HomeMy WebLinkAbout1980-05-22MINUTES
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
THURSDAY, MAY 22, 1980
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
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I. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Wilson called the Regular Meeting of the Palm Desert
Council to order at 7:01 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers.
PLEDGE - Mayor Pro-Tem James E. McPherson
INVOCATION - Mayor S.
ROLL CALL
Present:
Mayor Pro-Tem James
Councilman Alexis D.
Councilman Romeo S.
Councilman Walter H.
Mayor S. Roy Wilson
Also Present:
Roy Wilson
E. McPherson
Newbrander
Puluqi
Snyder
Martin J. Bouman, City Manager
David J. Erwin, City Attorney
Paul A. Williams, Director of Environmental Services
Paul E. Byers, Director of Finance
Carlos L. Ortega, Assistant City Manager
James L. Hill, Director of Building & Safety
L. Clyde Beebe, Director of Public Works
V. AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS, AND APPOINTMENTS
None
VI. CONSENT CALENDAR
City
A. MINUTES Of The Regular Meeting of the City Council of May 8, 1980.
Rec: Approve as presented.
B. CLAIMS AND DEMANDS AGAINST THE CITY TREASURY - Demand Nos.
80-103, 80-104, and 80-111.
Rec: Approve as presented.
C. STATEMENT OF CASH TRANSACTIONS FOR MONTH OF APRIL, 1980.
Rec: Receive and file.
D. THANK YOU LETTER FROM PALM DESERT YOUTH SPORTS ASSOCIATION, INC.
For The City's Interest And Financial Support.
Rec: Receive and file.
E. REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF BONDS FOR TRACT NO. 12556, TRANSCOPIC
DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, APPLICANT.
Rec:
Accept the work as complete and authorize the
City Clerk to release bonds with the acceptance
of a one-year street maintenance bond.
May 22, 1980 Page 1
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REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
VI. CONSENT CALENDAR (Continued)
F. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF PARCEL MAP 14163, I. HAROLD HOUSLEY,
uiiuUvt:, INC., APPLICANT.
Rec: Approve the Parcel Map and authorize the City
Clerk to sign for recordation.
G. LETTER FROM THOMAS A. PAULSON, ATTORNEY AT LAW, RELATIVE TO
DRAINAGE PROBLEM FROM PITAHAYA STREET TO SHADOW MOUNTAIN DRIVE.
Rec: Refer to City Manager for report and reply.
Councilman Newbrander moved and Mayor Pro-Tem McPherson seconded to
approve the Consent Calendar as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
VII. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - A
None
VIII. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. CASE NO. TT 14003 - LEWIS HOMES OF CALIFORNIA, APPLICANT: CON-
SIDERATION OF A REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF AN 18-MONTH TIME EXTEN-
SION FOR A PREVIOUSLY APPROVED TENTATIVE TRACT MAP FOR 142 LOTS
TO ALLOW 140 CONDOMINIUM UNITS, A 6-ACRE PUBLIC PARK AND CIVIC
CENTER ON 52 ACRES IN THE PR-4, S.P. ZONE AND P ZONE BETWEEN
SAN PASCUAL AND SAN PABLO, NORTH OF 44TH AVENUE.
Mayor Wilson declared the Public Hearing open and called for the
Staff Report.
Mr. Williams reviewed the Staff Report indicating that this
matter was considered by the Council on March 13th and con-
tinued to this date to allow the applicant to refile a related
Development Plan with the Planning Commission for their con-
sideration. The Planning Commission subsequently reviewed a
new Development Plan No. 05-80 and approved it.
The major item of discussion at the April 29, 1980, Commission
meeting pertained to the maintenance of the 100' wide drainage
swale which runs north/south along the easterly boundary. The
applicants felt that the drainage swale which is to be land-
scaped should be maintained by the City in that it is a public
area. The condition of a new Development Plan pertaining to
the swale states that maintenance of the swale is to be pro-
vided by the homeowners association or by an alternative
acceptable to the City Council in their subsequent review of
tract map time extension. The applicant, in his Development
Plan, shows that drainage easement as common space within the
total project. However, he feels the City has some responsi-
bility for this drainage. Because the applicant will be
utilizing this area as open space within their project, it
was Staff's recommendation that the responsibility for the
maintenance of it be passed on to the homeowners association.
Mr. Williams noted that during Study Session, the Council had
reviewed with Staff a suggested revision to the requirement
whereby the applicant and the City would share in the
responsibility of maintenance on a 50/50 basis.
Mayor Wilson invited input in FAVOR of the request.
