HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-07-26 EPPBID Special Meeting MinutesBoard Special Meeting Minutes
July 26, 2018
El Paseo Parking & Business Improvement District
Civic Center ACR Conference Room
73510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, CA 92260
I. CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Klein convened the meeting at 8:05 AM
II ROLL CALL
Board Members Present: Patrick Klein; Elyssa Goldberg; Sonia Campbell;
Christine Stein; David Fletcher (late, with excuse)
Board Members Absent: Susan Stauber
City of Palm Desert Staff Present: Thomas Soule, Tourism and Marketing Manager;
Eric Ceja, Principal Planner; Kevin Swartz, Associate Planner;
Other Attendees: Councilmember Jan Harnik; Jim Wall; Danny Freeman; Glenda Ramey;
Brandt Kuhn; Davis Meyer; Sam Heaton; Judy Esterbrook; Lisa Dempton;
Stephanie Greene
III. ORAL COMMUNICTIONS
There were none.
IV. OLD BUSINESS
A. CONSIDERATION OF EL PASEO/GIBBS STUDY
Details of the four options for El Paseo presented in the Gibbs Study were discussed by
the Board. Regarding the Gibbs Study, motion was made by Fletcher and seconded by
Campbell to recommend the following elements to City Council:
• Options C and D of the Gibbs Study were rejected by the board.
• Recommend a hybrid solution, utilizing elements of several options presented in
the study.
• Adopt a uniform look for the entire length of El Paseo.
• Widen the sidewalks on both sides.
• Create mid -block cross walks, possibly involving the use of color and artistic
elements.
• Incorporate bulb -outs on the corners to decrease the distance for pedestrians to
cross the street.
• Incorporate the "barn dance" diagonal crossing at intersections with existing traffic
signals.
• Maintain the parallel parking on the side of the street (no diagonal parking).
• Add shade trees on the sidewalks, while being mindful of sightlines for store
signage.
• Possibly narrow the median and move the art to the sidewalks, allowing
pedestrians to interact safely with it while remaining close to stores.
• Add pedestrian lighting for evening safety.
• Enhance the President's Plazas to encourage parking for a more pedestrian -
friendly El Paseo.
• Increase signage on the street, including directories and way -finding signage.
• Add "parklets" in some existing parking spaces, while maintaining an elevated
design consistent with the El Paseo aesthetic; possibly make some of these
permanent.
• Create "dwell" areas or gathering spaces using outdoor furniture in ways that
encourage pedestrians to gather and relax.
• Would like to see a traffic study done during high season to determine to
strengthen data for choosing between 2 or 4 lanes of traffic.
Motion passed unanimously with a 5-0-1 vote, with Klein, Goldberg, Campbell, Fletcher
and Stein voting in favor.
V. NEXT MEETING
A. Confirm August 16, 2018
Board Members confirmed that the next meeting will be held on August 16, 2018, 8:00
am.
VI. ADJOURNMENT
Minutes recorded and submitted by Thomas Soule; July 26, 2018