HomeMy WebLinkAbout4/7/2004 - STAFF REPORTS (7) CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
MARCH 17, 2004
A Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Palm Springs, California, was called to
order by Mayor Oden, in the Council Chamber, 3200 Tahquitz Canyon Way, on
Wednesday, March 17, 2004, 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 Foat, McCulloch, Pougnet and Mayor
Oden
Absent: Councilmember Mills
The meeting was opened with the Salute to the Flag, and an invocation by Reverend Mike
Coppersmith —Our Saviors Community Church.
REPORT OF POSTING OF AGENDA: City Clerk reported that the agenda was posted in
accordance with Council procedures on March 12, 2004.
REPORT OF CITY ATTORNEY ON MATTERS DISCUSSED IN CLOSED SESSION (All
Entities) - See items on Page 10 of agenda this date.
PRESENTATIONS: Certificate of Recognition — Milgard Manufacturing.
HOUSING AUTHORITY: INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY: FINANCING
AUTHORITY: - No Business
COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY: Mayor declared the meeting adjourned for
the purpose of convening as the Community Redevelopment Agency; after which,
members reconvened as the City Council.
City Manager requested item 25 be continued to the next regular meeting at the request
of Councilmember Mills.
Councilmember Foat stated that the item should be considered; that approval of the
matter will only initiate the process; and that it is time to move ahead with the issue.
Mayor stated that a Councilmember did request the item be continued during his
absence and that typically when a Member does make this request the item is deferred.
Motion to continue the item to March 24, 2004 was presented; after which, it was moved
by Oden, seconded by McCulloch and failed due a Tie Vote.
NOTE: When a Motion ties due to a Member absence the item is continued to the next
regularly scheduled meeting, unless another date is specified. This item will be
procedurally continued to March 24, 2004.
I
Council Minutes
03-17-04, Page 2
CITY COUNCIL
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
The following persons spoke in favor of Item 28:
Ron Celona, Rancho Mirage
Carol Balsas, Palm Springs
Loren Berthelsen, Desert Hot Springs
George Zander, Palm Springs
Kevin Hewlitt, Palm Springs
Robert R. Van Etten, Palm Springs
Elaine Wainer, Palm Springs
Cindy Chaisson, Palm Springs
Judith Doyle, Palm Springs
Thomas Van Etten, Palm Springs
Luke Escone, no address given
Loren ?, no address given
Phil Lovedo, no address given
Grace Garner, no address given
The following persons spoke in opposition to Item 28:
Ryan Sorba, Palm Springs
Pastor Jerry Johnson, representing Lilly of the Valley Church members
Evelyn Black, representing Ajalon Missionary Baptist Church members
The following persons spoke on other matters:
Nancy Stuart, Palm Springs, encouraged registered voters to sign an initiative petition
for a State Amendment to protect City tax shares against State take.
Robin Burns, representing the Taxi Cab Association, requested approval of item 25.
Sergio Santo, representing the Taxi Cab Association, requested approval of item 25 and
added that Sunline does not want to be the regulator over taxi cabs; and that contact
had been made regarding the past 12 years of regulation by attorneys stating that the
taxi cabs owners have had civil rights violated.
Milt Levinson, representing the Rotary Club, requested approval of item 17.
Aftab Dada, representing the hospitality industry, urged approval of item 27.
Dwayne Rorball, Wyndham Hotel, requested approval of item 27.
LEGISLATIVE ITEM:
Legislative Action Item 28 was heard out of order.
Council Minutes
03-17-04, Page 3
28. OPPOSITION TO FEDERAL CONSTITUTION AMENDMENT - MARRIAGE
Recommendation: That the Council consider opposing a proposed Federal
Constitutional Amendment defining marriage as a union between a man and a
woman.
Councilmember Foat read a prepared statement expressing support of the
proposed resolution and added that the item was a personal issue; that in answer
to why this item is on the agenda, it is clear that Federal consideration of this
item does affect a large portion of the population; that the constitution should not
be used to debate marriage; that a marriage license is a civil license; that the
issue is one of public policy and should be regulated by the States, and read the
proposed resolution text.
