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PRELIMINARY MINUTES
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2016
CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBER
73510 FRED WARING DRIVE, PALM DESERT, CA 92260
CALL TO ORDER - 3:00 P.M.
Mayor Spiegel convened the meeting at 3:00 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL
Present:
Mayor Pro Tern Jan C. Harnik
Councilman Sabby Jonathan
Councilman Van G. Tanner
Councilmember Susan Marie Weber
Mayor Robert A. Spiegel
Also Present:
John M. Wohlmuth, City Manager
Robert W. Hargreaves, City Attorney
Rudy P. Acosta, Assistant City Manager
Rachelle D. Klassen, City Clerk
Russell Grance, Director of Building & Safety
Ryan Stendell, Director of Community Development
Martin Alvarez, Director of Economic Development
Paul S. Gibson, Director of Finance/City Treasurer
Janet M. Moore, Director of Housing
Mark Greenwood, Director of Public Works
Frankie Riddle, Director of Special Programs
Bo Chen, City Engineer
Stephen Y. Aryan, Risk Manager
Eric Cadden, Palm Desert Fire/Riverside Co. Fire Department/Cal Fire
Herman Lopez, Asst. Chief, Palm Desert Police/Riverside Co. Sheriffs Department
Grace L. Mendoza, Deputy City Clerk
III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - A (CLOSED SESSION ITEMS)
None
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IV. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION
Reauest for Closed Session:
A. Conference with Real Property Negotiator pursuant to Government Code
Section 54956.8:
1) Property: Desert Willow Lot Pads - APNs 620-450-012, -014;
620-450-016, -018, -020; 620-370-002, -004, -017, -018,
-020, -033, and -043
Negotiating Parties:
Agency: John M. Wohlmuth/Rudy P. Acosta/
Martin Alvarez/City of Palm Desert/Successor Agency
to the Palm Desert Redevelopment Agency
Property Owner: Successor Agency to the Palm Desert
Redevelopment Agency
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) WNRA Palm Desert 103, LP, v. City of Palm Desert, et al., Riverside
County Superior Court, Case No. PSC 1400549
C. 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 Spiegel adjourned the meeting to Closed
Session at 3:01 p.m. He reconvened the meeting at 4:00 p.m.
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 Susan Marie Weber
VII. INVOCATION - Mayor Pro Tern Jan C. Harnik
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VIII. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - B
None
IX. AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS, AND APPOINTMENTS
A. PRESENTATION TO RECOGNIZE MAUREEN THOMPSON FOR HER
SERVICE TO THE CITY OF PALM DESERT AND ITS CIVIC ARTS
COMMITTEE AND ART IN PUBLIC PLACES COMMISSION, 1997 - 2015.
On behalf of Mayor Spiegel and the entire City Council, Mayor Pro Tem
Harnik presented the engraved crystal, half -cylinder clock to Ms. Thompson
and heartily thanked her for her years of service to the City, to the School
District, and the community.
Ms. Thompson expressed sincere appreciation to the City for the opportunity
to serve — she loves Palm Desert — a wonderful home to her and her family,
and she couldn't think of a better place to live or serve.
X. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. MINUTES of the Regular City Council Meeting of January 28, 2016.
Rec: Approve as presented.
B. CLAIMS AND DEMANDS AGAINST THE CITY TREASURY - Warrants
Dated 1 /15/2016 and 1 /22/2016.
Rec: Approve as presented.
C. RESOLUTION NO. 2016 -18 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of
Palm Desert, California, Setting Forth its Findings and Authorizing the
Destruction of Records from the Office of the City Manager, As Indicated on
the Records Retention Schedule (Adopted May 14, 2015) — Records From
1996 - 2013 (Exhibit "A").
Rec: Waive further reading and adopt.
