HomeMy WebLinkAbout1985-12-12MINUTES
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1985
CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBER
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I. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Kelly called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. and noted
that this earlier starting time was something new the Council
was trying.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Councilman S. Roy Wilson
II11. INVOCATION - Mayor Pro-Tempore Phyllis Jackson
IV. ROLL CALL
Present:
Councilmember Jean M. Benson
Mayor Pro-Tempore Phyllis Jackson
Councilman S. Roy Wilson
Councilman Walter H. Snyder
Mayor Richard S. Kelly
Also Present:
Bruce A. Altman, City Manager
Carlos L. Ortega, Assistant City Manager
David J. Erwin, City Attorney
Mary P. Frazier, Deputy City Clerk
Kirby J. Warner, Director of General Services
Steve Smith, Acting Director of Community Services
Richard J. Folkers, Director of Public Works
V. AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS, AND APPOINTMENTS
A. CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTMENTS to the Architectural Review
Commission to Fill Vacancies of Expired Terms of Richard
Holden and Bernard Leung.
Councilmember Jackson noted that there had been several
discussions previously about enlarging the Architectural
Review Commission to seven members. In looking over
attendance records, she felt this might be the time for
the Council to consider this expansion.
Councilman Wilson asked Mr. Smith what his reactions to
this expansion would be.
Mr. Smth stated that with a seven member Commission, it
would take four members for a quorum rather than three,
and he did not feel it would be any easier to get a
quorum. He added if the Council wished to expand to
seven members, perhaps it could also declare that it
takes only three members to form a quorum. He also
suggested that the Council appoint an alternate to attend
in the event a regular member was unable to do so.
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Upon question by Councilmember Jackson, Mr. Erwin
responded that the Council may establish the number of
members necessary to constitute a quorum.
Councilmember Jackson stated she felt it takes at least a
full year for a new commission member to get a feel for
what is going on. She also felt that as there were two
terms expiring, this might be the time to set forth the
policy discussed many times previously and not have all'
architects on the Commission.
Councilman Snyder stated he felt the absentee problem
could be solved by leaving the Commission at five members
and appointing an alternate to sit in on meetings and be
ready to serve if needed.
Councilman Wilson stated that the Council might wish to
consider appointing an alternate for each of the regular
members to take their place whenever they wre unable to
attend. He noted that many boards and commissions did
this.
Mayor Kelly responded that it was usually because the
members serve a particular district. He felt that a
five -member board has worked quite well in the past and
should not be expanded to seven members. He added that
there were three very qualified applicants interviewed by
the Council.
Mayor Kelly opened the nominations, and Mr. Erwin stated that
nominations did not require a second.
Councilmember Jackson nominated Mary Drury and Russell McCrea.
Councilman Wilson nominated Rick Holden. With no further
nominations offered, Mayor Kelly asked the Councilmembers for
their votes:
Councilmember Benson voted for Mary Drury and Rick Holden.
Councilman Snyder voted for Russell McCrea and Mary Drury.
Councilmember Jackson voted for Mary Drury and Russell McCrea.
Councilman Wilson voted for Mary Drury and Rick Holden.
Mayor Kelly voted for Mary Drury and Russell McCrea.
Mayor Kelly announced that with five votes and three votes
respectively, Mary Drury and Russell McCrea were appointed to
the Architectural Review Commission to fill the expired terms
of Rick Holden and Bernard Leung.
Councilman Snyder moved to create an alternate position.
Motion was seconded by Jackson and carried by unanimous vote of the
Council. Mr. Erwin noted that this would take an amendment to the
Municipal Code and that he would draft an ordinance for consideration by
the Planning Commission and City Council.
Mayor Kelly opened nominations for the alternate position.
Councilmember Benson nominated Rick Holden.
Councilman Wilson moved to close the nominations and appoint
Rick Holden as alternate. Motion was seconded by Jackson and carried by
unanimous vote of the Council, said appointment to take effect when the
Council adopts an ordinance creating this alternate position.
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VI. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. MINUTES of the Regular City Council Meeting of November
14, 1985.
Rec: Approve as presented.
B. CLAIMS AND DEMANDS AGAINST THE CITY TREASURY - Demand Nos.
86-047, 86-051, 86-053, AND 86-055.
Rec: Approve as presented.
C. REPORT FROM RIVERSIDE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT for the
Month of September, 1985.
Rec: Receive and file.
D. APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE by Donald J.
Rutherford and John S. Thompson for Alkobar Liquors,
73-510 Palm Desert Drive, Palm Desert, California 92260.
Rec: Receive and file.
E. APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE by Bruce Mercy
and Kathleen M. Vollstedt for Great Ideas Unitd., 74-868
Joni Drive, #2, Palm Desert, California 92260.
Rec: Receive and file.
F. APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE by Albert
Victor Adamson for Huston Pit Bar-B-Que, 72-750 El Paseo,
#C-1, Palm Desert, California 92260.
Rec: Receive and file.
G. AMENDED CLAIM AGAINST THE CITY by Southern California
Edison Company, P.O. Box 900, Rosemead, California 91770,
for Alleged Damages to Facilities in the Amount of
$1,285.65.
