HomeMy WebLinkAboutPrelim - CC - 03-08-2018 DRAFT
PRELIMINARY MINUTES '� A
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING
THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2018
CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBER
73510 FRED WARING DRIVE, PALM DESERT, CA 92260
I. CALL TO ORDER - 3:00 P.M.
Mayor Jonathan convened the meeting at 3:00 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL
Present: •
Councilmember Jan C. Harnik
Councilmember Kathleen Kelly
Councilmember Gina Nestande
Mayor Pro Tern Susan Marie Weber
Mayor Sabby Jonathan
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
Tim Jonasson, Interim Director of Public Works
John Cortez, Battalion Chief, Palm Desert Fire/Riverside Co. Fire Dept./Cal Fire
Lt. Matt Martello, Asst. Chief, Palm Desert Police/Riverside Co. Sheriff's Dept.
M. Gloria Sanchez, Records Technician
III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - A (CLOSED SESSION ITEMS)
None
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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: Lease Property - Parkview Professional Office Complex,
73710 Fred Waring Drive, Suite No. 102, Palm Desert
Negotiating Parties:
Agency: Lauri Aylaian/Janet M. Moore/City of Palm Desert
Property Owner: City of Palm Desert
Other Parties: Coachella Valley Economic Partnership
Under Negotiation: x Price x Terms of Payment
Ms. Aylaian requested City Council's consideration of adding an item to the agenda
by four-fifths vote, which had presented itself after posting of the agenda.
2) Property: Lease Property - Parkview Professional Office Complex,
73710 Fred Waring Drive, Suite No. 120, Palm Desert
Negotiating Parties:
Agency: Lauri Aylaian/Janet M. Moore/City of Palm Desert
Property Owner: City of Palm Desert
Other Parties: Advantec Engineers
Under Negotiation: x Price x Terms of Payment
On a motion by Harnik, second by Nestande, and 5-0 vote of the City Council
(AYES: Harnik, Kelly, Nestande,Weber,and Jonathan; NOES: None),the aforementioned
Property Negotiation was added to the City Council agenda for Closed Session.
B. Conference with Legal Counsel regarding significant exposure to litigation
pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2):
Number of potential cases: 2
C. Conference with Labor Negotiators pursuant to Government Code
Section 54957.6:
Agency Representative: City Manager and/or
Director of Administrative Services
Unrepresented Employee: Director of Public Works
With City Council concurrence, Mayor Jonathan adjourned the meeting to Closed
Session of the City Council at 3:02 p.m. He reconvened the meeting at 4:02 p.m.
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V. RECONVENE REGULAR MEETING - 4:00 P.M.
A. REPORT ON ACTION FROM CLOSED SESSION.
None
VI. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF
THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - Councilmember Gina Nestande
VII. INVOCATION - Councilmember Kathleen Kelly
VIII. AWARDS AND PRESENTATIONS
A. PRESENTATION OF PROCLAMATIONS TO PALM DESERT
HIGH SCHOOL WORLDQUEST COMPETITION TEAM MEMBERS,
DECLARING THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2018, IN HONOR OF
MATTHEW CHANG, PATRICIA DAN, JOSHUA PHILLIPS, AND
DANIELLE HJERPE.
On behalf of the City Council, Mayor Jonathan presented the proclamation
to the WorldQuest Competition Team Members. He said Council was so
proud of them because there is so much attention on sports and other types
of competition, and sometimes intellectual and academic ones are not given
as much weight, but not here in the City of Palm Desert. He said the youth
is the future of this community and the world, and with students like those in
the Worldquest Competition, he knew the future was in good hands. He
added that the team was on their way to Washington D.C. to compete
nationally.
B. PRESENTATION OF PROCLAMATION DECLARING APRIL 8 - 14, 2018,
AS "CRIME VICTIMS' RIGHTS WEEK" IN THE CITY OF PALM DESERT.
