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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997 - MINUTES - 1/22/1997 CITY OF PALM SPRINGS A CITY COUNCIL MINUTES JANUARY 22, 1997 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 Talnquitz, Canyon Way, on Wednesday, January 22, 1997 at 5:30 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 Barnes, Hodges, Oden, Spurgin, and Mayor Kleindienst - Absent: None The meeting was opened with the Salute to the Flag, led by Boy Scout Troop 199, and an invocation by Msgr. McGhm, St. Theresa's Catholic Church. REPORT OF POSTING OF AGENDA: City Clerk reported that the agenda was posted in accordance with Council procedures on January 17, 1997, REPORT OF CITY ATTORNEY ON MATTERS DISCUSSED IN CLOSED SESSION (All Entities) - See items on Page of agenda this date. HOUSING AUTHORITY: FINANCING AUTHORITY: INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY - No business PRESENTATIONS: Search & Rescue K-9 Team; Winners of "Station 6" Fire Prevention Week Contest Building Official of the Year Award; and PSHS Student Body Report. COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY: Mayor declared the meeting adjourned for the ' purpose of convening as the Community Redevelopment Agency; after which, members reconvened as the City Council. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: It was moved by Oden, seconded by Hodges, and unanimously carried, that the Minutes of December 4, 12, & 18, 1996, be approved; Barnes and Spurgin abstaining on the Minutes of December 4. COUNCIL COMMENTS/ANNOUNCEMENTS: a) Mayor and Councilmembers reported on various civic and community organizational meetings and events which they attended, subsequent to the last regular meeting. PUBLIC HEARINGS: 1. INTERIM URGENCY ORDINANCE - SWIMMING POOL SAFETY STANDARDS/SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCES Recommendation: That the Council approve a 10-month, 15-day extension of the interim urgency ordinance, which established swimming pool safety standards for single-family (103- occupancies, in order to provide time to study City codes and appropriately develop safety 047 standards therein. ' Director of Planning & Building highlighted his memorandum, noting that the ordinance extends Ord 1541 by ten months and fifteen days, and he expected that the final recommendations will be forthcoming in less than that amount of time. Mayor declared the hearing open; there were no appearances, and the hearing was closed. Council Minutes 1-22-97, Page 2 1. INTERIM URGENCY ORDINANCE - SWIMMING POOL SAFETY (Continued) In answer to questions by Council, Director of Planning & Building reported that he expected the final ordinance would be included in the Zoning Text, which would be processed through the Planting Commission, with opportunity fin' public comment; and that he would contact Mr. Edward Joseph, in particular, regarding his Pool Safely ' Awareness program. He added that the ordinance applies to any new pool constructed, whether at an existing or new residence; and would not apply to repair, nor required retrofit. City Clerk read title of Ordinance 1542, as follows: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRIN(IS, CALIFORNIA, TO ESTABLISH SWIMMING POOL SAFETY STANDARDS FOR SINGLE- FAMILY RESIDENTIAL OCCUPANCIES, AND DECLARING THE URGENCY THEREOF. after which, it was moved by Hodges, seconded by Spurgin, and unanimously carried, that further reading be waived, and 01542 be adopted. INTERAGENCY REPORTS: a) Councilmember Oden reported on the CV Mt. Conservancy's meeting, and noted recent sighting of Big Horn Sheep in golf areas down valley; and of "Casey's June Beetle" an endangered species was seen in Palm Springs, and that he will report further as these two issues develop. He also reported on the Community Action Committee, and election of new officers. b) Councilmember Barnes reported on status of possible computer program for the. Building & Planning Department, which is now being tested by staff; his attendance at the PSDRCVB meeting, as alternate, and report on its goals and update on Airline Task Force activity. c) Mayor reported on activity of the SCRA and the Inter-city Regional Rail Authority meeting, i.e., the degree of interest outside of Riverside County in expanding service to this area. In response to question, City Manager stated that the City Hall carpet has been ordered, and the architect is developing the final specifications for bid, and installation is expected to be this summer. PUBLIC COMMENTS: a) Comments on matters not related to an agenda item: Fred Ebeling stated that the Council agenda should be on Charnel 17; and expressed his opinion regarding the apprehension of a robber who has been stealing in the downtown area. b) Comments concerning Items 4 & 8: Darrell Meeks, resident, questioned why item 4 was under Legislative Action, and Item 8 was on the Consent Agenda. He also commented concerning the Utility User Tax, the advisory measure in 1994, and that the measure was advertised as for no more than three years, and he questioned why the Council adopted an ordinance that did not have a sunset date. ' Dick Sroda, resident, also commented concerning Item 4, slating that he (061- considered it written in "double talk" and the actual savings is only 1/2 of a job 024) if Item 8 is also adopted. He questioned if Item 8 would involve a permanent job; that Item 4 involved the sale of equipment, and increased productivity, which lie considered only feasible if there were fewer people employed. LEGISLATIVE ACTION: 0,(t Q 9 Council Minutes 1-22-97, Page 3 2. A.D. 155 (BOND DEBT) Discussion and action, if any. This matter withdrawn from the agenda. 