Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1981-06-11MINUTES REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 1981 CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * I. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Pro-Tem Newbrander called the Regular Meeting of the Palm Desert City Council to order at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 11, 1981. II. H. Snyder III. IV. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Councilman Walter INVOCATION - Councilman Romeo S. Puluqi ROLL CALL Present: Mayor Pro-Tem Alexis Newbrander Councilman Romeo Puluqi Councilman Walter Snyder Also Present: Excused Absence: Councilman Jim McPherson Mayor S. Roy Wilson Martin J. Bouman, City Manager David J. Erwin, City Attorney Carlos L. Ortega, Assistant City Manager Ramon Diaz, Director of Environmental Services Barry McClellan, Director of Public Works Paul Byers, Director of Finance V. AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS, AND APPOINTMENTS None VI. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES of the Regular Meeting of the City Council and Joint Council/Redevelopment Agency Meeting of May 28, 1981. Rec: Approve as presented. B. CLAIMS AND DEMANDS AGAINST THE CITY TREASURY - Demand Nos. 81-113 and 81-114. C. LETTER OF RESIGNATION FROM ROBERT R. McLACHLAN from the Planning Commission. Rec: Accept with regrets. D. RESOLUTION 81-167 OF THE COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE, FIRST EXTEN- SION OF AGREEMENT FOR FIRE MARSHAL SERVICES BETWEEN COUNTY OR RIVERSIDE AND CITIES OF INDIAN WELLS, PALM DESERT, AND RANCHO MIRAGE. Rec: Approve the extension of said contract. E. RESOLUTION NO. 6-1-81 OF THE CITY OF NEEDLES, CALIFORNIA, SUPPORTING RATIFICATION OF THE PERIPHERAL CANAL REFERENDUM. Rec: Receive and file. Upon motion by Snyder and second by Puluqi, the Consent Calendar was approved unanimously as presented. June 11, 1981 Page 1 MINUTES REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * VII. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - A MR. CHARLES HAVER, Engineer, 74-390 Highway 111, Palm Desert, addressed Council and read a letter which had been sent to all members of the Council earlier in the week (said letter attached and made a part hereof as Exhibit "A"). Mr. Haver objected to the manner in which public works contracts were awarded and suggested that it might be more fair to keep the work in the Valley to keep people working. VIII. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION OF PER PARCEL ASSESSMENTS FOR LANDSCAPING & LIGHTING DISTRICT NO. 2, 1981-82 ASSESSMENT. Mayor Pro-Tem Newbrander declared the Public Hearing open and asked for the Staff Report. Mr. Bouman reported that this was the per parcel assessment for the City's Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District No. 2 - Lewis Homes, located at Highway 74 and Haystack Road. He stated that Staff was requested that the Council set the assessment in that project for the coming year at a total cost of approximately $6,000 or $87.86 per parcel. Mayor Pro-Tem Newbrander invited input from Lewis Homes. None was offered. She invited input in FAVOR of the request, and none was offered. She invited input in OPPOSITION to the request, and none was offered. She declared the Public Hearing closed. Upon motion by Snyder and second by Puluqi, Resolution No. 81-88 was unanimously adopted by the members present. B. CASE NO. ZOA 07-81 AND C/Z 04-81, CITY OF PALM DESERT, APPLI- CANT: CONSIDERATION OF AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 25.04 (DEFINITIONS AND CHAPTER 25.22 (RM - MOBILE HOME PARK AND MOBILE HOME SUB- DIVISION RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT) OF THE ZONING ORDINANCE AND REZONING ALL RM AND RM (U.A., UPON ANNEXATION) ZONES TO R-1-M (CONVENTIONAL SINGLE-FAMILY/MOBILE HOME RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT). Mayor Pro-Tem Newbrander declared the Public Hearing open and asked for the Staff Report. Mr. Diaz reported that the proposed ordinance would implement S.B. 1960 which precludes cities from prohibiting manufactured (mobile) homes from lots zoned for single-family dwelling units. The legislation provides cities with the option of either designating every R-1 lot for mobile homes use, designating certain R-1 lots for mobile home use, or redesignating areas currently zoned for R-1 to a combination Single-Family/Mobile Home use. He stated that the Planning Commission had elected to amend the Municipal Code to allow conventionally built single-family units on lots currently zoned for mobile home use only, or alternative #3. He pointed out that the Zoning Ordinance text amendments would: 1. Redefine Mobile Home to coincide with the State defi- nition; and 2. Change the wording of Chapter 25.22 (RM-Mobile Home Park and Mobile Home Subdivision Residential District) to reflect the integration of conventional single-family dwelling units and mobile homes. Mayor Pro-Tem Newbrander invited input in FAVOR of the ordinance and none was offered. She invited input in OPPOSITION to the ordinance, and none was offered. She declared the Public Hearing closed. Upon motion by Snyder and second by Puluqi, Ordinance No. 263 was .unanimously passed to second reading. .Trine 11. 