HomeMy WebLinkAbout1976-01-08MINUTES
PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL
JANUARY 8, 1976
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
I. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Henry B. Clark called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
II. PLEDGE
III. INVOCATION
IV. ROLL CALL
Present: Absent:
Councilwoman Benson
Councilman Brush
Councilman McPherson
Mayor Clark
V. MINUTES
Councilman Aston
Councilman McPherson moved and Councilwoman Benson seconded
that the minutes of the December 11, 1975, meeting be approved as
presented; carried unanimously.
VI. AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS, AND APPOINTMENTS
Mayor Clark moved that JOHN MARZICOLA and DR. LARRY FREDERICK
of the College of the Desert, and MR. CHARLES MARTIN be appointed as
members of the newly created Solar Energy Committee. Councilman Brush
seconded the motion; carried unanimously.
VIII. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. CONTINUED CASE NO. C/Z 02-75 CITY OF PALM DESERT: Consid-
eration of Article 25.46 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code -
The New Zoning Map (Continued from December 18, 1975).
Mayor Clark outlined the procedure for a public hearing
and declared the hearing open.
Mr. Hurlburt pointed out that there had been a joint meet-
ing of the City Council and the Planning Commission and as
a result, the Staff has some general feeling about some
of the questions brought up prior to this meeting.
Mr. Williams stated that there were 4 areas of major con-
cern as brought out at the first hearing. The first area
was Palm Village Unit #12, an area bounded by Avenue 44,
Monterey, San Pablo and Guadalupe. He stated that 3
alternatives were proposed; 1) zone the entire area R-2
(for 3 units on 2 lots); 2) zone the entire area R-2 (7)
(or 1 unit/lot which allows a duplex on 2 lots. This was
the Planning Commission's recommendation. And, thirdly,
to zone the entire area R-3 (3) allowing 2 units per lot.
This third alternative would not allow single family
residences.
Mr. Williams continued with the second area discussed con-
sisting of 34 acres bounded by Avenue 44, Parkview Drive,
Fairhaven Road and the Palm Valley Channel. He stated
that there were 4 alternatives in the report: 1) zone the
entire area "S" to allow the staff time to completely
analyze the impacts and ramifications of the development
of this critical piece of property; 2) zone the entire area
January 8, 1976 Page 1
R-1 as recommended by the Planning Commission. Leave the
entire area zoned R-3 (7) as it now exists; or provide for
a combination of zones based on various property owners'
requests.
The third area of discussion was the property consisting of
approximately 10 acres located at the northeast corner of
Deep Canyon and Highway 111. The alternatives in this area
would be: 1) zone the entire area property PC (4); 2) zone
the entire property S; and 3) zone the first front 300' PC
(R) and the remainder of the property PR(5) as recommended
by the Planning Commission.
The last area discussed was the property consisting of 10
vacant lots on the east side of Highway 74 between Grapevine
and Homestead. The alternatives suggested were: 1) zone
the lots north of the Deep Canyon Tennis Club R-1-10,000 SP
as recommended by the Planning Commission and zone the lots
south of Haystack Road R-2 (6) which would allow 2 units/lot
maximum; 2) zone all lots R-1-10,000 SP as recommended by
the Planning Commission; and 3) zone all lots R-2(6) SP.
Mr. Williams pointed out that the Planning Commission had
adopted and forwarded the Zoning Map itself as well as text
explaining it. Ordinance No. 107 before the Council tonight
adopts the map as presented.
Mayor Clark asked for input from the audience.
MR. THORAL LAKE, 73-400 Highway 111, addressed Council
strongly objecting to the rezoning of Palm Village Unit #12,
in that it would not permit duplexes to be built.. He stated
that he knew of many people who were planning to retire to
this area and build a duplex as a means of supplemental
income. He protested on their behalf.
MR. CHARLES MONTGOMERY, Attorney, represented John Dickson
who was being forced to move his storage lot as a result of
the new zoning. Mr. Montgomery indicated that he was not
protesting as much as he was asking Council's consideration
at a future date when his client had located elsewhere and
needed permission to utilize his new property.
MR. GEORGE SWEET, Palm Springs Medical Clinic, spoke on
behalf of the Clinic, indicating they had purchased the
property with the intention of building their new facilities
there and that now it would not be permitted.
DR. MILAUSKAS, President of the Palm Springs Medical Clinic,
indicated that about 2 1/2 years ago the Clinic researched
their growth and development in the Valley. Their intention
was to expand on their property in order to provide closer,
more convenient services to patients, as well as better care.
