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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997 - MINUTES - 6/25/1997 CITY OF PALM SPRINGS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES JUNE 25, 1997 Ali Adjourned Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Palm Springs, California, was called to order by Mayor pro tem Hodges, in the Council Chamber, 3200 Tahquitz Canyon Way, on Wednesday, June 25, 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, and Spurgin Absent: Mayor Kleindienst 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 20, 1997. REPORT OF CITY ATTORNEY ON MATTERS DISCUSSED IN CLOSED SESSION (All Entities) - See items on Page 3 of agenda this date. COUNCIL COMMENTS/ANNOUNCEMENTS/INTERAGENCY REPORTS: a) Councilmember Hodges announced the date and place for the CVAG General Assembly. b) 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. PUBLIC COMMENTS: a) Comments on matters not related to an agenda item: Art Lyons, resident, spoke in opposition to the designation of the Albert Frey building at N. Palm Canyon and Tramway Road, stating he considered it unfortunate that a failed business should symbolize Palm Springs; that Mr. Bragg has worked for ten years to bring his project to fruition; that the designation sends a negative message which will take years to overcome, and that the message to developers should be that the City is not anti-business, and economic development must be the number one priority of the City. He asked that the Council reconsider its action, and bring it back for another vote. b) Coiwnents regarding Item 1: Dick Sroda, resident, suggested there be more discussion regarding this matter, and that there is not assurance that City employees will spend time any better (117- "watching TV" and that the expenditure is not needed; that the funds should be 042) used to pay for police and fire and reduce the ugility tax. Eric Meeks, resident, thanked the Police Deparhnent, in particular officers: Bennett, Judd, Gragen, Hernandez and Jackson, for quick assistance at his book store in recovering stolen property. Jim Jones, resident, agreed with Mr. Lyons. c) Conunents regarding Item 5: Tam Simpson, CSO, stated that the police department community services officers would be taken over by Wackenhut; that 7-8 months ago they were called in to help (113- because of a manpower shor(age; that three CSOs have been replaced, and that the 006) Wackenhut employee lacks training as to officer safety; that he was concerned the position may produce a "revolving door" situation, in that the average tenure for a city employee in this position is 7.5 years, but only 4.5 in the private sector. He challenged that middle managers do not operate effectively; that he was not told by a Council Minutes 6-25-97, Page 2 his supervisor of the inpendnng action, and learned of it from other employees; that there is little supervision guidance; that two part-time employees have been employed for more than one year; and that there were interviews held in April, but no response has been given. LEGISLATIVE ACTION: ' 1. CVAG VIDEO OUTREACH PROJECT On June 18,1997, the Council continued consideration of a memorandum of understanding with CVAG regarding acceptance, housing and funding teleconnnunications charges for selected video conferencing equipment, effective July 1, 1997, and amending the budget (117-• accordingly. 042) City Manger stated that the project was unbudgeted, and lie has worked with the Convention Center staff to see if the large unit could be used at the Center for marketing purposes to attract business, and used at meetings; that fiords ou lside of the LMI contract would need to be committed, if the unit is to be used for marketing. Linda Krengel, consultant, stated that warranty and maintenance agreements which came with the MOU were looked at, and which she explained the costs associated therewith, noting a potential redundancy. She also discussed costs related to bridging and networking, which would be about $6,700 for the small unit and $11,900 for the large, along with the employee time savings because there would be no travel involved. City Manager stated that the staff analysis of the impact was from a positive reduction in time; that elected officials would not be as able to utilize it. Tom Kieley stated that each of the other entities would have the same unit in place for use on a staff level, which will be tremendous; that there have been a lot of assumptions made, and although CVAG would like a response in July, it is committed to the process and will proceed with reserving the equipment, however, because of the confusion regarding the maintenance rates, that issue should be further reviewed. City Manager agreed, and added that the additional time will also permit finalizing whether larger unit can be used at the Convention Center. He added that the CVAG funding only covers capital. hn answer to question by Council, whether the Convention Center meets CVAG criteria, Ms. Krengel and Mr. Kieley stated that the criteria includes evening hours, handicap access, and no profit; however, the charges for use of the unit can be sufficient to recover costs - whatever that may include - and one convention of 500 people , staying three days, which would use it, could produce more than enough in sales and room taxes to cover the total cost of the equipment. No specific action taken; consensus to continue this matter to July 16, 1997. 