1981 Pave 2 MINUTES REGULAR CITY COUNCIL .ETING * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * VIII. PUBLIC HEARINGS (Continued) C. CASE NO. ZOA 04-81 - CITY OF PALM DESERT, APPLICANT: CONSI- DERATION OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE ZONING ORDINANCE RELATING TO CITY PARKING STANDARDS. Mayor Pro-Tem Newbrander declared the Public Hearing open and asked for Staff's report. Mr. Diaz indicated that this ordinance represented the culmina- tion of efforts which began around November of last year to alleviate parking problems in the commercial area. He reviewed the proposed amendments to parking requirements as outlined in Ordinance No. 264, pointing out in particu- lar the proposed changes for food stores, supermarkets, drugstores, beauty parlors, and plant nurseries. He also reviewed the "Conditional Use Permit Required" section to be added to the Municipal Code under the parking requirements section. Mayor Pro-Tem Newbrander invited input in FAVOR of the ordinance, and none was offered. She invited input in OPPOSITION to the ordinance, and none was offered. She declared the Public Hearing closed. Upon motion by Puluqi and second by Snyder, Ordinance No. 264 was unanimously passed to second reading. D. CASE NO. C/Z 03-81, DAVID FEEEDMAN & COMPANY, c/o LIONEL STEINBERG, AND BALLEW/McFARLAND, INC., APPLICANTS: CON- SIDERATION OF A PREANNEXATION CHANGE OF ZONE FROM W-2-20 (RIVERSIDE COUNTY) TO PC2 (81.3 ACRES) AND PR-5 (671.9 ACRES) OR OTHER ZONES AS DEEMED APPROPRIATE, GENERALLY LOCATED SOUTH OF INTERSTATE 10, BETWEEN DEL SAFARI ROAD AND PORTOLA AVENUE (EXTENDED), NORTH OF FRANK SINATRA DRIVE AND A NEGATIVE DECLARATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT AS IT PERTAINS THERETO. Mayor Pro-Tem Newbrander declared the Public Hearing open and asked for the Staff Report. Mr. Diaz reviewed the Staff Report in detail. He noted the proposed zone change complied with the General Plan with the exception of the proposed "District Commercial Area". A portion of the area labeled "D" on the submitted exhibit was proposed on the east side of Cook Street, north of Frank Sinatra Drive. The adopted General Plan indicates a strip of Commercial/Residential adjacent to the Interstate 10 and a small amount of Commercial on the west side of Cook Street, south of Interstate 10. In order for this request to be in compliance with the General Plan, Commercial Area "D" would have to be eliminated or relocated next to Area "E" adjacent to Interstate 10. Staff felt the 49.7 acres in "D" should be relocated to the western portion of Area "G". Mr. Diaz concluded the report by indicating the Planning Commission had unanimously recommended approval of this zone change with the revisions as proposed by Staff. Mayor Pro-Tem Newbrander invited input from the applicant. MR. FRED ARBUCKLE, Ballew-McFarland, addressed Council on behalf of the applicant. He indicated his concurrence with Staff's recommendation and asked for Council's favorable consideration. Mayor Pro-Tem Newbrander invited input in FAVOR of the request, and none was offered. She invited input in OPPOSITION to the request, and none was offered. She declared the Public Hearing closed. Upon motion by Snyder and second by Puluqi, Ordinance No. 265 was unanimously passed to second reading. June 11, 1981 Paaa '� MINUTES REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * IX. RESOLUTIONS A. RESOLUTION NO. 81-89 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, RECOGNIZING THE CITY OF PALM DESERT EMPLOYEES' ORGANIZATION. Mr. Bouman stated that the City of Palm Desert had existed more than seven years without a recognized Employees' Associa- tion. He pointed out that there are no legal requirements for such an association, but there is a legal requirement that during budget -setting processes dealing with wages, salaries, fringe benefits, etc., there be a meet -and -confer process and that is best handled by some kind of group that can act as a spokesman for all employees. He stated that over the last year or so, a group had been formed with the blessing of the City Manager and his staff. It was not to be con- strued as a labor union, however. The proposed resolution would not only