Rec: Deny the Claim and Instruct the City Clerk to
so Advise the Claimant.
H. CLAIM AGAINST THE CITY by James S. Kane, 80-759 Dartmouth
Street, Indio, California 92201, in the Amount of $148.70
for Alleged Vehicle Damages Sustained on Country Club
Drive near Monterey Avenue.
Rec:
Deny the Claim and Instruct the City Clerk to
so Advise the Claimant.
I. RESOLUTION NO. 85-128 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, SETTING FORTH ITS
FINDINGS AND AUTHORIZING THE DESTRUCTION OF FILES FROM
THE DEPARTMENT OF BUILDING AND SAFETY THAT HAVE BEEN
MICROFILMED.
Rec: Waive further reading and adopt.
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J. RESOLUTION NO. 85-129 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, SETTING FORTH ITS
FINDINGS AND AUTHORIZING THE DESTRUCTION OF FILES FROM
THE DEPARTMENT OF BUILDING AND SAFETY THAT HAVE BEEN
MICROFILMED.
Rec: Waive further reading and adopt.
K. RESOLUTION NO. 85-130 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, SETTING A PUBLIC
HEARING FOR CONSIDERATION OF A STREET NAME CHANGE FOR THE
PORTION OF BURSERA WAY NORTH OF WILLOW STREET TO EDGEHILL
DRIVE.
Rec:
Waive further reading and adopt Resolution No.
85-130 setting a public hearing to consider a
street name change for a portion of Bursera Way
north of Willow Street, approximately 250 feet
in length, to Edgehill Drive.
L. RESOLUTION NO. 85-131 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, INITIATING
PROCEEDINGS TO VACATE PORTIONS OF RIGHT-OF-WAY KNOWN AS
SONORA DRIVE UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF PART 3, DIVISION 9,
OF THE STREETS AND HIGHWAYS CODE, AND FIXING A TIME AND
PLACE FOR HEARING ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN OR OBJECTING
TO PROPOSED VACATION.
Rec:
Waive further reading and adopt Resolution No.
85-131 setting a public hearing for consider-
ation of the above -referenced vacation request.
M. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of Change Order No. 5 for Engineering
Services Contract for the Portola Avenue Culvert at the
Whitewater River (Contract No. 1073).
Rec: By Minute Motion, approve Change Order No. 5
for Contract No. 1073 in the amount of 4,494.88.
N. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL to Release Monumentation and Grading
Bonds for Tract No. 14079, Kaufman and Broad and Kent
Land Company, Developer.
Rec: By Minute Motion, release the monumentation and
grading bonds for Tract No. 14079.
0. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of Change Order to Architectural
Services Contract for College of the Desert Ballfield
Lighting Project (Contract No. 00-014).
Rec: Authorize an additional $2,000 to cover unexpec-
ted costs incurred by the project architect.
P. AWARD OF CONTRACT for Joshua Road Storm Drain --Phase 11
(Contract No. 1083).
Rec: By Minute Motion, award Contract No. 1083 to
Bonadiman-McCain, Inc., in the amount of
$104,759.50 and authorize a ten percent contin-
gency reserve for the contract in the amount of
$10,475.95.
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Q. AWARD OF CONTRACT for College of the Desert Ba l l f i e l d
Lighting (Contract No. 00-073).
Rec:
1. Allocate an additional $70,000 to the COD
Ballfield Lighting project; and
2. Award the construction contract to the low
bidder, Agger Electric, Inc., in the
amount of $120,802.00.
R. CONSIDERATION OF RETENTION OF CONSULTANT for Ordinance
No. 416 (Kelly Ordinance) Street Widenings.
Rec:
By Minute Motion, retain the firm of Neste,
Brudin & Stone, Inc., as the consultant for the
initial phase of the subject project.
5. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT FOR COOPERATION WITH
THE COACHELLA VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT, THE PALM
DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY, AND THE CITY OF PALM DESERT.
Rec:
Approve the proposed Agreement for Cooperation
with the Coachella Valley Community College
District, subject to minor technical changes
that may be recommended by legal counsel.
Mr. Altman requested that Items A, E, 0, and Q be removed from
the Consent Calendar. Councilman Wilson asked that Items M
and P also be removed.
Upon motion by Wilson, second by Jackson, and unanimous vote
of the Council, the Consent Calendar was approved as presented with the
exception of Items A, E, M, 0, P, and Q which were removed for separate
discussion under Section X, Consent Items Held Over.
VII. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - A
MR. HARRY HOYT, 72-311 Maryvale, addressed the Council relative
to consideration of a no -smoking ordinance for the City of
Palm Desert. He stated his credentials included being a
member of the El Paseo Merchants Committee, a former TWA
captain, and an official speaker for the Heart Association.
He distributed packets of information to the Councilmembers.
Mayor Kelly stated that a no -smoking ordinance was on the
Agenda this evening for Council consideration. He also noted
that Councilman Snyder was President of CVAG, whose Executive
Committee had recommended the ordinance to the Council.