On behalf of the City Council, Mayor Jonathan presented the proclamation
to District Attorney Mike Hestrin from the Riverside County District Attorney's
Office.
Mr. Hestrin thanked the Mayor and City Council for this recognition, stating
often the forgotten side of what they do in seeking justice is the plight of the
victim. There was a time not long ago where victims didn't have the right to
even attend court hearings or much less be heard in a courtroom where they
themselves or a member of their family was a victim of crime. He said the
justice system has come a long way, and it was due to the hard work of the
people that stand up for victims' rights and being recognized by city councils,
cities, and people all over the country that progress has been made.
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IX. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - B
MR. RICHARD KNAPP expressed his support of Denise Latini, the Registered
Nurse who runs the Eisenhower Memory Care Center. His intent is to bring
awareness of that facility that attends to 30 to 35 people every week from 7:30 a.m.
to 5:00 p.m. He said you can pay to have someone look after your loved one in a
safe environment. There is also an Alzheimer's Support Group that meets every
Thursday, because one of the statistics is that 70%of caregivers will not survive the
person they are taking care of due to the stress. He hopes the City will mention the
Center in their BrightSide Newsletter, adding that he left information at the Visitor
Center and with the City Clerk.
Mayor Jonathan noted the City's Public Information Officer, Dave Hermann, will
follow-up and take the next step.
MR. WALLY MELENDEZ approached the City Council to inform them that the
faucets in the men's restroom are an old style, and there are newer more modern
ones that would be healthier for people to use. He noted he's originally from Texas,
and when he came to California he learned about the Ralph M. Brown Act where
citizens can address a group of elected officials for three minutes,which he thought
was a great thing.
X. MAYOR AND COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS& REMARKS TO THE COMMUNITY
A. Councilmember Jan C. Harnik Committee Reports and General Comments.
1. Alzheimer's Walk - announced the event will be taking place on
April 7 at the Civic Center Park. She said it was a good time to pull
together your teams, because it's an important walk. She said
Alzheimer impacts many in one way or another.
2. Field Day - March 10, 2018 - announced that Palm Desert Youth
Sports Association(PDYSA)will open up the baseball season with the
"Field Day" event at Palm Desert Civic Center Park. She noted the
In-N-Out Burger Food Truck will be there.
3. Honoring Mary Helen Kelly.- reported that Ms. Kelly will be honored
at the Sister Cities Luncheon at Desert Willow Golf Resort on
March 15, 2018, for the myriad of things she has done for the City.
She hopes people will take the time to thank her for all she's done.
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B. Councilmember Kathleen Kelly Committee Reports and General Comments.
1. SunLine Transit Board - reported that SunLine was more than just a
bus company, even though that is the most visible activity. It does
indeed have a broad range of transportation related initiatives, and
one of those is not nearly as well known, which is the Taxi Voucher
Program. If you are 60+ years of age or disabled, you can go to the
SunLine main office on Harry Oliver Trail, complete an application,
and become part of the Taxi Voucher Program. Under that program,
as much as $75.00 a month will be doubled on a card toward taxi
rides. So, if you or someone else needs those services, please
spread the word about the Program.
2. SunLine Pilot Program - shared that SunLine is working on a pilot
program to help people get to the main arteries that are serviced by
frequent buses, and as more information is known, she will share
accordingly.
C. Councilmember Gina Nestande Committee Reports and General Comments.
None
D. Mayor Pro Tem Susan Marie Weber Meeting Summaries Report for the
Period of February 12-25, 2018.
With City Council concurrence,the Meeting Summaries Report was received
and filed.
1. Eisenhower Memory Care Center - visited the facility and was very
honored that they allowed her to sit in on their support group meeting.
She said everyone needed to be reminded that this service and
facility are located in Palm Desert. She said this was sort of a day
care for adults where they are well-taken care of and they are given
activities to do. She thanked Mr. Knapp for coming in today on behalf
of Ms. Denise Latini from the Eisenhower Memory Care Center to
inform the public about the facility.
