HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997 - MINUTES - 5/7/1997 0n1"1J•7
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CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
MAY 7, 1997
A Regular Meeting of the City Council of die City of Palm Springs, California, was called to order by
Mayor Kleindienst, in the Council Chamber, 3200 Tabquitz Canyon Way, on Wednesday, May 7,
' 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 Father Ceja, Our Lady of Solitude.
REPORT OF POSTING OF AGENDA: City Clerk reported that the agenda was posted in
accordance with Council procedures on May 2, 1997.
REPORT OF CITY ATTORNEY ON MATTERS DISCUSSED IN CLOSED SESSION (All Entities)
-See items on Page 4 of agenda [his date.
HOUSING AUTHORITY; FINANCING AUTHORITY; INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT
AUTHORITY; COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY- No business
PRESENTATIONS:
Plaques: Former Commissioner Jessica While, Human Rights Commission.
PSHS Student Body Report
Cal State "Odyssey of the Mind" Students from Katherine Finchy School (California State
Team winners: Zack Gass, R.J. Hann, Jeff Balitz, Brett Lamb, Ms. Markel McGuen,
Andrew Stuart, Ryan Smith; Teacher Bob Smith, Principal Rogers; parent coaches: John
Hahn and Ms. Lonnie Gass).
"Peace Officers Memorial Day" Resolution enacted by the 87th Congress, signed by
President John Kennedy, read by Mayor- recognizes May 15 as a tribute to peace officers.
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, and announced upcoming events of community interest. Mayor
also noted the first D-MAC (disaster medical aid center) installation and
sponsorship at Desert Highland Park.
PUBLIC HEARINGS: None
INTERAGENCY REPORTS:
a) Mayor reported on work, of the RCTC Budget Finance meeting, and its
recommendations for funding for next year, which includes resources for rail for
the Coachella Valley.
b) Councilmember Hodges announced the date and time for the 'annual CVAG
General Assembly meeting, and urged as many Councilrnennbers as possible
attend, in order for the Assembly to have a quorum.
Council Minutes
5-7-97, Page 2
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
a) The following persons spoke on matters not related to an agenda item: '
John Connell, resident, expressed concern that the "Albert]Frey" gas station on
North Palm Canyon Drive at Tramway Road will be destroyed or moved; that he
received calls and letters also as to the fate of die building; dcat he asked persons in
attendance to stand who were also concerned; that he considered it an insult to the
architect to suggest it be demolished, rather than preserved as a historic landmark;
and that he was willing to form a subcommittee m work with anyone to restore the
building to its original state. He asked that the staff and Historic Site Preservation
board be directed to deal with the issue as quickly as possible, to avoid it being
demolished.
Leslie Howard Gathers stated that he privately conversed with Mr. Connell, who
was aware of the parties who were interested in the site, and suggested it be given
to Mr. Cornell for his business use; that the interested parties never intended to
tear down the building, and wanted to work with whoever was interested in saving
it; that the interested parties are planning a 21 st century gateway to the City
project, which will revitalize that particular north area, and to proceed with the
Shadowrock project, and the architecture of the gas station is not compatible to that
project or its relationship to the location; that the property owner has made: it clear
as to his intent if the site is declared an historic site, and the interested parties will
not continue with the acquisition of the site if that is the case.
Howard Lapham commented regarding economic development and the amount of
land which is available for industrial and economic development, and parcels of the
City which are assets that could be used in that connection, to enhance the quality
of life in Palm Springs, and to solve the economic development dilemma. He
suggested a committee comprised of the City Manager, Assistant City Manager,
Directors of Finance and Economic Development, George'Wyatt of Portland
General, and representatives of the Executive Committee oCP.S. Now, and two
members of the City Council, to increase and manage economic development in
the community. He stated he favored an Economic Development Corporation,
consolidated with the City Department and P.S. Now, which he felt would be a
financial help to the City.
