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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993 - MINUTES - 9/22/1993 CITY OF PALM SPRINGS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES SEPTEMBER 22, 1993 An Adjourned Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Palm Springs, was called to order by Mayor Maryanov,in the Large Conference Room,City Hall,3200 Tahquitz Canyon'Way, on Wednesday, September 22, 1993, at 7:30 p.m. ROLL CALL: Present: Councilmembers Hodges, Lyons, Reller-Spurgin, Schlendorf and Mayor Maryanov Absent: None The meeting was opened with the Salute to the Flag and a moment of silence. REPORT OF POSTING OF AGENDA: City Clerk reported that the agenda was posted in accordance with Council procedures on September 17, 1993. INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGENCY REPORTS: None PUBLIC COMMENTS: None LEGISLATIVE ITEMS: 1. GAMING TASK FORCE On August 4, the Council considered the creation of a task force, and continued further consideration to September 15, at which time, the matter was further continued to this date, including purpose and membership of the task force. Assistant City Manager reported receipt of letter from the Tribal Council that due to the lack of a gaming compact with the State, it did not wish to participate in a task force at this time, and that it will continue to be available for any future conversation with the City in regard to gaming. Mayor noted that while the Tribal Council was not interested at this time,it also was not opposed x`� to the task force. Councilmember Hodges suggested that the membership be limited to eleven members, that anyone interested in serving be considered, and that members be precluded from doing anything in regard to gaming in the city during the task force's review or for one year after the report if completed. City Attorney noted that as appointees of the Council, members would be subject to conflict of interest rules and the Council could impose additional restrictions, which could be drafted in resolution format. During discussion, it was the consensus of the Council that the membership be set at 11; that the City Attorney prepare a resolution precluding participation in any matter regarding gaming during the task force review or for one year following the final report of the committee; that anyone interested shall be considered, and interviewed on October 26; and that the Council shall make appointments on October 27 at an adjourned meeting; and that, at least initially, persons to be considered should be residents and registered voters; after which, it was so moved by Schlendorf, seconded by Lyons,and unanimously carried, that the City Attorney prepare a resolution to create the task force, as discussed, including the scope of activity outlined in the City Manager memorandum of September 15, and that the interviews and appointments be made as noted. 2. FINANCING ALTERNATIVES - COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION On September 8, 1993, Council reviewed a plan for community participation in City funding alternatives, and City government structuring; and Council requested the matter be placed on agenda at this time for further discussion. Councilmember Schlendorf stated that the suggestion by P.O.S.T. to have a citizen advisory group to help in establishing the decision on the continuation of funding the parks, is the impetus of the (140- report she and Councilmember Hodges submitted, as a starting point to discuss getting the public 001 involved in the decision process. Mayor stated that the charter city issue has been partially addressed, in that the City Attorney has been asked to draft a charter along the lines of the way the City currently operates, with modifications to make it easier to do business and for cost control and cost containment that there are many other issues that could be included and if all were looked at now,it would take 2-3 years before a charter is ready; that the basic charter should be set, and then a study committee established to see what the community wants in the way of further modifications. 1 '3Ei Council Minutes 9-22-93, Page 2 2. FINANCING ALTERNATIVES (Continued) Councilmember Lyons stated that he was afraid that other modifications would confuse the issue, and that the charter must be clear when it is on the ballot; that it should be the basics first, and amendments would be counter productive and split the issue; and that it is important than it will be a big change, and it should be a gain and not a loss. Councilmember Reller-Spurgin agreed with Councilmember Lyons. Councilmember Scldendorf stated that she thought the current system waauld be in the charter, and the public would be encouraged to propose possible amendments, and then those would be voted on as trailers on the ballot. Mayor stated that he did not see them all being on the same ballot and felt there are modifications which are complex and need discussion and investigating first. In answer to question by Council, City Clerk stated that the cost of adding two or three measures to the April ballot is nominal;and that the cost of consolidating several measures on a county-wide ballot would be about 50% of the,cost of a stand-alone election. Councilmember Hodges stated that there would be nothing wrong with putting together a task force to work on the charter itself, and to help sell it to the public. City Attorney responded to her, that the April ballot is being targeted. Councilmember Reller-Spurgin slated that if the Council gets involved in a committee, it would no longer be a citizen committee, rather that participants mimic what they think the Councilmember wants to hear, and that it was her understanding the Council was going to go for the lighting and maintenance district. Mayor stated that the Council called for the district to be on the November agenda; That it is somewhat easier and there are existing groups which can work on it, including the Parks & Recreation Commission; that he felt the entire Council wants citizen input, but how it is accomplished is unanswered; that he agreed the Council should be resources and not members of the committees. Councilmember Hodges stated that there was no certainty the lighting and maintenance, district would pass; that as long as there is a committee working, that is what is important, although she did not find in working with a budget citizen committee that they yielded to her; that the three "district" funding mechanisms were grouped together because the Council has not set a goal as to how much it wants to acquire in revenue, and she felt the citizens could help to sort out that into priorities for the community; that people who come to the meetings say one thing, but the Council can still not be certain, since there is not a cross section of the community represented. Councilmember Lyons stated that he has asked the Fire Chief to contact Ted Gaebler and perhaps look at outlines of what other cities have done which have achieved a restructuring. Councilmember Schlendorf stated that she previously provided samples to the Council,and would do so again; and that she felt the public