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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1/2/2003 - STAFF REPORTS (4) DATE: December .18,-2002 TO City Council FROM: Director of the Downtown Development Center and Director of Community and Economic Development APPROVE A ONE YEAR LEASE WITH MERCEDES WARD D/B/A PALM SPRINGS CARRIAGES IN THE CARRIAGE STORAGE FACILITY AT THE VILLAGE GREEN RECOMMENDATION: That City Council approve a Minute Order to grant a one year lease at current Fair Market Rent to Mercedes Ward d/b/a "Palm Springs Carriages" for the City owned carriage storage facility at the Village Green, from January 2, 2003 through December 31, 2003, in a form acceptable to the City Attorney. SUMMARY: The City owns a small Carriage Storage Facility at the Village Green which is located within a 1,782 square foot portion of parcel APN#513- 153-016 and includes a 266 square foot shed for supplies. In August, 2002, staff retained Dozier Appraisal company to prepare an appraisal of current "Market Monthly Rental" for this facility on an "as-is" basis, which was estimated at $156.00 per month. Staff has also interviewed and selected Mercedes Ward d/b/a "Palm Springs Carriages" to lease and operate out of this facility from January 2, 2003 to December 31, 2003 at the rental rate of$156.00 per month, which is consistent with the appraisal. This is a short term, interim lease with a qualified operator to keep the carriage ride activity viable in downtown while the City Council can consider adopting an ordinance providing for a California Franchise Agreement which will allow for competitive bidding and selection of an exclusive carriage ride franchisee in downtown. BACKGROUND: The historic "Village of Palm Springs" has been the beneficiary of one or more locally owned horse drawn carriage rides offering a unique service and adding ambiance to the downtown community for well over the past decade. These carriage rides have offered "village" patrons and guests leisurely rides through downtown as well as individual and family guided tours of the nearby historic Tennis Club Hotel District and the Las Palmas neighborhood. Many downtown special events and parades, including VillageFest, have consistently benefitted from this added dimension, and downtown area hotels have utilized a readily available romantic carriage ride experience as a high quality shuttle service to and from downtown Carriage Facility Lease page two shops. Private parties, including weddings in downtown chapels and grand openings of new restaurants and clubs, have enthusiastically utilized these services. In essence, the presence of horse drawn carriage rides in downtown Palm Springs has become an icon of the the historic "village" experience. The City of Palm Springs owns a carriage storage facility behind the Village Green for the use of vendors providing these services. During the past ten years, two carriage ride services have utilized these facilities but have gone out of business in downtown Palm Springs due to a lack of profitability. The space rental charge by the City for their use of these facilities was cited in both cases as a burden which their businesses could not bear. Two other carriage ride companies, from Idyllwild and Seattle, have attempted to utilize these facilities but with resultant conflicts with other carriage ride vendors, lack of adequate patronage to support their businesses, and in one case, complaints from animal rights activists and patrons for mistreatment of their horses. The Seattle based company will probably try to come back to Palm Springs in the fall, but due to their previous operating problems and conflicts staff does not feel that they are the type of operation we should encourage on our public streets. One other carriage ride company form Lake Tahoe is hoping to come to Palm Springs in the fall, but does not plan to use the City's carriage ride facility and has stated his intent to focus on rides linking celebrity homes and a service area in the northern portion of downtown and the southern portion of the "Uptown" area. Over the past decade, there has been only one horse drawn carriage ride service operating in downtown Palm Springs which has consistently offered a high quality operation over a multiple year period, combined with good cooperation with traffic and parking control officers of the Palm Springs Police Department. Peter Dallas brought "Palm Springs Carriages" to the community in October of 1998, became active in the Chamber of Commerce and worked very cooperatively with the Downtown Development Center and Downtown Experience offices from the outset. He sold his carriage ride business to Mercedes Ward of Desert Hot Springs in April, 2001 and she has continued the consistently good services in downtown Palm Springs on behalf of "Palm Springs Carriages". However, even this successful business continues to struggle to make break-even and offset the living expenses of the owner. Given the past history and current situation of the horse drawn carriage business in downtown Palm Springs, staff