Mr. Bill Sullivan, Project Manager, Lewis Homes, addressed the
Council stating that his firm concurred with everything except
the provisions as set forth relative to the drainage swale --
the ownership and maintenance of it. He stated that their position
was that the channel really benefitted an area much greater than
their project. He concluded by stating that they were willing
to dedicate the land, but felt that the City and his firm
should participate mutually in the repair and maintenance of it..
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May 22, 1980
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VIII. PUBLIC HEARINGS (Continued)
A. CASE NO. TT 14003 (Continued)
Mayor Wilson asked for any other input in FAVOR of the request, and
none was offered. He invited input in OPPOSITION to the request,
and none was offered. He declared the Public Hearing closed.
Mayor Pro=Tem McPherson stated that he felt that should there
be a major flood, an unjust burden would be placed on the
homeowners association in the repair or reconstruction of the
drainage swale. He felt that it should be the responsibility
of the City to rebuild it under those circumstances. However,
the daily maintenance of it should be required of the associa-
tion in that it is similar to what is being required of other
projects and a precedent has already been set. He stated
that Council needed to have the City Attorney come up
with some kind of agreement spelling out what is meant by
major restoration, monthly maintenance, etc.
Councilman Snyder stated that it was pointed out earlier in
the discussion that this property in question was open space
and would therefore be utilized as such within the development.
Therefore, the developer and/or homeowners association should
maintain it. In addition to that, the City was going to release
them from their normal drainage fee requirements because they
are building the swale. He stated that he felt strongly that
it was the responsibility of the developer to maintain the
swale.
Dave Erwin added that he would prefer, with no objection from
Council or the applicant, that the matter be continued to the
next Council meeting to allow him time to prepare such an
agreement. He did not feel that there would be any problem
with the two -week continuance relative to the requested time
extension. With Council's concurrence, Mayor Wilson reopened
the Public Hearing.
Mayor Pro-Tem McPherson moved and Councilman Snyder seconded to
continue the matter to the meeting of June 12, 1980. Motion carried unani-
mously.
B. CASE NO. TT 14004 - LEWIS HOMES OF CALIFORNIA, APPLICANT: CON-
SIDERATION OF A REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF AN 18-MONTH TIME EXTEN-
SION FOR A PREVIOUSLY APPROVED TENTATIVE TRACT MAP FOR 7-LOTS
TO ALLOW 142 CONDOMINIUM UNITS, ON 27 ACRES IN THE PR-4, S.P.
ZONE AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF SAN PASCUAL AVENUE AND 44TH
AVENUE.
Mayor Wilson declared the Public Hearing open and stated that this
item was similar to Case No. TT 14003 whereby a continuance had been
ordered. He invited input in FAVOR of the request, and none was
offered. He invited input in OPPOSITION to the request, and none
was offered.
Mayor Pro-Tem McPherson moved and Councilman Newbrander seconded to
continue the matter to the meeting of June 12, 1980. Motion carried unani-
mously.
,IX. RESOLUTIONS
A. RESOLUTION NO. 80-62 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF PALM DESERT; CALIFORNIA, DETERMINING THE AMOUNT OF
PROPERTY TAX REVENUE TO BE EXCHANGED BETWEEN THE COUNTY OF
RIVERSIDE AND THE CITY OF PALM DESERT RELATING TO ANNEXATION
NUMBER 4 TO THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, LAFC #77-51-4.
Mr. Bouman stated that this resolution and the next one came
as a result of a request from the County of Riverside in which
we adopt these resolutions determining the amount of property
tax revenues to be exchanged between the County and the City
pursuant to the passage of Proposition 13. In so doing, it
May 22, 1980
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IX. RESOLUTIONS (Continued)
A. RESOLUTION NO. 80-62 (Continued)
entitles us to a share of the property taxes generated by those
annexations. .
Mayor Pro-Tem McPherson moved and Councilman Newbrander seconded
to waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 80-62. Motion carried
unanimously.
B. RESOLUTION NO. 80-63 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, DETERMINING THE AMOUNT OF
PROPERTY TAX REVENUE TO BE EXCHANGED BETWEEN THE COUNTY OF
RIVERSIDE AND THE CITY OF PALM DESERT RELATING TO ANNEXATION
NUMBER 5 TO THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, LAFC #78-34-4.
Mr. Bouman stated that this was identical to the circumstances
of Resolution No. 80-62 just adopted.
Mayor Pro-Tem McPherson moved and Councilman Snyder seconded to
waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 80-63. Motion carried
unanimously.
X. ORDINANCES
For Introduction:
None
For Adoption:
None
XI. CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS HELD OVER
None
XII. NEW BUSINESS
A. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION TO SOLICIT PROPOSALS FOR PREPARATION
OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT.
