HomeMy WebLinkAbout1991 - MINUTES - 1/29/1991 Hs� CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
JANUARY 29, 1991
An Adjourned Regular Meeting of the City Council was called to
order by Mayor Bono in the Large Conference Room, City Hall , 3200
Tahquitz-McCallum Way, on Tuesday, January 29, 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 25, 1991.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: None
LEGISLATIVE ACTION:
1. MAHONEY WASSERMAN PUBLIC RELATIONS CONTRACT
Consideration of giving 30-day notice of cancellation,
continued from January 22, with understanding that effective
date would be March 1.
Director of Community Services & Promotions highlighted
the background of her report.
Al Tortorella, Burson & Marsteller, explained that the
firm merged with Mahoney Wasserman, and explained the (' 050-
range of PR services it provides, both nationally and 004;)
internationally; that the merger with Mahoney was to enhance
its entertainment capability; that the prime area it can
offer to Palm Springs is the ability to secure corporate
sponsorships for special events, since it represents 200
of the fortune 500 companies.
Mayor noted that the merger of the companies occurred
about the same time that the Council became disillusioned
with Mahoney, and asked what will be different if the
Council stayed with the firm.
Mr. Tortorella stated that it would offer the City its
best people from Los Angeles, whether they were originally
with Burtson Marsteller or Mahoney Wasserman, in a format
that would be acceptable to the City.
Mayor stated that he felt PR is essential , but that type
of PR which has been used recently has not been the optimum
needed; that the game plan needs to be rearranged, and
the name "Palm Springs" needs to be exploited, and its
product promoted and advertised.
Councilmember Murawski stated that he felt the dollars
as earmarked should remain exactly where they are; that
while there was disillusionment, the primary problem was
lack of accountability; that the focus needs to be narrowed,
and although the same amount of money may be spent, it
needs to be spent in a different fashion, e.g. , on a key
event basis, a specific campaign would be defined, and
the firm held accountable for the results, and as long
as the results were achieved, the relationship could
continue.
Council Minutes
1-29-91 Page 2
1. MAHONEY WASSERMAN PR CONTRACT (Continued)
Mr. Tortorella stated that at the time of merger, the
company was also formulating plans to identify how to
best serve its various clients needs, and that it welcomes
the scrutiny.
Councilmember Broich stated that he would like to cancel
the current contract, and before the next event, the new
firm can present a proposal based on what each event will
cost, and what the expected results are for each event,
rather than a one-year retainer contract.
Mayor stated that he thinks it is beneficial to have the
City represented by a large firm; that there is a PR hook
in a city just deciding to hire a PR firm; that the current
contract already provides a means of cancellation, and
if the firm can come forward with new ideas which are
acceptable, the program can move ahead; and if that does
not work out, and the new plans are not acceptable, the
Council still has the choice of cancelling the agreement.
Mr. Tortorella stated that perhaps the Council could
continue the contract through March, and during the interim,
the firm can come back with a proposal for the events,
along with the costs, and the Council can either accept
or reject the proposal .
Councilmember Murawski stated that the Council should
pick each event to be sponsored, and then bid them in
such a way as to come back with a game plan for each,
so value judgements and decisions can be made; that each
event has different problems; that promoters of various
events may have their own ideas, which should be heard;
that it should not be a blanket arrangement; and he
suggested that the firm develop a proposal for the
Children's Festival .
Mayor stated that part of the advantage of retaining a
PR firm is its ability to trade deals; that an
event-by-event basis does not lend to the across-the-board
momentum of a single firm; that each time a new "crank-up"
is needed, it involves re-education, which takes time,
and diminishes the momentum; that the momentum has not
been apparent, and that is why the problems hava resulted.
Mr. Tortorella stated that the industry is moving toward
an event basis, but is still heavily into the retainer
field, in that ownership of an account and the ability
to have the money to back that up and to make trades is
beneficial ; that if a decision is made for each event
as to who will be the firm, the result is a loss of energy,
money, time and resources which, for a limited fee, might
not be necessary; that he would like to continue the
relationship for six months, take a reduced fee, and come
back with a proposal ; and that if the Council is not
pleased, it can open it to bids.
