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DRAFT
PRELIMINARY MINUTES
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING
THURSDAY, MAY 9, 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 3:01 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
Ty Davis, Division Chief, Palm Desert Fire/Riverside Co. Fire Dept./Cal Fire
Bryan White, Battalion Chief, Palm Desert Fire/Riverside Co. Fire Dept./Cal Fire
Matt Martello, Asst. Chief, Palm Desert Police/Riverside Co. Sheriff's Department
M. Gloria Sanchez, Management Specialist II
III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - A (CLOSED SESSION ITEMS)
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IV. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION
Request for Closed Session:
A. Conference with Real Property Negotiator pursuant to Government Code
Section 54956.8:
1) Property: Merle Street - 14 Self -Help Lots (APNs 624-441-014
through 624-441-022, and 624-440-032 through
624-440-036), Palm Desert
Negotiating Parties:
Agency: Lauri Aylaian/Janet Moore/City of Palm Desert/
Palm Desert Housing Authority
Property Owner: City of Palm Desert
Under Negotiation: x Price x Terms of Payment
2) Property: Lease Property - 43900 San Pablo Avenue
(APN 622-250-016), Palm Desert
Negotiating Parties:
Agency: Lauri Aylaian/Tom Garcia/Ryan Stendell/Johnny Terfehr/
City of Palm Desert
Property Owner: City of Palm Desert
Other Parties: Kevin Kalman/Desert Recreation District
Under Negotiation: x Price x Terms of Payment
B. Conference with Legal Counsel regarding significant exposure to litigation
pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2):
Number of potential cases: 2
With City Council concurrence, Mayor Weber adjourned the meeting to Closed
Session at 3:02 p.m. She reconvened the meeting at 4:00 p.m.
V. RECONVENE REGULAR MEETING - 4:00 P.M.
A. REPORT ON ACTION FROM CLOSED SESSION.
Mr. Hargreaves reported that direction was given but no reportable actions
were taken.
VI. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF
THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - Palm Desert Charter Middle School ASB
Members Cameron Sacks &
Venessa Cazares
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PRELIMINARY MINUTES D R A F T
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VII. INVOCATION/INSPIRATION - Councilmember Jan C. Harnik
VIII. AWARDS AND PRESENTATIONS
A. PRESENTATION OF PROCLAMATION, RECOGNIZING
SCOUTS BSA TROOP 1973 - FOR REGISTERING THE FIRST
CHARTERED FEMALE TROOP IN THE CITY OF PALM DESERT.
Mayor Weber presented the framed proclamation to Troop 1973, along with
individual certificates to each of the members: Zephia Emma Renee Bock,
Jade Grace De Jesus, Brianna Alexis Groat, Rachel Frances Sanford,
Aaraya Dante Vizl, Essence Sierra Vizl, and Tea Vuksanovic.
Joining Mayor Weber in front of the dais for the presentation were
Ms. Judi Pitchford, Chartered Organization Representative, who is a liaison
between the Historical Society of Palm Desert and Troop 1973,
Mr. Rob Pitchford, President of the Historical Society of Palm Desert, which
chartered Troop 1973, along with Troop Leader Sandy Bock. Ms. Pitchford
also noted that in the audience today was Mr. Jordan McCandless, Scouts
BSA District Executive, who serves youth in this area with more than 700
Scouts. Ms. Pitchford went on to detail the mission of Scouts BSA, with a
specific aim of nurturing, character development, citizenship training, and
personal fitness. She related that the Troop had already formed into a tight
unit and named themselves the `Vans Patrol,' experiencing multiple nights
of camping, with more to come. Additionally, the Troop has participated in
two service projects, one being highlighted on the local news after it was
spearheaded by Scoutmaster Sandy Bock to work alongside 130 other
Scouts and Scouters to help repair trails at the Coachella Valley Preserve
that were damaged by recent rain. Ms. Pitchford noted that the Scouts were
already all working on various merit badges ranging from Pioneering,
Camping, Personal Fitness, Family Life, First Aid, and Emergency
Preparedness, with one Scout having completed Aviation and Scuba Diving.
At this meeting, the Troop was working on their Community Service Merit
Badge and observing the City Council in action. She went on to credit the
Historical Society of Palm Desert (HSPD) for their excitement as stewards
of the City's history, playing a role to ignite the same passion for the City in
Troop 1973. They felt part of this aim is embedded in significance of the
Troop's number, '1973,' purposefully chosen to coincide with the year of
Palm Desert's incorporation. She closed by expressing sincere appreciation
for the Mayor's recognition of the historical significance of forming the first
female Scouts BSA Troop in the City of Palm Desert, with the hopes of more
to come. The trailblazers in Troop 1973 are honored and will truly remember
this occasion the rest of their lives.
