HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996 - MINUTES - 5/22/19960091,
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
MAY 22, 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 Tahquilz Canyon Way, on
Tuesday, May 22, 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: Councilmembcrs Barnes, Hodges, Oden, Spurgin, and Mayor
Kleindiensl
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 May 17, 1996.
REPORT OF CITY ATTORNEY ON MATTERS DISCUSSED IN CLOSED SESSION (All
Entities) - See items on Page 3 of agenda this date.
PRESENTATIONS:
Tribal Council Chairman Richard Milanovich presented gift checks to the City for the
Fire Department, Police Department, General Fund, and the People are the City Carpet (117-
Project, totalling $175,000. Mayor and Councilmembets expressed appreciation to Mr. 041)
Milanovich and the Tribe. Also in attendance: Tribal Councilmenibers Siva, Pete and
Pate.
Police Chief introduced newly promoted Police Department Personnel, i.e., Lt. Joe
Rodriquez, Sgt. Mitch Spike, and Sgt. Dot Fallon.
' Councilmember Spurgin stated that with the contribution of the Tribal Council, there are
sufficient funds to enable the renovation project to go to bid. No objection was raised,
and the City Manager will proceed accordingly.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
INTERIM URGENCY ORDINANCE 1521 - AMENDMENT
On May 15, 1996, Council continued this matter for consideration of amending Ordinance
1521 interim urgency ordinance regarding condominium -hotel, to remove 180-day unit,
owner -occupancy -restriction, mandatory use of all units by the hotel operator when not (103-
in use by the unit owner, and to add a transient occupancy tax in -lieu fee. 044)
Mayor and Councilmember Hodges stated that due to conflicts, they would abstain. City
Attorney stated that because the urgency ordinance requires a 415 vote, it would be
necessary for the two members to draw lots as to which member shall be required to
participate, as provided under the Government Code. City Clerk prepared lots, one blank.
and one marked "vote," which were then drawn by the Mayor and Councilmember
Hodges. Mayor drew the "vote" lot.
Director of Planning & Building distributed a red -lined version of the ordinance adopted
in 1994, which included provisions regarding maximum occupancy by the owner or the
owner's guests, i.e., up to 180 days; after which, the unit had to be added to the rental
1 pool for the hotel operator; that the purpose of the provision was to assure that the project
operated as a hotel, and not an apartment or condominium, because of the substantial
substandard conditions; that it was the developer's intent to do so; that the urgency
ordinance is to permit review and monitoring and see what type of ordinance should
finally be adopted; that the developer tried to market the project, but the 180 day
condition imposed a significant hurdle on obtaining traditional financial; that there was
also concern about the requirement that the unit be in a rental pool; that staff concluded
that there is probably this financial problem for a non-traditional project, and that staff
was uncertain if additional such hotel type projects can be successful; that
recommendation provides that the restriction be eliminated, and a substitute obligation to
0092
Council Minutes
5-22-96, Page 2
INTERIM URGENCY ORDINANCE 1521 - AMENDMENT (Continued)
pay a monthly in -lieu room tax, which will be reflected in the CC&Rs, with a one-time
option of the Council to roll back to the standard Transient Occupancy Tax. fie staled
that the monthly Bat rate was based oil historic information, and a reasonable payment
plan, and will be monitored, and whenever the Treasurer feels that it would be more '
advantageous to utilize the standard TOT, a recommendation will be made to revise the
CC&Rs to terminate that aspect, and accordingly roll back to the normal TOT.
City Attorney noted that the hotel would still have to file its reports, from which the
monitoring and review would be made, as to actual occupancy, and revenue.
Mayor declared the hearing open.
Phillip Klatchko, attorney representing Desert Equitable Really, supported comments
made by the Director of Planning & Building, noting that the type of project was not new
to his client, however, the ability to finance the sale of the units is a problem, and the
recommendation was worked out with the staff, commission, (ily Treasurer and City
Attorney.
Jim Jones, President of a local apartment association, stated that he was not opposed, but
concerned that tie project may become substandard apartment housing, and recognized
that it is a private enterprise, and one not funded by the City, bu4 that lie wanted to make
certain it was carefully tracked.
There were no further appearances, and the hearing was closed.
Councilmember Barnes stated that previous concerns lie had have been addressed in the
ability for future amendment.
City Clerk read tide of Ord 1531, as follows: '
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA,
AMENDING THE INTERIM ZONING REGULATIONS OF ORDINANCE
1521 FOR THE CONVERSION OF EXISTING HOTEL PROPERTIES TO
CONDOMINIUM -HOTELS AS HEREIN DEFINED AND DECLARING TIIE
URGENCY THEREOF.
It was moved by Barnes, seconded by Spurgin, and unaninhously carried, Hodges
abstaining, that further reading be waived, and that 01531 be adopted.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
a) Comments concerning Item 4:
Dick Sroda stated that a city becomes suspect when it gets involved in public
utilities; that he hoped the Council would not act in hassle; that he was unable to ( 147-
glean information about the subject, nor were any materials available. 004 )
Joy Schlendorf stated that there is no available information, and there is lack of
information for the public to respond to; that she represents an organization of
over 1,000 people who feel very strongly about this [natter, and she would like
the information, i.e., concerning CalEnergy, and for the Council at a minimum
allow time for its review, and comment, at perhaps the next meeting.
