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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1983-07-26MINUTES ADJOURNED MEETING OF THE PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL TUESDAY, JULY 26, 1983 CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * I. CALL TO ORDER 9:00 a.m. Mayor Pro-Tem Snyder convened the Adjourned Meeting of the City Council at II. ROLL CALL Present: Excused Absence Councilman Phyllis Jackson Councilman Richard S. Kelly Mayor Pro-Tem Walter H. Snyder Councilman S. Roy Wilson Also Present: Mayor Romeo S. Puluqi Carlos L. Ortega, Acting City Manager Sheila R. Gilligan, City Clerk Ramon A. Diaz, Director of Environmental Services Barry D. McClellan, Director of Public Works Charles Martin, Civic Center Architect III. NEW BUSINESS A. FRONTAGE ROAD ACTION COMMITTEE REPORT Mayor Pro-Tem Snyder began by praising the efforts of the Frontage Road Committee and in particular Mr. George Berkey, its chairman, for their hard work and efforts towards finding a solution to the Frontage Road problem. Mr. George Berkey addressed Council and noted that the Council had all received the Committee's report prior to this meeting. He introduced Mr. Joe Faust, engineer for the Committee, who reviewed the proposal and explained the proposed super block concept at length. He emphasized that this proposal was preliminary but did take into account all the problems and solutions 'foreseen. These solutions had been presented after many meetings at which time merchants and interested parties had been invited to attend and give input. He concluded by stating that these plans were not a finalized design, but an attempt to find out whether or not super blocks were feasible -- the answer being yes. Councilman Jackson commended Mr. Faust for his work. She stated that the biggest criticism of the Frontage Road changes all along had been that no one had known what was going on. That was not the case this time. Much public input had been received by the Committee. She stated she felt comfortable with the proposed revisions. Mr. Larry Spicer, President of the Chamber of Commerce, stated that the Committee had done a very thorough job and had considered every conceivable solution. Councilman Wilson stated he felt there had been two problems: (1) the changes were implemented without public awareness; and (2) one-way MINUTES ADJOURNED CITY COUNCIL MEETING JULY 26, 1983 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * streets are never popular. He said that before the Council spent the proposed $1.1 million to change them again, a lot of public relations work should be done — not just with merchants but with residents also. He suggested an educational campaign that would include town hall meetings to inform the public would be a good idea. Councilman Kelly agreed that the general public should be involved and informed. He also stated that the Presidents' Plaza parking lot design had proven very successful, and he felt the super block theory would work as well. He asked how Caltrans had reacted to the new proposal. Mr. George Berkey responded that Mr. John Chaudoin of Caltrans had met with the Committee and had been very receptive to the proposal. Councilman Kelly noted that the City had already planned and budgeted for some of the traffic signals proposed, so the $1.1 million was a high estimate. Mr. Berkey agreed. With regard to the Market Basket Shopping Center, both Mr. Gene Fulton, owner of Jensen's Markets which is moving into the old Market Basket building, and Mr. Sandy Baum, realtor, stated they felt a lef t- turn lane from west bound Highway 111 was imperative to the center's future and success. Mr. Les Grey, owner of Grey's Jewelers in the center, stated they definitely needed more access. Mr. Ortega advised that the City should have something from Caltrans in writing as to its opinion on the proposal. In addition,. he advised that if the City were to finance these improvements through Redevelopment Agency funds, it would be necessary to start the legal process and call for a public hearing. Councilman Wilson stated he felt it very important that the Public Works Department review this study and proposal and make a report and recommendation to the Council. Mr. Ortega agreed and added that the Agency attorney and Director of Environmental Services should both be involved in the input on this report. Councilman Wilson moved to submit the proposal to staff for report and recommendation to the City Council. Councilman Kelly seconded the motion. Motion carried by unanimous vote of the Councilmen present. IV. OLD BUSINESS A. CIVIC CENTER 1. LEIGHTON do ASSOCIATES Mr. Diaz reported that the firm of Leighton do Associates had been hired to do special inspections at the Civic Center. He reported that an amount of $10,440 had been approved but because of delays with the project, an additional $13,884 was required. He recommeded approval of the additional amount. Councilman Wilson moved to approve payment of $13,884 to Leighton do Associates for additional special inspection services at the Civic Center. Councilman Kelly seconded the motion. Motion carried on a 3-1-1 vote with Mayor Pro-Tempore Snyder voting NO and Mayor Puluqi ABSENT. 2. LANDSCAPING Mr. Ron Gregory reviewed his proposal and suggested revisions to the landscaping plan which would ultimately be cost effective for the City. Councilman Jackson moved to accept Mr. Gregory's proposal and to authorize him to coordinate with the architect and staff to implement suggested revisions. Councilman Wilson seconded the motion. Motion carried by a 4-0-1 vote with Mayor Puluqi ABSENT. -2- MINUTES ADJOURNED CITY COUNCIL MEETING JULY 26, 1983 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 3. FIREPROOF VAULT Tony Araiza, architect's representative, reported that the vault in the center was not fire proof. He stated they were investigating both methods of making it fireproof and costs. X. ADJOURNMENT Upon motion by Wilson, second by Jackson, and unanimous vote of the Councilmen present, Mayor Pro-Tem Snyder adjourned the meeting at 11:05 a.m. to Closed Sesion for the purpose of discussing a personnel item. Mayor Pro-Tem Snyder reconvened the meeting at 11:55 a.m. and adjourned to August 2, 1983 at 10:00 a.m., with no action being announced. ATTEST: SHEILA R. GIL tGAN, CITYERK CITY OF PALM DESERT, l:•" IFORNIA ROME rS. POLUQt MAYOR -3-