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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994 - MINUTES - 10/12/1994 CITY OF PALM SPRINGS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES OCTOBER 12, 1994 An,Ad j. Meeting of the City Council of the City of Palm Springs, California, was called to order by Mayor Maryanov, in the Council Chamber, 3200 Tahquitz Canyon Way, on Wednesday, October 12, 1994, at 6:00 p.m., at which time, the City Attorney announced items to be discussed in Closed Session, and at 7:00 p.m., the meeting was convened in open session. ROLL CALL: Present: Councilmembers Hodges, Kleindienst, Lyons, Reller-Spurgin, and ' Mayor Nlaryanov Absent: None The meeting was opened with the Salute to the Flag. REPORT OF POSTING OF AGENDA: City Clerk reported that the agenda was posted in accordance with Council procedures on October 7, 1994. REPORT OF CITY ATTORNEY ON MATTERS DISCUSSED IN CLOSED SESSION(All Entities)- See items on Page 2 of agenda this date. HOUSING AUTHORITY: FINANCING AUTHORITY: INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY - No business COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY: No business INTERAGENCY REPORTS: None PUBLIC COMMENTS: a) Comments concerning Item 1: Jim Jones stated that he spoke on behalf of owners of properly fronting on Tahquitz ' Canyon, which he did not think were contacted regarding the landscape conversion on the median island; that the apartments have been rehabilitated and landscaping installed, and property improved without any cost to the City; that there is enough desert landscaping now in the city, and the cost for the conversion is too much, and too long to repay it, and the plants will have to be replaced before it is paid for. Dee Dee Stone stated that the contractor is an out-of-town contractor, and she suggested that DWA give the plant materials and COD students be used to install it, thereby saving the $100,000; and that although she liked the desert flora, many residents prefer a green oasis. Percy Shultz, New Horizons West, stated that it appears questionable as to exactly (136- what materials are proposed, and the project seems rushed, and he suggested 049) obtaining other bids. He added that he would like to see all palm trees in the City trimmed, i.e., those along portions of Palm Canyon Drive, and in front of City Hall. Matilda .tones commented that many plants suggested require water, pruning and maintenance of a different nature than grass, and will have to be replaced in five years. b) Darrell Meeks stated his understanding that the P.S. Store is now closed, and questioned how much it cost the City, and urged that it be put out to bid. He specifically asked Councilmember Lyons for a profit and loss statement, and an accounting of the merchandise, i.e., the "big light." Note: During the study session portion of the meeting, Councilmember Lyons stated ' that the city store was an idea he thought could make money for the City, as it has in other areas, and there was no "cronyism"; that he presented the idea to the Council, and did not owe anyone an accounting - which is staff's job to do - and he took umbrage at such a suggestion. LEGISLATIVE ITEMS: )23 ) Council Minutes 10-12-94, Page 2 1. TAHQUITZ MEDIAN ISLAND - DESERT LANDSCAPE On October 5, 1994, the Council continued recommendation that the Council approve Change Order 1 to contract with American Landscape, to install desert landscaping on Tahquitz Way median islands, from Civic to Farrell and from Encilia to Indian, for $93,322, A3408, total project estimated cost $100,321. City Manager reported that staff has tried to coordinate the savings with those projected by DWA, so there is some agreement on the numbers; that the work was to have been done under change order to an existing contract for work at the new golf course; that the annual savings for the entire length of the median would be about $33,422, of which this portion represents about I/3, or $11,000, which would be an 8 year repayment, without considering Airport participation; that it was not his understanding that plant materials would have to be replaced, and that there would be routine maintenance. Councilmember Reller-Spurgin stated her intent in raising this issue was to save money for the City; that it seemed the streets were being watered and employees were spending a lot of time working the median; that she would still like to see the costs contained, but this proposed savings is not what she envisioned, and the idea was to save and not get into debt; that the Council is facing trimming $4 million over the next few yeas, and a $100,000 investment is not the way to do it, and she wanted to know what alternatives there are to making it look better, without adding costs. City Manager stated that the new maintenance contract includes adding flora color; and he felt the price under the change order would still be less, even if competitive bids were sought. Councilmember Hodges stated that the purpose of the project was to reduce costs and make the median more maintenance free; that she personally liked desert landscaping, and it did not have to be rocks and cactus; that she did not like going into debt for it, i.e., not an eight year period; that she felt the cost was very high; and that the City became a charter city in order to take advantage of reducing some of these type of costs. City Manager stated that the prevailing wage issue will be to the Council in the near future. Councilmember Lyons favored delaying this project until that is completed; that the valley is over-drafting 20,000 acre feet of water each year, which serves a family of five for one year, (136- and if care is not taken, there will be major subsidence of the water tables; that this is a desert 049) community; that he would like to see policies for the Planning Commission and for projects going in to be water conservative; and he added that DWA should set the example by its own landscaping and water maintenance. Councilmember Kleindienst stated that the drawings, without specifications noted, leads to a lot of changes during the construction, and he was concerned about how the materials will be removed, i.e., the bermuda grass, and how the area will be maintained; that he was not opposed to the existing contractor performing the work, if the documents were more detailed; that he felt the project was being rushed for that purpose, and he recommended a delay to discuss more fully what direction the Council warts to take and to see more thorough documents for bidding. Mayor stated that there is a limited staff, and he recommended that this matter be put to rest lot awhile; that the maintenance contracts be completed, along with other charter city issues. He agreed with comments concerning water conservation, and added lie felt the DWA should be raising its rates on large water consumers, which will result in users becoming more conscientious, and the cost to the City for this type of project, will be more feasible. Director of Aviation noted that tine portion of the median from Civic to El Cielo is to be taken over by the Airport, and will be restored with greenery and flowers, the cost of which will be absorbed by the Airport, along with the maintenance by its crews. No specific action was taken, it was the consensus of the Council to table this until other issues are addressed as summarized by the Mayor. Council Minutes 10-12-94, Page 3 2. ENCROACHMENT LICENSE On October 5, 1994, the Council continued recommendation to approve an encroachment license to Richard&Barbara Calderhead, to allow a garden wall within the City right-of-way along Ramon Road west frontage for property at 431 Monte Vista Drive, A3444. Councilmember Kleindienst stated that he took a field trip to the site, and resolved his (136- ' questions; and did not have a problem in approving the license. 0 34 Resolution 18489 as recommended, was presented; after which, it was moved by Kleindienst, seconded by Lyons, and unanimously carried, that RI8489 be adopted. 3. ADDITIONAL LEGISLATIVE ITEMS: None ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Mayor declared the meeting adjourned. ".IUDITH SU ICH City Clerk