3. CDBG, 1997-98 ' CDBG/Housing Coordinator provided an update on the status of the 1997-98 program, (085- and that the revised committee has been formed, and a pre-application meeting will occur 013) on January 23; that there was an orientation meeting held, and Mike Fontana was selected Chair. Mayor requested a listing of the organizations notified of the application process; and Councilmember Spurgin noted that the former committee members needed to be acknowledged and informed as to their changed committee status. Coordinator noted that the new committee is comprised of a representative from: P.S. Now (F. Purcell), the Planning Commission (M. Fontana), the Chamber of Commerce (Aaker), the Economic Development Industry (Westfall), Education (J. Green), the community-at-large (E. Duvernay), the Building Industry Association (Kibbey), and the P.S. Board of Realtors (Gary). 4. CLASSIFICATION & COMPENSATION PLAN AMENDMENT NO. 2 Recommendation: That the Council approve amendment to the Classification & Compensation Plan to provide a reorganization of the Departments of Transportation and Public Works, reducing total City allocated positions by two and providing annual savings begimring in 1997-98 of approximately $221,183. Director of Transportation reported that the reorganization will reduce allocated positions (061- ' by two this fiscal year, and by an additional one next fiscal year; that the annual savings 024) beginning in 97-98 is expected to be $221,000, and about $40,000 for the remainder of this fiscal year. He detailed the specific changes noted in his report, and that the dollar breakdown includes the fringe benefit packages, all of which are "real" savings; that there will be no problem in selling the equipment, and there have already been interested buyers contacted. In response to questions, he stated that some of tire changes will be effective immediately, and others will occur in the coming fiscal year. City Manager stated that the savings will be discussed in Council workshop on January 28, a portion of which will reduce the General Fund expenditures and some in the enterprise funds. Director of Transportation stated that the amoral slurry program in-house has declined over the years, and most of the work is now contracted - annual estimate $775,000 - and the in-house remainder of about $60,000 will be factored into that, which are mainly Measure A dollars, but some Gas Tax funds; and that the one street maintenance supervisor would not be sufficient to keep up with the crews, and the elimination of the second supervisor will be augmented by giving additional pay to a lead worker for taking on some added supervisory duties to help the actual street maintenance supervisor. He stated that compensation adjustments as a result of final MOUs with the General Unit would reduce the annual savings, to the extent that there are increases in compensation; and that there are 4 mid-management positions and one position will be an exempt position, and that the Public Works Administrative Secretary will move to the Airport to provide added support to the Aviation Director. In response to question, City Manager stated that it is important to have a cohesive organization for the department to develop its 97-98 budget; that parks and recreation and golf will be considered for a separate process, and possibly some public works functions that might be more effective valley-wide; that a spin-off department would not necessarily mean added department head, etc., costs, and there may be some privatizing that the Council may consider, all of which will be taken one step at a time. Resolution 18961 as recommended, was presented; after which, it was moved by Barnes, seconded by Hodges, and unanimously carried, that R18961 be adopted. Council Minutes I-22-97, Page 4 5. LIVING FOR THE 90s RECIPIENT Councilmember Spurgin reported that the annual awards are scltieduled, and the Senior Center has nominated Wayne Robinson, founder and operator of 1F.I.N.D. (Food In Need (074 of Distribution;) that in her daily visits, she encounters many people who wonder where 001) their next meal will come from, and Mr. Robinson is one who helps fill that concern. She recommended concurring in his selection as recipient of the award. , Minute Order 5890 concurring in the selection of Wayne Robinson, as the Pahn Springs nominee for the above award, was presented; after which, it was moved by Oden, seconded by Barnes, and unanimously carried, that M05890 be adopted. 