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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995 - MINUTES - 7/17/1995 P_.✓1w CITY OF PALM SPRINGS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES JULY 17, 1995 An Adjourned Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Palm Springs, California, met in joint session with the City Council of Cathedral City, and was called to order by Mayor Maryanov, in the Cathedral City Community Center, 68-727 Highway 111, Cathedral City, on Monday, July 17, 1995, at 6:00 p.m. ' ROLL CALL: Present: Councihnembers Hodges, Kleindienst, Lyons, Reller-Spurgin, and Mayor Maryanov Absent: None REPORT OF POSTING OF AGENDA: City Clerk reported that the agenda was posted in accordance with Council procedures on July 14, 1995. LEGISLATIVE ACTION: 1. CONSOLIDATED FIRE SERVICES Consideration of proposal to consolidate fire protection services for the cities of Palm Springs and Cathedral City. City Manager Parkins asked that the Council commit to the consolidation, based on the subcommittee's work; that the discussion has been focused, and that both committees have arrived at the conclusion that it could work and there would be a real savings. That the questions and answers are illustrative and are not final conclusions, until approved by both Councils; that there are details to be worked out with the employee units, and through the JPA, the final nuts and bolts could be recommended for final ratification; and that the recent newspaper article was if the plan were final, however, only concurrence to the consolidation and formation of the interim jpa is recommended. City Manager Hazen stated that both staff feel it is important to make the commitment to the (087_ interim JPA, and agree to consolidate, and move forward with the finalization of the plan; that 002) there is a lot of work to be done; that the subcommittee discussed saving $2 million, which would require some service level cuts, and it determined that the full amount would not be feasible, and is recommending that the MOU and the enacting plan be developed with the goal of $1.8 million saving, retention of all fire stations, and existing paramedic services as currently provided in each city; and that the plan would identify the issues, with recommendations and solutions, and would be worked through by the interim JPA. Mayor Berry emphasized the comments made by Mr. Hazen. Cathedral City City Attorney summarized the MOU, noting that it reflects a commitment by each city to work for consolidation to take effect October 1, 1995, and calls for two representatives of each City Council, and each of the city managers to meet as the formation committee, to formulate and present to each Council a final JPA that will address all of the issues that might be involved;that each City will make its best effort to make that happen; that termination of the co unittee on October 1 will depend on the action of each Council, and he would expect that the work will have been completed and agreement will be reached prior to that time, however, it would not automatically terminate on October 1. Mayor Berry stated that the ratification, by terms of the MOU, would have to be by October 1, 1995. Mayor Maryanov stated that the MOU is only one way of keeping the process moving; that no decision is being made, and the only effort is to try to get to the JPA stage; and that if no action is taken, the process is again delayed. Mayor Berry (upon consensus by Councils),called for public comments, limiting same to three minutes per person. Jack Edelman, Cathedral City, opposed the consolidation, disputed the accuracy of figures provided, and questioned why there has been no report to the public. Steve Grasha, Palm Springs, considered the plan ill-conceived; questioned wiry there was no response to the newspaper article; and drat there are bargaining unit issues to be resolved, which if not completed, will result in no savings. Council Minutes 7-17-95, Page 2 1. FIRE CONSOLIDATION (Continued) Belinda Kaplan, Cathedral City, Neighborhood Emergency Services Committee Chairman, praised the CCFD as the envy of the Coachella Valley; expressed concern that if the firefighters disbanded and then are "rehired," if it will be on "political correctness"; and questioned why Cathedral City should align with Palm Springs. Elizabeth Avner, Palm Springs, stated that disbanding the department is immoral, and it is , unethical to require additional hours to be worked, for less pay. Chuck Hubbard, Palm Springs, urged that voters be given the right to decide the issue; that firefighters have not been asked how they feel; and lie did not consider the PS City Council trustworthy. Mort Shuman, Cathedral City, opposed the consolidation, and stated he did not think it in the best interest of Cathedral City;that the NFPA recommends a 3-platoon,56-hour,3-man engine company configuration, for overall efficiency and firefighter personnel; that the status quo should be maintained, or service levels increased; and that 800 agencies in California are on the 3-platoon system, except the State and U.S. Forestry Services. Dan Lee, Cathedral City, representing owners in P.S. Country Club, stated he had a petition signed by 300+ people, opposing the consolidation, and change in paramedic services; that residents do not want the Date Palm station closed, nor the creation of a fire district, causing an increase in taxes; and that people want to retain the CCFD and paaamedic services, and do not want Palm Springs' problems. Dan Stuard, Cathedral City, DeAnza Homeowners Association, Vice President, challenged why no Councilmembers spoke concerning the newspaper article; expressed opinion that a 72- hour workweek is archaic, and is a mask for obliterating a contract; that the Council should find out what a firefighter does before contending that a 72-hour week would add 16 hours of leisure time, which he considered a disservice t everyone who has been in the fire service; and ' (087- he favored this matter be on the ballot. 