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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1981-08-27MINUTES REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 1981 CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * I. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Wilson called the Regular Meeting of the Palm Desert City Council to order at 7:06 p.m. on Thursday, August 27, 1981, in City Hall Council Chambers. II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Councilman Romeo S. Pulugi III. INVOCATION - Mayor S. Roy Wilson IV. ROLL CALL Present: Excused Absence: Mayor Pro-Tem Alexis D. Newbrander Councilman James E. McPherson Councilman Romeo S. Puluqi Councilman Walter H. Snyder Mayor S. Roy Wilson Also Present: Martin J. Bouman, City Manager Carlos L. Orgega, Assistant City Manager Ramon Diaz, Director of Environmental Services Barry McClellan, Director of Public Works V. AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS, AND APPOINTMENTS A. APPOINTMENT OF PLANNING COMMISSIONER TO FILL THE VACANCY CREATED BY THE EXPIRATION OF GEORGE BERKEY'S TERM. Mayor Wilson announced that the Council had not had time to adequately review all of the applications submitted and that the matter would be continued for at least a month. He asked that the City Manager schedule it as a Study Session item for the following meeting. VI. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES of the Regular Meeting of the City Council of August 13, 1981. Rec: Approve as presented. B. CLAIMS AND DEMANDS AGAINST THE CITY TREASURY - Demand No. 82-021. Rec: Approve as presented. C. STATEMENT OF CASH TRANSACTIONS FOR MONTH OF JULY, 1981. Rec: Receive and file. D. APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE By John D. & Linda J. BARKMAN for PALM DESERT LIQUORS, 74-121 Hwy 111, Palm Desert. Rec: Receive and file. August 27, 1981 Page 1 MINUTES REGULAR CITY COUNCIL M..`f1NG — * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *- * VI. CONSENT CALENDAR (Continued) E. RESOLUTION NO. 81-120 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, SETTING FORTH ITS FINDINGS AND AUTHORIZING THE DESTRUCTION OF REVENUE RECORDS FROM THE CODE ENFORCEMENT DIVISION THAT HAVE BEEN MICROFILMED. Rec: Waive further reading and adopt. Upon motion by Newbrander and second by Puluqi, the Consent Calendar was unanimously approved as presented by the members present. VII. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - A MR. RICHARD SPARKS, 74-654 Peppertree Street, Palm Desert, addressed Council and presented a report of findings relative to the Civic Center and as prepared by the committee formed to review the issue. (Said report attached and made a part hereof as Exhibit "A".) Mr. Sparks noted that the chairman of the committee had been called out of town due to a death in the family and that he had been asked to review in part the findings as follows: * The City of Palm Desert needs additional space for current daily operations and, based on growth projections, these needs will expand year after year. * The City of Palm Desert also needs an adequate meeting place so that more people can participate and enjoy cultural, social and governmental activities. * Money is now available without any additional cost to the taxpayers * There are opportunities for cost savings in the original plans which the Council should consider. * Build a civic center that all citizens of Palm Desert can use and be proud of ... build it now! r' Mr. Sparks stated that the following members had served on the review committee: Phyllis Jackson, P.D. Design Review Board, Jerry Lawrence, Vice President of Pomona First Federal S & L; Jim McLaughlin, Chairman of the Convention & Visitors Bureau; Larry Spicer, President of Ironwood Country Club; Al Stutz, President of the P. D. Chamber of Commerce; Lowell Weeks, President -General Manager of the C.V. Water District; Ralph Wood, P. D. Planning Commission; Peg Cash, Palm Desert Realtor; George Berkey, President of the Board of Realtors; and himself, as a member of the Citizens' Drainage Advisory Committee. Mr. Sparks concluded that Mr. Berkey, who had served as Chairman of this committee, had expressed the desire to sit down with Council to further discuss the report. Mayor Wilson thanked Mr. Sparks and the entire committee for such a thorough job. He indicated that a study session would be scheduled more a more thorough review. MR. FRANK BAKER, 73-165 Hovley Lane, Palm Desert, addressed Council with a complaint of trash being dumped along his street and asking if there was anything the City could do. He indicated the Department of Public Works, particularly Mr. McClellan, had been extremely helpful, but the problem was still to be resolved. Even the Sheriff's Department could not enforce it. Mayor Wilson stated that the matter would be turned over to the Code Enforcement Department for further investigation and enforcement. August 27, 1981 Page 2 MINUTES REGULAR CITY COUNCIL M. ING * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * VIII PUBLIC HEARINGS A. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION OF A PREANNEXATION CHANGE OF ZONE FROM R-2, 12,000 (RIVERSIDE COUNTY) TO PR-5 (PLANNED RESIDEN- TIAL 5 D.U./ACRE) GENERALLY LOCATED BETWEEN 36TH AVENUE (FUTURE) AND FRANK SINATRA DRIVE (FUTURE), 1300 FEET WEST OF PORTOLA AVENUE (FUTURE). Mayor Wilson declared the Public Hearing open and asked for Staff's report. Mr. Diaz reported that the proposed change of zone was property presently located within the County of Riverside jurisdiction. The property is part of the proposed North Sphere Annexation and as such, the zone change will become effective upon annexa- tion. The proposed change does comply with the General Plan designation for the subject property. He noted that in terms of environmental assessment, it had been determined that the change would not have an adverse impact and therefore a nega- tive declaration had been prepared. Mr. Diaz stated that a letter had been received from Mr. John Y. Pashgian, 933 E. Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena, California, (attached and made a part here of as Exhibit "B") and that the letter indicated Mr. Pashgian's support of the proposed change of zone. Mayor Wilson invited input from the public either in FAVOR of or in OPPOSITION to the proposal. MS. PATRICIA MARTIN, Ballew-McFarland, addressed Council on behalf of the applicant, Ellesmere Properties, Inc. She Indicated their concurrence with the Staff Report and requested Council's approval of the change of zone. MRS. JOSEPHONE FRAZIER, San Diego, California, addressed Council as an adjacent property owner to the property in discussion. She inquired as to why a petition which she had submitted had not been included in this request. Patricia Martin explained that her firm had been seeking petitions from adjacent property owners and that once they had 100% of the property owners involved, they would submit another petition for those properties. Mrs. Frazier thanked Council and stated her favor of the proposed change of zone and annexation. With no further public input offered, Mayor Wilson declared the Public Hearing closed. Upon motion by Newbrander, second by Puluqi, Ordinance No. 26.9 was unanimously passed to second reading by the members present. X. RESOLUTIONS A. RESOLUTION NO. 81-112 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 80-142 PRESCRIBING CONSTRUCTION PERMIT AND PLAN CHECK FEES. (Continued from the Meeting of August 13, 1981.) Mrs. Gilligan noted that the Resolution No. 81-116 listed on the Agenda was incorrect and that it should be No. 81-112. Mr. Bouman said that the continuance of this item from the previous Council meeting had been for the purpose of dis- cussing the proposed increase in appeal fees with the Direc- tor of Building and Safety. He noted that Council had been concerned over the raising of the fee from $10 to $50. The increase had been proposed to cover the cost of processing the paperwork involved with an appeal. He pointed out that as a August 27, 1981 Page 3 MINUTES REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * IX. RESOLUTIONS (Continued) A. RESOLUTION NO. 81-112 (Continued) result of discussion in Study Session, Council was familiar with the three courses of action which they could take: 1) leave the fee at $10 as it is now; 2) approve the $50 as proposed; and 3) settle on another fee womewhere in between the $10 and $50 figure. Councilman Puluqi moved to leave the appeal fee at $10 as he felt that raising it would discourage people from the democratic pro- cess of the appeal procedure. Mayor Wilson seconded the motion. Motion carried on the following vote: AYES: Puluqi, Snyder & Wilson NOES: Newbrander ABSENT: McPherson ABSTAIN: None B. RESOLUTION NO. 81-121 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE 1981/82 BUDGET TO PROVIDE FOR REFUND OF DRAINAGE FEES. Mr. Bouman reported that this was a situation where the City collected the money in last year's budget and the refund is being requested from this year's budget. Thus the resolution appropriating necessary monies was required. Upon motion by Snyder, second by Newbrander, Resolution No. 81-121 was unanimously adopted by the members present. C. RESOLUTION NO. 81-122 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE CITY'S SB 325 CLAIM (LOCAL TRANSPORTATION FUND) FOR THE 1981/82 FISCAL YEAR. Mr. Bouman reported that in this case, the City was entitled to monies from the State, a certain amount of which goes to Sunline and the balance is available to the City for maintenance and repair of streets and roads. The proposed resolution