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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997 - MINUTES - 9/10/1997 CITY OF PALM SPRINGS 4 w' CITY COUNCIL MINUTES SEPTEMBER 10, 1997 An Adjourned Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Palm Springs, California, was called to order by Mayor pro temHodges, in the Council Chamber, 3200 Taltquitz Canyon Way, on Wednesday, September 10, 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 Absent: Mayor Kleindienst The Meeting was opened with a Salute to the Flag, and a moment of silence. REPORT POSTING OF AGENDA: Assistant City Clerk reported that the agenda was posted in accordance with Council procedures on September 3, 1997. REPORT OF CITY ATTORNEY ON MATTERS DISCUSSED IN CLOSED SESSION (All Entities) - See items page 3 of agenda this date. HOUSING AUTHORITY: INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY: FINANCING AUTHORITY: COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY: No business Mayor Kleindienst entered at this point 7:15 p.m. COUNCIL COMMENTS/ANNOUNCEMENTS/INTERAGENCY REPORTS: 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. ' b) Mayor and Councilmembers also reported on status of activities and actions taken by other intergovernmental agencies on which they serve as liaison, or appointees representing the City. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None PUBLIC COMMENTS: a) Comments on matters concerning item 3. The following persons spoke in favor of amending the Palm Canyon Theater lease: Mary Wright Weidner, representing the Palm Canyon Theater (117- Elissa Viramontes and Catlin Gregory, Palm Springs 023) Ingrid Baddour, 1401 N. Palm Canyon Nanci A. Brach, 1765 Ridgeview Charles Knox Robinson, 1356 San Lorenzo Julie A. Silva, 69717 Stonewood Court Dawn Gregory, Palm Springs Beverly Viramontes, Palm Springs Michael McLean, 1048 N. Andreas The following persons spoke against amending the Palm Canyon Theater lease: ' Carol Burnett, 68905 Minerva Susan Avalon, Farrell, 3574 Las Palmas, President, Village of the Arts 12�303' Council Minutes 9-10-97, Page 2 PUBLIC COMMENTS (Cont'd) The following persons spoke regarding item 3. Dick Sroda,resident, stated that as a neutral party he is looking at the facts that the lease is clear that rent must be paid; that the rent has not been paid; that the Village Center for the Arts are squatters; and that action should be taken to collect the rent , that is due. Bette Tuminello, resident, expressed concern for past due rent; and suggested the groups get together and set up rules and regulations to operate by. b) Comments on matters not on the agenda: Linda Sroda,2114 Calle Felica, stated that the City needs to make good on its promises; that the Utility User Tax was set to expire on June 30, 1997; that it has not; that this is now an ethical issue; that the Council is elected to make decisions; that the people depend on what the Council says; that there is a moral issue here; that City management needs to work harder and run leaner; and questioned how much time was spent analyzing the budget. Robin Burns, Classic Transportation, questioned the recent process related to the Airport/Rail services and added that it is difficult to get return calls from the Department of Transportation; that the taxi industry provides a needed service; and requested Council refrain from approval of a contract with Super Shuttle Ontario until input from the taxi industry could be made. LEGISLATIVE ACTION: 1. PRESENTATION OF WESTERN COACHELLA VALLEY HEALTH PARTNL^^',RSHIP ' Kelly Green, Project Director, stated that the hospitalization rate for the children In the Coachella Valley is twice the national rate; that almost one-third of women living in the Valley do not receive early prenatal care; that only 25% of children are up to date on (065- immunizations at age 2; that half of the families with young children have no health 003) insurance; that 14% of families live below the federally established poverty level; that 2/3's of students receive meal subsidies; that among the total population of 92,000, 3.5% are African American, and 26% are of Hispanic origin; that for youth the profile is _50%o Hispanic and 6% African American; and in answer to questions by Council, the goal of the Western Coachella Valley Health Partnership is to improve infant and child health by enhancing access of families to culturally sensitive prenatal, pediatric and preventive health services; that the focus is on families currently not accessing services because they are uninsured, underinsured or are experiencing other barriers to receiving services; lhatthe plan is to make services more user friendly by building from existing health and human services to create new health service opportunities; that a low cost health plan will be created; and that a Community Organizer and training program for grassroots groups will be created to help in achieving the goal for a healthier community; that a grant has been awarded in the amount of$865,000 from the California Wellness ]Foundation for the period of July 1, 1997 to June 30, 2001; that current contact such as the school nurse, the county nurse will be utilized to identify those in need; that over the next flew mouths concepts and ideas will be finalized; that the original grant was written under Desert Hospital; that now the area covers to Cook Street, Palm Desert, that this grant will be limited to the originally defined geographical area; that City staff will be working with the partnership; that the ' various commissions within the City will likewise do so; and that the volunteers make the project work. City Manager thanked Ms. Green for the continued dedication to the City. Council Minutes 9-10-97, Page 3 r F 2. COACHELLA VALLEY HOUSING COALITION CDBG GRANTS Discussion regarding the efforts of the Coachella Valley Housing Coalition regarding the grant for revitalization strategy in the Cottonwood/Chuckwalla area and grant related to special needs housing study. City Manager reviewed the staff report and added that direction is needed from the policy ' maker to the service provider. John Tuite, stated that there are two grants with CVHC to look at special needs housing and revitalization planning. John Mealy, CVHC, Rueul Young, Project Architect, Wendy Burgess Frederick, CVHC (085- were present for questions. 