Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1990 - MINUTES - 7/31/1990 CITY OF PALM SPRINGS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES JULY 31, 1990 An Adjourned Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Palm Springs, California, was called to order by Mayor Bono in the Large Conference Room, City Hall , 3200 Tahquitz-McCallum Way, on Tuesday, July 31, 1990, at 2 p.m. ROLL CALL: Present: Councilmembers Broich, Hodges, Murawski , and Mayor Bono Absent: None REPORT OF POSTING OF AGENDA: Report of City Clerk: Agenda posted in accordance with Council policy on July 27, 1990. CLOSED SESSION: Mayor declared the meeting adjourned to a Closed Session for labor negotiations, after which, members reconvened and business resumed, as follows. 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 . PUBLIC COMMENTS: None a) At the request of Councilmember Murawski , City Clerk C143- read unsigned letter from the P.S. Hotel Association 010) Board of Directors, requesting that the Council not grant an exclusive taxicab franchise at the Airport. LEGISLATIVE ACTION: 1. EMPLOYER-EMPLOYEE NEGOTIATIONS/RELATED MATTERS - GENERAL AND FIRE SAFETY UNITS Personnel Director reported that negotiations were started last May for contracts with Fire and General Units, which each expired June 30, 1990; that the last, best and final offer was made July 26, and the Fire Unit voted to ratify the three year contract that was offered. She explained the details of the MOU, as on File with the City Clerk, (096- and stated that the Allocated Positions & Compensation OOz) Plans have been amended to reflect the MOU, as well as the insurance benefits resolutions, which also contains provisions for the Confidential Unit, which is not repre- (110- sented by anyone. 003) Councilmember Murawski stated that he was pleased with the agreement, and looked forward to working toward a paramedic program. Resolutions 17223, approving MOU, 17224 amending Allocated Positions & Compensation Plans, and 17225 providing medical (061- and dental insurance benefits (effectively supersedes 011) R17202) were presented; after which, it was moved by Broich, seconded by Murawski , and unanimously carried, that R17223 through 17225 be adopted. Council Minutes 7-31-90 Page 2 I. GENERAL UNIT (Continued) Personnel Director reported that the last, best final offer to the General Unit was turned down, that the matter went to impasse, and a mediator was retained; that a last, best and final offer was arrived at, which she described, and which was also turned down by the Unit. She stated that the MERR and the Unit Representative would each have an opportunity to present their position to the City Council . Bill Cole, for the MERR, stated that the final offer for a three year package provided salary increases in each January of 1991, 1992 and 1993, for 4%, 6% and 6% respectively, and increases in health insurance premiums and coverage adjustments over the same period of time; that he recommended no change in the package offered; that the Council may choose to implement all or any portion of the offer, or refuse to implement all or any portion of it; that he recommended it be left on the table, but not implemented until it is accepted, and that it only be implemented prospectively. Mark Reid, attorney for CLOCEA, stated that the Unit's rejection of the offer was not one of defiance; that the subject deals with the City's largest unit, and the segment of the employee population which is the lowest paid; that there are a number of inequities that need some correction; that 4% in the first year means that there will not be any increase for employees back to July, 1989, or eighteen months between adjustments; that the Cost of Living has increased above that percentage, and the overall economy is poor; that there needs to be some adjustments to the classifications more so than the 4%; that a three year contract, with increases in January, compounds the affect through the entire term, and places a big financial burden on the employees and their families; that three years is too long under the current financial conditions; that he thought a two year contract was agreeable, on the condi- tion that the City would have the opportunity during that time to attain a better financial condition, which a three year contract locks out the opportunity for the employees; that there are bilingual incentives in the other units, and General Unit employees who have those skills are expected to utilize them, and should be paid for doing so; that clerks at the Police Department are expected to perform Matron duties, and are not properly trained, nor compensated for that; that concerning concessions for working out of classification, he appreciated an offer to reduce some of the problem; that Airport Officers are required, and do, wear the same uniform and carry the same hardware as sworn police officers, but only receive a fraction of the cost to provide and maintain it, and that the allowance should be equal to that of the sworn officer, as well as providing an allowance to other General Unit employees who are required to wear a uniform. He requested that the Council direct its representative to resume negotiations, not with the same proposal on the table, but to work out an equitable three year or two year package. - � Council Minutes 7-31-90 Page 3 1. GENERAL UNIT (Continued) Mayor stated that the Council ' s action also is not one of hostility; that, the State and Federal governments are cutting budgets; that the scenarios are clear that everyone is out of money; that it is not that the Council does not want to see other people live well , but the line must be drawn at a certain point; that if the City goes in the hole more and more, then