would authorize the new application in the amount of $64,000. Upon motion by Snyder, second by Newbrander, Resolution No. 81-122 was unanimously adopted by the members present. D. RESOLUTION NO. 81-123 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT WITH THE COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE FOR LEVYING AND COLLECTION OF TAXES AND SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS. Mr. Ortega reported that as the Council would recall, acting as Board members of the Redevelopment Agency, they had approved a similar agreement whereby the County would be reimbursed for collecting taxes for the City/Agency. However, in the case of the City, the only charge will be for special assessment districts such as the Lighting District Act of 1972, the fire tax, and property liens. He noted that at Council's direction from the previous Redevelopment Agency meeting, the matter had been brought before the City Managers' Committee of CVAG, and it had been the general concensus of that Committee that the item should be investigated to determine whether or not the charges being imposed by the County were fair. A report on this matter will be given at a future CVAG meeting. Upon motion by Newbrander, second by Snyder, Resolution No. 81-123 was unanimously adopted by the members present. August 27, 1981 Page 4 MINUTES REGULAR CITY COUNCIL Mi. ING * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * IX. RESOLUTIONS (Continued) E. RESOLUTION NO. 81-124 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, SUPPORTING AN INVESTIGA- TION AND ANALYSIS OF THE INVESTMENT POLICIES OF THE CALIFORNIA PUBLIC EMPLOYEES RETIREMENT SYSTEM IN AN EFFORT TO INCREASE THE RATE OF RETURN. Mr. Bouman reported that this action came at the request of several cities in San Mateo County and gave support to the League of California Cities to petition the State Retirement Fund to take a closer look at their investment portfolios. He noted that this fund contained some $13 Billion which is netting only about 7.9% interest at this time. In this day and age of high interest rates, and recognizing that a por- tion of the account must be kept in assured investments, it is felt that the management of the fund should investigate to see if higher interest rates could not be obtained. Upon motion by Snyder, second by Puluqi, Resolution No. 81-124 was unanimously adopted by the members present. F. RESOLUTION NO. 81-125 - 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 ANNEXA- TION NUMBER 13 TO THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA. Mr. Bouman reported that this action had been taken with each annexation since the passage of Proposition 13. It dealt with all new annexations to the City and was in an effort to bring to the City our entitlement of 250 of the property taxes collected and allocated by the County for the new property. The taxes are for providing necessary services to the territory annexed. Upon motion by Newbrander, second by Puluqi, Resolution No. 81-125 was unanimously adopted by the members present. XI. ORDINANCES For Introduction: A. ORDINANCE NO. 270 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING THE AMOUNT OF BONDS CERTAIN TO THE OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES. Mr. Bouman reported that this proposed ordinance amendment was necessary in order to increase bonding of the City Treasurer. All City employees who handle money are bonded for $25,000 at present. However, this amendment would increase the City Treasurer's bonding to $250,000 inasmuch as he handles larger amounts of money than others. Mayor Wilson inquired as to whether this amount was enough since many transactions are in excess of $250,000. Dave Erwin responded that the larger checks were investment checks and not negotiable. Upon motion by Snyder, second by Newbrander, Ordinance No. 270 —was unanimously passed to second reading by the members present. For Adoption: None XI. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER None August 27, 1981 Page 5 MINUTES REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MFrTING * * * * * * * * * * * . * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * XII. NEW BUSINESS A. APPEAL OF BUILDING BOARD OF ADPEALS & CONDEMNATION DECISION REQUIRING CONCRETE SLAB (PER ORDINANCE NO. 238) VS. ASPHALT SLAB FOR CARPORTS. Mr. Bouman reported that the owners of Fairway Cottages were proposing to convert 8 existing parking spaces to carports by adding overhead sun protection. Under the City Code, in order to do that, the floors of the carports are required to be 4 inches of concrete. He noted that both the City Staff and the Building Board of Appeals had analyzed the situation, and it was Staff's feeling that the existing requirements should be enforced inasmuch as the asphalt would tend to