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PRELIMINARY MINUTES
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING
THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 2019
CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBER
73510 FRED WARING DRIVE, PALM DESERT, CA 92260
I. CALL TO ORDER - 3:00 P.M.
Mayor Weber convened the meeting at 3:03 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL
Present:
Councilmember Jan C. Harnik
Councilman Sabby Jonathan
Councilmember Kathleen Kelly
Mayor Pro Tern Gina Nestande
Mayor Susan Marie Weber
Also Present:
Lauri Aylaian, City Manager
Robert W. Hargreaves, City Attorney
Rachelle D. Klassen, City Clerk
Lori Carney, Director of Administrative Services
Russell Grance, Director of Building & Safety
Ryan Stendell, Director of Community Development
Martin Alvarez, Director of Economic Development
Janet M. Moore, Director of Finance/City Treasurer
Tom Garcia, Director of Public Works
Lt. Matt Martello, Asst. Chief, Palm Desert Police/Riverside Co. Sheriff's Dept.
Grace L. Rocha, Deputy City Clerk
III. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION
Reauest for Closed Session:
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 10, 2019
A. Conference with Real Property Negotiator pursuant to Government Code
Section 54956.8:
1) Property: Lease Property - Palm Desert HUB, 37023 Cook Street,
Suite 102, Palm Desert
Negotiating Parties:
Agency: Lauri Aylaian/Martin Alvarez/City of Palm Desert
Property Owner: Sinatra and Cook Project, LLC
Under Negotiation: x Price x Terms of Payment
2) Property: NEC Country Club Drive/Desert Willow Drive, Palm Desert
(APNs 620-370-002, 620-370-003, 620-370-004,
620-370-017, 620-370-018, 620-370-020, 620-370-033,
620-370-043)
Negotiating Parties:
Agency: Lauri Aylaian/Martin Alvarez/City of Palm Desert
Property Owner: City of Palm Desert
Under Negotiation: x Price x Terms of Payment
B. Conference with Legal Counsel regarding existing litigation pursuant to
Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1):
1) Four Green Gold, LLC, et al., v. City of Palm Desert, Riverside County
Superior Court Case No. PSC 1806472
C. Conference with Legal Counsel regarding significant exposure to litigation
pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2):
Number of potential cases: 2
D. Public Employee Performance Evaluation pursuant to Government Code
Section 54957:
Title of Position: City Manager
With City Council concurrence, Mayor Weber adjourned the meeting to Closed
Session of the City Council at 3:05 p.m. She reconvened the meeting at 4:03 p.m.
IV. RECONVENE REGULAR MEETING - 4:00 P.M.
A. REPORT ON ACTION FROM CLOSED SESSION.
None
V. AWARDS AND PRESENTATIONS
None
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 10, 2019
VI. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. MINUTES of the Regular City Council Meeting of December 13, 2018.
Rec: Approve as presented.
B. CLAIMS AND DEMANDS AGAINST THE CITY TREASURY - Warrants
Dated 11 /30/2018, 12/7/2018, 12/14/2018, 12/21 /2018.
Rec: Approve as presented.
C. CLAIMS AND DEMANDS AGAINST THE CITY/HOUSING TREASURIES -
Warrants Dated 12/7/2018 and 12/13/2018 (Joint Consideration with the
Palm Desert Housing Authority).
Rec: Approve as presented.
D. APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE by Coachella Pho,
72286 Highway 111, Suite J5, Palm Desert.
Rec: Receive and file.
E. APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE by The Fix
Restaurant, 73580 El Paseo, Suite A, Palm Desert.
Rec: Receive and file.
F. APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE by Haus of Pizza,
72795 Highway 111, Suite G2, Palm Desert.
Rec: Receive and file.
G. APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE by La Fe Wine
Bar, 73900 El Paseo, Suite 2, Palm Desert.
Rec: Receive and file.
H. APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE by Western
Refining Retail 6400 68184, 72300 Highway 111, Palm Desert.
Rec: Receive and file.
I. LIBRARY PROMOTION COMMITTEE Minutes for the Meeting of
February 21, 2018.
Rec: Receive and file.
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J. LETTER OF RESIGNATION from Joy Whitehurst - Housing Commission.
Rec: Receive with very sincere regret.
K. LETTER OF RESIGNATION from Robert Nevares - Housing Commission.
Rec: Receive with very sincere regret.
L. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION to Designate Five (5) Police Department
LIDAR Units as Surplus and to Dispose of As Appropriate.
Rec: By Minute Motion, designate five (5) Police Department LIDAR units
as surplus and authorize staff to dispose of them as appropriate.
M. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION to Designate 17 Police Department
Bicycles and Related Equipment as Surplus and to Dispose of As
Appropriate.