Darrell Meeks, resident, commented on the amount if time, remaining in which to
place the utility tax on the November ballot and questioned why the City is
recruiting for a police officer if it will have to cut police in the even[the utility tax
is not approved.
Curt Ealy, attorney for new owner of the El Presidente (Mr. Sllitblcim?) stated he
was well aware of the Council's patience in this matter, and of the conditions in the
area which are in need of serious upgrading; that lie advised the owner lie would
make his request to the Council, but would not represent Minn in court, and a letter
was sent to the Mayor concerning background information or this; that the owner
purchased the property in 1995 for $200,000 cash, however, the prior owner was
to have taken care of an outstanding tax debt of$300,000; that he attempted to
save his investment by bidding at a tax sale in 1996, but the Tax Collector put it
over another year because the tax amount was not bid; that lie was successful in
1997, and has now obtained the property for an additional $90,000 investment; that
as a vacant parcel, it may be worth up to $60,000, in which case he will Loose a
substantial investment, and most of his worth; that his plan is for a $700,000
improvement and to operate it as a fancily-tun hotel; that he was unable to make
any investment in it until he acquired it through the tax sale; that he is willing to
Council Minutes
5-7-97, Page 3
post a bond in favor of the City, which it can use to demolish the building in event
lie fails to make the improvements, and to pay for the City's legal fees for the
' abatement process. He asked that he be allowed to work with [lie City Manager
and City Attorney to develop a program within the next few weeks to get the
property upgraded and back into a revenue generation for the City.
Steve Siporin, resident, commented regarding the Council's selection process for
boards and commissions, and stated that any citizen who fulfills the basic
requirements should receive an interview by the Council; and that anyone who is
not to be interviewed should be notified concurrent with those who are to be
interviewed. He added that applicants should be given a fair opportunity to present
themselves.
b) Comments concerning Item 1:
Ray Lovato, Stephen Payne and Bob Lee, residents and business owners, as well
as representing the Palm Springs Hotel Association, spoke in opposition to Elie
action proposed by the CVB; commented on the benefits of the VISA program, in
particular to the types of hotels in Palm Springs, who otherwise would be unable to
advertise in the Conde' Nast travel magazine; and that the Council's job is to
insure the citizens that it will make the best decisions for the continued growth and (050-
prosperity for the community, and not to give that control to the CVB. 008)
Tom Suitt, Palm Springs Now, stated he thought that P.S. Now had not articulated
very well exactly what the One-Stop Business and Jobs Development Center is;
that because the State Employment Development Department is closing August 26,
' it was felt there was some urgency to have a single place in which to make
available job, education, and training opportunities for the unemployed and
underemployed citizens of the community (resources such as SCORE, GAIN,
EDD, etc); and the Council has a great opportunity to make that happen, which is
supported by Supervisor Wilson.
C Comments concerning Item 5:
Dick Sroda, resident, quoted a portion of the 1953 budget statement in which the
effort was to keep the cost of government as low as a possible; and compared the
number of dollars collected and spent to those of today, as well as a comparison of
the reserve percentages, and facts that there was no room tax, nor contractual (061-
attorney in 1951-52. 022)
LEGISLATIVE ACTION:
1. PSDRCVB - PROMOTING CERTAIN TYPES OF COMPANY PREFERENCES
Recommendation: That the Council review the desire of the P.S. Desert Resorts CVB to
prohibit any CVB member city from entering into an agreement with any company
promoting a preference which may result in negative impacts for other cities, communities
or businesses in the member cities of the PSDRCVB.