Mark Allen, Illanova, indicated that they are one of Ilhe finalist concerning a
power option agreement, and look forward to working with the City and moving
ahead prudently. He responded to questions by the City Attorney, desch ibing the
magnitude of tie corporation, its clientele, subsidiaries, and megawatt sales.
0093
Council Minutes
5-22-96, Page 3
b) Comments on matters not related to an agenda item:
Arthur Lyons, resident, commented concerning a recent writers conference, its
celebrated attendees, activities, and potential return in the future.
' Don Franks, resident, commented concerning revenue from the Tribal Council
to the City vis-a-vis gaming, and suggested that it is addictive, and it is the
Council's duty to return it.
Fred Ebeling slated he agreed with Mr. Franks, and commented on a fable about
boars.
Betty Tuminello, resident, reinforced comments by Mr. Lyons that the local
newspaper does not give any recognition of events held in Palm Springs, i.e., the
retired government workers, state chapter, conference during the prior week.
LEGISLATIVE ITEMS:
2. 1996-97 CDBG ALLOCATIONS
On May 15, 1996, Council approved 1996-97 CDBG Allocations and requested the matter
be continued to dris date for reaffirmation.
Councilmember Oden stated that Ire would abstain concerning the C.O.D. Care allocation. (085-
013)
City Manager noted that Resolution 18828 was revised to reflect the action of the Council
on May 15, and was being submitted for reaffirmation.
Resolution 18828 was presented; after which, it was moved by Spurgin, seconded by
' Hodges, and carried by the following vote, that R18828 be reaffirmed:
AYES: Barnes, Hodges, and Spurgin
NOES: Oden and Kleindienst
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: Oden concerning C.O.D. Care Allocation
3. COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS
Mayor submitted his nominees, as follows, and motions were made, seconded, and the
following appointments were approved:
Administrative Appeals Board (060-
Ed .Joseph to be drawn by lot 030 )
Mary Lou Feenstra
Harold Ball
Jetty Wayne Howard
Franklin K.P. Moore
Historic Site Preservation Board
(060-
Brad Dutming 6-30-99
011)
Paige Linn 6-30-99
Human Rights Commission
Maurice Call 6-30-97
(060-
Ed Dietrich 6-30-98
027 )
Margaret Bell 6-30-98
Goldman Jacobs 6-30-99
Ranaldo Loya 6-30-99
T.C. Wilder 6-30-99
Library Board
(060-
Milton Levinson 6-30-99
012 )
0094
Council Minutes
5-22-96, Page 4
3. COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS (Continued)
(060-
Parks & Recreation Commission
021)
Cora Crawford 6-30-99
Lyle Pierceall 6-30-99
P.S. Regional Airport Commission
,
Simon Housman 6-30-99
(060-
Morton Gubin 6-30-99
001)
Herb Franson 6-30-99
Personnel Board
(060-
Thomas Patton 6-30-99
014 )
Planning Commission
(060-
Jeffrey Jurasky 6-30-99
015)
Public Arts Commission
(060-
Fritz Frauchiger 6-30-98
023)
Margery Holly 6-30-99
David Aiken 6-30-99
Rent Review Commission (060-
William Kuhlman 6-30-99 016 )
Visitor & Promotion Commission (060-
Kathleen Bennett (at -large) 6-30-99 024)
Mayor noted that incumbent Planning Commissioner Jerry Johnson is no :longer a
resident, and his position along with the two Visitor & Promotion Commission and one
vacant Rent Review Commission be readvertised, recognizing that the process may not
be completed until after the budget review. City Clerk to proceed accordingly.
4. MUNICIPALIZATION ELECTRICAL
Recommendation: That the Council review CalEnergy option agreement to supply power
and consideration of approving additional option agreements. (Materials to be provided
at meeting).
City Manager reported that this matter was not ready, and recommended that the meeting (147-
be adjourned to May 28 for discussion. 004)
City Attorney stated that staff has been in the process of negotiating contracts with the
power suppliers and with CalEnergy; that he had hoped to have concluded those by this
dale, and to the extent the contracts are complete, they will be available to the public; that
there have been very complicated discussions; and that there will be a full and complete
report when the matters are concluded.
Matter to be continued to May 28.
5. ADDED STARTERS: None
REPORTS & REQUESTS: ,
CITY COUNCIL reports or requests
a) Mayor announced die appointment of Ron Oden to the County of Riverside
Community Action Commission; and added that the Commission will seek to (070-
formalize an on -going liaison with the City Council. 001)
b) Councilmember Hodges requested a status report on the Sunrise Mobilehome
Park; and asked when the VillageFest closure would be scheduled on the agenda.
Assistant City Manager noted it would be at the next meeting.
009
Council Minutes
5-22-96, Page 5
c) Councilmember Barnes reported on the status of the development process review
subcommittee, indicating that a recommendation should be forthcoming after its
next meeting.
d) Mayor and Councilmembers reported on various civic and community
organizational meetings and events which they attended, subsequent to the last
regular meeting.
PUBLIC reports or requests
a) Harold Good, resident, noted that the full text of documents relative to the
Municipal Electrical matters are available at the Library Center.
STAFF reports or requests - None
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business at 8:15 p.m., Mayor declared the meeting adjourned to
May 28, 1996, at 5:30 p.m., in the Large Conference Room, preceded by Closed Session
4 p.m.
UDITH SUMICH
City Clerk
1