Councilmember Pougnet stated that the President has called for a constitution
amendment against same-sex marriage; that the issue divides the Country; that
the issue is about equal rights; and is discriminatory to a targeted group and
expressed appreciation for the foresight of Councilmember Foat.
Councilmember McCulloch stated that the proposed resolution is from the Palm
Springs City Council; that calls have been received that he is pandering to the
gay community and further defined pandering.
Mayor Oden stated that this is not an African American issue; that City Council
duty is to support the Constitution of the United States and the State of
California; that the President of the Untied States said he wanted a constitutional
amendment; but that this is taxation without representation; that there are
similarities between the African — American Community and the gay Community;
that that these types of issues do need to be addressed; that Palm Springs is a
diverse community and that appreciation is extended to the Councilmembers for
support of the resolution.
Resolution 20859 as recommended was presented; after which, it was moved by
Pougnet, seconded by Foat and unanimously carried, Mills absent, that R20859
be adopted.
CONSENT AGENDA:
Mayor Oden declared Conflict of Interest due to proximity of residence and exited the
Chamber.
Motion to appoint Councilmember Foat as Mayor pro tem was presented; after which, it
was moved by Pougnet, seconded by McCulloch and unanimously carried, Oden and
Mills absent, that the Motion be adopted.
10. RACQUET CLUB ROAD SIDEWALK PROJECT
Recommendation: That the Council rescind Minute Order 7358 and approve
Caltrans Program Supplemental Agreement M-015 for the preliminary
engineering, construction and construction engineering phases of Racquet Club
Road Sidewalk Project, for $126,500. CP2002-09. A4216.
Council Minutes
03-17-04, Page 4
Minute Order 7462 was presented; after which, it was moved by McCulloch,
seconded by Pougnet and unanimously carried, Oden and Mills absent, that
MO7462 be adopted.
Mayor Oden reentered the Chamber.
APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA:
It was moved by Pougnet, seconded by McCulloch and unanimously carried, that
Items 1 thru 12, excluding 5 and 10 be adopted.
Review by City Manager of Consent Items to be clarified.
1. Approval of Minutes March 3, 2004.
2. Res 20844 authorizing City Clerk to set a joint public hearing with the Community
Redevelopment Agency concurring with CRA B.
3. MO 7455 approving agreement with Bighorn Institute for temporary public
exhibition of a Big Horn Sheep sculpture at City Hall for six months. No General
Fund expenditure. A4835.
4. Not Used.
5. See Extended Consent Agenda
6. MO 7456 approving Amendment 5 to A4372 with Pac West Land Care Inc for
annual landscape maintenance services to new median islands on Gene Autry
Trail in the amount of$22,656. A4372.
7. MO 7457 approving purchase from Airtonics for radio and avionics equipment for
city-owned aircraft for $38,792.04.
8. MO 7458 approving agreement with Riverside County Sheriff's Department Palm
Desert Police, Cathedral City, Indio and Banning Police Departments to provide
additional officers for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Project.
(No General Fund expenditure). A3837.
9. MO 7459 awarding contract to International Pavement Solutions Inc, for the Calle
Amigos Street Improvement Project, in the amount of $179,565. CP2003-13.
A4838.
10. MO 7462 rescinding MO 7358 and approving Caltrans Program Supplemental
Agreement M-015 for the preliminary engineering, construction and construction
engineering phases of Racquet Club Road Sidewalk Project, for $126,500.
CP2002-09. A4216
11. MO 7460 approving Change Order 2 to A4701 with Cora Contractors Inc for the
Palm Springs Skate Park, reducing contract amount by $26,589.47. Total
contract $924,547.13. CP2002-23. A4701.
12. Res 20845 approving Claims & Demands.
Council Minutes
03-17-04, Page 5
Note abstentions, if any: None.
EXTENDED CONSENT AGENDA:
5. SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT—JULES ZUFFOLETTO
Recommendation: That the Council approve a settlement agreement, copy on
file in the Office of the City Clerk, with Jules Zuffoletto regarding an injury.
A4839.
Councilmember McCulloch stated that the item was voted on in Closed Session
and approved and reported out at time and questioned why the item is on this
agenda.
Mayor Oden stated that the item was approved to give direction to the negotiator,
and now that settlement is reached the agreement does need public approval.