Councilman Snyder explained that CVAG was trying to put
together a no -smoking ordinance that would be acceptable to
all of its member cities in the Coachella Valley. He stated
that the city managers of each city had been meeting to draft
such an ordinance.
Mr. Hoyt stated he felt some type of penalty should be included
in the ordinance as well as provisions for enforcement.
Mayor Kelly asked if anyone else wished to address the Council.
MRS. WIN SEVERSON, 74-817 San Cristobal Circle, addressed the
Council relative to the new road going into the high school
and stated that residents were getting nervous that this road
might not be finished by the time the new school opens.
Mayor Kelly responded that there was a committee meeting
scheduled for the following day, and this would be a matter
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for consideration. He added that the primary responsibility
for the road was with the School District, and he suggested
that she also make them aware of her concerns.
Councilman Wilson stated that he and Councilmember Jackson had
met with the residents and had made a commitment that a road
would be in by the fall of 1986.
VIII. RESOLUTIONS
None
IX. ORDINANCES
For Introduction:
A. ORDINANCE NO. 443- AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF PALM DESERT. CALIFORNIA, REPEALING SECTIONS
9.48.010, 9.48.020, AND 9.48.030 OF THE PALM DESERT
MUNICIPAL CODE AND ADDING A NEW SECTION 9.48.010 RELATING
TO PSYCHIC ACTIVITIES.
Mr. Altman reported that there was a memo in the packets
and that this subject had been discussed at length at the
last Council meeting. He added that this would bring the
City's Code into conformance with the law.
Upon motion by Jackson, second by Benson, Ordinance No. 443
was passed to second reading by unanimous vote of the Council.
B. ORDINANCE NO. 444- AN ORDINANCE OF THE CiTY COUNCIL OF THE,
CiTY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTION
10.36.010 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE RELATIVE TO ESTABLISHING
NEW SPEED ZONES.
Mr. Folkers reviewed the staff report in detail and
offered to answer any questions by Council.
Councilmember Jackson stated she felt this change on
Portola would confuse people since it would be 25 mph
northbound and 35 mph southbound. She felt the average
person gets used to a certain speed zone whether they are
going north or south. She also asked about signs indi-
cating a different speed when children are present.
Mr. Folkers responded that the speed limit is presently
35 mph on both sides of the Wash. When children are
actively going to and from school, the speed limit is 25
mph, and these are enforceable limits.
Mayor Kelly noted that the ordinance indicates the speed
limit would stay the same on both sides of the Wash,
whether a person is going north or south.
Councilman Wilson stated that signs were never posted the
previous year on Shadow Mountain when the speed limit was
changed to 35 mph. He asked whether signs would be
posted showing the 25 mph speed limit prior to enforce-
ment.
Mr. Folkers stated that in residential districts, 25 mph
is the legal speed limit, and no posting is necessary.
Mr. Altman noted that a speed survey conducted the
previous year had shown that 35 mph was the proper speed
limit if the City posted it. He added that Mr. Foikers
has now found a way to allow the Sheriff's Department to
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enforce the speed limit of 25 mph, which he would explain
to the Councilmembers if they wished.
Upon motion by Jackson, second Benson, Ordinance No. 444 was
passed to second reading by a 4-1 vote of the Council, with Councilman
Wilson voting NO.
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For Adoption:
None
X. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER
A. MINUTES of the Regular City Council Meeting of November
14, 1985.
Mr. Altman requested that the Minutes of the November
14th meeting be continued to January 23rd inasmuch as the
City Clerk was on a medical leave of absence.
Upon motion by Wilson, second by Jackson, the Minutes of
the November 14th meeting were continued to January 23, 1986, by
unanimous vote of the Council.
E. APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE by Bruce Mercy
and Kathleen M. Volistedt for Great Ideas Unitd., 74-868
Joni Drive, #2, Palm Desert, California 92260.
Mr. Altman stated that the business applying for this
Alcoholic Beverage License was actually in the County and,
therefore, the City has no jurisdiction. He stated that
it needed to be removed with no action necessary by the
Council.
M. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of Change Order No. 5 for Engineering
Services Contract for the Portola Avenue Culvert at the
Whitewater River (Contract No. 1073).
Councilman Wilson asked for clarification before approval
of this expenditure. Mr. Folkers explained the staff
report in detail.
Councilman Wilson moved to, by Minute Motion, approve Change
Order No. 5 for Contract No. 1073 in the amount of $4,494.88.
0. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of Change Order to Architectural
Services Contract for College of the Desert Ballfield
Lighting Project (Contract No. 00-014).
Q. AWARD OF CONTRACT for College of the Desert Ballfield
Lighting (Contract No. 00-073).
IUpon motion by Wilson, second by Snyder, Items 0 and Q were
continued to December 19, 1985, by unanimous vote of the Council.
Mr. Altman recommended that Items 0 and Q be continued to
December 19, 1985, as staff was in the process of looking
at lighting In conjuction with other projects.
P. AWARD OF CONTRACT for Joshua Road Storm Drain --Phase II
(Contract No. 1083).
Councilman Wilson expressed concern with approving this
large an amount of funds under the Consent Calendar.