1
Mr. Williams stated that for almost a year, the Planning Com-
mission had been developing a draft update of the City's General
Plan. It is expected that this effort will be completed by
September. An important element of the project is the Environ-
mental Impact Report which will be essential to make the General
Plan Update complete. It is critical for the Commission and
Council in terms of evaluating alternative goals and objectives.
For these reasons, it seems appropriate to initiate the develop-
ment of the draft of the Environmental Impact Report at this time.
In addition, a majority of the City's Sphere of Influence which
has a potential for development is north of Country Club Drive.
Staff has been approached by a majority of landowners in this
area concerning the potential of annexation. Before such a
request could be considered, a potential impact should be
analyzed. Coordination of this evaluation with the updating
of the General Plan seems appropriate; therefore, Staff has
prepared a request for proposal to be sent to six potential consultants who were selected on the basis of previous com-
petent work done in the Valley and who have the capability of
performing. He concluded by pointing out that $30,000 is
available in the budget for such services.
Mayor Pro-Tem McPherson moved and Councilman Newbrander seconded
that by Minute Motion, Staff be authorized to solicit proposals from six
consulting firms for consideration by the Council at their meeting of
June 26, 1980. Motion carried unanimously.
May 22, 1980 Page 4
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XII. NEW BUSINESS (Continued)
B. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF A STREET LIGHT CONVERSION SERVICE AGREE-
MENT WITH SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON COMPANY FOR USE OF HIGH
PRESSURE SODIUM VAPOR LAMPS IN THE CITY OF PALM DESERT.
Mr. Bouman stated that this was an attempt to conform to both
regional and State requirements to reduce energy consumption by
installing sodium vapor lamps in the City of Palm Desert rather
than the current mercury lamps. He stated that the Edison Company
is urging the City to make this conversion.
Mayor Pro-Tem McPherson moved and Councilman Newbrander seconded to
approve a Street Lighting Conversion Agreement with the Southern California
Edison Company for the use of high-pressure sodium vapor lamps in the City
of Palm Desert. Motion carried unanimously.
C. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF RETURNING MOBILE HOME PARK ENFORCEMENT
TO THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA.
Mr. Bouman reported that this item had received considerable
discussion with Council during the Study Session. It is as
much a matter of economics as anything else. Cities have the
option to inspect mobile homes, but if they choose not to do
so, the State is required to do it. The City does receive a
modest fee, but an analysis indicates that each year we only
collect one-half of the cost of the inspections. In an effort,
now, to reduce our inspection costs, Staff is recommending that
the responsibility for the inspection of mobile homes be returned
to the State of California by the adoption of Resolution No. 80-64.
He stated that he felt that this should be done on a trial basis
in that at any time the City felt that the State was not meeting
City standards, we could take the responsibility back.
Councilman Newbrander moved and Councilman Snyder seconded to waive
further reading and adopt Resolution No. 80-64. Motion carried unanimously.
XIII. CONTINUING BUSINESS
A. REQUEST FOR AWARD OF BID FOR DEMOLITION OF STRUCTURE LOCATED
AT 73-986 HIGHWAY 111, KNOWN AS SUNSHINE, MEAT, FISH & LIQUOR.
(Continued from Council Meeting of May 8, 1980.)
See Verbatim Transcript, attached and made a part hereof as
Exhibit "A".
Councilman Newbrander moved and Mayor Pro-Tem McPherson seconded
to approve the work and award the contract to Pomona Valley Equipment
Company of LaQuinta, low bidder. Motion carried on the following vote:
AYES: McPherson, Newbrander, & Snyder
NOES: Puluqi & Wilson
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
XIV. OLD BUSINESS
A. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF STOP SIGN INSTALLATION AT SAN PABLO
AND EL PASEO.
Mr. Bouman stated that this recommendation came from the Technical
Traffic Committee and was based on the study of accident report
date as presented by the Sheriff's Department. Said data did
justify the installation of a four-way stop at the corner of
San Pablo and El Paseo. Mr. Bouman pointed out that this action,
in accordance with the Municipal Code, should be taken by the
adoption of Resolution No. 80-66.
Mayor Pro-Tem McPherson moved and Councilman Newbrander seconded to
waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 80-66. Motion carried unani-
mously.