Rec: By Minute Motion, designate 17 Police Department bicycles and
related equipment as surplus and authorize staff to dispose of them
as appropriate.
N. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION to Designate a 2009 Palm Desert Police
Department Motorcycle as Surplus and to Dispose of As Appropriate.
Rec: By Minute Motion, designate a 2009 Palm Desert Police Department
motorcycle (VIN JH2SC51709K600132) as surplus and authorize
disposal as required under an existing property insurance claim.
O. REQUEST FOR APPROPRIATION in the Amount of $130,740 for the
FY 2018-2019 City's Citizens Option for Public Safety/Supplemental Law
Enforcement Services Fund (COPS/SLESF) Award.
Rec: By Minute Motion, appropriate $130,740 from Unobligated Fund 229
to Account No. 2294210-4391400 for the subject program.
P. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION of Market Research as Additional Extra
Work Provided for in FY 2018-2019 Marketing Services Contract with
Ideapeddler, LLC (Contract No. C37180).
Rec: By Minute Motion, authorize the amount of $51,200 for market
research to support the development of a new tourism advertising
campaign, to be performed by Ideapeddler, LLC, Austin, Texas, as
extra work, as defined by and provided for in subject contract — funds
are available as a result of savings in the overall Marketing Budget
for FY 2018-2019.
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 10, 2019
Q. REQUEST FOR ACCEPTANCE OF WORK for Contract No. C35780 — 2018
Catch Basin and Drain Cleaning Project (Project No. 501-18) (United Storm
Water, Inc., Industry, CA).
Rec: By Minute Motion, accept the work as complete and authorize the
City Clerk to file a Notice of Completion for the subject project.
R. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of Out -of -State Travel for Five (5) Staff
Members to Attend the CentralSquare 2019 Annual Conference to be Held
in San Antonio, Texas.
Removed for separate consideration under Section VI 1, Consent Items Held
Over. Please see that portion of the Minutes for Council discussion and
action.
S. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of the 2019 SWING `N HOPS STREET PARTY
on Saturday, February 2 (Tricia Witkower, Out the Park Productions, LLC,
Applicant).
Rec: By Minute Motion, approve: 1) Road closure on El Paseo between
San Pablo Avenue and Larkspur Lane for the 2019 Swing `N Hops
Street Party; 2) consumption/possession of alcoholic beverages on
public property, pursuant to Palm Desert Municipal Code
Section 9.58.040 — funds for the event are available in Account
No. 1104416-4306101.
T. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of the 2019 Palm Desert Century Bike Ride on
Saturday, November 9 (James E. Knight/Shadow Tour, LLC, Applicant).
Rec: By Minute Motion, approve: 1) Shadow Tour's Palm Desert Century
Bike Ride on November 9, 2019, at University Park; 2) road closure
at University Drive from College Drive east to west and southbound
lane closure of College Drive between University and Frank Sinatra
Drives; 3) temporary waiver of Palm Desert Municipal Code (PDMC)
Sections: a) 11.01.140 - Amplified Sound in City Parks; b) 11.01.080 -
Prohibited Conduct Generally in City Parks, Item Q - Vendor Sales;
c) 11.01.080 - Prohibited Conduct Generally in City Parks, Item W -
Possession/Consumption of Alcohol in City Parks, pursuant to PDMC
Section 9.58.040.
Councilman Jonathan requested Item R be removed for separate
consideration.
Upon Motion by Kelly, second by Nestande, and 5-0 vote of the City Council (AYES:
Harnik, Jonathan, Kelly, Nestande, and Weber; NOES: None), the remainder of Consent
Calendar was approved as presented.
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 10, 2019
VII. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER
R. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of Out -of -State Travel for Five (5) Staff
Members to Attend the CentralSquare 2019 Annual Conference to be Held
in San Antonio, Texas.
Councilman Jonathan noted he didn't see a dollar amount listed on the staff
report.
Mr. Stendell replied that traditionally dollar amounts are not listed in the staff
report for out-of-state travel, but in general, a conference cost is
approximately $2,000 per person when you consider registration, airfare, per
diem, etc.
Councilman Jonathan preferred to see the dollar amounts included in the
staff report.
Ms. Aylaian offered that these costs are already included in the budget when
it's appropriated, but at that time, locations and costs are not yet identified,
which is why staff is now asking for authorization to go out-of-state.
Therefore, this is not new money, because it's already part of the budget.
Councilmember Harnik pointed out that only estimates could be provided,
because staff needs approval before finding out what airfare costs are going
to be.
Mr. Stendell said he understood he could have thrown in the budgetary
information in the staff report, which is easy enough to do in the future.