6. CHARTER REVIEW COMMITTEE Council indicated it wished to appoint the Charter Review Cor:mnittee by January 22, 1997, pursuant to Res. 18954. Mayor noted that there were seven applicants for the seven-member committee. Councilmember Hodges stated that they appear to be very diverse and well qualified, and (075- she would not oppose appointing them, and for them to get started. 002) Councilmember Barnes noted that the committee is also charged with rallying interest from others in the community, and concurred with Councilmember Hodges. Councilmember Oden noted that the City Attorney previously noted lie would provide an orientation. City Attorney stated that he will do so, and the City Manager will provide whatever staff assistance is required. ' It was moved by the Mayor to appoint the following persons uD comprise the Charter Review Committee: Richard K. Mandell, Art Lyons, Howard Lapham, Charles J. "Mickey" Lang, John Robert Bullington, Jim Jones, and James, A. "Jim" Miller; said motion seconded by Spurgin, and unanimously carried. 7. ADDITIONAL LEGISLATIVE ITEMS: None CONSENT AGENDA: 8. Res _ approving amendment to the Classification & Compensation Plan to provide a reorganization of the Department of Administrative Services to provide a full-time reprographics operator in the print shop (Information Services Division). Withdrawn. 9. MO _ approving MOU for employees in the General Unit; and MO _ approving MOU for employees in the Fire Safety Unit. Withdrawn. to. MO 5891 approving purchase of earthquake securing devices from Q Safety of Duarte, on a unit basis, not to exceed $25,000 for installation at City facilities as part of the Fire (084•- Department Interior Hazard Mitigation Program. 013) it. MO 5892 approving participation in the California Multiple Award Schedule Program to (117- purchase desktop computers,computer peripherals,components, supplies and off-the-shelf 038) software in amounts not to exceed the funding approved by the City Council for said items in the current approved budget for 1996-97. 12. Res 18962 declaring 14.7 acres of Open Space to be surplus and held for exchange, and (109- approving agreement for exchange of said parcel for approximately 15+ acres of privately 009) owned adjoining parcel, A3763 (trader is Wessway(J. Wessman)). Hodges abstained due to client relationship. 13. MO 5893 approving purchase of an additional 20,000 copies of hhe Spring/Sumner P.S. (050- Visitor's Guide, for $6,600 to meet the fulfillment needs of P.S. Tourism. 001) Council Minutes 1-22-97, Page 5 14. MO 5894 authorizing option for one-year extension to Pima Gro Systems for hauling and disposal of approximately 1600 wet tons of anaerobic digested biosolids from the (127 Treatment Plant, based on a unit price, for a total not to exceed $30,250, (prior 001) M05296). 15. MO 5895 approving Change Order No. I for an increase of$5,548.73 to contract with (088- ' Dateland Construction Co., Inc., to remove 1,600 square feet of concrete in a 36-inch 006) pipeline within the Crossley Tract Storm Drain project, CP95-34, A3696, 16. Res 18963 and 18964 approving Payroll Warrants and Claims &Demands. Abstentions: (086- Barnes: 917387(Client); Hodges: 917387,917526,and 917612(Client); Spurgin: 917576 015) (Income Source); and Kleindienst: 917626 (Reimbursement). 17. Res 18965 approving revised final plans for Planned Development District 215 and (116- Tentalive Tract Map 26364, for a 77-unit residential subdivision on the NW corner of 083) Sunrise and Via Escuela, R-1-C, Section 2. It was moved by Spurgin, seconded by Oden, and unanimously carried, that M05891 through 5895, and R18962 through 18965,be adopted, with abstentions as noted in Items 12 and 16. ADDED STARTERS: None REPORTS & REQUESTS: CITY COUNCIL reports or requests a) Councilmembers and the Mayor reported on various community functions attended subsequent to the last meeting. b) Councilmember Hodges stated that the request for a list of city-owned properties has not been provided, and requested that it be provided; she also urged that people contact the Board of Supervisors to not cut funding to AIDS victims. c) Councilmember Oden requested that the bus stop at N. Palm Canyon and Vista Chino be looked at in terms of adequacy and environment for the number of persons who utilize it, i.e., tourists. d) Mayor announced that Sunline now has cellular phones for use by bus riders, at a fee. He also noted that the film festival agreement is nearing its expiration, and urged that the Council begin discussions as to continued funding of it, along with planning for season decorations to avoid last-minute problems, and to be clear on these issues before getting into budget for next year. Councilmember Spurgin noted that these are budget-related issues, along with other line items. PUBLIC reports or requests a) Darrell Meeks, resident, stated that a number of the CDBG Committee Members are not residents, and did not know if that was requirement, but understood that all money goes to Palm Springs people. STAFF reports or requests ADJOURNMENT There being no further business at 9 p.m., Mayor declared the meeting adjourned to Council Workshop on January 28, 1997 at 5 p.m. _iJUDITH SUMICH City Clerk