everything goes that way, and that will not work either; that the Council is attempt- ing to get the City in a solvent position, and to bring security to handle the situation; that everyone must be realistic about what is going on; that if the State and Federal governments are cutting welfare programs, and the City is still offering jobs and raises, then the City is making an honest effort to stay in the game; that 'the action is not meant in arrogance; that the Council is up against the wall , and it must look at the situation from a realistic (point of view; that the line must be drawn in this town, in the State, and in the Federal govern- ment; that the City cannot be the only resource, and people must stop looking at it in that way; that the offer is the best and final offer, made in a peaceful and hopeful manner, and asked that the employees "ride with us" for awhile, recognizing that it will not be a perpetual situa- tion, it will turn around, and then everyone can be more liberal ; that Councilmembers are business people, and are aware of the difficult economy, and have had to pay out of their own pockets to sustain their own businesses; that sometimes people have to give; and that the City is maxed, and it is the condition of the day and age. It was moved by Broich, seconded by Hodges, and unanimously carried, that the City's last, best and final offer remain on the table, and if accepted by the General Unit, that it be implemented prospectively. 2. PD 185 - DESERT HOSPITAL PHASE I - FINAL PLANS Recommendation: That the Council approve final development (116- plans for Phase I of the Desert Hospital Expansion. 049) Memorandum of Director of Community Development reviewed by staff; and 'comments of support offered by Hospital Administrator. Resolution 17226 as recommended was presented; after which, it was moved by Broich, seconded by Neel , ,and unanimously carried, that R17226 be adopted. 3. VISITOR CENTER Consideration of actions necessary to proceed with the development of a visitor center at the inorth entry to Palm Springs. (117- 036) Acting Assistant City Manager stated that the figures contained in the staff report are estimates used as a basis for comparison between an in-house operation and a nonprofit operation. In answer to question by Council , Councilmember Murawski stated that once the center is underway, the hotel associa- tion is hopeful that different property owners will donate expertise and provide savings in some areas; and that it is difficult to utilize volunteers in the office on a daily basis. Council Minutes 7-31-90 page 4 3. VISITOR CENTER (Continued) Director of Community Services & Promotion stated that the volunteer aspect is being pursued. Director of Finance presented proposed resolution authoriz- ing the Acting City Manager, or him, to enter agreement to finance the leasing of a modular unit through Municipal Leasing Associates, Inc. , at 8.6% interest. (061- ) City Clerk read title of Ordinance 1355, as follows: 009 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, (061- ENACTING AN INTERIM ORDINANCE FOR THE PURPOSE OF PLACEMENT 011) OF A TEMPORARY STRUCTURE TO HOUSE VISITOR INFORMATION SERVICES, TO FOREGO A FORMAL CONDITIONAL. USE PERMIT PROCEDURE, AND TO ALLOW A PRIVATE SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEM IN LIEU OF HOOKING INTO MUNICIPAL WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT. Resolution 17227, amending the budget to appropriate $101,196 for one-time start-up costs; Resolution 17228 amending the budget to appropriate $101,050 for in-house operating 10-month expense; Resolution 17229 amending the Allocated Positions & Compensation Plans to add 1.75 positions; Minute Order 4625 to purchase computer software, necessary hardware, and training for hotel reservations, not to exceed $40,000; and Resolution 17230 authorizing entering leasing of modular unit, were presented; after which, it was moved by Murawski , seconded by Broich, and unanimously carried, that further reading of the Ordinance be waived, and that Ordinance 1355 be adopted as an urgency measure; and that Resolutions 17227 through 17230 and Minute Order 4625 be adopted. 4. DOWNTOWN VISION PROJECT - LIAISON COMMITTEE Recommendation: That the Council appoint a liaison committee to assist staff and the Vision Palm Springs (133- development team in the formulation of the downtown master 005) plan. It was the consensus of the Council that a liaison committee was not necessary, and it was moved by Broich, seconded by Murawski , and unanimously carried, that staff proceed to prepare an amendment to the agreement to eliminate the requirement for a liaison committee. 5. HIRING FREEZE On July 25, 1990, Council requested that consideration of lifting hiring freeze on fire engineer/capV;ain positions be scheduled for this agenda. (061- 011) It was moved by Broich, seconded by Murawski , and unani- mously carried, that the consideration also address the police dispatch positions. It was moved by Murawski , seconded by Broich, and unani- mously carried, that the hiring freeze be lifted, effective immediately, for the above positions. `" Council Minutes 7-31-90 Page 5 6. MUNICIPAL CODE AMENDMENTS (Ords. Intro 7-25-90) (060 City Clerk read titles of Ordinance 1356, regarding 020)— restructuring of the VPB; and Ordinance 1357 regarding the Convention Center Commission (060- Membership 025) after which, it was moved by Broich, seconded by Neel , and unanimously carried, that further readings be waived, and that Ordinances 1356 and 1357 be adopted. ADDITIONAL LEGISLATIVE ITEMS: (Satisfied agenda posting requirement; materials at meeting) 7A. CONTRACTUAL CITY ATTORNEY SERVICES - RFP Acting City Manager distributed a copy of the proposed RFP, with notations for possible changes. Considerable discussion followed regarding various points of the RFP, (068- and consensus was reached to not limit 'the responding 001) firm to a certain number of attorneys, but to require information as to the size of the firm, including para- legals, Request for Proposal (RFP) for City Attorney Services; and not to include personal injury or workers compensation expertise as requisites, but as desirable qualifications. It was moved by Broich, seconded by Hodges, and unanimously carried, that the RFP be approved, as corrected. 