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D. RESOLUTION NO. 2016 -19 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of
Palm Desert, California, Setting Forth its Findings and Authorizing the
Destruction of Paper Records that Have Been Digitally Imaged from the
Office of the City Clerk, to Rely On the Electronic Record as the Official
Record — Records From 1991 - 1998 (Exhibit "A").
Rec: Waive further reading and adopt.
E. RESOLUTION NO. 2016 - 20 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of
Palm Desert, California, Setting Forth its Findings and Authorizing the
Destruction of Records from the Office of the City Clerk, As Indicated on the
Records Retention Schedule (Adopted May 14, 2015) — Records From
1991 - 2000 (Exhibit "A").
Rec: Waive further reading and adopt.
F. RESOLUTION NO. 2016 - 21 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of
Palm Desert, California, Setting Forth its Findings and Authorizing the
Destruction of Records from the Office of the City Clerk, As Indicated on the
Records Retention Schedule (Adopted May 14, 2015) — Records From
2004 - 2014 (Exhibit "A").
Rec: Waive further reading and adopt.
G. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of Out -of -State Travel forthe Principal Planner
from the Department of Community Development to Attend the American
Planning Association's (APA) 2016 Annual National Planning Conference in
Phoenix, Arizona - April 2-5.
Rec: By Minute Motion, authorize out-of-state travel for the Principal
Planner from the Department of Community Development to attend
the American Planning Association's 2016 National Planning
Conference in Phoenix, Arizona - funds are available in Account
No. 1104470-4312000 - Community Development-
Conferences/Seminars/Workshops.
H. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION to Release Security for Tract No. 31676 -
Cornishe (Cornishe of Bighorn, LLC, Applicant).
Rec: By Minute Motion, authorize the City Clerk to release the security on
file for Tract No. 31676 - Cornishe.
Upon a motion by Tanner, second by Weber, and 5-0 vote of the City Council
(AYES: Harnik, Jonathan, Tanner, Weber, and Spiegel; NOES: None), the Consent
Calendar was approved as presented.
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XI. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER
None
XII. RESOLUTIONS
A. RESOLUTION NO. 2016 - 22 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE FISCAL
YEAR 2015-2016 BUDGET AS A RESULT OF MID -YEAR ADJUSTMENTS.
Mr. Gibson noted Exhibit A attached to the staff report, which highlights the
adjustment to the General Fund by $49,500 and the estimated revenues by
approximately $300,000, thereby increasing the net reserve.
Councilman Jonathan noticed that the property tax adjustment has an
increase of $250,000.
Mr. Gibson explained that it was attributed to the low property tax the City
receives due to Redevelopment being dissolved.
Mr. Wohlmuth added that it was also due to the sale of Successor Agency
properties, stating that when they are sold the City gets 3% back as one of
the taxing entities.
Mayor Pro Tern Harnik moved to waive further reading and adopt Resolution
No. 2016 - 22. Motion was seconded by Jonathan and carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES:
Harnik, Jonathan, Tanner, Weber, and Spiegel; NOES: None).
XIII. ORDINANCES
A. For Introduction:
None
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B. For Adoption:
1. ORDINANCE NO. 1303 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, REPEALING
PALM DESERT MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 25.72.040 -
DEVELOPMENT PLANS - AND ADOPTING A NEW MUNICIPAL
CODE SECTION 25.78.080 - SPECIFIC PLANS - AND MAKING
MINOR AMENDMENTS TO MUNICIPAL CODE
SECTIONS 25.28.060, 25.28.070, 25.60.060, AND 25.99.020 TO
REFLECT THE NEW SPECIFIC PLAN ORDINANCE,
Case No. 15-03 (City of Palm Desert, Applicant).
Associate Planner Eric Ceja stated that the proposed Ordinance
Amendment is to establish a Specific Plan Ordinance with other minor
code amendments.
Mayor Pro Tern Harnik moved to waive further reading and adopt Ordinance
No. 1303. Motion was seconded by Tanner and carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: Harnik,
Jonathan, Tanner, Weber, and Spiegel; NOES: None).