Mr. Altman responded that this was a budgeted item with
nothing unusual about it. Mr. Folkers explained the
project and reviewed the staff report.
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Councilman Snyder asked if this project would solve
problems with drainage.
Mr. Barry McClellan, former Director of Public Works,
responded that this was the second stage in a plan
presented to the Council approximately one year ago. He
stated that following the August, 1983, flood, it was
discovered that the Master Plan did not include the storm
drain for the Joshua Road area, and ASL Engineering
subsequently performed a drainage study. He added that
all of the problems would not be solved until the rest of
the phases were completed.
Councilman Wilson moved to, by Minute Motion, award Contract
No. 1083 to Bonadiman-McCain, Inc., in the amount of $104,759.50 and
authorize a ten percent contingency reserve for the contract in the
amount of $10,475.95. Motion was seconded by Jackson and carried by
unanimous vote of the Council.
XI. NEW BUSINESS
A. REQUEST FROM COLLEGE OF THE DESERT REGARDING ITS PROPOSED
CHILD CARE CENTER AND TRAINING FACILITY.
Mr. Ortega reviewed the staff report and offered to
answer any questions. He stated that he had advised the
College that a request would have to be sent to the City
prior to the commitment of staff time to help them. He
added that if the Council felt this was a good idea, he
would put together a packet and come back to the Council
for approval at a future meeting; however, he needed
Council approval to use staff time in helping the College.
Councilmember Benson moved to approve the idea in concept and
direct staff to work with College of the Desert and bring back a specific
request for action at a future Council meeting. Motion was seconded by
Jackson and carried by unanimous vote of the council.
B. REQUEST FOR ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATION FOR IMPROVEMENTS AT
SPORTS COMPLEX.
Mr. Altman asked that this item be continued to the
meeting of December 19, 1985, to be considered at the
same time as Items 0 a Q of the Consent Calendar.
Upon motion by Wilson, second by Jackson, this matter was
continued to the meeting of December 19th by unanimous vote of the
Council.
C. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT FOR USE OF
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) FUNDS.
Mr. Ortega reviewed the staff report in detail, noting
that the Council had determined that it wanted to apply
the 1985/86 funds toward development of San Pablo Park.
He added that the funds could always be applied to a
different project as long as it remains in the same
neighborhood.
Councilmember Jackson moved to approve the supplemental
agreement (#00-002-1) for use of llth Year CDBG Funds. Motion was
seconded by Benson and carried byunanimous vote of the Council.
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D. FORMATION OF UNDERGROUND ASSESSMENT DISTRICT FOR UNDER -
GROUNDING CABLES AT PORTOLA FIRE STATION SITE.
Mr. Ortega reviewed the staff report, noting that if
approved, the City's share of the cost would be $45,000,
and it would have to be budgeted as an extra on the Fire
Station Project approval on the 19th.
Upon question by Mayor Kelly, Mr. Altman responded that
there were no General Fund monies for this project. The
entire project is funded from the Fire Tax Utilities fund.
He added that Council would be asked to award the bid at
its meeting of December 19th.
Councilmember Benson moved to direct Staff to begin the process
of forming an underground assessment district for the undergrounding of
cables at the Portola Fire Station site, utilizing Public Utilities
Commission's Rule 20 funds as specified with the materials and allo-
cations as specified. Motion was seconded by Jackson and carried by
unanimous vote of the Council.
XII. CONTINUED BUSINESS
None
XIII. OLD BUSINESS
None
XIV. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
A. Progress report on the Cook Street extension.
Mr. Folkers introduced Mr. Charles Haver of Charles Haver
and Associates,who distributed reports to each of the
Councilmembers. He described the project in detail and
offered to answer any questions the Council might have.
Councilman Wilson moved to: 1) ratify Mr. Haver's work to
date; and, 2) authorize the Mayor to execute a contract in the
amount of $10,000 with Charles Haver 8 Associates for engineering
services in connection with the Cook Street Extension to Interstate
10, the freeway interchange, and the bridge over the Whitewater
Channel. Motion was seconded by Jackson and carried by unanimous
vote of the Council.
B. Review of "High Twelves" sign in service club display at
City entrance.
Mr. Smith stated that approval of this request did not
fall under the jurisdiction of the Architectural Review
Commission and, therefore, the Council was being asked to
consider this matter. He added that there was one
remaining spot on the service club display at the west
entrance to the City and showed what the sign would look
like.
Mr. Glenn Hitchcock spoke on behalf of the "High Twelves"
and stated that this was an international organization
whose primary interest was in helping the youth. Upon
question by Mayor Kelly, Mr. Hitchcock responded that
there were currently 55 members of this group which
meets at Marrakesh.
Upon question by Councilman Wilson, Mr. Smith responded
that the display had no general theme and that he did not
feel this sign would be out of character with what was
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already there. He added that no formal action by the
Council was necessary as long as there were no objections
to installing the sign. There were no objections by the
Council.
UPON MOTION BY WILSON, SECOND BY JACKSON, AND UNANIMOUS VOTE OF THE
COUNCIL, MAYOR KELLY ADJOURNED THE MEETING AT 5:40 P.M. TO 7:00 P.M.