City Manager highlighted the request, and reported that it is not supported by the Visitors (050-
& Promotion Commission. 008)
In response to questions, Mayor stated that this issue was presented to the CVB based on
the VISA promotion, and concern expressed that certain actions by one city can cause loss
of benefit to other cities, and some of the Board members thought there should be an
opportunity to review a policy addressing that issue; that it was assigned to the Hospitality
Industry & Visitors Council (HIVC), and he recommended that it be prepared in a forth of
an action item for each city council to look at, so the Board would know what each city
council wanted, and notjust what the HIVC representatives wanted; that he was aware that
the City Council of Cathedral City has rejected it; that he felt the Board would be hard
Council Minutes
5-7-97, Page 4
pressed to take a position which was not met unanimously by the bodies who formed it;
that the proposal does not discourage individual agreements, rather to address those which
,,may result in a negative impact," which is questionable as to how Chat will be determined.
City Attorney stated that there does not seem to be any enforcement mechanism in the
proposal, nor is it an amendment to the JPA; that it is poorly worded and unclear as to
what the scope of it would be; and that he doubted that the CVB seriously intended trying
to enforce it.
Councilmember Barnes stated that government moves slow enough, and this would make it
even more so; that it appears the City would have to ask permission to advertise as it
decided, and the language is very vague.
Councilmember Hodges stated she would be interested in knowing what the end result
would be if a majority of the cities do not endorse it; and noted that the language is not
limited to tourism, and she questioned how it would affect other areas, e.g., the Portland
General contract; and that she did not support it.
Councilmembers Barnes, Oden and Spurgin concurred that they did not support it.
Mayor stated that the CVB and the City are joined in a regional IPA which consolidates
financial resources to garner Ilre most benefit to the area; that the proposal came from the
HIVC, and it was clear that it stemmed from the VISA contract wi¢h Palm Springs, which
purportedly was detrimental to other businesses in the Valley; and that it is outside of the
JPA jurisdiction to say that lire City can only proceed if everyone benefits.
It was moved by Barnes, seconded by Spurgin, and unanimously carried to advise the '
PSDRCVB that the City Council does not endorse the proposal.
2. STREET SWEEPING SERVICES - SUNLINE SERVICES GROUP
Recommendation That the Council authorize execution of a Memorandum of
Understanding with SunLine Services Group, for street sweeping services, in a form 143-
(005)
subject to approval by the City Attorney.
Director, Department of Transportation highlighted his report, and responded to questions.
Minute Order 5946 as recommended, was presented; after which, it was moved by Hodges,
seconded by Oden, and unanimously carried, that MO5946 be adopted.
3. PD 247 - ORDINANCE FOR SECOND READING (hitro. 3-19-97)
City Clerk read title of Ord 1545 amending the Zoning Map to add PD247 to the Zoning 116-
Map; after which, it was presented; after which, it was moved by Spurgin, seconded by 113)
Oden, and unanimously carried, that further reading be waived, and that 011545 be
adopted.
4. AIRPORT RESIDENTIAL SOUND INSULATION PILOT PROGRAM
Recommendation: That the Council approve contractor under one of two options, and '
authorize agreement for the above project, CP97-04, A3795.
Aviation Director reviewed the memorandum of the Director, Department of (051-
Transportation, noting that the. work involves all acoustical modifications; that the apparent 100 )
low bidder's bid bond was questionable, but the Procurement Manager has been provided
with an insurer who is approved by the City, and who will also write the performance
bond; and she recommended award to Option 1, Scott's Construction Services, for
$193,851.
Mayor stated he would abstain, as this matter relates to the Airport Master Plan.
Council Minutes
5-7-97, Page 5
Minute Order 5947 awarding contract, as recommended, was presented; after which, it was
' moved by Spurgin, seconded by Oden, and unanimously carried, Kleindienst abstaining,
that MO5947 be adopted.
