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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPrelim - CC - 07-28-2016DRAFT PRELIMINARY MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2016 CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBER 73510 FRED WARING DRIVE, PALM DESERT, CA 92260 I. 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: Justin McCarthy, Interim 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 J. Luis Espinoza, Assistant Finance Director Lori Carney, Director of Human Resources Mark Greenwood, Director of Public Works Frankie Riddle, Director of Special Programs John Cortez, Battalion Chief, Palm Desert Fire/Riverside Co. Fire Dept./Cal Fire Dan Talbot, Division Chief, Palm Desert Fire/Riverside Co. Fire Dept./Cal Fire Anthony Baur, Asst. Chief, Palm Desert Police/Riverside Co. Sheriffs Department Grace L. Mendoza, Deputy City Clerk III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - A (CLOSED SESSION ITEMS) Capt. Sue Trevino introduced Capt. David W. Teets who will be her replacement. He is currently the Commander of the Indio and Blythe jails, and he comes highly recommended by her due to his past experience at the Palm Desert Station, stating he was the Lieutenant Liaison for the City of Rancho Mirage, and he has 19 years of experience on a myriad of assignments. Capt. Teets officially starts next PRELIMINARY MINUTES DRAFT REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JULY 28, 2016 Thursday, because her last day is next Wednesday (Aug. 3). She said it has been an honor to work with the Council, because Palm Desert is very special to her. Mayor Spiegel congratulated her and wished her well. Capt. Teets said he looked forward to working with the City of Palm Desert and getting to know everyone. Mayor Spiegel asked that when the Captain gets settled, he would like his phone number. Mayor and Councilmembers welcomed the Captain to the City of Palm Desert. 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. 103, Palm Desert Negotiating Parties: Agency: Justin McCarthy/Janet M. Moore/City of Palm Desert Property Owner: City of Palm Desert Other Parties: Golden Construction Under Negotiation: x Price x Terms of Payment 2) Property: APN 627-071-013 (San Antonio Circle/Alessandro West) Negotiating Parties: Agency: Justin McCarthy/Rudy P. Acosta/Martin Alvarez/ City of Palm Desert Property Owner: David & Agnes Holtz Under Negotiation: x Price x Terms of Payment B. Public Employee Performance Evaluation pursuant to Government Code Section 54957: Title of Position: City Manager With City Council concurrence, Mayor Spiegel adjourned the meeting to Closed Session of the City Council and Successor Agency at 3:03 p.m. He reconvened the meeting at 4:00 p.m. 2 PRELIMINARY MINUTES DRAFT REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JULY 28, 2016 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 - Mayor Pro Tern Jan C. Harnik VII. INVOCATION - Mayor Robert A. Spiegel VIII. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - B THE FOLLOWING INDIVIDUALS addressed the Council about the Palm Desert Puppies Store located on San Pablo Avenue in the City, asking that the Council enact an ordinance to ban the sale of puppies. They claimed the puppies they sale are sick or have been known to die within days or weeks of going to their new homes. They requested Council help put an end to backyard breeders and puppy mills to end the cycle of animal cruelty and suffering by joining nearly all the other cities in the Coachella Valley. They pointed out the Lockyear-Polanco-Farr Pet Protection Act and the Polanco-Lockyear Pet Breeder Warranty Act that the State of California incorporated into the Health and Safety Code, which governs breeding and retail sale of dogs. As a municipality, the City has an obligation to make sure the laws are enforced on behalf of the community. They claim the City has allowed the flaunting of State law for many years by Palm Desert Puppies, stating they are a product of poor breeding practices, providing little vet care and filthy conditions. The group questioned who exactly was supplying the store with these puppies, because only the barest of information is available on the cages at the store. They called on the City to conduct an investigation to let the public know who these secret breeders are, and hopefully, close them down for illegal practices. None are registered with the American Kennel Club or any other governing body of purebred dogs, yet marketed as purebred. They proposed two different types of breeding bans, one restricts breeding altogether and the other option makes breeders follow a set of guidelines where the City can structure it by requiring a business license, a permit, and monitor it to ensure it stands up to every other business code there is. One of the speakers left a packet with the City Clerk that included four testimonials and supporting documents, which was a small percentage of all the disgruntled customers who have purchased sick mill puppies from Palm Desert Puppies, which is of record and on file with the Office of the City Clerk. Council was informed it was the only city holding out, and it was not benefitting the citizens to have this Palm Desert Puppies store and other bad breeders, because many of these animals end up back at the shelter. Q PRELIMINARY MINUTES DRAFT REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JULY 28, 2016 MR. CORBETT BRATTIN, Gentry Court, Desert Hot Springs, CA. MS. DEBORAH GODLY, Calle Sonora, La Quinta, CA MS. VALERIE MASI, Business Owner of Best Paw Forward MS. TIFFANI LoBUE, Avenida Alvarado, La Quinta, CA MS. JANET LITTON, Elkhorn Trail, Palm Desert, CA Mayor Spiegel encouraged the speakers to make a date with Community Development Planning Director Ryan Stendell to discuss the matter. MR. PATRICK SWARTHOUT, President for Habitat for Humanities, reported that the two veteran homes they are building on San Benito Circle under the Development Agreement with the City that started in September 2015, which gave them a year to complete, is being delayed. They thought they were going to be on time, but they ran into a funding situation. Unfortunately, attorneys got involved in the process and it took longer than anticipated, but on June 28 they acquired all their funding and plan to finish the homes in November. They sent a letter to the City requesting an extension on the Development Agreement, and they are in the process of moving forward with the undergrounding. They brought in Developer D.W. Johnston who has been a Godsend. Currently, the developer has bids out to complete the block walls all the way around both of the properties; however, that can't happen until the undergrounding is complete. He reiterated that they anticipate completion of the homes to be in November. Secondly, on Monday, they are having their first family selection meeting with about 15 veteran families for those homes, and they will be moving that process forward as well. He added that because of the banking situation, it makes it very difficult for them to be a bank, so they are working with the Los Angeles Habitat for Humanities to take over that process for them. Therefore, they