recognize the organization, but also accept their bylaws as written by them. These bylaws do provide for possible revision and update as necessary. Councilman Snyder stated that this matter had been discussed in Study Sessions with representatives of the organization. He stated that the employees had put forth a reasonable request. Upon motion by Snyder and second by Puluqi, Resolution No. 81-89 was unanimously adopted. B. RESOLUTION NO. 81-90 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, RESCINDING RESOLUTION NOS. 77-71 AND 80-98 AND ESTABLISHING AMENDED COMPENSATION FOR THE CITY ATTORNEY. Mr. Bouman reported that this request came from the City Attorney and was for an adjustment in his retainer fees as well as his special fees when he was called upon for outside appearances in court. The request would increase the monthly retainer to $1,900/month, an approximate 7% increase. He noted that the increase in the hourly fees was substantially higher but pointed out that there had been no increase in that rate for several years. Upon motion by Snyder and second by Puluqi, Resolution No. 81-90 was unanimously adopted. C. RESOLUTION NO. 81-91 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING A DESIGNATED SURVEY AREA. Mayor Pro-Tem Newbrander stated that she had neglected to note that many of the items on the Agenda had been discussed previously during a Study Session. However, no decision had been made at that time. Mr. Ortega reported that Resolution 81-91 would be requested not only as the City Council but also as the Redevelopment Agency Board. He pointed out that what Council is being asked to do is send this resolution to the Planning Com- mission, thus enabling the Agency to officially look at a likely area to take tax increment from. Upon motion by Newbrander and second by Puluqi, Resolution No. 81-91 was unanimously adopted. June 11, 1981 Page 4 MINUTES REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING * f. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * X. ORDINANCES For Introduction: A. ORDINANCE NO. 262 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING AN AMENDMENT, AND WITH CERTAIN ADDITIONS TO SECTION 15.04.050 OF THE PALM DESERT MUNICIPAL CODE, PERTAINING TO CONSTRUCTION SITE SECURITY. (Continued from Meeting of May 28, 1981.) Mr. Bouman reported that the Council would recall that this item was removed from the prior meeting's Agenda because of ambiguous wording. This wording has been clarified with respect to necessary job security and protection dealing not only with new construction but any construction or recon- struction. He pointed out that this amendment to the Code deals specifically with the requirement for trash containers at the construction sites to handle debris from the job and further that those containers be emptied regularly. Finally, it provides for what happens when and if these provisions are not complied with. Upon motion by Puluqi and second by Snyder, Ordinance No. 262 was unanimously passed to second reading. For Adoption: A. ORDINANCE NO. 257 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, PERTAINING TO TRAFFIC REGU- LATIONS BY ADDING A NEW SECTION FINDING CERTAIN PRIVATELY OWNED AND MAINTAINED STREETS AND PARKING AREAS TO BE GENERALLY HELD OPEN FOR THE USE OF THE PUBLIC FOR VEHICULAR TRAFFIC, SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 21107.5 OF THE VEHICLE CODE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA. Mr. Bouman stated that this ordinance had received a negative letter from a property owner in the City. However, after the first reading of the ordinance, he had written a letter to the owner explaining the provisions of the ordinance and clarifying some misunderstandings that were apparent. Since he had received no response to his letter, he felt the ques- tions the owner had had been adequately answered. Upon motion by Snyder and second by Puluqi, Ordinance No. 257 was unanimously adopted. XI. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER None XII. NEW BUSINESS A. REQUEST FOR AWARD OF STREET SWEEPING CONTRACT to Houston's Country Club Sweeping. Mr. McClellan stated that this contract was due to expire on June 30th. The contractor has requested a 9.3% increase to $32.62 per hour. He noted that this was the low bid received last year and pointed out that the contract had the option for renewal after the first year with provisions for increases. Upon motion by Newbrander and second by Puluqi, the Mayor and City Clerk were unanimously authorized to execute a new contract with Houston's Country Club Sweeping. B. REQUEST FOR AWARD OF ENGINEERING SERVICES CONTRACT. Mr. McClellan reported that at the Council Meeting of April 9th, a resolution had been adopted accepting