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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001 - MINUTES - 10/31/2001CITY OF PALM SPRINGS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES OCTOBER 31, 2001 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, October 31, 2001, 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. REPORT OF POSTING OF AGENDA: City Clerk reported that the agenda was posted in accordance with Council procedures on October 26, 2001. HOUSING AUTHORITY: INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY: FINANCING AUTHORITY: COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY: - No Business PUBLIC COMMENTS: The following persons spoke on support of annexation of Andreas Road to the City to be discussed at a future Study Session. Melody Grief, President of Andreas Hills Phase V Homeowners Association Virginia Eberhardt, no address given Lilah Rotelsberg, Andreas Hills Road Angelo Aguno, Andreas Hills Earl Johnson, Andreas Hills Gary Wexler, 3680 Bogert Trail Rosaline Pricer, Phase V Sid Chambers, Bogert Trail Gary Haven, Andreas Hills, Phase V Michael Gerk, Andreas Hills Ruthie Prazzi, 1048 S. Calle Marcus, stated that more pollice officers are needed to monitor traffic speeds within the City. Rick Raio, 200 E. Racquet Club Road, stated that recent verbal attacks on Councilmember Jones are unwarranted; that there are many leadership roles that the Councilmember has undertaken that have contributed to the benefit of the City; that the Councilmember is fiscally responsible, lived up to his campaign promises and is a concerned citizen of the City. Emil Duveney, 320 N. Hermosa Drive, questioned the delay in the repair of the Palm Canyon Theatre and requested the City update the citizens on the progress. I Council Minutes 10-31-01, Page 2 Philip Tedesco, Deepwell, stated that there are a number of issues that do need ' clarification; that conflict of interest needs to be financial; that if a council member is a partner of the profit picture, he/she must abstain from consideration of the project; that no candidate should accept contributions from potential developers within the City; that City expenditures are on a runaway budget; that downtown parking is being proposed for a downtown business employee problem; and that the Council needs to be open with the citizens and address all the issues. Matt Lottick, Hidden Hill principal, stated that the firm has entered into an exclusive agreement to negotiate with the Grants for 30 days concerning the Biltmore Hotel; that the hotel should be able to return to an asset status; that it is requested the Council consider the reconstruction and permit more time for the process. Ron Miller, 1750 Sharon Road, expressed personal opinion regarding the upcoming City Council race and the candidates involved. Thomas Van Etten, no address given, expressed gratitude for incumbents Oden and Hodges for past work given to the City; and added a letter had been written to Councilmember Jones regarding his efforts in Office. Mortimer Donahue, no address given requested the name of the Festival of Lights parade to remain the same. Jackie Tutunjian, Smoke Tree Tenant Association, stated that it is imperative that the ' Smoke Tree area not turn into blight; that the tenants have suffered in the past without an anchor store; that a commitment needs to be given in writing by Ralph's that the store at Smoke Tree will not be closed if a store at Sunrise & Ramon in renovated; and requested Council support of the written agreement. Emily Hemphill, representative for Lundin Development, stated that the item has been reviewed; that concerns have been discussed and incorporated in the negotiations; that in this case a store that already exists is requesting to make renovations; that the entire site is to be improved; that in the past this was not the case; that the demographics support the store; that consideration needs to be given on whether the Council represents the Smoke Tree area or all of Palm Springs; that the area of residents who frequent the Ramon location are many that do not drive or own vehicles and that the store is needed and should be supported. Greg Beaver, applicant, stated that a condition should be added to the approval to include a donation to the City to conduct a city-wide historical site survey to prevent any potential problems with possible renovations at other sites in the future. Joe Wiles stated that rumor says that Ralph's did sign a lease extension for five years but that ten years would be better. Mark Empy, representing James Wood Trust, stated that agreement was just reached between Ralph's and the Smoke Tree owner; that both sides worked diligently to reach ' agreement; that there will be a total of nine years of rental from Ralph's; that the original lease does in fact contain provisions for the protection of the center; and that the owner has no further objection to the proposed project located on Ramon and Sunrise Way. Council Minutes 10-31-01, Page 3 Ken Green, merchant at Smoke Tree Village, stated that the merchants are not aware of the recent agreement between the owner and Ralph's; and that the merchants are concerned about protection of having an anchor store at the site. Tony Zaydo, 1209 Verdugo, stated that recent discussions concerning the potential of a homeless shelter in the neighborhood had been raised with the Council; that the neighboring properties have not been included in the discussions; that the area does need to be studied and that it is important