013) John Mealy, CVHC, stated that the purpose of the meeting was to verify that CVHC was going in the right direction; that there are two specific projects in the City that are being worked on, one in the Chuckawalla area and one under contract for AIDS housing; that there is a 22 unit on Chuckawalla and Cottonwood that will be rehabed; that federal funds have been applied for and are being obtained for the project; that this project is similar to the one in Indio; that the rent for each apartment will be $225.00 per month; that the building will be quality; that the project will serve as an anchor for the Community; that the second project is a revamping of single family housing; that there will be 11 single family houses built; that there is some direction needed regarding the plans; that it is the concept that if these homes are fixed up the rest of the area will follow; that the houses will rent as affordable housing; that the funding for the homes will be essentially federal funds. Rueul Young, Architect, stated that the project will not compete with the market; that the project is designed as "new urbanism"; that currently the viewscape is one of asphalt; that the proposal will put landscaping into the right-of-way making the street somewhat more ' narrow, but still in compliance with zoning law; that the character of the area will be changed; that streets and street lights will make the area more of a neighborhood; that in answer to questions by staff it will take some time for the trees to reach the height indicated in the drawings; that the approximate time will be ten years; that traffic patterns and flow are determined by the Traffic Engineer; that visual impact are usually not considered by the Engineers; that there are cues that drivers do gain from driving on streets that can influence a driver to exceed or decrease the actual speed limit; that the rehab of the 26 units to 22 units including one manager unit does permit parking on the street; that the streetscapes will encourage off street parking; and that trees will line both sides of both streets. Councilmember Oden stated that the second site is part of recapture the neighborhood plan; that already one abandoned building had been demolished; and requested a report of city wide designations of different types of housing allowances. City Manager and Planting Manager reviewed site map indicating the specific area targeted for housing rehabilitation. Mayor Kleindienst stated that the "new urbanism" plan needs further study; that the street allows for parallel parking; that the new proposal does not; that the width of the street could allow two way traffic, but the area needed should not be taken from one side only; that bay parking is an option; that it is possible to gain an additional 8 feet from each side, but that the plan does need additional study. ' Rueul Young, architect, stated that it would be better to use land from both sides of the street, that the sidewalks and trees do reduce the street to a 28 foot width; that the sheets are dead ends; that the bay parking could be redesigned to parking lots; that if only 8 foot was taken in total, some bay and some parallel parking could be allowed; that parking pockets have also been considered; that alternatives have been considered; that the plans are not finalized for approval; that there are parking requirements that are by Code; that right now the street is for cars and does not encourage a neighborhood setting; that if the space for one car is given up, a home can be found for trees that will increase the quality of life for the entire street. W:r., :sw Council Minutes 9-10-97, Page 4 2. COACHELLA VALLEY HOUSING COALITION (Cont'd) Mayor questioned the perimeters for the dead end streets; and requested the results of any studies that have been made; and added that it is his desire to have a pleasing and aesthetically desirable project. Rueul Young, architect, stated that with the redefinition of the neighborhood, people walking and children playing in the neighborhood would be encouraged; and added that a ' community garden, such as the one in Cathedral City could be encouraged. Mayor Kleindienst stated that alleyways located behind homes are not a viable alternative; and that the size of lots for the homes is not allowable under code; that the proposal sounds somewhat like Cathedral Canyon, south of Ramon; that the solution is not agreeable; that personally he does not have a problem with density, but does with the alleys, and the small (085- lot size. 013) John Mealy questioned Council approval for the `Bel Air" site concerning the independent housing. Council concurred. City Manager stated that the issue concerning the single family property is currently in closed session negotiations; that any type of direction or concurrence should wait until those negotiations are finished. Mayor stated that a subcommittee of the Council could be formed to assist with the programs. City Manager stated that both projects will proceed with a series of steps; that the city Council will be aware as each step takes place; and that City staff will be consulted during the process. ' Councilmember Barnes requested a north and south density elevation plan; and added that personally he does not have a problem with alleys; but that the density may be of issue. Mayor Kleindienst questioned the lot size and city regulations. Planning Manager stated that the CVHC has been encouraged to seek revitalization out in the neighborhoods; that there is special needs housing that needs to be filled; that the map, on file in the Office of the City Clerk, indicates the areas that have been targeted for revitalization; that many of the areas provide a buffer from another