XIV. NEW BUSINESS
A. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF THE INSTALLATION OF A DC FAST
CHARGER AT THE PALM DESERT CIVIC CENTER ELECTRIC VEHICLE
CHARGING STATION AND OF THE ACCEPTANCE OF MOBILE SOURCE
AIR POLLUTION REDUCTION REVIEW COMMITTEE (MSRC) CLEAN
TRANSPORTATION GRANT FUNDING.
Ms. Riddle stated that approval of the contract will allow Clean Fuel
Connection to maintain and operate the DC Fast Charger at the Electric
Vehicle Charging Station located at the Civic Center. The vendor will be
responsible for overseeing construction of the project and work with City
Departments and the utilities such as Southern California Edison to
coordinate all the work. The cost of the project will be paid for through
SCAQMD (South Coast Air Quality Management District), MSRC grant
funds, and AB 2766 Funds.
Mayor Pro Tern Harnik moved to, by Minute Motion, approve: 1) Contract with Clean
Fuel Connection, Inc., to undertake DC Fast Charger Installation Project (Contract
No. C35030A); 2) Grant Contract with Mobile Source Reduction Committee (MSRC) for
award of grant funds (Contract No. C35030B); 3) Southern California Edison work and
expenditure to undertake certain site work relative to the project; 4) appropriation of funds
in the amount of $112,000 from Account No. 2384515-4400100 for this project — funding
for this project will have no negative impact on the City's General Fund. Motion was
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seconded by Weber and carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: Harnik, Jonathan, Tanner, Weber,
and Spiegel; NOES: None).
B. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION TO INITIATE A ZONING ORDINANCE
AMENDMENT, ADDING PROVISIONS FOR HEIGHT EXCEPTIONS
WITHIN THE OFFICE PROFESSIONAL (O.P.) ZONE - PALM DESERT
MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 25.25.016.
Mr. Stendell stated that at the January 28 City Council meeting, a request
was made by Councilman Jonathan for staff to look at the Office
Professional Zone, potentially for an exception section in the Municipal Code,
adding that this was not a new request as this has been requested in the
past. He said staff is pleased it has the flexibility within the design standards
that when something makes sense, it's able to bring that request forward to
the Council. However, in this case, the Office Professional Zone did not
have that flexibility build into it. He displayed a map showing a small amount
of Office Professional Zones in the City, with most along Fred Waring Drive,
Monterey Avenue, and Deep Canyon, pointing out the buffer between
residential zones. Although, in the north end of town there are some large
parcels that are nowhere near the proximity of anything sensitive to a second
story, an increase in height could lead to a better design and ensuring that
roof -mounted equipment is screened. A height increase would provide
property owners with a 10-foot interior ceiling height over an 8-foot, stating
that such an exception wouldn't impact negatively, but rather provide a better
building and net benefit to the City.
Councilman Jonathan commented that staff was proposing to build a
mechanism for an applicant to essentially come before the Council for an
exception.
Mr. Stendell concurred.
Councilman Jonathan moved to, by Minute Motion, direct staff to initiate a Zoning
Ordinance Amendment (ZOA) to add an exception section to the Office Professional Zone
(P.D.M.C. 25.25.016). Motion was seconded by Tanner and carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES:
Harnik, Jonathan, Tanner, Weber, and Spiegel; NOES: None).
Mr. Stendell pointed out that this item will go through the Planning
Commission and return to the Council at a later date.
Councilman Tanner said there was quite a bit of unoccupied office space in
the north sphere and wondered if by adding a second story the area would
be more appealing.
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Mr. Stendell responded that the City already allows for a second story, but
in this case, the height limit is 25 feet, stating the standard was written with
sensitivity to the adjacent residential homes. Therefore, someone can
already build a two story, but the standard is very constraining when factoring
two eight -foot ceiling heights, leaving very little room to install and screen the
roof -mounted equipment.
