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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997 - MINUTES - 6/11/1997 0 1 C)�i CITY OF PALM SPRINGS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES DUNE 11, 1997 An Adjourned Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Palm Springs, Calirornia, was called to order by Mayor Kleindienst, in the Council Chamber, 3200 Tahquitz Canyon Way, on Wednesday, June 11, 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.ua,the meeting was convened in open session. ROLL CALL: Present: Councilmnennbers Barnes, Hodges, Od:n, Spurgin, and Mayor Kleindiensl Absent: None 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 June 6, 1997. REPORT OF CITY ATTORNEY ON MATTERS DISCUSSED IN CLOSED SESSION (All Entities)- See items on Page 2 of agenda this date. COUNCIL COMMENTS/ANNOUNCEMENTS/INTERAGENCY REPORTS: a) Mayor stated he -would like to amnounce the appointments to fill the remaining board and commission vacancies, except Rent Review, and conGnn the appointments at the June 18 meeting, in order to invite the new members to the annual dinner on June 13. See item following reconvening after Closed (Session. PUBLIC COMMENTS: a) Comments Concerning Item 2: The following persons spoke in opposition to any change in the Municipal Code to allow commercial vehicles the size of those of die Lock Doctor, and specifically requested that the code violation be corrected immediately. Steve Reid, Driftwood Road, stated that there would not be a problem if the vehicles were parked inside of the garage, however, in this case, there are (103- numerous commercial and other vehicles parked on the street; that the yard is 048) used for repairs of mostly old vehicles; that the vehicles park on the wrong side of the street, and that it is a violation of the Municipal Code, and should be enforced,and not changed. Mr. D. Weston, President Deep Well Homeowners Association. stated that changing the ordinances will affect the entire community,and he questielied who will judge whether a vehicle is an "emergency" vehicle, e.g., moving van, plumbers, electricians, hearse; that it could lead to property value declines. He submitted photographs of the Lock Doctor vehicles parked at the residence, and letters and petitions in opposition. He also asked members in the audience to stand who are opposed. Steven Dayo, Driftwood, owner of the Lock Doctor, stated that he has parked the vehicles there for 13-14 years, and never had a complaint until the Homeowners Association decided to file a complaint;that he may be the only company in the Valley who does 24-hour emergency service; that he does not leave problem vehicles in the street, or in disrepair; that lie recently did have a vehicle towed away after clearing its title; that he believes the service lie provides is of an emergency natures, i.e., locked cars, children in vehicles, heat, and he can only respond to such emergencies quickly,if he has his vehicle. Council Minutes 6-11-97,Page 2 Ralph Sheplow,resident, stated that there are often up to seven vehicles parked, and not all are commercial, often parked the wrong direction; that the towed vehicle was only after having been parked for a long time; and that vehicles are worked on almost nightly,with the use of bright lights. Don Rickle (?) resident, stated that there are laws in effect which are not being enforced; that this situation has been occnning for two years; that in addition to the factual violation, the Council should look at the procedural issue, in that the City staff has not enforced the Code, even after being contacted on several occasions. Jim Jones,resident, stated that he is a member of the Homeowners Association, although not active, and supports its opposition and that the Council should tighten tip the ordinance and not make it less reshictive, as well as other aspects, i.e.,noise and pollution; and that he was surprised that it has taken two years in which to have it resolved. b) The following persons spoke on matters not.related to an agenda item: John Connell, resident, stated that the Council will hear the matter regarding the "Tramway Gas Station"potential historic site designation on June 18, and that lie was offering any resources he has available to assist in anyway to restore the building to its original condition, including his magazine, arid discussions that have been going on with two major businesses as to two prime tourist attractions to use [lie building. He also stated [hat the Council should make the decision regarding the utility tax,and not place it on the ballot. ' Dick Sroda, resident, expressed appreciation for the appointment of Lee Weigel as Police Chief(succeeding Gene Kulander), and referred to an article regarding a"ballot" in a newspaper for another city in which residents were asked to vote for their choices as to how to cut expenses or increase revennie, and that none of the choices was for a utility tax. Darrell Meeks, resident, stated he supported Mr. Sroda's comments, and added that regardless of whether the Council elects to have red curbs, or