are only doing a screening to see how many families would possibly qualify, so they are not taking applications or processing anything at this point. Mayor Spiegel stated, for the benefit of the audience, the City donated the land to Habitat for Humanities for veteran housing. MS. KAREN KNOWLES, Montana Vista Drive, Palm Desert, CA, expressed her opposition to the CV Link, stating she and many of her friends oppose it. She questioned Council's rationale for not putting the issue to a vote of the residents. She said if the residents approve it, the Council will know its doing the right thing, and if voted down, it will point the Council in a different direction. Mayor Spiegel asked her to provide contact information to Interim City Manager Justin McCarthy so that he could go over the CV Link matter with her. 4 PRELIMINARY MINUTES DRAFT REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JULY 28, 2016 IX. AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS, AND APPOINTMENTS A. PRESENTATION OF PROCLAMATION DECLARING THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2016, AS "FIRE CAPTAIN BRYAN WHITE DAY" IN THE CITY OF PALM DESERT. On behalf of the City Council, Mayor Pro Tern Harnik presented the proclamation to Captain Bryan White. She urged all residents to join the City in expressing appreciation for his contribution and service to the community. Capt. White remarked he knew the Department of Transportation (DOT) regulation would require the bus to have a fire extinguisher, and it's easy to flag down a bus when you stand in front of it. Therefore, he got the fire extinguisher from the bus and he was able to put out the fire. His partners arrived shortly thereafter, and they were able to extricate the driver from the trapped car and transport him to the hospital. He thanked the City for this recognition. B. PRESENTATION TO THE CITY COUNCIL BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ON THEIR S.T.E.M.I. (ST SEGMENT ELEVATION MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION) SYSTEM. Chief Talbot stated he and Cindy Olson, who is the Director of Cardiac Services at Eisenhower Medical Center, will be providing a presentation on S.T.E.M.I. He said a Myocardial Infarction is a heart attack, a blockage of the arteries that feeds blood to the heart. When there is a blockage, that muscle dies, which is commonly referred to as a heart attack. He said heart disease is the leading killer of Americans, and because of that, they have a system and partnership with Eisenhower Medical Centerto directly treat and prevent them from dying, but also maintaining their quality of life. When he first became a paramedic in the 1980's, all one could do was give the patient a little medication for pain, dilate the arteries, and cross your fingers. Not only did heart attacks kill a lot of people then, but also had an extreme detriment on their quality of life. With the STEMI Program and through the development of technology that provided clot busting drugs, angioplasty, stents, and other things done at the hospitals, peoples lives were saved and it helped maintain their quality of life. However, the system starts with recognition by paramedics on fire engines and ambulances. He is personally very passionate about this and very proud of the men and women who work for him because they are truly contributing to the well being of the residents here. When talking about "ST," it stands for a particular segment of the electrocardiogram. So "ST Segment Elevated Myocardial Infarction," is specifically referring to the ST segment in a normal electrocardiogram. The electrocardiogram basically measuresthe electrical activitythrough the heart, and when there is a blockage (an infarction happening) and actual heart F'1 PRELIMINARY MINUTES DRAFT REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JULY 28, 2016 attack occurring, there are changes in the EKG. The elevation indicators on a 12-Lead EKG, which is exactly the same kind of EKG used at the hospital, provides 12 views of the electrical activity inside the heart. Those indicators allow paramedics to recognize that an infarction is happening, which starts a trigger of events. Those events mean there is recognition in the field, and early recognition is the key. The information istransmitted wirelessly through the heart monitor, through the system, through the internet, and eventually to the cardiologist, and that information ends up at the nurse's station at Eisenhower Medical Center. He said our paramedics will tell the nurse their impression of the patient, informing the nurse that it has a STEMI, and sets in motion a whole number of events. Most specifically, if this happens during the day, the Cardiac Cath Lab will stop its regularly scheduled patients and start to clear and prepare a room, so that when that patient arrives to the hospital, minimum amount of time is spent in the ER and then sent directly to the cath lab. The sooner physicians get in there and remove that clot, the better quality of life and less mortality will be experienced with these patients. He reiterated that early recognition was the key, which starts with the paramedics. The national goal from the time that patient hits the door in the ER to the time they hit the bed at the Cardiac Cath Lab is 93 minutes. Because our paramedics recognize that these events are transpiring and notifies the hospital, that time is down to 53 minutes. There is a common expression within their business that "Time is muscle," so the less time spent waiting to land on the bed, the better the results, outcomes, and less mortality is seen. Of the patients that arrive at Eisenhower and are used in the STEMI Program, 50% of them are transported by his team. Of those indicated that is STEMI, his team has a 92% success rate that it's right. The 8% of the time, to equal the 100%, they have said it was a STEMI when it wasn't, stating they rather err on the side of safety giving the patient the benefit of the doubt. That number is astounding, since in most other EMS system, the false positive number is 32%, which is an issue. It's an issue, because when the hospital alters their cardiac lab schedule or if it's in the middle of the night when they have to call people back to work, it's a dollar figure to the hospital. Here locally, his team has a high rate due to the good relationship with Eisenhower, the extended additional training, and the continued quality assurance with the hospital, so their false positive is only 8%. He commented that the difference between 93 minutes and 53 minutes is that it saves lives. MS. CINDY OLSEN, Director of Cardiac Services at Eisenhower Medical Center, stated they are always looking at their data and quality metric to see how they are doing. They just recently achieved accreditation for Chest Pain Cycle V with PCI (Percutaneous Coronary Intervention), meaning they put in stents, open up the vessels and resuscitation. Part of the success they have achieved in that accreditation is working with their partners at Cal Fire. She attends EMS Meetings at Riverside County on a quarterly basis, and she is astounded at their statistics versus other parts of Riverside County. C16 