Councilmember Broich stated that based on the lack of
accountability in the last two years, he was not comfortable
continuing the contract.
Mayor suggested that Mr. Tortorella develop a twofold
proposal , one that deals with event-by-event, and the
other a full-time basis.
It was moved by Neel , seconded by Broich, and unanimously
carried, that a 30-day notice of cancellation of the
contract be given for an effective cancellation date of
March 1, 1991; and that Burson Marsteller be requested
to come back with a new proposal .
"Council Minutes
1-29-91 Page 3
2. CONVENTION CENTER EXPANSION - BID PROCESS, CONTRACTING SERVICES
Recommendation: That the Council approve agreement with
Gleason, Peacock & Fisk, Inc. , to prepare construction
documents for the expansion of the Convention Center,
for $10,000; final language of the agreement subject to
approval of the City Attorney.
Director of General Operations highlighted the background 139-
of the firm, and Edward Fisk, principal officer who will (`009-
handle the project, as noted in his report (a copy of
which is on file with the City Clerk) , and added that
the architect provides the construction drawings and plans,
but it is the City' s responsibility as owner to provide
the "front end documents," and "general coinditions," most
of which are boiler plate language, but ,are in need of
updating and revision.
Purchasing Manager stated that Mr. Fisk is also qualified
to appear as an expert witness in both superior court
and the State Supreme Court.
Minute Order 4706, as recommended, was presented; after
which, it was moved by Broich, seconded by Hodges, and
unanimously carried, that M04706 be adopted.
3. PS VILLAGEFEST
Consideration of approving a farmers market/street fair
to be titled, the Palm Springs VillageFest, beginning
February 28, 1991, was continued from January 22, with
request for additional information and clarification.
Director of Community Services & Promotions reported that
the DBID met, and has endorsed the program, which will
dovetail with the vendor cart and entertainment program;
that it was thought February 28 may be t00 early for the
program to be ready to start, and that: it should be
suspended during Easter Week.
Councilmember Neel stated that it should be held at the
low season, and not at the peak.
Councilmember Broich stated that the program is intended (050
to be year-around, and is not intended as a tourist event.
Director of Community Services & Promotions stated that
the concept is more arts and crafts, collectibles, and
food; that there is no ability to display clothing;; and
the merchandise would not be in competition with local
merchants.
Councilmember Murawski stated that he would like to see
the events start quickly; that it may be necessary to
slip one week; that he understood that if a restaurant
in that area wanted to put tables and chairs outside of
its facility, it would be permitted to do so; and that
he hoped it would be successful , and could eventually
be turned over to Main Street to run it, but recognized
the present need for the City's organization and staffing
to get it started.
Council Minutes `, " -3 4A
1-29-91 Page 4
3. PS VILLAGEFEST (Continued)
Councilmember Broich stated that there is no problem with
outdoor dining from the standpoint of the Health Department,
and he agreed with eventually handing it over to Main
Street.
Community Services & Promotions Department Project
Coordinator explained the relationship to the Certified
Farmer' s Market organization, and noted that the sale
of herbs and spices would probably not fall in the category
of the farmer's market, but would be covered by other
categories. She detailed the start-up costs, and stated
that the start-up area would be on Palm Canyon, from Arenas
to Baristo, and there will be further review before it
is extended north. She I reviewed minor changes
to the, "Palm Springs VillageFest Rules and Regulations,"
as contained in the report of the Director of Community
Services & Promotions, as follows:
1. Paragraph A, of Section 2. Participation, add language
to prohibit sale of apparel . Paragraph B, thereof,
delete last sentence, "Sales are limited. . . . . ."
2. Paragraph C, Section 3. Non-Palm Springs Business
Participation, deleted in its entirety.
3. Paragraph B, Section 5. Political , Religious and Other
Informational Groups, add sentence, "No laud speakers
or PA systems may be used."