deteriorate. Mayor Wilson invited input from the applicant. MR. WILLIAM BIZZELL, 46-087 Portola Avenue, Palm Desert, addressed Council as the contractor and on behalf of the applicants. He noted that the Planning Department had made a preliminary investigation of the proposed plans and had given approval in line with what was needed. Upon submission to the Building Department, it was discovered that the Code did require concrete. He noted that they had never considered removing the existing asphalt as the cost was exorbitant. Mr. Bizzell referred to the Staff Memorandum and took issue with the various sections noted in that they could be inter- preted in different ways. He sincerely requested Council's approval of their appeal. Upon question by Council, Mr. Diaz responded that the Department of Environmental Services had approved the plans after having reviewed Ordinance No. 238, Section 6, and determined that it did not require concrete cement. Secondly, in direct answer to Council's question, he noted that a variance could not be granted because this is not a zoning matter so it would not be subject to a zoning,vari- ance. He concluded by stating that in reading the ordinance, it did indeed set forth finds, but it did not reach conclusions. Dave Erwin stated that at this point it was really a matter of interpretation of the ordinance. A variance was not necessary, and it was a matter of Council's own discretion in the issue. Council could deal with this specific case and make a long-term decision on the ordinance at a later date. Councilman Snyder stated that he had looked at the area and in particular the asphalt. He had been familiar with the property since 1967 and had seen no deterioration of the asphalt during that time. Therefore, he questioned the logic behind having it removed. Councilman Newbrander asked if it was possible that a sealer might be used on the asphalt to insure that it would not deteriorate. Mr. Bizzell responded that this was done on an annual basis. Councilman Snyder moved to approve the appeal by the Fairway Cottages Association and allow the carports to be constructed on the existing asphalt. Councilman Puluqi seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously by the members present. August 27, 1981 Page 6 MINUTES REGULAR CITY COUNCIL M 'ING * * * * * * * * * * * *-* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * XIII. OLD BUSINESS A. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT TO KICAK & ASSOCIATES CONTRACT (ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 81-5) TO INCLUDE ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR THE SAN BENITO CIRCLE ASSESSMENT DISTRICT. Mr. Bouman stated that he and Mr. McClellan had conferred prior to Study Session and since this item would also take a resolution appropriating the necessary funds, it was felt that Council should continue the matter to the meeting of September 10, 1981, in order to allow time for the preparation of the resolution. Upon motion by Snyder, second by Puluqi, the request was continued to the meeting of September 10, 1981, by unanimous vote of the members present. B. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF CHANGE ORDER NO. 1 FOR SMITH ELECTRIC COMPANY CONTRACT FOR TRAFFIC SIGNALS AT MONTEREY AVENUE AND COUNTRY CLUB DRIVE. Mr. McClellan reported that the City had been trying for some time to get the traffic signals installed at the corner of Monterey Avenue and Country Club Drive. Revisions to the original plans were made necessary by a contractor's extending Monterey Road northerly into the County, thus creating a 4-way stop. Therefore, a change order was necessary to approve the new work and appropriate an additional $10,000 from the Unobli- gated Traffic Signal Fund. Upon motion by Puluqi, second by Newbrander, Resolution No. 81-126 was unanimously adopted by the members present. C. REQUEST FOR AWARD OF BID FOR RIDING MOWER. Mr. Bouman reported that this item was to reported on during Study Session. However, Staff had not had ample time to review the specifications of the four mowers presented in the bids. It ws therefore his recommendation to continue the item to the next meeting. Upon motion by Snyder, second by Puluqi, and unanimous vote by the members present, the item was continued to the meeting of September 10, 1981. At this time Council asked whether or not the bids would still be valie at the meeting of September 10th, since they had been received approximately 2-3 weeks prior to this meeting. Councilman Snyder moved and Councilman Puluqi seconded to rescind the previous motion and authorize the Director of Public Works to purchase the mower of his choice after a thorough review of the specifications. Motion carried unanimously. D. REQUEST FOR AWARD OF BID FOR FLATBED TRUCK. Mr. McClellan reported that three bids had