PRELIMINARY MINUTES DRAFT REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JULY 28, 2016 As mentioned by Chief Talbot, one of the strengths they have is that they have a core group of individuals who are dedicated and live here locally. Riverside Community Hospital, for example, their false positive from their EMS is about 32% and here it's 8%. She believed it was due to the dedicated group they have. For instance, Scott Henderson is one of her paramedic partners and they work on quality metrics together. She said the hospital gives the paramedic immediate feedback and communicates on where improvements can be made. She said the national standard for door -to -open vessel was 93 minutes, but that was not good enough, so their goal was set at 60 minutes. Therefore, they did a large breakdown of where there were opportunities that could be improved, and the biggest thing was to let the medics call the cath lab so they can start preparing a room. She likes to say the hospital is preparing for the patient before arriving to the ER. She reiterated they have great collaboration with Cal Fire and she's never been so proud of the work they are doing, adding she wanted the Council to know what a great job they did for the City of Palm Desert. Mayor Spiegel said it was a wonderful thing they were doing for the residents and it's greatly appreciated. Chief Talbot added that Mr. Henderson is really an unsung hero for his dedication to this, and he's going to work on getting him promoted to keep him working here. X. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES of the July 14, 2016, Regular and July 14, 2016, Special City Council Meetings. Rec: Approve as presented. B. CLAIMS AND DEMANDS AGAINST THE CITY TREASURY- Warrant Dated 7/8/2016. Rec: Approve as presented. C. CLAIMS AND DEMANDS AGAINST THE CITY/HOUSING TREASURIES - Warrant Dated 7/8/2016 (Joint Consideration with the Palm Desert Housing Authority). Rec: Approve as presented. D. APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE by Tristone Cinemas Palm Desert 10, 72840 Highway 111, Suite C104, Palm Desert. Rec: Receive and file. 7 PRELIMINARY MINUTES DRAFT REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JULY 28, 2016 E. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of City Manager Candidate Travel Expenses in Amount Not to Exceed $750 Per Person. Rec: By Minute Motion: 1) Approve reimbursement for City Manager candidate travel expenses in an amount not to exceed $750 per person; 2) appropriate $3,000 from the Unobligated General Fund to Account No. 1104154-4309000 for this purpose. F. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Between Community Connect and the City of Palm Desert to Participate in the 2-1-1 Riverside County Program (Contract No. C35580). Removed for separate consideration under Section XI, Consent Items Held Over. Please see that portion of the Minutes for Council discussion and action. G. RESOLUTION NO.2016-69 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Palm Desert, California, Authorizing Signing Authority for City Employees on the YMCA / City of Palm Desert Aquatic Center Bank Account. Rec: Waive further reading and adopt. H. RESOLUTION NO. 2016-70 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Palm Desert, California, Establishing a Business License Cash Register Drawer in the Amount of $100 for the Business License Department. Rec: Waive further reading and adopt. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of Miscellaneous Event Sponsorship Expenditures in Fiscal Year 2016-2017. Rec: By Minute Motion: 1) Approve the following Event Sponsorship expenditures for FY 2016-2017: a) International Sports Festival - $26,000 payable to Desert Recreation District; b) Modernism Week - $5,000 payable to Modernism Week; c) Senior Inspiration Awards - $3,000 payable to the Regional Access Project Foundation; d) Restaurant Week - $2,500 payable to Palm Springs Desert Resorts Restaurant Association; 2) authorize expenditures for each aforementioned sponsorship from Account No. 1104416-4306201. 0 PRELIMINARY MINUTES DRAFT REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JULY 28, 2016 J. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of the 2016 Palm Desert Golf Cart Parade Sponsorship and Expenditures. Rec: By Minute Motion: 1) Approve sponsorship in the amount of $35,000 and In -Kind Public Works Services for the 2016 Palm Desert Golf Cart Parade; 2) authorize sponsorship expenditure from Account No. 1104416-4306201; 3) authorize $500 expenditure for the Mayor's Trophy Award from Account No. 1104416-4306201; 4) authorize expenditure in an amount not to exceed $10,000 for construction of the City's Golf Cart Float from Account No. 1104416-4306101; 5) permit the sale, possession, and consumption of alcoholic beverages on City -Owned property in connection with the event on Sunday, October 30, 2016; 6) authorize El Paseo and Larkspur road closures for the event; 7) waive Palm Desert Municipal Code Section 11.01.140 - Amplified Sound for the event. Councilman Jonathan requested Item F be removed for separate action under Section XI, Consent Items Held Over. 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 remainder of the Consent Calendar was approved as presented. XI. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER F. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Between Community Connect and the City of Palm Desert to Participate in the 2-1-1 Riverside County Program (Contract No. C35580). Councilman Jonathan questioned if using a telephone to get information was archaic, because it wasn't for emergency purposes. He recognized it was only $7,500 a year, but wondered if it was a wise investment. Ms. Riddle replied that based on the callers and types of calls received, some callers may not have internet services or things of that nature. Therefore, she believed the program was the best approach for the money. Councilman Jonathan said he understood staff to say that the phone calls and methodology from some of the 633 callers, may not have another option to get the information. Ms. Riddle agreed. Councilman Jonathan moved to, by Minute Motion, authorize: 1) City Manager to execute subject MOU between Community Connect and the City of Palm Desert to participate in the 2-1-1 Riverside County Information and Referral Program; 2) expenditure of funds in an amount not to exceed $7,500 from Account No. 1104132-4309000. Motion 0 PRELIMINARY MINUTES DRAFT REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JULY 28, 2016 was seconded by Harnik and carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: Harnik, Jonathan, Tanner, Weber, and Spiegel; NOES: None). Ms. Klassen stated that on behalf of the switchboard, the City gets many calls several times a week asking for referrals, and they are provided with the 2-1 -1 - service, so that resource is greatly appreciated by staff. XII. RESOLUTIONS None XIII. ORDINANCES A. For Introduction: None B. For Adoption: None XIV. NEW BUSINESS A. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF THE BIGGEST LOSER RACE SERIES 2016 HALF MARATHON AND 5K EVENT AND SPONSORSHIP—SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4. Management Analyst Amy Lawrence stated this item was for approval of The Biggest Loser Half Marathon and 5K Event and sponsorship. Staff felt this was a great event to add to Palm Desert's portfolio of annual recreational events. Approval of this event and sponsorship will assist with the continued efforts to brand Palm Desert as the outdoor adventure center of the Coachella Valley. As a two-day nationally recognized destination event scheduled for the first part of December, this event will draw people to Palm Desert at a time when tourism is typically low. Additionally, this will be another way to market The Biggest Loser resort at the J.W. Marriott Desert Springs, which happens to be the host hotel for this event. Mayor Spiegel added this was in conjunction with Marriott hotel where The Biggest Loser Race Series will be going on, which is a plus for the City. Mayor Pro Tern Harnik commented that staff works very hard to find events and activities to benefit the City both financially and health wise, and this just happened organically, which is the best way for things to happen. PRELIMINARY MINUTES DRAFT REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JULY 28, 2016 Councilman Jonathan concurred, noting the staff report indicates the event is anticipating 1,500 participants and 3,000 spectators, stating many, if not most, from out of town. He expected the $20,000 investment would yield positive results. The only thing he didn't like is that he would have to run another half marathon. Councilman Tanner moved to, by Minute Motion, approve: 1) The Biggest Loser Race Series 2016 Half Marathon and 5K Event scheduled for Sunday, December 4; 2) proposed event route and road closures; 3) temporary waiver to Palm Desert Municipal Code (P.D.M.C.) Section 11.01.140 - Amplified Sound; 4) temporary waiver to P.D.M.C. Section 11.01.080(W) - Possession/Consumption of Alcohol in City Parks, pursuant to P.D.M.C. Section 9.58.040; 5) temporary waiver to P.D.M.C. Section 11.01.180(Q) - Prohibited Conduct Generally in City Parks - Vendor Sales; 6) sponsorship in the amount of $8,000 from Account No. 1104417-4309000 - Professional/Other; 7) sponsorship for Police Services and Traffic Control in an amount not to exceed $12,000; 8) appropriation of $12,000 from Unobligated General Fund monies to Account No. 1104416-4306201 - City -sponsored Events. Motion was seconded by Weber and carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: Harnik, Jonathan, Tanner, Weber, and Spiegel; NOES: None). B. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION TO PURCHASE FOUR TRAFFIC SIGNAL CONTROLLER CABINET ASSEMBLIES IN THE AMOUNT OF $95,878.08 FROM ECONOLITE GROUP, INC. (CONTROLLER CABINET ASSEMBLY UPGRADE PROGRAM, PROJECT NO. 571-16). Mr. Greenwood noted this request was to replace four aging controller cabinets adopted by CalTrans when it took over Highway 111 and Highway 74. Existing equipment will soon be obsolete and unrepairable, so staff is recommending replacement of them now. Responding to question, he confirmed funds were available in the budget. Mayor Pro Tern Harnik moved to, by Minute Motion, authorize purchase of four (4) complete traffic signal controller cabinet assemblies in the amount of $95,878.08 from Econolite Group, Inc., Anaheim, California — funding is available in Account No. 2134294-4400100 - Cabinet Upgrade Program. Motion was seconded by Weber and carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: Harnik, Jonathan, Tanner, Weber, and Spiegel; NOES: None). 11 PRELIMINARY MINUTES DRAFT REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JULY 28, 2016 C. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF CONTRACT WITH CROP PRODUCTION SERVICES, INC., TO PURCHASE FERTILIZER PRODUCTS FOR THE DESERT WILLOW GOLF RESORT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2016-2017 IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $182,345.04 (CONTRACT NO. C35390). Mr. Alvarez stated this item was for the purchase of the annual fertilizer for the golf courses and grounds excluding the greens. Staff worked with Desert Willow to put together specifications, which were sent out to six vendors of which three were local. One bid was received through the process from Crop Production Services, Inc. in the amount of $182,345.04, and staff recommended approval. Councilman Jonathan thanked staff for clarifying the questions he raised previously. However, he's surprised there was only one bid, because Simplot supplies seed and material under other contracts. Mr. Alvarez responded that in talking to the Superintendent, it was felt that other companies are out there, and in some cases they have to go through a larger company like Crop Production Services(CPS) that can provide a lower rate. In this case, CPS has been able to sustain the Course's needs. Responding to question, he confirmed the bid came in lower than last year. Councilman Tanner asked if staff was able to determine if CPS has a Coachella outlet. Mr. Alvarez said that CPS indicated their office was recently shut down but they are restructuring, and in the fall they plan to bring back another office in Coachella. Councilman Tanner commented it was similar to the situation with Simplot who is local. Councilman Tanner moved to, by Minute Motion, authorize: 1) Award of subject contract to Crop Production Services, Inc., San Jacinto, California, to purchase fertilizer products for the Desert Willow Golf Resort during FY 2016-2017 in an amount not to exceed $182,345.04; 2) Mayor to execute said contract — funds are available in Course and Grounds Expenses, Account No. 5204195-4803100. Motion was seconded by Jonathan and carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: Harnik, Jonathan, Tanner, Weber, and Spiegel; NOES: None). 12 PRELIMINARY MINUTES DRAFT REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JULY 28, 2016 D. REQUEST FOR AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR THE WASHINGTON CHARTER SCHOOL PLAYGROUND RESURFACING PROJECT TO ROBERTSON INDUSTRIES, INC., IN THE AMOUNT OF $114,547.50 (CONTRACT NO. C35460, PROJECT NO. 705-17). Mr. Greenwood explained the City has a shared used agreement with Desert Sands Unified School District for the use of the Washington Charter School playground. Part of that agreement has the City maintaining the fields and playground equipment. The rubberized surface around the play structures is aged and deteriorated and needs to be replaced. Staff sought bids for the replacement and they came in higher than budgeted, so staff is asking to use the budgeted amount and appropriate more. Mayor Spiegel noted that when school is not in session, the park is open to the residents and neighborhood during the evenings and weekends, which is why the City is providing the maintenance. Mayor Pro Tern Harnik moved to, by Minute Motion: 1) Award subject contract for the Washington Charter School Playground Resurfacing Project to Robertson Industries, Inc., Tempe, Arizona, in the amount of $114,547.50; 2) appropriate $36,002.25 from Unobligated Park Funds to Account No. 2334618-4400100 for this purpose; 3) authorize Director of Finance to set aside a 10% contingency for the project