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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995 - MINUTES - 4/12/1995 CITY OF PALM SPRINGS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES APRIL 12, 1995 An Adjourned Regular 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, April 12, 1995, 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 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 April 7, 1995. REPORT OF CITY ATTORNEY ON MATTERS DISCUSSED IN CLOSED SESSION(All Entities)- See items on Page 3 of agenda this date. COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY; HOUSING AUTHORITY; FINANCING AUTHORITY; INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY - No business PUBLIC COMMENTS: a) Comments concerning Item 1: Walt Eichenhoffer, Trustee Cliff Henderson Family Trust, Palm Desert, explained (123- that the Trust tools back property in 1993 from Mike Dunn, and is a willing seller to 006) and supports the Federal appropriation, in order to complete the transaction with the BLM. City Manager reported request of Mayor Crites from Palm Desert, to continue this matter to April 26. Richard Smith, of Smith, Peroni & Fox, questioned if the Council had received a letter dated April 12, from Schlecht, Shevlin & Shoenberger, on this matter; said letter is on file with the City Clerk. b) Comments concerning Airport Master Plan: Dr. Blasio (?), resident near Vista Chino and Farrell, commented concerning airport noise, and loss of hearing, and devaluation of property; and questioned the reason for (051- the expansion as related to development. 028) Frank Coffey, resident, stated he did not expect the Council to be an expert, and offered his expertise in helping the members to understand the documentation; he commented regarding Airport becoming an entity of its own and not contributing back to the community, i.e., its own security, fire, and maintenance; he commented regarding the proposed berm and the size of it, which only serves as a noise buffer during taxi, at a cost of$1 million. Bill Williams, resident, stated that noise and pollution will increase, and questioned how the City will pay for damages caused by noise from the Airport. C) Comments concerning Item 2: ' Jim MacLean, P.S. Fire MX, read from a prepared statement, a copy of which is on file, questioning how objective the review conunittee was in utilizing evaluative (087- criteria, and the points which the department assigned to its proposal. 001) rj� C) �1 Council Minutes 4-12-95, Page 2 d) Other continents not related to an agenda item: Darrell Meeks suggested that the City Nlanager investigate who determined that the PSTV should not broadcast the Planning Commission hearing on the Airport, and to cover instead another commission; and questioned wlhy issues requested by Councihuember dodges are not brought back to the Council as timely as those by the Mayor. ' Fred Ebeling expressed opinions concerning the Mayor, and bankruptcy of the City, and whether the Tribal Council has made a payment to the City; and potential future litigation for tine City. Mayor stated that the City is not on the verge of bankruptcy, rather it is making good economic progress. LEGISLATIVE ITEMS: 1. SANTA ROSA MT. NATIONAL SCENIC AREAS On April 5, 1995, the Council considered recommendation that the Council support urging the Congress to appropriate$1.8 million in 96-97 for the Bureau of Laud Management to acquire 123- lauds within the Santa Rosa Mt. National Scenic Area, and continued action to (Iris date. 006 At suggestion of the City Nhulager, this matter was continued to April 26, 1995. 2. AIRCRAFT RESCUE FIREFIGHTING (ARFF) - PRIVATIZATION Recommendation: That the Council authorize Airport staff to negotiate a 3-year agreement with J.J. Security for ARFF services, based on its RFP submitted; or that the Council reduce �087'" Municipal Fire Service "personnel services" costs for 95-96 to an amount reasonably 001 comparable to the $621,794 adjusted low offering. ' City Manager reported that the Department of Transportation found fault about(tow enterprise funds were used, and neod to make certain the money carried by (he Airport, stays at the Airport. Mayor explained the D.O.T.'s position which would have resulted in the City paying $1 million yearly rent for the City hall, plus 40 years back rent; the trip to Washington by Council representatives and the staff, to secure special legislation clearing up the issue, and acknowledging what the City has given to make the Airport what in is today. City Manager stated that one challenge was to reduce the cost of dc4ig business, and the cost of fire services, in particular, was looked at; that the only issue concerning PSFD was the cost of doing business; that he met with the Acting Fire Chief, and proposal developed to reduce the ARFF services from 12 engineers to 9 engineers, which will require further examination of the three engineering positions during the budget process, bringing the PSFD proposal to within $621,000 of that of the private firm, which he felt is more than offset by consolidated dispatch, immediate backup of service, and overall coordination. Acting Chief stated that in addition to supporting the ARFF, the department provides airport training to all 56 firefighters, although not all are certified; that removal of one