been received for a flatbed truck, with the lowest bid coming from Imperial Motors in the amount of $9,422.34. Councilman Puluqi moved to approve the request and authorize the award of bid to Imperial Motors, low bidder, in the amount of $9,422.34. Councilman New•brander seconded the motion; carried unanimously with the members present. XV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - B None August 27, 1981 Page 7 MINUTES REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * XVI. REPORTS AND REMARKS A. CITY MANAGER None B. CITY ATTORNEY None C. MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL Mayor Wilson asked that everyone note the Future Meetings listed on the Agenda. XVI. ADJOURNMENT Councilman Newbrander moved the adjourn the meeting to Closed Session immediately following the Redevelopment Agency Meeting. Council- man Snyder seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously with the members present. Mayor Wilson adjourned the meeting to Closed Session at 8:09 p.m. for the purpose of discussing pending litigation. Mayor Wilson reconvened the Meeting at 9:15 p.m. and immediately adjourned, no action having been taken. ROY LSON, MAYOR ATTEST: SHEILA R. GILLIGAN, CITY CLERK CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA f August 27. 1981 Paae 8 MINUTES REGULAR CITY COUNCIL h. PING * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * EXHIBIT "A" PALM DESERT CIVIC CENTER STUDY COMMITTEE August 27, 1981 The Honorable City Council City of Palm Desert Palm Desert, California Dear Council Members: We appeared before your honorable body on June 11, 1981 and you encouraged us to proceed with a study and report back to you. We are now pleased to submit the following report. I SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS * The City of Palm Desert needs additional space for current daily operations and, based on growth projections these needs will expand year after year. * The City of Palm Desert also needs an adequate meeting place so that more people can participate and enjoy cultural, social and governmental activities. * Money is now available without any additional cost to the taxpayers. • There are opportunities for cost savings in the original plans which the council should consider. * Build a civic center that all citizens of Palm Desert can use and be proud of ...build it now! MINUTES REGULAR CITY COUNCIL N. PING * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *''* * * * * * * * * * * * EXHIBIT "A" II FORMATION OF COMMITTEE (A) The advisability of forming a committee to study the Palm Desert City council's plans to build a Civic Center was considered by the Palm Desert Board of Realtors Local Government Relations Committee, when it learned of an initiative drive to limit spending on the proposed City Hall. It was apparent that members of the board should be given information which would permit them to decide intelligently. In addition, the City Council was notified of the intent to form a study committee and Council members urged the committee to proceed with the study and to report the finding to the council. (B) The following served as Committee Members: George V. Berkey, President, Palm Desert Board of Realtors; Phyllis Jackson, Member, Palm Desert Design Review Board; Jerry Lawrence, Vice -President, Pomona Federal Savings and Loan Assn.; Jim McLaughlin, Chairman, Cove Communities Convention & Visitors Bureau; Dick Sparks, Chairman, Palm Desert Drainage Advisory Committee; Larry Spicer, President, Ironwood Country Club; Al Stutz, President, Palm Desert Chanber of Commerce; Lowell Weeks, General Manager, Coachella Valley Water District; Ralph Wood, Member, Palm Desert Planning Commission. Secretary of the Committee was Peg Cash, Realtor. III COMMITTEE ACTIVITIES (A) In pursuing its search for information, meetings were held on the following dates: June 2j, 1981 Study session. Interviewed John Ballew, President and Patricia Martin, Manager of Ballew-McFarland, Architects. July 9, 1981 Study session. No interviewee August 18, 1981 Study session. Interviewed Ramon Diaz, City of Palm Desert, Director of Evnironmental Services; Barry McClellan, Director of Public Works. August 21, 1981 Study session. August 24, 1981 Study session. Approved final report. (B) In addition to the interviews and committee meetings noted above in II(A) the members were provided with data concerning City of Palm Desert finances and current Civic Center plans, as well as data con- cerning other cities' Civic Centers. -2- I 14111 August 27, 1981 Page 10 MINUTES REGULAR CITY COUNCIL D .ING * * * * * * * * * * * *--* * * * * * * * * * * * * i * * * * * * * * * * * * EXHIBIT "A" IV OWNERSHIP VERSUS RENTING The question of city ownership of a City Hall was given careful consideration. The Committee concluded that ownership is