recommends the following course of action in order to keep a high quality service in successful operation: AA- Carriage Facility Lease page three The Proposal: • One year lease with: Mercedes Ward dba "Palm Springs Carriages'; PO Box 836; Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240 to provide high quality and consistent horse drawn carriage ride services in downtown Palm Springs; • Carriage ride services are to be provided twelve months per year, weather and heat conditions permitting; seven days per week October through May and four days per week (Thursday through Sunday) June through September; 5:00 PM until 12:00 PM; •A maximum of three (3) and a minimum of (2) horse drawn carriages will be provided by the Tenant during all operational hours; -The Tenant will also provide carriage ride services at "VillageFest" each week that the event operates throughout the year and at all city sanctioned special events and parades in the downtown area throughout the year at no cost to the City; • Tenant shall be permitted to charge reasonable and competitive fees to patrons of the carriage ride; • Tenant will maintain a valid City Business License and Comprehensive General Liability Insurance Policy, $1,000,000 combined single limit, with the City named as an added insured; • The City will provide suitable signage for, and enforce the reservation after 5:00 PM each day of, two standard on-street automobile parking spaces for loading and unloading of passengers of the carriage rides; one on the west side of Palm Canyon Drive in front of the Village Green and one on the west side of Palm Canyon Drive, south of the bus zone in front of Starbucks. The City will also provide at least one suitable alternate carriage ride loading and unloading location throughout the year during "VillageFest" and any other City sanctioned special event or parade where Palm Canyon Drive is closed to vehicular traffic; 03 Carriage Facility Lease page four �L I A. OG URN owntown De elopment Center A MOND f Commu ' and Economic Development APPROVED City Manager ATTACHMENTS: 1. Minute Order 2. Lease LEASE THIS LEASE ("Lease") is made and entered into this 2nd day of January, 2003 by and between the CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, a municipal corporation ("Landlord'), and _ Mercedes Ward d/b/a "Palm Springs Carriages" ("Tenant"). WITNESETH: 1. FUNDAMENTAL LEASE PROVISIONS. Certain Fundamental Lease Provisions are presented in this Article and represent the agreement of the parties hereto, subject to further definition and elaboration in the respective referenced Articles and elsewhere in this Lease. In the event of any conflict between any Fundamental Lease Provision and the balance of this Lease,the latter shall control. References to specific Articles are for convenience only and designate some of the Articles where references to the particular Fundamental Lease Provisions may appear. (a) Property: The term "Property" as used herein shall refer to that certain real property located in the County of Riverside, State of California, as more particularly described in Exhibit "A" hereof together with the improvements located thereon. (b), Demised Premises: The "Demised Premises" consist of the area generally crosshatched on the Plot Plan attached as Exhibit "B" hereof. (c) Approximate Parcel Area of Premises: 1,782 square feet: approximate frontage: 27 feet; approximate depth: _ 66 feet (said measurements being to the center of interior separation partitions and the outside of exterior walls). (d) Tenant's Trade Name: Palm Springs Carriages . lSee Article 3). (ei Lease Termination Date:December 31, 2003 (See Article 4). if) Term: one year ISee Article 41A)1. (g) Extension Options: one option for a term of one year. (See Article 4(B)). (hl Monthly Rental: $ $156.00 (See Article 5). (i) Security Deposit: $ $156.00 (See Article 5(F)). (j) Use of Demised Premises:Storage of horse-drawn carriages and related supplies. (See Article 3). W Address far Notices: Landlord: City of Palm Springs P.O. Box 2743 Palm Springs, CA 92263 Attn: Jerry Ogburn Telephone: 17601 325-8979 /rt Tenant: Mercedes Ward d'lbfa "Palm Springs Carriages" P.O. Box 836 Desert Hoff Springs, CA 92240 (m1 Party to Pay Utility Costs: yes (See Article 19). 2. EXHIBITS. The following drawings and special exhibits are attached hereto and made a part of this Lease: Exhibit "A" - Legal Description of Property. Exhibit "B" - Plot Plan of Property Showing the Location of Demised Premises. Exhibit "C" - Construction Obligations. Exhibit "D" - Tenant's Estoppel Certificate. Exhibit "E" - Rules and Regulations. The following addenda are attached hereto and made a part hereof: 3. USE. The Landlord hereby leases to Tenant and Tenant hereby hires from Landlord'the Demised Premises with appurtenances as defined herein, for the purpose of conducting thereon only the use specified in Section 1(j) of this Lease. Tenant agrees to use such premises only under the trade name specified in Article I(d) hereof. 