Mayor Kelly reconvened the meeting at 7:00 p.m. and noted for those 1n
the audience who had just arrived that the Council had met at 4:00 p.m.,
had recessed for dinner, and would now continue with the Council meeting.
XV. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7 P.M.
A. REQUEST FOR A CHANGE OF ZONE FROM R-2 S.P. TO O.P. S.P.
(OFFICE PROFESSIONAL, SCENIC PRESERVATION OVERLAY) FOR 9
LOTS ON THE WEST SIDE OF MONTEREY AVENUE SOUTH OF FRED
WARING DRIVE. (Continued from the meeting of September
12, 1985, and October 10, 1985.)
Mayor Kelly noted that this was a continued public hearing and
asked for staff's report.
Mr. Smith asked that this item be continued to the
meeting of December 19, 1985, inasmuch as the meeting
regarding amendments to Office Professional zoning would
not take place until that time.
Mayor Kelly invited testimony from the audience, and none was
offered.
Upon motion by Jackson, second by Wilson, and unanimous vote
of the Council, this matter was continued to the meeting of December 19,
1985.
B. CONSIDERATION OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE ZONING ORDINANCE,
PERMITTING TIMESHARE DEVELOPMENTS IN THE PR ZONE AND
ESTABLISHING STANDARDS OF DEVELOPMENT THEREFORE. CASE
NO. ZOA 85-6. (Continued from the meeting of October 24,
1985.)
Mayor Kelly noted that this was a continued public hearing and
asked for staff's report.
Mr. Drell stated that letters had been received from the
Board of Realtors and Palm Desert Property Owners'
Association stating that timeshares should only be
allowed in existing commercial zones. He reviewed the
staff report in detail and offered to answer any ques-
tions.
Mayor Kelly invited input in FAVOR of this amendment.
MR. KEITH ANDERSON, 41-201 Portola, stated that he had
spoken previously on this issue. He felt that a main-
tenance program on a regular basis would be good for any
project. He also agreed that the number of units should
be limited and felt that if done right, timeshares would
be a good way to supplement having too many condominiums.
He added that if timeshares were allowed, he felt the PR
zone was the best and would keep the quality of the
projects up.
MR. HENRY CLEARY, 73-350 El Paseo, concurred with Mr.
Anderson and felt the PR zone was the most appropriate
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for timeshares and that it should not be limited to
commercial areas of the City.
Mayor Kelly invited input in OPPOSITION to this amendment.
MR. RALPH W000 stated he wished to clarify that the
letter received from the Board of Realtors reflected
action taken by the Board of Directors of the organization
and was not put before the general membership.
With no further public testimony offered, Mayor Kelly declared
the public hearing closed.
Councilmember Jackson stated that as staff had addressed
the concerns brought up at the October 24th meeting, she
felt timeshares should be confined to the PR zone as
opposed to commercial zones. She agreed with staff's
recommendation that timeshares not be permitted in the
PC-4 zone, which should be reserved for conventional
hotels. She added that she felt the timeshare concept
was the wave of the future and that if a policy was not
adopted at this time, it would be soon.
Councilmember Benson referred to staff's recommendation
that a limit of 300 timeshare units be established and
asked if there could be six 50-unit timeshares allowed.
Mr. Smith responded that the current code limits state
there must be 20 units or more. Mr. Drell added that the
way the code is written, there could actually be 15
20-unit projects.
Councilmember Jackson stated she felt that 50 units per
project should be required.
Councilman Wilson stated that as he saw it, the strongest
argument heard was that perhaps the PR zone was more
appropriate than the commercial zone in order to provide a
more desirable living atmosphere and hopefully produce
higher quality projects. He added that the Council was
not deciding whether or not to allow timeshares but
rather where to allow them, and he concurred with the
staff recommendations.
Councilman Snyder stated that his original concern was
with people buying into timeshares for vacation living
and disturbing the people who are living here through the
entire year. He felt that the restrictions imposed would
guarantee the quality of project best for the City;
however, he also felt this matter should be sent back to
the Planning Commission inasmuch as there were changes
that had been made since the Commission's decision.
Councilman Snyder moved to, by Minute Motion, express tentative
pproval of the timeshare ordinance and direct the Planning Commission
o look at providing for a minimum number of units per project. Motion
as seconded by Jackson and carried by a 4-1 vote, with Mayor Kelly
voting NO.
C. CONSIDERATION OF A ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT ADDING
RECREATIONAL VEHICLE PARKS AS A CONDITIONAL USE WITHIN
THE PR AND R-1-M ZONES.
Mayor Kelly declared the public hearing open and asked for
staff's report.
Mr. Drell reviewed the staff report, stating that the
basic intent of this ordinance amendment was to provide
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something more than just a parking space. He noted that
these recreational vehicle parks would be subject to
collection of transient occupancy tax. He also stated
that a letter had been received from Alan Dunham, an
architect who was considering development of a recrea-
tional vehicle park. He felt the 50 foot setback require-
ment of the ordinance was excessive and that 45 feet
would be more appropriate. Mr. Drell stated that the 50
foot setback was based on the length of the trailer plus
an automobile.
