HomeMy WebLinkAbout1990 - MINUTES - 1/17/1990 CITY OF PALM SPRINGS n 1 -3
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
JANUARY 17, 1990
A Regular Meeting of the City Council was called to order by Mayor
Bono in the Council Chamber, 3200 Tahquitz-McCallum Way, on
Wednesday, January 17, 1990 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 an invocation
by Rev. Laveta Dillman, Chapel On The Way.
REPORT OF POSTING OF AGENDA:
Report of City Clerk: Agenda posted in accordance with Council
policy on January 12, 1990.
PRESENTATIONS:
01) Barbara Whitney, Chairman of the 50th Anniversary
Committee commented briefly on the success of the
50th anniversary celebration, and presented a check
to the Council for $32,150 fulfilling commitment to
the Council ; and check of $7,500 for Parks for People;
a check of $20,000 to be given to the PSUSD for sound
system in the High School Auditorium; a check of $7,500
to LYCEUM; and a check of $11,068.45 -to the Library
Trust Fund.
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 .
I PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1. CASE NO. HSPB-12 - EL MIRADOR GARAGE
Recommendation: That the Council redesignate the El Mirador
Garage from a Class 2 to a Class 1 Historic Site. (076-
001)
Planner Patenaude reported that the site was originally
designated a lesser category because there was concern
that there might be problems encountered in renovating
it; however, the site was more than successfully renovated,
with very little change to the exterior, and the owner
contemplates selling it to the Desert Hospital ; and that
the Hospital has no problem with the Class I designation.
Mayor declared the hearing opened; there were no
appearances, and the hearing was closed.
Resolution 17001 as recommended was presented; after which,
it was moved by Neel , seconded by Apfelbaum, and unanimously
carried, that R17001 be adopted.
I
Council Minutes
n i 1-7-90 Page 2
2. CASE NO. HSPB-24 - DR. REID'S SANITARIUM
Recommendation: That the Council designate the property
once known as the Dr. Henry Reid Sanitarium, now known
as the Pepper Tree Inn and the adjacent commercial
buildings, which once housed the Matthews Dress Shop,
generally referred to as 645 N Indian and 648-650 N Palm
Canyon, as a Class 2 Historic Site.
Planner Patenaude highlighted the background of the site,
and the HSPB reasons for the recommendation; and rioted (076
that the designation will allow a plaque to be placed 00,6
at the site recognizing its importance to the early
development of the community.
Mayor declared the hearing opened.
Dr. Bertrand suggested that careful consideration be riven
to new development surrounding historic sites, in order
to avoid overpowering the historic structures, and
sensitivity exercised to make new development compatible
with the old.
There were no further appearances, and the hearing was
closed.
Resolution 17002 was presented, as recommended; after
which, it was moved by Neel , seconded by Apfelbaum, and
unanimously carried, that R17002 be adopted.
3. CASE HSPB-25 - INGLESIDE INN
Recommendation: That the Council designate the Ingleside I
Inn as a Class 1 Historic Site, due to its import to the
City' s heritage and to prevent deterioration of the historic
integrity of this site. (076-
001)
Planner Patenaude reviewed the memorandum of Director
of Community Development, which was reviewed in detail
at the last study session, noting that the property was
originally a private estate, later converted to a hotel
facility; that the HSPB considered the site an important
landmark of the early settlement of the area west of the
downtown; that there have been changes over the years,
which were done with integrity, but the HSPB was concerned
that future changes might be harmful to the historic
integrity of the site; that the current owner has expressed
opposition on the basis of adding a layer of regulation,
however, without the designation, the AAC would have to
approve changes to the exterior of the site; and with
the Class I designation, that review process is shifted
to the HSPB; that a plaque can be placed on the exterior
of the walls to address Mr. Haber' s concern regarding
privacy, however, there has not been a great degree of
increased tourism to other designated sites simply because
of the designation; and that if approved, the site would
be included in the brochure of historic sites.
Mayor declared the hearing open.
nI �
Council Minutes
1-17-90 Page 3
3. HSPB 25 (Continued)
Mel Haber, 700 W. Stevens Road, owner of the site, stated
that the AAC has approved each change he had made to the
site, and questioned why an additional approval process
is necessary, and why the site is being designated if
it is not to attract tourists; that he did not know who
benefited from the designation; that the site is a credit
to the town, and the Council should not inject itself
into his business; that the site cannot be seen from the
street as other designated sites, and there Fore privacy
of the site will be disrupted by nonguests; that the site
was first built on in 1922, however, the majority of
improvements which maintain the saire charisma were
accomplished zfter he purchased the site in 1955, and
he questioned if the HSPB would have approved those.
