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Home My WebLink About1996 - MINUTES - 3/13/19960036 CITY OF PALM SPRINGS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES MARCH 13, 1996 An Adjourned Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Palm Springs, California, was called to order by Mayor Kleindienst, in the Council Chamber, 3200 T;ahquitz Canyon Way, on Wednesday, March 13, 1996 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: Councihnembers Barnes, Hodges, Spurgin, and Mayor I Kleindienst Absent: Councilmember Oden 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 March 8, t996. REPORT OF CITY ATTORNEY ON MATTERS DISCUSSED IN CLOSED SESSION (All Entities) - See items on Page 2 of agenda this date. PUBLIC COMMENTS: a) The following persons spoke on matters not related to an agenda item: Rev. Jerry Johnson, Lily of the Valley Church, presented a check for $250 for the Council Chamber new seats. Bob Stranger, SCE, reported that the PUC has deferred action on proposal for seasonal rates, which would have increased rates in the summer, and decreased them in winter; and that an alternate proposal was made by one commissioner refuting that year-round pricing is not appropriate. ' Steve Fericker, asked that celebrities who are being portrayed in sculpture form downtown, not have had life events, e.g., drug overdose or violations of the Mann Act, since it would send a negative message to youths. Fred Ebeling, resident, commented on waste disposal fees, and restated his opinion regarding the legality of them, adding the users who produce less trash should be rewarded. Don Frank, resident, conunented on the prior joint meeting with the Tribal Council, and his opinion as to its legality, and asked bow many members of the Council have conflicts in terms of leased Indian land, and called for an investigation of that issue. b) The following persons commented concerning Item 1: Dick Sroda, resident, commented on the brochure for the event which has been circulated, indicating that Palm Springs is part of the presenter, and questioned (050- how that could happen when the Council has not voted on the matter; and added 028 comments concerning street closure, and that he did not support it. He also commented on a newspaper article about tourists to Mexico, its posted rules, and regulations, and film clips showing Palm Springs' Spring break in 1986. Darrell Meeks, commended Villagefest on its birthday celebration; commented ' on the street closure for the race, and sale of alcohol, and questioned if the brochure placed tine City in a position of liability. LEGISLATIVE ITEMS: 0037 Council Minutes 3-13-96, Page 2 1. 1996 PALM SPRINGS CAR CLASSIC On March 6, 1996, the Council continued discussion and consideration of the above event, and requested added information. City Manager reported that as late as 3:30 this date, he was (raving discussion regarding this matter; that the merchants in the 300-400 N. Palm canyon block were willing to have the street closed for the static display, if the auction was also going to be in the block (Hair of the Dog property); that the "Hair" property has since been negated, and the auction is contracted to be held on the "Bullock's" site; that the merchants were not interested in the static display alone, as they fell the pedestrian traffic associated with the auction, made up for the street being closed; that he was, therefore, recommending that the Council allow the closure from Taliquitz to Baristo. He stated that there are two locations proposed for the beer/wine sales, both of which require admission charges - one located in the auction area, and one in the display area. He also noted that Mr. Marek has indicated that the event has taken on its own stature, and he may be looking to promoting it during a shoulder season. Mr. Marek staled that they have never had, nor plan to have, beer/wine sale on street; (050- that in both instances, they are within gated areas; that local food providers will sell food. 028 ) He added that the event has become strong enough to have an event of its own during a softer season, and next year he will be looking for a Spring or Fall timeframe; that alcohol has been sold for the past two years, and there have never been any incidents; that the revenue from it helps to offset costs; that the Police Department has reviewed the proposal, and approved it; and that they have added private security inside the auction and at the concourse, as well as helping with directing traffic; and that the static display will result in the street closed from about Noon until 10 p.m. Mayor stated that the event, historically, has done well, and has attracted the right climate to the conmmunity; that merchants have been pleased with the caliber or visitors, and many of the high -end stores have had high sales volume at that time; that the standard, orchestrated process this year held tip until November, when the venue change discussion began as to where the event would be best located, and the factor that the Wessman project would not be under construction by the time of the event; that discussion with some of the merchants reflects that there is no clear consensus at this time, and the ultimate decision rests with the Council. In answer to question by Council, City Manager stated that the buses associated with the Follies program at that time, will also be accommodated on the Bullock's site. It was moved by Hodges, seconded by Kleindienst, and carried by the following vote, that Plan A, outlined in the agenda report, i.e., providing for the closure of South Palm Canyon Drive, from Taliquitz to Baristo, and the auction on the former Bullock's site, with bus parking for the Follies accommodated thereon, and Resolution 18792 suspending regulatory ordinances, be adopted: AYES: Barnes, Hodges and Kleindienst NO: Spurgin ABSENT: Oden Comicilmember Hodges stated that every event seems to come to the City Council at the last minute with major ramifications, and nothing seems to go smoothly, which is unfortunate since the Council is trying to promote special events; and that a procedure is needed, which is clear and which would not allow any changes less than 60 days before the event, otherwise the aggravation and hassle are not fair to either the promoter, or the Council. Councilmember Spurgin agreed, and stated that she supports the event, but disagreed with the procedures, and voted against the motion, based on principle. 0038 Council Minutes 3-13-96, Page 3 2. SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT MO approving Settlement Agreement, effective March 1, 1996, the case of Rodriguez vs. City of Palm Springs, Case No. I-70151, Superior Court of Riverside County. This matter was not ready for action, and was continued to March 20, 1996. ' 3. BUDGET AMENDMENT Res 18793 amending the budget to appropriate $119,984.85 from the CSA 152 Fund to cover cost of street sweeper authorized on March 6, 1996 (a non General Fund purchase). City Manager noted that this action was a followup to the award of purchase made by the (061- Council on March 6, 1996. 01 i' ) It was moved by Spurgin, seconded by Barnes, and unanimously carried, Oden absent, that R18793 be adopted. ADDED STARTERS: None ADJOURNMENT There being no further business at 7:45 p.m., Mayor declared the meeting adjourned to Thursday, March 14, 1996, 2 p.m., Large Conference Room, City Hall, forjoint meeting with Tribal Council to convene in Closed Session. 7 -/ JUDITH SUMICH City Clerk 1