May 22, 1980
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REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
B. REQUEST FOR AWARD OF BID FOR ALAMO STREET IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT.
Mr. Bouman reported that some time ago, Council had authorized
Staff to call for bids for a project which was in the Capital
Improvement Program. That project was for street improvements
for Alamo Street. Bids were opened on Monday, May 12, 1980,
at 2:00 p.m. with Massey Sand & Rock Company being the low
bidder at $50,302.50. He pointed out that the engineered
improvement plans and specifications as prepared by Charles
Haver and Associates were in error insofar as two quantities
were concerned. The total amount of money required for this
contract is approximately $45,000. The contractor is aware
of this change and is agreeable to reduce the contract. Mr.
Bouman concluded by stating that it was Staff's recommendation
to authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to enter into a contract
with Massey and secondly, to adopt Resolution No. 80-65 which
would amend the 1979/80 Budget to provide for increased costs
of the Alamo Street Curb & Gutter Project from what was budgeted.
Mayor Pro-Tem McPherson moved and Councilman Puluai seconded to award
the bid to Massey Sand and Rock Company, low bidder, and authorize the Mayor
and City Clerk to execute said contracts. Motion carried unanimously.
Mayor Pro-Tem McPherson moved and Councilman Newbrander seconded to
waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 80-65. Motion carried unani
mously.
XV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - B
MR. JAMES GUTHRIE, 44-817 Portola Avenue, Palm Desert, addressed the
Council stating that he owned property on Portola and asked whether
or not the future widening of Portola would require him to dedicate
any of his land.
Mayor Wilson stated that the widening of Portola is a part of the
regional plan for the streets in the City, but Council did not
know when this would be done. He pointed out, however, that the
trees would be relocated rather than destroyed.
MR. CHUCK PAUL, Palm Desert, addressed Council stating that he was
the newly appointed Executive Director of the Tri-Cities Business
Association (formerly the S.O.B. Organization). Mr. Paul inquired
as to when the rusty poles, placed along Highway 111 and utilized
as standards for the Christmas Trees, would be removed.
Mayor Wilson stated that this item had been discussed in Study
Session and that the City Manager had been asked to look into the
matter. He pointed out that the Council was in full concurrence
that the poles should be removed.
XVI. REPORTS AND REMARKS
A. CITY MANAGER
1. Mr. Bouman stated that he sought Council's approval of a
schedule that would complete the budget setting process
between this meeting and the end of the fiscal year or
June 30, 1980. He pointed out that a public hearing had
had been legally advertised as a Manager -Revenue Sharing
Hearing with the purpose of that hearing to seek public
input on how we plan to spend Revenue Sharing funds in
fiscal 1980/81. It is the intent and the tentative budget
includes that these monies be utilized for police protection.
He continued that on the same day at 5:30 p.m., he would
expect that a final Study Session might be held between
Staff and Council on the tentative budget. Then on June 6th,
he would be prepared to informally submit the budget package
to the Council and then legally advertise on June 12th and
19th for a public hearing for review of the budget at the
Council meeting of June 26th. The budget would be formally
presented to the Council at the June 12th meeting. Council
agreed to the schedule as presented by Mr. Bouman.
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May 22, 1980
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REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
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XVI. REPORTS AND REMARKS (Continued)
A. CITY MANAGER
2. Mr. Bouman stated that he wished to announce and acknowledge
Council's formation of a Citizen's Drainage Advisory Commit-
tee. Ile outlined for the benefit of the audience the proposed
scope and responsibilities of the Committee. He pointed out
that the Council is seeking people who are willing to partici-
pate on this seven -member committee. One Council member will
also serve on it. If anyone is interested in serving in this
capacity, they should contact City Hall.
Councilman Puluqi stated that he would like to have good partici-
pation from the public, especially those on the north side of
Palm Desert.
B. CITY ATTORNEY
None
C. MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
Mayor Wilson stated that he had attended ceremonies at the
George Washington School that day in honor of Andy the Donkeyman.
He pointed out that Ms. Evelyn Young, a local newspaper reporter,
had been very instrumental in the preparation of these activities
on behalf of the Palm Desert Historical Society, and he very
sincerely commended her for her participation.
XVII. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Pro-Tem McPherson moved and Councilman Puluqi, seconded to
adjourn the City Council meeting to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 5, 1980, at
the George Washington School. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Wilson
adjourned the meeting at 9:10 p.m.
S ROY
ATTEST:
//
SHEILA R. GILLIGAN, CITyCLERK
W IESON,
.>
MAYOR j
May 22, 1980
Page 7
`''HIBIT "A"
TRANSCRIPT OF MAY 22, 1980, CITY COUNCIL MEETING
SECTION XIII, ITEM A, OF THE AGENDA
REQUEST FOR AWARD OF BID FOR DEMOLITION OF STRUCTURE LOCATED AT 73-986 HIGHWAY 111,
KNOWN AS SUNSHINE, MEAT, FISH & LIQUOR. (Continued from Council Meeting of May 8, 1980.)