Planner Patenaude stated that it is not necessary that
a designated site be visible from the right--of-way, but
that it be designated in order to make sure that any changes
to the property are in keeping with the integrity of the
building; that Mr. Haber has stated that he already has
problems with people entering the property to look at
it, and he could not advise whether the designation would
make that situation any worse; that the AAC is not always
concerned with the historic integrity of -the site, and
that is why the Code provides for review by the HSPB;
that there have been sites for which modifications have
been approved by AAC which were not historically accurate,
nor meaningful to the property; that design review would
I switch to the HSPB, with its ability to refer aspects
to the AAC in the event additional levels of expertise
are needed.
Councilmember Apfelbaum stated that she viewed the role
of the HSPB to create civic pride, and that most designated
sites have found an advantage in being designated.
Councilmember Neel stated that it also makes a statement
that the City is trying to preserve landmarks, and he
did not see any reason why the designation would create
a problem in terms of additional traffic; and that there
has not been hardship in other designated cases.
Mayor stated that the property is a commercial business,
and subject to scrutiny; that he found it hard to believe
that the Planning Commission and ANC would not look to
maintain the integrity of the site; that it can be tiring
for a business to have to go through more committees and
approvals.
Councilmember Foster that everything Mr. Haber has done
to the property has been an improvement; that without
the designation it would be simple for any other owner
who might not have the same sensitivity, to demolish the
I building without the City having any recourse; that there
may be more problems perceived, than in reality; that
the HSPB is not stringent that it would make it impossible
for an owner to improve the site, and cited the El Mirador
Garage renovation as an example; that the No. 1
classification is the only one which protects the site
from demolition, until the HSPB has had an opportunity
to consider it first; and after due process, demolition
is still an option.
n i Council Minutes
11-17-90 Page 4
3. HSPB 25 (Continued)
Mr. Haber stated that if the designation results in creating
more tourists to the site, he will lose business because
of the loss of privacy to the guests, and asked that if
it must be designated, that it not be 'included in any
published listing; and that he would enter an agreement
that the site be designated if he sells or enters an escrow I
to sell the property.
Councilmember Foster stated that Mr. Haber• has done such
a fine job in making the site popular that people will
be attracted to it whether the designation is applied;
and suggested that this matter be continued to permit
discussion with the HSPB, and see if Mr. Haber' s concerns
can be resolved.
It was moved by Foster, seconded by Apfelbaum, and
unanimously carried, that this matter he continued to
the next meeting, and that the Council discuss the matter
with the HSPB during the interim.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: Mayor emphasized that the Council will follow
its long-established rules for addressing the Council , i .e. , three
minute limit per person at this point in the agenda, polite decorum,
and no demeaning of individuals.
a) Dr. Bertrand stated that he is an advocate for the
disabled, and serves as a Governor appointee to the
Area 12 Developmentally Disabled , and expressed concern
that Sunline has refused to provide public
transportation for the disabled, particularly, during I
the summertime, and suggested using the Molly Trolley.
b) George Goldberg Box 4156 commented on various recent
city staff and contractual expenditures.
c) Deyna Hodges, 2122 E. Baristo Road, asked that; the
Council give immediate consideration to the issue
of the auto raceway.
d) David Be]1 , 'L78 San Rafael , stated that there should
be random drug testing for drivers who tow vehicles
for the Police Department; and expressed his opinion
that he was being harassed by a police officer.
LEGISLATIVE ACTION:
4. WELWOOD MURRAY LIBRARY - EXPANDED SERVICES
Recommendation: That the Council approve use of Community
Promotion Fund monies to expand library and library (09�9-
11reference/visitor" information services on a test basis 001)
at the Welwood Murray branch.
City Manager reported that this was a staff and Library
Board recommendation; that it was discussed at the last
study session with some of the parties involved; that
he believed it would be an efficient way to provide the
service, however, he recommended that it be referred to
the VPB for a longer-range view, and to tie it to the
1990-91 budget, since it would take six weeks to begin
to implement it, and there would be little left of the
season.
It was moved by Apfelbaum, seconded by Neel , and unanimously
carried, that this matter be referred to the VPB as
recommended.
Council Minutes n17
1-17-90 Page 5
5. MATHIS & ASSOCIATES - CITY ATTORNEY DEPARTMENT
Recommendation: That the Council approve letter agreement
with Mathis & Associates to provide consulting services,
and amend the budget for $15,000 - A2806. This item was
reviewed in study session, and no further report was given.