Councilman Jonathan added that when looking at the three sectors between
retail, commercial, and office, office is lagging way behind. He said office
space has the highest vacancy rate, not just in the Valley, but throughout.
Therefore, adding second stories or more office space will not fix the
vacancy problem.
C. CONSIDERATION OF RESCHEDULING THE THURSDAY, JUNE 23,
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING TO THURSDAY, JUNE 30, IN
ORDER FOR COUNCILMEMBERS TO ATTEND THE 2016 LEAGUE OF
CALIFORNIA CITIES' MAYORS AND COUNCIL MEMBERS EXECUTIVE
FORUM IN MONTEREY - JUNE 22-24.
Councilman Tanner moved to, by Minute Motion, concur with staff's
recommendation and schedule adjourning the Thursday, June 23, Regular City Council
Meeting to Thursday, June 30, in order for Councilmembers to attend the League of
California Cities' 2016 Mayors and Council Members Executive Forum, June 22-24, in
Monterey. Motion was seconded by Weber and carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: Harnik,
Jonathan, Tanner, Weber, and Spiegel; NOES: None).
D. INFORMATIONAL UPDATE ON THE ALESSANDRO WEST
IMPROVEMENT PROJECT.
Mr. Alvarez noted that this item was on the agenda at Council's request for
a status report on the Alessandro West Improvement Project. He noted the
staff report and offered to answer any questions.
Mayor Spiegel asked if the City now owned all that property.
Mr. Alvarez replied that staff was still working on the last couple of slivers of
land.
Mayor Spiegel stated he thought the Council was going to be meeting with
the property owner who lives in Beverly Hills.
Mr. Alvarez said contact has been made with the property owner and staff
and Legal Counsel is working through that process.
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Mayor Pro Tern Harnik stated that according to the staff report, she
understood the property owner has become difficult to reach again.
Mr. Hargreaves confirmed that was true.
Councilman Jonathan praised Mr. Alvarezfor an outstanding job, stating this
has been a difficult and long-drawn-out task over many years, and the City
was now nearing reality and perhaps seeing construction out there soon.
Further, he commended Mr. Alvarez for the wonderful results he has been
able to obtain.
Councilman Jonathan moved to, by Minute Motion, receive and file Informational
Update on the Alessandro West Improvement Project. Motion was seconded by Tanner
and carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: Harnik, Jonathan, Tanner, Weber, and Spiegel; NOES
None).
E. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION TO EXECUTE THE "PLEDGE OF
PAYMENTS UNDER REIMBURSEMENT AGREEMENT," ASSIGNING
HOTEL EL PASEO, LLC'S, POSITION FOR THE TRANSIENT
OCCUPANCY TAX PAYMENTS TO LAKESIDE CAPITAL, LLC
(CONTRACT NO. C33180A).
Economic Development Manager Ruth Ann Moore stated that on
December 12, 2013, the Council executed a Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT)
Reimbursement Agreement with El Paseo Hotel LLC. Within this agreement
the City Manager was authorized to approve the Assignment of the
Agreement, without further action from the Council, to a third party as part of
the financing of the project. The reason the Assignment is before the
Council today, is that Lakeside Capital LLC has requested modifications
within the original agreement. The modifications are listed both in the staff
report and in the Agreement. However, the City Attorney has one more
modification to the Agreement as part of the approval that the developer has
agreed to.
Mr. Hargreaves said he discussed with the developer some of the issues that
have been raised by certain Councilmembers. The developer is willing to
make the pledge of the assignment conditioned on commercial operation of
the hotel. Therefore, the pledge would not become effective until the
Certificate of Occupancy (COV) is issued. Staff is requesting that the
Council approve the Agreement as presented with the modification, subject
to the approval of the City Manager and the City Attorney for that particular
condition to be embedded in the Agreement.