4. TERM. A. Initial Term. The term of this Lease shall be as specified in Article 1(fl hereof or until this Lease is earlier terminated as provided herein, including but not limited to the provisions of Article 22 hereof. The term of this Lease shall commence an the earlier of the following dates ("Commencement Date"I: (a) the date which is thirty (30) days after the Landlord notifies Tenant in writing that the improvements to be provided by Landlord as set forth in Article 8 have been substantially completed or (b) the date on which Tenant shall open the Demised Premises for business to the public. In the event that the Commencement Date does not occur on the first day of a calendar month, the term of this Lease shall be extended by the number of days of the partial month at the commencement of the term such that the Lease shall end on the last day of a calendar month which date of termination is specified in Article 1(e) hereof ("Termination Date"). The improvements shall be deemed substantially completed when "Landlord's Work" as defined in Article 8 has been completed except for minor work which does not materially prevent Tenant from occupying the Demised Premises. B. Option Term. Tenant is given the option(s) to extend the term on all of the provisions contained in this Lease for the period specified in Article 11m) ("extended term") following the expiration of the initial term or any other extended term properly exercised hereunder, by giving notice of exercise of the option ("option notice") to Landlord at least six (61 months but not more than one year before the expiration of the initial term or any other extended term properly exercised hereunder. Provided that, if Tenant is in default on the date of giving the option notice, the option notice shall be totally ineffective, or if Tenant is in default on the date the extended term is to commence, the extended term shall not commence and this Lease shall expire at the end of the initial term or properly exercised extended term. 5. RENTAL. - 2 - EXHIBIT "B" PLOT PLAN OF THE PROPERTY SHOWING THE LOCATION OF DEMISED PREMISES -- -l- ARENAS ROAD - - -} yi M E • W � `ry • )i IRf i YO*Rom Z ... AI•Ili w+. 1 AC "#^tr 1 i Z o Q at w ... Im p1rCMll � Love !r. -- - -- BARISTO ROAD - - • ------ EXHIBIT"B" TO LEASE EXHIBIT "C. CONSTRUCTION OBLIGATIONS The City of Palm Springs will provide the following designation of parking spaces on South Palm Canyon Drive: One (1) on-street automobile parking space located on the west side of Palm Canyon Drive in front of the Village Green and south of the bus zone in front of Kaiser Grille; One (1) on-street automobile parking space located on the west side of Palm Canyon Drive south of the bus zone in front of Starbucks; and Suitable signage and either red or yellow painted curb for the reservation of these two (2) spaces after 5:00 PM each day year round for carriage ride loading and unloading. ItO EXHIENT "C" TO LEASE EXHIBIT "D" ESTOPPEL CERTIFICATE nU)A j 464, Tenant: v, Landlord: CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, a municipal corporation Date of Lease: 2 rLOd Shopping Center: JV t( Demised Premises: (. ✓{ c To: The undersigned hereby certifies as follows: 1 . The undersigned is the tenant ("Tenant") under the above-referenced lease ("Lease") covering the above-referenced premises ("Demised Premises"). 2. The lease constitutes the entire agreement between landlord under the Lease ("Landlord") and Tenant with respect to the Demised Premises and the Lease has not been modified, changed, altered or amended In any respect except is set forth above. 3. The term of the Lease commenced or 2. , � and, including any presently izcrs exercised option or renewal term, will expire on , �_. Tenant has accepted possession of the Demised Premises and is the actual occupant in possession thereof and has not sublet. assigned or hypothecated its leasehold interest. All improvements to be constructed on the Demised Premises by Landlord have been completed and accepted by Tenant and any tenant construction allowances have been paid in full. 4. As of this date, to the best of Tenant's knowledge, there exists no breach or default, nor state of facts which, with notice, the passage of time, or both, would result in a breach or default on the part of either Tenant or Landlord. To the best of Tenant's knowledge, no claim, controversy, dispute, quarrel or disagreement exists between Tenant and Landlord. EXHIBIT "D" TO LEASE 10 5. Tenant is currently obligated to pay Monthly Rent in installments of per month, and such monthly installments have been paid not more than one month in advance. To the best of Tenant' s knowledge, no other rent has been paid in advance and Tenant has no claim or defense against Landlord under the Lease and is asserting no offsets or credits against either the rent or Landlord. Tenant has no claim against Landlord for any security or other deposits except which was paid pursuant to the Lease. 