Mayor Kelly invited input in FAVOR of this amendment, and none
was offered. He invited input in OPPOSITION to this amendment,
and none was offered. He declared the public hearing closed.
Councilmember Jackson stated she felt some very high
standards had been set for R.V. parks and that with these
restrictions there should not be any problems attracting
people who want to put in a nice park.
Councilman Snyder moved to waive further reading and pass
Ordinance No. 445 to second reading. Motion was seconded by Jackson and
carried by a 3-2 vote of the Council, with Mayor Kelly and Councilmember
Benson voting N0.
D. REQUEST FOR APPEAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION DENIAL OF A
GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT FROM PARK TO MEDIUM DENSITY
RESIDENTIAL, 5-7 DWELLING UNITS PER ACRE, A CHANGE OF
ZONE FROM OPEN SPACE TO PR-5 (PLANNED RESIDENTIAL, 5
DWELLING UNITS PER ACRE), (AMENDED FROM ORIGINAL REQUEST),
AND A NEGATIVE DECLARATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT FOR 58
ACRES LOCATED ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF HOVLEY LANE, BETWEEN
PORTOLA AVENUE AND ECLECTIC STREET (ARTHUR BAILEY 8
ASSOC., GEORGE BERKEY, AND TERRA NOVA, APPELLANTS).
Mayor Kelly declared the public hearing open and asked for
staff's report.
Mr. Smith reviewed the staff report in detail, noting
that the applicants' original request was formally denied
by the Planning Commission at its meeting of September 3,
1985. He offered to answer any questions.
Mayor Kelly invited input in FAVOR of this request.
MR. JOHN CRISTE of Terra Nova stated that residents
downwind of the project are affected by blow sand and the
use of the sand dunes by off -road vehicles, and he felt
that this development would eliminate these problems. He
reviewed the proceedings that had taken place up to this
point and stated that the Open Space and Recreation
Subcommittee of the Year 2000 Committee had just taken a
vote and had not allowed them to address it. He also
stated that the extension of Hovley Lane would be a
possible benefit of the project if approved, and they
would make every effort to negotiate with the City in
good faith and put in the kind of development the City
would like to see.
MR. GEORGE BERKEY, 73-625 Joshua Tree Street, urged the
Council to take a very broad view of open space and look
beyond the City limits, as Palm Desert is within minutes
of hundreds of acres of open space not suitable for
development. He felt this development would definitely
benefit the City.
MR. GEORGE BERKEY, JR., 45-352 Indian Wells Lane, stated
he felt there was a need for this type of project In the
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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
City. He felt there were two questions for the Council
to considers 1) Should the City purchase the land for
development into some type of park; or 2) Should the City
allow the rezoning that is compatible for that area.
Mayor Kelly invited input in OPPOSITION to this request.
MR. RON GREGORY, 74-301 Old Prospector Trail, stated that
he was a member of the Year 2000 Open Space and Recreation
Committee and that he was very much in favor of the
development of parks in the City. He felt a good city
could be judged by the parks provided for its citizens.
He noted that the Open Space Committee was particularly
interested in this piece of property as it was in the
center of the City and one of the best locations for a
park. The Committee would like to see it developed as a
passive park and not an athletic field. He responded to
Mr. Criste's comments regarding the Open Space Committee's
unwillingness to meet with him and stated that this
Committee was not an official body of the City and was
composed of interested citizens donating their time.
MS. SUSAN MACK, 74-881 Borrego, spoke as Chairman of the
Year 2000 Open Space and Recreation Committee. She felt
that there were no other areas in the City for parks as
centrally located and which would serve all of the
community as well as this parcel of land.
MS. GLADYS HUMPHRIES, 74-444 Angels Camp Road, asked how
this property would be policed if it were to remain open
space, since it was currently being used a great deal by
off -road vehicles.
MR. JAY BIRCH, 74-432 Angels Camp Road, was also concerned
with the off -road vehicle problems and stated that he had
been advised by the City that this would be taken care
of, and nothing had been done to date.
MS. SUSAN MACK stated that the Open Space Committee had
determined that it would be unreasonable to leave this
area as it is currently and would like to see it developed
into a park where the sand is anchored so the blow sand
problem would be eliminated for those people who live
adjacent to the area.
Mayor Kelly declared the public hearing closed.
Councilmember Jackson stated that a lot of things had
happened since 1977 when Mr. Gibbs had offered this piece
of land to the City and that if he was going to give the
land to the City, he would have done it a long time ago.
She felt that it would be a misuse of land to put a park
at that site where all of the City's services are avail-
able and that there are other areas where parks can be
developed.
Councilmember Benson stated she felt the Council should
look at the needs of the citizens and that the City
should not lose this piece of land until an alternate
site for a park was found. She felt the City definitely
needed to consider development of parks as there were many
citizens who take their children to neighboring cities to
play in their parks.
Councilman Wilson felt the original concept was to have a
large area in the center of the City that would be
reserved for open space and some type of park usage, and
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING
DECEMBER 12, 1985
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
he did not want to see the last large area of open space
in the middle of the City developed except as a park.
