HomeMy WebLinkAbout1991 - MINUTES - 1/22/1991 CITY OF PALM SPRINGS Y -3 38
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
JANUARY 22, 1991
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, January 22, 1991, at 3 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Present: Councilmembers Broich, Hodges, Murawski
Neel and Mayor Bono
Absent: None
REPORT OF POSTING OF AGENDA:
Report of City Clerk: Agenda posted in accordance with
Council procedures on January 18, 1991.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
a) Rolph Arnhym, Chamber of Commerce, urged community
support of the Virginia Slims tournament, and stated
that the Chamber will not submit a proposal for the
street fair program, but is willing to support one
in whatever way it can. He also urged that it be
accomplished through the private sector.
LEGISLATIVE ACTION:
1. MAHONEY WASSERMAN PUBLIC RELATIONS CONTRACT
Consideration of giving 30-day notice of cancellation.
Director of Community Services & Promotions reported that
Mahoney Wasserman was retained to provide public relations
services in the United States in terms of the special
events, and to promote the celebrity status of Mayor Bono
to the benefit of the community; that the result has been
several millions of dollars in media coverage; that at
the last study session, the Council requested that an
action be prepared to cancel the agreement because of
concerns regarding the value of the publicity, and the
benefits of it.
Councilmember Murawski stated that he did not want to
spend the money anywhere else, and the concern is the 50
credibility of each event, and where the money is spent; 004,E
that it did not mean that Mahoney Wasserman would not
be involved once the special events are classified; that
he would like to see a contract that limited a certain
amount of money per event, with a careful analysis as
to the return on that investment; that it may mean one
PR firm might be competing against another; that the issue
is not budget cutting, rather to take a different approach
to the entire subject.
Mayor stated that he spoke with Mahoney, and a request
was made to continue this matter for one week, in order
to be able to talk with the Council before taking action.
Councilmember Broich stated that he did not object to
a continuance, as long as the it is understood that if
the Council proceeds with the cancellation, the effective
date will be March 1.
`('s'ouncil Minutes
1-22-91 Page 2
L. MAHONEY WASSERMAN (Continued)
It was moved by Neel , seconded by Broich, and unanimously
carried, that this matter be continued to January 29,
with understanding that a subsequent action for cancellation
of the agreement shall be effective March 1, 1991.
2. CONVENTION CENTER EXPANSION - PHASE I BID PROCESS
Recommendation: That the Council approve prequalification
of eleven contractors to bid on the Convention Center
expansion.
Director of General Operations reviewed his report, noting 1397(139-
the names of the eleven contractors (a copy of which is
on file with the City Clerk) , and stated that information
and proposal packages were sent to thirty-one contractors,
of which twelve responded, and of which one was determined
not qualified by the panel which reviewed the proposals,
based on seven criteria.
Mayor reminded the staff that this project is critical ,
and it is extremely important that it be fast-tracked.
Minute Order 4703, approving the prequalific:ation of eleven
contractors to bid on the project, was presented; after
which, it was moved by Broich, seconded by Neel , and unani-
mously carried, that M04703 be adopted.
:3. PS VILLAGEFEST
Consideration of approving a farmers market/street fair
to be titled, the Palm Springs VillagelFest, beginning
February 28, 1991.
Director of Community Services & Promotions reviewed her
report, detailing the nature of the project„ and proposing
that it commence .on February 28, starting on Palm Canyon
between Tahquitz and Baristo, from 6 to 9 p.m. each
Thursday; that a review committee made up of local
merchants, artisaris and business owners would evaluate
all applications, and develop policies; that a certain
amount of the revenue would be set aside each week for
promotion; that the purpose is directed at 'local residents,
to bring activity and interest downtown; and that lighting
may pose some problems, but one alternative has been
suggested - redirect some of the palm tree lighting, or
utilize generators for additional 'lighting.
Councilmember Murawski stated that the 'lighting should 50-
be left up to the individual participants; that generators
should not be used; that power can be taken from the
merchants; and that it has worked 'in other communities.
Councilmember Broich stated that: he would not like to
see a lot of generators used, particularly because of
the noise; that he sees this as a family event, for local
residents, as well as those who may come from other nearby
communities, as a fun and festive thing to do on a week
night.
Councilmember Neel stated that he did not think the project
has been totally thought out, and it may result in competi-
tion with local merchants.
Council Minutes _ _ ,, r,,
1-22-91 Page 3 w•' '`�
3. VILLAGEFEST (Continued)
Discussion ensued how local merchants would participate.
It was the conclusion that merchandise could only be
displayed on the decorative carts, and if a merchant wished
to invest in a cart, it could be placed in front of the
business, but that racks, tables, or other displays would
not be permitted; that lighting would be left up to the
individual ; and that the permit fee should not be a
discouragement for local merchants.
Councilmember Murawski noted that the guidelines would
establish a weekly drawing for space location, but a
merchant with a cart could still place the cart in front
of his/her own shop each week; and the event will need
to be reevaluated to see how successful it is.
Ted Gropher, Main Street, stated that he delivered copies
of a street vendor, street fair, and entertainment program
to city staff, which closely parallels this program, and
the Council should look at both at the same time; and
he suggested that the Council continue this item, and
let the Special Events Division and Main Street see if
they can bring the two programs together; that the Main
Street proposal specifically excludes clothing items,
since it was felt that the stores would likely remain
open during the festivities, are better equipped in terms
of lighting, storage, display for that type of merchandise;
and that food, beverage, entertainment, and possibly
dancing, would best interact with the established merchants
on the street.
Councilmember Murawski asked that the entire set of rules
and guidelines be presented to the Council , and urged
that the Council act within a week.
It was moved by Broich, seconded by Murawski , and unani-
mously carried, that this matter be continued to January
29, and staff and Main Street work together, and the full
policies be presented.
4. SURPLUS FIRE EQUIPMENT - DONATION TO ENSENADA FIRE DEPARTMENT
Recommendation: That the Council approve the donation
of surplus and non-certified fire equipment to the Ensenada
B.C. Fire Department.
Fire Chief noted that this matter was discussed at the87-
last study session, and no further report was given. 001),
Resolution 17403, as recommended, was presented; after
which, it was moved by Broich, seconded by Murawski , and
unanimously carried, that R17403 be adopted.
MAYOR DECLARED THE MEETING RECESSED for study session, and thereafter
to reconvene at 6:30 p.m. , for continuation of goal setting sessions
at the Corporation Yard, focus to be on general direction for
preparation of 1991-92 budget. Note: The Council adjourned in
study session to a Closed Session, and reconvened at the Corporation
Yard at approximately 7:20 p.m. )
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor declared the meeting
adjourned.
JUDITH SUMICH
City Clerk