HomeMy WebLinkAbout1976-02-26MINUTES
PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL
FEBRUARY 26, 1976
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
I. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Henry Clark called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m. on
Thursday, February 26, 1976, in City Hall Council Chambers.
II. PLEDGE
III. INVOCATION
IV. ROLL CALL
Present:
Councilman Chuck Aston
Councilwoman Jean Benson
Councilman Noel Brush
Councilman Jim McPherson
Mayor Henry Clark
Also Present:
Harvey L. Hurlburt, City Manager
David J. Erwin, City Attorney
Paul A. Williams, Director of Environmental Services
V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Councilman Aston moved that the minutes of the February 12, 1976
meeting be corrected under Section XIV, OLD BUSINESS, Item A, to read
that Councilman McPherson seconded the motion. Councilman McPherson
seconded that the minutes be approved as corrected; carried unanimously.
VI. AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS, AND APPOINTMENTS
A.
Mr. Roger Harlow presented Mayor Clark with a plaque
extending the appreciation of C-VAG for his participation
and assistance in the organization. He further pointed
out that the Mayor had made an outstanding contribution
to C-VAG through all of his efforts in the organization.
B. Appointment of City Members to the City/College Liaison
Committee.
Mayor Clark moved that Dr. Joseph Iantorno, Dean of Students,
and Dr. Bob Jordan, Chairman of Internal Relations, be
appointed as College representatives to the committee.
Councilman McPherson seconded the motion; carried unanimously.
C. Appointment of Members to the Newly Created Civic Art
Committee.
Mayor Clark stated that he was not yet prepared to make
suggestions for members of this committee and asked that
it be held over.
Councilwoman Benson moved that the appointments be held
over to the March llth meeting and Councilman Brush seconded the
motion; carried unanimously.
February 26, 1976 Page 1
VII. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Application for Alcoholic Beverage License by Joseph A.
Carrabus and Valerie A. Pohatu for LORD & LADY INN,
73-196 Highway 111, Palm Desert, California.
Councilman McPherson moved to receive and file the item on the
Consent Calendar and Councilman Brush seconded the motion; carried
unanimously.
VIII. PUBLIC HEARING
A. ESTABLISHMENT OF LIENS ON TWO PARCELS FOR WHICH SIDEWALK
WAS INSTALLED IN ACCORDANCE WITH CHAPTER 27 OF THE CALIFORNIA
STREETS AND HIGHWAYS CODE.
Mayor Clark outlined the procedure of the public hearing and
declared the hearing open.
Mr. Hurlburt explained that since the preparation of the
agenda, new information had been made available. It was
his suggestion that the matter be held over to the March 11,
1976, meeting to give Staff an opportunity to resolve some
questions that had resulted from the new information.
Mayor Clark asked if there was any input from the audience
and there was none.
Councilman McPherson moved and Councilman Brush seconded that
the item be continued to the March 11, 1976, meeting; carried unani-
mously.
IX. RESOLUTIONS
A. RESOLUTION NO. 76-27 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, RELATIVE TO WORKMEN'S
COMPENSATION BENEFITS FOR REGISTERED VOLUNTEER "DISASTER
SERVICE WORKERS".
Mr. Hurlburt stated that this was a standard resolution
passed by all cities participating in the Disaster Pre-
paredness Program and that it provided for coverage for
Workmen's Compensation for all volunteer workers in the
event of a disaster. He further pointed out that this
was at no cost to the City.
Councilman Aston moved and Councilman Brush seconded to waive
further reading and adopt Resolution No. 76-27. Carried unanimously
B. RESOLUTION NO. 76-28 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING CLAIMS AND
DEMANDS AGAINST THE CITY TREASURY.
Councilwoman Benson moved and Councilman McPherson seconded to
waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 76-28; carried unani-
mously.
C. RESOLUTION NO. 76-20 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING MID -YEAR
BUDGET AMENDMENTS.
Mr. Hurlburt stated that this had been reviewed in detail
with Mayor Clark as directed at the previous meeting and
also with the rest of Council at Study Session. He briefly
outlined the major amendments to the budget and stated that
it was in good shape. He recommended adoption and Resolu-
tion No. 76-20 and the transfers attached to it.
Councilman Brush moved and Councilman Aston seconded to waive
further reading and adopt Resolution No. 76-20; carried unanimously.
February 26, 1976
Page 2
D. RESOLUTION NO. 76-31 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING AN ADDI-
TIONAL ADVANCE TO THE PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY IN
THE AMOUNT OF $6,700, SUCH ADVANCE TO BE TREATED AS A LOAN
AND BE REPAID WITH INTEREST.
Mr. Hurlburt pointed out that this was not listed on the
Agenda, but that this action was necessary as a result of
the adoption of the mid -year budget adjustments. It was
merely the approval of the transfer of monies to the
Redevelopment Agency.