zone; that there are many rehabilitation opportunities throughout the City and added that it is staffs understanding that rehabilitation is a goal of the Council rather than new building. City Manager stated the general policy is that new housing is not encouraged until old housing has be revitalized; and that any vacant land is for future use. Councilmember Oden questioned if the highlighted areas are the areas that CVHC will be looking at; and requested a copy of the map be provided for Councilmember use. City Manager stated that those areas are in need of recapturing in some form or another; and added that staff will be providing Council with copies of the map. Councilmember Barnes stated that he is not looking for infill of areas; and that vacant land ' is prime area for the City. Councilmember Hodges concurred; and questioned the designation on East Palm Canyon. City Manager stated that East Palm Canyon is not an immediate area, but one that can be pulled out of consideration. Council Minutes 9-10-97, Page 5 2. COACHELLA VALLEY HOUSING COALITION (Con't) Mayor Kleindienst stated the Indian Trail area and Ramon has inherent charm, but has experienced some slippage and added that the Historic Site Preservation Board has indicated interest of designating the area as a district. Council consensus to prioritize existing housing; to include the Bel Air property for rehab. ' 3. VILLAGE CENTER FOR THE ARTS Recommendation: That the Council approve amendment#1 to the Palm Canyon Theater, Inc., lease for the entire building at 538 North Palm Canyon Drive, consisting of 10,755 square feet of floor area, at the monthly rent of$1,290.00, effective September 15, 1997. A3785. City Manager reviewed the staff report. Councilmember Hodges questioned if any rent has been paid since the matter was discussed in April. City Manager stated at this time no rent had been paid; that the business plan has not been submitted; and that the insurance has not been provided. Councilmember Hodges stated that all are valid points; that there has been no effort for compliance with the Village Center of the Arts; that the Palm Canyon Theater leasee's have (117- complied with their lease; that all work has been performed in good faith; that an excellent 023) job has been done and that she would recommend approving the amendment. Councilmember Spurgin stated that the Village Center of the Arts should have been having fundraising events etc., during this time to raise the rent monies; and questioned if the ' Palm Canyon Theater group offered any children programs or other activities like Village Center of the Arts. Mary Wright Weidner, Managing Director Palm Canyon Theater, stated that the patrons of the Village Center of the Arts would be welcome; that the process for establishing children programs has been started; that the visual arts have not been established, but are being worked on and that the Theater wants to be a part of the Community. Minute Order 6020 as recommended, was presented; after which, it was moved by Hodges, seconded by Spurgin, and unanimously carried, that MO6020 be adopted. Councilmember Bodges questioned the status of the Desert Art Center. City Manager stated that the lease is currently month to month; and that negotiations should he held between the Palm Canyon Theater and the Desert Art Center. Mayor Kleindienst stated that this amendment does not effect the Desert Art Center. Councilmember Sprugin questioned the process to discuss the back rent owed by Village Center of the Arts. City Manager stated with the approval of the Minute Order that the normal procedures to collect the back rent will be set in motion. Councilmember Oden stated that the Council will strive to assist in providing service if the people still have the desire to support the youth; and that he would be glad to extend the olive branch to the Village Center for the Arts to work together. Council Minutes 9-10-97, Page 6 3. VILLAGE CENTER OF THE ARTS (Cont'd) Councilmember Barnes stated that he is pleased with what the Palma Canyon Theater is doing; that the emhusiam is laying a foundation for the future; that the entire park is being motivated by the work being performed by the theater; that a member of the Council has been accused of having hidden agendas; that the Council needs to establish plans to move the Community forward; that comments hit close to home when your family is attacked; that the Council position requires 60 hours a week of work, with no pay; that the Ballet ' Company relocated to the Palm Springs Youth Center by their choice; that the group was not recruited; and that stability is important for any group. Mayor Kleindienst stated that when the issue came to the City Council, Councilmember Barites and be served as a subcommittee; that meetings were held with the Village: Center of the Arts; that the membership was constantly changing; that the letter sent by the City Manager to the VCA was only sent after the subcommittee had a sense of failure; that the business plan and proof of insurance was requested, but never furnished; that the Village Center of the Arts has done a remarkable job for the Community; that it is always best to have all involved parties to work together to solve dilemma; that all this point Village Center of the Arts has chosen to take another path; that now Palm Canyon Theater will have the opportunity to assist the City in providing needed services to the Community and that lie foresees a great future between the two parties. City Manager introduced J.W. Layne, Artistic Director, Palm Canyon Theater. ADDED STARTERS: None I:EPORT OR REQUESTS: CITY COUNCIL reports or requests a) Councilmember Hodges requested a study session scheduled to discuss the ' disposition of City-owned land. PUBLIC reports or requests (2-minute limit on matters within the jurisdiction of the Council) STAFF reports or requests ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, Mayor declared the meeting adjourned at 10 p.m. JUDITH SUMICH City Clerk By: PATRICIA A. SANDERS Assistant City Clerk