5. 1997-98 BUDGET
Presentation of 1997-98 Budget; comment and discussion (Public Hearing scheduled for
May 21, 1997)
City Manager reported that the Council received two proposed budgets - one with the
utility lax, and one without it, at which time he noted several items that he recommended
by added back to the "with" budget version. He distributed a breakdown of those items, as
well as the impact on the five-year projections - copy on file with the City Clerk. He stated
that rather than waiting for the employee contracts to expire, he will be looking at a (061-
formula based on some type of sharing, and starting those discussions early; that the 022)
"without" utility tax version cannot be expressed in any other terms than "gloom and
doom" because it is that outcome, and is a selected process based on the revenue and
services provided, and the safety operations are the biggest factors in terms of costs, and
are subject to the biggest hit; and that he will be proposing a contract with Palm Springs
Now which will utilize resources from the City budget, and would like a subcommittee of
the Council to work with him in developing the commitments from both sides, which would
include sonic direct representation by the City on the PS Now Board. In response to
questions, he stated that there is currently a hiring freeze for the first 90 days after a
position becomes vacant, and that practice will continue through the 1997-98 fiscal year,
recognizing there may be circumstances when that may not be efficient to do so; that any
position filled - including the new police officer, which is expected to be an in-house
reserve promotion - will be a provisional appoinnnent, and without further monetary
benefit or employment if the utility tax is not extended. He noted that the listing did not
reflect an amount for the Senior Center, as its request was just received, and if the Council
desired to do so, the prior year's level was $52,880.
Mayor stated that the Council was satisfied last year when the question was raised as to
whether it received enough administrative support, and there was no desire for added
assistance; that since that time, his calendar has become extensive in terms of boards and
other assignment meetings, and obligations, particularly, regional efforts which remove
him from City Hall; and while lie has utilized the shared city manager-mayor secretary, the
workload cannot be handled in that manner any longer; That the telephone calls have
increased, and there are often several levels of screening calls to provide the coverage. He
urged that the Council add back the administrative support position.
City Manager stated that he felt the coverages required can be provided without adding any
extra personnel, and appreciated the support in adding back the secretarial position.
Comnciltnember Spurgin questioned if the staff always waited to receive a request from [lie
Senior Center before providing funds in the budget. She staled that the original allocation
was $126,000, then reduced to about $80,000, and then to $52,880, and she would feel
badly if the City did not do something.
City Manager reported that the request generally is received earlier; and,if the Council
desires to allocate the funds, that the cumulative totals of the budget remain unchanged, and
the amount come from one of the footnoted areas (E-F or G).
In answer to question by Council, City Manager stated that a number of things have been
achieved to decrease the cost of running the City, e.g., contracting to provide dispatch
services to Coachella, and other efforts are underway, which if finalized could result in
mobile digital terminals for City police officers, which they currently do not have; that
there have been discussions concerning public works type of services and other areas that
are being worked on, and as they progress, he will report more specifically on those.
Council Minutes
5-7-97, Page 6
Councilmember Oden read the Senior Center's request, which was for $150,000 annually
beginning July, 1997, which represents about 23% of its budget; and added that there are
many programs through the Senior Center, which provide assistance to other than just
seniors. Councilmember Spurgin noted that the $52,880 is about one-third of the request.
Councilmember Barnes stated he liked the new format, and requested specifics as to what is
included in the "all other" category, which represents about 10% of itlne total budget.
Mayor stated that 1997-98 will be the last year for payment on the Prop. R bonds, and he
felt the same allocation should be made to continue supporting tangiMe benefits which add
to the quality of life for the community, and a recognition of the community's receiving
benefit from the tourist industry.
Councilmember Hodges stated that it is a subject which probably should be discussed next
year, and that she felt there has been such reallocation, perhaps not in "quality of life," per
se, but in other areas, and there are many bonds which need to be repaid.
Consensus of the Council was to add back the matters noted by the City Manager,
including $52,880 for the Senior Center, for a total of$246,313.
Councilmembers Spurgin and Hodges agreed to serve oil the subcommittee with the City
Manager concerning P.S. Now. City Manager stated that the action will not affect the
budget.
ADDITIONAL LEGISLATIVE ITEMS: None
CONSENT AGENDA: '
129
6. MO 5948 awarding contract to Mojave Equipment Co., Inc., for $146,t46.40 for annual curb (
O 001)
and gutter repair project, CP96-18, A3796.