2. State of the City Address-Congratulated Mayor Jonathan and Senior
Management Analyst David Hermann for the phenomenal and well-
received presentation. She said it was a one-of-a-kind State of the
City address and it will be a hard show to follow. She noted the
presentation will be available on the City's website.
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E. Mayor Sabby Jonathan Committee Reports and General Comments.
1. CV Link Ribbon-Cuttinq- attended the Cathedral City event. He said
staff is working and collaborating with Coachella Valley Association
of Governments(CVAG)to develop the route through the City of Palm
Desert. He hopes to see construction begin in the next 12 months.
2. Desert Community Energy (DCE) Committee - attended the meeting
along with Councilmember Kelly, stating they are looking to July for
the roll out of the actual implementation.
3. State of the City Address - thanked Senior Management Analyst
David Hermann,Tourism and Marketing Manager Thomas Soule, and
Vanessa Torres from the Palm Desert Chamber of Commerce for
making it so successful. He said the Chamber did an outstanding job
of setting up the room. He added that his objective was to make Palm
Desert shine, because it's a special place, and he believed that goal
was accomplished.
4. Wildflower Festival-a shout-out to Tammy Martin and the volunteers,
because in spite of the challenging weather the event was very
successful. He noted this event was part of the First Weekend Series
of events.
5. Path of Life Ribbon-Cutting - attended the office opening in Palm
Springs. He noted there will be more offices opening up, in that the
Cathedral City and Desert Hot Springs offices are already secured.
He commented that Path of Life is already having success in their
fight against homelessness.
6. Coffee with the Mayor-said these are held monthly, and the one held
this morning was at Hotel Paseo. It was well attended, and many of
the people he met were new to the Desert and they are getting
involved with the City, and they are learning about the
committees/commissions. The next one is scheduled for April 12 at
The Living Desert Reserve. He thanked the folks at Hotel Paseo for
doing a.great job of hosting the event.
F. City Council Requests for Action.
None
G. City Council Consideration of Travel Requests/Reports.
None
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XI. STAFF REPORTS AND REMARKS
A. City Manager
1. City Manager's Meeting Summaries Report for the Period of
February 12-23, 2018.
With City Council concurrence, the Meeting Summaries Report was received and
filed.
2. Request for Appointment of Councilmember(s)to Participate in the Ad
Hoc Subcommittee Review of Seasonal Lighting & Decor Program
Proposals Received in Response to the Current Solicitation.
Ms. Aylaian stated staff was looking for two volunteers from the City
Council to serve on an Ad Hoc Committee to take a look at seasonal
lighting and decor. This is the lighting that typically lines El Paseo,
Highway 111, Civic Center Park, and City Hall during the holiday
season. The decor typically lasts about five years, at which time the
City goes out for request for proposals, and then the ad hoc
committee reviews the companies and their portfolios for
qualifications. She said this would be a weighted assignment.
Councilmember Harnik and Mayor Pro Tem Weber volunteered.
With City Council concurrence, Councilmember Jan C. Harnik and Mayor Pro Tern
Susan Marie Weber were appointed to participate in review of proposals received for the
City's Seasonal Lighting & Decor Program.
B. City Attorney
None
C. City Clerk
None
D. Public Safety
1. Fire Department
None
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2. Police Department
None
XII. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. MINUTES of the Regular City Council Meeting of February 22, 2018.
Rec: Approve as presented.
B. CLAIMS AND DEMANDS AGAINST THE CITY TREASURY-Warrant Dated
2/9/2018.
Rec: Approve as presented.
C. CLAIMS AND DEMANDS AGAINST THE CITY/HOUSING TREASURIES -
Warrants Dated 2/2/2018 and 2/23/2018 (Joint Consideration with the
Palm Desert Housing Authority).
Rec: Approve as presented.
D. CITY COMMITTEE AND COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES.
1. Audit, Investment & Finance Committee Meetings of September 26
and November 28, 2017.