002) Alice Teresa (?), Cathedral City, stated that the CCFD is a "champagne" department; that consolidation of all areas of finance in the valley is needed far the future, and can be accomplished only if it is approached diligently and with an identification of pros and cons of any proposal, along with dissemination of data and information to see what can work. Darrell Meeks, Palm Springs, asked how Palm Springs Council could approve the MOU without the City Attorney, and who will own the property and equipment, and if there will be an escape clause; and commented on an article indicating that 50% of consolidated services fail, and revert to original status, and there may be a problem between a charter city and a general law city, in terms of future state law changes. Brad Hammer, Cathedral City, retired firefighter, stated that the only way to save $2 million is by cutting personnel; that there has not been any negotiation with the firefighters; and that a 72-hour work week will result in a lost life. Fred Ebeling, Palm Springs, expressed concern regarding privacy, and not allowing the public to know what is going on; that he did not understand what the MOU means; that any major change in the way the City does business should be subject to voter approval; that he did not see any desire to educate the public either city, nor give employees or the public an opportunity to express points of view; and that expert viewpoints should be sought. Jim Rocco, Cathedral City, stated that the fire department saved his life. Marcia Thompson,Palm Springs, stated that the public has not been told what is going on, and ' why $1.8 million is a magic number, or other questions related to response time, equipment and safety needs, whether standards will decline or improve, what surveys have been taken, what prograrns will be continued, improved or eliminated; and what[the citizens want and are willing to pay for. Reginald Baker, Cathedral City, questioned the safety of a 72-hour week, and who will save the $1.8 million,. trr, Council Minutes 7-17-95, Page 3 1. CONSOLIDATED FIRE SERVICES (Continued) Kevin Dixon, Palm Springs, President Fire Safety Unit, stated that the original goal was to save money, and the unit recommended that a professional consultant be hired; that the proposal was not supported by Cathedral City; that historically, consolidation has been both successful, and unsuccessfal; that a task force was formed two years ago, of which 4 were labor representatives, and the task force proposal was made and compromises reached, which would have saved $900,000; that on May 31, the firefighters were accused of looking out for their own interests; that the firefigher is on call 24 hours; that most departments have a 56 hour work week, with shorter work weeks in place in the eastern part of die County; and that the Council should not use consolidation as a means of balancing the budget it the expense of emergency services cost cutting in the Fire Department. Sandy Emery, Morongo Valley, PSFD employee spouse, slated that 72-hour work week is great risk, and involves safety, families, women and children, and is not just about money. There were no further appearances. Mayor Berry declared a brief recess, and discussion resumed upon reconvening. Councilmember Hodges stated that public input is necessary, and that there has not been very much; that she was not at the subcommittee meetings, and got the same information from the newspaper, and therefore she would not have reported on the meetings; that under the circumstances of this meeting, she was uncertain whether any type of action could be taken; that she has favored the theory of consolidation, but does not know anymore than she did before the subcommittee met; that she thought the subcormnittee work would be very time consuming, which is why she was unable to volunteer to serve on it, however, it did not take very much time, and there is still much work to be done; that there need to be discussions with citizens and more specific information, e.g., the pros and cons for a 72-hour work week; that the fire department's input was needed from the beginning, and she feels the fact gathering is only just beginning; that a PR program is needed to hear what the citizens have to say, and ' to see what the exact specifics are going to be, and what the ramifications will be. (087_ w Mayor Maryanov stated that the original committee met for over two yes, and included two 002) members from each city council, the two fire chiefs, the two city managers, and representatives from the citizens of both cities; that it met each month, and extensive reports were given after every meeting; that it recommended consolidation; that some of the details have not been worked out, and the 72-hour work week is only one suggestion that was made; that other Valley cities have 72-hour work weeks, and he has not heard that they are less quality than what die two cities have in terms of fire service; that the audience does not represent the total population of both cities; that there is no question that both are fine fire departments, and there is a connnitment to maintain them; that he did not believe consolidation removes local control, and the question at hand is how to keep the process moving; that aside from cutting costs, Palm Springs wants 3-ntan engine companies; that the Councils should be moving forward and working out the details; that the Councils can talk for months, or they can form a committee with authority to work out details, and final approval would rest with the Councils; that the interim JPA would achieve that, and it is not the final authority, nor is it binding. Councilmember Reller-Spurgin stated that the subcommittee went to Scottsdale to see Rural Metro's operation, to observe, learn, and get ideas; that it utilizes a 66-hour work week; that more is paid in overtime, sick leave, and vacation time, if reserves firefighters are not used; that the Council is charged with reducing the city's budget; that there are nine cities in the Coachella Valley, and part of the cost of reducing government is to reduce government; and this is a first step in that direction; that the policy being set is one of developing an equitable solution that is good, does not reduce service levels, and reduces costs; and this proposal will accomplish that end. Councilmember Mcindienst stated that regardless of the newspaper article and editorial, the Council's are charged to look at all options; that a 72-hour workweek, as a fate of accompli, may be erroneous; that the goal is to maintain safe and equitable services for the citizenry, reduce cost, and deal with labor units; that basis for negotiations is unknown at this time, and he believed the interim