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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000 - MINUTES - 11/15/2000 CITY OF PALM SPRINGS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES NOVEMBER 15, 2000 ' A 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 Taliquitz Canyon Way, on Wednesday, November 15, 2000, 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 Jones, Hodges, Oden, Reller-Spurgin, and Mayor Kleindienst Absent: None The meeting was opened with the Salute to the Flag, and an invocation by Reverend Richard Dreyson-Church of the Religious Science. REPORT OF POSTING OF AGENDA: City Clerk reported that the agenda was; posted in accordance with Council procedures on November 9, 2000. REPORT OF CITY ATTORNEY ON MATTERS DISCUSSED IN CLOSED SESSION (All Entities) - See items on Page 6 of agenda this date. PRESENTATIONS: Alzheimer Awareness Week. HOUSING AUTHORITY: INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY: FINANCING ' AUTHORITY: COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY - No Business PUBLIC COMMENTS: a) Comments on matters not on the agenda: Nadine Fieger, representative of General Unit Employees, presented a newsletter regarding City of Palm Springs General Unit Employees, and added that the employees are striving to be a part of Team Palm Springs. Bobby Wallace, aka Dolliah Dalliah, stated that during the last public comments portion of the City Council meeting he was silenced and that it was offending: and added that there are hate crimes occurring in the City against the gay community and that protection is needed. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA: Items 2 thru 14. It was moved by Reller-Spurgin, seconded by Oden, and unanimously carried, that Items 2 thru 14 be adopted. Council Minutes 11-15-00, Page 2 ' CONSENT AGENDA: Review by City Manager of Consent Items to be clarified. 1. See Extended Consent Agenda below. 2. Res 19938 approving (6) agreements with car rental concessions at the airport. A4303-Hertz; A4304-National; A4305-Avis; A4306-Budget; A4307-Dollar; A4308- Enterprise. 3. MO 6744 approving Change Order#2 to A4074 with E.L. Yeager for airport sound wall for$8,404, total contract amount $1,293,327.40. Kleindienst abstain- Prior FPPC ruling. 4. Not Used. 5. Not Used. 6. MO 6745 approving an agreement with Counts Unlimited for citywide traffic volume counting and speed survey program for $5,000, CP00-23. A4309. 7. MO 6746 approving reimbursement agreement with Lowe's HIW for Ramon Road improvements for$94,702.25. A4310. 8. MO 6747 accepting Grant of Right-of-Way from the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians for public street right-of-way for West Mesquite Avenue, Section 22, T4S R4E R-00-028. 9. MO 6748 approving Change Order#1 to A4261 with Granite Construction Company for the Mid-Valley Parkway Phase 3, Gene Autry Trail and Ramon Road traffic signal and street improvements for $80,277.65, total contract $979,175.65. Hodges abstain-Client of Employer. 10. MO 6749 approving agreement with Al Miller & Sons for re-roofing of Police Training Center, Police Gun Range, the Leisure Center and the Pavilion, Schedules A through D, for$123,177.00 CP00-13. A4311. 11. Res 19939 approving Final Map 26364, Southland Group, for property located at 2321 and 2421 Sunrise Way North, Section 2, T4S R4E. A4312. 12, MO 6750 approving purchase of furnishings for the narcotics facility located at the police department through the County of Riverside Master Agreement with Seal Furniture for$45,873.72. 13. MO 6751 approving agreement with DMG Maximus for filing of the City's ' mandated costs with the State for$7,200. A4313. Council Minutes 11-15-00, Page 3 14. Res 19940 and 19941 approving Payroll Warrants and Claims & Demands. , Note abstentions, if any: Councilmember Warrant# Payee Particular Nature of Conflict Hodges 958496 DWA Client of Employer 958500 Doug Wall 958519 Chris Foster Reller-Spurgin 958772 Spurgin Spouse EXTENDED CONSENT AGENDA: 1. AIRLINE MARKETING PROGRAM Recommendation: That the Council approve an agreement with Nancy A. Doria for airline marketing activities for a term of 5 months for $21,500. A4302. Councilmember Hodges stated that the contract with Ms. Doria was entered into with the purpose of allowing staff time to take over the duties; and that the amount of money being requested seems excessive. Minute Order 6752 was presented; after which, it was moved by Jones, seconded by Reller-Spurgin and carried by the following vote that MO6752 be , adopted: AYES: Jones, Oden, Reller-Spurgin and Kleindienst NO: Hodges. PUBLIC HEARINGS: 15. HSPB 42 — CLASS 1 HISTORIC SITE -ALPHA BETA BUILDING Recommendation: That the Council consider designation of the Alpha Beta Building as a Class 1 Historic Site. Director of Planning & Building reviewed the staff report and added that the report did contain various options for Council consideration; that the building is not in its original state; that alterations and remodeling have been done; and that the Council should indicate its desire to staff, after which staff will prepare a Resolution for Council approval at its next meeting. Mayor declared the hearing open. Tom Suitt, representing Palm Springs Economic Development Corporation, read a prepared letter from the Chairman of the Corporation, copy on file in Office of the City Clerk, requesting Council denial of the historic site designation. ' Council Minutes 11-15-00, Page 4 iMr. Hatheway, reviewed letter dated November 10, 2000 reviewing the history of the Ralph's/Alpha Beta architecture. Aileen Smith, filed a petition requesting the store be renovated to a new complex that would include a larger