Councilman Snyder stated he was in favor of developing
parks in the City but did not think 125 acres of land
should be tied up as open space. He felt a decision
needed to be made as to how large a park should be and
where the money would come from to purchase the land and
maintain the property, as there might be another area
which would the City could acquire at a lower cost.
Mayor Kelly agreed that parks were needed in the City and
stated he would be willing to work with the owners to see
if something could be worked out so that the owners are
treated fairly as far as their property is concerned and
still provide park facilities for the citizens. He did
not see how this open space could be given up when the
General Plan shows it as open space for park use.
Councilmember Jackson stated she felt this needed further
study and asked if the developer had any suggestions as
to the need for parks.
Mayor Kelly reopened the public hearing.
MR. GEORGE BERKEY, JR., acknowledged the need for parks
and suggested that this item be continued to see if
something mutually beneficial to the property owners and
the City could be worked out.
Mayor Kelly declared the public hearing closed.
Councilman Snyder moved to continue this matter to the meeting
of January 9, 1986, to give the land owners an opportunity to return to
the City with a proposal showing the amount of land they are willing to
grant to the City for park usage, said proposal to be reviewed for
comment by the Open Space and Recreation Committee of the Year 2000
Committee. Motion was seconded by Jackson and carried by unanimous vote
of the Council.
Mayor Kelly assured Ms. Humphries and Mr. Birch that something
would be done to eliminate the problems with the off -road
vehicles.
E. REQUEST FOR CONFIRMATION OF ASSESSMENTS ON CERTAIN
SPECIFIC PROPERTY OWNERS IN THE CITY OF PALM DESERT FOR
ABATEMENT OF WEEDS AND OTHER NUISANCES.
Mayor Kelly declared the public hearing open and asked for
staff's report.
Mr. Altman reported that a memo from Mr. Allen was in the
packets and that the first two owners listed on the memo
had paid the abatement costs and should be deleted from
the resolution.
Mayor Kelly invited input in FAVOR of this request, and none
was offered. He invited input in OPPOSITION to this request,
and none was offered. He declared the public hearing closed.
Councilmember Jackson moved to waive further reading and adopt
Resolution No. 85-133 as amended, confirming said assessments. Motion
was seconded by Wilson and carried by unanimous vote of the Council.
XVI. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - B
None
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING
DECEMBER 12, 1985
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
XVII. REPORTS AND REMARKS
A. CITY MANAGER
I. Mr. Altman reported that the Council had recently
been briefed on the City's insurance situation and
that it would be asked at this meeting to set
aside an amount of money to protect the City. He
also asked that the Council authorize payment of
$1,000 to CVAG as Palm Desert's share of the cost
for the liability insurance program for the Joint
Powers Insurance Authority.
Councilmember Jackson moved to approve the payment of
$1,000 to CVAG as Palm Desert's share of the cost for the 1 iabi l ity
insurance program for the Joint Powers Insurance Authority. Motion was
seconded by Snyder and carried by unanimous vote of the Council.
2. Mr. Altman recommended that the Council appropriate
$1,000,000 from Unappropriated Reserves and authorize
staff to secure a contract with a claims adjuster to
ajudicate claims as they come in.
Councilman Wilson verified with Mr. Altman that this
was money that would have been used for capital
projects and which would not now be able to be used
for that purpose.
Councilmember Jackson moved to appropriate $1,000,000
from the Unappropriated Reserves and authorize staff to secure a contract
with a claims adjuster to ajudicate claims as they come in to the City,
said contract to be subject to ratification by the Council at a future
meeting. Motion was seconded by Benson and carried by unanimous vote of
the Counc i `.
3. Mr. Altman stated there was an item on the Redevelop-
ment Agency Agenda which should be a joint public
hearing between the Agency and City Council.
B. CITY ATTORNEY
None
C. MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
1. AGENDA FORMAT
Councilmember Benson stated her concern with the new
Agenda format in that anyone receiving awards would
probably not be able to attend at 4:00 to receive
them.
Councilmember Jackson stated she felt the informa-
tional items should be considered first on the
Agenda.
Councilman Wilson stated that he felt this format
would facilitate the Council taking action on any of
the informational items and they would not have to
be considered twice.
Mayor Kelly stated that he and the City Manager
would meet to work out a better format for the
January meetings.
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
2. LEGISLATIVE LUNCHEON
DECEMBER 12, 1985
• • • • • • • • • •
Councilman Wilson noted that the Legislative Luncheon
was 1 i sted under Future Meetings and asked if
proper notice had been given.
Mr. Altman responded that a press release andII
invitations had been sent out.
3. Councilman Wilson stated that he had a Riverside
County Transportation meeting on December 19th and
would, therefore, be late for that Council meeting.
4. SOAP BOX DERBY
Councilman Wilson stated that the Council had
received copies of a letter relative to a Soap Box
Derby, and he felt this matter should be studied.
Mayor Kelly responded that the City Manager had sent
the letter to department heads and the City Attorney
for comment.