JPA would get one step closer to that discussion; that there is no station set for closure, and no guarantee that such would happen; and that Palm Springs need to establish a greater level of service, and he was asking for support to continue the discussions. Council Minutes 7-17-95, Page 4 1. CONSOLIDATED FIRE SERVICES (Continued) Councilmember Amy stated that the subcommittee was to have provided feedback to the full Councils; that lie has not received anything;that the editorial was done without his knowledge, and he did not consider it appropriate; that he and the public know the same thing; that he supports the concept of a JPA because there are other successful JPAs in the Valley, and there is the potential for service improvement; that he fell the JPA was premature, and the ' committee should continue researching more information and bring specific data back to the full Council. Comncilmetnber Pettis stated that he was not invited to the editorial board hearing, and although initially displeased, was now happy lie did not attend; that Ire felt the Cathedral City City Council has been kept apprised at each of its public meetings as to what has been going on related to the issues, in terms of staff comments, graphs, data, and economic considerations; that while its budget is balanced at this time, Cathedral City faces the potential for addressing decreased revenues, and both cities would derive benefit from the consolidation, which he favors, but which also needs more work done first; that the details could be either through the continued subcommittee, or the interim JPA; that October 1 is a valid target date; and the newspaper article made it appear that strategic decisions have been made, which is not the case. Counciltember DiGrandi stated that she worked on the original committee, and felt it had come close to recommending moving forward with the consolidation. She commended the fire department, noting it is a roll model of city service; and added that she would never support a 72-hour workweek, which she considered stressful and a morale issue, and that she favored the 3-man engine company, and continuing the quality and level of existing service. Councilmember Velasquez conunented on Measure P in Cathedral City, and the need for the Council to provide services requested by the citizens. He recommended the MOU be amended to stipulate that once approved by the two City Councils, the final authorization be subject to voter approval. (087- ' 002) Mayor Berry stated that the newspaper article was untimely, and the meeting was to provide the editorial staff with information and options that might be considerred; that lie was not aware of any discussion to close any fire station, which ultimately woald be a Council policy decision; that there are many unanswered questions, and October 1 appears to be a reasonable target date; that JPAs have worked successfully in other instances; that he did not think the Rural Metro privatized service would work in this instance; that Cathedral City faces mid-year budget shortfalls, and it will have to look at cuts of some kind. He moved to approve the MOU, and establish October 1, 1995 as target date for implemental ion. Discussion followed as to election dates and possible costs, clarification that the motion did not include Mr. Velasquez's suggestion to amend the MOU; said motion by Berry 5ifled for lack of a second. Motion by Velasquez, seconded by Pettis, to set policy that it is not the intent of the Council to change paramedic services, nor to change to a 72-hour workweek, nor to privatize, not to close Fire Station No. 1, and to amend the MOU to require a majority vote of the electorate on the final plan, prior to final JPA. Said motion was debated, noH voted on, an amendment motion was made by Amy, seconded by Velasquez, and carried, Berry voting No, to strike the policy statements, and to approve the MOU, subject to final plan approval to be ratified by the electorate. Mayor Maryanov questioned if the Council wished to take a similar, or different action. Councilmember Hodges stated that she did not think it appropriate for the Council to act at this time; that the MOU contains contradictory statements, i.e., thee consolidation has been discussed at length, and that the two Councils commit to consolidation by October 1, 1995; that she was not ready to take the step for implementation by October 1. Councilmember Kleindienst stated that the JPA would provide the format to act as one body; that it is difficult for the members of each Council to provide input to a discussion„ which is being done in the manner of a Council meeting; that as a unified body, both Councils.are agreeing to still seek a solution pending a final analysis, full reporting of all possible scenarios and impacts; that the JPA would be the format to speak as one body; that he feels the JPA would provide a better structure, and better information flow to benefit everyone in making the ultimate decision. Council Minutes 7-17-95, Page 5 1. CONSOLIDATED FIRE SERVICES (Continued) Councilmember Pettis clarified that the Cathedral City motion approved the MOU, and the only modification was the requirement for final electorate approval. Mayor Berry stated that the concern may relate to a delay in the process beyond the October target date. Councilmember Reller-Spurgin stated she expected that the JPA would be formed at this meeting, and nothing more; and it would be a sad event for both cormnunities if that cannot be accomplished. Councilmember Hodges stated that non-subcommittee members may have had a different (087_ perception of the purpose of this meeting; that she had hoped for answers to the questions 002) which have again been asked; that she did not think agreement was close, and favored having the subcommittee continue to work and come back by October with the answers that need to be given-perhaps with both Councils specifying what the exact questions are to be addressed; that she thought this was the purpose of this meeting; and that she did not think enough information was looked at to consider forming a JPA right now. Mayor suggested that the Council schedule this for further review, giving each Council time to consider their courses of action. No further action was taken. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Mayor declared the meeting adjourned. JUDITH SUMICH 1 City Clerk