MR. HARRY HARDY, 44-557 San Pasqual, stated that he favored
the R-2-7000 zoning in the Palm Village Unit #12 in that
those lots were not large enough for two units or more. He
reminded Council that when they campaigned it was for low
density and he hoped they would stand behind their committment.
DR. JOE IANTORNO, Dean of Students, College of the Desert,
addressed Council on behalf of the students and the College.
He expressed concern over the rezoning which would not allow
student housing. He stated that it was desperately needed.
Councilwoman Benson asked if he knew percentage wise how
many students were turned away because of housing problems.
Dr. Iantorno did not. Councilman Brush asked confirmation
of the fact that the College did provide services for quite
an area outside of Palm Desert. Dr. Iantorno stated that
there are 500-600 students from out of our own local area.
January 8, 1976 Page 2
MR. DAVID BOND, 44-b32 San Pasqual, spoke relative to the
Palm Village Unit #12 area, strongly supporting student
housing. He stated that we should help any young adult who
wanted to get an education in these days.
DR. APIIELBAUM, President of the Palm Springs Medical Clinic,
stated that over the past 3 years, their Clinic has grown
to 30 Board certified specialists, and they have become
much larger in the Palm Desert area. He hoped that they
could move ahead with their plans for the land they owned
to increase the services and facilities in Palm Desert.
MR. CHRIS BLAISDELL, Attorney, 202A North Palm Canyon Drive,
Palm Springs, spoke representing RMW of the Desert, who is
planning to build off -campus housing at the College. He
asked Council to seriously consider allowing this in that
if the students didn't get housing close to the school,
they would band together in groups of 4 and 5 and rent houses
in the residential districts. He further stated that the
College was the only facility for higher education between
Yucapia and the Colorado River and that we had a college
town whether we liked it or not.
MR. BILL HOBBS, 73-707 Highway 111, expressed concern about
the corner of Deep Canyon. He asked Council to zone it "S"
so that adequate study could be made.
MR. ROLAND KING, Palm Springs Medical Clinic, addressed
Council requesting that before they approved the proposed
zoning of their property, they consider the transportation
factors involved. They are trying to make it as convenient
as they can for their patients.
MR. MURAL CHAPMAN, 73-168 Highway 111, spoke representing
Miljo Corporation, who own a number of lots on Parkview.
He stated that the new zoning would cut this in half making
it half residential and half commercial.
MR. ART SHEAR, Palm Springs Medical Clinic, asked for the
reasoning behind rezoning their property the way it had been.
The lots to the south of them would be for apartments, so
why should the Clinic lots be zoned for low density? He
stated that nowhere in the General Plan were provisions made
for professional buildings and that lots zoned for commercial
use would be far too expensive for them. He asked Council
to consider a "P" designation.
MR. DICK KITE, 73-757 Highway 111, spoke regarding the land
fronting the College. He stated that those lots were sold
for the building of apartments and urged Council to consider
this.
MR. PAT CARNEY, 71-405 Aster, Palm Desert, spoke regarding
his property on the corner of Highway 74 and Skyward and
Belair. He said that he had purposely bought the land to
build a duplex on it for retirement and urged that they not
change the zoning to prohibit this.
Councilwoman Benson asked if any professional zoning had
been studied. Mr. Williams responded that planned commercial
has not been. Councilwoman Benson asked if it could be
zoned S, and Mr. Williams said that it could be, but that it
would require an amendment to the General Plan.
Mayor Clark declared the Public Hearing closed. He suggested
Council discuss one area at a time.
AREA #1
Councilman McPherson stated that he had had an opportunity
January 8, 1976
Page 3
to inspect this area and that even though one of the ideas
in incorporation was to upgrade areas, and in spite of the
fact that there were 85 single family residences there, it
is not a good area and he didn't think that zoning it for
single family would improve it.
Councilman McPherson moved to zone the area R-2 and permit 3
units on 2 lots and still permit the multi -family units. It still is
somewhat lower density than R-3, but not as low as R-2 or 3 units on
2 lots. Mayor Clark seconded the motion.
The following vote was cast:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
McPherson and Clark
Brush and Benson
Aston
None
Councilwoman Benson moved to uphold the findings of the Planning
Commission and zone the entire area R-2(7), or 1 unit/lot which allows
a duplex on 2 lots. Councilman Brush seconded the motion.
After considerable discussion, the following
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Brush, Benson, and Clark
McPherson
Aston
None
AREA #2
vote was cast:
Councilman Brush stated that he was not convinced this
area should continue to be single family and that it should
be zoned S for further study.
