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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1990 - MINUTES - 10/23/1990CITY OF PALM SPRINGS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES OCTOBER 23, 1990 An Adjourned Regular Meeting of the City Council was called to order by Mayor Bono, in the Large Conference Room, 3200 Tahquitz-McCallum Way, on Tuesday, October 23, 1990, at 2 p.m. ROLL CALL: Present: Councilmembers Broich, Hodges, Murawski, Neel and Mayor Bono Absent: None REPORT OF POSTING OF AGENDA: Report of Assistant City Clerk: Agenda posted in accordance with Council procedures on October 19, 1990. PUBLIC COMMENTS: a) Howard Lapham, 577 E. Sunny Dunes, presented the Council with a packet concerning marketing concepts for city -owned property downtown to enhance the village atmosphere and to generate income; and added that after the Council's review, development stages could be finalized. b) James Hamlin, no address given, stated that his previously expressed concerns regarding pedestrian signals had not been addressed; that staff is not responding concerning the signals; and that cooperation and understanding should be shown to citizens. c) Karen Agular, representing Palm Springs Board of Realtors, requested support, and a representative from the Council, regarding a joint membership meeting to be held Friday night at Las Casuelas. d) Janet Weber, representing Waste Disposal Services, presented a contribution to the DARE program. LEGISLATIVE ACTION: 1. DBID - ANNUAL LEVY OF ASSESSMENTS Consideration of process for conduct of October 30, 1990 (133- continued hearing, and calculation of protests. 004) Councilmember Broich stated abstention due to his financial interests in the Assessment District. Business Acquisition and Retention Specialist stated that the public hearing held on October 17, was continued to October 30, at 2 p.m.; that the purpose for the extension is to allow merchants and tenants in the assessment area to continue to file protests with the Office of the City Clerk; that all written protests previously submitted will be included in the final tallying results; that persons wishing to protest, that have not done so previously, should do so in writing, by the conclusion of the hearing on October 30, 1990; that the hearing shall be limited to receiving testimony not yet heard; that at conclusion of the hearing the percentage of all protests submitted in writing will be calculated by city staff prior to November 7, and that both opponent and proponent groups are invited to observe during the tallying of the protests. Council Minutes 10-23-90, Page 2 LEGISLATIVE ACTION DBID (Continued) Councilmember Murawski stated that the downtown merchants need a cooperative spirit; that the City continues to fund programs to help the downtown merchants; that should the DBID fail to reach qualification, the City should withdraw all support of the downtown merchants until the merchants can reach a cooperative and working spirit; and that Council should adopt a policy that if the downtown merchants cannot cooperate together, the City will not support any actions concerning the downtown area. Councilmember Hodges concurred with Councilmember Murawski, and added that the procedural clarification should be mailed to Joan Gattuso, Lyn Crandall and the DBID; and that it is the City's obligation to set the ground rules for the hearing. Councilmember Neel stated that the downtown merchants have been haggling for 25 years and probably will continue to do so. Mayor Bono stated that the DBID should not be dictating changes to Council directives; that the bike race was held at night which was dangerous for the riders; that the City does not have street lights; that the lights that were erected did not light dangerous areas; that the enthusiasm of the riders and the staff at the Marquis Hotel was low; that it is the City Council's position to find the parameters for an event; that the staff should not have taken the DBID recommendations and changed the event without Council consent; that the downtown merchants need to support one another, form some type of a group, then approach the Council with recommendations; that the City Council has always put the wishes and desires of the downtown merchants first, but that now the downtown merchants need to decide the direction in which they want to go, and let the Council advise them; that events staged by the City are not all of the same caliber, that the Children's Festival Parade held at night was a different type of event than a road race; and that staff should consider the safety of the participants of an event first. Councilmember Murawski stated that the downtown area needs to unite, and that there are too many subcommittees for the area. [lotion to accept the staff memorandum for procedural clarification was presented; after which, it was moved by Murawski, seconded by Hodges, and unanimously carried, that the procedures outlined in the staff memorandum be followed for the hearing. i Council Minutes 10-23-90, Page 3 LEGISLATIVE ACTION: 2. DBID - HOLIDAY DECORATIONS Recommendation: That the Council rescind M04651, which (136- provided for an agreement with the DEAD for season 019) decorations. City Manager stated that the action rescinding the agreement with the DBID regarding holiday decorations., was a procedural one, and would help keep clear the tracking of the action taken. Mayor Bono questioned the desire of the citizens regarding holiday decorations, and cost to purchase same. Special Event Manager stated that some decorations could be ordered if the order is placed