,
are as recommended by the Commission ; that at the study
session, he indicated that from a technical standpoint, he
did not recommend that the Council limit its ability to act
without first referring a matter to the Commission, although
to do so is recommended as good policy; that a requirement
for a decision of the Commission to be made only if by a
majority of the full commission is one which is not imposed
on the City Council , nor on other Commission's, with the
exception of ordinances and actions for payment of funds,
which requires a three affirmative votes of the Council ,
and urgency ordinances which require a 4/5 vote. He stated
that these matters were noted from a technician' s standpoint.
He stated that if the Council desired to adopt the rule of
three votes, that Section 4.04.030 be amended, to read,
". . .taken by the affirmative vote of a majority of the entire
commission. . . . "
Motion by Broich to waive the reading and introduce the ordi-
nance, with the above change noted by the City Attorney,
failed for lack of a second.
It was moved by Apfelbaum, seconded by Foster, and carried
by the following vote, that the Ordinance be tabled, pending
further review:
AYES: Apfelbaum, Foster, Neel & Bono
NO: Broich
ABSENT: None
5. Z/C 5.0450 - CULVER NICHOLS (SECOND READING - Intro 4-6•-88)
Planning Director reviewed this matter, which had also been (149)
reviewed in detail at the last study session.
City Clerk read title of Ord 1298, regarding a change from
G-R-5 to R-2 and 0 for 7.5 acres located on the south side
of Vista Chino and westerly of Sunrise Way, Section 11.
It was moved by Neel , seconded by Apfelbaum, and unanimously
carried, that further reading be waived, and that Ordinance
1298 be adopted.
6. ADDITIONAL LEGISLATIVE ITEMS - None
Council Minutes
(r �•" 4-20-88 Page 6
CONSENT AGENDA:
7. Res 16450 approving final parcel map 21270, J.F. Davidson Associ-
ates, Inc. , representing C.G. Dunham end Arlene Dunham to divide (119)
property located west of South Palm Canyon Drive, north of
Murray Canyon Drive, `.section 34.
8. Res 16451, 16452, and 16453 approving Payroll Warrants and
Claims & Demands. (86)
It was moved by Foster, seconded by Apfelbaum, and unani-
mously carried, Neel and Bono abstaining on Resolutions
16451, 16452 and 16453 that Resolutions 16450 through
16453 be adopted.
ADDED STARTERS - None
REPORTS OR REQUESTS:
9. FRANCHISE REPORTS - Received for filing
a) Southern Calif. Edison - $446,007. 11
b) Southern Calif. Gas - $148,537.28 (89)
10. DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS - Received & Ordered Filed
a) Treasurer' s Monthly - December, 1987 & January, 1988 (121)
CITY COUNCIL reports or requests
a) Councilmember Broich requested that consideration
be given to establishing a single 'Four-year term for 1:60)
board and commission members, and that a full one
year lapse before any person may be appointed to another
board or commission at the end of his term; and that
two new commissions be considered - one for signs,
and one for the Convention Center.
PUBLIC reports or requests
a) Deyna Hodges, member of the Rent Review Commission
suggested that the Council meet with the Commission (135)
to review the proposed ordinance amendments, and other
issues of concern.
STAFF reports or requests
a) City Manager• requested that the Council convene in
study sessions at 2 p.m. , instead of 3 p.m. , for the
next several meetings, in order to cover the extra
items to be reviewed. Consensus: approved.
b) City Manager suggested 11 dates for the budget session
review. Consensus: Approved review starting at 8:30
a.m. on June 14, 1988.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor declared the meeting
adjourned.
JUDITH SUMICH
City Clerk