Martin J. Bouman, City Manager
Mr. Mayor, I believe the City Attorney will want to report on this, perhaps a word or
two, about some more recent developments that he may not be aware of. First of all
the contractor that is the low bidder on this demolition project is ready and willing
to undertake the project and meet the specifications of the contract. Beyond that
there have been a couple of incidents inside the building which I reported to you
during your Study Session. On May 18th what appeared to be an attempt to set some
fires inside the building, and on May 15th, a reported burglary and confirmation by
the Sheriff's Department that there had been some break-in, and apparently somebody
has been using the structure as living quarters. Mr. Erwin probably will have more
to report to you.
Mr. David Erwin, City Attorney
At your last meeting you'd indicated the item on the award of the contract would be
deferred until tonight based upon two items. One was the providing a binder of
sufficient coverage, satisfactory to myself, that would protect the City, acknowledging
that the structure had been determined to be abandoned and a dangerous building, by
the City. Secondly that an agreement be executed that would give the City the ability
to acquire the additional 20 feet for the widening of Portola at such time as it's
needed, and I think you were estimating 5 years, which is a time period I did not
put into the agreement that I drafted because I think we were talking about
that would, in effect provide the ability of the Council to receive that additional
20 feet at such time as the Council determined it was necessary, without cost to the
City, without improvement on the 20 feet. Just before the meeting I spoke with
Mr. Burbot, who is an attorney representing Mrs. Mermelstein. He does have an
insurance binder. It has a paragraph on the back of it that I don't understand and
it deals with something that we didn't even discuss and that part is not acceptable,
it does not have an acknowledgement. I didn't talk with anyone from the Insurance
Company or the Agency, it does not have an acknowledgement that the building has
been determined to be an abandoned or dangerous building by the City, which would
have been one of my requirements had I talked with the agent. I did send to Mr.
Burbott two days ago the proposed agreement. I do not believe that it is signed.
I have the original. I don't believe Mr. Burbott's copy is signed. I could report
that I think at this point, that there is an insurance binder which does name the
City as an additional insured. It has a qualification that is not acceptable to
me. It does not have an additional acknowledgment that I believe is necessary in
this particular instance for the protection of the City. Secondly, I would say,
insofar as I am aware, the proposed agreement has not been signed. Mr. Burbott
may have something further on both of those items.
Mayor Wilson
Would the applicanttor the attorney like to address the Council. We welcome any
public input that there is on this item.
Mr. James Burbott, an attorney associated with Leonard Bock & Stephanie Slahor
Let me re -introduce myself. My name is James Burbott, I am an attorney associated '
with Leonard Bock and Stephanie Slahor, who I believe you all met at your last
meeting. She is an attorney in our office most familiar with Mrs. Mermelstein's
situation, and as I indicated in Study Session, Mrs. Slahor went on vacation the
day after your last meeting and will be on vacation until the 27th, traveling all
throughout Utah I believe and has been unavailable. When she left, she left her
office a synopsis of her understanding of what has transpired and that's what
Mr. Bock and I have been operating on since then. I'm simply asking at this time,
that the Council defer awarding contract or accepting the bid for the demolition
of the Sunshine Building for the following reasons: First.of all would be the
absence of our associate who is most familiar with these proceedings. In my opinion
her absence puts our office in a serious handicap in presenting Mrs. Mermelstein's
position, or advising Mrs. Mermelstein. She'll be back the 27th, which is just
5 days from now. The second reason that I wish the Council to defer action would be
22. 1980
Page 8
EXHIBIT "A"
May 22, 1980, Regular City Council Meeting Transcript (Continued)
that we feel we've complied with the first requirement set at your last meeting, which
was the insurance binder. We had an insurance bonder. It does name the City co-
insured. Mr. Gunther has provided it to me. I didn't negotiate myself with the
insurance company. We left that up to Mr. Gunther and Mrs. Mermelstein. It does have
some language on the back which I don't understand myself, and it does not have an
acknowledgment on its face that the insurance company understands the situation of
Mrs. Mermelstein vs the City. Mrs. Mermelstein has represented to me that they under-
stand the situation. That's all I can offer the Council. As to acceptability to the
City Attorney was a condition that was said last time, that's something I'm not certain
of. Again, I wasn't at your last meeting and all I had to go on was our associate's
notes and the minutes presented to our office, mailed to our office by your City Clerk,
which don't seem to reflect either that the insurance binder need be absolutely satis-
