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Home My WebLink About2008-11-12 CC MINUTES CITY COUNCIL CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA (.'`,�'H`'yi �Me�J MINUTES WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2008 City Hall Council Chamber CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Pougnet called the meeting to order at 6:07 p.m. h PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Pougnet led the Pledge. ROLL CALL: PRESENT: Councilmember Hutcheson, Councilmember Weigel, Mayor Pro Tern Foat, and Mayor Pougnet. ABSENT: Councilmember Mills. ALSO PRESENT: City Manager Ready, City Attorney Holland, City Clerk Thompson. PRESENTATIONS: Fire Chief Goetz outlined the activities for the "The Great Southern California Shakeout." Mayor Pougnet and the City Council presented David Willmon, California League of Cities Regional Public Affairs Manager, a Certificate of Appreciation for the successful passage of A8158 Special Distribution Fund legislation. REPORT OF CLOSED SESSION: City Attorney Holland reported that at 5:15 p.m. the meeting was called to order and the City Council added an Item to the Closed Session Agenda pursuant to G.C. Section 54956.8 Conference with Real Property Negotiator. ACTION: 1) Make the finding that the Item came to the attention of the City after the posting of the Agenda, there is an immediate need to hear and/or take action on the Item; and 2) Add to the Closed Session Agenda, Conference with Real Property Negotiator for the properties identified by APN's 666-330-059, 666-330-060, 666-330- 068, 666-330-069, City Negotiator David Ready, City Manager, Negotiating Party, Garnett Partnership, Price and Terms of Payment for Purchase. Motion Councilmember Weigel, seconded by Councilmember Hutcheson, and unanimously carried (4-0) noting the absence of Councilmember Mills. The City Council then recessed into Closed Session to discuss Items on the posted Closed Session Agenda. No reportable actions were taken, the City Council did provide direction with respect to property negotiations on the above listed parcels. City Council Minutes November 12, 2008 Page 2 ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGENDA: ACTION: Accept the Agenda as presented. Motion Mayor Pro Tern Foat, seconded by Councilmember Hutcheson and unanimously carried 4-0 on a roll call vote. AYES: Councilmember Hutcheson, Mayor Pro Tern Foat, Councilmember Weigel, and Mayor Pougnet. NOES: None. ABSENT: Councilmember Mills. I PUBLIC COMMENT: STEFANIE FRITH, Desert Sun, outlined the purpose and activities of the Palm Springs Sun. PHYLLIS BURGESS, Palm Springs, commented on the recent protest at City Hall in response to Proposition 8 on the November, 2008 ballot. SHEILA GRATTAN, Palm Springs, commented on the protest and the suggested boycott in response to Proposition 8 on the November, 2008 ballot. CANDICE SWEET, stated she was harassed at a local Palm Springs establishment and refused access, and stated concerns with respect to the actions of the Palm Springs Police Department. JOLEENE WOUK, Palm Springs, commented on a recent incident with Candice Sweet, and the actions of the community. TROY GREGURICH, Palm Springs, commented on a recent event at DINKS with respect to the dress code, and the conduct of the employees of the establishment. JEFF SHOTWELL, commented on a recent event at DINKS with respect to the dress code, and the actions of the community. LESLIE MARIAH ANDREWS, Desert Local News, commented on a recent event at DINKS, and commented on dress code geared toward trans-gendered individuals. JEFFREY NICHOLS, commented on a recent event with Candice Sweet at DINKS and the dress code. DARRELL KELLEY, Palm Springs, commented on a recent event at DINKS restaurant, stated the incident was not discriminatory but a behavioral issue, and stated the establishment has amended their dress code. City Council Minutes November 12, 2008 Page 3 LANA LAWLESS, commented on a recent event with Candice Sweet at RINKS restaurant, stated establishments cannot discriminate on race or gender. COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS: Mayor Pro Tern Foat commented on a recent public protest at City Hall with respect to Proposition 8 on the November, 2008 ballot. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT: None. 1. STUDY SESSION: I.A. JOINT STUDY SESSION OF THE CITY COUNCIL AND THE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION TO DISCUSS ACCOMPLISHMENTS, GOALS, AND OBJECTIVES: The members of the Human Rights Commission introduced themselves. Mayor Pougnet commented on the recent activities in the City with respect to the failed ballot measure, Proposition 8, on the November, 2008 ballot. Jerry Trussell, Human Rights Commission Chair, outlined the recent accomplishments of the Commission, and reported on the upcoming goals of the Commission as outlined in the Human Rights Commission's Goals Memo dated November 12, 2008. Steven Bolerjack, Human Rights Commission Vice Chair, outlined the goals of the Commission's communication strategy, and outlined the recent one-page Mission Statement brochure. Sidney Craig, Human Rights Commissioner, outlined the contents of the newly developed information packet. Luciano Ramirez, Human Rights Commissioner, outlined the goals of public awareness program and objectives, and stated the Commission will have a presence at VillageFest. Kris Benz, Human Rights Commissioner, outlined the objectives of the mediation program. I Tom Johnston, Human Rights Commissioner, outlined the goals with respect to "hate crimes" education, and the identification and reporting of such by the Police Department. Councilmember Hutcheson commented on two recent issues in the City with respect to the rights of individuals and the rights of businesses, City Council Minutes November 12, 2008 Page 4 requested the Commission address the current issues facing the community, and encouraged the Commission to be involved in the healing of the community. Councilmember Weigel requested the Commission address the circumstances in which they can offer mediation and other programs. Mayor Pro Tern Foat requested the City Attorney address the proactive offering of services by the Commission when an issue arises, requested the Commission look at ways to respond to electronic miscommunication, recommended the Commission have meetings and forums in the Community that are geared toward a segment in the community, suggested the Commission look at housing issues and how to avoid foreclosure, and recommended that the Commission dialog about the civil rights issues with Proposition 8. Councilmember Weigel commented on the history of the Human Rights Commission, outlined the importance of the Commission, as highly respected in the community, and suggested that Commission add to their goals to be a "good example" to the community of understanding and tolerance. The Human Rights Commission adjourned at 7:49 p.m., and the City Council recessed. The City Council reconvened at 7:59 p.m. 1.13 POLICE CHIEF'S TRANSITION REPORT AND UPDATE FROM THE CITY COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEE AND THE POLICE CHIEF: Police Chief David Dominguez, provided background information as outlined in the Police Chief Transition Team Report dated November 12, 2008. Mayor Pro Tern Foat requested a brochure be developed toward property crimes, requested the Chief address the use of the Gang Task Force with respect to narcotics enforcement, commented on the enforcement of the prohibition of selling spray paint, requested the Chief address the false alarm statistics, recommended staff speak with ABC to develop a certification program for bar workers, suggested the Police Department use the Fire Department notification program, and requested the Chief outline the Police Officer sensitivity training program. Councilmember Hutcheson requested the Chief address the on-line property crime statistics available, commented on graffiti tracking and monitoring, requested the City Council be provided updated reports on graffiti, requested the Chief address the false alarm programs and costs, City Council Minutes November 12, 2008 Page 5 commented on the community policing programs and the Citizens on Patrol program, and requested the City Manager provide updates with respect to the Police Department activities on a regular basis. Councilmember Weigel commented on the success of the community policing programs and the success of the Police Department and the Chief's enhanced communication with the community. 1.C. UPDATE FROM THE DESERT COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT AND CITY STAFF FOR THE WEST VALLEY EDUCATION CENTER OF COLLEGE OF THE DESERT LOCATED AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF TRAMVIEW ROAD AND NORTH INDIAN CANYON DRIVE: John Raymond, Director of Community and Economic Development, provided an update on the activities of the College of the Desert's proposed West Coachella Valley Campus. Dr. Edwin Deas, Desert Community College District, provided an update on the acquiring of the land, stated the District enjoyed working with City staff and consultants, provided updates on the development of a Master Plan, the development of programs on the site and the development of a vision for the new campus, the phasing in of buildings and programs, and the status of funding. Councilmember Hutcheson requested Dr. Deas address the development of programs while the buildings are being planned, and suggested the development of athletic fields. COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS, REQUESTS, AND REPORTS: None. ADJOURNMENT: The City Council adjourned at 8:56 p.m. to a Regular Meeting, Wednesday, November 19, 2007, at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber, City Hall, preceded by a Closed Session at 4:30 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 19TH DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2008. STEP EN P. POUGNE , MAYOR ATTEST- ES THOMPSON, CITY CLERK