Councilmember Kelly moved to, by Minute Motion, authorize out-of-state travel for
five (5) staff members (Management Specialist II - Code Compliance, Management
Specialist II - Business Licensing, Management Specialist II - Building & Safety,
Management Specialist II - Public Works, I.S. Administrator - Information Systems) to
attend the CentralSquare 2019 Annual Conference to be held March 17-20 in San Antonio,
Texas — funds are available in the following Department Account Nos. 1104470-4312000,
1104154-4312000, 1104420-4312000, and 1104300-4312000 - (Community
Development, Building & Safety, Human Resources, and Public Works) for this request.
Motion was seconded by Harnik and carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: Harnik, Jonathan, Kelly,
Nestande, and Weber; NOES: None).
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 10, 2019
VIII. RESOLUTIONS
A. RESOLUTION NO. 2019 - 01 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING A PET
ADOPTION REIMBURSEMENT POLICY FOR THE CITY OF
PALM DESERT.
Code Compliance Supervisor Pedro Rodriguez stated the proposed
Resolution is to amend the current pet adoption policy for reimbursement
costs to Palm Desert residents. This request will include reimbursement to
nonprofit organizations, other than the shelter the City has on the current
policy.
Councilmember Kelly asked how many nonprofit organizations exist in Palm
Desert that would qualify additionally.
Mr. Rodriguez replied he knew about the Loving All Animals, the store on
San Pablo Avenue, but with the new State law, pets can no longer be
purchased from pet stores. The City had been working with this store, and
what he understands, they will be converting to either a nonprofit
organization or they will be closing their doors. He didn't know of any others
in the City, but if others come forward, staff will make sure they meet all the
requirements.
Councilmember Kelly stated that in Thousand Palms there are two facilities,
the County facility and Animal Samaritans, and she wondered if pet
adoptions happen from Animal Samaritans.
Mr. Rodriguez answered yes, stating staff reviews the paperwork that comes
from Animal Samaritans' through the shelter, adding they work in
conjunction. For instance, if a citizen wants a pet from the Animal
Samaritan's, somehow they work it out where it is reimbursable to the
residents through the program.
Councilmember Kelly said that was a key concern.
Councilmember Harnik asked if the City had a policy and procedure in place
to ensure people are qualified for the reimbursement now that the law has
changed.
Mr. Rodriguez replied that staff first makes sure the animal is coming from
a legitimate nonprofit organization, then when a citizen comes in for a
reimbursement, they also make sure they are a Palm Desert residents by
checking their utility bill, a lease document, or anything that ties them to a
Palm Desert address.
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Mayor Weber commented that the reimbursement is now going to be a fixed
amount.
Mr. Rodriguez said the amount is between $55 and $105, depending upon
what the County charges.
Mayor Weber offered that some nonprofit's charge more when they adopt
the animal out, but that still includes the chip and alterations.
Councilmember Kelly stated that this whole notion that the pet store on San
Pablo is converting to nonprofit alarmed her, because she would be skeptical
of the motivation of a business that was previously profiting. Hopefully, there
will be high-level scrutiny if it goes in that direction.
Mr. Rodriguez reiterated staff will ensure they follow all State requirements,
necessary to meet that nonprofit status.
Councilman Jonathan pointed out that even though there were complaints
over time, it was never demonstrated the business was not in compliance
with applicable laws.
Mayor Pro Tern Nestande moved to waive further reading and adopt Resolution
No. 2019 - 01. Motion was seconded by Kelly and carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: Harnik,
Jonathan, Kelly, Nestande, and Weber; NOES: None).
B. RESOLUTION NO. 2019 - 02 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING AN
UPDATED LOCAL DEBT POLICY AND TAKING RELATED ACTIONS.
Senior Management Analyst Veronica Tapia stated the proposed Resolution
is to update the City's policy to meet current laws.
Councilmember Kelly moved to waive further reading and adopt Resolution
No. 2019 - 02. Motion was seconded by Harnik and carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: Harnik,
Jonathan, Kelly, Nestande, and Weber; NOES: None).
IX. ORDINANCES
A. For Introduction:
None
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 10, 2019
B. For Adoption:
None
X. NEW BUSINESS
A. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF EIGHT (8) CONTRACTS FOR ON -CALL
PROFESSIONAL ARCHITECTURE DESIGN SERVICES, EACH FOR A
TERM OF 18 MONTHS IN A TOTAL AGGREGATE AMOUNT NOT TO
EXCEED $150,000 (CONTRACT NOS. C38040A to H).
