HomeMy WebLinkAbout6/6/2001 - STAFF REPORTS MINUTES OF
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
May 16, 2001
A Regular Meeting of the Community Redevelopment Agency of the City of Palm Springs,
California, was called to order by Vice-Chairman Oden, in the Council Chamber, 3200
Tahquitz Canyon Way, on Wednesday, May 16, 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: Agency Members Jones, Hodges, Oden and Reller-
Spurgin
Absent: Chairman Kleindienst
REPORT OF POSTING OF AGENDA: City Clerk reported that the agenda was posted in
accordance with Agency procedures on May 11, 2001.
REPORT OF CITY ATTORNEY ON MATTERS DISCUSSED IN CLOSED SESSION (All
Entities) - See items on Page 8 of agenda this date.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: None
LEGISLATIVE ACTION:
A. DECORATIVE LIGHT FIXTURES —TAHQUITZ CANYON WAY
Recommendation: That the Agency rescind Agreement 416C with MRC
Associates and approve agreement with Dahl, Taylor and Associates, Inc., for
the electrical engineering design of the decorative light fixtures on Tahquitz
Canyon way between Indian Canyon Drive and Avenida Caballeros for $15,800,
CP00-36. A420C.
Executive Director reviewed the staff report and added that Agency Counsel
determined a Conflict of Interest and that this action would remedy the situation.
City Engineer stated that the substitution would prevent any possible appearance
of conflict; that the new firm is good and did finish a close second; and
recommended approval.
Agency Member Hodges questioned with the increase in cost, were the funds
available in the project's budget.
City Engineer stated the fee being charged is now double; but that the Director of
Downtown Development did state the funds were available in the project fund
balance; that at this time, it is not clear if additional funds will be needed to
complete the project; and that this Phase is to pay for the design only.
Agency Member Reller-Spurgin stated the staff report does state that there are
sufficient funds available to cover the increased costs.
City Engineer stated that until the design is determined, it is not clear what the
total cost of the project will be; that typically the cost of the design is 10 — 15% of
CRA Minutes
05-16-01,Page 2
the total project costs; that the proposed cost is more than what was anticipated,
but that staff does recommend approval.
Executive Director stated that the fee is within the contingency cushion of the
project.
Agency Member Hodges stated that this may not be a significant amount of
money, but it seems that when additional funds are needed at the beginning of a
project, the costs snowball.
Executive Director stated that the recommendation is forced by the possibility of
Conflict of Interest.
Agency Member Hodges questioned if the project would now be feasible; that the
idea is a good one, but that it may not be a project that must be done at this time.
Executive Director stated that when the set costs of the project come in, the tally
would be brought for Agency consideration.
Agency Member Reller-Spurgin stated that the lighting on Tahquitz Canyon Way
is a safety issue; that the area by the Spa is in question due to the
reconstruction; that if the lights are put in, it may be that they will have to be
moved and questioned if the Spa had been contacted.
Director of Downtown Development stated that discussion has been held with the
Spa management; that there may be a few lights deleted due to the driveway
entrance; and that if overall funding comes up short the project could be scaled
back and not 100% built out.
Agency Member Jones stated that it does not make sense to put lights in when
we are turning lights off on North Palm Canyon; that the State is in an energy
crisis; that to put in more lights is not sending the right message to the citizens
when they are being asked by the State to conserve.
Agency Member Reller-Spurgin stated that Agency Member Jones is correct in
the State being in an energy crisis; but that this is a safety issue; that the
residents and the tourists need to feel safe when walking down our streets; and
that as an elected official one of the responsibilities is to provide for public safety.
Agency Member Jones questioned why the lighting was turned off in the uptown
area if safety is so important; and that if safety is the issue, the whole City needs
to be included.
Resolution 1125 as recommended was presented; after which, it was moved by
Reller-Spurgin, seconded by Hodges, and carried by the following vote that
R1125 be adopted.
AYES: Hodges, Oden and Reller-Spurgin
NO: Jones
ABSENT: Kleindienst.
CRA Mhudes
05-16-01,Page 3
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Vice-Chairman declared the meeting adjourned.
PATRICIA A. SANDERS
Assistant Secretary