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Councilman Jonathan pointed out that the Agreement itself references the
9% TOT, which is a 50% of the 9% up to the $1.8 million. He questioned
what would happen in the event the TOT is increased.
Ms. Moore replied that the Agreement wouldn't change, stating it will remain
at 50% of the 9%.
Mayor Pro Tern Harnik moved to, by Minute Motion: 1) Approve the "Pledge of
Payments Under Reimbursement Agreement," assigning the Transient Occupancy Tax
(TOT) payments and authorize the City Attorney to make non -substantive changes to the
agreement; 2) authorize the Mayor to execute same as amended, subject to the approval
of the City Manager and City Attorney. Motion was seconded by Tanner and carried by
a 5-0 vote (AYES: Harnik, Jonathan, Tanner, Weber, and Spiegel; NOES: None).
XV. CONTINUED BUSINESS
A. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF A PROCESS FOR ANNUALLY
ASSIGNING CITY COUNCILMEMBERS TO INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL
LIAISON APPOINTMENTS (Continued from the meeting of January 14,
2016).
Mayor Pro Tem Harnik moved to, by Minute Motion, approve a process of annually
selecting and/or approving City Council Liaison Assignments to internal and external
boards, committees, or commissions, using the following formula, in order of priority, for
making same: 1) Seniority of continuous service on the City Council; 2) specific expertise
or interest in a particular activity; 3) timing of regular meetings of the entity to coincide with
the Councilmember's availability and schedule. Motion was seconded by Tanner and
carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: Harnik, Jonathan, Tanner, Weber, and Spiegel; NOES:
None).
XVI. OLD BUSINESS
A. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF AN AMENDED SCHEDULE "A" EXHIBIT
FOR THE FIRE COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT TO CONTRACT FOR A
FULL-TIME EMERGENCY SERVICES COORDINATOR (CONTRACT
NO. C32750).
Mr. Aryan stated the Council previously approved the concept of moving
forward with a contracted full-time Emergency Services Coordinator to be
shared with the City of Indian Wells, and today's request is to amend the
Schedule "A" Exhibit to bring this individual on board. As noted in the staff
report, the person identified in this capacity is a familiar face to those that
have taken one of the City's CERT(Community Emergency Response Team)
classes, Mr. Eric Cadden. He added that the City was fortunate to have him
serve Palm Desert as Mr. Cadden has extensive emergency management
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knowledge, but he's also familiar with the community. He pointed out that
staff will continue to apply and submit an application for the Emergency
Management Program Grant to offset the cost of this position by
approximately $14,000. This item was before the Public Safety Commission
and received its approval. Further, this request is aligned with the City's
Strategic Plan under Priority III of the Emergency Section, which is to help
the community become more prepared for disastrous and public safety
emergencies.
Councilmember Weber moved to, by Minute Motion, approve: 1) Amended
Schedule "A" Exhibit for the Fire Cooperative Agreement to contract for a Full -Time
Emergency Services Coordinator in an amount not to exceed $58,037; 2) purchase of a
vehicle and necessary equipment for the Emergency Services Coordinator, estimated at
$35,000. Motion was seconded by Tanner and carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: Harnik,
Jonathan, Tanner, Weber, and Spiegel; NOES: None).
XVII. PUBLIC HEARINGS
None
XVIII. REPORTS AND REMARKS
A. CITY MANAGER
Citv Manager Meetinq Summaries Report for the Period of
January 18-29, 2016.
Mr. Wohlmuth noted the printed report provided in the agenda
packets and offered to answer questions.
With City Council concurrence, the Report was received and filed.
B. CITY ATTORNEY
None
C. CITY CLERK
Announcement/Reminder of Special City Council Meeting scheduled
for Thursday, February 25, 2016, at 2:30 p.m. for the Purpose of
Conducting a Closed Session.
Ms. Klassen called attention to the scheduling note, and
Mr. Wohlmuth added that Council requested extending the evaluation
of the City Manager in order to possibly identify a couple more goals.