Councilman Aston moved and Councilman McPherson seconded the
adoption of Resolution No. 76-31; carried unanaimously.
E. RESOLUTION NO. 76-30 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE 1975-76
BUDGET TO PROVIDE FOR TRANSFERS WITHIN THE STATE 1974 PARK
BOND ACT FUND WITHIN THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS BUDGET.
Mr. Hurlburt outlined the proposed expenditures in the
State Park Bond Act Fund as proposed by staff. He indica-
ted that the Monument ($400), the Directional & Entrance
Sign ($600), the Extension of Power into the Park and
Installation of a Main Subpanel ($1,000), would be elimina-
ted from this budget totaling $46,809, which included
$7,000 for Rest Room Facilities. He stated that the items
removed such as the signs and the monument could be
obtained by donations from individuals or organizations
within the community.
Councilman McPherson stated that in the 7 years he had
resided in Palm Desert the completion of the Park had been
a major project. Upon becoming a member of the City Council
he had stated that the project would be completed and now
was the time to do it.
Councilman McPherson moved and Councilman Aston seconded that
Resolution No. 76-30 be approved with the recommended changes; carried
unanimously.
F. RESOLUTION NO. 76-33 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, APPROPRIATING MONIES
FOR COMMUNITY PARK IMPROVEMENTS.
Mr. Hurlburt stated that it would be necessary to transfer
$25,230 from the Building Excise Tax Fund to the Community
Park Fund in order to complete all of the improvements
required. He stated that the $25,230 did include the com-
pletion of the fountain at a cost of $5,000.
Councilman McPherson moved and Councilman Aston seconded to
waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 76-33.
Councilman Brush stated that he could not agree with the
adoption of this resolution in that he disagreed with the
completion of the fountain. He stated that with the amount
of vandalism already experienced in the Park, he felt the
completion of the fountain unwise.
Councilman Brush moved to amend Resolution No. 76-33 to an
amount of $20,200 which would eliminate the $5,000 for the fountain.
Councilwoman Benson seconded the motion.
Mayor Clark asked if Councilman McPherson would accept the
amended motion and he stated that he would not. Mayor Clark
called for a vote on Councilman Brush's motion, and the
following vote was cast:
AYES: BRUSH, BENSON, CLARK
NOES: ASTON, McPHERSON
Councilman Brush's motion to amend Resolution No. 76-33 to an
amount of $20,200 was carried.
February 26, 1976
Page 3
Mr. Hurlburt pointed out that this would affect Resolution
No. 76-30 and that it would have to be amended to reflect
the deletion of the fountain.
Councilwoman Benson moved and Councilman Brush seconded to
amend Resolution No. 76-30 to reflect the deletion of $5,000 for
the fountain. Motion carried unanimously.
X. ORDINANCES
For Introduction
A. ORDINANCE NO. 108 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, REGULATING AND CON-
TROLLING THE DISTRIBUTION OF HANDBILLS.
Mr. Hurlburt stated that at the direction of Council at
the previous meeting, he had contacted the President of
the Chamber of Commerce and that he had stated that the
Chamber did not wish to make any changes or amendments
to the ordinance. Further review with the City Attorney
produced no changes or amendments. Mr. Hurlburt further
pointed out that one of the objections raised from the
audience at the previous meeting had been the prohibition
of handbills on cars in parking lots and that the Chamber
had expressed this as a main concern in that these hand-
bills only created litter. Another concern had been the
question as to whether or not the ordinance eliminated
the advertising section of newspapers. Mr. Hurlburt
stated that it did not in that it was a section of the
newspaper, but that it would eliminate the distribution
of the Advertiser which was being thrown on the lawns
of residences in Palm Desert with no subscription to it.
He further pointed out that the Advertiser could continue
distribution if it was placed on the doorknob of a resi-
dence. However, no complaints or inquiries had been
received from the publisher of this material, the Daily
News in Indio.
After considerable discussion, Councilman Brush moved that the
matter be held over to the March 11, 1976, meeting with Staff directed
to contact the publisher of the Advertiser for input. Councilwoman
Benson seconded the motion; carried unanimously.
For Adoption:
A. ORDINANCE NO. 110 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, REGULATING CHARITABLE
RELIGIOUS AND NONPROFIT SOLICITATIONS.
Councilman Aston moved and Councilman Brush seconded to waive
further reading and adopt Ordinance No. 110; carried unanimously.
XI. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER
None
XII. CONTINUING BUSINESS
None
XIII. NEW BUSINESS
A. CONSIDERATION OF BIDS FROM SUPPLIERS TO FURNISH 860 TONS
OF MINERAL AGGREGATE FOR SLURRY SEALING IN THE CITY OF
PALM DESERT.