by November 8; that the major part of the program was the snowflakes that would hang across Palm Canyon; that the poles that the snowflakes would hang from cannot be acquired on time; and that the banner program was possible to complete on time. Councilmember Neel stated that it was time for Palm Springs to have a first-class holiday decoration program; that this is a tourist based community, and the downtown area should look spiffy. City Manager stated that the City Council could take the project on as a City project, or take the risk that. the DBID is voted for approval; and that the Council needed to provide direction as to funding. Mayor Bono stated that the decorations should be purchased by the City, and the project handled as a City project. Councilmember Murawski questioned the reasoning for purchasing the holiday decorations; that the City Council has continually helped the downtown merchants with money from the General Fund; that it is time for the downtown merchants to band together, and this would be a project for them to start on. Mayor Bono stated that the issue is holiday decorations to represent Palm Springs, not the DBID; that the City has to represent itself, and in a grand fashion; that the citizens should be proud of the decorations that are put up, and that a statement will be made. Councilmember Need stated that it would be shortsighted not to put up decorations; that there is more to the City than just the DBID, Councilmember Hodges stated opposition to the proposal; that the purchase would only represent one-half of the decoration package; that the best part of the decorations are the snowflakes, and they are unattainable; that the Council should wait until next year to support the program, then the full program could be implemented; and that the garlands could be used in the same manner as last year, by wrapping them around the palm trees on Palm Canyon Drive. Council Minutes 10-23-90, Page 4 LEGISLATIVE ACTION 2. DBID - HOLIDAY DECORATIONS (Continued) Councilmember Broich concurred with Hodges and added that by starting now, the City could have a spectacular showing for next year. Mayor Bono stated that there must be an alternative plan that could be used to enhance the downtown area; that manufacturers can be found to produce the effect that is wanted; that the City should put on the best display possible. Councilmember Neel stated that the decorations would enhance the holiday spirit, and encourage people to spend money. Councilmember Hodges stated that for the past 5 or 6 years there have been no decorations in the downtown area; that thought and care should be put in advanced planning; and that next year the City could have the whole package. Motion by Hodges, seconded by Murawski, to rescind Minute Order 4651 for an agreement between the Downtown Business Improvement District and the City of Palm Springs for the purchase of holiday decorations was presented, and failed to carry by the following vote: AYES: Hodges and Murawski NOES: Broich, Neel, and Bono ABSENT: None Mayor Bono stated that staff should be directed to purchase what can be delivered at this time, as a upgrade to the downtown. Ted Grofer, DBID, stated the proposal was an upgrade; that the banners would be in multiple colors; that around 252 would be at strategic locations on Palm Canyon; that 52 would be located on Indian Avenue; that the colorful banners lend a festive atmosphere, and that if only one street strand of snowflakes could be purchased, it would be better not to have any. Councilmember Neel questioned if other companies had been contacted regarding the snowflake strands. Bob Weithorn, no address given, stated chat various companies were contacted, and that the normal delivery time is 6 - 8 weeks. Special Event Manager stated that three of the largest companies were contacted regarding the decorations. Councilmember Broich questioned if the snowflakes were lighted; that the concept was a good one, and that approval should include the provision that if the DBID is ratified, the prior agreement would be effective; that there are three sets of poles located in various locations in the City; that General Operations could weld extensions to the poles; that the City should go ahead and approve the purchase of what is available, with the thought to expand the program next year; that purchasing the Christmas decorations is not bailing the DBID out; that the decorations are for the citizens of Palm Springs; that the DBID assessment for most businesses is only $90.; that the problems of the downtown merchants should not deter addressing what the rest of the City wants; and that the Council needs to look at what is rood for the Council Minutes �- 10-23-90, Page 5 LEGISLATIVE ACTION 2. DBID - HOLIDAY DECORATIONS (Continued) Councilmember Murawski stated that the vote against the holiday decorations is not a vote against the holiday season, but rather a vote for what the taxpayers want. Minute Order 4666 rescinding Minute Order 4651 for an agreement between the downtown business improvement district and the City of Palm Springs for the purchiase of holiday decorations, and authorizing staff to proceed with the planned concept of extending the banner poles and to order a maximum of three lighted snowflakes for hanging across the street, with the understanding that if the D.B.I.D. is ratified, it will fund the holiday season project for $20,000, including the cost of installing the tree garlands, was presented; after which, it was moved by Broich, seconded by Neel, and carried by the following vote, that M04666 be adopted. AYES: Broich, Neel and Bono NOES: Hodges and Murawski ABSENT: None 3. COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER Consideration of appointment of Council subcommittee to assist in editing a community newsletter for distribution. Public Relations Manager stated that the subcommittee would establish a review process, with total approval (050- authority, over content and style of the proposed community 004) newsletter, and work with staff to design, review and edit the publication. Recommendation by Mayor to appoint Hodges and Murawski was presented; after which; it was moved by Broich, seconded by Neel and unanimously carried that the subcommittee be appointed. 