Councilman Brush moved that the 34 acres bounded by Avenue 44,
Parkview Drive,. Fairhaven Road, and the Palm Valley Channel be changed
from the recommended R-1 to S, and Councilwoman Benson seconded the
motion. Councilman Brush stated that even though a year's time was
granted in the case of an S zone, he hoped it would not take that long.
After considerable discussion, the motion was carried unanimously.
AREA #3
Councilman McPherson moved that this area be zoned "S" and
Councilwoman Benson seconded the motion.
east
line
Councilman Brush asked what this would accomplish and
Councilman McPherson stated that the original request was
to rezone this as PC-4 and to his belief that there was a
project plan for that property and he would prefer that it
be "S" until a plan is brought forth.
Councilman Brush moved that these 10 acres located at the north -
corner of Deep Canyon and Highway 111 to Indian Wells property
be zoned "S". Mayor Clark seconded the motion; carried unanimously.
AREA #4
Councilwoman Benson moved that the property consisting of 10
vacant lots on the east side of Highway 74 between Grapevine and
Homestead be zoned R-1-10,000. Councilman McPherson seconded the motion.
Councilman Brush moved that those lots in Area B-1 of the map
between Deep Canyon Tennis Club and Grapevine be zoned R-1-10,000 SP as
recommended by the Planning Commission. Councilwoman Benson seconded
the motion. Vote was cast as follows:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Brush, Benson, McPherson
Clark
Aston
None
January 8, 1976
Page 4
Councilman McPherson moved that those lost in Area B-2 of the
map between Homestead and Haystack be zoned as R-2(6)SP and Council-
woman Benson seconded the motion. The following vote was cast:
AYES: Benson, McPherson, Clark
NOES: Brush
ABSENT: Aston
ABSTAIN: None
AREA #5
Councilman McPherson moved that the lots on Royal Palm Drive
be zoned R-2-5 and Councilwoman Benson seconded the motion; carried
unanimously.
Councilman Brush requested that he be allowed to back up and
move that the lots between Haystack and Homestead be zoned R-1. For
lack of a second, the motion died.
ORDINANCE NO. 107
Councilman McPherson moved and Councilman Brush seconded to
adopt Ordinance No. 107 with the amendments approved tonight after a
public hearing and pass it to second reading; carried unanimously.
MAYOR CALLED A 10 MINUTE BREAK AT 9:40 P.M. MEETING RECONVENED
AT 9:50 P.M.
B. CASE NO. TRACT 5795 SILVER SPUR ASSOCIATES: Consideration
of a Request for a 12-month extension on a Tentative Map
for a 37-Unit Planned Residential Development on 11 Acres
in the Ironwood Country Club Project and Located South of
Portola Avenue and East of Mariposa Drive (R-2-8000/PR 7).
Mayor Clark declared the public hearing open.
Mr. Williams stated that this was a request for an extension
of time for property at the main entrance of the Country
Club. He stated that the Planning Commission had reviewed
this in relationship to the proposed and existing zoning
and it is their recommendation that the map be extended for
an additional 12 months.
Mayor Clark asked for input from the audience. When there
was none, Mayor Clark declared the public hearing closed.
Councilman Brush moved and Councilman McPherson seconded the
approval of the 12-month extension by Resolution No. 76-2; carried
unanimously.
C. CASE NO. DESIGN EVALUATION CRITERIA: Consideration of
Design Evaluation Criteria and Submittal Requirements for
Proje is Submitted for Approval to the City of Palm D sert.
Mayor Clark declared the hearing open.
Mr. Williams stated that the material presented was clear-cut
and straightforward and unless Council had questions, he
would not explain it.
Mayor Clark asked if the committee had gone over the light-
ing identification and violations. Mr. Williams explained
that this has been developed by experience with places such
McDonald's and they had been notified that they were in
violation.
With no public input, the Mayor declared the hearing closed.
Councilman Brush moved and Councilman McPherson seconded approval
of the Design Evaluation Criteria by adoption of Resolution 76-1;
carried unanimously.
January 8, 1976
Page 5
D. UNDERGROUNDING DISTRICT NO. 1: Consideration of the
Creation of an Undergrounding District to Include All or
a Portion Thereof of the Block Between El Paseo, Prickly
Pear Lane, Larrea, and San Luis Rey.
Mayor Clark declared the public hearing open.