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Therefore, the extended Closed Session was calendared for the next
meeting for that purpose.
D. PUBLIC SAFETY
Fire Department
None
2. Police Department
Lt. Lopez reported on the Palm Desert Police Explorers Post's recent
competition success. He recalled for Council that the City funds the
Explorers, and those funds helped with a recent trip to Chandler,
Arizona, on January 15 to participate in a Police Competition where
they took part in various types of activities to sharpen their skills.
They were very successful this year and returned to the City with five
trophies, including their first 1" Place. He introduced one of the
Coordinators, CSO Diaz, and several of the Explorers who were
present for today's meeting. They thanked the City and Council for
sponsoring the Post, and Lt. Lopez noted that they assist with many
community activities, such as July 41h and various other events, and
the competitions they attend really help them hone their skills and
make them more valuable to the City.
Councilmembers congratulated the Explorers on their success and
thanked them for helping the City throughout the year.
E. MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
Councilmember Susan Marie Weber's Meeting Summaries Report for
the Period of January 18 - February 7, 2016.
Councilmember Weber noted the printed report included in the
agenda packets. Further, she reported that she had a great time on
February 5 participating in an Amtrak event, displaying the Sunset
Limited collectors' baseball cap that she was given while taking a bus
into Union Station in Los Angeles. She was pleased to report to her
colleagues that officials are updating Union Station, including
polishing the brass fixtures there that were previously hidden by
tarnish. They took a tour of the Amtrak Maintenance Yard, and
afterward took the train back to the Coachella Valley. She noted that
the Sunset Limited usually arrives here around midnight or 1 o'clock
in the morning, and as both Mayor Pro Tem Harnik and Mayor
Spiegel knowfrom theirwork at RCTC and SunLine, discussions have
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been occurring for some time about how to get the train here at a
decent hour. While it was scheduled to arrive at 6:30 p.m. last Friday,
it didn't until 7:30 p.m. after having to wait for freight trains that have
priority on the tracks. This can be problematic for people wanting to
book a ticket on the train but needing to arrive at a certain place and
time. She commented that Amtrak is going to try this out for a few
months to see how many people will take the train from Los Angeles
to arrive here around 6:30 p.m. on Fridays. She was very excited
about the opportunity, being a fan of trains and part of the model train
exhibit at the Riverside County Fair, and she encouraged everyone to
take advantage of the new Sunset Limited offering.
With City Council concurrence, the meetings report was received and filed.
2. Council Requests for Action/Committee Reports/Comments:
a) Mavor Pro Tem Jan Harnik Requests/Reports/Comments —
- CVAG Transportation Committee Meetinq - The Committee
met approximately 18 months ago regarding distribution of
CMAQ (Congestion Mitigation Air Quality) funds throughout
the Coachella Valley. Subcommittee reviewed the applications
for funds, and a number of cities asked for traffic signal
synchronization. Rather than giving them to separate cities,
Committee decided to make a Valley -wide traffic signal project;
proposal was made, presented, and passed unanimously at
CVAG to get started on it with the consulting engineers.
Additionally at the same Committee Meeting, the CV/Link Final
Master Plan was presented and passed 9-2, with the Cities of
Rancho Mirage and Indian Wells dissenting (Indian Wells
having a new policy prohibiting voting on anything at CVAG
that hasn't first been acted on by their whole Council).
Therefore, the Master Plan was approved and recommended
to be acted on by the CVAG Executive Committee.
- RCTC Meeting - Riverside County Transportation
Commission held an excellent Annual Workshop focused on
future -proofing infrastructure. Both here and at the recent
SCAG (Southern California Association of Governments)
meetings, the hot topic was the California Transportation
Committee's (CTC) $754 million reduction in State
Transportation Project Funds (CTC) that will be experienced
next year. She said everyone needed to be aware of this
development and speak up about it. She went on to say that
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another important issue is the Gas Tax and the fact that it will
not sustain necessary transportation infrastructure. Therefore,
in order to find new ways to support them, a pilot program
entitled VMT (Vehicle Miles Traveled) has been announced for
participants to provide valuable information to policymakers.