far better than renting for the following reasons; (A) We expect that inflation will continue indefinitely, so the cost of construction will be far greater in the future. Thus, it is simply good sound business to build. (B) The risk of increasing rents plus uncertain tenancy is wholly unacceptable. In addition, lack of space in the present City Hall has forced the Public Works Department to rent separate quarters thereby causing inefficient operations. (C) The cost of public ownership is less than renting privately owned property because the rent includes taxes and profit. V FINANCES AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (A) The city has already spent or encumbered $275,000 for initial and final plans and has fund balances totaling $2,373,000, which have been specifically designated and are available for Civic Center construction. (B) The Committee studied the City's five year Capital Improvement and Expenditure Program for Land Acquisition, Drainage, Flood Control, Street Improvements, Civic Center Project, Traffic Signals, Street Resurfacing, Park Development, Fire Stations and Beautification. In the opinion of the Committee the City has developed a well - conceived program with properly assigned priorities and with fund- ing from the proper sources. The Committee observes that proper planning and budgeting has resulted in money being available for current capital projects and construction of a Civic Center. VI OTHER CONSIDERATIONS (A) Obviously, a Civic Center is needed as a place for City Officials and Staff to serve the public. In addition, to providing the space to permit City Government to function, the Committee believes that it should also symbolize the character of the City. It should reflect what sort of people live in Palm Desert and it should be a source of pride to Palm Desert citizens. A Civic Center should be of a nature which will inspire respect for government and laws and should tell visitors that Palm Desert is a good place to live and invest. -3-- August 27, 1981 Page 11 mI NUTES REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * EXHIBIT "A" (B) The Council chambers will be made available for use by Civic and Cultural groups. The City does not have adequate meeting rooms of this type. Furthermore, the size will encourage citizens participation in Government activities. VII THE PLANS (A) The Committee consulted with various professionals and studied the plans to evaluate the adequacy, efficiency, architecture and cost of the proposed Civic Center. The Committee was concerned only with the project for which the City has entered into a con- tract with the architects and not with the balance of the Civic Center. (B) In the opinion of the Committee, the following should be given careful consideration by the City Council: (1) BUILDING SIZE Some citizens believe the structural space is excessive and, if the Council concurs, we would recommend consideration of reductions as per Exhibit A either by eliminating or con- densing conference rooms, restrooms, coffee rooms, lobbies and display areas. In accepting the concept of building a smaller Civic Center now, the Council must also take into consideration that future construction costs will be sub- stantially greater and building activity may cause Staff disruption. (2) INTERIORS Possible cost -saving items in the original plan are in the area of custom cabinets, special equipment, fixtures and decorating. (3) EXTERIOR Elimination of lagoons, patios, covered walkways and some trees plus a reduction in size of plant material and trees could result in further savings. We understand certain of these reductions are being incorporated in the current plans. The Committee used the original plan in our deliberations. This Committee appreciates the opportunity to offer this report and is available to answer any questions. Respectfu 4.....) GEORGE V. BERKEY Chairman -4- r August 27, 1981 Page 1 11�uTES CITY COU;IC *L *0 E *1 *G * * * * * * REGULAR * * * * * „A,, EXx1g1T * * * * * * * * m O t Dr- • Page 13 August 27r 1981 MINUTES REGULAR CITY COUNCIL M1ETING * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * TELEPHONE (213) 796-7888 (213) 681-9253 EXHIBIT "B" PASHGIAN BROTHERS 993 EAST COLORADO BOULEVARD PASADENA, CALIFORNIA 91106 August 21, 1981 `'rrJ Palm Desert City Court,l� Palm Desert City Hall �. 45-275 Prickly Pear Lane ::tc GFF1G` Palm Desert, California<;j9±zt1'l Re: Case No. C/Z 06-81 Gentlemen: The undersigned, owner of five acres adjacent to the property subject above case, believes that the request of ELLESMERE PROPERTIES, INC. for change of zone is important for the orderly development of said and adjoining properties. Therefore, approval of same is requested. JYP/lc. Res ectully your T >`- Lietu 1 I / evil t--- . Pashgian ESTABLISHED 1889 August 27, 1981 ''age 1