HomeMy WebLinkAbout1/7/2004 - STAFF REPORTS RESOLUTION NO.
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS,
CALIFORNIA, SUPPORTING AND ENDORSING THE COLLEGE
OF THE DESERT'S BOND CAMPAIGN AND BOND ISSUE
SCHEDULED FOR THE MARCH 2, 2004 CONSOLIDATED
ELECTION
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WHEREAS, the College of the Desert (COD) is an open door, public community college serving
the Coachella Valley for over 40 years; and
WHEREAS, COD is also an important economic engine for the Coachella Valley providing
upward of$374 million per year in economic benefit; and
WHEREAS, COD has a total enrollment of approximately 10,000 students; and
WHEREAS, COD students save more than $31 million each year by being able to study locally
rather than having to commute to or board elsewhere; and
WHEREAS, due to the rapid growth in the Coachella Valley thousands of new students are
projected to enter COD over the next ten years; and
WHEREAS, COD desires to respond to such growth by expanding its existing campuses and
constructing new facilities; and
WHEREAS, COD has prepared a Facilities Master Plan which outlines its facility needs through
2015; and
WHEREAS, the Facilities Master Plan has determined that there is a need for a complete
overhaul of buildings and mechanical infrastructure on the 41-year-old campus, the construction
of several new buildings to house a public safety academy and increased demand for instruction
in various disciplines, including nursing and business; and
WHEREAS, there are not enough State funds to pay for the infrastructure and facility needs
identified in the Facilities Master Plan; and
WHEREAS, COD's Board of Trustees has decided to place a $346.5 million general obligation
bond issue on the March 2, 2004 consolidated election to provide funding to implement its
Facilities Master Plan; and
WHEREAS, the proposed bond issue is expected to cost taxpayers about $19.90 per year per
$100,000 of assessed valuation; and
WHEREAS, passage of the proposed bond issue will allow COD to improve existing facilities and
build more classrooms and science and technology labs, reduce student overcrowding and afford
students access to the modern technology they need to succeed; and
WHEREAS, an independent citizens oversight committee will be established to ensure that the
bond funds are only used for their intended purpose and not spent on salaries or administration.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Palm Springs City Council does hereby find and
determine that the College of the Desert is a valuable community resources and needs to acquire,
construct, improve and equip its facilities to properly train and re-train local residents for higher-
paying and skilled jobs, particularly nurses and public safety personnel, and to enhance the
educational opportunities of students who desire to transfer to four-year colleges and universities.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Palm Springs City Council does hereby resolve to
endorse and support the College of the Desert's bond campaign and bond measure scheduled for
the March 2, 2004 consolidated election.
ADOPTED this day of 2003.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ATTEST: CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA
By:
City Clerk City Manager
REVIEWED AND ADOPTED AS TO FORM:
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