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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1977-03-10MINUTES CITY COUNCIL MEETING THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 1977 CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS I. CALL TO ORDER II. PLEDGE III. INVOCATION IV. ROLL CALL Present: Councilman Newbrander Councilman Mullins Councilman Seidler Mayor Brush Also Present: Absent: Councilman McPherson Martin J. Bouman, City Manager Paul A. Williams, Director of Environmental Services Paul E. Byers, Director of Management Services David J. Erwin, City Attorney V. AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS, AND APPOINTMENTS Mayor Brush stated that he had had many highlights in his days on the City Council but none greater than the one tonight with the privilege he had of passing the gavel to someone who has served his community for many years — Mayor Ed Mullins. Ed Mullins was seated as Mayor and took that time to present Councilman Brush with a Resolution of Appreciation from the Palm Desert City Council and the City Manager for his dedicated service to his community. Mayor Mullins read the resolution for the benefit of the audience and press. VI. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES of the February 24, 1977, Meeting of the City Council. Rec: Approve as presented. B. CLAIMS AND DEMANDS AGAINST THE CITY TREASURY - Demand No. 77-083. Rec: Approve as presented. C. REQUEST for Approval of Agreement with Desert Dee's Company for Office Space for the Engineering Department. Rec: Adopt a motion authorizing the City Manager to execute the attached lease with Desert Dee's Company on behalf of the City. D. REQUEST for Approval of Future Improvement Agreement for the Installation of Public Improvements at 73-386 Bursera Way - Applicant: James M. & Judith L. Weeks. Rec: Adopt a motion authorizing the Mayor to execute the attached Improvement Agreement on behalf of the City. March 10, 1977 Page 1 E. RESOLUTION NO. 77-22 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A PROFESSIONAL AGREEMENT WITH JOHN M. TETTEMER FOR FLOOD CONTROL CONSULTATION. Rec: Waive further reading and adopt. F. REQUEST for Reapproval of Final Map for Tract 6671-1 for Condominium Development Located East of Portola Avenue at Catalina Way - Owner/Developer: Fred G. Rice. Rec: Adopt Resolution No. 77-23 reapproving the Final Map for Tract 6671-1, accepting dedications thereon, and approving the standard Subdivision Agreement relating thereto. G. RESOLUTION NO. 77-24 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING A NUMBER OF PARKING ZONES AT VARIOUS INTERSECTIONS IN THE CITY. Rec: Waive further reading and adopt. H. RESOLUTION NO. 77-27 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH SCHLECHT & McCULLOUGH, ATTORNEYS AT LAW, FOR CONTINGENCY LEGAL COUNSEL TO THE CITY OF PALM DESERT. Rec: Waive further reading and adopt. Councilman Brush requested that Items C, E, G, and H be held for discussion under Section X of the Agenda, Consent Items Held Over. Martin Bouman requested that Item D be removed for the same purpose. Councilman Newbrander moved and Councilman Seidler seconded to approve the Consent Calendar with the exception of Items C, D, E, G, and H. Motion carried unanimously. VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. CASE NO. GPA 01-77 - PAUL MOLLER: Consideration of an Amendment Initiated by the Planning Commission to Change the Land Use Designation from Very Low Density Residential to Service Industrial on a 3-Acre Site Located West of Painter's Path and North of Avenue 44, Extended. Mayor Mullins declared the Public Hearing open. Mr. Williams outlined the Staff report for the Council. He indicated that the property in question was presently being used as an open storage area for shrubs, trees, and vehicles associated with the owner's nursery business. If approved, the Amendment would enable the property owner to provide open storage (for vehicles and equipment) and enclosed (mini - warehouse) commercial storage facilities within this area. The Planning Commission had considered several major issues and denied the request because 1) the proposed Land Use Change would not be compatible with adjacent and proposed land uses; 2) the proposed Land Use change would not be con- sistent with the Goals and Objectives of the Palm Desert General Plan; and 3) the proposed Land Use change would be a major permanent change to take care of a temporary need which is not considered appropriate. Staff's recommendation was to uphold the recommendation of the Planning Commission and deny the request by Resolution No. 77-20. March 10, 1977 Page 2 MR. POUL MOLLER, 73-465 Goldflower, Palm Desert, presented his arguments to the Planning Commission's findings. He presented pictures to the Council showing how the storage area could be completely screened fron view from the highway. He pointed out that he had initially proposed