supermarket with amenities. Lobo Vadenscearce, stated that the mall resembles an airplane with its wings raised; and added there is no architectural value and that a larger store is needed for the area. Inez Rindahl, stated she is a resident of the Ramon Mobilehome Park and uses the grocery store in question, as do most of the residents of the mobilehome park and urged the Council approve the new project for a better grocery store and not designate the site as historic. Ernest Noia, 429 Tahquitz, recommended the Council not designate the building as a historic site; that the center needs revitalization; and added that the City is in need of three person fire crews. Philip Koma, 47 Cocomo, stated that the center is easily accessible for residents and for the senior center and requested Council consideration of expansion of the center. C. Edward Dilkes, representing property owner, stated that the owner did not request the designation; that to renovate the building back to its original design would cost thousands of dollars; that the building would not be easy to restore; that the recommendation to designate the site as historic comes from an exuberant commission; that the commission did violate the Brown Act; that the building has little significance for the Community and that the property needs to be turned into a benefit for the area. Greg Bever, stated that the project is ready to move forward, but will not if the site is given an historic designation; that redevelopment of the area is needed; that there were concerns raised by the Council in past meetings; that those concerns have been addressed in the redesign of the project; that a positive signal is needed from the Council to the developer and that the Council is urged to deny the designation. Herb Lundin, stated that there have been many opinions voiced at the meeting; that the community, and the petitions that have been filed, are indicating a need for a new, expanded store; that property values will rise with the completion of the project; that it is in the interest of the City for the project to move forward and recommended approval. Jim Hicks, stated that the residents do not support the designation; that the ' building is not in good condition and requested denial of the designation. Council Minutes 11-15-00, Page 5 John Wessman, stated that it is good for a community to restore and designate ' historic sites; that in this case the building itself must be examined with regards to its use; that a grocery market will not stay in the building; that a specialty store would be the target of use; that stores such as Trader Joe's will not locate in Palm springs, but rather to a City that has a draw from either side; that the residents need a supermarket they can walk to; that if the Council does designate the site, much work will have to be done with the developer for redevelopment; and that the site should be evaluated on the image it (presents for the City. John Stiles, Tamarisk Road, stated that the Council should not designate; the site as historic; that businesses are starting to fill in vacancies; that the present store is economically obsolete; that if the designation is given, the City will end up with a indoor swap meet in the building and urged the Council to vote no. Lou Cunningham, stated that in his opinion, the building is ugly and added that while the rest of Palm Springs is remodeling, this site remains an eyesore. Eric Meeks, 1450 E. Mesquite, stated that the Council should have acted some time ago when there were grants available to tear down the building; that the Council should deny the designation and approve a project that is worthy of the 21st century. Richard Rowe, PS Modern Committee, stated that the Council had previously done the right thing by designating Fire Station #1 as a historic site; that the right thing should be done tonight with this building and class it likewise as a historic site; that the designation recommended by the Historic Site Preservation Board was unanimous and that the Council should honor that recommendation. William Kopelk, showed photos of the original Alpha Beta store as designed in 1962; and added that it is the only original remaining grocery store in the Community; that there have been many historic sites ripped out of the Community; that this building is a unique piece of architecture; that while the building is small, it could remain intact and continue to serve as a grocery store and recommended approval of the designation. Scott Kennedy, stated that the market should be designated as a Class 1 historic site; that the architecture is worthy of preservation; that the building is the heritage of the City; that Albert Frey's work is featured as a Mid Century Modernist; and that he would urge the Council to save the site and designate it Class 1. Council Minutes 11-15-00, Page 6 ' Pete Moruzzi, PS Modern Committee, stated that the Historic Site Preservation Board is appointed by the Council to determine historic sites; that the Board has recommended that this site be designated Class 1; that this building is a part of the rediscovered past of Palm Springs; that the Council has the right to designate the site as historic on behalf of the Community; that drive thrus are not needed; that the quality of life must be maintained; that since the discovery of the modernist influence in Palm Springs, property values have doubled; that the city does not need a monster development and urged the Council to approve the designation. There being no further appearances, the hearing was closed. Councilmember Oden questioned the qualifications of Mr. Hatheway to support his statements. Mr. Hatheway, stated