February 26, 1976 Page 4
Mr. Hurlburt stated that only one bid had been received
from A & B Asphalt for $5.20 a ton or a total of $4,523.60
f.o.b. Palm Desert, California.
Councilman Aston moved to approve the bid and authorize the
Purchasing Agent to execute a Purchase Order in that amount. Council-
woman Benson seconded the motion; carried unanimously.
B. CONSIDERATION OF BIDS FROM SUPPLIERS TO FURNISH 149 TONS OF
QSH ASPHALT EMULSION FOR SLURRY SEALING IN THE CITY OF PALM
DESERT.
Mr. Hurlburt advised that this had been advertised in the
Palm Desert Post as had the previous bid and that only
one contractor had bid. He further stated that there are
not many contractors of this nature in the Valley and that
Rancho Mirage had experienced the same type of response
when they had advertised for bids. Chevron had been the
only contractor to bid for a total cost of $10,640.
Councilwoman Benson moved and Councilman McPherson seconded to
approve the bid from Chevron and authorize the Purchasing Agent to
execute a Purchase Order in that amount; carried unanimously.
XIV. OLD BUSINESS
None
XV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
MR. HERB POWERS, President of the Palm Desert Chamber of
Commerce, addressed Council expressing concern over delay
in the City's promotional monies to the Chamber to promote
the City through a brochure. He stated that the City had
asked for a letter explaining the expenditures and that one
had been submitted and had also been discussed with Mayor
Clark. Mayor Clark pointed out that the letter had been
submitted too late to get on the Agenda.
Councilman Brush stated that he felt Council's concern over
promoting Palm Desert was that the City was not yet ready for
it. He felt that an inventory should be made as to the City's
need for hotel accommodations, meeting facilities, etc. before
promotion was made to get tourist business. Mayor Clark stated
that the Census now being taken would provide the City with
more information as to what is available, what is wanted, etc.
MR. ROBIN BARRETT, Palm Desert, addressed Council extending
his thanks for their efforts within the past two years but
expressing his displeasure with the mailing of a Newsletter
just days prior to the election. He stated that this was
paid for by the taxpayers and that he felt it was no more
than campaign literature.
MRS. MARGERY EGAN, Palm Desert, addressed Council stating that
she had contacted the Attorney General's office regarding the
Newsletter mailing and that she would be providing that office
with a copy of the mailing. She also expressed displeasure
with the mailing and stated that the Attorney General would
rule as to whether or not it was considered "campaign material"
and if so, the incumbents running for office would have to pay
for the mailing as well as the publication of the Newsletter.
XVI. REPORTS AND REMARKS
A. City Manager
1. Resolution No. 76-32 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, PROVIDING FOR
A TRANSFER OF APPROPRIATIONS UNDER THE 1975-76 BUDGET
TO PROVIDE FOR EXCESS OF INSURANCE PREMIUMS OVER BUDGET
PROVISION.
February 26, 1976 Page 5
Mr. Hurlburt stated that all insurance rates are going up
and the City was no exception. Our most recent billing
showed that the total year's billing would be $830 more
than the budgeted $4,950, or a total of $5,780. This
resolution would provide the additional $830 by virtue
of transfer.
Councilman McPherson moved and Councilman Brush seconded to
waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 76-32; carried unani-
mously.
2. Mr. Hurlburt stated that 8 seminars were being held in
Los Angeles on alternate sources of energy and that it
was the feeling of the Solar Energy Committee that they
should have representatives attend from their committee.
The registration fee is $50 and transportation costs will
also be involved. It was the suggestion of the committee
that the City pay for one registration and the transporta-
tion and the College of the Desert pay for one additional
registration fee.
Councilman Aston moved that $370 be transferred from the
Unappropriated Contingency Reserve to the Nondepartmental Travel
and Meetings budget account and Councilwoman Benson seconded the
motion. Motion carried unanimously.
B. City Manager
None
C. Mayor and City Council
Councilman McPherson stated that he would would like to
express his appreciation to the City Staff in helping
make his job much easier during the past two years. He
stated that the City had very competent employees. He
continued by commending Mayor Clark in doing "a hell of
a lot better job than the rest of us could have done".
Councilwoman Benson also thanked the City Staff and expressed
appreciation to Mayor Clark.
Mayor Clark stated that he had very much enjoyed his
position and thanked all who had worked with him. He
asked Staff to investigate the purchasing of a voting
machine for Council so that the next Mayor would not be
faced with making the "deciding vote".
XVII. ADJOURNMENT
Councilwoman Benson moved and Councilman McPherson seconded
to adjourn the meeting to March 9 ,-1976, at 7:00 p.m. in City
Hall Council Chambers. Carried nanimously.
ATTEST:
HARVEY L. LBUR , City Clerk
February 26, 1976
Page 6