this property to the City of Palm Desert since half of it is located in Rancho Mirage. However, this was defeated — thus, the request for the zone change. Mr. Moller stated that he did not feel that the noise element would be any problem to sur- rounding development. He also assured Council that security and protection for this type of development would be provided. As far as traffic was concerned, he did not believe that it would be a problem in that eventually Avenue 44 would be a four-way highway. Traffic and noise will exist in any event due to the increased development in that area. He concluded by saying that even though a service industrial area was being proposed for Cook Street, there should not be a monopoly of this type of development. If Council thought his 3.1 acres would be too small to be beneficial, he stated that there was an additional 6 acres that could be utilized. Mayor Mullins asked for input in opposition to the project. MR. PAUL E. ALLISON, 47 Columbia Drive, Rancho Mirage, spoke against the amendment in that he felt it would be objectionable to prospective property buyers desiring to develop resort areas. He urged Council to protect the sur- rounding property reserved for resort hotel type projects. Mr. Allison stated that if a 2-story structure were built, the storage area would be visible from the second.story. Councilman Seidler stated that while he did wish to preserve that area as it was prezoned, the City had passed an ordinance wherein people were being forced to find storage space for their recreational vehicles. The concern would be relative to permanent structures, and he asked the applicant, Mr. Moller, if he would be agreeable to a temporary use permit to allow use similar to what had been suggested but for a stated period of time with review on a regular basis. Mr. Moller stated that he would be most agreeable. Mr. Paul Allison, 47 Columbia Drive, Rancho Mirage, addressed Council again requesting that they inspect the property per- sonally rather than going on the pictures presented. He felt that the pictures might be misleading. With no further input offered, Mayor Mullins declared the Public Hearing closed. Mr. Williams explained to Council they would not be able to place the proposed constraints under the General Plan Amend- ment provisions. However, they could allow for them in the Redevelopment Plan Amendment. If Council so desired approval, Resolution No. 77-20 should be amended as follows: Paragraph 3: Delete "which make the approval of" and replace with "to overrule the Planning Commission and approve". Section 1, Paragraph 3: delete "mini -warehouse". Councilman Seidler moved and Councilman•Newbrander seconded to waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 77-20 as amended; carried unanimously. March 10, 1977 Page 3 B. JOINT PUBLIC HEARING OF THE PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY WITH THE PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL. Mayor Mullins convened the Joint Meeting and asked for Roll Call for the Redevelopment Agency. Members Present: Members Absent: Member Brush Member Newbrander Member Seidler Chairman Mullins Member McPherson Mayor Mullins declared the Public Hearing open. Mr. Williams outlined the staff report for the Agency and Council indicating that the request included the addition of a definition of Service Industrial to the list of per- mitted land use designations within the project area; a change in the land use designation on a 3-acre parcel located north of 44th Avenue and 250 feet west of Painter's Path from Very Low Density Residential to Service Industrial; and a change in the land use designation on a 1.9 acre parcel located on the south side of El Paseo, east of Ocotillo Drive, from Residential, Medium Density-1 to Core Area Commercial. Justification for the Fuller/Hill proposed amendments is that 1) the proposed amendments would provide for new com- mercial development which would benefit the Project Area and the general public; and 2) the proposed commercial amendment would contribute to the elimination of blight existing in the Project Area and to the reoccurrence of blighted con- ditions within the Project Area. Staff's recommendation was to approve Ordinance No. 157 amending Ordinance No. 80 to change the land use designation on a 1.9 acre parcel located on the south side of El Paseo, from Residential, Medium Density-1 to Core Area Commercial and approve the request for land use designation creating a designation within the Redevelopment Plan known as Service Industrial Uses. Mr. Williams pointed out that Exhibit B-1 of Ordinance No. 157 would have to be amended with the addition of approval of a Conditional Use Permit and annual review and Exhibit A would become Exhibit A-1 of the ordinance. MR. ROGER FULLER, 24 Green Ocean, Atherton, California, addressed Council as one of the property owners involved and in support of the Fuller/Hill