HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-02-04 CC MINUTES CITY COUNCIL
COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA
a
MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, February 4, 2009
City Hall Council Chamber
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Pougnet called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Boy Scout Troop 262, led the Pledge.
INVOCATION: Rev. Kevin Johnson, Bloom in the Desert Ministries, led the Invocation.
ROLL CALL:
PRESENT: Councilmember Foat, Councilmember Hutcheson, Mayor Pro Tern
Mills, Councilmember Weigel, and Mayor Pougnet.
ABSENT: None.
ALSO PRESENT: City Manager Ready, City Attorney Holland, City Clerk Thompson.
PRESENTATIONS:
Mayor Pougnet and the City Council proclaimed February, 2009 as Black History Month
in the City of Palm Springs.
Police Chief Dominguez presented updated crime statistics and provided an update on
the activities of the Police Department. Mayor Pougnet presented an update of the
recent Community events.
REPORT OF CLOSED SESSION: City Attorney Holland reported that at 4:30 p.m. the
meeting was called to order and the City Council recessed into Closed Session to
discuss Items on the posted Closed Session Agenda. No reportable actions were taken.
ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGENDA:
ACTION: Accept the Agenda as presented. Motion Councilmember Weigel,
seconded by Councilmember Hutcheson and unanimously carried on a roll call
vote.
City Council Minutes
February 4, 2009
Page 2
1. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1I.A. LA SERENA VILLAS DESIGNATION OF THE PROPERTY LOCATED
AT 339 SOUTH BELARDO ROAD AN HISTORIC SITE CASE HSPB-69:
Councilmember Foat requested a status report on the landscaping issues
and CUP compliance.
ACTION: 1) Continue the Public Hearing to April 15, 2009, with no public
testimony at this time; and 2) Direct the City Clerk to post a Notice of
Continued Public Hearing. Motion Mayor Pro Tern Mills, seconded by
Councilmember Hutcheson and unanimously carried on a roll call
vote.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
MICHAEL McCULLOCH, commented on the proposed Campaign Finance Reform
Subcommittee recommendations.
WALTER WEBB, commented on energy generation and sustainability issues.
GEORGE ZANDER, commented on the proposed Campaign Finance Reform
Subcommittee recommendations.
WILL SHERNECK, requested the City Council address increased noise in the Palm
Springs Colony neighborhood from the Palm Springs Airport, especially on the
weekends.
BOB RICHMAN, commented on the proposed Campaign Finance Reform
Subcommittee recommendations.
JAMES STUART, commented on the proposed Campaign Finance Reform
Subcommittee recommendations, and the current condition and maintenance of the City
parks.
COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS: None.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT: None.
2. CONSENT CALENDAR:
ACTION: Approve Items 2.A., 2.B., 2.C., 2.D., and 2.E. Motion Councilmember
Hutcheson, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Mills and unanimously carried on
a roll call vote.
City Council Minutes
February 4, 2009
Page 3
2.A. REPORT ON POSTING OF THE AGENDA:
ACTION: Receive and file Report on the Posting of the February 4, 2009,
City Council Agenda. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
2.13. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
ACTION: Approve the City Council Minutes of January 21, 2009.
Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
2.C. APPROVAL OF PAYROLL WARRANTS, CLAIMS AND DEMANDS:
ACTION: 1) Adopt Resolution No. 22427, "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA,
APPROVING PAYMENT OF CLAIMS AND DEMANDS BY WARRANTS
NUMBERED 1033075 THROUGH 1033207 IN THE AGGREGATE
AMOUNT OF $664,676.65 DRAWN ON BANK OF AMERICA; 2) Adopt
Resolution No. 22428, "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING PAYMENT
OF PAYROLL WARRANTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 01-10-09 BY
WARRANTS NUMBERED 414268 THROUGH 414313 TOTALING
$79,550.41, LIABILITY CHECKS NUMBERED 1033208 THROUGH
1033228 TOTALING $151,707.74, FOUR WIRE TRANSFERS FOR
$65,299.07 AND THREE ELECTRONIC ACH DEBITS OF $1,115,110.42
IN THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT OF $1,411,667.64 DRAWN ON BANK
OF AMERICA;" 3) Adopt Resolution No. 22429, "A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA,
APPROVING PAYMENT OF CLAIMS AND DEMANDS BY WARRANTS
NUMBERED 1033229 THROUGH 1033419 IN THE AGGREGATE
AMOUNT OF $2,856,737.06 DRAWN ON BANK OF AMERICA."
Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
2.D. TREASURER'S INVESTMENT REPORT AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2008:
ACTION: Receive and file the Treasurer's Investment Report as of
December 31, 2008. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
2.E. ACCEPT THE RESIGNATION OF THOMAS BIANCO FROM THE
VILLAGEFEST BOARD:
ACTION: 1) Accept with regret the resignation of Thomas Bianco from the
VillageFest Board; and 2) Direct the City Clerk to post a Notice of
Vacancy. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
EXCLUDED CONSENT CALENDAR: None.
3. LEGISLATIVE:
3.A. PROPOSED ORDINANCE CHANGING THE NAME OF THE
RESOURCE CONSERVATION COMMISSION TO THE
City Council Minutes
February 4, 2009
Page 3
2.A. REPORT ON POSTING OF THE AGENDA:
ACTION: Receive and file Report on the Posting of the February 4, 2009,
City Council Agenda. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
2.13. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
ACTION: Approve the City Council Minutes of January 21, 2009.
Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
2.C. APPROVAL OF PAYROLL WARRANTS, CLAIMS AND DEMANDS:
ACTION: 1) Adopt Resolution No. 22427, "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA,
APPROVING PAYMENT OF CLAIMS AND DEMANDS BY WARRANTS
NUMBERED 1033075 THROUGH 1033207 IN THE AGGREGATE
AMOUNT OF $664,676.65 DRAWN ON BANK OF AMERICA; 2) Adopt
Resolution No. 22428, "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING PAYMENT
OF PAYROLL WARRANTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 01-10-09 BY
WARRANTS NUMBERED 414268 THROUGH 414313 TOTALING
$79,550.41, LIABILITY CHECKS NUMBERED 1033208 THROUGH
1033228 TOTALING $151,707.74, FOUR WIRE TRANSFERS FOR
$65,299.07 AND THREE ELECTRONIC ACH DEBITS OF $1,115,110.42
IN THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT OF $1,411,667.64 DRAWN ON BANK
OF AMERICA;" 3) Adopt Resolution No. 22429, "A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA,
APPROVING PAYMENT OF CLAIMS AND DEMANDS BY WARRANTS
NUMBERED 1033229 THROUGH 1033419 IN THE AGGREGATE
AMOUNT OF $2,856,737.06 DRAWN ON BANK OF AMERICA."
Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
2.D. TREASURER'S INVESTMENT REPORT AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2008:
ACTION: Receive and file the Treasurer's Investment Report as of
December 31, 2008. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
2.E. ACCEPT THE RESIGNATION OF THOMAS BIANCO FROM THE
VILLAGEFEST BOARD:
ACTION: 1) Accept with regret the resignation of Thomas Bianco from the
VillageFest Board; and 2) Direct the City Clerk to post a Notice of
Vacancy. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
EXCLUDED CONSENT CALENDAR: None.
3. LEGISLATIVE:
3.A. PROPOSED ORDINANCE CHANGING THE NAME OF THE
RESOURCE CONSERVATION COMMISSION TO THE
City Council Minutes
February 4, 2009
Page 4
SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION AND ESTABLISHING REVISED
DUTIES OF THE COMMISSION:
City Manager Ready provided background information as outlined in the
staff report dated February 4, 2009.
Councilmember Foat requested the Commission meetings be televised.