4. SENIOR AWARENESS FESTIVAL - SANCTIONED EVENT Recommendation: That the Council approve 3-year agreement with the Palm Spring Senior Center, and sanction Senior Awareness Festival as a city -sanctioned event. A2912 Special Event Manager stated that the Parks and Recreation (050 Commission recommended approval of the agreement and the ) sanctioning of the event. Mayor Bono stated that item 5, regarding the Ordinance suspensions could be added to this action. Councilmember Murawski asked that a written accounting of the special event expenditures be reported to the Council. Resolution 17318, approving three-year contract and sanctioning said event, and Resolution 17319 suspending certain regulatory ordinances, was presented, after which; it was moved by Broich, seconded by Neel, and unanimously carried, that R173.I8 and R17319 be adopted. Council Minutes 10-23-90, Page 6 LEGISLATIVE ACTION: 5. HIRING FREEZE Continuation of City Council review of positions on departmental basis. Acting City Manager stated that the item was a continuance from the last adjourned regular meeting. Assistant City Clerk requested that in addition to consideration of the Allocation Position and Compensation Plan, the Council lift the hiring freeze on the current vacant position, and for any further vacancies that may occur. Resolution 17320 as recommended was presented, after which; it was moved by Broich, seconded by Neel, and carried by the following vote, that R17320 be adopted, and the hiring freeze be lifted. AYES: Broich, Murawski, Neel and Bono NOES: Hodges ABSENT: None ADDED STARTERS: Motion to add items concerning street closures was presented, after which; it was moved by Broich, seconded by Murawski, and unanimously carried, that the items be added to the agenda. AS1. TEMPORARY STREET CLOSURE Recommendation: That the Council authorize the closure of Andreas Road, between Indian Avenue and Palm Canyon Drive, Wednesday, October 24, 1990 through Friday, October 26, 1990. Councilmember Hodges stated that this item should have been anticipated, and questioned the reason for recommendation at this late date. Councilmember Broich stated that the art show could overflow from the sidewalk to the street. Resolution 17321 as recommended was presented; after which, it was moved by Broich, seconded by Murawski, and unanimously carried, that R17321 be adopted. AS2. TEMPORARY STREET CLOSURE (061- 011) (136- 001�q Recommendation: That the Council authorize closure of streets on Amado Road, between Calle Alvardo and Avenida(136- C1. aballeros October 24 through October 27, 1990. OCs) Convention Center Administrative Assistant stated that the the street closure is to accommodate BMW road handling demonstrations as part of the program for Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association meeting being held at the Convention Center; that the demonstration will consist of a coned slalom courses and will allow convention attendees to drive the course while accompanied by professional drivers; and that the maximum speed on the course will be approximately 40 miles per hour with cones spaced to minimize any squealing noise from the vehicles. J Council Minutes 10-23-90, Page 7 ADDED STARTERS: AS2. TEMPORARY STREET CLOSURE (Continued) Councilmember Hodges stated that this item should have been brought before the Council when staff originally scheduled the convention; that staff should not wait to the last minute to bring the items to Council; that the request it to close the street for four days, which inconveniences the citizens; that it is not necessary for the road closure to last so long; and that. an alternative route could be found. Councilmember Neel stated that the attendance for the convention is 2,000; and that the City should cater to the needs of the conventioneers. Councilmember Broich stated that the road could be closed for one day, instead of four; that the closure could be on a Saturday; and that future closures would not be in the best interest of the citizens. Mayor Bono stated that staff needs support; that to disapprove the street closure would not be in the best interest of the conventioneers; and that the convention center needs support in drawing business. Resolution 1732:z as recommended was presented; after which, it was moved by Neel, seconded by Broich, and unanimously carried, that R1732.7 be adopted. AS3. COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS Motion to add Commission Appointments for consideration was presented, after which, it was moved by Broich, seconded (060- by Hodges, and unanimously carried, that the item be added 024) for consideration. Mayor announced his appointment of Councilmember Murawski as the Council representative on the Visitors & Promotion Board, for term ending on June 30, 1994. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Mayor declared the meeting adjourned. JUDITH SUMICH City _Clerk By: PATRICIA A. SANDERS Assistant City Clerk