Mr. Hurlburt pointed out that we do have a time schedule
on this. We want to tie it into the City National Bank
development. In order for Southern California Edison to
go ahead with it, they must have an answer tonight
Mr. Williams stated that under Ordinance No. 20, Council
had called the hearing to determine the feasibility of the
Establishment of a Utility Undergrounding District in the
block bounded by El Paseo on the north, Larrea on the south,
Prickly Pear Lane on the east, and San Luis Rey on the west.
Mr. Williams proceeded to outline the existing facilities,
the extent of utility companies' participation and timing.
He further pointed out the different costs involved with
each utility company concluding with the individual cost
per building which ran from approximately $2,500 to $10,000.
He stated that it would take 10 weeks to complete the pro-
ject.
Councilman McPherson questioned the finding in the staff
report that a hazard was created by heavy winds threatening
to knock down power poles. Kermit Martin, Southern California
Edison representative, indicated that he was not aware of that
finding and that he did not believe that it presented any
real hazard.
MR. HAROLD BROMLEY, Palm Desert, addressed Council stating
that he was in favor of undergrounding, but not in the manner
in which it was being proposed. He felt it was too expensive
this way and that the Redevelopm nt Agency committee was
moving ahead with ideas on this and that their recommendations
should be considered when they are ready. He also strongly
objected to Staff's recommendation to overrule all objections
and proceed with the undergrounding. He stated that he had
planned to improve his property on El Paseo and that he
would no longer be able to do so because of the undergrounding
requirement. He stated that he had contacted other owners
and none of them were in favor of it.
MR. HALE McCORMICK, Sun and Shadow Motel, stated his strong
objections to the undergrounding in that it would cost him
$8,267 which was a considerable amount for a 10-unit motel.
MR. DEL DERIVERE, City National Bank representative, expressed
his firm's support of the undergrounding.
Councilman McPherson pointed out to Mr. Bromley that the
City Staff had prepared for this hearing as a direct result
of his appeal. Councilwoman Benson stated that although
the Redevelopment Agency will be doing something about the
undergrounding, it will still be paid for by the property
owners.
Mr. Hurlburt eported that it appeared that the City had
far below the 50% support of the property owners and in view
of that, there was no point in proceeding.
Mayor Clark declared the public hearing closed.
Councilman Brush moved and Councilman McPherson seconded to
terminate procedures to perform an undergrounding district; carried
unanimously.
Councilman Brush pointed out that if the City or Council were
trying to force this on anyone, they could have included
Prickly Pear Square as it is already undergrounded. There
was no effort to push this through.
January 8, 1976
Page 6
E. CASE NO. C/Z 01-75 RMW OF THE DESERT, INC.: Appeal of a
Planning Commission Denial of a Request for a Change of
Zone from R-3- 000 to R-3-3000 on 2.28 Acres on the South
Side of Parkview Drive Between Fairhaven Road and the Palm
Valley Channel.
Mayor Clark declared the public hearing open.
Mr. Williams indicated that the Planning Commission had
denied this request because the increase in density on the
property would not upgrade the area nor would the zone
change request for 14 units per acre be consistent with the
existing adjacent zoning. The Planning Commission felt that
there was insufficient evidence presented to justify the
multiple family zoning in this area. It lies within the
College of the Desert Specific Plan area and will receive a
great deal of analysis and study over the next several months.
At that time a more precise understanding of the ultimate
development of the college area will be available. Therefore,
Staff recommended denial at this time.
Mr. Hurlburt stated that a letter from the Palm Desert
Property Owners Association had been received in support of
this case.
Mayor Clark declared the public hearing closed with no
public input presented. lle indicated that Council did wel-
come input, but there was none.
Councilman McPherson moved to deny the appeal by the adoption
of Resolution No. 76-4 and Councilman Brush seconded the motion; carried
unanimously.
F. ORDINANCE NO. 101 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING CHAPTER 17,
PALM DESERT ELECTRICAL CODE (Continued from December 18,
1975).
Mayor Clark declared the public hearing open.
Councilman McPherson reported that a meeting had been held
with approximately 25 electrical contractors. Changes were
made as a result of this meeting and he felt that the
contractors were pleased with the new ordinance.
Mr. Bill, Building Official, outlined the ordinance as
modified. He explained the 12 modifications that had
resulted from the meeting with the contractors. He stated
that this was Staff's proposal and that it was a good ordi-
nance; that it met the provisions of the Health and Safety
Code
Councilman McPherson moved and Councilman Brush seconded to
waive further reading and pass Ordinance No. 101 to second reading;
carried unanimously.