Management Specialist Cora Gaugush stated the proposed eight contracts
would be used for various architectural services if there is a need for tenant
improvements within the City's own buildings. She said it was a lengthy
process to try to find an architect and bring them on board, and by having
this approved contract list, staff could call upon one of them and put them to
work right away, saving a great deal of time. The contracts, while there are
eight of them, would not exceed $150,000 in aggregate, and it would be paid
down on a task order basis.
Mayor Pro Tem Nestande noticed there were nine firms that applied,
questioning if it was a challenge to pull one of them out and how was that
decided.
Ms. Gaugush replied it wasn't difficult, because the firm was truly not the
type the City was looking for. They submitted a proposal, but they are a
planning firm. While the City may have a need for their services in the
future, it wasn't the type of architectural services needed for tenant
improvements, facade enhancements, and Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA) upgrades.
Councilmember Harnik couldn't recall doing it this way previously, although
she thinks it's very effective and efficient.
Ms. Aylaian explained the City has done a similar process, because staff
does pre -qualify consultants, like architects, and puts them on a list that it
can contract with for amounts less than $25,000 each.
Councilman Jonathan asked if the consultants will be used exclusively for
City projects and not for assisting staff with processing or permitting.
Ms. Gaugush answered no, stating these contracts are only for City projects.
These consultants will be used when the City is required to do improvement
to properties, either an ADA upgrade or tenant improvement.
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 10, 2019
Mayor Weber stated that on the advice of the City Attorney, she will be
abstaining on Item 1(e).
Councilmember Kelly moved to, by Minute Motion: 1) Award the following contracts
for On -Call Professional Architecture Design Services, each for a term of 18 months in a
total aggregate amount not to exceed $150,000: a) Contract No. C38040A to Adrian-Gaus
Architects, Redlands, California; b) Contract No. C38040B to Hermann Design Group,
Palm Desert, California; c) Contract No. C38040C to Holt Architecture, Rancho Mirage,
California; d) Contract No. C38040D to Jeff Katz Architecture (JKA), San Diego, California;
e) Contract No. C38040E to Prest-Vuksic Architects, Palm Desert, California; APPROVED.
4-0-1 (AYES: Harnik, Jonathan, Kelly, and Nestande; NOES: None; ABSTAIN: Weber);
f) Contract No. C3804OF to RA-DA, West Hollywood, California; g) Contract No. C3804OG
to STK Architecture, Inc., Temecula, California; h) Contract No. C38040H to TR Design
Group, Riverside, California; 2) authorize the Mayor to execute said contracts — funds are
available in FY 2018-2019 Budget in various Public Works Project Accounts and will be
requested, as needed, in the FY 2019-2020 Budget. Motion was seconded by Weber and
carried by 5-0 vote (AYES: Harnik, Jonathan, Kelly, Nestande, and Weber; NOES: None),
with the exception of Item 1(e) where Mayor Weber abstained.
XI. CONTINUED BUSINESS
None
XII. OLD BUSINESS
None
XIII. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. REQUEST FOR COMMENCEMENT OF THE FISCAL YEAR 2019/20
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) PROGRAM
APPLICATION PROCESS AND FOR DEVELOPMENT OF THE FY 2019/20
ANNUAL ACTION PLAN.
Management Analyst Christopher Gerry stated this was a public hearing to
kick off the City's annual appropriation process for the Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. This federal program provides
certain government agencies funding annually to achieve multiple national
objectives. The City has historically used its funding under the national
objective of benefitting the low and moderate income households, which had
been achieved through sub -grants to local nonprofit agencies. The City
anticipates budgeting the same amount as last year's program, which is
approximately $354,000. However, the final amount is always subject to
change based on the approval of the federal budget. The recommendation
this evening is to open and receive public comment related to the CDBG
Program and opening the Application Process for nonprofit agencies.
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DRAFT
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Councilman Jonathan expressed his concern with this snag between the
United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and
the federal government. When this was reviewed, it was determined the City
spent almost as much money as it gave away to implement the program.
Staff came up with an awesome solution where the City retains control
without the costs, but now it has to wait until 2021/2022 to implement it.
Mr. Gerry explained the County has to reestablish itself with HUD every three
years, and it has nothing to do with the City. Therefore, Palm Desert had to
come in front of that 3-year eligibility period, but it didn't meet that threshold,
stating that period happened almost six month prior.
Mayor Weber declared the public hearing open and invited public testimony
FAVORING or OPPOSING this matter. No testimony was offered and the public
hearing will remain open during the application process.
XIV. REPORTS AND REMARKS
A. CITY MANAGER
None
B. CITY ATTORNEY
None
C. MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
None
XV. ADJOURNMENT
With City Council concurrence, Mayor Weber adjourned the meeting at 5:02 p.m.
ATTEST:
RACHELLE D. KLASSEN, CITY CLERK
CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA
SUSAN MARIE WEBER, MAYOR
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