She has signed up; they're looking for 5,000 people to
participate and represent all different facets of our
communities to come up with a formula. She had brochures
for anyone who was interested in applying, noting that they're
trying to select as many different types of participants as
possible to represent the various community areas.
- DVBA Luncheon — At today's Desert Valleys Builders
Association's meeting, Mr. Stendell provided an outstanding
presentation about the City's General Plan Update Process
and concepts being put forward in it.
- Get Tested Coachella Vallev — Outreach for HIV and AIDS
testing came forward with their second annual report this
morning. Very important issue, takes the stigma away from
being tested, finding ways to do it in the City and being met
with tremendous success Valley -wide.
b) Councilman Sabbv Jonathan Rea uests/Reports/Comments-
- Palm Desert Charter Middle School Panther 5K - Fundraiser
held January 31 with it being the first time held on El Paseo,
congratulating everyone who put that event together as it was
a wonderful success. Believed that the organizers are very
pleased with the El Paseo location and were grateful to the
City.
- Beekeepinq Ordinance - Met with Mayor Pro Tem Harnik,
Principal Planner Tony Bagato, and members of the
community regarding the backyard beekeeping ordinance.
Draft ordinance now moving through the process, expected at
City Council in the next couple of months.
- Swina 'N Hops Event — February 61h event was amazing —
crossed all ages, with more people being interested in it that
he had imagined. Well attended, great energy, and he hoped
for more and more of this type of event in the future.
Commended Management Analyst Deborah Glickman for her
oversight of it.
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Later in the meeting, Councilman Tanner said while he was
unable to attend, heard many positive reports back and hoped
it would become an annual event. Further, Mayor Pro Tern
Harnik asked for feedback about it from both attendees and
El Paseo Merchants.
- COPS Proaram Presidential Recoanition - Seven members
of the City's Citizens On Patrol Program recently received a
Presidential Award, and he suggested recognizing them at an
upcoming Council Meeting.
Councilmember Weber said there were plans to provide such
recognition at the February 25 Council Meeting. She noted
that seven members received the Gold Award, and the entire
COPS Program received a Presidential Letter and Award.
Mayor Spiegel added that he'd sent them each a letter of
congratulations, as well.
- Dr. David Tana - Extremities Exsanquination Device —
Recalled the announcement at the January 28 Council Meeting
and request for an endorsement. He and Mayor Pro Tern
Harnik heard more about the device, it sounds like a life-saver,
and is why the medical community is promoting it, and
Dr. Tang asked for the City's endorsement. He asked if his
colleagues would consider doing so, as it seemed like a good
thing.
Mayor Spiegel recommended placing such an endorsement on
the agenda. Mayor Pro Tern Harnik noted that individuals
could also speak up on the issue too.
c) Councilman Van Tanner Rea uests/Reports/Comments —
- CVAG Enerav & Environment Committee - At today's
meeting, the Committee passed endorsement of the CV/Link
Project with a 7-2 vote (Rancho Mirage, Indian Wells
dissenting).
d) Mayor Robert Soieael Requests/Reports/Comments —
- Alessandro West Improvement Proiect— Requested ongoing
updates on this project.
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PRELIMINARY MINUTES DRAFT
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 11, 2016
3. Council Consideration of Travel Reauests and Reports:
None
XIX. ADJOURNMENT
On a motion by Harnik, second by Jonathan, and unanimous consent of the City
Council, Mayor Spiegel adjourned the meeting at 4:33 p.m.
ATTEST:
RACHELLE D. KLASSEN, CITY CLERK
CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA
ROBERT A. SPIEGEL, MAYOR
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