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B. PRESENTATION OF PROCLAMATION DECLARING MAY 2019 AS
"BUILDING AND SAFETY MONTH" IN THE CITY OF PALM DESERT.
Mayor Weber presented the proclamation to Director of Building & Safety
Russell Grance, who expressed appreciation forthe recognition and thanked
City Council for all of its continued support. Department staff came forward
for a photo with the entire City Council.
C. INTRODUCTION OF JULIA SCHUMACHER AS NEW BRANCH MANAGER
FOR THE PALM DESERT PUBLIC LIBRARY, A BRANCH OF THE
RIVERSIDE COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM.
Ms. Sue Duran, Desert Zone Manager for the Riverside County Library
System, said she is a regional manager for all 10 of Country Library
branches in the desert, as well as the Museum and MakerSpace in
La Quinta. She had started her career in Palm Desert in 2000 as a Page,
returned in 2011 as the Young Adult Librarian, and following the renovation
project in 2012, was asked to manage another library. Years later, she was
now pleased to manage the managers and spoke about her personal
philosophy in this regard. She said last year the Palm Desert Manager took
ill, leaving staff there without much guidance and feeling a little lost;
therefore, it was decided to place Ms. Julia Schumacher, a well -established
Desert Zone Branch Manager, in the position on an interim basis until the
Manager returned. After Ms. Schumacher was there only a week, she
received feedback she was thrilled to hear - staff wasn't just happy, but
ecstatic. Sadly, the former Manager had to retire, and the position was put
out to rehire, but she knew that they wouldn't have to look far. She went on
to relate that the Riverside County Library System/LSS honors four values:
1) Being caring; 2) being a partner; 3) being credible; 4) being positive —
Julia Schumacher possesses and honors them all, in addition to displaying
the 28 fundamentals that make up the company's foundation. Namely, they
were that she "brings it every day" (#19), "is a brand ambassador" (#22), and
definitely "honors commitments" (#11). She offered that Ms. Schumacher
has blossomed into one of the most respected managers on the team,
including being awarded the first customer service star under Ms. Duran's
tenure, and she was pleased to introduce her to the City Council and
community.
Ms. Schumacher greeted the City Council and all present today. She related
that she started in public education and had been a school librarian for many
years as a certificated teacher -librarian, with a Master in Arts in Teaching
from Tufts University with a Library Science Endorsement. She worked for
24 years in public education, moving to the Coachella Valley in 2016 when
her husband retired and made the switch to working in a public library. She
said it had been a real joy, noting serving the public library gave her the
same feeling of serving people every day as she'd experienced in education,
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with the community's needs being great and varied. She commented that
she'd managed the Cabazon Library Branch the last two years, which was
a great experience, followed by being able to step in as Interim Branch
Manager in Palm Desert. In the few months she's been here, she'd learned
what an amazing staff was already in place, what great things were
happening, and that all were excited to move forward. She and staff were
here to serve the Palm Desert community and hoped all will come by to visit
and be served. She looked forward to continuing to work with the City.
Mayor Weber thanked Ms. Schumacher and welcomed her to Palm Desert.
D. PRESENTATION OF RECAP FROM 2019 PALM DESERT FASHION
WEEK AND FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL BY PALM SPRINGS LIFE.
Ms. Paulina Larson, Marketing Director, Palm Springs Life, provided a
highlights recap of two of the City's signature events, Fashion Week and
Food & Wine Festival. Printed booklets were presented to City
Councilmembers, which were received for the record and are now on file in
the City Clerk's Office.
Fashion Week:
— Total of 22 events held, including runway shows, lectures, trunk shows,
exhibition, panel discussions, meet & greets, and more.
— Engaged with 23 stores on El Paseo, resulting in 123 in-store events,
activities taking place the week of Fashion Week.
— Brought in more than 100 people — sponsors, talent, staff, models, to help
create the Fashion Week experience in Palm Desert.
— Generated $60,000 in charity, noting that these were not dollars taken from
sponsorship, but earned dollars from the charities.
— 2019 attendance was a record high of 13,650, with 40% coming from out -
of -market. Demographics of attendees are very important — over 50% of
them being in the age range of 45-64 with very high household income,
meaning they have the power to come spend the night in local hotels, dine
in the restaurants, and experience Palm Desert's City events.
— Economic impact from the eight -day event was $5 million.