4. Section 6, Entertainment, and Section 7, Vending Carts,
delete "/Downtown Business Improvement District' s"
from the first sentences thereof.
5. Paragraph C, Section 14, Member Barbecues, deleted
in its entirety.
6. Section 16, General Rules for Participants, add language (050-
007'
that Rules and Regulations may be changed without
notification at anytime deemed necessary by the )
governing body; and language to allow outdoor tables 061-(
and chairs for existing restaurants. (0 61-
OC
Resolution 17405, approving the VillageFest street fair,
amending the Comprehensive Fee Schedule to establish weekly (114
permit fees, and approving the rules and regulations, 006)
and Resolution 17406 amending the budget to appropriate
$5,127, were presented; after which, it was moved by Broich,
seconded by Murawski , and unanimously carried, that R17405
and 17406 be adopted.
4. DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION PROGRAM - SENCA
Consideration of approving agreement with SENCA Palm f133-
Springs, Inc. for the Downtown Revitalization Program "005),
- Agr 2945.
Director of Community Development reported that subsequent
to the Council 's direction on January 2, Councilmembers
Broich and Murawski , city staff members and members of
SENCA have met and worked through a number of issues and
negotiated terms and conditions of the contract submitted
for approval . He recapped the various elements of the
agreement.
", 5CounciI Minutes
1-29-91 Page 5
4. DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION (Continued)
Councilmember Murawski thanked the staff and those involved
in the process for a lot of hard work, and stated that
he felt this was a major step toward accomplishing the
vision plans, and downtown revitalization.
Councilmember Hodges also thanked Members Broich and
Murawski , the staff and SENCA for putting the agreement
together, and for doing a good job.
Mayor asked that a facade program that would not involve
a lot of money, but would produce an upgrade appearance
downtown, be gotten underway.
Jerry Augburn, SENCA, stated that there are three
rehabilitation applications, with specifics for each -
two deal with renovation of existing properties, and one
with putting together new redevelopment projects.
Councilmember Murawski stated that there will be "before
and after" project, assisted design and owner particpation,
and opportunities for design assistance through Mr. Augburn,
to ensure achieving an overall design scheme.
Minute Order 4704, approving agreement, as recommended,
was presented; after which, it was moved by Murawski ,
seconded by Broich, and unanimously carried, that MO 4704
be adopted.
5. ZTA - URGENCY ORDINANCE - SIGNS
Consideration of urgency ordinance to grant authority
to the Director of Community Development to approve
temporary, special permits for signs advertising or
pertaining to any civic, patriotic, or special event of
general public interest.
Director of Community Development reported that the change
will give him the ability to approve signs for special
events, speed up the process, and will be effective for
45 days; and that the entire process will be a part of
the overall sign ordinance review and amendments.
City Clerk read title of Ord 1367, as follows:
AN INTERIM ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, (103-
CALIFORNIA, TO ALLOW THE DIRECTOR OF COMMUINITY DEVELOPMENT 038}
TO GRANT A TEMPORARY SPECIAL PERMIT OR OTHERWISE
PERMITTING, SIGNS, ADVERTISING OR PERTAINING TO ANY
CIVIC, PATRIOTIC OR SPECIAL EVENTS OF GENERAL PUBLIC
INTEREST, AND DECLARING THE URGENCY THEREOF.
It was moved by Broich, seconded by Neel , and unanimously
carried, that further reading be waived, and that 01367
be adopted.
Council Minutes -
1-29-91 Page 6
6. ALLOCATED POSITIONS & COMPENSATION PLAN AMENDMENT AIRPORT
Consideration of amendment to the Allocated Positions
& Compensation Plans to allow for management overtime
compensation for certain emergency situations at the
Airport, and to reclassify the entry level clerical position
at the Airport.
Director of Aviation stated that the amendment will allow
overtime compensation, at straight time, for hours in �061-
excess of 40 hours weekly, for EX/MX employees for the 011)
purpose of emergency recall , or maintaining daily minimum
manning levels of the Airport's Emergency Command Post,
whenever it is placed in operation per the Airport' s
Emergency and Security Plans; that the FAA mandate for
the Command Post has beenfulfilled, and the Airlines are
responsible for picking up the cost. He also noted that
the proposal provides for an upgrade of the entry level
clerical position at the Airport.
