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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999 - MINUTES - 6/30/1999 CITY OF PALM SPRINGS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES JUNE 30, 1999 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 Tahquitz Canyon Way, on Wednesday, June 30, 1999, 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, Reller-Spurgin, and Mayor Kleindienst 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 25, 1999. REPORT OF CITY ATTORNEY ON MATTERS DISCUSSED IN CLOSED SESSION (All Entities) - See items on Page 3 of agenda this date. HOUSING AUTHORITY: INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY: FINANCING AUTHORITY: -No Business COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY: Mayor declared the meeting adjourned for the purpose of convening as the Community Redevelopment Agency. ' PUBLIC COMMENTS: (3-minute limit per person on matter within the jurisdiction of the Council) a) Comments on matters not on the agenda: Wendie Bursig-Kohn, 591 N. Belardo Rd, gave a brief history on where and how she grew up; and added that the reason she comes to the meetings is to do something useful with her voice. Fred Ebeling, read a prepared comment, a copy of which is on file in the Office of the City Clerk. Eric Meeks, 1450 Mesquite, stated that the City needs to use the Internet more productively; and gave a visual display of some of the services the City should beoffering; and added that if the City budgeted $5,000 a month, each department could be brought up to speed, using the intemet more efficiently; that the savings the City would realize would be 1/2 of what it spends; that the Council could hold a study session in which he could go into greater detail; and reviewed a handout, copy on file in Office of the City Clerk. b) Comments regarding item 4: Pat Oygar, P.O. Box 9560, read a prepared statement a copy of which is on file in the Office of the City Clerk. Bill Byrne, 301 Overlook, read a prepared statement a copy of which is on file in the Office of the City Clerk. COUNCIL COMMENTS/ANNOUNCEMENTS/INTERAGENCY REPORTS: Councilmember Barnes requested the matter regarding the Internet be scheduled for an upcoming workshop; and requested reports regarding the status of the Palm Springs Economic Development Corporation agreement, and the low income housing issue for Indian Canyon. Council Minutes 6-30-99, Page 2 LEGISLATIVE ACTION: 1. REGIONAL AIRPORT PLAN Consideration of Resolution joining CVAG in calling for a iregional airport plan for Southern California. (123- , City Manager reviewed the resolution and added that there (had been some changes 004) regarding the restrictions for commuter air caps. Mayor stated that the commuter air is needed and the restriction should be removed. City Manager recommended approval of the resolution and added that clarification will be sought from CVAG. Resolution 19545 as recommended was presented; after which, it was moved by Hodges, seconded by Oden, and unanimously carried, that R19545 be adopted. 2. DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT CENTER-REDAC2 Consideration of action to rescind MO 6423-A, which approved a contract with Jerry Ogburn dba REDAC2 for fiscal year 1999-2000. (133- Matter was withdrawn. 005) 3. 1998-99 BUDGET AMENDMENT-ELECTRIC TRUCKS Recommendation: That the Council amend the 1998-99 budget to appropriate $20,000 in local Air Quality Subvention Grant Funds as City subvention share of costs toward (061-' purchase of 2 electric-powered pickup trucks, which will make City eligible for a $5,000 023) grant-funded reimbursement, resulting in a net MVR Fund cost of$25,719.82. (084- 016) Assistant City Manager-Operations stated.that the item was housekeeping in nature; that the funds will come from the 1998-99 budget; that the funds are available; and that the use of the trucks is successful, only needing a deep charge from time to time. Resolution 19546 as recommended was presented; after which., it was moved by Reller- Spurgin, seconded by Hodges, and unanimously carried,that R1'9545 be adopted. ZI. WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT Recommendation: That the Council approve a short-tern professional services (127- agreement with U.S. Filter Operating Services, for Wastewater Treatment Plant O105) management services, for up to 90 days, at a maximum cost of$26,001, A4114. Assistant City Manager-Operations reviewed the revised staff report and added that currently a level 5 plant manager is needed; that there is concern for the safety of the employees; that the staffing is down; that if anyone takes a day off, overtime is needed; that the City needs a safe disposal of sewage; that it is difficult to hire someone with the possibility of being laid off, that the proposed contract would provide the additional manpower needed. Mayor stated that the agreement is for one person. City Manager stated that it is staff intent to come back to the Council on July 28, for a 5- year operations agreement. Councilmember Hodges stated that while she approves of the (hiring of staff to keep the plant running safely; the matter is up for election in November, 1999; and that she can not support the recommendation. Councilmember Barnes questioned if the matter was negotiated. Council Minutes - - --- 6-30-99, Page 3 Assistant City Manager-Operations stated that the pricing was a part of the bid package. Councilmember Reller-Spurgin stated that the City needs to be consistent; that what has happened in Closed Session is progressed in leaps; that the public is not aware of all the issues or negotiations; that the contract should be let for 125 days; that a contract will be needed even after the ballot measure has been voted on; that U.S Filter may be right for ' the City, but that the perception is negative; and that she will not support the recommendation. Councilmember Barnes stated that conceptually the idea is good; that he feels confident that once the public is aware of all the benefits, all the negotiations will be appreciated; that there is some concern for the amount of money being spent; that the safety issues are understandable; but that this is a large amount of money. City Manager stated that the agreement price was in the bid package. Assistant City Manager-Operations stated that the total price would be $104,000 per year; that the figure is close to what an employee of the same level would make, including benefits. Councilmember Oden stated that the issue gets cloudier and cloudier; that the Council is sure it is doing the right thing; that the Council has a responsibility to operate the plant for the health and safety of the citizens; that the Community needs responsible people to operate the plant; that it is unfortunate that the whole story cannot be told; and added that the Community must be protected. Mayor questioned the term of the contract and added the plant manager will be needed for more than that length of time. ' City Manager stated that it is staff s intent to present to Council on July 28, 1999, a 5- year operational agreement; that the operation manager agreement will still be in effect; that the completed documents for the operations is not available at this time; and that when the documents are ready a full document and discussion, including rates, will be available. Mayor stated that if the plant manager time is needed, then the agreement should be for a greater length of time; and that it is unusual for a professional to accept a 90 day job. City Manager stated that the time issue would have to go back for negotiations;that there is an individual available;that this person will come through U.S Filter; and that with the individual comes great expertise of the company. Minute Order 6431 as recommended was presented; after which, it was moved by Oden, seconded by Barnes and carried by the following vote that MO6431 be adopted. AYES: Barnes, Oden and Kleindienst NO: Hodges and Reller-Spurgin ADDED STARTERS: None ADJOURN: ' There being no further business,Mayor declared the meeting adjourned to Tuesday, July 6, 1999, Hyatt Regency; 4 p.m. JUDITH SUMICH Clerk By: PATRICIA A. SANDERS Assistant City Clerk