in the amount of $11,454.75; 4) authorize Mayor to execute said contract — following appropriation, funds are available in Park Fund Account No. 2334618-4400100 - Citywide Park Capital Project. Motion was seconded by Weber and carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: Harnik, Jonathan, Tanner, Weber, and Spiegel; NOES: None). E. REQUEST FOR DIRECTION REGARDING MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS OPTIONS FOR COUNCILMEMBERS. Ms. Carney stated staff was asking for direction regarding mobile communication options for Councilmembers. There have been a number of developments in methods for mobile communications and Councilmembers have expressed an interest in exploring different methods. She noted the staff report outlines the following options: Option 1 - Continue to provide a stipend to subsidize the incidental use of Councilmembers personal device for mobile communications. That would still be using the City's email server and the City's email service to communicate via email with employees and other City business purposes; Option 2 - The City purchases devices owned by the City and issued or loaned to Councilmembers exclusively for City business. She said it would be a separate phone, tablet, or notebook that would be used exclusively for City business. She added that the City would own the device and pay the monthy bill for it; Option 3 - provides a combination of Option Nos.1 and 2, with individual Councilmembers electing the method which works best for them. 13 PRELIMINARY MINUTES DRAFT REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JULY 28, 2016 Mayor Spiegel said he liked Option 3 personally, because each Councilmember can select their individual option. He asked if the Council needed to make that selection today. Ms. Carney replied that if Council selected Option 3, staff will set up a form for Councilmembers to elect their option, and staff will then move forward with their selection. For instance if a Councilmember wanted to purchase a device, they can buy the device and staff will set it up. Mayor Spiegel moved to, by Minute Motion: Provide staff direction regarding the provision of mobile communications for Council members by approving the following option: Option 3 - Combination of Option Nos. 1 and 2, with individual Councilmembers electing the method which works best for them - appropriate $6,000 from the Unobligated General Fund to Account No. 1104110-4365000 for this purpose, and appropriate $6,000 from the Unobligated General Fund to Account No. 1104110-4365000 for this purpose. Motion was seconded by Weber. Mayor Pro Tern Harnik stated the staff report talks about the ambiguities in the law and that Councilmembers should not use devices fortext messaging. She asked for clarification on those ambiguities. Mr. Hargreaves stated the legal environment with respect to the Public Record Act, including discovery and litigation, is struggling to keep up with the development in technology. Back in the good old days when somebody wanted a public record, staff would go to the file drawer and pull it out. These days, because the definition of a public record is so broad and includes emails, text messages, etc., the City could be required to divulge stuff that is on a personal device. If the City server is used, then the information can be accessed rather seamlessly, but if it's on a personal device with some third party carrier, it becomes more difficult. However, the law isn't entirely clear that's what needs to happen, stating he believed there are currently cases going through the system to decide whether a text on a private device relating to City business is a public record; people argue it both ways. He added that the City was somewhat in a grey area for the time being until it sorts itself out or until there is legislation that clarifies it. Councilman Jonathan asked if he used a personal device off site, such as a tablet, phone, or computer, to access the City's server to read or respond to his emails, would that be exempt from his personal device. Mr. Hargreaves answered yes, because the City can then access those emails through the server, so that wouldn't be a problem. Councilman Tanner said he has both his personal and City email on his iphone and tablet. Therefore, if he answers a phone message, text, or email 14 PRELIMINARY MINUTES DRAFT REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JULY 28, 2016 from the City on his person devices, would someone be able to take them and scrutinize both of them. Mr. Hargreaves explained that in the Public Record Act context, if you are using the official City account, it's not a problem, because those emails are on the server. He said it hasn't been decided to what extent emails on personal device using personal email accounts is a public record, which is an open question before the courts right now. He said litigation is particularly broader and he's not all that familiar with it, and quite frankly, it hasn't been a problem. However, someone's ability to get information in a litigation context is broader than it is under the Public Record Act. Mayor Pro Tern Harnik said she knew there has been discussion about this at the League of California Cities Conferences and Ethics Training, stating it was a slippery slope once Councilmembers take money for personal devices. She has never received an email on her personal device for that reason, stating she likes to keep them absolutely separate. She felt it was in the best interest of the City and each Councilmember to keep them separate. Mayor Spiegel called for the vote and the motion carried on a 5-0 vote (AYES: Harnik, Jonathan, Tanner, Weber, and Spiegel; NOES: None). F. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION TO SUBMIT TO THE VOTERS OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT AT THE GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2016, THE "PALM DESERT COMMUNITY SAFETY, VITAL SERVICES, AND FISCAL STABILITY MEASURE." Mayor Spiegel stated that Palm Desert's Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) is currently 9% and the Council was suggesting that it go to 11 %. He said the tax doesn't affect the residents of Palm Desert. He pointed out that in La Quinta they are asking for a sales tax increase where it will affect the residents and visitors who shop there. He went on to say Palm Desert's TOT was at 9%, La Quinta is 11 %, Indian Wells is 11.25%, Desert Hot Springs is 12%, Cathedral City is 12%, Palm Springs is 13.5%, and Rancho Mirage is 10%. He said Palm Desert would only be 1 % higher than Rancho Mirage, but they only have a couple of hotels. However, compared to other cities Palm Desert competes with such as Phoenix, Arizona, it's 13.27% and Scottsdale, Arizona is 14.92%. In California, Pasadena is 14.9%, San Diego is 14.5%, Santa Monica is 14%, Beverly Hills is 14%, and Los Angeles is 15.5%. Therefore, Palm Desert is much lower than all the cities he mentioned. MR. ROSENBLUM, Palm Desert, CA, stated he was coming to this from a standpoint of a potential voter, since it appears the Council will be putting this measure on the ballot. He is also approaching this from the perspective of 15 PRELIMINARY