— Media & Promotional Value equaled $2.5 million. Noted a drop compared
to 2018's $13 million; however that was part of a strategy to remove the plan
from traditional public relations efforts to more of a digital and social media
effort, as well as leveraging the talent, including many of the designers
talking about coming to Fashion Week on their own social or other digital
platforms. This resulted in a really good impression value of more than one
billion — the strategy being successful and pleasing organizers, since they
are continually shifting the plan.
— One of the most important aspects is going back to ticketholders to ask
about their experience during Fashion Week El Paseo. Since they have a
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very sophisticated ticketing platform, they are able to communicate with
ticketholders via e-mail and realized a 32% response rate.
- Nearly 90% of attendees rated Fashion Week El Paseo from good to
excellent.
- In response to question about their visit to the area, 54% of attendees
stayed overnight in greater Palm Desert, and 69% of them visited the area
for two weeks or more.
- Further, 24% of attendees came here specifically for Fashion Week
El Paseo; 31 % them extended their stay.
- 87% of attendees dined out during the event, and they dined out multiple
times.
-Attendees also visited the El Paseo Shopping District (77%), with 70% of
those making a purchase on the street.
- From 2019 attendees, 85% of them want to return in 2020.
Food & Wine Festival
— 175 events held in 2019, including celebrity chef demonstrations, book -
signings, as well as the October event held in New York City to promote
Palm Desert Food & Wine.
— Total of 500+ staff brought in to help animate, including the chefs, their
talent, and back -of -the -house teams.
— This event garnered $20,000 in earned charity monies.
— Attendance growth achieved an all-time record with 6,440, which was a
very big jump.
— 63% of Food & Wine attendees are from out -of -market, in keeping with
studies showing that people will travel for such events.
— Demographic is very similar to Fashion Week, with over 50% of attendees
ages 46-60 and very high household incomes.
— Economic impact from the three-day event was $2.4 million.
— Media/Marketing promotional value for Food & Wine very similar to
Fashion Week; value of everything they were able to garner at $2.9 million,
with a lot higher impression number achieved in 2019 due to shifting the
strategy from traditional PR (Public Relations) to more digital/social and
leveraging the talent.
— Food & Wine attendees were polled about their experiences, which were
very similar to Fashion Week.
- Almost 90% said they experienced Food & Wine with a good to excellent
rating.
- 80% of attendees stayed the night in greater Palm Desert, and many
stayed here for two weeks or more.
- 30% of attendees traveled here specifically for Food & Wine, and 40%
extended their days here.
- 79% dined out during Palm Desert Food & Wine, most of them dining out
multiple times.
- They visited El Paseo, and 69% made purchases.
- 81 % want to return in 2020.
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Councilman Jonathan thanked Ms. Larson for the informative and comprehensive
presentation, and for the great job with the events. With regard to the economic
impact information, he asked how the figures were calculated and if they were done
by an independent agency.
Ms. Larson answered that the Greater Palm Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau
(CVB) conducted a study in 2017, resulting in the data presented here being
relatively conservative, now that it's 2019. She added that they are calculated
based on how much an attendee, on average, spends on an event, including food,
lodging, and ticket price, and she confirmed that was how most of the event
economic impact was calculated based on the CVB's third -party model. She went
on to again thank the City for its support of Fashion Week and that they looked
forward to continuing to work collaboratively and bringing a great event in 2020.
IX. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - B
MS. JAN PINZA, Nasturtium Way, Palm Desert, reported on a serious dog -on -dog
attack that her neighbor's dogs suffered recently at the University Dog Park. She
said the offending dogs were pit bulls, which have been known to create problems
for others at the Park. Further, the man whose dogs were attacked had to put up
a $2,000 check at the veterinarian to ensure his injured dogs would be treated in
intensive care. The neighbor called the City's Parks & Recreation and was told that
it's a civil matter, there wasn't anything they could do. He was referred to Animal
Control and received the same response upon calling there, and she was outraged
by it. She and her neighbor are part of the community, and City Council says they
are here for the good of the community, which she assumed included safety at the
City's parks and dog parks. She believed the two dogs that attacked are vicious
and weaponized, not unlike someone coming into any other park with a lethal
weapon and waving it around. Meanwhile, people like her have worked hard to
socialize their little dogs so they can come to the dog park and play, and then they
get attacked; it was unacceptable and begged for a solution. She had spoken with
Management Analyst Johnny Terfehr, who listened very carefully and suggested,
again, that she call the County; however, he also asked for solutions. One of the
ideas she thought about was having Citizens On Patrol (COPs) monitor peak hours
at the dog parks. Additionally, since members of the public have fobs for everything
else, a fob system could be tied to the Riverside County Licensing process that
would be required for entrance to the dog park. For visitors, she suggested they
could register with the City or County for this purpose. She said there were a
number of ways it could be managed, but it was currently unacceptable for vicious
animals to come in and wreak havoc on the dog parks. She said it was not about
finances but humanity, and this occurrence was wrong. She hoped the City Council
would take action in this regard.