6. Tenant has no option or preferential right to lease or occupy additional space within the Shopping Center of which the Demised Premises are a part. Tenant has no option or preferential right to purchase all of any part of the Demised Premises nor any right or interest with respect to the Demised Premises other than as Tenant under the Lease. Tenant has no right to renew or extend the term of the Lease except as set forth in the Lease. 7. Tenant has made no agreements with Landlord or its agent or employees concerning free rent, partial rent, rebate of rental payments or any other type of rent or other concession except as expressly set forth in the Lease. EXHIBIT "D" ' TO LEASE 8. There has not been filed by or against Tenant a petition in bankruptcy. voluntary or otherwise, any assignment for the benefit of creditors, any petition seeking reorganization or arrangement under the bankruptcy laws of the United States, or any state thereof, or any other action brought under said bankruptcy laws with respect to Tenant. 9. All insurance which Tenant is required to maintain under the Lease has been obtained by Tenant and is in full force and effect and all premiums with respect thereto have been paid. 10. The undersigned acknowledges that a c �a the beneficiary under the deed of trust encumbering the Shopping Center, that sa' I eed of trust c ains an assignment of rents due under the Lease, lorl that _ is the purchaser of the Shopping Center under an agreement of purchase and sale by and between , as buyer, and Landlord, as seller, and that said agreement contains an assignment of the Lease. In either case, the undersigned acknowledges that `I is materially relying on the representations of Tenant herein made. ��// Dated this OZ-4 day of By: _ Jlrf) _,•�•• �^�G's,� � �J1a�7e r� Its Lk EXHIBIT "D" TO LEASE EXHIBIT "E" RULES AND REGULATIONS 1 . All loading and unloading of goods shall be done only at the times, in the areas and through the entrances reasonably designated for such purposes by Landlord. 2. The delivery or shipping of merchandise, supplies and fixtures to and from the Demised Premises be subject to such rules and regulations as in the reasonable judgment of Landlord are necessary for the proper operation of the Demised Premises or of the Shopping Center generally. 3. All of Tenant's refuse and rubbish shall be removed to central trash bins located in the Shopping Center, at Tenant's sole cost and expense. 4. No radio or television or other similar device audible outside the Demised Premises shall be installed without obtaining in each instance the written consent of Landlord. No aerial shall be erected on the roof or exterior walls of the Demised Premises or on the grounds of the Shopping Center without first obtaining in each instance the written consent of Landlord which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. Any aerial so installed without such written consent shall be subject to removal without notice at any time. 5. No loudspeakers, televisions, phonographs, radios or other devices shall be used in a manner so as to be heard or seen outside of the Demised Premises without first obtaining in each instance written consent of Landlord. 6. The outside sidewalks and loading areas immediately adjoining the Demised Premises shall be kept clean and free from dirt and rubbish by Tenant to the reasonable satisfaction of Landlord, and Tenant shall not place or permit any obstructions or merchandise in such areas, except to the extent specifically permitted by the provisions of Tenant's Lease. 7. Tenant shall not burn any trash or garbage of any kind in or about the Demised Premises or the Shopping Center generally. 8. Tenant will not allow animals, exceptYseeing-eye dogs, �� in, about 1 or upon the _ Demised Premises. c4MA, . c LW/S29 ctt,.c- n '�,`� tea-✓✓� � 9. Tenant shall not use, and shall not allow anyone else to use, the Demised Premises as a \�_M habitation. Such prohibition shall include, without limitation, sleeping, eating or bathing. 10. Tenant shall make no use of the roof without obtaining the consent of Landlord. 11 . Tenant shall not place any rubbish or other matter outside any building within the Shopping Center, except in such containers is are authorized from time to time by Landlord. 12. Tenant shall keep all window displays in a clean and orderly fashion. If merchandise is to be shown in the window displays, such merchandise shall be changed at least every other month. Landlord shall have the right to require the removal or change of any window display it finds, in its sole and absolute judgment, unattractive or objectionable. EXHIBIT 'E" TO LEASE MINUTE ORDER NO. APPROVING A ONE YEAR LEASE WITH MERCEDES WARD D/B/A PALM SPRINGS CARRIAGES AT THE CITY OWNED CARRIAGE STORAGE YARD AT THE VILLAGE GREEN IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY. ---------------------------------------------------- I HEREBY CERTIFY that this Minute Order, approving a one year lease with Mercedes Ward d/b/a Palm Springs Carriages at the City owned carriage storage facility at the Village Green was adopted by the City Council of the City of Palm Springs, California in a meeting thereof held on the 18th day of December, 2002. BY: PATRICIA A. SANDERS City Clerk 15