component from the department, affects the overall operation; that enplaned passengers will double by the year 2015, and the service and safety levels that exist should be maintained. Airport Manager stated that the Airport Commission and staff believe the ARFF can successfully be accomplished by the PSFD, i.e., under the proposal of(he City Manager. She ' added that under the private proposal, two 1,500 gallon units could provide the required foam to meet Index C, if one went down, however, the remaining unit would not be enough, and it would be a Council policy whether the City fire department would provide backup. She also added that 9 engineers are sufficient to meet Index C. City Manager staled that the issue of backup or mutual aid would be subject to negotiation with the private contractor, however, it probably would be expected to be without any cost, as it is now provided within the department. 4 !4 f Council Minutes 4 J 4-12-95, Page 3 2. AIRCRAFT RESCUE FIREFIGHTING (ARFF) - PRIVATIZATION (Continued) In answer to question by Council, staff reported that Fire Station 2 was 85% FAA funded, and is maintained by the City, and it may be that the City would have to pay "rent" if it stays. Councilmcmber Hodges stated she felt the timing of this issue was inappropriate, in that the Council is looking at possible consolidation with Cathedral City, as well as privatizing the entire fire service, and removing one segment will only complicate, everything for the near future in dealing with the subject; that she favored the status quo for this fiscal year, and discussing it again in a few months in conjunction with the budget. Discussion continued regarding the comparison of figures and data provided. City Manager asked for direction if there is to be a change, so if that is desired, that period prior to July 1 could be used to transition from 12 to 9 engineers; noting that the 3 differential in numbers will have to be dealt with during the budget. Councilnnennber Reller-Spurgin stated she agreed that there are so many things up in the au right now, mid the Council needs to reduce costs in all areas, and it is not appropriate right now to limit discussion to this item; that she appreciated the effort which has been made, but the Council is trying to make a prudent decision for the big picture. It was moved by Hodges, seconded by Reller-Spurgin, and unanimously carried, that it be the Council policy to continue to provide ARFF at the Regional Airport, utilizing P.S. F.D.,with a complement of 9 engineers beginning July 1, 1995. 3. SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT - PALM MOUNTAIN CO. Recoimnendation: That the Council approve memorandum of understanding with Palm Mountain Company for settlement of litigation and development of Tachevah Golf Course, (133- A3519 (Includes Tolling Agr 3481 as exhibit.) 005) City Attorney reviewed the details of the agreement, and the circumstances leading to litigation and the recommendation,noting that approval will result in finalizing the settlement agreement for the litigation. Fred Grand, Vice-President, Palm Mountain Company, also explained the background of how the company acquired rights to negotiate for the CBD Vision Plan from SENCA, the ensuing litigation, and desire to proceed with the project. Councihmember Hodges stated that about six months ago, she abstained because she was a party to the original litigation, and was personally named, and that she has since been removed as a party, and will therefore vote. Mayor stated that he considered the project very worthwhile, and a good potential for the City, however, one clause of the agreement provides sharing of the room tax, which he opposes. It was moved by Kleindienst, seconded by Lyons, and carried by the following vote, that the memorandum of understanding be approved: AYES: Hodges, Meindienst, Lyons and Reller-Spurgin NO: Maryanov ABSENT: None 4. PARAMEDIC SERVICE ' Discussion regarding paramedic service, and if desired, direction to staff. City Manager indicated report was provided, noting that the issue was a followup based on discussion with (087- Cathedral City, which has its own paramedic service. 001) Councilmembers Hodges and Reller-Spurgin stated it was unfair to receive the report at the last minute, and not have time to study it to ask questions. Acting Fire Chief responded to questions by Councilmcmber Kleindienst. It was moved by Lyons, seconded by Reller-Spurghi, and unanimously carried, that this matter be continued to April 19, 1995. Council Minutes 4-12;95, Page 4 5. RECREATION VEHICLE RENTAL On April 5, 1995, the Council requested information concerning rental of a vehicle for use by (061-- the Leisure Services division. 016;1 Director of Public Works noted that the Director of Finance may provide an offsetting budget amendment, when additional revenues can be processed to cover Illre cost; that the cost to operate the van was offset by added revenue in the youth program, and for Carap Pahn Springs, because of increased attendance. No action required, nor taken. ADDITIONALLEGISLATIVEITEMS: (Satisfies agendapostingrequiremenits;materials atmeeting)- None ADDED STARTERS: (Determine eligibility for consideration) - None ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Mayor declared the meeting adjourned. T]UDITH SUMICH City Clerk