ACTION: 1) Waive the reading of the ordinance text in its entirety and
read by title only; and 2) Introduce on first reading Ordinance No. 1755,
"AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA,
AMENDING CHAPTER 2.28 OF THE PALM SPRINGS MUNICIPAL
CODE RELATING TO THE SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION." Motion
Mayor Pro Tern Mills, seconded by Councilmember Foat and
unanimously carried on a roll call vote.
3.13. PROPOSED ORDINANCE AMENDING THE PROCUREMENT AND
CONTRACTING PROVISIONS ESTABLISHING A LOCAL BUSINESS
PREFERENCE PROGRAM:
City Attorney Holland provided background information as outlined in the
staff report dated February 4, 2009.
Mayor Pro Tem Mills recommended that Section 7.09.030(4) in the
Ordinance be expanded to include sub-consultants and subcontractors.
Councilmember Foat commented on the overall objectives of the
Ordinance and possible retaliation toward local contractors, requested
staff address if other cities in the area have implemented similar
regulations, commented on the structure of the ordinance, expressed
concern with trading "quality" for a local firm, and requested adding a
priority for women owned and minority owned businesses.
Councilmember Hutcheson stated his support for hiring a local contractor,
and stated the ordinance and the regulations will provide an ample
amount of flexibility to implement such an ordinance for the benefit of the
City and the local vendors.
Mayor Pro Tern Mills stated the Ordinance is clear with respect to service
providers, commented on the hiring of a "front person" to meet the local
preference qualifications, the possible limitations due to the number of
local service providers, and the effect the ordinance may have in attracting
quality contractors.
Councilmember Weigel thanked staff and stated the ordinance is a good
start, and provides a very modest advantage to local vendors and service
providers in the Coachella Valley.
City Council Minutes
February 4, 2009
Page 5
ACTION: 1) Waive the reading of the ordinance text in its entirety and
read by title only; and 2) Introduce on first reading Ordinance No. 1756,
"AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA,
AMENDING SECTIONS 7.01.040 AND 7.09.030 OF, AND ADDING
SECTION 1.01.231 TO THE PALM SPRINGS MUNICIPAL CODE,
ESTABLISHING A LOCAL BUSINESS PREFERENCE PROGRAM,"
amending the second sentence in Section 7.090.030(4) to include
subcontractors and subconsultants. Motion Mayor Pro Tern Mills,
seconded by Councilmember Foat and unanimously carried on a roll
call vote.
4. UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
4,A. BUILDING INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION (BIA) REQUEST FOR THE
WAIVER/DELAY OF CERTAIN DEVELOPMENT FEES:
FRED BELL, Building Industry Association outlined the requests of the
Building Industry Association on behalf of the building industry for the
delay of certain fees, freeze new fee proposals for 24-months, and
discontinue use of automatic cost index inflator for building fees.
Tom Wilson, Assistant City Manager, provided background information
and outlined the current City fee structure.
Mayor Pougnet stated his agreement to delay fees for Quimby and Public
Arts Fees, stated his support to freeze new fee proposals for 12 months,
and to discontinue use of the cost index inflator.
Councilmember Weigel requested Fred Bell address the savings to the
building industry.
Mayor Pro Tern Mills requested BIA staff address the status of CVAG fees
and the possible deferral of fees, requested staff review a possible
deferral of sewer fees in addition to the Quimby Parks fees and Public Arts
fees.
Councilmember Hutcheson requested staff address the fees in relation to
the Downtown BID.
ACTION: 1) Direct staff to prepare an Ordinance that provides for the
deferral of Public Arts and Park In Lieu fees at the time of final inspection
and/or certificate of occupancy for a period of twelve (12) months, and
discontinue use of automatic cost index inflators to DIF fees; and 2) Direct
staff to freeze all new developer fee proposals for a period of twelve (12)
months. Motion Councilmember Foat, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern
Mills and unanimously carried on a roll call vote.