no parking signs, that it should abide by State Law and make the decision regarding no parking, and not as a decision by staff; that he feels the utility tax should be eliminated, and as a compromise as one voter, he would support a reduced rate which would ultimately over a period of time - ten years - reduce to "0". He stated it would force cuts to be made which he felt should have been made in the past several years; that it should be reviewed in two years, and not four years; and that he thought it easier for two incumbents running ill 1997 to have it on die ballot,than for three incumbents in 1999. Linda Sroda, resident, read a definition of "promise" and commented on its meaning. Reull Young, resident, stated that taxes are the burden that civilized organizations must bear to maintain order and beauty in the community; that the Library Center is one of the forest in the Stale, as were tine local parks at one ' time;that Ire recognizes in the services he received from City staff in the course of his work, that service levels are not the same; that as a society it is extraordinary to take the view that the public domain can be undercut by reducing funding and yet expect law and order services - culture, beauty and recreation do not get supported; that the focus is that the tax is a greater burden, but it is an investment in the future; that he was very concerned when citizens attack staff arid the Council or infer that the problems are the providence of staff or the Council; that it is the citizens responsibility to provide for the fill spectrum of[Ire community,and if the money were not taken out of their pocket, those same dollars would not be spent for those purposes, but rather go to the Council Minutes 6-11-97,Page 3 individual. He stated that the efficiency of the government and the quality of facilities can only continue to exist through the collection of the tax; and that the utility tax is the last chance to find those. LEGISLATIVE ACTION: ' 1. CITY HALL RENOVATION Recommendation: That the Council approve Change Order No. .I to contract with Desert Cities Development, for an increase of$18,968, CP96-27, concerning retrofit structural ties in the Council Chamber,pending additional information,A3791. Procurement Manager reported that the City is fortunate to have an excellent contractor (117- already on site who has the capability of performing this work:, as well as the roofing 041) contractor on site; that the need for the remedial work, and if the contractors were not already on site, that costs world have been significantly higher; that it is not a cost overrun associated with the renovation project, but an opportunity to ultimately save money to perform the correction. Roull Young, Architect, explained that the structural weakness and roof damage was discovered through all inspection, and originally thought to be superficial,but are in fact more extensive; that although the building met the Codes of its day, greater knowledge about the seismic requirements has evolved,and while the roof is open, the additional tie strengthening should be clone. He explained that flue work results in an aesthetic, change to the facial character of the architecture, and he explained options that were looked at to minimize the affect, and proposal to use a veneer block, which is not exactly the same color, which will be sandblasted, and which will stand away from the face of the block walls by about 3/4 inch.. He stated the recommendation is acceptable, but not ideal; and ' to attempt an exact match would be a greater cost and he was uncertain if it could even be achieved. City Manager stated that the project will be funded from the earthquake insurance account. Comicilmember Hodges staled she would abstain due to a client relationship between the contractor and her employer. Mayor stated that the nature of the building is such that it is an historic site and of historic value worldwide, and whenever a piece of such architecture is touched, there must be sensitivity to the original architect;that lie was not opposed to looking at$1,500 to match the block color in order to preserve the integrity of the design, and questioned if there are other means through the masonry institute to address flue,problem Mr. Young stated that it may be possible to sawcut the block which are removed, and use them as a face, however, there will be loss because of breakage; that a special ran might be possible, but Ire was not encouraged by a preliminary discussion he had with Orroco, which would be both money and tune sensitive; that the new color will not be perfect because of changes in aggregate and chemicals used today, as well as the way in which it would fade compared to the existing block; and that a contrast statement could be made, however, lie did not recommend that alternative. He felt that he could pursue more information, and perhaps come back hi one week. ' City Manager stated that the project budget is at maximum, and there will be direct conflicts if it goes beyond what is essential and goes into aesthetics,although he could gel it very close. He recommended approving the change order, and the project be listed as an agenda items until it is completed, and that those things which need to happen call begin,until the aesthetic aspect is refined. Council Minutes 6-11-97, Page 4 Mayor considered it shod.