that the residents investments not be misaligned. CONSENT AGENDA: None PUBLIC HEARINGS: None 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. Councilmember Hodges requested the matter of annexation of Andreas Hills Road be added to an upcoming Study session; and added that a plaque of Baltz and Firefighter Cook be place on location at the Dog Park in honor of the recovery efforts given in New York City. LEGISLATIVE ACTION: 1. LUNDIN DEVELOPMENT Case 5.0827, PDD259, TPM29638 Recommendation: On October 17, 2001 Council continued this matter to consider certification of the Final Environmental Impact Report; approval of the proposed General Plan Amendment to General Plan Policy 6.22.2, Case 5.0827, Planned Development District 259; and approval of the Tentative Parcel Map 29638, for property located at the northwest corner of (Ramon Road and Sunrise Way, C-1 zone, Section 14. Director of Planning & Building reviewed the staff report and added that the attorney's have held discussion to come to resolution regarding the Smoke Tree store; that the existing lease was found to be stronger than anything recently discussed; that a 90 day notice to vacate is required; that the landowner does take full possession of the store and fixtures within 30 days after vacation; that the owner is then free to lease the store to anyone else; that due to the mature area it is probable that the store will not be vacant any length of time; that Ralph's did submit an agreement to extend the existing lease an additional five years; that the lease is now for nine years; that there is strong commitment by Ralph's to keep the store at Smoke Tree open; that the public hearing for the proposed project at Ramon Road and Sunrise Way has been held in compliance with the law; that the Planning Commission did approve the plans and review visual plans of the site area. Council Minutes 10-31-01, Page 4 Councilmember Oden stated that it is important to note that the merchants have come and voiced concerns; that the situation seems to have been settled between the owner and the tenant; that in this case there are two existing stores; 1 that both stores have grown significantly; that the commitment and investment in the Coachella Valley by Ralph's is high; that the renovation of the Sunrise and Ramon store is needed; that there are many in that area that do not have vehicles; that this project is an overall example of the developer working together with the Community in all facets; that the donation for the historic site survey will allow the City to review any potential historic sites in the City; and that this has been an unique opportunity to increase the tax base, offer jobs and protect existing businesses. Councilmember Jones stated that the proposed design is good; that the drive- thrus are not particularly good for the City; that as Palm Springs strives to become more environmentally friendly, drive-thrus are not a good example; that there is concern about the signage of the project, but that there is confidence that the issues will be resolved. Councilmember Hodges stated that the package tonight is the best that has yet been presented; that while all concerns are not totally eliminated, a majority of issues have been addressed; that both store sites can work and that the condition should be added to have the developer contribute the $50,000 for the historic site survey. Mayor stated that the Smoke Tree lease indicates a historical concern of businesses leaving an anchor spot empty; that protection is included in the lease for the merchants; that the condition has already been agreed to; that the concern for drive-thrus was addressed by the AQMD, in that fact, it has been found that it is the starting of engines creates the most emission; that idling does not create the problem once thought of; that the project does have good design; that the facility is needed and that it is a good project; that the General Plan Amendment does deal with the buffer and the setback situation; that a higher wall will be constructed to mitigate sound impacts for the area residents; and that the project will be of benefit to the Community. Res 20209, certifying the EIR; Resolution 20210, Gen Plan Amend; and Resolution 20211, PDD & TPM as revised to add the donation of $50,000 designated to a City wide historical site survey were presented; after which, it was moved by Oder, seconded by Reller-Spurgin, and unanimously carried that R20209, 20210 and 20211 be adopted. ADDITIONAL LEGISLATIVE ITEMS: None ADDED STARTERS: None REPORTS & REQUESTS: CITY COUNCIL reports or requests ' Councilmember Jones requested the issue of the temporary homeless shelter location be schedule for the November 7, 2001 meeting for action; and read a letter addressed to the Fair Political Practice commission requesting investigation into allegations made against himself. Council Minutes 10-31-01, Page 5 Councilmember Oden requested a report concerning redevelopment possibilities for the area of Ramon & Calle Encilia; and an update on the telephone and television monitor systems at the transportation center for taxicabs at the airport. PUBLIC reports or requests STAFF reports or requests City Manager reported that the Palm Canyon Theater is progressing with repairs; that there is a request pending regarding two way traffic on Indian Avenue to Amado or Alejo and that the Council will be given a number of options to review. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, Mayor declared the meeting adjourned. P-RICIA A. ANDEF2S City Clerk