City Council Minutes
February 4, 2009
Page 5
ACTION: 1) Waive the reading of the ordinance text in its entirety and
read by title only; and 2) Introduce on first reading Ordinance No. 1756,
"AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA,
AMENDING SECTIONS 7.01.040 AND 7.09.030 OF, AND ADDING
SECTION 1.01.231 TO THE PALM SPRINGS MUNICIPAL CODE,
ESTABLISHING A LOCAL BUSINESS PREFERENCE PROGRAM,"
amending the second sentence in Section 7.090.030(4) to include
subcontractors and subconsultants. Motion Mayor Pro Tern Mills,
seconded by Councilmember Foat and unanimously carried on a roll
call vote.
4. UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
4,A. BUILDING INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION (BIA) REQUEST FOR THE
WAIVER/DELAY OF CERTAIN DEVELOPMENT FEES:
FRED BELL, Building Industry Association outlined the requests of the
Building Industry Association on behalf of the building industry for the
delay of certain fees, freeze new fee proposals for 24-months, and
discontinue use of automatic cost index inflator for building fees.
Tom Wilson, Assistant City Manager, provided background information
and outlined the current City fee structure.
Mayor Pougnet stated his agreement to delay fees for Quimby and Public
Arts Fees, stated his support to freeze new fee proposals for 12 months,
and to discontinue use of the cost index inflator.
Councilmember Weigel requested Fred Bell address the savings to the
building industry.
Mayor Pro Tern Mills requested BIA staff address the status of CVAG fees
and the possible deferral of fees, requested staff review a possible
deferral of sewer fees in addition to the Quimby Parks fees and Public Arts
fees.
Councilmember Hutcheson requested staff address the fees in relation to
the Downtown BID.
ACTION: 1) Direct staff to prepare an Ordinance that provides for the
deferral of Public Arts and Park In Lieu fees at the time of final inspection
and/or certificate of occupancy for a period of twelve (12) months, and
discontinue use of automatic cost index inflators to DIF fees; and 2) Direct
staff to freeze all new developer fee proposals for a period of twelve (12)
months. Motion Councilmember Foat, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern
Mills and unanimously carried on a roll call vote.
City Council Minutes
February 4, 2009
Page 6
The City Council recessed at 8:03 p.m.
The Community Redevelopment Agency convened at 8:12 p.m_
RA. COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY:
RA1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES;
i
ACTION: Approve the Community Redevelopment Agency Minutes of
December 17, 2008. Motion Councilmember Weigel, seconded by
Mayor Pro Tom Mills and unanimously carried on a roll call vote.
RA2. PROPOSED LANDSCAPE DESIGN AGREEMENT FOR THE JACKIE
LEE HOUSTON PLAZA AND AMENDMENT TO THE FISCAL YEAR
2008-09 BUDGET:
Tom Wilson, Assistant City Manager, provided background information as
outlined in the staff report dated February 4, 2009.
Mayor Pro Tern Mills requested staff address limits on travel, stated 5% is
the usual standard for reimbursable expenses.
Mayor Pougnet requested staff address the process of limiting travel.
ACTION: 1) Approve a standard form professional services consulting
agreement with Design Workshop, Inc., for landscape design services for
the Palm Springs Convention Center in an amount not-to-exceed
$114,770 plus reimbursable expenses not-to-exceed $9,950; 2) Direct the
Finance Director to appropriate $124,720 from Unscheduled Capital
Projects 812-8192-50000 to Triangle Parcel Design 812-8192-65185; and
3) Authorize the Executive Director to execute all documents as
necessary. A5783. Motion Councilmember Foat, seconded by Mayor
Pougnet and unanimously carried on a roll call vote.
Councilmember Mills stated he has a potential business related conflict of
interest with respect to Item RA3., would not participate in the discussion or the
vote, and left Council Chamber.
RA3. PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR ENVIRONMENTAL
REVIEW AND PLANNING SERVICES FOR THE COLLEGE OF THE
DESERT WESTERN COACHELLA VALLEY CAMPUS AND
AMENDMENT TO THE FISCAL YEAR 2008-09 BUDGET:
Tom Wilson, Assistant City Manager, provided background information as
outlined in the staff report dated February 4, 2009.