petitions for curb and gutter assessment districts. In addition, Staff was directed to solicit proposals from firms who could accomplish the services required. Bids were sent to companies listed in June 11, 1981 Paffa MINUTES REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * XII. NEW BUSINESS (Continued) A. REQUEST FOR AWARD OF ENGINEERING SERVICES CONTRACT (Continued) the yellow pages and also to firms who have left their name with the Public Works Department. Proposals were sent to 29 firms with 17 proposals submitted. He pointed out that four firms were selected for interview based on their rele- vant experience and proposal amount. Subsequently, a panel which included the Chairman of the Drainage Committee interviewed the four firms. It was the opinion of the panel that the best proposal had been presented by Kicak and Associates in the amount of $137,050.00. Upon motion by Puluqi and second by Newbrander, an Engineering contract was unanimously awarded to Kicak and Associates in an amount not to exceed $137,050.00 for the engineer of plans for Assessment Dis- trict Nos. 81-1 and 81-2. XIII. CONTINUED BUSINESS A. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT WITH BALLEW/McFARLAND, INC. FOR ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES FOR THE CIVIC CENTER. Mr. Bouman said that at the last Council Meeting, the firm of Ballew/McFarland has been selected as the architectural firm for the proposed Civic Center and Staff had been further directed to negotiate a contract with them. Subsequent to that direction, a commitee of staff members was formed to work with Ballew/McFarland, and a contract was therefore formulated. He pointed out that the schedule of fees was presented to Council during Study Session and that the fees totalled an amount not to exceed $206,200. Mayor Pro-Tem Newbrander stated that although this was not a Public Hearing, the Council would welcome input from any member of the audience. The following individuals spoke in opposition to the proposed Civic Center based on its size, cost, design, and location: MR. BEN BARNUM, 73-935 Mountain View Drive, Palm Desert. MR. GEORGE FAWCETT, 73-450 Bursera Way, Palm Desert. MR. GARY GOUDSWAARD, 44-755 Deep Canyon Road, Palm Desert. MR. VALENSON, 72-733 Haystack Road, Palm Desert. MR. GEORGE BERKEY, 73-625 Joshua Tree, Palm Desert, addressed Council as president of the Board of Realtors and indicated that the Board had formed what they were calling a Blue Ribbon Committee to study the pros and cons of the proposed Civic Center in an effort to advise their over 700 members of its feasibility. He stated that they did not believe that they had all the expertise in the field and therefore had invited several other members of the community to participate on this committee, including: Larry Spicer, President of Ironwood Country Club, Al Stutz, President of the Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Jim McLaughlin, President of the El Paseo Merchants Association, Mr. Jerry Lawrence, President of Pomona First Federal S & L, and Mr. Lowell Weeks, General Manager of the C.V. Water District. He respectfully requested Council's favorable response to their committee who would be ready to make a report in approximately 6 weeks. The following spoke in favor of the Civic Center in the belief that it was economically feasible, practical, and to the City's best interest. MR. GORDON GRADIE, 72-560 Hedgehog Street, Palm Desert. Councilman Puluqi addressed the other members of the Council from the lectern in opposition to the proposed Civic Center based on its size, cost, and design. He stated he was not opposed to 1 ., June l , 1981 'l Page 6 MINUTES REGULAR CITY COUNCIL _ETING * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** * XIII. CONTINUED BUSINESS (Continued) A. CIVIC CENTER (Continued) building a new City Hall but felt that it should be limited to a maximum cost of $1 Million. Mayor Pro-Tem Newbrander asked to go on record that the City Manager was not the one pushing for a Civic Center. It had been the first choice of every Planning Commission and City Council since the City first incorporated. She reviewed the history of the idea. Considerable discussion followed. Councilman Snyder, in stating his reasons for support of the project, welcomed the in-depth study the Board of Realtors were to conduct and assured that it would be given great review by the Council. Upon motion by Snyder and second by Newbrander, the agreement with Ballew/McFarland for architectural services for the Civic Center was approved by a 2-1 vote with Councilman Puluqi voting NO. XIV. OLD BUSINESS None XV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - B None XVI. REPORTS AND REMARKS A. CITY MANAGER 1. Mr. Bouman stated that this dealt with the award of a con- tract which the Council had already authorized for design of the Sports Complex. This will be a 15-acre recreation facility built on the proposed high school site. He stated that $430,000 is scheduled in next year's budget for this complex. Since we are not in a position to move ahead until budget approval, he recommended that the Council, by Resolution No. 81-92, take $60,000 and put it in this year's budget, thus permitting Staff to proceed immediately. Upon motion by Snyder and second by Puluq, Resolution No. 1-92 was unanimously adopted. 