factory to the City Attorney, nor do they reflect that the insurance binder need con-
tain an acknowledgement that the Insurance Company understands the situation. One
thing I might say that's something very easy to determine. Our office or Mr. Erwin could
easily correspond with the Insurance Company and ask them if they understand what's
going on. If they don't, they don't. But right now, my own knowledge, something I could
say to the Council. The third reason I think that you should defer action is, I think
that our position right now at this moment, the building is a secure, non -hazardous and
clean building. We don't think right at the moment, at least for any brief period of
time, that its existence is a threat to anyone's health or safety. When I spoke with
Mrs. Mermelstein last, on the telephone, she indicated she'd be willing to do additional
things if they could be conceived to assure that and I asked her would you be willing to
engage a security guard and she said yes, there'd been some discussion in the past of
fencing the property. I'm sure that conditions like those, if that's the concerns of
the Council, it would be acceptable to my client. I have seen the police report of the
incidents mentioned by your City Manager but it's my understanding that they were
simple acts of vandalism. They weren't actions that are necessarily unique to a con-
demned building and they certainly weren't actions that were fooldove or were joined in
by my client at all. The fourth reason that I think that you should defer action is
that Mr. Gunther has a set of plans for the refurbishing of the building that are pre-
sently working their way through the City at the moment, and there has been no action
on them one way or the other. It's my understanding that the plans would make the
building conform in every respect to the building codes and would eliminate the problem
that exists. There had been no action taken, I think that speaks of deferring your
action now. The fifth reason is simply that the agreement providing for dedication of
20 feet of the property was not made available to our office as Mr. Erwin indicates
until yesterday and we've had no opportunity to analyze it or compare it with what might
have been the understanding of all parties at your last meeting. 0f course Ms. Slahor
hasn't had a chance to comment on it. For one thing, a late thought had occurred to my
client that this is the kind of an agreement that would be of key interest to the present
mortgage holder of the property, City National Bank. It is my understanding that City
National Bank has a mortgage in the range of $197,000 on the property and its not clear
whether the terms of the agreement should be something to be brought to the attention of
the City National Bank. We simply had had no opportunity to discuss it in any depth,
our office with Mr. Erwin's office. As I said in Study Session, I'm not trying to
mislead the Council. I'm not suggesting that the agreement is pregnant for discussion
and negotiation of alteration. As I said in the Study Session, in its present form, it's
probably something that I couldn't advise my client to sign because were it signed in
that form and recorded,it would probably make the refurbishing that we hope to be able
to do, impossible, because it would make financing impossible. With those five reasons
in mind, I think Mr. Gunther would like to address the Council, unless the Council has
any questions of me.
Councilman Romeo S. Puluqi
Did you state that there's a mortgage on that for $197,000 existing right now?
Mr. James Burbott
That is what Mrs. Mermelstein told me, yes.
Councilman Puluqi
Unbelievable!
Mayor S. Roy Wilson
Are there any other questions? Alright, thank you. Is there anyone present who would
like to address the C•luncil on this particular item?
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EXHIBIT "A"
May 22, 1980, Regular City Council Meeting Transcript (Continued) ,
Mr. Bill Gunther, 74-121 Highway 111
A, in the insurance policy, if I could clear one thing up, it is our understanding
in talking with the agent, that the owner is obligated herself a little more than
necessary, because we cannot make the City as a beneficiary because they have no
financial interest. The next item on the insurance thing would be that should the
City at this time have an insurance claim against it, the owner on this thing that
has been filed with Mr. Erwin, would make itself liable on that claim also. Now
the owner has taken this, to do this on this binding, and in talking with the agent
and so forth, this is our understanding what happens. We would like to discuss it
further and have meetings and so forth to work it out to meet your qualifications,
but the understanding from the agent is the owner has obligated herself a little more
on the insurance. A, the next item, going back to the paper that we have tried to
sign, is a, Jim, Mr. Burbott here, just got in on it as the paper was brought into his
office. I found my notes and it was last week at some time that a,Mr. Erwin was con-
tacted by Mr. Leonard Bock to see if there could be some negotiations on it. If I'm
not right, Dave, correct me on that.
Mr. David J. Erwin, City Attorney
You're not right.
Mr. Gunther
I'm not? Alright that was heresay then from Mr. Bock. That's what I got on that.
Mr. Erwin
I talked with him on Monday, last week.
Mr. Gunther
Alright.
Mr. Erwin
And I called him.