City Council Minutes
February 4, 2009
Page 7
ACTION: 1) Adopt Resolution No. 1372, "A RESOLUTION OF THE
COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF THE CITY OF PALM
SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $436,850 WITH TERRA NOVA
PLANNING AND RESEARCH, 2) Adopt Resolution No. 1373, A
RESOLUTION OF THE COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF
THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE
BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008-09 FOR THE COLLEGE OF THE
DESERT WESTERN COACHELLA VALLEY CAMPUS PLANNING
SERVICES;" and 3) Authorize the Executive Director to execute all
documents as necessary. A5784. Motion Councilmember Foat,
seconded by Councilmember Hutcheson and unanimously carried
on a roll call vote.
Councilmember Mills returned to the dais.
City Manager Ready stated he has a property ownership related conflict of
interest with respect to Item RA4., did not participate in the preparation of the
Item, nor its placement on the Agenda, and left Council Chamber.
RA4. APPROVAL OF PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS AND ESTIMATE (PS&E)
AND AUTHORIZATION TO BID THE SOUTH PALM CANYON DRIVE
WIDENING PROJECT (CITY PROJECT NO. 05-03):
David Barakian, City Engineer, provided background information as
outlined in the staff report dated February 4, 2009.
Mayor Pro Tern Mills requested staff address if the project includes City or
State funds, and address how the project would be affected by the Local
Preference Program,
Councilmember Foat requested staff address if the concrete area on
Bogert Trail near South Palm Canyon Drive is included in the current
public works project
Councilmember Mills requested staff review the local preference
ordinance and determine if construction contracts should be included in
the Local Preference Program.
ACTION: Adopt Resolution No. 1374, "A RESOLUTION OF THE
COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF THE CITY OF PALM
SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS
AND ESTIMATE (PS&E) AND AUTHORIZING THE BIDDING OF THE
SOUTH PALM CANYON DRIVE WIDENING PROJECT (CITY PROJECT
NO. 05-03)." Motion Councilmember Hutcheson, seconded by
Councilmember Weigel and unanimously carried on a roll call vote.
City Council Minutes
February 4, 2009
Page 7
ACTION: 1) Adopt Resolution No. 1372, "A RESOLUTION OF THE
COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF THE CITY OF PALM
SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $436,850 WITH TERRA NOVA
PLANNING AND RESEARCH, 2) Adopt Resolution No. 1373, A
RESOLUTION OF THE COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF
THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE
BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008-09 FOR THE COLLEGE OF THE
DESERT WESTERN COACHELLA VALLEY CAMPUS PLANNING
SERVICES;" and 3) Authorize the Executive Director to execute all
documents as necessary. A5784. Motion Councilmember Foat,
seconded by Councilmember Hutcheson and unanimously carried
on a roll call vote.
Councilmember Mills returned to the dais.
City Manager Ready stated he has a property ownership related conflict of
interest with respect to Item RA4., did not participate in the preparation of the
Item, nor its placement on the Agenda, and left Council Chamber.
RA4. APPROVAL OF PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS AND ESTIMATE (PS&E)
AND AUTHORIZATION TO BID THE SOUTH PALM CANYON DRIVE
WIDENING PROJECT (CITY PROJECT NO. 05-03):
David Barakian, City Engineer, provided background information as
outlined in the staff report dated February 4, 2009.
Mayor Pro Tern Mills requested staff address if the project includes City or
State funds, and address how the project would be affected by the Local
Preference Program,
Councilmember Foat requested staff address if the concrete area on
Bogert Trail near South Palm Canyon Drive is included in the current
public works project
Councilmember Mills requested staff review the local preference
ordinance and determine if construction contracts should be included in
the Local Preference Program.