2. Mr. Bouman stated that at a joint meeting of the City Council and Planning Commission a week prior, the Council had reviewed a development plan for a project known as Villages of Bella Vista which is proposed to be located on the west side of Highway 74, an area now in the County. Since that meeting and upon favorable response to the presentation, Staff has talked with the developer in an attempt to work out flood control requirements. They involved a lot of money and a reasonable agreement has been reached. He noted that the last meeting with the developer had been held just prior to Study Session. Mr. Bouman recommended that Council adopt the following motion enabling the developer to move forward with the development plan and with plans for annexation to the City: 1) Urging the annexation of Villages of Bella Vista subject to submittal of plan reviewed June 4, 1981. 2) Instructing Staff to inform the County of Riverside that the project should be developed within the City of Palm Desert. 3) Instructing Staff to inform the developer of this action and to discuss with the developer the potential condi- tions of approval of the development. June 11, 1981 Page 7 MINUTES REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * XVI. REPORTS AND REMARKS A. CITY MANAGER (Continued) 2. Villages of Bella Vista (Continued) Mr. Bouman concluded by stating that this did not tie the City down, but it did let the developer and the County know that we want them to annex to the City. Upon motion by Snyder and second by Puluqi, Items 1, 2, and 3 as read by the City Manager, were unanimously adopted. B. CITY ATTORNEY Mr. Doug Phillips reported that the City Attorney had received a request from Chacalzaala Tract No. 13581, that they be allowed to secure their improvements by virtue of grant deeds in lieu of one existing bond and other required bonds. Mr. Phillips indicated that this was actually a better form of security than that which bonding produced. He recommended approval of the request. Upon motion by Snyder and second by Newbrander, the trust deeds were unanimously accepted in lieu of bonding requirements. C. MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL Mayor Pro-Tem Newbrander announced that the Council would be on "summer session" and would not hold Study Sessions on off Council weeks. Therefore, the Study Session scheduled for June 18, 1981, was cancelled. XVII. ADJOURNMENT Upon motion by Snyder and second by Puluqi and unanimous vote, Mayor Pro-Tem Newbrander adjourned the City Council meeting at 8:45 p.m. ATTEST: r 1 -----SHEILA R. GIL'LIGN, CITY ERK CITY OF PALM DESERT, CORNIA 6AJ:or ALEXIS D. NEWBW NDER, MAYOR PRO-TEM 1 June 11, 1981 Page 8 MINUTES REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING EXHIBIT "A" * * * * ., .. .. .. :'c :: *'c ,. * * * :: * * * .. :4 ;c ., :c CHARLES HAVER AND ASS0CIATES CIVIL ENGINEERING LAND SURVEYING 74390 Highway 111, Palm Desert, Caiiforoxa 92260 • (714) 348.7481 June 8, 1981 City Council City of Palm Desert Palm Desert, CA 92260 Dear Mrs. Newbrander and Gentlemen: Over the four and one half years that we have had offices in Palm Desert, a number of requests for proposals have been issued for engineering services and it seems a majority of the work has gone to offices maintaining a token office in Palm Desert or offices completely out of the valley. This is an item of concern to us and the other engineers that have primary offices in the valley. To make you aware of the impact of these decisions on local engineers, I want to make you more familiar with our operation which is re- presentative of major offices in the valley. Charles Haver and Associates has one office only, located at 74-390 Highway 111, Palm Desert. We have operated in Palm Desert for four and one half years and provide general civil engineering services and field survey related to all types of projects for public agencies and the private sector developers. Currently, we employ fifteen persons, twelve of these reside in the Coachella Valley, (five in Palm Desert). The other three live in Morongo Valley, Banning and Hemet. We have been to a level of twenty employees and our gross revenues have recently been between $750,000 and one million dollars per year. Some of the statistics we are proud of are as follows: 1. While in our employ, eight persons purchased homes in the Coachella Valley. 