Minute Order 7461 was presented; after which, it was moved by Foat, seconded
by Pougnet and carried by the following vote that MO7461 be adopted.
AYES: Members Foat, Pougnet and Mayor Oden
NO: Member McCulloch
ABSENT: Member Mills.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
13. CASE RV-04-01 — KEELY SMITH AND CHARLES CACI —APPEAL
Recommendation: That the Council consider an Appeal of a Planning
Commission denial of Recreational Vehicle Permit application RV-04-01 to allow
a recreational vehicle to be parked within the front and side front yard setbacks
located at 1055 E Paseo El Mirador, Zone R-1-C, Section 11. 29 Notices.
Director of Planning & Zoning reviewed the staff report and visual site plans on
display in the Chamber.
Mayor declared the Hearing open.
Charles Caci, appellant, stated that for the past 50 years of residence there has
been support of all the neighbors, but there is one who is registering the
complaints; that the vehicle is used for work; that it is requested that the Council
approve the appeal and change the Ordinance; that there is no way to park the
vehicle in the backyard without removal of the house; that there is willingness to
comply with whatever conditions the Council sets forth, within reason and
requested approval of the permit.
There being no further appearances the Hearing was closed.
Resolution 20846 upholding the Planning Commission's decision was presented;
after which, it was moved by Foat, seconded by McCulloch and unanimously
approved, Mills absent, that R20846 be adopted.
Council Minutes
03-17-04, Page 6
14. HSPB 47—TRINA TURK AND JONATHON SKOW — 1995 CAMINO MONTE
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the designation of the Ship of
the Desert, a single-family residence as a Class 1 Historic Site, located at 1995
Camino Monte. 40 Notices.
City Manager reviewed the staff report.
Mayor declared the Hearing open; there being no appearances, the Hearing was
closed.
Resolution 20847 as recommended was presented; after which, it was moved by
Foat, seconded by Pougnet and unanimously carried, Mills absent, that R20847
be adopted.
15. CASE 5.0954 — PD 242 - TTM 28308 — DESERT CHAPEL — NW CORNER OF
SUNRISE WAY AND SUNNY DUNES
On January 21, 2004, Council continued this matter approving Planned
Development District 242 and Tentative Tract Map 28308 to subdivide 3.22 acres
into seven single-family residential lots and three professional office lots, for
property located on the northwest corner of Sunrise Way and Sunny Dunes. R-
1-C, RMPH zones, Section 23. Applicant: Desert Chapel.
Director of Planning & Zoning reviewed the staff report and added that meetings
were held and consensus found that the item as presented with the deferring of
Condition 58 to covenant would be agreeable to both parties; and added that the
General Plan does require the median to be set, however the Council could
delete the requirement from the project with full concurrence of the Engineering
and Planning Department Directors that there would be no impact.
Mayor declared the Hearing open.
Steve Rossell, Palm Springs, stated that compromise was found between the
applicant and the neighbors.
Peter Intravartogo, Palm Springs, stated that while the proposal is not liked, it
can be lived with; and that it would be requested that the parking lot be setback
to allow landscaping as a barrier.
Sean Wood, representing Desert Chapel, stated that compromise has been
found with the project and requested approval.
Marvin Roos, Mainero Smith and Associates, expressed availability for questions
and requested approval of the project.
Resident, representing Desert Chapel, stated that removal of the median does
assist all the neighbors; that it is requested that the map be approved with the
deletion and the setback of the parking lot at 10 feet as per the neighborhood
agreement.
Council Minutes
03-17-04, Page 7
Joan Martin, no address given, stated that the 25-foot setback at the parking lot
would be more graceful than 10 feet.
There being no further appearances the Hearing was closed.
Resolution 20848 as revised to defer Condition 58 to covenant and approve the
10 foot at set back was presented; after which, it was moved by Foat, seconded
by Pougnet and unanimously carried, Mills absent, that R20848 be adopted.
16. COMPREHENSIVE FEE SCHEDULE AMENDMENT - DEVELOPMENT FEES
Recommendation: That the Council approve amending the City's
Comprehensive Fee Schedule related to various fees for Development Services.