that he did teach and graduate from UCLA; that his interest and studies were historic preservation; that in addition he has worked on large projects with the US Air Force and Navy as well as small lot splits for a homeowner; that research is his specialty; that presently he does have 40-50 pounds of information related to the Alpha Beta site; that there are comments and reference reports that do contain errors and that his goal was to point out those deficiencies to maintain the integrity of historic significance of the building; that any building has some level of historic value; that research will actually determine the level of significance; that Palm Springs is rich in architectural heritage; that there are numerous sites readily of available to the public for examination; but that this site lacks the integrity of other sites and would set a precedence in designating sites that are not intact; and if asked if he would save the building, the answer would be no. Councilmember Oden thanked the commissioners on the Historic Site Preservation Board; that it is in the interest of the City to protect its economic opportunities and to increase the tax base; that this site is not supported by the owner of the property, nor the residents; that the local residents have made their point in their interest of a new center; that we do need to protect and preserve worthy sites for the future, but that in this case the support for the designation is lacking. Councilmember Jones stated that he is an advocate of preserving the past and the character of the City; but this designation goes against the wishes of the property owner, and that the City should not designate the site without compensation to the property owner; that without the provision of compensation this matter is difficult to support. Council Minutes 11-15-00, Page 7 Councilmember Hodges stated that each site proposal made by the Historic Site ' Preservation Board must be weighed and determined individually for its integrity; that in this case the building is not one that needs to be preserved; that the building should and could remain in some sort of wary, but that a Class 1 designation should not be bestowed on the building; and that the Community should be given what it needs. Mayor Kleindienst stated that there are seven members on the Board; that the recommendations from the Modernist group are not from an appointed body of the Council; that testimony has been given that the buiiding has been altered; that the site is in bad shape; and that even though this may be an Albert Frey project, it is not worthy of a Class I site designation. Motion for staff to prepare Resolution of denial for Council consideration at its next meeting was presented; after which, it was moved by Oden, seconded by Reller-Spurgin, and unanimously carried that the Motion be carried. Councilmember Oden absent at 8:15 p.m. 16. NEXTEL COMMUNICATIONS MONOPOLE Recommendation: That the Council approve a Type 11 Conditional Use Permit ' for the installation of a commercial communications antenna on a 60-foot monopole located at 401 Radio Road, M-1 zone, Section 34. City Manager reviewed the staff report, no further report was given. Mayor declared the hearing open. Barbara Saito, representing Nextel, stated that notice was sent to alll adjacent property owners and meetings were held with the Desert Highland residents; that there was no opposition to the installation; that Planning staff was supportive during the process; and that the pole will enhance communications throughout the City. There being no further appearances, the hearing was closed. Councilmember Reller-Spurgin questioned if there was any opposition to the installation. Director of Planning & Building stated that the location, was acceptable to the residents and there was no opposition raised. Mayor stated that previous poles were placed in the park areas; that: the poles were configured to look like palm trees; that the aesthetics of a 60 foot aluminum pole is not appealing and questioned if there will be some some type of , embellishment applied to the pole. Council Minutes I1-15-00, Page 8 ' Director of Planning & Building stated that the Planning Commission did discuss the matter and did hold workshops with the technology community; that all types of poles were studied; that in this situation the pole cannot be disguised; and that in this case the Planning Commission did approve the monopole to be appropriate. Mayor Kleindienst stated.reluctance to approve the starkness of the monopole; that the pole could be relocated to a park in the area; that normally landscaping is required to detract from the pole and questioned if any steps were taken to mitigate the appearance. Director of Planning & Building stated that Nextel did meet with the Desert Highland community representatives; that the placement of the pole in the park was not agreeable; that there was strong feedback from the Community to locate the pole in the industrial area; that while the pole will be visible, it will be in an area that is entirely industrial. Barbara Saito, stated that there were not too many options available; that there are palm trees, Mexican palms, and pine trees; that the color will be coordinated to allow the least impact visually; that there are dual antennas, but in this case it is a single that is proposed; that the tower will operate in an 800 band; that other bands will allow for stacking of the antennas; that the Planning Commission did ' support the monopole versus some type of tree; that there are other sites throughout the City that are being looked at, and that it is the intent of Nextel to conform to what would look