XI. RESOLUTIONS
A. RESOLUTION NO. 76-7 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING CLAIMS
AND DEMANDS AGAINST THE CITY TREASURY.
Mr. Hurlburt outlined the major expenditures included in
Demand No. 12-2, totaling $34,434.66.
Councilwoman Benson inquired as to the advertised position
of a maintenance man. Mr. Hurlburt responded that this
was a position that we have always had which amounts to about
5 hours per week, at $5 per hour. The gentleman who had
filled this position had left, and the City was merely
refilling the position.
January 8, 1976 Page 7
Councilman Brush questioned the purchase of a radar unit
stating that he did not know that we weren't sharing one
with Rancho Mirage any longer. Mr. Hurlburt explained
that this had been included in the budget with the know-
ledge that Rancho Mirage would require their unit full-time
now.
Councilman McPherson moved and Councilman Brush seconded that
Resolution 76-7 be adopted; carried unanimously.
B. RESOLUTION NO. 76-08 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, PROVIDING FOR TRANSFERS
OF APPROPRIATIONS UNDER THE 1975-76 BUDGET TO PROVIDE FOR
THE COSTS OF CONSTRUCTING A SIDEWALK ALONG A PORTION OF
PORTOLA AVENUE.
Mr. Hurlburt explained that since the City had lost the
originally planned funding for the sidewalk that it must
transfer funds from other accounts to pay for the Portola
sidewalk. Resolution No. 76-08 provided for the transfer
of $9,473 from budget account P-30-7616 for resurfacing
of Setting Sun Trail; $6,016 from budget account P-30-7616
for resurfacing of San Jacinto Avenue; and $23,800 from
budget account P-30-7619 providing for Intra-City Bus
Service. The total of these three accounts was $30,500
and adequate to cover the cost of the sidewalk.
Councilman McPherson moved and Councilman Brush seconded the
adoption of Resolution No. 76-7 approving the budget transfer; carried
unanimously.
J.
ORDINANCES
For Introduction:
A. ORDINANCE NO. 100 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING CHAPTER 15,
PALM DESERT ADMINISTRATIVE CODE.
Mir. Hill, Building Official, outlined the changes to be made
to the Administrative Code indicating that many of them were
wording changes so that it would be clear to all. He stated
that this action will incorporate all administration of con-
struction codes into one chapter. He stated that the pro-
visions contained therein were supplemental to existing
administrative regulations and in most areas clarified
intents and provisions of same. Approval of the ordinance
will certainly clarify gray areas that exist and will
strengthen the necessary tools of enforcement.
Councilman Brush moved and Councilman McPherson seconded the
adoption of Ordinance No. 100 passing it to second reading; carried
unanimously.
For Adoption:
A. ORDINANCE NO. 106 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTION 3 of
ORDINANCE NO. 24 OF SAI CITY, RELATING TO REGULATIONS AND
PROCEDURES FOR PUBLIC NUISANCES.
Mr. Hurlburt reported that this was merely the second
reading of the ordinance setting up a procedure to immediately
record lot cleaning liens.
Councilwoman Benson moved and Councilman McPherson seconded to
waive further reading and adopt Ordinance 106; carried unanimously.
January 8, 1976
Page 8
XI. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER
None
XII. CONTINUING BUSINESS
A. LETTER FROM MR. SIDNEY T. WATSON, Pool Contractor, represen-
ting Mr. Harold L. Maddy, 73-517 Haystack Road, Palm Desert,
Requesting a Change in Requirements for Pool Locations
Relative to Electric Utility Lines (held over from
December 18, 1975).
Mr. Hurlburt advised that this request was now in conformance
with the new electrical code and that it was Staff's
recommendation that Council authorize the Building Official
to issue a permit so that the applicant would not be delayed
any longer.
Councilman McPherson moved and Councilman Brush seconded to
authorize and direct the Building Official to issue a Swimming Pool
Permit to Harold L. Maddy to conform with the Electrical Code in process
of adoption; carried unanimously.
B. REQUEST FROM RICHARD CLARK, Pool Contractor, Canyon Pools,
for Permission to Install a Pool Under the Provisions of
Table 680-8A as Modified and Proposed in the 1975 Electrical
Code.
Mr. Hurlburt advised that this was a similar case to the
one just preceeding it on the agenda.
Councilman McPherson moved and Councilwoman Benson seconded to
authorize and direct the Building Official to issue a Swimming Pool
Permit to Richard Clark to conform with the Electrical Code in process
of adoption; carried unanimously.