2. Cultural Resources Preservation Committee Meeting of December 12,
2017.
3. Youth Committee Meeting of January 8, 2018.
Rec: Receive and file.
E. LETTER OF RESIGNATION from Courtney Lingle—Citizens' Sustainability
Committee.
Rec: Receive with very sincere regret.
F. COMPLIANCE ANALYSIS AND INVESTMENT REPORTS for the Months
of September, October, and November 2017(Joint Consideration with the
Successor Agency to the Palm Desert Redevelopment Agency).
Rec: Receive and file.
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G. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of the Selection of The Hartford as City of
Palm Desert's Provider for Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Long-
Term Disability, and Short-Term Disability Insurance Products (Contract
No. C36760).
Rec: By Minute Motion, approve selection of The Hartford as City of
Palm Desert's provider for Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment,
Long-Term Disability, and Short-Term Disability insurance products,
and authorize City Manager to execute an application for coverage
and related agreements necessary to effectuate this request.
H. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of a Memorandum of Understanding Between
City of Palm Desert and Riverside County Department of Environmental
Health for Plan Review Services for Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems
(OWTS) (Contract No. C36770).
Rec: By Minute Motion: 1)Approve Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
between City of Palm Desert and Riverside County Department of
Environmental Health for Plan Review Services for OWTS;
2) authorize City Attorney to make non-substantive changes and
City Manager to execute the MOU.
Upon a motion by Harnik, second by Weber, and 5-0 vote of the City Council
(AYES: Harnik, Kelly, Nestande, Weber, and Jonathan; NOES: None), the Consent
Calendar was approved as presented.
XIII. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER
None
XIV. RESOLUTIONS
A. RESOLUTION NO. 2018 - 14 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING USE OF
LIVE SCAN TECHNOLOGY TO ASSIST THE CITY IN IMPLEMENTING ITS
CANNABIS BUSINESS REGULATORY PERMIT REGULATIONS.
Ms. Carney recalled for the City Council that when the City adopted the
Cannabis regulations, one of the things included was a criminal background
investigation. In order to obtain the records needed to conduct that
investigation, the City needs authorization from the Department of Justice to
receive criminal record information for that specific purpose. The City
currently has permission to receive that information for employment
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purposes. The proposed Resolution was drafted by the City Attorney and
has been reviewed by the Department of Justice .
Councilmember Harnik moved to waive further reading and adopt Resolution
No. 2018 - 14. Motion was seconded by Kelly.
Mayor Pro Tern Weber noted she's had several live scan background checks
done, and sometimes the report goes directly to the person requesting it with
a short statement that it found no problem based on the criteria. She asked
if the City would be receiving a short statement or the actual report.
Ms. Carney replied the City would be receiving the actual records. Further
responding, she said the information will be sent to the Custodian of Records
(COR). For example, she's the COR for employment related requests, and
Mr. Eric Ceja will be the COR for this purpose. Records will be securely sent
to the City electronically from the Department of Justice (DOJ). She said the
City has to have a background investigation to be certified and held to
individual standards in order to care for that information. If the records are
printed, they must be kept in a locked filing cabinet in a locked room, and no
one else can have access to it except the COR. As the COR for employment
purposes, she reviews the records and determines if the applicant meets the
standards for employment with the City of Palm Desert, but she doesn't
share them with anyone. The same will be true with the Cannabis
applications, and the regulations specify what types of things would be
disqualifying.
Mr. Stendell concurred, stating some time ago,the City also employed a third
party consultant. Therefore, the custodian of records is basically a conduit
to the City's third party contractor.
Ms. Carney offered that this Resolution specifies the City cannot share the
information with a vendor, so staff will have to decide whether this person
meets the criteria before handing off the application; it's a technical
difference.
