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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/19/2001 - STAFF REPORTS MINUTES OF CITY OF PALM SPRINGS COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OCTOBER 24, 2001 An Adjourned Regular Meeting of the Community Redevelopment Agency of the City of Palm Springs, California, was called to order by Chairman Kleindienst, in the Council Chamber, 3200 Tahquitz Canyon Way, on Wednesday, October 24, 2001, 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: Agency Members Jones, Hodges, Oden, Reller-Spurgin, and Chairman Kleindienst Absent: None REPORT OF POSTING OF AGENDA: City Clerk reported that the agenda was posted in accordance with Agency procedures on October 19, 2001. PUBLIC HEARING: A. 2001-2006 IMPLEMENTATION AND HOUSING COMPLIANCE PLAN Recommendation: That the Agency approve the Mid-Term Review of the Five- Year Implementation and Housing Compliance Plan. A431C Director of Redevelopment reviewed the staff report, handed out a revised Plan, copy on file in Office of the City Clerk, and in answer to questions by Agency stated that a full reporting of project is listed in the new report; that the dumpsite project is projected to initialize the Disposition and Development Agreement in 2002; that the condition of the Indian Manor Hotel is still proceeding through renovations; that the preliminary plans were recently submitted to Planning; that the parcels concerning the Lundin Project are not combined into two parcels; that the questions concerning the historic site survey would allow for study and follow- up; and that the information missing regarding Garden Springs will be filled in upon completion of the project. Chairman declared the hearing open; there being no appearances, the hearing was closed. Resolution 1153 as recommended was presented; after which, it was moved by Oden, seconded by Hodges, and unanimously carried that R1153 be adopted. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Steve Payne read a prepared statement, copy on file in Office of the City Clerk. James Cioffi, Palm Springs, stated that CBM was a right-of-zone project; that the project was to build housing for low/moderate income; that the City did stop the project; that CBM did sue the City; that the suit was settled for $1 million; that that there are some questions that do need to be answered by the Members of the Council; did you have a final conflict of interest with CBM's project; is the City to assist in providing decent housing for low/moderate income families; and finally, in review of this project did the Council show fiscal responsibility. CRA Minutes 10-24-01, Page 2 Frank Tysen stated that he felt many comments are directed to Councilmember Jones and are below the belt; that the Councilmember donates his time to the City and directs his stipend to be given to charity groups; that the residents elected the Councilmember due to the rest of the Council not listening to the residents; that there is deep frustration on behalf of the citizens due to an unfriendly government; that many are concerned with Plaza Mercado and the inaction of the Director of Downtown Development; and that the City's Design Review Committee and Architectural Review Committee always agrees to each others decisions. Bill Davis expressed gratitude to Councilmember Jones for protecting the City's tax dollars. Barbara Proctor stated that the bridge as proposed by Desert Shadows was not to cost the City one cent; that it was pledged that all construction, repairs and maintenance would be handled by the developer; that now the developer is requesting $200,000 in assistance and added that the Council should require a certified audit of the financial situation with Desert Shadows before proceeding with any action. Ray LaVeta, 1533 Chapparall, principle of expansion of Desert Shadows, clarified that the building of the bridge will be totally financed by the developer; that no assistance from the Agency is being sought for the project; that the Agency is being requested to help fund sidewalks, curbs, gutters and landscaping for the expansion; and that this is a big project and will result in big revenue to the City. Jim Stuart stated that if it was not for the Community Redevelopment Agency funding assistance, the Desert Shadows Project would not have been done; that the area was blighted, full of needle and trash; that the area has been cleaned up; that it is a good project; and that it is the type of project that the Agency was created to support. Councilmember Jones exercised Personal Privilege, and read a letter directed to the Fair Political Practice Commission, copy on file in Office of the City Clerk; and added that it is sad when a respected citizen attacks a Councilmember; that it seems that if one can not attack the message they now attack the messenger; that the project in question is