HomeMy WebLinkAbout1974-09-20ADJOURNED CITY COUNCIL MEETING
SEPTEMBER 20, 1974
CITY HALL CONFERENCE ROOM
I. CALL TO ORDER
The Adjourned City Council meeting was called to order
by Mayor Clark at 7:35 A.M. on September 20, 1974 in the
Palm Desert City Hall Conference Room.
II. ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Councilman CHUCK ASTON; Councilwoman JEAN BENSON;
Councilman NOEL BRUSH; Councilman JIM McPHERSON;
and Mayor HENRY CLARK
ABSENT: None
Others Present:
City Manager - Harvey L. Hurlburt
III. DESERT SOUTHWEST ART GALLERY
Mr. Hurlburt presented the preliminary evaluation -
economics of the Desert Southwest Art Gallery as a City Hall
facility. In addition to the written summary, he advised
that Larry Morrison of Wilsey & Ham cannot give a solid
recommendation at this time, however, he felt that the best
site would be the one near the College of the Desert.
Mayor Clark said Mr. George Berkey had telephonically
advised him that the Citizens Advisory Committee had turned
the proposal of the Art Gallery down on the basis they felt
it would be a tremendously expensive remodeling job. Mayor
Clark felt it was turned down also on the fact that it would
not be politically advisable.
Councilman Brush said he thought the College of the
Desert location would alleviate a possible future blight
condition; that a subsequent civic center would automatically
upgrade the area and make the land more valuable.
Councilwoman Benson said the Gallery was a 30-year old
building and that the City would be criticized for putting
out that much money and was definitely against the proposal.
Councilman McPherson suggested the lease option deal be
investigated before making any counter offer.
Mr. Hurlburt said if the Council could settle on
figures he would contact Mr. Saffron of Stone & Youngberg,
the financial consultants, and find out what it would cost
in terms of annual payments with a purchase price of
$400,000, $450,000, and $500,000.
Councilwoman Benson said she thought there should be
a comparison of costs to buy the land and build a City
facility.
Mayor Clark was directed to tell Mr. George Beebe the
Council will not be ready to make a decision until after
Council deliberations at the next Council meeting
Councilman McPherson moved that Mr. Hurlburt carry
on and develop further figures from Stone & Youngberg on
the proposed City Hall site and on comparable property of
40 acres at a building cost of $50 per square foot for a
20,000 square foot building. Motion seconded by Councilman
Aston and unanimously carried.
Regarding the Core Area Traffic Priority Committee,
Mayor Clark said recommendations had been received from
the Citizens Advisory Committee and the Chamber of Commerce,
George Berkey and Herb Powers, respectively.
There will be a further study on the proposed pre-
liminary budget at the next Study Session on Thursday,
September 26, at 4:30 P.M.
Meeting adjourned at 9:10 A.M.
ATTEST:
HENRY B . CLARK , MAYOR
1j/ J / n,a
Mary' Pair} er-Deputy City Clerk
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