2. PUBLIC NUISANCE ABATEMENT - SANDCASTLE INN On .Tune 18, 1997, the Council continued consideration of settlement agreement regarding abatement of public nuisance at the Sandcastle hm, 2330 N. Palm Canyon Drive, A3817. City Attorney stated that Ire has been negotiating a potential agreement which would allow (05T the rehabilitation of the building rather than its demolition; that there have been some issues 01()) which have kept it from being concluded; that he recoimnended approving the agreement with modification concerning one-half oC the $13,000 and the ability to recover a portion of that; that the agreement needs to be finalized, otherwise demolition is scheduled to begin within 10 days. Minute Order 5981 approving agreement, as recommended, was presented; after which, it was moved by Spurgin, seconded by Barnes, and unanimously carried, Kleiudienst absent, that MO 5981 be adopted. Council Minutes 6-25-97, Page 3 3. SECTION 14 - SIDEWALK/SEWER/UNDERGROUND UTILITY EASEMENT Recommendation: That the Council approve acquisition of easements for sidewalks, sewer (136- mains and public utilities across Indian-owned land in Section 14; and amend the Budget for 049) 1996-97 to appropriate $74,542 from the Wastewater Treatment Plant Fund to cover the costs thereof. (061- alignmentCity Manager explained that the alignment was not properly surveyed, and the sidewalk and 021) sewers were installed on the property without compensation; that the proposal is to acquire the easement and to cover the cost of the acquisition from the Wastewater Treatment Plant Fund, which is not a loan, rather to cover the sewer easement. Resolution 19060 and 19061 as recoimneoded, were presented; after which, it was moved by Spurgin, seconded by Oden, and unanunously carried, Kleindienst absent, that R19060 and 19061 be adopted. 4. COACHELLA VALLEY PUBLIC SAFETY SUPPORT SERVICES/IPA Consideration of Joint Powers Agreement to provide Coachella Valley Public Safety Support Services, between the Cities of Palm Springs, Cathedral City and Coachella, A City Manager stated that the proposal began as a shnple concept, but has evolved into (113- something more complicated, i.e., it became a JPA rather than an MOU or contracted 006) service; that originally it was believed it would save all jurisdictions money, but further analysis indicated that it could cost the City to participate, which he would not recommend. He recommended that a subcommittee of Couucilmembers Hodges and Oden work with ' him to re-evaluate the formula and philosophical approach to this issue to work with him and Cathedral City. He reconunended that the Council approve the concept of the agreement, and that the City Attorney finalize the document. Police Chief stated that the concept is to consolidate several services - dispatch, jail and records under one umbrella, thereby avoiding each City having to do so separately. Councilmember Barnes stated that not curly will there be cost savings, but the efficiency and responsiveness of the service will be even better than it already is. Councilmember Spurgin stated that the Council has searched for ways to be more efficient and to save money, and she questioned how much the actual net savings will be, and when that will occur. COuncihnehnbers Hodges and Odell agreed to serve on the subcommittee; and it was moved by Barnes, seconded by Spurgin, and unanhnously carried, Kleindienst absent, that this matter be conceptually approved, and that the subcommnittee provide a recommendation back to (lie Council for final action. 5. PALM SPRINGS POLICE.TAIL SERVICES Consideration of agreement with Wackenhut to provide jail services, at an amoral savings of $108,122 (contract cost $239,573) commencing July 1, 1997, with a 30-clay cancellation, (113- A3816. 