ACTION: Adopt Resolution No. 1374, "A RESOLUTION OF THE
COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF THE CITY OF PALM
SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS
AND ESTIMATE (PS&E) AND AUTHORIZING THE BIDDING OF THE
SOUTH PALM CANYON DRIVE WIDENING PROJECT (CITY PROJECT
NO. 05-03)." Motion Councilmember Hutcheson, seconded by
Councilmember Weigel and unanimously carried on a roll call vote.
City Council Minutes
February 4, 2009
Page a
City Manager Ready returned to Council Chamber.
The Community Redevelopment Agency adjourned at 8:31 p.m., and the City Council
reconvened.
5. NEW BUSINESS:
5.A. DISCUSSION AND COMMENTS ON THE PREPARATION OF THE
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT (EIR) FOR THE COUNTY OF
RIVERSIDE REGIONAL DETENTION CENTER PROPOSED IN THE
WHITEWATER CANYON:
City Manager Ready and Craig Ewing, Director of Planning Services,
provided background information as outlined in the staff report dated
February 4, 2009.
Councilmember Foat requested additional criteria be included and/or
addressed in the EIR and study: the current inmate population
percentages housed in the Coachella Valley in relation to the number of
criminals arrested in the Coachella Valley, the feasibility of increasing the
size of all current locations and adding additional capacity at current
locations.
Mayor Pro Tern Mills commented on inconsistencies with the CVAG letter.
ACTION: 1) Approve the City's submission of comments with respect to
the Environmental Impact Report; and 2) Authorize the Mayor to execute
the letter on behalf of the City Council. Motion Mayor Pro Tern Mills,
seconded by Councilmember Foat and unanimously carried on a roll
call vote.
S.B. APPROVING A TOURISM AND MANAGEMENT SERVICES
AGREEMENT WITH SMG FOR THE PALM SPRINGS CONVENTION
CENTER, BUREAU OF TOURISM AND VISITORS CENTER, PLAZA
THEATER AND PALM CANYON THEATER:
City Manager Ready provided background information as outlined in the
staff report dated February 4, 2009.
Councilmember Foat requested the City Attorney address the relation of
advisory committees to the process, and commented on the lack of a City
Council appointed Commission on tourism, and requested the City Council
discuss the formation of a commission or board that addresses tourism.
Mayor Pro Tern Mills commented on the formation of a formal commission
or board.
City Council Minutes
February 4, 2009
Page a
City Manager Ready returned to Council Chamber.
The Community Redevelopment Agency adjourned at 8:31 p.m., and the City Council
reconvened.
5. NEW BUSINESS:
5.A. DISCUSSION AND COMMENTS ON THE PREPARATION OF THE
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT (EIR) FOR THE COUNTY OF
RIVERSIDE REGIONAL DETENTION CENTER PROPOSED IN THE
WHITEWATER CANYON:
City Manager Ready and Craig Ewing, Director of Planning Services,
provided background information as outlined in the staff report dated
February 4, 2009.
Councilmember Foat requested additional criteria be included and/or
addressed in the EIR and study: the current inmate population
percentages housed in the Coachella Valley in relation to the number of
criminals arrested in the Coachella Valley, the feasibility of increasing the
size of all current locations and adding additional capacity at current
locations.
Mayor Pro Tern Mills commented on inconsistencies with the CVAG letter.
ACTION: 1) Approve the City's submission of comments with respect to
the Environmental Impact Report; and 2) Authorize the Mayor to execute
the letter on behalf of the City Council. Motion Mayor Pro Tern Mills,
seconded by Councilmember Foat and unanimously carried on a roll
call vote.
S.B. APPROVING A TOURISM AND MANAGEMENT SERVICES
AGREEMENT WITH SMG FOR THE PALM SPRINGS CONVENTION
CENTER, BUREAU OF TOURISM AND VISITORS CENTER, PLAZA
THEATER AND PALM CANYON THEATER:
City Manager Ready provided background information as outlined in the
staff report dated February 4, 2009.
