HomeMy WebLinkAbout7/6/1989 - MINUTES CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
JULY 6, 1989
A Regular Meeting of the City Council was called to order by Mayor
Bono in the Council Chamber, 3200 Tahquitz-McCallum PJay, on Thursday,
July 6, 1989, at 5:45 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Present: Councilmembers Apfelbaum, Broich, Foster,
Neel and Mayor Bono
Absent: None
LEGISLATIVE ACTION:
1. PSVPB MEMBERSHIP
Mayor stated that the purpose of the meeting was to consider
and act upon the removal from office of one or more members
of the Palm Springs Visitors & Promotion Board. He requested
that the Council remove Chuck Murawsky, Bob Weithorn, and
Gary Walker from office, for the reasons he stated in
previous study sessions.
Councilmembers Broich and Foster supported allowing public
comments on this issue. Councilmembers Apfelbaum and Neel
concurred that there has already been a lot of discussion.
Councilmember Foster stated that although i:he Council has
talked about it, he has not heard from the people who would
be affected by the decision; that there may be other
interested persons who would like to comment, and it would
not be unreasonable to allow a reasonable time to do that.
Councilmember Broich stated that he could not believe the
Council did not want to hear from the citizenry, and that
he considered it out of order for the Mayor to preclude
public comments; that the Mayor has missed six of the eleven
meetings of the Board; that the Board is trying to organize
and put a promotional effort together, but it is not being
allowed to do so; and that the Council has attached things
to the Board 's budget, without the Board having anything
to say about it. He strongly expressed his opinion that
the Mayor' s request for removal was because of the comments
of one Board member, and because that Board member did
not agree with him; that he felt the Mayor was limiting
freedom of speech; that he was very upset; and that he
wanted to hear the reasons for removing each of the members.
Mayor stated that he has voiced his reasons, and stated
his position many times.
Councilmember Foster stated that it was apparent to him
that there would be no further discussion; and that the
decision was a foregone conclusion ; that he was very dis-
appointed; and that he could appreciate and understand
the Mayor' s feelings toward the Board.
In answer to question by Council , City Attorney stated
that Brown Act stipulates that every agenda for a regular
meeting of the Council shall provide an opportunity for
members of the public to speak on any mai.ter within the
jurisdiction of the Council , not just matters on the agenda;
that the provisions for a. special meeting do not contain
such a stipulation; and that the specificity of the require-
ment in the provisions concerning regular meetings, and
the omission of it from special meetings, indicates that
it is required for a regular meeting, but not for a special
meeting. He stated that there would be nothing to preclude
the Council from allowing public comments.
Council Minutes
7-6-89 Page 2
1. PSVPB (Continued)
Councilmember Broich stated that it is dictatorial to not
allow people to speak, and it is unfair to the citizens.
Councilmember Apfelbaum stated that boards and commission
serve at the pleasure of the Council , as advisors to the
Council , and that their advice and expertise is wanted
and needed; that the relationship is fragile, and once
broken by lack of respect, the board or commission can
no longer serve the Council ; that she feels the respect
for the Council has been damaged, and the issue athand
is one of attitude and mutual respect. She stated that
she was, and is, opposed to the "back room" manner in which
the commission was created; and that the individuals in
question are not acting respectfully, helpfully, or
otherwise.
Councilmember Foster stated that he felt it was a moral
issue, and a decision for removal would be sending a message
to other board and commission members that they should
not speak out, and that they would not have the confidence
of the Council for them to say what they really Feel ; that
people will be removed from office without the courtesy
of hearing their response; that one person who made comments
has apologized, and he did not understand the reasons for
removal of the other two members; that the Council has
disagreed with other board or commission members, and he
did not think that was a basis for removal from office.
He stated that he considered the action a travesty, and
that he felt ashamed. He left the meeting.
It was moved by Apfelbaum, seconded by Neel , and carried
by the following vote, that PSVPB members Chuck Murawsky,
Gary Walker, and Bob Weithorn be removed from office immedi-
ately:
AYES: Apfelbaum, Neel & Bono
NO: Broich
ABSENT: Foster
ABSTAIN: None
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor declared the meeting
adjourned.
CdUDITH SUMTCH
City Clerk