XIII. NEW BUSINESS
A. AN AGREEMENT WITH CAL TRANS for the Installation of a
Traffic Signal at Deep Canyon and Highway 111.
Mr. Williams reported that this was the agreement to construct
the traffic signal at Deep Canyon and Highway 111 with an
estimated total cost of $65,000. The Federal Government
will pay $53,000 and the City has budgeted $14,000 for the
balance, leaving a balance surplus in the budget of $1,000.
This money will be used for relocation of utility lines on
the corner.
Councilman McPherson moved and Councilman Benson seconded the
adoption of Resolution No. 76-5 approving the agreement with Cal Trans;
carried unanimously.
B. CASE NO. TT-6259-CURT DUNHAM: Request for Acceptance of
Bonds and Approval of a Final Map for 12 lots on the North
side of Grapevine Street between Ryway Place and Whitestone
Lane.
Mr. Williams reported that this was a tentative tract map
that Council had approved a few months ago. He stated that
it was Staff's recommendation to approve the final map
which provides for all bonding and is for completion of
the subdivision.
Councilman McPherson moved and Councilman Brush seconded the
adoption of Resolution No. 76-5 approving the Final Map; carried
unanimously.
January 8, 1976 Page 9
XIV. OLD BUSINESS
A. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of Revised Contract for Operation of
the Palm Desert Intra-City Bus System.
Mr. Hurlburt advised that the City of Palm Springs had
advised us that their hourly operating rate had been upwardly
adjusted to $11.28 from the previously approved :$10.75. It
was Staff's recommendation to approve this increase in view
of the fact that the agreement is worded such that if the
adjustments are too high, our payment will be adjusted.
Councilman McPherson moved and Councilman Brush seconded the
approval of the revised contract as adopted by the City of Palm
Springs; carried unanimously.
B. AWARDING OF CONTRACT for Sidewalks on Various Lots on the
North Side of El Paseo, Between Portola and Sun Lodge.
Mr. Hurlburt reported that Staff had advertised for the
construction of the El Paseo sidewalks and that out of the 8
documents taken out, 5 bids were returned. The Bank of
America told Staff they would prefer to hire their own con-
tractor to do their sidewalk. With this in mind, the lowest
bidder would be Smith Construction Company of Indio, and
it was Staff's recommendation that they be awarded the
contract.
Councilman Brush moved and Councilman McPherson seconded the
approval of Smith Construction Company and authorized the Mayor to
execute the contract; carried unanimously.
Councilwoman Benson asked whether or not the sidewalk would be
completed by the Classic and Mr. Williams indicated that it would be
completed well within that time.
C. CONSIDERATION OF PROPOSALS FOR the Updating of the City's
Master Drainage Plan.
Mr. Hurlburt reported that at the request of Council, he
had solicited for proposals for the updating of the Master
Drainage Plan which is being done under a grant from the
HCD application which we are participating in with the
County. A total of 14 firms were solicited and a total of
10 proposals were received. A committee consisting of
qualified engineering types reviewed these proposals and
it was unanimously recommended that I. Howard Housely
Engineering Firm be selected based upon the qualifications
of the members of the team that would be doing the updating
of the Plan.
Mayor Clark asked about Wes Hyland and Mr. Williams
indicated that they were not found to be as well qualified.
Mr. Williams explained sections of the proposed plan.
Councilman Brush moved and Councilwoman Benson seconded to
approve the recommended engineering firm and authorize the City Manager
to negotiate the contract for review at the next Council meeting;
carried unanimously.
XV.
XVI.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
None
REPORTS AND REMARKS
A. City Manager
None
January 8, 1976
Page 10
B. CITY ATTORNEY
None
C. MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
Councilman McPherson inquired about the Ordinance pro-
hibiting parking in fire lanes such as at the Market Basket.
Mr. Williams reported that we have received a copy of the
Indio ordinance which is the amendment to the fire code.
We sent it to the Fire Department and it will be back for
the next Council meeting for Council review.
Councilman Brush stated that he had had several reports of
theft, or increase in them, within the City of late, and
asked if this was true. Mr. Hurlburt indicated that he
would look into it.
XVII. ADJOURNMENT
Councilman McPherson moved and Councilman Brush seconded to
adjourn the meeting;,carried unanimously. The meeting was adjourned
at 11:25 p.m.
ATTEST:
V _ HURL.1' , ity lerk
City of Palm Desert, California
January 8, 1976 Page 11