Amendment. He indicated that commercial use of the property would be more beneficial to the entire community than the medium density residential. He stated that the property was centrally located which further enhanced its commercial use. He quoted the City's consultant, Mr. Bruce Lord, in that he had recommended not to downgrade the property. MR. GEORGE RITTER, 73-899 Highway 111, Palm Desert, spoke in favor of the amendment on behalf of his client, Mr. Terry Hill. He stated that this property was located within the Palm Desert Property Owners Association's boundaries and that they listed it as commercial. He stated that in the interest of good planning, it should be amended to Commercial. March 10, 1977 Page 4 MRS. HORTENSE BEAVER, 93-939 Coast Boulevard, La Jolla, California, spoke in favor of the amendment of the Fuller/ Hill property. Mayor Mullins asked for input in opposition. MR. PAUL ALLISON, 47 Columbia, Rancho Mirage, California, addressed Council opposing the granting of a temporary use permit to the property owned by Mr. Moller. He stated that it would not be two years before development would appear there. He felt that the CUP should be reviewed annually if granted. Mayor Mullins declared the Public Hearing closed. Mayor Mullins asked the City Clerk to state the facts relating to publication and mailing of notices of the public hearing and to state whether any written communi- cations were received and the general nature of those communications. Mrs. Gilligan reported that legal advertisement of the Joint Public Hearing of the Palm Desert Redevelopment Agency and the Palm Desert City Council was published both in the Palm Desert Post and the Desert Sun on February 17th, 24th, and March 3rd, 1977 - a total of six times. On February 25, 1977, 312 certified letters were mailed to the property owners within the Redevelop- ment Area. The most current list of these property owners was obtained from the Riverside County Tax Assessor's office. Letters in support of the Fuller/Hill Amendment were received as follows: December 13, 1976 from Mr. & Mrs. Preston Beaver December 14, 1976 from Mr. John Martino December 31, 1976 from Alice Taylor, Secretary of Moyer's Foyer On March 4, 1977, a letter was received from Mr. Donald R. Byrne, Attorney for Mrs. Evelyn Olivieri, indicating that his client had sold her property and therefore had no legal interest in this matter. Mr. Byrne supplied the names and addresses of the new property owners and certified letters were mailed to these individuals on March 4th. Mr. Williams pointed out that Ordinance No. 157 would have to be changed in Section 1 to read Exhibit A-1 rather than Exhibit A and an amendment labeled Exhibit B-1 to the text of the Redevelopment Plan to include the wording "Initial approval will be for a two-year period, subject to yearly review thereafter and subject to revocation whenever deemed necessary by the City Planning Commission. Revocation shall occur through a Public Hearing at the annual review." Councilman Newbrander moved to waive further reading and pass Ordinance No. 157, as amended, to second reading. Councilman Brush seconded the motion; carried unanimously. Mayor Mullins adjourned the Joint Hearing meeting and recovened the City Council meeting. C. CASE NO. TT 9129 - MARRAKESH BUILDING & COUNTRY CLUB: Con- sideration of A Tentative Tract Map for a 26-Unit Residential Condominium Subdivision Located South of Grapevine Street and East of Burroweed Lane, Extended. Mr. Williams advised that the applicant had requested the hearing be continued to the meeting of March 24, 1977, to allow them to further study the matter before presenting their arguments to Council. March 10, 1977 Page 5 Councilman Seidler moved and Councilman Newbrander seconded to continue the Public Hearing to the City Council meeting of March 24, 1977, as requested by the applicant. Motion carried unanimously. D. ANNEXATION NO. 3 - COOK STREET: Consideration of Ordinance No. 158, Approving the Annexation to the City of Palm Desert of 120 Acres Located West of Cook Street and North of the Sun King Mobilehome Project. Mr. Williams advised that the Local Agency Formation Commis- sion had approved the annexation of this property to the City of Palm Desert. The property has been prezoned as Open Space on the west one-half and Service Industrial, Scenic Preservation Overlay on the east one-half. Staff's recommen- dation was to adopt Resolution No. 77-31 which determined that a protest by the owners of one-half of the value of the ter- ritory proposed to be annexed was not made. Staff further recommended that Council pass Ordinance No. 158 to second reading to approve and complete the annexation. Mayor Mullins declared the Public Hearing open and asked for input in favor of the annexation. MR. CHARLES GIBBS, 76-103 Oroville, Rancho Mirage, addressed Council expressing his support of the annexation as one of the property owners. Mayor Mullins