has been patient with the Council recognizing the rouble the city is in,and that the Council has augmented the budget for the past two years, and is giving the Council time to resolve the problem, but that it wants it solved, and wants it done right; that if the lighting and maintenance district is to raise$4.9 million, to augment parks or help police through freed general fund money;that she felt$200-300 per household was beyond an acceptance level; and that, at a minimum, a survey is needed. Mayor stated that he felt the community has loudly and clearly indicated that it wants police and fire service, and a large segment has spoke for parks; that staff information is needed, which has been asked for, i.e., what will a community services district or parks maintenance district raise, and what will be covered, and how much will it cost people; that the: larger organized groups should be getting the support for the parks district; and that he felt those who spoke for the parks represented more than themselves. Councilmember Reller-Spurgin stated that she felt they also spoke for a lot of kids. Councilmember Lyons agreed that data is needed, and a disproportionate voice can be heard without it, and the survey may be the means of getting the raw data. Council Minutes 9-22-93, Page 3 2. FINANCING ALTERNATIVES (Continued) Councilmember Schlendorf suggested that information relative to a survey be on the next agenda, including costs and alternatives to costs (e.g., volunteers), adding that she felt the public has definite opinions, and they need to be weighed. Mayor stated that 2/3 of the city's costs relate to payroll; that the Council has negotiated intensively over the past months, and they are moving slowly; that numerous cuts have been made since taking office; that the City Manager has been asked to look at the organization of the Police Department; and that there has been some reorganizing in the Fire Department to help reduce the manning cost. Councilmember Hodges stated that people have spoken in support of police and fire,but have not said they are willing to pay more; that many ways to reduce costs and make government more efficient were made during the budget process, and she was not aware of what has been followed up on, in that she has seen no reports; that it has been 3-6 months since those ideas were brought up; that the Council cannot wait for Cathedral City to decide on consolidation, nor would it happen before next fiscal year; that the City is $5 million short now, and addressing it needs to start now, and perhaps getting Ted Gaebler is a beginning at restructuring. Councilmember Reller-Spurgin stated that it is very difficult to be objective when being so involved, and an independent person can look objectively and say what needs to be done. Counci➢member Schlendorf stated that when the Councilmembers were candidates everyone wanted to see a financial restructuring of the City, and she felt they were still in a reacting mode rather than taking a lead, and there has not been any meaningful restructuring of the City's financial position in the past 1 1/2 years;that if Cathedral City is not going to go for the consolidation,then Palm Springs needs to move ahead and find another solution, and it cannot wait for them to come to the table; and the Council needs to set its agenda. Consensus: materials to be copied and provided to Council, include: Ted Gaebler's final production the City Shafer, restructuring of N. Las Vegas, Sunnyvale, and Forth Worth. Mayor stated that the Council has asked for studies on the sheriff,maintenance district, fire benefit assessment district, to make it clear to the public as to what they want to pay for; that he felt the public has repeatedly said not to lay off police and not to cut fire; and process for community service district; that the Council is waiting for feedback from staff, and now it will be asked for professional survey information and input on independent consultant on restructuring government. He asked that the police study be done in two weeks, and for the charter by mid-October. City Attorney stated that he thought the charter would be completed by the ead of October; that it is an entire charter document, and may contain 100 pages. Councilmember Hodges challenged that the Council was not making any decisions, and was putting off solutions,and suggested that the Council commit to taking the time to iron out its goals and set priorities on what it wants to do, and to commit to making it happen. Councilmembers Lyons and Reller-Spurgin concurred they had no problem in doing that. In addition to the above studies, Council asked that scenarios be given for each possibility. Assistant City Manager stated that the general fund problem is$5 million, and there are only so many financial vehicles available to raise additional funds; that the Council directed staff to proceed with three, i.e., the lighting and maintenance district, which can only fund those matters within the budget which are eligible-proposed at approximately$2 million for parks only;which will displace general funds now spent on parks and free those to help other general fund functions. Mayor agreed with community involvement in the parks issue, and believes it exists, and if the funds are not provided, there will be half of the parks than exist today; that there is no secret that the City is short money and that the utility tax is being used and then will go away, and the staff is being asked what can be raised. He asked for data as to what is calculated in an equivalent dwelling unit formula. Councilmember Schlendorf stated that she wanted to know how many properties are in foreclosure being held by banks and not paying taxes. Director of Finance stated that the bank would still be liable to pay the tax, and generally do so; and that tax exempt property would not be included, although there is possessory interest billed on the roll, but it is not secured. It was moved by Hodges, seconded by Reller-Spurgin, and unanimously carried, that this discussion be continued to October 6, and staff report back on the matters above noted. Council Minutes 9-22-93, Page 4 3'. COMPREHENSIVE FEE SCHEDULE - PUBLIC WORKS PLAN CHECK SERVICES Recommendation: That the Council amend the Comprehensive Fee Schedule to add a Public Works Plan Check Services fee,consistent with the 1993-94 budget adoption, in order to recover cost of providing those services, and approve agreement with ASL Consulting Service, The Holt Group, KWL Associates, Mainiero, Smith&Associates, Inc., and Sanbom/Webb,Inc., for plan check services, Agr_through (114- 008) Mayor reported that the Building hndustry Association asked to look at the recommendation, and he recommended that this matter be continued to allow that input. It was moved by Lyons, seconded by Reller-Spurgin, and unanimously carried, that this matter be continued to September 29, 1993. 4. ADDITIONAL LEGISLATIVE ITEMS: (Satisfied agenda posting requirements; materials at meeting) None ADJOURNMENT Mayor declared the meeting adjourned to Wednesday, (September 29, 1993, 7:30 p.m., Large Conference Room, City Hall. JUDITH�SUMICH City Clerk