Mr. Gunther
1
Alright. Well then he wanted to talk about it and you said it was already in process
and it was dictated by the City what you wanted, and so forth, anyway, this is where
we've got. We understood that we would have a little negotiation between attorneys
when the motion was made last time. In doing this, it's a paper that you don't sign
just by coming out and signing it, it's a thing that has to be worked out with your
attorney, as a businessman you don't sign papers like that right away. Ah, going back
into the building, the consensus is that all the way through this has been rat in-
fested, ah, termites, cockroaches, everything all the way through. The building was
cleaned up immediately when the owner could get back into it, when the padlock was taken
off, I believe Mr. Hill was in there for his inspection. Right after that, when the
owner was notified, they cleaned it up completely. It has been very clean until just
when we found out this intruder was in there. Now this intruder that was in the
building could happen to your home, it could happen to my home. He broke windows that
came through the roof. He broke in doors. There's a value of about 15 to 20 thousand
worth of electronic equipment that's missing, cash registers that were locked up in
the back and so forth. He broke windows, so he did intrude just like he could in your
home or my home, so please consider that this was not something that the building was
in danger of all the time. We did have it locked. Um, it does have a historical val
like we pointed out before. By the way, I appreciate your time in going through thi
over and over again. We would like to continue on with the remodeling of the buildir
Um, the trees in the front with the garden society and so forth. We did not receive
a report as I know that you folks received from the Fire Department last time. The
owner did not receive one. In doing this last action that you just had with Lewis
Homes, we understood that their attorneys and your attorneys would meet. We would like
the same thing, and, if we could get on with the plans we would like to do it so that
we can refurbish this building. I believe in the motion made by Mr. Puluqi here, we
did have a time limit so that even if we remodel with cash, your good business transactio
is to then finance the building and no-one would touch it with some kind of instrument
like we have now. This is what we're asking for...and then we can talk about ...even
if you are going to,take the 20 feet. The situation is it might come that that might
prove to be a road you,don't want to increase. This is why we would also like the
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EXHIBIT "A"
May 22, 1980, Regular CfLy Council Meeting Transcript (Continued)
building also, and should some of these terminologies and so forth be put into the
agreement, something can come about, and we would like to go ahead and finish the
project that we have presented the plans for. Ah, I don't think I have any ah.
Mayor Wilson
Mr. Gunther, I have a question for you.
Mr. Gunther
Yes
Mayor Wilson
I think, it concerns me, I don't know about the others, it would seem to me, the
burden of responsibility to work out an agreement was placed on your attorney so that
the applicant could get together with the City Attorney as quickly as possible. I'm
confused as to why it was not until this week before contact was made as to what kind
of an agreement could be worked out. Is there an explanation for that? Other than
the attorney going on vacation?
Mr. Gunther
I do not know. Other than, possibly they had tried to contact Mr. Erwin or not, I
do not know on that. I know they were notified to, there would be a paper drawn up
and outside of that I'd have to say I draw a blank, because the attorneys we thought,
were supposed to be getting together. That was on that, Mr. Mayor. I feel that if
the staff had directed Mr. Erwin to do it, why, the attorneys would no doubt get
together. This was our understanding. The owner notified them.
Mayor Wilson
My understanding was,prior to the Council Meeting your attorney was to get together
with the City Attorney to work out something that was agreeable to the City. Seems
like that should have been done on Friday before shetook_off for vacation.,
Mr. Gunther
Maybe he could inject something on this.
Mr. Burbott
All our office had to operate on were the notes that Ms. Slahor made in the session which
indicated that Mr. Erwin had taken it upon himself to draw up a draft, first draft,
agreement. I could say that our office waited...I didn't even know that such an agree-
ment existed until I called Mr. Erwin on Tuesday..I asked him to send it to me. Maybe
the understanding at the meeting, last meeting, was that an agreement would be presented
to Mrs. Mermelstein at this meeting, to be signed. I don't know.
Councilman Alexis Newbrander
I can't see anything in the picture..This has been going on for months. You beg for
time, and each time excuses, stumbling, and somebody's away, somebody doesn't know what
to do, and I think this could probably, if we let it go, could probably continue for
10 years. In the meantime, a problem even with that fire hazard.
Councilman Pulugi
There seems to be a question as to what the minutes said the last time. I would like
to have them re -read right now, get that over with.
Mayor Wilson
Would the City Clerk please read a portion of the minutes.