requested input in opposition to the annexation and none was offered. The Mayor declared the Hearing closed. Councilman Brush moved and Councilman Seidler seconded to waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 77-31; carried unanimously. Councilman Brush moved and Councilman Newbrander seconded to waive further reading and pass Ordinance No. 158 to second reading. The motion carried unanimously. VIII. RESOLUTIONS A. RESOLUTION NO. 77-25 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, EXTENDING THE FRANCHISE PAYMENT FOR A PERIOD OF ONE YEAR PURSUANT TO ORDINANCE NO. 62, RELATIVE TO THE ESTABLISHING OF PROCEDURE FOR THE ISSUANCE OF A NON-EXCLUSIVE LICENSE TO CONSTRUCT, OPERATE, AND MAINTAIN A TELEVISION ANTENNA CABLE SERVICE. Mr. Bouman reported that Ordinance No. 62 called for review of the rate schedule of payment to the City in March of 1977 and an increase, if any, to become effective April 1, 1977. Staff had reviewed the matter and determined that the services being provided by the Coachella Valley Television Company are proper and adequate. Thus, Staff recommended no increase in the 2% of annual gross revenue payment to the City. Resolu- tion No. 77-25 provided for this for an additional year and called for the same type of review in 1978. Councilman Newbrander moved and Councilman Brush seconded to waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 77-25. Motion carried unanimously. B. RESOLUTION NO. 77-26 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AGREEMENTS FOR THE DESIGN OF CURB AND GUTTER ON VARIOUS STREETS. Mr. Bouman advised that this dealt with the $2 million E.D.A. Grant which had been awarded Palm Desert and later rescinded. At the time the Grant award was announced, we had to enter into three separate agreements totaling $23,000 in order to meet deadlines established by the E.D.A. for design services. The work was stopped immediately upon notification that the Grant had been rescinded. However, the work completed will not be wasted as we will use it in future development of curb and gutter and drainage systems. March 19, 1977 Page 6 Councilman Brush moved and Councilman Seidler seconded to waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 77-26. Motion carried unanimously. C. RESOLUTION NO. 77-28 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING MID -YEAR BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS TO THE 1976-77 FISCAL BUDGET FOR THE CITY OF PALM DESERT. Mr. Bouman outlined the basic points of the mid -year budget stating that revenues were down, due mostly to the fact that we had lost about $70,000 by having dropped out of the Housing and Community Development Program. However, expenditures for all funds were also down from about $2,117,000 to $2,149,000. He stated that $370,000 had been shifted out of the Future Improvement Program which included street over- lay, curbs and gutters, etc. and put it into a single, major street improvement and drainage project which will cost about $280,000. This project will occur on Cataline Way, and that one single project will go a long way. $281,000 is still outstanding in flood damage loss and it is called out as a loan from our General Fund balance; ultimately, we expect to get all of that back, but it will take some time. Mid- year Budget shows $324,000 in cash and $346,000 in accounts receivable. Staff recommends adoption of the budget. Councilman Newbrander moved and Councilman Seidler seconded to waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 77-28; motion carried unanimously. D. RESOLUTION NO. 77-29 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE CITY SALARY RESOLUTION, NO. 77-6, BY CREATING TWO NEW POSITIONS IN THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT. Mr. Bouman explained that the increased activity of the Engineering Department had justified the increase of their staff by two positions, an Assistant Civil Engineer and an Engineering Draftsman. The City Engineer is presently spending over 80% of his time on the phone and the addition of another engineer will eliminate this problem and allow him to spend time on the projects of greater importance. Councilman Brush stated that he felt this department was grow- ing at an excessive rate and questioned why the work could not be hired out rather than to hire new employees. Mr. Bouman responded that the Assistant Civil Engineer will constantly be required to do in-house work for our own citizens and that it would not really pay us to hire the work out. This individual will also be able to do many things that the City Engineer is now doing. Councilman Seidler moved and Councilman Newbrander seconded to waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 77-29. Motion carried on the following vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: Newbrander, Seidler, Mullins Brush McPherson None E. RESOLUTION NO. 77-30 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, RATIFYING AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE AND COACHELLA CITIES CREATING A SUNLINE TRANSPORTATION AGENCY AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN SAID AGREEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE CITY. Mr. Bouman outlined the provisions of the resolution indi- cating that after thorough review and study, it had been determined that a single entity should be established to manage and operate the Sunline Transportation System in the Coachella Valley. Hopefully, the bus system will be in operation by July of 1977. March 10, 1977 Page 7 Councilman Seidler asked how much of an increase could be expected for the next year. We know that it will be about $60,000 this year which will include the participation of our 1-1/4 bus, benches, stops, management, gas, bus drivers, etc. Mr. Bouman responded that it would be probably about 5-10% higher in the following year. Councilman Newbrander moved and Councilman Brush seconded to waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 77-30; carried unanimously. Councilman Brush stated that one of the provisions in the Joint Powers Agreement was for the participation of one representative from each city on a committee, and he recommended Councilman Seidler be appointed at the appropriate time. Mayor Mullins stated that this recommendation would be kept in mind. X. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER C. REQUEST for Approval of Agreement with Desert Dee's Company for Office Space for the Engineering Department. Councilman Brush asked how large the space was and what the cost of it was. Mr. Bouman responded that there was about 650 sq. ft. of useable space at $.62 per sq. ft. for rent or $400/month. Councilman Brush asked if there were not other less expensive quarters available. Mr. Bouman advised that others had been found, but the City had not always been an acceptable tenant. Councilman Brush moved to authorize the City Manager to execute the lease with Desert Dee's Company on behalf of the City and Councilman Seidler seconded the motion; carried unanimously. D. REQUEST for Approval of Future Improvement Agreement for the Installation of Public Improvements at 73-386 Bursera Way - Applicant: James M. & Judith L. Weeks. Mr. Bouman stated that he had asked that this item be taken off for the purpose of continuing the matter for two weeks to the meeting of March 24, 1977. Although it is apparently Council policy that we accept an agreement from a property owner in which he promises to install curb and gutters at a future time when it is convenient to the City, there is apparently no provision in the resolution that permits us to do this. The City Attorney has expressed some concern, and the continuance would allow correction of the problem. Councilman Brush moved and Councilman Seidler seconded to continue this item to the meeting of March 24, 1977; carried unanimously. E. RESOLUTION NO. 77-22 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A PROFESSIONAL AGREEMENT WITH JOHN M. TETTEMER FOR FLOOD CONTROL CONSULTATION. Councilman Brush said that he had asked this item to be held over for clarification. He asked what we were to accomplish by this. We are asking them to review the recommendations made by Bechtel, but at one time, did not someone say that building something that was not totally going to protect us was worse than building nothing at all? Dave Erwin responded that reasonable steps must be taken, but that you can never give 110% protection, just what is reasonable. Councilman Seidler stated that none of the Council were tech- nical enough to be able to evaluate the 15 alternatives sub- mitted by Bechtel and that the City did need the services of a professional for this reason. Councilman Brush acknowledged this but wanted to point out the necessity for being realistic. March 10, 1977 Page 8' Mr. Bouman agreed but stated that he did not think the City had the technical capabilities to tell us whether or not what Bechtel was proposing was good for the City or not. Councilman Brush moved and Councilman Newbrander seconded to waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 77-22; carried unanimously. G. RESOLUTION NO. 77-24 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING A NUMBER OF PARKING ZONES AT VARIOUS INTERSECTIONS IN THE CITY. Councilman Brush stated his concern over the striping in front of the Post Office and the bank and hoped that the press would give some coverage so that people were more aware of it. Councilman Brush moved and Councilman Seidler seconded to waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 77-24; carried unanimously. H. RESOLUTION NO. 77-27 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH SCHLECHT & McCULLOUGH, ATTORNEYS AT LAW, FOR CONTINGENCY LEGAL COUNSEL TO THE CITY OF PALM DESERT. Councilman Brush stated that he had no discussion on this matter after all and moved to waive further