Councilmember Murawski stated that the issue of
reclassification should be addressed by the new city
manager, and it should not be upgraded simply to accommodate
a transfer of an employee.
Acting City Manager stated that this is a personnel issue,
and perhaps should be addressed in closed session.
Resolution 17407, revised to delete the reclassification,
was presented; after which, it was moved by Murawski ,
seconded by Broich, and unanimously carried, that R17407
be adopted.
7. STREET VACATION
Consideration of resolution of intention to vacate 145-
right-of-way for a cul-de-sac at the end of Via Sol , west 001
of Via Norte, Tract 15620, and set hearing thereon for
February 20, 1991.
Director of Community Development stated that the cul-de-sac
is not needed for access, and approval is recommended
by the Traffic Engineer.
Resolution 17408, as recommended, was presented; after
which, it was moved by Hodges, seconded by Broich, and
unanimously carried, that R17408 be adopted.
8. CONVENTION CENTER EXPANSION - PRECONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES
Recommendation: That the Council authorize payment of
$33,104 to SENCA for November-December, 1990 reimbursable
expenses.
Director of Community Development reported that the costs (139-
are in accordance with the schedule approved by the Council
for management services for the Convention Center expansion, 004)
and the costs will be rolled into the bond issue.
Minute Order 4705, as recommended, was presented; after
which, it was moved by Broich, seconded by Neel , and
unanimously carried, that M04705 be adopted.
Council Minutes
1.-29-91 Page 7
9. NIMLO CONFERENCE CITY PARTICIPATION
Recommendation: That the Council amend the budget to
- •-547 appropriate $32,000 for food and beverage functions, waive
fees for usage of the Convention Center, and offer
appropriate staff support in order to meet bid requirement
for the October, 1991 NIMLO (National Institute of Municipal
Law Officers - attorneys) Convention.
Convention Center Sales Representative reported that Phoenix
lost the bid on the convention, which is expected to bring
800 people from throughout the counitry, and the
recommendation relates to local costs associated with
the convention; and that the City Attorney would also
be expected to serve as conference chair.
City Attorney stated that the organization wants a western
theme, and Palm Springs has a ggood chance of securing ( 139-
the bid; that it could generate V00,000 community wide, 001,
and a return of $22,000 in Room Tax; that NIMLO is the
only city attorney organization; that the main timeframe (061-
the group is interested in is already booked, however, 0097
there is time open at the beginning of the period, and
the group is willing to consider -it; and that the response
must be made within the next two days.
Resolution 17409, waiving fees and authorizing staff
support; and Resolution 17410 amending the budget, were
presented; after which, it was moved by Hodges, seconded
by Murawski , and unanimously carried, that R17409 and
R17410 be adopted.
10. CITY MANAGER CONTRACT
City Attorney stated that pursuant to direction of the
City Council , a contract was prepared with Robert Parkins,
to serve as City Manager, commencing March 1, 1991, which
contains employment concerns consistent with the Council ' s
direction; that Mr. Parkins has signed, and it was ready
for Council action.
Councilmember Broich stated that the City will have someone
who understands what tourism means, as well as city (071-
management experience, in that Mr. Parkins has been a 001}
city manager, and is currently the manager in Miami Beach,
Florida; and that he felt his leadership wound be fruitful .
Mayor read the press release describing the Council ' s
selection process, and highlighting Mr. Parkins background
and experience, and the Council 's expectations.
It was moved by Broich, seconded by Murawski , and
unanimously carried, that the contract with Robert Parkins
as city manager be approved - Agr #2943.
BOARD/COMMISSION/COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS
Councilmember Murawski asked that consideration of the (060-
blue ribbon committee for new airlines and international 010)
arrivals be given at the next regular meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor declared the meeting
adjourned.
:J
JUDITH SUMICH
City Clerk