006) ' Police Chief stated that the proposal calls for increasing the services to the coumnunity without spending anymore money than is currently being spent; that it would provide an improved 24-hour service, with no overtime costs; that existing CSOs will be retained and transferred to field duties to assist in taking reports and helping with the detective bureau and the front counter to take reports; and that there should be an actual savings of about $19,000. City Manager stated that there may be vacancies in the records division, and CSOs assigned to those position, which could result in a Future savings of $97,000; and that this is one Council Minutes 6-25-97, Page 4 phase of an overall proposal which will be addressed in the next several weeks; that the City Attorney has concerns about the proposal as a final document, and would like to put it into a legal form. Police Chief stated it will be a one-year contract, in order to make certain that it is a workable situation, i.e., along the concerns expressed by Mr. Simpson - can the company ' really do the kind of job it says it can. He added that the company currently contracts with San Bernardino and San Diego. In response to question by Council, he stated that Wackenhut has assured that its employees will be trained exactly in the same manner as City employees are trained, and that the sane background investigations will be done; that if the employee does not work out, the Department need otnly request a replacement, which has happened on two occasions in the past; and that the Supervisor advised the night shift of the proposal, but did not see the next shift until after other employees had already disclosed the issue. In answer to questions by Council, City Attorney stated that a deal point is that the contract can be canceled in 30 days; that language will be added to clarify employee replacement upon tine City's request to do so; that it is a one-year contract, and the provider should be willing to perform at a specific rate, and not be subject to increases during that time. Police Chief also responded that there is both State mandated and[ local policy that must be learned; that the CSO will be responsible to do the training before going into the, field and assuming responsibilities; that there are four employees involved, only one of which is currently budgeted and vacant; that part of the $108,000 differential would be used to maintain those who would otherwise be laid off. City Manager stated that the P.S. Police Officers Association has not taken any position on this natter, but indicated it is not adverse to it. ' City Attorney stated that there are a number of things in the agreement that seem to suggest that the City is liable; that the City's position should be that the employees are those of Wackenhut and they should be responsible for their actions, and it should hold the City harmless; that this issue should also be part of the final document;, that is not uncommon to have a document which requires fine tuning, or if the Council wishes the filial document to be returned for review, that is also not uncommon, but in any event, the issues should be taken care of before the final commitment is made. In answer to question by Council, Police Chief stated that there is a current contract to Wackenhut for temporary help, and in language approved by the City Attorney, and he did not believe the contractor would be adverse to changes regarding; this issue; that ultimately the City will have certain liability for the people in the jail; that one supervisor will be provided, under the direction of tine Watch Commander. He explained the personnel assignments Councilmember Hodges stated she did not feel comfortable with the way in which the contract was presented; that she questioned if the Council had the $108,000 would it be spending it to reassign these positions; that it appears to be creating a situation that is not essential and not a real savings, and possibly a service level that is not as good as it is currently. Minute Order 5984 approving the agreement, in a form subject to City Attorney final ' approval, was presented; after which, it was moved by Odell, seconded by Barnes, and carried by the following vote, that M05984 be adopted: AYES: Barnes, Oden, and Spurgin NO: Hodges ABSENT: Kleindienst a .lLFx1 F Council Minutes 6-25-97, Page 5 6. CITY HALL RENOVATION Recommendation: That the Council approve Change Order No. 2 to contract with Desert Cities Development, for an increase of$53,369 to provide remote motorized camera system for Studios A, B, and C, including upgrade to control room equipment, A3791. ' Recormnendation: That the Council approve Change Order No. 3 to contract with Desert Cities Development, for an increase of$11,747, authorizing installation of ADA compliant power operated many entrance door to City Hall, A3791. Councihnember Hodges stated she would abstain, due to a client relationship. City Manager explained the proposed changes, noting that the Change Order 3 cost would be funded through ADA funds. MO 5982 and 5983 were presented, as recommended; after which, it was moved by Wen, seconded by Spurgin, and unanimously carried, Kleindienst absent, and Hodges abstaining, that MO5982-5983 be adopted. ADDED STARTERS: - None CITY MANAGER COMMENTS:- None There being no farther business at 8: 30 p.m., the Mayor pro tem declared the meeting adjourned. _ — J JUDITH SUMICH City Clerk 1