-sighted to deal with a bandaid solution to a piece of architecture which will outlast the Couucilmembers,just to save $1,500; that the work will not start until July 1,and the remainder of the materials can be gotten quickly;that he would like to see a custom block set to the size of the existing block rather than the ' veneer,and determine what that means in costs and report back to She Council in a week. Mr. Young stated he would check on the details, but could not guarantee that it can be done in a week; that the solution suggested addresses the structural concerns, but not the sensitivity issue of it being an historic site, which he had not pursued as thoroughly as was being suggested by the Council. Procurement Manager stated that the adjourned meeting was requested in order to take action if that was necessary,and one week is the longest delay possible, otherwise it may not be possible to hold to the contract completion time. Council recessed to view the exterior of the building; and upon reconvening, it was moved by Barnes,seconded by IQeindiensl,and unanimously carried, Hodges abstaining, that this matter be continued to June 18, and that during the interim, the alternative materials discussed be researched as to cost and availability. 2. SERVICE VEHICLES PARIQNG IN RESIDENTIAL AREAS Director of Pluming & Building reported that this item was for discussion and direction, and no formal action to amend the Code was proposed He described the current prohibition of commercial vehicles larger than 6.5 feet in height, and 20 feet in length; that the Lock Doctor vehicles parked in the residential zone are a violation under the (103- code, and two notices have been sent, that the owner feels that be provides a 24-hour 048) ' emergency services, however, others might make the same claim, e.g., tow trucks, plumbers,septic tank pumpers; that the Municipal Code provision has been used to retain the residential character and scale of the properties; that there is no prohibition against smaller commercial vehicles, and some businesses do park in their driveways; and that the Council may wish to direct action to amend the Municipal Code, which does not require Planning Commission approval, but in these type matters, the Council has in the past sought the Commission's input. Councihncrnber Hodges stated that emergency vehicles should be permitted, but not outside of the scope of the size allowed; and it is important to the residential neighborhoods to be able to retain the current restriction. She added that the Code should apply to everyone, and not be changed for one individual. Comicilmember Spurgin agreed, and added that a person's home is their most important asset,and they want their neighborhoods to look good. Counciimember Barnes stated Ire did not see any reason to change the Code,nor is there significant reason to override it. Mayor stated that lie understood the concerns, and added that he has known the owners for a number of years, and they have done an excellent job of improving the particular properly and are continuing to do so; that on-street parking is not illegal per se; that the tricks in question do not conform to the size permitted; and lacking any willingness expressed by the Council to do otherwise,the existing Code will remain. City Attorney stated that the violation is a misdemeanor and enforcement remedy is possible either criminally, or through civil action. k:I qed Council Minutes 6-11 97,Page 5 3. NO PARKING SIGNS AND RED CURBS Director,Dept. of Transportation displayed standard CalTrans No Parking Sign, reported that it is discretionary with [lie City to either use that sign, another similar to it, or red paint the curb;that paint fades and is a high-man tonatice item; and he recommended that , the staff review the various alternatives, explore locations where signs might be more (1.05- appropriate than red paint., or a combination of the two, and report after summer. He 001) added that typically when signs alone are used, the number increases whenever there are driveways cut into the curb. Discussion followed,in which Councihnember Spurgin expressed strong displeasure with (lie CalTrans type sign, which she found offensive;alternative wording on the si(gns, e.g., "No Parking in this Block;"possible wording that is loss dogmatic; and possible use of a contract service for painting the curbs; after which, suggestions and colnnumts were directed to staff for report and recommendation after the summer ends. ADDED STARTERS: None CITY MANAGER COMMENTS/ANNOUNCEMENTS a) City Manager roported that there will be an adjourned meeting on June 25,for an itein concerting multi-city joint police dispatch services. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business at 8 p.m.,the Mayor declared the meeting adjourned. JUDITH SUMICH City Clerk