5. Councilmember Jackson stated that she had received
favorable comments regarding the completion of the
Jensen's superblock but felt it was time to discuss
with Cal Trans the completion of the rest of the area
to the west of Jensen's and that those people in that
area had waited too long.
6. Councilmember Jackson stated she felt there were a
few inconsistencies in the policy regarding building
pads. She asked why the Information Center at
Monterey and Highway 111 was sitting down in a hole,
while 1st Bank of Palm Desert was on a pad built up
three feet.
Mr. Altman stated that staff would look into the
matter to see if 1st Bank of Palm Desert was in
conformance with Code.
At 9:05 p.m. Councilmember Jackson moved to adjourn to a joint
meeting with the Palm Desert Redevelopment Agency for the purpose of
conducting a Joint Public Hearing to consider adoption of a resolution by
the Agency approving a proposed statement of existing obligations of the
Agency and a proposed statement of existing projects, programs and
activities of the Agency. Motion was seconded by Wilson and carried by
unanimous vote of the Council.
XVIII. JOINT PUBLIC HEARING
Mayor Kelly reconvened the City Council meeting and called the
Redevelopment Agency meeting to order at 9:15 p.m. He asked
for a Roll Call.
Present:
Member Jean M. Benson
Vice Chairman Phyllis Jackson
Member Walter H. Snyder
Member S. Roy Wilson
Chairman Richard S. Kelly
1
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MINUTES
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING
DECEMBER 12, 1985
• ., . . • . . . . • • . . • . . • . . • . • • • •
Also Present:
Carlos L. Ortega, Executive Director
Bruce A. Altman, City Manager
Bill Strausz, Agency Counsel
Mary P. Frazier, Acting Secretary
Richard J. Folkers, Director of Public Works
Kirby J. Warner, Director of General Services
Steve Smith, Acting Director of Community Services
A. STATEMENT OF AGENCY'S EXISTING OBLIGATIONS. EXISTING
PROJECTS, AND ACTIVITIES.
Mayor Kelly declared the Public Hearing open and asked for
staff's report.
Mr. Ortega reviewed the staff report in detail and
offered to answer any questions.
Mayor Kelly invited public testimony, and none was offered.
He declared the Public Hearing closed.
Upon motion by Jackson, second by Wilson, Resolution No. 196
was adopted by unanimous vote of the Agency Board, adopting a proposed
Statement of Existing Obligations and a proposed Statement of Existing
Programs.
Upon motion by Wilson, second by Benson, and unanimous vote of
Ithe Agency Board, Chairman Kelly adjourned the Redevelopment Agency
meeting at 10:20 p.m. to December 19, 1985.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
Mr. Altman noted that there were several Informational Items
which the Council had not yet discussed.
C. No Smoking Ordinance recommendations by CVAG's Executive
Committee.
Mr. Altman and Councilman Snyder discussed CVAG's Techni-
cal Committee's recommendations in detail.
Councilmembers Jackson and Wilson stated their concerns
with enforcement of this type of ordinance.
With Council concurrence, staff was directed to draft an
ordinance for consideration by the Council at its meeting on January 23,
1986.
D. Discussion of proposed sign amendment to permit wall
signs in excess of 20 feet above grade as recommended by
Architectural Review Commission.
Mr. Smith reported that the Architectural Review Commis-
sion had rejected several sign requests in the past year
or so because they were in excess of 20 feet. The
Commission felt that there were instances where approval
for these types of signs could be given and asked for
direction from Council to refer these requests to the
Planning Commission.
Councilman Snyder stated that the signs could possibly be
redesigned to conform with the 20 foot requirement.
Council concurred that this matter should not be referred to
the Planning Commission.
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING
. . . . . . . . . . * . . . .
DECEMBER 12, 1985
* . * * . . * * * .
E. Report on single family dwellings and Architectural
Review Commission's review of them.
Mr. Altman stated that this matter had been discussed
at a staff meeting and that a report had been distributed
to the Council. He suggested that a meeting be set up
with Councilmember Benson, another Councilmember, City
Manager, Steve Smith, at least one Planning Commissioner,
two members of the Architectural Review Commission and
one or two homeowners.
Council concurred that this committee should be formed and a
meeting should be held to discuss the problems and solutions for single
family dwellings.
F. Discussion of coverage for KaffeeKlatsch.
Mr. Altman reported that he had discussed coverage for
KaffeeKlatsch meetings with Mayor Kelly, who felt it was
his responsibility to attend as Mayor and that any of the
other Councilmembers who wished to attend could still do
so.
Mayor Kelly added that if he was unable to attend, he
would contact the other Councilmembers so that someone
would be there.
XIX. ADJOURNMENT
At 10:20 p.m., Councilman Wilson moved to adjourn the City
Council meeting to 4:00 p.m. on December 19, 1985. Motion was seconded
by Jackson and carried by unanimous vote of the Council.
ATTEST:
ilitt.k..._, Q nS\O-2-it cLi-L.
M RY P. •AZIER, DEPi4Y CITY CLERK
CITY OF LM DESERT, CALIFORNIA
eee;Ited1/4A
RICHP D S. KELLY, MAYOR/
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