Councilmember Foat requested the City Attorney address the relation of
advisory committees to the process, and commented on the lack of a City
Council appointed Commission on tourism, and requested the City Council
discuss the formation of a commission or board that addresses tourism.
Mayor Pro Tern Mills commented on the formation of a formal commission
or board.
City Council Minutes
February 4, 2009
Page 9
ACTION: 1) Approve an Agreement with SMG for the management of the
Palm Springs Convention Center, the Bureau of Tourism, and additional
services related to the Palm Canyon Theater and Plaza Theater; 2)
Authorize the City Manager to execute the Agreement. A5785. Motion
Councilmember Weigel, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Mills and
unanimously carried on a roll call vote.
5.C. CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM DISCUSSION AND REPORT FROM
THE CITY COUNCIL, SUBCOMMITTEE:
City Clerk Thompson provided background information as outlined in the
staff report dated February 4, 2009.
Councilmember Hutcheson outlined the recommendations of the City
Council Subcommittee and stated his support for the recommendations,
the recommendations were limited and modest in scope for a first time
program that would limit the amount of funds raised for City Council
contests, and recommended the City Council also consider an individual
contribution limit.
Councilmember Weigel stated the reasons behind the City Council
Subcommittee recommendations, stated the amount of funds raised for
City Council contests is over-board, stated his support for the
recommendations along with providing incentives for candidates that
accept voluntary expenditure limits, that the recommendations were made
to expand the number of candidates running for office, not to limit such,
and stated his support for further regulations on campaign signs, and
soliciting input from the community.
Mayor Pougnet stated he would prefer to see a contribution limit rather
than an expenditure limit, opposed to individual contributions being
reported at $50, opposed to stepped up reporting requirements, outlined
the difficulty with public incentives, and stated there are ample debates,
and stated his support for requiring additional signatures.
Councilmember Foat stated her opposition to the additional and stepped
up reporting requirements, stated she would consider a voluntary
expenditure limit, but was opposed to public incentives, stated her support
for requiring additional signatures for the nomination process.
Mayor Pro Tern Mills stated no regulations should be implemented until
after the next City Council election, stated his support for increasing the
number of signatures to be nominated, and recommended the City
Council review and modify the election sign regulations.
City Council Minutes
February 4, 2009
Page 10
No action taken, the City Council requested the topic of Election Signs be
placed on a future study session agenda.
COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS, REQUESTS, AND REPORTS:
Councilmember Foat reported on the League of Cities Conference, and requested the
City Manager research the activities that cities are taking place with respect to
foreclosures.
ADJOURNMENT: The City Council adjourned at 9:14 p.m. to a Study Session,
Wednesday, February 11, 2009, at 6:00 P.M. in the Council Chamber, City Hall,
preceded by a Closed Session at 4:00 P.M., Small Conference Room, City Hall, 3200
East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs-
APPROVED BY A MOTION OF THE PALM SPRINGS CITY COUNCIL THIS
18r" DAY OF FEBRUARY, 2009.
_Z" f
STEP N P. POUGNET, MAYOR
ATTEST:
MES THOMPSON, CITY CLERK
City Council Minutes
February 4, 2009
Page 10
No action taken, the City Council requested the topic of Election Signs be
placed on a future study session agenda.
COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS, REQUESTS, AND REPORTS:
Councilmember Foat reported on the League of Cities Conference, and requested the
City Manager research the activities that cities are taking place with respect to
foreclosures.
ADJOURNMENT: The City Council adjourned at 9:14 p.m. to a Study Session,
Wednesday, February 11, 2009, at 6:00 P.M. in the Council Chamber, City Hall,
preceded by a Closed Session at 4:00 P.M., Small Conference Room, City Hall, 3200
East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs-
APPROVED BY A MOTION OF THE PALM SPRINGS CITY COUNCIL THIS
18r" DAY OF FEBRUARY, 2009.
STEP�NP.P. POUGNET, MAYOR
ATTEST:
MES THOMPSON, CITY CLERK