Mayor Weber thanked Ms. Pinza for taking the time here today and for her remarks.
She assured her that staff would be following up on the issue.
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Councilmember Kelly asked staff if there were any procedures in place allowing
residents to request an animal to be barred from the dog parks.
In response, Mr. Stendell there wasn't anything like that for direct resident action.
However, he said the first line of defense is for residents to call the Park
Ambassadors (their number is posted in the Park) and then file an incident report
with the Desert Recreation District. From that point, City staff gets involved, and he
said staff has taken action on problems like this in the past, with City Manager
authorizing temporary or permanent expulsion from the parks. He reiterated that
it was important to have documented incident reports, acknowledging that there are
always two sides to every story. Once there is documented history of one or two
incidents, depending on severity, he said the City has issued a 30-day suspension
in one case, the other resulted in a permanent suspension from the park.
Councilman Jonathan requested referring this matter to staff for report and
recommendation on a future City Council agenda. Councilmember Kelly concurred
and asked that it include addressing whether the City's current procedures should
be enhanced.
Ms. Aylaian agreed staff would make such a report in the future.
X. MAYOR AND COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS & REMARKS TO THE COMMUNITY
A. Councilmember Jan C. Harnik Committee Reports and General Comments.
Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) - attended
the Annual Conference and General Assembly last week held in
Palm Desert.
- Announced the `Connect Southern California' (ConnectSoCal.org)
project that is focusing on guiding the region's growth, including
transportation improvements and land use ideas to shape the future
of Southern California. Three upcoming opportunities to participate
in workshops being held locally at the UCR Palm Desert Center for all
interested persons. She asked staff to provide a link on the City
website for this information as well. She urged people to attend,
because there would be a lot of great information, and representatives
would love to get the feedback.
2. Riverside Countv Transportation Commission (RCTC) - received
update at yesterday's meeting.
- State Route 60 will be affected by the upcoming widening project;
preliminary work starting late this month, full project will run from late
July - December 2019. One westbound lane will be closed for the
project, with commuters and travelers being advised to anticipate
delay. She hoped staff could help deliver more information about the
project to the community through the website or any other means.
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B. Councilman Sabbv Jonathan Committee Reports and General Comments.
1. Desert Community Enera_ v - as reported at the last meeting, DCE
Board voted to move forward with the Community Advisory
Committee, with a request for interested persons now being activated.
Information and application can be obtained from the CVAG
(Coachella Valley Association of Governments) website; City staff
requested to also publicize on City channels and invite residents to
apply. Alerted Councilmembers to keep in mind anyone who might
be interested in serving there, particularly Mayor Pro Tern Nestande
as liaison to the Citizens' Sustainability Committee to invite its
members to apply for this opportunity, because it would be good to
have one of them there.
Mayor Pro Tern Nestande said she would ask for an e-mail to be sent
to Sustainability Committee Members inviting them to apply.
2. CVAG Homelessness Committee - meeting coming up next week,
and he will provide details afterward. Some good news on this front,
the CV Housing First Program has achieved a record amount of
funding, along with a record number of cities and other entities
participating.
The Homelessness Point In Time Count draft report is out, although
not public information yet. It will be discussed at next week's meeting,
and he will make a follow-up report at the next City Council Meeting.
C. Councilmember Kathleen Kellv Committee Reports and General Comments.
1. SCAG Conference - also attended in Palm Desert last week where
one of the things she found most helpful was engaging with
representatives from jurisdictions that are striving to use rideshare or
van pools, or variations thereof, to help fill transportation needs where
a standard trunk line bus route may be impractical. Coachella
Valley's SunLine Transit Agency is about to develop pilot
programming for something very similar. Good to make connections
with similarly situated communities to share new transit ideas.
2. Coachella Vallev Animal Campus Commission - attended this
morning's meeting. Quite a few residents have expressed concern
about the puppy store on San Pablo Avenue and whether or not their
sourcing might include animals from `puppy mills.' That store has
recently closed and, as was confirmed at this morning's meeting, had
been the subject of pretty vigorous enforcement visits by the
Riverside County Department of Animal Services seeking to enforce
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the new State law that prohibits puppy sales unless they have come
from a shelter or non-profit rescue group. However, it was also
reported that in an effort to skirt California's new law, some out-of-
state suppliers with questionable business practices had become non-
profit entities in order to supply pets under this guise. Local
advocates are staying in close touch with Sacramento legislators to
draft additional legislation that would close this loophole.
