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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001 - MINUTES - 7/9/2001 CITY OF PALM SPRINGS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES JULY 9, 2001 A Special Meeting of the City Council of the City of Palm Springs, California, was called to order by Mayor Kleindienst, in the Large Conference Room, 32100 Tahquitz Canyon Way, on Monday, July 9, 2001, at 9:00 a.m. ROLL CALL: Present: Councilmembers Jones, Oden, and Mayor Kleindienst Absent: Councilmembers Hodges and Reller-Spurgin REPORT OF POSTING OF AGENDA: City Clerk reported that the agenda was posted in accordance with Brown Act Provisions concerning Special Call with 24-hour notice. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON MATTERS LISTED ON AGENDA: None LEGISLATIVE ACTION: A. BOUNDARY REDISTRICTING Recommendation: That the Council discuss the possible redistricting of boundaries for representation of County Supervisor. Mayor questioned why the City of Palm Springs boundary lines were being proposed to split the City in less than a 50/50 split. Deyns Acrui, Riverside County Supervisor Representative, stated that the lines are not yet final; but that the lines are based on even distribution of population in the County; that the County consists of a large geographical area; that some areas are not densely populated; that a balance of unincorporated and incorporated areas needs to be managed; and that if one district gets a larger amount of unincorporated area it becomes difficult on the Supervisor. City Manager distributed a letter from the City of Desert Hot Springs, copy on file in Office of the City Clerk, Mr. Acuri stated that there have been several requests from Cities to move into a different district than what was proposed; that many people are resistive to change; that the new proposed boundaries make sense; that the census is what is dictating the need to shift the boundaries; that the line within District needs to be shifted; that the letter from Desert Hot Springs refers to being shifted to District 5 and wanting to be placed in District 4; that it is the desire to keep a City whole in one district; that the City of Palm Springs does necessitate a split; that the split follows a geographical line; that the area for the most part was in District 3; that the same services will be provided to the area; that the only difference to Palm Springs is that it will now have two Supervisors instead of one; that the Supervisors care about the districts and will continue to represent each district well. Motion to support the boundaries as recommended by the County was presented by Councilmember Oden and failed due to a lack of second. Council Minutes 07-09-01, Page 2 ' Councilmember Jones stated that if the City of Palm Springs is to be divided anyway, it makes sense to allow the City of Desert Hot Springs to move to District 4 and the City of Palm Springs be more evenly divided so that the representation of people would be balanced; that with an even division of the City, representation would be better due to more people; that if the line is drawn through the City of Palm Springs separating out only 9,000, the voice of the people being represented is not as strong, so that the attention paid to the area is lowered. Councilmember Oden stated that with the continuation of Supervisor Roy W ilson's support the City would continue to have good representation. Mr. Acuri stated that even though Desert Hot Springs was in the 3rd District, if one asked who the City's Supervisor was the answer would be Roy Wilson. Councilmember Oden stated that the new Supervisor would likewise learn to care about desert issues. Councilmember Jones stated that Desert Hot Springs should be moved to the 4th District and the boundary line in Palm Springs be moved to divide the City in more equal portions allowing a greater percentage for representation for each district. ' Councilmember Oden questioned why the percentage would make that much of a difference in representation. Mayor stated that there is a greater representation when the population is greater; that previously the City of Riverside had three supervisors representing the City due to the boundaries; that when an issue came to vote, there was a voting block of three; that the City.of Palm Springs has been fortunate to have Mr. Wilson as its supervisor; that he does actively pursue efforts on behalf of the desert; that with the separation the City will have two supervisors; that the proposal is to divide the City, with only 9,000 being in District 5 and that area could be disenfranchised. Councilmember Oden questioned where the boundary is being suggested. Mayor stated that Desert Hot Springs' population would move into District 4 representation; that the 17,000 residents would be offset by residents of Palm Springs moving into District 5; that the City of Palm Springs then would be somewhat equally divided with approximately 25,000 in District 5 and 20,000 in District 4. Councilmember Oden stated that the concern for representation of Desert Hot Springs is somewhat surprising; and that with either proposal the City of Palm ' Spring ends up with two supervisors. Mayor stated that the intention is to get the City bifurcated for equal representation of the whole City. Council Minutes 07-09-01, Page 3 Mr. Acuri stated that the numbers would have to be reviewed; that the intent is not to increase representation to District 5 and marginalize District 4. Motion that the boundaries of Supervisory District 4 be extended to include the City of Desert Hot Springs and that the boundary of Supervisory Diistrict 4 continue in a southerly line into the City of Palm Springs to balance an even division of the City of Palm Springs population into Supervisory District 4 and 5 was presented; after which, it was moved by Jones, seconded by Kleindienst and carried by the following vote that the motion be adopted. AYES: Jones and Kleindienst NO: Oden ABSENT: Hodges and Reller-Spurgin ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, Mayor declared the meeting adjourned. PATRICIA A. SANDERS City Clerk