(068-
I Minute Order 4509 approving the agreement, and Resolution 001)
17003 amending the budget, as recommended, were presented;
after which it was moved by Broich, seconded by Apfelbaum,
and unanimously carried, that M04509 and R17003 be adopted.
6. ORDINANCES FOR SECOND READING & ADOPTION (Introduced 12-6-89)
City Clerk read title of Ordinance 1342 re Airport Security (103-001)
Regulation, and
Ordinance 1343 re Economic Development Commission duties (103-001)
after which, it was moved by Broich, seconded by Foster,
and unanimously carried, that further reading be waived,
and 01342 and 01343 be adopted.
7. SUNRISE MOBILE HOME PARK CARPORTS
Recommendation: That the Council approve Change Order
No. 1 to A2664 with Wessman Construction Associates for
the installation of carports at Sunrise Village Mobile
Park for an increase of $5,802.94.
Housing Specialist highlighted the memorandum of the (085-
I Director of Economic Development, and stated that even 002)
with the change order, the contractor is still the lowest
bidder.
Minute Order 4510 approving change order as recommended,
was presented; after which, it was moved by Foster, seconded
by Neel , and unanimously carried, that MO 4510 be adopted.
8. SISTER CITY EXPENDITURES
Recommendation: That the Council consider the Palm Springs
Chamber of Commerce request for City reimbursement of
Sister City Program expenditures for $4605.
Assistant City Manager stated that during the budget review,
after the Chamber representative had left the session,
the Council determined that the sister city program would
more properly be considered by the VPB; that the VPB budget
was presented and approved by the Council at its last
meeting, and it did not include funding for the program;
that the Chamber assumed the Council had authorized the (061-
funding, and proceeded with the program, incurring the 008)
expenses, and then submitted the request for drawing the
funds; that it was too late for the Chamber to back out
of the arrangement; and that the Canadian visit was not
the typical tourist type, rather one of potential business
opportunity; and that two alternative sources of funding
were provided for Council consideration - one from surplus
Molley Trolley funds, and the other from tourism.
Resolution 17004 amending budget (from Molley Trolley
funds) , was presented; after which, it was moved by Broich,
seconded by Neel , and unanimously carried, that R17004
be adopted.
Council Minutes
h 1-17-90 Page 6
9. BUDGET AMENDMENT - ANNEXATION AND SPHERE OF INFLUENCE AMENDMENT
APPLICATION
Recommendation: That the Council amend the budget to
appropriate $37,390 to cover the expenses associated with
filing an arnexation and sphere of influence amendment (061-
applications. This item was reviewed in study session, 008)
and no further report was given.
Resolution 17005 amending the budget as recommended, was
presented; after which, it was moved by Broich, seconded
by Foster, and unanimously carried, that R17'005 be adopted.
10. ADDITIONAL LEGISLATIVE ITEMS: (Satisfied Agenda Posting
Requirements)
None
CONSENT AGENDA:
11. MO 4511 approving subordination of $175,000 in security in ( )
the furniture, fixtures, and equipment for the Marie Callendar' s
Restaurant to the Country of Riverside.
12. Res 17006 determining Certificate of Sufficieinc) of Petition
and initiating proceeding to form Parkways and Lighting (138)
Maintenance District No. 7 (PMD) at existing Sunrise Norte
Tract 17642-2.
13. Res 17007 amending Res 15645 to allow Waste Disposal Services,
Inc. , to recover dump fees for all transfer, bodies loaded (148-
in excess of six tons, at a flat rate plus actual charges 001)
for weight in excess of six tons.
14. MO 4512 approving Change Order 2 to the contract with Bromack (051--
Company for airline ticket counters for an increase of
$6,506.02.
15. MO 4513 approving payment of remaining $45,000 appropriated ( )
for the support of the Palm Springs Senior Center for the
1989-90 fiscal year.
16. Res 17008 and 17009 approving claims and demards , (086--
007)
It was moved by Apfelbaum, seconded by Neel , and unanimously
carried, that R17006 through 17009 and VIO 4511 through
4513 be adopted.
ADDED STARTERS: None
REPORTS & REQUESTS
COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS
Mayor announced his appointment of Lynne West to the
Convention Center Commission to fill unexpired term of (060-
Rand Hutchinson ending June 30, 1991; after which, it 025:1
was moved by Foster, seconded by Neel , and unanimously
carried, that said appointment be approved.
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS - Received & ordered Filed
a) Annual Financial Report - 1988-89
CITY COUNCIL reports or requests - None
Council Minutes
1-7-90 Page 7
PUBLIC reports or requests - None
STAFF reports or requests - None
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor declared the meeting
I adjourned.
JUDITH SUMICH
City Clerk