D Mavor Pro Tern Gina Nestande Committee Reports and General Comments.
None
E. Mavor Susan Marie Weber Meeting Summaries Report for the Period of
April 13-26, 2019.
With City Council concurrence, the Meeting Summaries Report was received and
filed.
Citv Thursdav Night Spring Concert Series - congratulated the
brilliance of staff for arranging last week's opening concert with the
group Berlin. It drew an excited, standing -room -only crowd to Civic
Center Park on May 2. Tonight's concert begins at 7:30 p.m. with the
Mighty Untouchables and their Motown sound that features both
classic and contemporary hits.
Staff confirmed that there would be food trucks present for tonight's
concert as well.
Mayor Weber commended Management Analyst Vanessa Mager for
her good work last Thursday as more and more people continued
showing up and additional space had to be found for vehicles to park,
which was a welcome problem.
2. Fiscal Year 2019-2020 Citv Budget Sessions - commended
Ms. Aylaian, Ms. Moore, the entire Finance Department and City staff
for two well -run sessions on Monday and Tuesday this week to
discuss the proposed FY 2019-2020 City Budget. The information
was very well laid out and all questions raised were professionally
addressed.
F. City Council Requests for Action.
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G. City Council Consideration of Travel Reauests/Reports,.
None
XI. STAFF REPORTS AND REMARKS
A. City Manager
1. City Manaaer's Meetina Summaries Report for the Period of
April 15-26, 2019.
With City Council concurrence, the City Manager's Meeting Summaries Report was
received and filed.
2. Corporation Yard Annual Cinco de Mavo Celebration..
Ms. Aylaian thanked Corporation Yard staff for again hosting a
wonderful event for all employees and City Council, this year held on
Dos de Mayo (May 2). Everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves,
especially the great food, and upon inquiry, she offered to find out and
report back on winner of the employee salsa contest.
B. City Attorney
None
C. City Clerk
None
D. Public Safety
1. Fire Department
Chief Davis announced that this is "Wildland Fire Preparedness
Week," reminding everyone to be careful with rising temperatures,
vegetation drying out and becoming fuel that is very susceptible to a
spark. He encouraged residents to be prepared before a fire starts to
protect each other's lives and property. First thing to do is understand
fire risks and take action before a fire starts. He urged residents to
talk and meet with their neighbors, get a protective plan to minimize
harm to businesses, properties, and community assets. He said fire -
safe construction features are encouraged to safeguard homes, as is
observing points of entry (e.g. attic spaces or vents) where embers
could travel to in the wind, as well as clearing brush and debris from
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property. He said the biggest recommendation is to develop an
evacuation plan for you, your family, and any pets, and sharing it with
your neighbors so that they are aware of them when you're not home.
Majority of wildland fires are human -caused, meaning they can be
prevented.
Councilmember Harnik pointed out that she'd seen quite a bit of dry
brush on the bare lot located near the intersection of Ocotillo
Drive/Tumbleweed Lane in the City and asked staff to follow up.
Chief Davis added that as everyone was well aware, the Camp Fire
was the most devastating wildland fire in California's history. He
reminded everyone that fires can blow through cities, whether or not
there are buildings or little brush, it could even be in the adjacent city
or unincorporated areas, urging everyone to be safe.
2. Police Department
None
XII. CONSENT CALENDAR
PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL
A. MINUTES of the Regular City Council Meeting of April 25, 2019.
Rec: Approve as presented.
B. CLAIMS AND DEMANDS AGAINST THE CITY TREASURY - Warrants
Dated 4/5/2019, 4/12/2019 - (2 Total), and 4/19/2019.
Rec: Approve as presented.
C. CITY COMMITTEE AND COMMISSION MINUTES..
1. Citizens' Sustainability Committee Meeting of January 28, 2019.
2. Youth Committee Meetings of January 14, February 11, and
March 11, 2019.
Rec: Receive and file.
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D. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of a Reimbursement Agreement with County of
Riverside for Construction of Washington Street Intersection Re -Wiring and
Controller Assembly Upgrades (Contract No. C38550, Project No. 551-17).
Rec: By Minute Motion: 1) Subject to such minor technical changes as may
be necessary, approve a Reimbursement Agreement with Riverside
County for Construction of Washington Street Intersection Re -Wiring
and Controller Assembly Upgrades; 2) authorize the Mayorto execute
said agreement — funds are available in Measure "A", Account
No. 2134617-4400100.
E. REQUEST FOR AWARD OF CONTRACT for a One -Year Agreement
(FY 2019-2020) with Waterline Technologies, Inc., in the Amount of $73,488
for Chemical Acquisition at the Palm Desert Aquatic Center (Contract
No. C38560).