reading and adopt. Council- man Seidler seconded the motion; carried unanimously. XI. CONTINUING BUSINESS XII. NEW BUSINESS A. CASE NO. 23SA, ROY CARVER, APPLICANT: Consideration of Applicant's Appeal of Planning Commission Rejection of a Request for Four Directory Signs for the Palms -To -Pines Shopping Center. Mr. Williams stated that his office had been contacted by Mr. Carver's representative and requested to continue this item to the meeting of March 24, 1977. Councilman Brush moved and Councilman Newbrander seconded to continue the item to the Council meeting of March 24, 1977; carried unanimously. B. REQUEST BY PAUL S. GODBER for City Participation in Street Paving in Multi -Residential Zone. Mr. Bouman stated that it was the City's policy to do the engineering design and tie-in paving in single family residential areas. In this case, that took place and has been successfully completed. However, immediately adjacent there are R-3 lots and therefore the City Engineer has denied the request on the basis that it is not single family. Staff's recommendation is to deny the request. Councilman Newbrander moved and Councilman Seidler seconded to deny the request of Mr. Paul S. Godber; carried unanimously. XIII. OLD BUSINESS None XIV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None March 10, 1977 Page 9 XV. REPORTS AND REMARKS A. CITY MANAGER Mr. Bouman reported that the Coachella Valley County Water District had broken ground today with some of its contractors starting on the $3-1/2 million sewer program. We are receiving a number of requests as to what this means to the citizens both in terms of how this sewer service becomes available to them and how to sign up and what will it cost. We have been working with the Coachella Valley County Water District to try to determine this. It is the intention now of the Water District to offer a sign up for sewer connection and service which involves some one-time fees and then several continuing types of charges. Between now and the 31st of December this year, the sign-up fee would be $100 and that will be used to pay back taxes for main lines and sewage treatment plant. The sign-up fee would increase to $300 from the period of December 31st to the end of June and would increase to $500 in the following 6 months. This is an incentive to get people to sign up. In addition to that as a one-time fee, a property owner would have to pay to a private plumber a. hook-up charge to connect from the street to the home, and there is no set price. However, it would normally be between $500 and $1,000 depending on how far the line had to go. There are also some continuing charges. Beginning the day of sign-up, a $5/month service charge begins. This is a standard charge. In addition, when a homeowner signs up, he is agreeing to join two improvement districts, and they have a continuing tax rate. One is to offset the bonds for the original contract of main lines and sewage plant and the other is Operation and Maintenance for the plant. At the present time, the combined tax rate of these dis- tricts is $1.50 per $100 of assessed valuation. If you relate this to a home valued at $60,000, this tax repre- sents $225 per year. This is a continuing rate and can go up and down. You are therefore looking at a continuing charge of a minimum of $200 and a maximum of over $300 per year (depending on the valuation of the home) plus the initial sign-up costs and plus the monthly service charge. I think that the Council and the public should be aware of the total picture involved here. Councilman Seidler stated that he felt it was exorbitant. He asked if the District, up to the time it received the Grant, was charging $1,250 for sign-up and now it will be $500 after awhile — and they received a $3-1/2 million Grant — where is the money going? He stated that the Council had met in a Study Session with the District's Board and at that time, they had indicated a $100 sign-up fee. Council had stated its concern over the cost then, and the Board was going back to renegotiate and then come back to Council, hopefully with a better arrangement. Now they tell us it will cost from $100 to $300 to $500? Mr. Bouman stated that the reason for this report was to advise the press so that they might make the public aware. The City will also try to advise all property owners in some way. B. CITY ATTORNEY None C. CITY COUNCIL Councilman Brush thanked the Council for his award and stated that a mayor was only as good as the people he served. March 10, 1977 Page 10 Mayor Mullins stated that the scheduled Study Session of March 17, 1977, at 5:30 p.m. had been cancelled. XVI. ADJOURNMENT Councilman Seidler moved and Councilman Newbrander seconded to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Mullins adjourned the meeting at 9:55 p.m. EDWARD D. MtJLLINS , MAYOR ATTEST: /.' SHEILA R. GILLIGAN, Citif Clerk City of Palm Desert, California March 10, 1977 Page 11