MINUTES DRAFT REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JULY 28, 2016 being a corporate executive and managing money in a corporate sense. He said public safety personnel have his full support and respect, so his comments have nothing to do with the work they do, but more about the money management as an informed voter whether or not Council approves a tax increase. Mayor Spiegel interjected stating it was not a tax increase but a Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) or hotel tax on people who stay in Palm Desert hotels. MR. ROSENBLUM said his following comments may have been covered in the Public Safety Commission discussion, but he wanted to know if there was a strategic plan on the part of the City, because this was an increase in labor cost for the services it receives for police and fire from the County, stating the City didn't have control over the labor cost. The City pretty much gets the bill from them and the City has had the money and the wherewithal to be able to pay that bill without thinking about it too heavily. Now Council's is at the point where labor costs are beginning to impinge on the City's ability to pay them and is looking to find new sources of revenue. Otherwise, City services and staff would need to be cut. He suggested, the Council would want to inform the voters, whether or not the TOT is passed, and deliver some kind of strategic plan, because in two years the rate is going to go up, and again in four years. He said this TOT increase was a one time short-term fix. He suggested a strategic plan that shows where this money is going to come from in the future. The second part is that an outcome analysis is needed as well. Right now the City is buying 100% of the best possible service from the County with a maximum amount of staffing that Palm Desert can buy, and the outcome is pretty good. However, the question is, when you're in a corporate setting you want to look at the outcome of what you're paying, so when talking about TOT, is the City currently getting all the TOT that it could possibly get. When people book on-line through Expedia, the City is losing about 50% of the TOT for all those bookings, and it's regulated by the State. He questioned if the City was doing everything possible to push the State to improve that situation. Then there are all the short-term rentals, stating he knew the City was trying to regulate it, but it's an enormous source of TOT that's growing by leaps and bounds, so was the City getting all it can from it. And as a voter who is going to be asked to vote on whether to increase TOT for the traditional hotels which invest in the infrastructure and the labor, they are competing with Airbnd (Air Bed and Breakfast), which doesn't invest in infrastructure, they use contractors who are the people who own the houses. He said they get away with not having employees or building in the City, and also skirt the law and keep their TOT. He would be more comfortable voting for this type of a TOT increase if he knew the City was doing all it could to collect TOT from Airbnd and it had a strategic plan in place. Lastly, in the field of public safety, referring to police and fire, he suggested a fresh idea, which is to carve out a small fractional percentage of TOT and use it for earthquake 16 PRELIMINARY MINUTES DRAFT REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JULY 28, 2016 preparedness, because it's the one thing that can destroy a city in the long- term where it won't be able to recover. Carving out funds from this public safety fund would go a long way to creating funds for earthquake preparedness in the way of things like earthquake warning systems, electrical generators that can be towed in and plugged into buildings, training for people in CERT to help the City recover and be resilient. A quick fact, after catastrophic disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and hurricanes where significant infrastructure has influenced an area to the tune of several months worth of damage, 50% of small businesses are lost and never recover, which is a resilience issue that the City could address by forming a fund carved out of public safety from the TOT, suggesting a quarter percent. Councilman Jonathan said the questions raised by Mr. Rosenblum are excellent, and he's happy to say they have all been addressed by the City and continue to be addressed and examined. For example, when reviewing the renewal of the contract with Riverside County for both police and fire, the payback on the City's investment was examined. They looked to see what the expenditures were per resident and how it compared to other communities, and they contrasted that with crimes per resident. In other words, how effective is the return on investment. He added that the City actually cut $600,000 from the proposed contract with another $400,000 on the table, which may be reduced by as much as $1 million. He said Council and staff was out there doing what has been expressed as a concern. With regard to the on-line booking, there are specific audits for short-term rentals, there is a contract in place with Airbnd (Air Bed and Breakfast) for them to collect and report the tax, and the City is working to do the same with Vacation Rentals by Owners (VRBOs) as well. Additionally, the City is investing huge amounts in earthquake preparedness and will continue to do so. He is in favor of staff's proposal because the increase on TOT would simply bring Palm Desert in line with other cities in the Coachella Valley and it's supported by hoteliers. Secondly, the City needs to find away to fund the increasing public safety cost, because in spite of what the City is doing, the cost is going up, which is strictly tied to labor. He said the County wasn't making a profit and they didn't have any leeway, adding that Palm Desert was simply reimbursing the County for their cost, and it's driven by the union contract they entered into. Also, there is going to be 7% annual increases, therefore, he believed increasing the TOT was the right way to fund the costs, because it didn't tax the residents. In fact, it places the burden of the cost on those that are largely responsible for creating the additional need for public safety and enforcement issues, stating there is a nexus and fair sharing of responsibility. Finally, with his accounting background, the first thing he looked at before considering raising taxes, is whether the City was operating as efficiently as possible. He commented that government entities that don't operate efficiently, their first solution to a financial crisis is to raise taxes. He said the entire Council and staff is so focused on operating efficiently, and he could spend hours explaining what has been done over 17 PRELIMINARY MINUTES DRAFT REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JULY 28, 2016 the last year, but he won't, but the City is operating incredibly efficient. However, there's no more places to cut and more revenue is needed, so the only option is to cut public services if the proposed TOT is not implemented. The biggest hit to public services would be police and fire, and to him, that's not acceptable, so for all