Rec: By Minute Motion: 1) Award subject one-year agreement to
Waterline Technologies, Inc., Santa Ana, California, in the amount of
$73,488 for chemical acquisition at Palm Desert Aquatic Center;
2) authorize the Mayor to execute same - if approved, funds are
available in Account No. 2424549-4211100 - Supplies -Pool
Chemicals.
F. REQUEST FOR ACCEPTANCE OF WORK for Contract
No. C37910 — Santa Rosa Community Garden Renovation Project (Project
No. 997-19) (Urban Habitat, La Quinta, 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.
G. REQUEST FOR ACCEPTANCE OF WORK for Contract
No. A38010 — Council Chamber HVAC Replacement Project (Project
No. 764-18) (Desert Air Conditioning, Inc., Palm Springs, 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.
H. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION to Release Cash Deposits for Tract Map
37292 for Faithful Performance and Labor and Materials, and to Accept
Maintenance Deposit Therefor (Mi Casa Property, LLC, Applicant).
Rec: By Minute Motion, release cash deposits for Tract Map 37292 in the
amount of $6,162.30 for Faithful Performance and $3,423.50 for
Labor and Materials, and accept a Maintenance Deposit in the
amount of $684.70, which will be held for a period of one year.
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REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION to Release Cash Deposits for
Garagetown, Parcel Map 37349, for Faithful Performance and Labor and
Materials, and to Accept Maintenance Deposit Therefor (Spinell Homes, Inc.,
Applicant).
Rec: By Minute Motion, release cash deposits for Garagetown, Parcel
Map 37349, in the amount of $10,125 for Faithful Performance and
$5,625 for Labor and Materials, and accept a Maintenance Deposit in
the amount of $1,125, which will be held for a period of one year.
SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
J. MINUTES of the April 25, 2019, Regular Meeting of the Board of Directors
of the Successor Agency to the Palm Desert Redevelopment Agency.
Rec: Approve as presented.
K. CLAIMS AND DEMANDS AGAINST SUCCESSOR AGENCY TREASURY -
Warrant Dated 4/12/2019.
Rec: Approve as presented.
PALM DESERT HOUSING AUTHORITY
L. MINUTES of the Housing Authority Meeting of April 25, 2019.
Rec: Approve as presented.
Upon a motion by Kelly, second by Harnik, and 5-0 vote of the City Council,
Successor Agency Board, and Housing Authority Board (AYES: Harnik, Jonathan, Kelly,
Nestande, and Weber; NOES: None), the Consent Calendar was approved as presented.
XIII. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER
None
XIV. RESOLUTIONS
None
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PRELIMINARY MINUTES D R A F T
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 9, 2019
XV. ORDINANCES
A. For Introduction:
None
B. For Adoption:
None
XVI. NEW BUSINESS
A. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION OF AN EXPENDITURE OF
MARKETING FUNDS FOR A NEW TOURISM AD CAMPAIGN AS EXTRA
WORK, PROVIDED FOR IN MARKETING CONTRACT WITH
IDEAPEDDLER, LLC (CONTRACT NO. C37180).
Tourism & Marketing Manager Thomas Soule commented that at a Study
Session two weeks ago, City Council had opportunity to hear results of the
first market research study the City had ever undertaken. This study helped
staff determine Palm Desert's marketing position in relation to other cities in
the Coachella Valley. Further, it helped explore how people in the drive
market perceive Palm Desert, what attracts them to shop, dine, and stay
here; it represented the first step toward creating a new ad campaign for the
City. At its regular April meeting, the Marketing Committee also heard results
of the research project, and based upon those findings, approved of direction
for a new ad campaign. To that point, the staff report before City Council
today requests authorization to create it.
Mayor Pro Tern Nestande said she attended and saw the complete
demonstration at the Marketing Committee Meeting, which was repeated for
City Council at the Study Session on April 25. She asked how much of the
budget had been spent so far with Ideapeddler, LLC.
Mr. Soule didn't have that exact number with him today, but upon further
question, he replied that the subject request was to initiate creation of a new
campaign. Next step will be to brainstorm and develop some concepts, staff
will help narrow them down, and then they will be presented to the Marketing
Committee for feedback. He anticipated being back before City Council for
authorization to take the further -developed concepts for more research with
people in the City's drive market to see how they're received. He added that
there would be plenty of opportunity for City Council to weigh in on what is
developed. He added that there was a lot of work before the team; this was
the first step.