best at each location; that the space where the monopole will be placed is currently vacant and is a good location for the required use. Resolution 19942 as recommended was presented; after which, it was moved by Reller-Spurgin, seconded by Jones, and carried by the following vote that R19942 be adopted. AYES: Hodges, Jones, and Reller-Spurgin NO: Kleindienst ABSENT: Oden COUNCIL COMMENTS/ANNOUNCEMENTS/INTERAGENCY REPORTS: 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. Council Minutes 11-15-00, Page 9 LEGISLATIVE ACTION: ' 17. DESERT AIDS PROJECT Recommendation: That the Council direct staff on filing an application for tax- exempt bond financing for the purchase of the building at 1675 North Sunrise Way, with bonds guaranteed by the State of California and issued by the Association of Bay Area Governments. Redevelopment Director reviewed the staff report and added that Desert Aids Project is trying to purchase its building; that the issuance of bonds would allow that purchase to move forward; that the bonds are tax exempt financing; that the building does need to be purchased by March, 2001; that there are three options for the financing, the City could issue the bonds, the State of California or ABAG Financing Authority which was created for tax exempt bonds for non-profit corporations; that the Desert Aids Project has requested that the City pursue the ABAG option; that the City would need to join ABAG 'For a $500.00 fee; that Desert Aids Project has agreed to reimburse the City for all costs related to the fees and the any required hearings; and that the approval would allow staff to proceed with the application process. Councilmember Hodges stated that if this step will help Desert Aids Project, it is a step in the right direction. , Council directed for staff to proceed with the application process. 18. NORTEUPALM SPRINGS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL Recommendation: That the Council suspend certain regulatory ordinances during the 2001 Palm Springs International Film Festival. City Manager reviewed the staff report, no further report was given. Resolution 19943 as recommended was presented; after which, it was moved by Reller-Spurgin, seconded by Hodges, and unanimously carried, Ode:n absent, that R19943 be adopted. Council Minutes 11-15-00, Page 10 ' 19. PENINSULAR BIGHORN SHEEP Recommendation: That the Council review the proposed Critical Habitat Designation and Draft Economic Analysis and direct staff to prepare a written response to be signed by the Mayor. Director of Planning & Building reviewed the staff report and added that the downtown dividing line will be Indian Canyon; that the proposed map should be more precise; that staff is concerned with the designations; that there will be a large impact on the Coachella Valley; that staff is requesting that a letter be drafted that does not favor the approval of the maps as presented and that the letter would include the exhibits outlining the areas. Mayor stated that one of the lines bifurcate Las Palmas; that to include all property west of Indian Avenue does not seem to be thought out; that these areas are well established with high development; that there is no rationale behind the designation; that the National Monument Boundary map could be used in conjunction with the designation needed for the sheep and requested Council consideration for a letter to be written to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service voicing a readjustment of the boundaries. Minute Order 6753 directing Mayor to prepare letter was presented; after which, ' it was moved by Reller-Spurgin, seconded by Hodges, and unanimously carried, Oden absent, that MO6753 be adopted. 20. ADDITIONAL LEGISLATIVE ITEMS: None. ADDED STARTERS: Motion to add two matters to the agenda for action, where the need to take action arose subsequent to the posting of the agenda were presented; after which, it was moved by Reller-Spurgin, seconded by Hodges, and unanimously carried, Oden absent, that the items be added. AS1. 635 CHUCKAWALLA ROAD City Manager reviewed the staff report, no further report was given. Minute Order 6754 approving contract with Karcher Environmental for asbestos abatement and demolition at 635 Chuckwalla, CP00-28 for $28,990. A4314. was presented; after which, it was moved by Reller-Spurgin, seconded by Hodges, and unanimously carried, Oden absent, that MO6754 be adopted. i Council Minutes 11-15-00, Page 11 AS2. ELECTRIC VEHICLE LEASE ' City Manager reviewed staff report. Mayor stated that his office had received information concerning the vehicles; that the cars do have air conditions and a 60-mile range with zero emissions; that the proposal is at a good price and that the vehicles will be used as replacements for other City vehicles. Councilmember Reller-Spurgin questioned the safety features of the vehicles. Grants Coordinator stated that each vehicle does have dual airbags. Councilmember Jones stated that the vehicles do drive well; that with the replacement of gas vehicles the City will save money. Minute Order 6755 approving lease of 10 electric vehicles from Nissan @ $99/mo was presented; after which, it was moved by Reller-Spurgin, seconded by Jones, and unanimously carried, Oden absent, that MO6755 be adopted. REPORTS & REQUESTS: DEPARTMENT received & filed ' 21. Treasurer's Investment Report September 30, 2000. CITY COUNCIL reports or requests a) Councilmember Hodges requested median weed cleanup at Vista Chino and Sunrise PUBLIC reports or requests-None STAFF reports or requests-None ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, Mayor declared the meeting adjourned. PATRICIA A. SANDERS City Clerk