124-
7. MO 5949 awarding contract to C.R. Gann Demolition, Inc., for $9,600 for asbestos abatement (056)
and demolition at 3845-3851 E. Ramon Road, CP96-45, A3797.
8. MO 5950 awarding contract to Al Miller& Sons Roofing, Inc., for $49,232 for reroofing the (117-
Council Chamber, Animal Shelter and 219 S. Palm Canyon (Village Green) currently under 041)
lease to the Agua Caliente Museum, CP97-06, A3798. IIodges Abstain
9. MO 5951 approving a purchase agreement with Richard and Brenda Barrena for acquisition of (051-
Lot 12, Val Vista Tract, located on the SW corner of Vella Road and Dille de Ricardo, 046)
pursuant to the Airport's Federal Aviation Regulation Part 150 Noise Compatibility Program,
A3799. Kleindienst abstain
10. MO 5952 approving a Memorandum of Agreement with W.J. Schafer Associates, Inc.,
concerning cooperative efforts to test hydrogen fuel cell vehicles at the Airport, in a fom (051-
074)
subject to approval by the City Attorney, A3800.
11. MO5953 approving cooperative purchase of twenty-one Midland 99-channel, hand-held radios, (084-
with batteries, chargers, and speaker microphones, through the County of Riverside Bid 96256, 013)
from Comtronix of Hemet, at $520.06 per unit, plus a $125 lump sum for program software '
and cable, and sales tax, for a total combined cost of $11,902.35; in order to replace units
which are beyond their useful life, and no longer cost effective to maintain at the required
standards.
12. Res 19025 approving the vacation, by quitclaim, of an easement for flood control purposes in
TM 16759, granted in 1983; and authorizing acceptance of a Grant of Temporary Easement, (145-
from Peter & Nan T ynberg, Michael &Jenny McClean, and William E. & Leatrice Roberts, to 001)
clarify the original intent of said 1983 easement concerning Lots 19, 21 and 23.
Council Minutes
5-7-97, Page 7
13. Res 19026 granting easement to SCE over portion of the Airport property west of Gene Autry
Trail to serve the Air Museum, Section 7. (147-
001)
' 14. Res 19027 through 19030 (4) approving Payroll Warrants and Claims & Demands. (086-
15. Res _ approving continuation of County Services Area (152) assessment for funding the 015)
City's efforts to comply with the Federally-mandated NPDES Storm Water Pollution
Prevention Program, and determine that the program is exempt under the terms of Prop. 218.
Pulled.
16. MO 5954 approving Change Order No. 3 for an increase to contract with American Asphalt (136-
Repair & Resurfacing Company, Inc., for a decrease of$7,367.17 for the 96-97 annual slurry 051)
project, CP96-15, A3769.
It was moved by Oden, seconded by Spurgin, and unanimously carried, that Resolutions 19025
through 19030 and Minute Orders 5948 through 5954 be adopted, with abstentions as noted.
ADDED STARTERS: None
REPORTS & REQUESTS:
17. DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS - Received & Ordered Filed
(121-
a) Treasurers Investment Reports Jan, Feb and Mar, 1997 002)
' CITY COUNCIL reports or requests
a) Mayor reported that it is time to have a joint meeting with the Tribal Council, and
he will make the arrangement, and announce the time and place.
b) Councilmember to provide specifics to City Manager, as to possibility of City
sponsorship of a forum regarding Community Action Committee and proposed
changes in social services.
PUBLIC reports or requests
a) Darrell Meeks questioned whether the annexation of Parc Andreas and Bellamonte is a
dead issue. I-Ie also questioned how many City parcels there are, and if any are for sale.
STAFF reports or requests - None
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business at 10:15 p.m., Mayor declared the meeting adjourned.
NUDITH "
�/JUDITH SUMICH
City Clerk
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