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PRELIMINARY MINUTES D R A F T
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 9, 2019
Councilmember Harnik moved to, by Minute Motion, authorize $135,750 for the
development of a new tourism advertising campaign, to be performed by Ideapeddler, LLC,
Austin, Texas, as extra work, defined and provided for in subject contract — funds are
available in the Marketing Department, Fund 1104417. Motion was seconded by
Councilmember Kelly and carried by 5-0 vote (AYES: Harnik, Jonathan, Kelly, Nestande,
and Weber; NOES: None).
B. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF THE FORMATION OF AN AD HOC
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT COMMITTEE.
Public Information Officer David Hermann stated that City Council is being
presented with a proposal for creation of an Ad Hoc Community Engagement
Committee, part of the City's ongoing efforts to enhance civic engagement
across Palm Desert. If approved by City Council, this group would work with
City staff to identify meaningful and effective ways to better communicate
with and encourage civic participation by everyone in Palm Desert. He said
creation of this committee, first proposed by the City's civic engagement
consultants, has been endorsed by the City Staff Civic Engagement Task
Force. Task Force Members, some in attendance at today's meeting,
recognized that this type of group will be critically important to help ensure
that the City's engagement efforts are organic and rooted in the community.
He continued that the Staff Task Force has worked with the City Manager to
identify potential candidates for the Community Committee, based on
recommendations from the civic engagement consultants.
Councilmember Harnik was happy to see this effort moving forward, and
Councilmember Kelly noted that she inferred that there will be an effort to
populate the subject group with representatives from entirety of the City's
population. Mr. Hermann confirmed that was absolutely the goal and that
there is passionate commitment to it by all concerned.
Councilmember Harnik moved to, by Minute Motion, approve formation of an
Ad Hoc Community Engagement Committee and authorize the City Manager to appoint
representatives to the Committee based on recommendations from the Staff Civic
Engagement Task Force. Motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Nestande and carried
by 5-0 vote (AYES: Harnik, Jonathan, Kelly, Nestande, and Weber; NOES: None).
XVII. CONTINUED BUSINESS
None
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PRELIMINARY MINUTES D R A F T
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 9, 2019
XVIII. OLD BUSINESS
A. CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST BY ALLIED AFFORDABLE HOUSING,
LLC, TO EXTEND ENTITLEMENTS AND CONTRACT FOR PROPOSED
DEVELOPMENT OF THE ARC VILLAGE PROJECT AT THE HOUSING
AUTHORITY VACANT PROPERTY KNOWN AS APN 622-020-096 (JOINT
CONSIDERATION WITH THE PALM DESERT HOUSING AUTHORITY).
Senior Management Analyst Jessica Gonzales stated that approval of staff's
recommendation will allow an extension to entitlements and ground lease for
the Arc Village Project. She recalled that in August 2018 the City
Council/Authority Board approved an extension that aligned both the
entitlements and ground lease for the project, which are soon to expire on
May 17, 2019. Developer Allied Affordable Housing, LLC, requested an
additional one-year extension to May 17, 2020, so that they can seek and
secure the financing gap necessary to develop the project, having identified
new and existing funding sources coming available within the next month to
assist with that gap. She said staff recommends approval and offered to
answer questions, noting that Allied Affordable Housing's representative,
Ms. Yvonne Delgadillo, was also present today for that purpose.
MS. YVONNE DELGADILLO, Allied Affordable Housing, LLC, Santa Monica,
CA, expressed appreciation for the City's/Housing Authority's support over
the past two years. She acknowledged that it's been a frustrating process
for all in trying to secure funds. However, the subject extension request was
being made because they're seeing some new resources opening up within
the next few months to help bridge the financing gap. Originally, she said
they were considering a 9% Low -Income Housing Tax Credit Project through
the State of California. Whereas, now they're exploring using a combination
of 4% Low -Income Housing Tax Credits, which are non-competitive, with a
combination of other Housing and Community Development grants and
resources from the State of California. One of those was the Multi -Family
Housing Program, which was due to come out any time now. Additionally,
she said another round of Home Funds was expected, which Allied applied
for in August 2018, and theirs would have been the next project funded if
more resources had been available. Although in the interim, she noted that
Allied secured six vouchers from Riverside County Housing Authority,
shortening the gap they face in order to secure all needed financing. She
said the past year for Allied will be the last opportunity for them to go out and
bring the subject project to fruition. She stated that Allied continues
communicating with Desert Arc, neighbors of the site, and the City/Housing
Authority, because they're committed to this important project, reiterating
great appreciation for all the City's/Authority's support throughout the
process.
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PRELIMINARY MINUTES D R A F T
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 9, 2019
Councilmember/Member Harnik thanked Ms. Delgadillo for the time she took
the other day to provide a lot of valuable information. She went on to say
that many know she's quite passionate about this project, because it is one
that will serve not only Palm Desert but is very important to the entire region.