Mayor Pro Tern Weber said it was an important difference, because things
have been hacked and information has been released, so she's concerned
with a whole lot of people applying for something and the City receiving
private information. She heard staff say there are four areas that would
disqualify an applicant, therefore, why couldn't the City direct the DOJ to
indicate if any of the four areas exist, and if they do, the City would disqualify
based on that outcome. Then it's up to the applicant to prove to the City that
it was in error.
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Ms. Carney replied that the DOJ does not provide that type of service. What
they do is provide the records, and as a government agency, the City is
allowed to use those records for specified purposes. One of those purposes
being specified is license insured and permitting. For example, the City
requires live scan for massage permitting, which used to be administered by
the City, but now it's administered through Coachella Valley Association of
Governments (CVAG). The way it works is that one will log into the DOJ
system and view these records, and many times it will say there are no
reportable records to review or it will list them out. Then one makes a
decision and determine if the records are disqualifying. If the records are
found to be disqualifying, one would be required to provide a copy of the
record to the applicant. Then,the applicant can dispute the information or do
whatever their next step is. She pointed out the City maintains private and
confidential information on a wide variety of subjects, in that it has a number
of regulatory permits and employment records, etc. She understood there
was an issue with a document that was released to the public that shouldn't
have been, however, she was confident that particular issue has been
addressed, adding that records kept on behalf of the public and employees
are secure. Responding to question as to how long records will be kept, she
said records are kept in accordance with the City's records retention
schedule. For employment, records are kept until the individual is no longer
employed and seven years later the records are destroyed.
Mr. Hargreaves added that records are viewed on the DOJ website and not
necessarily downloaded.
Ms. Carney agreed, stating records will only be printed if there is a
disqualifying area where you then have to provide the applicant with a copy
of the report.
Mayor Pro Tern Weber said she understands that if a record is printed, it
would be locked up, otherwise, there is no reason to print it. However, if
there is a disqualifying area, a copy will be provided to the applicant. In other
words, nothing can be hacked or seen.
Councilmember Kelly pointed out that if the City rejects an applicant, the City
would have to keep a copy of the records to show the grounds for rejecting
them, including sharing the records with the applicant. She said the City
would have to keep a trail in case it is challenged.
Mayor Jonathan offered that in terms of the bigger picture, criminal
background check for cannabis license/applications is mandated by the State
and the City's Ordinance. Therefore, it's a requirement and live scan is
typically the process by which criminal background checks are conducted,
and the objective is to ensure confidentiality of sensitive and personal
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information and Council was getting assurances from staff that it's doing all
that it can.
Councilmember Harnik thanked the Mayor for clarifying that point.
Mayor Jonathan called for the vote and the motion carried on a 5-0 vote (AYES:
Harnik, Kelly, Nestande, Weber, and Jonathan; NOES: None).
XV. ORDINANCES
A. For Introduction:
None
B. For Adoption:
1. ORDINANCE NO. 1335 -AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, REPLACING •
CHAPTER 3.30 IN ITS ENTIRETY AND REPEALING CHAPTER 3.32
(RESCINDING ORDINANCE NOS. 224, 423, 586, 927, 928, 986,
1162, 1166, 1204, 1229, 1276, AND 1317) RELATIVE TO THE
PURCHASING SYSTEM AND PUBLIC WORKS CONTRACTS.
Ms. Moore noted this was the second reading of the Ordinance and
there have been no changes since the first reading of the Purchasing
Ordinance.
Councilmember Kelly moved to waive further reading and adopt Ordinance
No. 1335. Motion was seconded by Harnik and carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: Harnik, Kelly,
Nestande, Weber, and Jonathan; NOES: None).
XVI. NEW BUSINESS
None
XVII. CONTINUED BUSINESS
None
XVIII. OLD BUSINESS
None
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XIX. PUBLIC HEARINGS
None
XX. ADJOURNMENT
With City Council concurrence, Mayor Jonathan adjourned the meeting at 5:35 p.m.
SABBY JONATHAN, MAYOR
ATTEST:
RACHELLE D. KLASSEN, CITY CLERK
CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA
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