the reasons mentioned, he's in favor of staff's recommendation. Mayor Pro Tern Harnik said she appreciated Mr. Rosenblum's comments, which are valid and important. She said the City is working with public safety providers to avoid having the cost get out of control, but the City must respond to ensure the quality of life that community members have come to expect. She said public safety also affects senior programs, children, and parks. With the lost of redevelopment, the impact is being seen in places that weren't seen before, so these TOT funds will give the Council an opportunity to address those needs. Additionally, these TOT funds will give the City local control, stating these funds can't be taken away. She added that these issues come up in the Audit and Investment & Finance Committee meetings and the Council has to address the needs, and having local control of the TOT funds will help in doing the best job going forward. She said this issue has to be looked at broadly and how it affects the entire community, which is why she will support the measure. Councilmember Weber appreciated Mr. Rosenblum's comments, because he's sharing, very succinctly, what many others have on their mind regarding this issue. It also provides the Council an opportunity to address them as well. She viewed the TOT as a fee for the privilege of visiting Palm Desert. As already mentioned, the City has additional safety concerns when the public comes to visit, and Palm Desert wants to provide a very safe city. Therefore, to her, it was a voluntary fee that is being paid to come to Palm Desert; it was not a mandatory tax. She added that the City is grateful to all the visitors, because it raises the level of the City to a higher standard. Therefore, she will be voting in favor of staff's recommendation. Councilman Tanner stated he was in favor of the 2% increase of the TOT. Councilman Tanner moved to waive further reading and: 1) Adopt Resolution No. 2016 - 71, submitting to the qualified voters of the City at the General Election to be held on November 8, 2016, a measure relating to an increase in Transient Occupancy Tax (T.O.T.) - the "Palm Desert Community Safety, Vital Services, and Fiscal Stability Measure"; 2) pass Ordinance No. 1307 to second reading, amending Sections 3.28.030 and 3.28.070 of Title 3 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code relating to Transient Occupancy Taxes (T.O.T.). Motion was seconded by Weber and carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: Harnik, Jonathan, Tanner, Weber, and Spiegel; NOES: None). IiBI PRELIMINARY MINUTES DRAFT REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JULY 28, 2016 XV. CONTINUED BUSINESS A. REQUEST FOR AWARD OF CONTRACT TO CROP PRODUCTION SERVICES, INC., IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $158,068.80 FOR PURCHASE OF 140,000 POUNDS OF RYE GRASS SEED FOR THE DESERT WILLOW GOLF RESORT (CONTRACT NO. C35400) (Continued from the meeting of July 14, 2016). Mr. Acosta recalled for the Council that at the meeting of July 14, there were a few questions raised with respect to the staff report. Staff made the attempt to respond in the body of the report. The first question was whether there was a local preference policy in the City of Palm Desert for the purchase of services or goods. The answer is yes, however, in this context, because it exceeds the threshold of the City's policy of $25,000, it is not valid for this bid process. The second inquiry was with regard to the 8.1 % sales tax on the bid estimate sheet. That was indeed a typographical error. Therefore, staff recalculated every submitters bid amounts and checked with the City Attorney to ensure it would not trigger a rebid process, and because it qualified under a nonsubstantive change and did not affect the hierarchy of those bids, staff is able to continue with this bid. The last question dealt with the Coachella office of Crop Production Services, which was answered in an earlier item on the agenda, in that it will soon reopen one in Coachella. Councilman Jonathan asked if a couple of Councilmembers could work with staff to revisit the preferential policy, stating the current one is fine and may remain unchanged and/or eliminated or expanded. Mayor Spiegel said he wasn't opposed, but this evening the Council needed to vote on this item because the grass seed needed to be purchased. Councilman Tanner agreed this needed to be investigated and would like to work with Councilman Jonathan on this matter. However, from a legal standpoint, prior to their meeting, he would want the City Attorney to provide them with a report. Councilman Tanner moved to, by Minute Motion: 1) Award subject contract to Crop Production Services, Inc. (CPS), San Jacinto, California, to purchase 140,000 pounds of grass seed in an amount not to exceed $158,068.80 for the Desert Willow Golf Resort for Fiscal Year 2016-2017; 2) authorize Mayor to execute said contract — funds are available in Course and Grounds Expenses Account, No. 5204195-4803100. Motion was seconded by Harnik and carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: Harnik, Jonathan, Tanner, Weber, and Spiegel; NOES: None). 19 PRELIMINARY MINUTES DRAFT REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JULY 28, 2016 XVI. OLD BUSINESS A. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION TO ABANDON THE MID -VALLEY BIKE PATH PROJECT, CLOSE OUT CONTRACT WITH TY LIN INTERNATIONAL, AND FOR STAFF TO SUBMIT A LETTER TO THE COACHELLA VALLEY ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS (CVAG) REQUESTING REMOVAL OF THE PROJECT FROM THE FEDERAL TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (FTIP); AND TO REFUND ALL OF THE COLLECTED IN -LIEU FEES FROM IMPACTED DEVELOPERS AND RELEASE THE RELATED SECURITIES (PROJECT NO. 707-07). Mayor Spiegel stated he has been asked to continue this item to a date uncertain. Mayor Pro Tern Harnik moved to continue this item to a date uncertain. Motion was seconded by Jonathan and carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: Harnik, Jonathan, Tanner, Weber, and Spiegel; NOES: None). B. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION FOR CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A GRANT OF EASEMENT TO SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE RELOCATION OF A GENERATOR TO THE JOSLYN CENTER (CONTRACT NO. C34370). Mr. Greenwood stated this was another step down a somewhat long and tortured path to providing an emergency generator at the Joslyn Center. In addition to staff's request, which is to grant the necessary easement to Southern California Edison in order to provide the wiring to the generator, it's also asking Council to appropriate the money for the retrofit of the generator and its installation. Today staff conducted a sound test of the generator where it currently exist at the Sheriffs substation to address a concern raised, stating five representatives from the Joslyn Center were present. They took objective sound measurements at various distances as follows: sound levels was 88 decibels at ten feet from the machine, which is closer than one would normally be to it, and 78 decibel at twenty-five feet, and 75 decibels