7B. INTERIM CITY ATTORNEY Resolution 17231, authorizing letter agreement with Mal;his & Associates for assistance in the selection of an interim City Attorney, not to exceed $2,500; and authorizing an agreement with an interim city attorney, as may be selected (068- by a subcommittee of the City Council appointed by the 001) Mayor, was presented. It was the consensus of the Council that the subcommittee be the Mayor and Mayor pro tem; after which, it was moved by Murawski , seconded by Hodges, and unanimously carried, that R17231 be adopted. ADDED STARTERS: (Note: This item was actually determined eligible for consideration upon motion by Broich, seconded by Neel , and unani- mously carried, at the beginning of the meeting) 8. ANNEXATIONS 24 & 25 - WIND ENERGY Mayor stated that if the City maintained its existing relationship with the Wind Energy industry., it could find itself in litigation that could result in tying up the(054- proposed annexation for years; that the Council should 004) join with the industry in arriving at agreement beneficial to both. He read a proposed MOU, a copy of which is on file with the City, which addresses certain understandings to work toward, in anticipation of a full support from the industry for the annexation of the areas, which could result in the city receiving $1.6 million in new tax dollars. Council Minutes _ _ _ 7-31-90 Page 6 8. ANNEXATIONS 24 & 25 (Continued) Following addition of the item to the agenda, the Assistant Planning Director reviewed details of the agreement, noting that it is an agreement to agree to negotiate certain points; that the next negotiations would be more specific, and that there would be a pre-annexation development agree- ment, which will be binding on future Councils. He noted that many of the points are required by law in any event; that a master development agreement will be used for each project, with subtle changes peculiar to the project site; that industry conferences, and sales will occur in Palm Springs, raising sales and room taxes; and that the agree- ment is with the Northeast Property Owners Association, which will soon be incorporated. Mayor stated that Mr. Noble took him on a field trip to the various WEC sites; that the desired turbine is a little larger than some of the newer ones on the sites, but is very quiet; that the WEC owners also want to clean up the sites, and get rid of the junk; and that the Council must look at the industry as a potential for further demon- strating its leadership in the field of ecology. Mr. Fred Noble stated that he agreed with the positions in the MOU; that it is economically efficient to get rid of the large number of junky, smaller machines, and replace them with a somewhat larger, more efficient turbine; that he anticipates there will be 2,500-3,000 good, operating machines; and that the core of the industry is strong. In answer to question by Council , Assistant Planning Director reported that most of the ridgeline has been built out; that there is BLM land available, however, he did not think it will approve another turbine, but the City does not control its land, nor would it under annexation; that new development is not prohibited under the MOU, and would be subject to land use and other zoning in effect at the time of consideration; that there is one area in the Whitewater flood plain that could be built upon; that the County' s ordinance needs to be looked at, and there will be some areas of disagreement which will need to be worked through; and homeowners will need to be protected. In answer to question by Council , Neil Emmerton (?) stated that the color of the turbines is in accordance with County requirements; that preference depends on whether one is looking at the turbines at sunrise or sunset; and that they are agreeable to any color the Council may choose when it has the option to make that choice. Resolution 17232 approving MOU - A2875, as presented and on file with the City Clerk, was presented; after which, it was moved by Broich, seconded by Neel , and unanimously carried, that R17232 be adopted. COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS: Mayor announced the following appointments; after which, (060- it was moved by Hodges, seconded by Broich, and unanimously 001 carried, that said appointments be approvedc. 025) Airport Charles Mayer, 6-30-94 Convention Center Erich Langman, 6-30-94 Richard Hoag, 6-30-94 Virginia Carter, 6-30-93 Ronald Kubler, 6-30-93 Council Minutes 7-31-90 Page 7 COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS (Continued) Economic Development Nate Isrealson, 6-30-94 (060- Richard O' Linn, 6-30-94 007 Historic Site Frances Nunan, 6-30-94 O11 James Suguitan, 6-30-94 012 Library Alberta Carlen, 6-30-93 021 Parks & Recreation Mike Minasian, 6-30-94 023 Louis Perlin, 6-30-94 Don Watt, 6-30-911 016) Public Arts Bill Freckleton, 6-30-94 Ernest Ehrhardt, 6-30-94 Rent Review Bernard Pollock, 6-30-94 REPORTS & REQUESTS: DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS - Received for Filing a) Treasurer's Monthly - May, 1990 (121- 002) ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Mayor declared the meeting adjourned. JUDITH SUMICH City Clerk