2. Five of our employees are products of the local schools and their cumulative pay is about $120,000 per year. 3. Our employees and company are actively represented in a number of local churches, service clubs, the Living Desert Reserve, hospital auxiliaries, Chamber of Commerce activities and the Family Y of the Desert. -1- June 11, 1981 Page 9 MINUTES REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING EXHIBIT "A" * * * * ;: .: .c * ,. * ,. :: .. ., * * * * * * * City Council June 8, 1981 We are proud to have committed our professional and business life to this community and this valley and can confidently say that we have developed one of the strongest engineering practices in the valley. There are about nine offices in the valley that either have their only office here or sufficient staff to do most of the valley design work here. Recently, you sought proposals for some public works relating to a curb improvement district in the area south of the highway that will involve about three man years of work for design and survey. For some reason, out of seventeen proposals received for the work, including five from the nine local companies, your staff selected four companies for interview which have no employees in the valley except for the possible token staff of one company. One of these selected as the four "most qualified" existed only in the yellow pages, south of the San Francisco Bay area. Their office is in Los Altos. • Something is drastically wrong with such a procurement process. You are conscious of the business needs of this valley and certainly business is not enhanced by contracts awarded out of the valley. The frontage roads were designed in Hanford in the San Joaquin Valley and the Presidents' Parking Plaza was substantially designed in Costa Mesa. Contracts accomplished by another local office currently under contract are designed in Pasadena. If you feel that there is merit in seeking local design services, I suggest that for future procurement work, the staff pre -select qualified Coachella Valley offices and that they visit the offices and ascertain the following: 1. Is the office a legally constituted engineering office under State Law, i.e., is there a permanently assigned registered engineer in residence? 2. Does the office have local staff available to do at least seventy percent of the work in the local office? 3. Is that staff now available to do the work required? 4. How much time should be allowed for the design project? Then the staff should select an engineer and negotiate a contract. If a satisfactory negotiation cannot be reached a second engineer should be selected until a contract is reached. If no engineer in the valley is considered qualified for the work required, then and only then should you go elsewhere to find the necessary talent. -2- June 11, 1981 Page 10 LAINUTES REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING City Council June 8, 1981 EXHIBIT "A" A principal problem with the current procurement was a time limit for design of ninety calendar days. We were awarded part of this work by the City in January 1977. Due to lack of funds the contract was cancelled. Now after more than four years. the project is started again and the request for proposal allowed only ninety calendar days for com- pletion. This is a virtually impossible task. Certainly the limited time will impair the quality of the project. We were told that the restrictive time schedule caused two otherwise qualified local offices to pass up this proposal. One of the major problems is that a local office has to have a conscience because we live here. Out of town offices are less burdened with local concerns. This project calls for about forty sheets of plans and solutions for access to about seven hundred separate residences. Each of these requires some personal attention to assure the residents that they will receive the benefits they foresee. I believe our business is good for the valley. Our $400,000 to $500,000 annual payroll spreads quickly to benefit many local merchants, institu- tions and individuals. We are a very competent engineering firm and capable of providing most of the services you need. I believe your responsibility should include a reasonable effort to see that valley moneys are spent in the valley as long as you do not compromise your need to accomplish the work to be done. Very truly yours, Charles J.Qaver CJH:hl cc: Marty Bouman, City Manager Barry McClellan, Director of Public Works -3- June 11, 1981 Page 11