at forty feet. He said 75 decibels is roughly the sound of an idling diesel truck. Staff members from the City and Joslyn Center unanimously support moving the generator over to the Center. MR. ROSENBLUM pointed out that in 2010 the City invested $20,000 to design and retrofit an electrical system that would enable a towed in generator to be pulled into the parking lot and plugged in at the Joslyn Center. He said that system should exist there today. In the event the City wanted to power the community area, kitchen, and A/C, it's possible to pull in a generator and plug it in right now, stating that system also exists at the 20 PRELIMINARY MINUTES DRAFT REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JULY 28, 2016 Palm Desert High School. He hoped that concept is broaden out to the rest of the community. In case that wasn't discovered or remembered from back at that time, that system exists. Mr. Greenwood responded staff is aware and is taking advantage of the parts of that existing system. Mayor Pro Tern Harnik noted she was recently at the Joslyn Board Meeting and they are appreciative of what the City of Palm Desert has done. On a day like today where there is that flex energy issue and people are having their air conditioning cycled off, it shows everyone how important something like this is. She thanked Mr. Greenwood and Public Works Department for all the work done to get this going. She is also so proud of the lead that Palm Desert is taking on this to ensure that seniors and the community at large are being taken care of. Councilman Jonathan concurred, stating he was still hopeful neighboring cities to the east and the west can be shamed to share in the cost. With regard to the decibel rating and the noise, he's trying to be sensitive, but honestly, in a natural disaster, if there's a choice between being in that emergency center and being cool under extreme weather, he won't care very much about the noise. Mayor Pro Tern Harnik responded that there are people sensitive to noise, so perhaps the City could look into providing ear plugs. Councilman Tanner concurred with Councilman Jonathan's comments with regard to shaming the neighboring cities, and he would be happy to go along with him to the cities of Rancho Mirage and Indian Wells to question them on their decision. Councilman Tanner moved to, by Minute Motion: 1) Authorize Mayor to execute a Grant of Easement to Southern California Edison (SCE) for relocation of a generator from the Sheriff Substation to the Joslyn Center; 2) appropriate $180,000 from Unobligated Fund 450 to Account No. 4504164-4400100 - Improvements to City -owned Facilities. Motion was seconded by Harnik and carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: Harnik, Jonathan, Tanner, Weber, and Spiegel; NOES: None). 21 PRELIMINARY MINUTES DRAFT REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JULY 28, 2016 XVII. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF AN AMENDMENT TO TENTATIVE TRACT MAP 33719 TO MODIFY FIRE DEPARTMENT CONDITION OF APPROVAL NO. 7 AND TO REVISE APPROVED PAD HEIGHTS FOR A 159-LOT RESIDENTIAL SUBDIVISION LOCATED AT THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF FRANK SINATRA DRIVE AND PORTOLA AVENUE, Case No. TTM 33719 Amendment No. 1 (TTLC Catavina Investors, LLC, Applicant). Principal Planner Eric Ceja stated that this item was an Amendment to an approved Tentative Tract Map 33719, known as "Aventine," and formerly known as "Catavina." The project is located on the corner of Frank Sinatra Drive and Portola Avenue. The project was approved in 2006 and a new developer has purchased control of the project as well as the Santa Rosa Golf Club just to the west of this project. The new owners are proposing an Amendment to the map to modify Fire Department Condition of Approval No. 7, which specified internal roadway widths inside the project and to modify pad heights that were approved underthe original pad map. The Fire Department has reviewed the Applicants request and has no issues with their proposal; therefore, an amended condition is provided as part of the resolution. The Planning Commission also reviewed this request earlier this month and approved the Amendment as submitted. Mayor Spiegel declared the public hearing open and invited public testimony FAVORING or OPPOSING this matter. With no public testimony offered, he declared the public hearing closed. Councilman Jonathan moved to waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 2016 - 72, approving an amendment to Tentative Tract Map No. 33719, subject to the attached conditions. Motion was seconded by Tanner and carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: Harnik, Jonathan, Tanner, Weber, and Spiegel; NOES: None). XVIII. REPORTS AND REMARKS A. CITY MANAGER Citv Manaaer Meetina Summaries Report for the Period of July 4-15, 2016. With City Council concurrence, the Meeting Summaries were received and filed. 22 PRELIMINARY MINUTES DRAFT REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JULY 28, 2016 B. CITY ATTORNEY None C. CITY CLERK Ms. Klassen noted the Council had decided at a previous meeting that it will take a shorter break than usual this summer. The Council will not have the August 111h meeting and resume its regular schedule on August 25. D. PUBLIC SAFETY Fire Department None 2. Police Department None E. MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL Councilmember Susan Marie Weber's Meetina Summaries Report for the Period of June 27-July 17, 2016. With City Council concurrence, the Meeting Summaries were received and filed. 2. Council Requests for Action/Committee Reports/Comments: a) Mavor Pro Tern Jan C. Harnik Reports/Comments: - CVAG Homeslessness Committee - She attended a workshop on an issue that needs to be addressed. So far the Committee has done a good job of looking at the financials and budget of Roy's Resource Center. However, she's happy to say that Councilman Sabby Jonathan was voted to become the Chair of the Committee and he's the one who has initiated these two-hour workshops to address the homelessness issue, stating it's getting people moving in the right direction to address the issue and not just put a band aid over it. She congratulated the work he was doing. Councilman Jonathan added that it was Part 1 of 2 of a Strategic Planning Workshop, and the next one is on August 17 for another two-hour workshop. What's of interest to the Council and the City is that there is fresh thinking on the CVAG Homelessness Committee, 23 PRELIMINARY MINUTES DRAFT REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JULY 28, 2016 as it's looking for new answers and solutions to a very important issue. At some point, CVAG will be looking at a regional holistic approach so that all the cities can work together along with various other stakeholders, and at that point, the Committee will be coming back to each city with its proposal. 3. Council Consideration of Travel Requests and Reports: None XIX. ADJOURNMENT With City Council concurrence, Mayor Spiegel adjourned the meeting at 5:37 p.m. ATTEST: RACHELLE D. KLASSEN, CITY CLERK CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA ROBERT A. SPIEGEL, MAYOR 24