HomeMy WebLinkAbout1987-03-05MINUTES
SPECIAL MEETING
OF THE
PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL
THURSDAY, MARCH 5,1987
CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBER
I. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Kelly convened the meeting at 4:00 p.m.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Councilman Walter H. Snyder
111. INVOCATION - Mayor Pro-Tempore Jean M. Benson
IV. ROLL CALL
Present:
Mayor Pro-Tempore Jean M. Benson
Councilman Buford Crites
Councilman Walter H. Snyder
Councilman S. Roy Wilson
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
Ramon A. Diaz, Director of Community Development/Planning
Richard J. Folkers, Director of Public Works
Kirby J. Warner, Director of General Services
V. AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS, AND APPOINTMENTS
A. DISCUSSION of Planning Commission Philosophy and Possible
Reconsideration of Vote for Replacement of Buford Crites
on the Planning Commission.
Council Comments/Questions:
Crites: Felt the Council agreed that the position of
Planning Commissioner was one of the most important
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SPECIAL MEETING OF THE PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MARCH 5, 1987
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appointments in the City. It was a commission which had
served the City with pride and integrity and one on which
a majority of the Council had served. Felt the Counc i.l ,
in its previous consideration„ may not have taken the
time to discuss what it felt was needed in a fifth member
of the Planning Commission and what type of diversity was
needed at this time.
Benson: Agreed with Councilman Crites. In interviewing
the six candidates. perhaps the Council should have
narrowed it down to the two most qualified at this time
and gone more into depth as to their philosophy and the
Council's philosophy, as the Planning Commission works
more closely with the City Council than any other City
commission or committee.
Wilson: Selection of a Planning Commission is one of the
hardest decisions for the Council to make. Felt it was
unfortunate that because of the Brown Act the Council
could not fully discuss the candidates without worrying
about hard feelings and injuring people who have stepped
forward to serve their community. There were two people
nominated, and the Council did not have a chance to fully
discuss the merits of each of those nominees. Felt there
needed to be a hetter appointment process.
Kelly: Felt the Councilmembers had plenty of time to
individually consider who they would vote for. The
Council took action, took a vote, and whether or not the
procedure is improved next time, the result of the vote
had been pub 1 i shed in the newspaper and the public is
aware of that vote. Felt the vote should stand and the
Council should take responsibility for its actions.
Mr. Erwin stated that because of the action taken by the
Council at its February 26, 1987, meeting, if it wished to
now reconsider the appointment, it would have to first
declare that the office was vacant, and it would take a
majority vote of the Council to do so.
Snyder: Reluctant to rescind the vote previously taken by
the Council at an official meeting. Concerned with
possible repercussions if the Council reconsidered its
decision.
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MINUTES
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MARCH 5. 1987
Councilman Snyder moved to, by Minute Motion, affirm the action
taken by the Council at its meeting of February 26, 1987. Motion was
seconded by Kelly.
After additional discussion by the Councilmembers as to their
reasons for voting the way they had, Councilman Snyder withdrew his
motion, and Mayor Kelly withdrew his second.
Councilman Snyder moved to continue this matter to the meeting
of March 12, 1987. Motion was seconded by Wilson and carried by a 3-2
vote, with Councilman Crites and Mayor Kelly voting NO.
Mr. Erwin stated that at the March 12, 1987, meeting the
Council would have to either ratify the action taken at the
February 26, 1987, meeting or declare the office of Planning
Commissioner vacant.
VI. ADJOURNMENT
Upon motion by Snyder, second by Wilson, and unanimous vote of
the Council, Mayor Kelly adjourned the meeting at 4:40 p.m.
ATTEST:
MARY P. f
CITY OF
AZIER, DEPUT1CCITY CLERK
LM DESERT, CALIFORNIA
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RICH
. KELLY, MAYOR