supportable; that it is the finding that no other means of financing is available; that it is the same with the downtown parking; that the idea is good, but that there is a different view when one would have to ask the taxpayers to pay for it; that the issues were discussed in Closed Session; that additional details were requested regarding the financial information for the project; that it was made clear if the project did need assistance it would be supportable; that the giving away of $200,000 of taxpayer money from a five minute discussion is just not enough; that proof of need should be furnished; that it was thought that the relationship with Mr. Payne was one of friendship; that personally the election was held for someone to represent the people; that the job is handled to the best of the ability; that it is unfortunate that this situation has come up, but that the Office is not there to do favors for friends, but to be a caretaker of the public's money; that the letter submitted by Mr. Payne has fairy tales in it; that the entire case has been sent to the Fair Political Practice Commission that it is hoped that they will review the matter within two weeks; but that there will be no recluse pending the matter. Chairman stated that at one point he was forced to abstain from certain issues until the Fair Political Practice Commission rendered a determination. CRA Minutes 10-24-01, Page 3 Agency Counsel stated that the Fair Political Practice Commission deals with financial conflict of interest; that if the matter does not involved finances, then the Commission does not address the issue; and added that the matter involving this issue has been withdrawn from the agenda and will be discussed at the November 7, 2001 meeting. LEGISLATIVE ITEMS: B. DESERT SHADOWS OWNER PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT Recommendation: That the Agency approve an Owner Participation Agreement with Desert Shadows III LP providing tax increment financing assistance for offsite improvements for$200,000. A----- and amend the budget thereto. Acting Executive Director stated that the item should be continued to November 7, 2001. Motion to continue the matter to November 7, 2001 was presented; after which, it was moved by Oden, seconded by Hodges, and unanimously approved, that the item be continued. ADJOURNMENT' There being no further business, Chairman declared the meeting adjourned. PATRICIA A. SANDERS Assistant Secretary MINUTES OF CITY OF PALM SPRINGS COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY DECEMBER 5, 2001 A Regular Meeting of the Community Redevelopment Agency of the City of Palm Springs, California, was called to order by Chairman Kleindienst, in the Council Chamber, 3200 Tahquitz Canyon Way, on Wednesday, December 5, 2001, 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: Agency Members Mills, Oden, Reller-Spurgin, and Chairman Kleindienst Absent: None REPORT OF POSTING OF AGENDA: Assistant City Clerk reported that the agenda was posted in accordance with Agency procedures on November 30, 2001. REPORT OF CITY ATTORNEY ON MATTERS DISCUSSED IN CLOSED SESSION (All Entities) -See items on Page 6 of agenda this date. PUBLIC HEARING: None PUBLIC COMMENTS: Frank Tysen, 175 S. Cahuilla, stated that the community needs to be more involved in issues such as the foot bridge at Desert Shadows; that the Bed Tax issue is a concern for small owner-managed hotels; and that the owner-managed Hotel Association should have a seat at the table when these types of issues are brought up. LEGISLATIVE ITEMS: A. EXCLUSIVE AGREEMENT TO NEGOTIATE WITH PHILLIP CLEARY Recommendation: That the Agency approve an Exclusive Agreement to Negotiate with Phillip Cleary for the development of a mixed use commercial/residential project in Merged Project Area 1 (formerly North Palm Canyon PA#6) on two parcels totaling 1.75 acres located on the southwest corner of North Palm Canyon Drive and Stevens Road for a period of six months. A433C. Director of Redevelopment reviewed the staff report, and added that there are a few last minute changes to the agreement; that there will be 12 condominiums and a minimum of 7,000 square feet of commercial space; that there will be no rezoning of the property; and that the Agency has not accepted the price of $400,000 for the two properties. i CRA Minutes 12-05-01, Page 2 Chairman questioned the good faith deposit with the execution of the agreement, and requested confirmation that the additional $5,000 will be required upon execution of the DDA. Director of Redevelopment concurred. Resolution 1155 as recommended was presented; after which, it was moved by Reller-Spurgin, seconded by Oden, and carried unanimously that R1155 be adopted. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, Chairman declared the meeting adjourned. PATRICIA A. SANDERS Assistant Secretary BARBARA J. WHITE Assistant City Clerk