Sheila R. Gilligan, City Clerk
I would like to add that there was confusion on this motion, and they asked Dave to
re -word it, and Mrs.;Slahor did call me the next day and I took it verbatim from the
tape. It appears verbatim then on the minutes:
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EXHIBIT "A"
May 22, 1980, Regular City Council Meeting Transcript (Continued)
City Clerk (Continued)
• "Councilman Snyder moved to allow the interested parties two weeks from today,
or the next Council Meeting, to either submit to the City or City Attorney an
agreement depicting the insurance coverage and the agreement that would be set forth
on the deed relative to the length of time that this improvement would become viable
for widening of Portola. If those arrangements cannot be concluded, then at that time,_
the bid should be awarded. Councilman Puluqi seconded the motion. Mayor Pro-Tem
McPherson asked if by insurance it was meant an insurance binder. Councilman Snyder
responded yes.
Council asked the City Attorney to clarify and reword the second portion of
the motion relative to the agreement for dedication of right-of-way.
Mr. Erwin stated that the wording should be: 'an agreement which would affect
the property which would indicate at such time in the future, estimated to be 5 years
more or less, that the widening of Portola would be determined to be necessary by the
City, that dedication would be affected by the then property owner and whatever
improvements are located on it would be removed at no cost to the City.'
Councilman Snyder agreed to the wording as stated by the City Attorney, and
Councilman Puluqi also agreed. Mayor Wilson called for the vote. Motion carried
on a 4-1 vote, with Councilman Newbrander voting NO."
Mayor Wilson
Thank you. Is there anyone else present who would like to address the Council on this
public hearing. (None) O.K. I would like to state, to verify that what Mr. Gunther
said about the building not being rat infected, etc., I did tour the building yesterday
with Mr. Gunther. It has been cleaned up since the break-in of a week ago and I just
wanted to make that part of the record. What is the pleasure of the Council?
Councilman Newbrander
I move that we waive further reading and adopt, no, that's not it.. We approve the
the work and award the contract to Pomona Valley Equipment Company of LaQuinta, low
bidder.
Mayor Wilson
We have a motion. Is there a second to that motion?
Mayor Pro-tem James E. McPherson
I'll second it, for discussion.
Mayor Wilson
1
Moved by Councilman Newbrander, seconded by Councilman McPherson that we approve the
work and award the contract to Pomona Valley Equipment Company of LaQuinta, low bidder,
and now we'll have further discussion on this. Councilman Snyder?
Councilman Snyder
I was going to ask Paul Williams the status of the submission to the Planning Commission
of the rehabilitation...the types of drawings and so forth that you now have in your
custody.
Paul A. Williams, Director of Environmental Services
Mr. Gunther has filed a Design Review Application and a Conditional Use Permit to
provide for off -site parking for the restaurant. Both applications are scheduled for
the Design Review Board on next Tuesday, and the Planning Commission on June 3rd.
Councilman Snyder
Are these preliminary designs, or plot plans?
Paul Williams
I believe the Design Review Application is preliminary design.
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EXHIBIT "A"
May 22, 1980, Regular City Council Meeting Transcript (Continued
Mayor Wilson
Any further comments? Councilman Snyder? None. Councilman Puluqi? None. Councilman
McPherson?
Councilman McPherson
Yes. Just a brief comment. It seems to me that we've had an awful lot of disagreement
with this case, going clear back to January when they came before the Building Board of
Appeals. There was a time frame when the people had to come before us with the original
plans...that was not met. There was a time frame given a month ago in which they were
to come to us with a bond...that was not met. Time frame in to which they were to have
an insurance binder to us..that was not met. Time frame in to which they were to have
an agreement with us...that was not met. I believe that we have bent over backwards
a hundred times on this thing. I don't know what else we can do.
Mayor Wilson
I also feel that the frustration of this thing has been dragging on for months and
months and months. I also have some reservations about tearing down something that could
be salvaged. We took a fairly good look at that building and I think that I was under
the impression that much of that wood that's falling off, and much of that tin on the
roof that's falling off was part of the permanent structure. It's really just a facade.
It's a pretty solid concrete block building., I have mixed emotions on this thing, If
we could at all salvage the building, I'd like to see us do it. But I'm tired of the
delays. Anyone else have any further comments? Any questions? All those in favor of
the motion, which is to approve the work and award the contract to Pomona Valley
Equipment Company of LaQuinta, the low bidder, signify by saying Aye.
Councilman McPherson
Aye
Councilman Newbrander
Aye
Councilman Snyder
Aye
Mayor Wilson
Could I...AII those opposed, signify by saying No,
Councilman Puluqi
No
Mayor Wilson
No
Mayor Wilson
Do you have that recorded?
City Clerk
Mayor Pro-Tem McPherson, yes; Councilman Newbrander, yes; Councilman Puluqi, no;
Councilman Snyder, yes; Mayor Wilson, no.
Mayor Wilson
The Motion carries on a 3-2 vote.
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