Assistant City Manager handed out an update on the proposed fees, copy on file
in Office of the City Clerk and added that Mr. Wakefield, consultant for the project
was available for any questions on the determinations.
Mayor declared the Hearing open.
Ed Kibby, BIA, stated that it is requested by the Building Industry Association that
the Council direct staff to separately account for the Technology and General
Plan Maintenance fees; that a three year maximum be place for the study and a
new study be done after that time; that in addition it is requested that staff keep
logs of the time spent on the various functions so that the next study will have
real time, not estimates as the proposal did have to use; that even with the
increases, the fees that will be charged by the City are median for the Valley; that
it is understood by the Industry that fees have not been increased in an overlong
period and while the increases are substantial, it is understandable, but that with
a CPI increase each year and a new study performed with accurate time there
should be no further large "catch ups" in the future and questioned the proposed
technology fee of .73 to the newly proposed technology fee of$1.30.
There being no further appearances, the Hearing was closed.
In answer to questions by Council, Assistant City Manager stated that originally
the technology fee was an estimate; that now that the E-Gov price has been
established the fee has been corrected to cover the cost of $375,000; that
Section 4 of the Resolution does specify how revenues could be spent and could
be revised to add the Technology and General Plan fees be designated to the
acquiring of new technology related to those items; that the Resolution in Section
5 calls for a CPI increase each year until time that the City Council determines
that a new study is done, which is typically 5 years.
Mayor Oden expressed concern about the E-Gov cost and for raising fees on a
service that is not currently provided.
Assistant City Manager stated that it will take a long time to offset the E-Gov
cost; that the fees in the study will assist in offsetting those costs and that the
fees could be lowered at a future date when the cost is recovered.
Council Minutes
03-17-04, Page 8
Mr. Wakefield, MuniFinancial, stated some costs are ongoing while others will
assist in hardware costs; and that once the fees are approved, the General Fund
subsidy will end.
Resolution 20849 as revised, to modify Section 4 to include the restriction of the
Technology and General Plan Maintenance fees in separate funds was
presented; after which, it was moved by Pougnet, seconded by Foat and carried
by the following vote, that R20849 be adopted.
AYES: Members Foat, McCulloch and Pougnet
NO: Mayor Oden
ABSENT: Member Mills.
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.
LEGISLATIVE ACTION:
17. VIETNAM MEMORIAL MOVING WALL PRESENTATION
Recommendation: That the Council approve sponsoring the presentation of the
Vietnam Memorial Moving Wall at Cerritos Field, April 19 - 25, 2004, organized
by the Rotary Club of Palm Springs, and waive the normal park use fee.
City Manager requested approval.
Minute Order 7463 as recommended was presented; after which, it was moved
by Foat, seconded by Oden and unanimously carried, Mills absent, that MO7463
be adopted.
18. COMPREHENSIVE FEE SCHEDULE AMENDMENT— SKATE PARK
Recommendation: That the Council amend the City's comprehensive fee
schedule to establish a resident and nonresident membership fee, a three-day
fee, a non-member daily fee and both half-day and full-day rental fees for the use
of the skate park to allow for private parties and special events.
City Manager requested the item be continued to March 24, 2004.
19. 2004 PALM SPRINGS SMOOTH JAZZ FESTIVAL
Recommendation: That the Council approve suspending certain regulatory
ordinances related to the 2004 Palm Springs Smooth Jazz Festival, May 14 and
15, 2004.
City Manager requested the item be continued to March 24, 2004.
Council Minutes
03-17-04, Page 9
20. 2003-04 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) BUDGET
AMENDMENT AND AMENDMENT TO THE ANNUAL PLAN
Recommendation: That the Council reallocate $51,177.33 in Program Income
from CDBG Fund Balance to Program Administration, authorize submission of
the amended 2003-04 Consolidated Plan's Annual Plan Update; and authorize
the City Manager to execute any agreements in conjunction thereto.
City Manager requested the item be continued to March 24, 2004.
21. FRANCES WINTER PROPERTY— 141 SOUTH CAHUILLA ROAD
2003-04 FISCAL YEAR BUDGET AMENDMENT
Recommendation: That the Council approve a loan to the Community
Redevelopment Agency in the amount of Four Hundred Twenty Five Thousand
Dollars ($425,000) for the purchase of property at 141 South Cahuilla Road,
Merged Project Area 1; and amend the 2003-04 Fiscal Year budget thereto.
City Manager requested the item be continued to March 24, 2004.
22. PARCEL MAP 30292 — NORTHWOODS-PALM SPRINGS LLC
Recommendation: That the Council approve Parcel Map 30292 prepared by
Fomotor Engineering, representing Northwoods-Palm Springs LLC, to subdivide
a lease-hold interest property located at 1700 Araby Drive, Section 25, T4S;
approve a Subdivision Improvement Agreement for the acquisition of a fee-
interest in the lease-hold interest of easements for a bus shelter, bike path and
sidewalks and authorize the City Clerk to accept Grant of Easements. A----.
City Manager requested the item be continued to March 24, 2004.
23. CONVENTION CENTER EXPANSION PHASE II PROJECT
Recommendation: That the Council approve 8 trade agreements for the
Convention Center Expansion Phase II Project, subject to the sale of bonds,
CP02-27. A4740 through A4847. (8).
Convention Center Project Administrator reviewed the staff report.
a) If desired, the following eight (8) resolutions, as recommended:
Res 20850 American Demo $ 369,233.00 A4840
Res 20851 Shoring Engineers 153,000.00 A4841
Res 20852 Precision Concrete 352,275.78 A4842
Res 20853 Precision Concrete 1,897,000.00 A4843
Res 20854 Temecula Mechanical 700,000.00 A4844
Res 20855 K & S Mechanical 2,648,743.00 A4845
Res 20856 Shasta Fire Protection 269,000.00 A4846
Res 20857 Cove Electric 1,511,000.00 A4847
Council Minutes
03-17-04, Page 10
24. CONVENTION CENTER EXPANSION PHASE II PROJECT
Recommendation: That the Council approve an agreement with XXXXX , Bid
Schedules XX through XX, for the Palm Springs Convention Center Expansion
Phase II Project for parking lot and street improvements, CP02-27 A----.
Materials to be provided.
City Manager withdrew the item.
25. TAXI-CAB COMMERCIAL SIGNAGE — INITIATION OF ZONING ORDINANCE
Recommendation: That the Council consider adopting a resolution to initiate
proceedings to amend the zoning ordinance to delete the current prohibition of
commercial advertising on taxi-cabs and redevelop a revised ordinance providing
regulations to permit commercial advertising on taxi-cabs.
City Manager requested the item be continued to March 24, 2004.
26. ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 162 — IRONWOOD HOMES DBA PALM SPRINGS
MODERN HOMES
Recommendation: That the Council consider approval of the application for the
processing of the formation of Assessment District 162, by Ironwood Homes dba
Palm Springs Modern Homes and allow the formation of Assessment District 162
to proceed with an initial bond amount less than $2 million minimum established
by the City's Policies and Procedures for Special Assessment and Mello-Roos
Community Facility District (CFD) Municipal Bond Financing for Public
Improvements for Development Projects or denial of the application for further
processing of the formation of Assessment District 162.
City Manager requested the item be continued to March 24, 2004.
27. WHITE PARTY FIFTEEN
Recommendation: That the Council adopt a resolution suspending certain
regulatory ordinances to facilitate the White Party Fifteen planned events from
April 9 — 11, 2004, at various locations throughout the City.
Resolution 20858 as recommended was presented; after which, it was moved by
Foat, seconded by Pougnet and unanimously carried, Mills absent, that R20858
be adopted.
28. OPPOSITION TO FEDERAL CONSTITUTION AMENDMENT - MARRIAGE
(This item was heard out of order, at the beginning of the meeting.)
29. ADDITIONAL LEGISLATIVE ITEMS: None
ADDED STARTERS: None
REPORTS & REQUESTS:
Council Minutes
03-17-04, Page 11
30. Treasurer's Investment Report as of January 31, 2004.
City Manager requested the item be continued to March 24, 2004.
CITY COUNCIL reports or requests
PUBLIC reports or requests
STAFF reports or requests
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business, Mayor declared the meeting adjourned.
PATRICIA A. SANDERS
City Clerk