With all the effort that's been put into it so far, along with a shift in thinking
at the State Capitol, she hoped perhaps now there will be more support for
the project and again thanked Ms. Delgadillo for all the work she was doing.
Councilman/Member Jonathan commented that he was in favor of the
extension. However, when it terminates, it will have been five years that the
two parties have been dancing together on this project, this being the third
or fourth extension. Personally, he believed that Allied has the same
concerns, that there are only so many resources they can expend on this
project, especially after three denials. He clarified that he's also passionately
in favor of the project for all the benefit that it will provide Palm Desert and
Valley residents. But after five years, he expects at this point if it's not
successful, all parties need to take another direction - barring any other
compelling reasons for continuing - which will be at the end of this extension.
Mayor/Chairman Weber noted that she, Councilmembers/Members
Kelly and Jonathan, and Mr. Stendell attended a meeting earlier today where
related information was presented. Mr. Stendell went on to say it was an
update from Daniel Carrigg, Deputy Executive Director/Legislative Director
for the League of California Cities. Mr. Carrigg echoed many of the
comments made by Allied today that there are different sources of funding
out there, and the landscape for funding of affordable projects is different
still. Mr. Stendell observed he didn't recall in the recent past as much money
being available for these projects as there was currently and hoped it would
help get this project completed.
Mayor/Chairman Weber remarked the information from that meeting was
what provided optimism for the subject project and request before the
City Council/Authority Board today.
Mayor Pro Tem/Vice Chairman Nestande noted she was very supportive of
this project and the Allied Affordable Housing group, and was impressed by
Ms. Delgadillo when she had opportunity to meet with her approximately one
month ago. Further, she was very optimistic about the project's future.
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PRELIMINARY MINUTES D R A F T
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 9, 2019
Mayor Pro TemNice Chairman Nestande moved to, by Minute Motion: 1) Approve
the request by Allied Affordable Housing, LLC, Santa Monica, California, to extend Case
No. PP/CUP 16-102 and Contract No. HA34970 through May 17, 2020, for the proposed
development of the Arc Village Project at the Authority's vacant property known as
APN 622-020-096; 2) authorize legal counsel to prepare and finalize an extension contract;
3) authorize the Chairman and/or Executive Director, or her designee, to execute any
necessary actions, including the negotiated extension contract and any documents
necessary to facilitate the contract and the Arc Village Project. Motion was seconded by
Councilmember/Member Kelly and carried by 5-0 vote (AYES: Harnik, Jonathan, Kelly,
Nestande, and Weber; NOES: None).
XIX. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. CONSIDERATION OF A PROPOSED PLAN FOR BOND ISSUANCE BY
THE CALIFORNIA STATEWIDE COMMUNITIES DEVELOPMENT
AUTHORITY FOR THE SANDS APARTMENT PROJECT LOCATED AT
74351 HOVLEY LANE EAST (Lee Newell, New Cities Investment Partners,
LLC, Applicant).
Principal Planner Eric Ceja stated this was a public hearing item for the
Sands Project, approved by City Council in 2018. Subsequent to the
Project's approval, City Council also adopted a resolution that approved
issuance of bonds to finance the project, with issuance of those bonds
performed by the State's Community Development Authority and are funds
specifically used to finance affordable housing projects around the State. He
reported that the Applicant has taken strides to obtain those bonds and
anticipates their issuance later this summer; however, the State requires the
City to perform a public hearing on the matter annually to show local
jurisdiction support of the project. He noted that this action does not commit
the City to financing the project, and staff recommended approval.
Mayor Weber declared the public hearing open and invited testimony
SUPPORTING or OPPOSING the request. With no testimony received, she
declared the public hearing closed.
Councilmember Harnik moved to: 1) Waive further reading and adopt Resolution
No. 2019 - 21, recommending that the California Statewide Communities Development
Authority issue bonds for financing of the 384-unit Sands Apartment project; 2) by Minute
Motion, authorize legal counsel to finalize the Resolution, materially consistent with the
approvals and take any action necessary to effectuate the Resolution. Motion was
seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Nestande and carried by 5-0 vote (AYES: Harnik, Jonathan,
Kelly, Nestande, and Weber; NOES: None).
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PRELIMINARY MINUTES D R A F T
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 9, 2019
XX. ADJOURNMENT
With City Council concurrence, Mayor Weber adjourned the meeting at 5:07 p.m.
SUSAN MARIE WEBER, MAYOR
ATTEST:
RACHELLE D. KLASSEN, CITY CLERK
CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA