HomeMy WebLinkAbout1987-05-14MINUTES
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING
THURSDAY, MAY 14, 1987
CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBER
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I. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Kelly convened the meeting at 4:00 p.m.
11. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Councilman Walter H. Snyder
III. INVOCATION - Mayor Richard S. Kelly
IV. ROLL CALL
Present:
Mayor Pro-Tem 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
Sheila R. Gilligan, City Clerk/Public Information Officer
Ramon A. Diaz, Director of Community Development/Planning
Richard J. Folkers, Director of Public Works
Kirby J. Warner, General Services Director
Pat Conlon, Director of Building 8 Safety
V. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. MINUTES of the Regular City Council Meeting of April 23,
1987, and Adjourned City Council Meeting of May 7, 1987.
Rec: Approve as presented.
B. CLAIMS AND DEMANDS AGAINST THE CITY TREASURY - Warrant
Nos. WR0407, WR0410, and WR0413.
Rec: Approve as presented.
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MAY 14, 1987
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C. APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE by Iris Tire &
Rubber Co. for El Cafe de Mexico, 73-325 Highway 111, Palm
Desert.
Rec: Receive and file.
D. APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE by Victor
Mihajson, 72-850 Highway 111, Palm Desert.
Rec:
Receive and refer to the Department of Community
Development/Planning for processing of
Conditional Use Permit.
E. APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE by L.A. Roma,
Inc., for Tony Roma's, A Place for Ribs, 73-155 Highway
111, Suite 6, Palm Desert.
Rec:
Receive and refer to the Department of Community
Development/Planning for processing of
Conditional Use Permit.
F. CLAIM AGAINST THE CITY (No. 045) by Kenneth J. and
Kimberly D. Cosgrove in the Amount of $300,000.
Rec: Deny the Claim and instruct the City Clerk to so
advise the Claimant.
G. CLAIM AGAINST THE CITY (No. 046) by Ga i 1 and John
Dirnberger in the Amount of $25,000.
Rec: Deny the Claim and instruct the City Clerk to so
advise the Claimant.
H. CLAIM AGAINST THE CITY (No. 047) by Victoria Hall in the
Amount of $1,000,000.
Rec: Deny the Claim and instruct the City Clerk to so
advise the Claimant.
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 14. 1987
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I. REQUEST FOR AWARD OF CONTRACT for Pickup Truck for City
Truck Fleet.
Rec:
By Minute Motion, award the contract for the
purchase of a pickup truck for the City truck
fleet to Fiesta Ford in the amount of $9,265.46,
J. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION to Advertise and Call for Bids
for Installing a Snow Fence to Control Drifting Sand in
the North Sphere (Contract No. 00-210).
Rec: By Minute Motion:
1)
Authorize the City Clerk to advertise and
call for bids for snow fencing to contain
drifting sand along Frank Sinatra Drive in
the North Sphere; and
2) Authorize the appropriation of $24.000 from
the unallocated General Fund Reserve for
the fence installation.
K. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of Change Order No. 1 to Contract No.
00-176 - Silver Spur Trail Storm Drain.
Rec:
By Minute Motion, approve Change Order No. 1 in
the amount of $6,100 for Silver Spur Storm Drain
Contract No. 00-176.
L. REQUEST BY CITY OF BIG BEAR LAKE for Support of AB 1488,
State Assistance in Funding the Reconstruction of the Big
Bear Dam.
Rec: Refer to staff for report and recommendation.
M. CONSIDERATION of Resolution of City of Beaumont in
Opposition to Assembly Bill 2190 which would Impose a
State -Mandated Local Program by Requiring that Members of
the City Council be Elected from Single -Member Districts.
Rec: Refer to staff for report and recommendation.
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MAY 14. 1987
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N. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of Agreement to Acquire Data Base and
Servicing (Contract No. 00-211).
Rec:
By Minute Motion, authorize the Mayor to enter
into an agreement (No. 00-211) with the
Riverside County Superintendent of Schools which
provides for the acquisition and monthly update
services of a land management data base.
0. CONSIDERATION OF PETITION from Good Samaritan Village for
Annexation to the City of Palm Desert.
Rec: By Minute Motion, instruct staff to proceed with
the subject annexation.
P. REPORT on Palma Village Citizens' Advisory Committee.
Rec: Receive and file.
Councilman Wilson asked that Items F, G, H. and J be removed
for separate discussion.
Upon motion by Crites, second by Benson, and unanimous vote of
the Council, the Consent Calendar, with the exception of Items F, G, H,
and J. was approved as presented.
VI. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - A
MR. JOHN DELLA, 265 No. Saturmino Drive, Palm Springs,
addressed the Council relative to the sidewalk being required
by the City for his project at 74-465 Driftwood Drive in Palm
Desert. He said there were no other sidewalks in the area and
asked that the Council waive this requirement.
With Council concurrence, this item was referred to staff for a
report and recommendation at the meeting of June 11, 1987.
MR. WAYNE GURALNICK, 74-399 Highway 111, Palm Desert, spoke on
behalf of Mr. Mario Lalii relative to the stop work order on
his property at 73-124 Willow Street. He reviewed the history
of permits issued on this property, noting that approximately
$37,000 worth of construction had been done to date. He stated
that his client had complied with the City's code. Further,
his client had agreed to lower the roof line by.two feet and to
install whatever landscaping was necessary, without taking out
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the electrical work and plumbing, to mitigate the problems with
the neighboring properties. He added that he felt the Council
would be violating its own ordinance by requiring Mr. Lalli to
lower the pad.
MR. JOE GIBBS, 801 Tahquitz, Palm Springs, spoke on behalf of
Mr. David McCann of 73-086 Willow Street. He stated he felt
there was negligence on the part of Mr. Lalli and the engineer
in submitting incorrect plans to the City and negligence on the
part of the City in not detecting this mistake on the site
elevation plans. He said that Section 27.28.070 of the City's
Code provides the City with the right and obligation to cancel
building permits when facts in the application are not what
truly exists. He proposed that the stop order stay in effect
and that this matter be referred to the City's Architectural
Review Commission to review all the facts and evidence and
submit its findings and recommendation to the City Council.
Upon question by Mayor Kelly, Mr. Erwin responded 'that
technically this item was not listed on the Agenda but that
Council would be discussing the matter during Closed Session.
He advised that although it would be appropriate for the
Council to listen to any parties who wished to address the
issue, he would like to speak to the Council in Closed Session
before any decision was made.
MR. HANK CLARK, 73-183 Willow Street, stated he lived across
the street from the property in question. He said when the
dirt first began to pile up on the property he went to three
different departments in the City and was told the pad would be
two feet above the abutting property, but it was actually three
to four feet higher than the property to the east. He added
that the City had approved a 16 foot building and that the
property owners association had approved the preliminary plans
with a height of not more than 15 feet.
Mr. Guralnick stated that the pad height certification had been
given after the height of the pad was known and that the two
foot difference was on the east side, not on the west side
where Mr. McCann lives.
MR. BOB HESSE, 73-162 Willow Street, stated he lived on the
east side of this property. He said if the mistake had not
been to the advantage of Mr. Lalli, he did not think the pad
would have been poured as quickly.
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 14, 1987
Mayor Kelly stated that all of the issues raised would be
discussed during Closed Session.
VII. RESOLUTIONS
A. REQUEST FOR SUPPORT OF HALF -CENT SALES TAX FOR RIVERSIDE
COUNTY.
Councilman Snyder reviewed the memo from CVAG dated May
12, 1987, and recommended adoption of a resolution in
support of the half -cent sales tax for Riverside County.
He said this legislation would allow the Counties of
Riverside and San Bernardino to put a specific
transportation measure before the voters should they
decide to do so at some future date.
Councilman Crites moved to waive further reading and adopt
Resolution No. 87-26 in suport of the half -cent sales tax for
transportation in Riverside County. Motion was seconded by Benson and
carried by unanimous vote of the Council.
VIII. ORDINANCES
For Introduction:
None
For Adoption:
A. ORDINANCE NO. 504 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING A PORTION OF
THE CITY'S PERSONNEL RULES AND REGULATIONS.
Mr. Altman stated that no changes had been made since
introduction of this ordinance and recommended its
adoption.
Councilmember Benson moved to waive further reading and adopt
Ordinance No. 504. Motion was seconded by Crites and carried by
unanimous vote of the Council.
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 14, 1987
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IX. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER
F. CLAIM AGAINST THE CITY (No. 045) by Kenneth J. and
Kimberly D. Cosgrove in the Amount of $300,000.
G. CLAIM AGAINST THE CITY (No. 046) by Ga i 1 and John
Dirnberger in the Amount of $25,000.
H. CLAIM AGAINST THE CITY (No. 047) by Victoria Hall In the
Amount of $1,000,000.
Councilman Wilson moved to continue Items F, G, and H to the
meeting of May 28, 1987, to allow staff time to provide Council with
background information relative to the nature of these claims. Motion
was seconded by Snyder and carried by unanimous vote of the Council.
J. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION to Advertise and Call for Bids
for Installing a Snow Fence to Control Drifting Sand in
the North Sphere (Contract No. 00-210).
Councilman Wilson stated he had asked that this be removed
for separate discussion because he was interested in
seeing whether or not there were other alternatives to a
snow fence.
Mr. Folkers explained the staff report, noting that grass
had been planted in that area to help stabilize the sand.
He added that apparently tamarisk trees reduced the amount
of blowing sand and that the City had removed a row of
these trees when Frank Sinatra Drive was constructed. He
said that row of trees had acted as a buffer to the
blowing sand, and the snow fence would be the new buffer.
He said there was an existing snow fence there already,
and staff felt this was the only way to stop the blow sand
until development takes place in this area.
Councilman Crites moved to, by Minute Motion: 1) Authorize
the City Clerk to advertise and call for bids for snow fencing to contain
drifting sand along Frank Sinatra Drive in the Citv's North Sphere; and
2) Authorize the appropriation of $24,000 from the unallocated General
Fund Reserve for the fence Installation. Motion was seconded by Benson
and carried by unanimous vote of the Council.
X. NEW BUSINESS
None
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XI. CONTINUED BUSINESS
None
XII. OLD BUSINESS
A. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION OF PALMA VILLAGE AREA SURVEY.
Councilman Snyder moved to, by Minute Motion, concur with
the findings of the Palma Village Area Survey Report and make a finding
that the area offers substantial housing available at affordable housing
costs to persons and families of low or moderate income. The motion was
seconded by Benson.
Council Comments/Questions:
Crites: Noted there were 388 apartment units, of which
164 were available for rent. Felt the end result might be
a reduction In the number of low or moderate income units
available.
Mr. Ortega responded that the alternative would be to
create a specific number of units using this money and
putting specific rental requirements on them. Said when
this policy was set up, the preference was to improve the
existing Palma Village area within the City before
creating additional rental units. What the City is
attempting to do here is use the money in areas that will
not be challenged because we would be improving the area
by providing drainage. The survey does not say that the
$7 million expenditure will benefit these homes only but
rather the whole area.
Crites: Thought the money was to be used for low and
moderate income housing. Thought this use was
questionable in terms of the intent of the 20% set aside.
Mr. Diaz read from Page 2 of the staff report which stated
that "existing single-family and multi -family
neighborhoods shall be enhanced by use of Redevelopment
Agency housing funds to encourage rehabilitation and owner
residency, increasing housing quality and opportunities
for lower and moderate income households." He stated he
felt that in using the money this way, th'e City would be
getting more "bang for the buck".
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 14, 1987
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With no further questions or comments, Mayor Kelly called
for the vote. The motion carried by a 4-1 vote, with Councilman Crites
voting N0.
B. CONSIDERATION OF PALM DESERT LIBRARY FEASIBILITY STUDY.
Mr. Altman stated that Councilmembers had each received a
copy of the Phase I study for their review. He said the
steering committee, composed of himself, Mr. Diaz, and
Councilmen Snyder and Wilson, felt the study indicated
very well what the first phase was and that it was now
necessary to see how the different entities receive it.
He suggested either having the consultant, Deloitte,
Haskings, and Sells (DHSS) come back for a separate
meeting with the Council or having them come to a meeting
between the Council and the Board of Directors of the
College. He added that he had spoken with Dr. George at
the College who indicated he thought it would be a 'good
idea to meet with the consultant and the Council to see
what the next step should be and how the different
logistics would be worked out.
Councilman Snyder suggested requesting that the County
Library people and the College Board sit down with the
City Council to discuss this study.
Councilman Crites asked that California State -San
Bernardino be included in the meeting.
Councilman Wilson moved to, by Minute Motion, direct that a
meeting be set up with not only the people previously involved in this
study but also the policy makers in each entity, the College, and the
City for a formal presentation by the consultant and discussion as to the
next step to be taken, who pays for what, etc. Motion was seconded by
Snyder and carried by unanimous vote of the Council.
C. PROGRESS REPORT ON SUNTERRA PROJECT.
Council concurred that this report would be held until the
7:00 p.m. portion of the meeting.
D. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION TO ADVERTISE AND CALL FOR BIDS
FOR CIVIC CENTER MODIFICATIONS (Contract No. 00-181C).
Mr. Conlon reviewed the staff report, noting that each of
the following three project areas would be bid
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 14, 1987
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independently: 1) Conference Room addition; 2) Council
Chamber addition; and 3) Remodel to Administrative
Services wing.
Council Comments/Questions:
Crites: Regarding the remodel of the Council offices,
felt it would be better and less expensive to put
partitions in the existing conference room and create work
stations. Councilman Snyder responded that the committee
felt this modification would increase the capability of
the Councilmembers to do their jobs properly.
Kelly: Concerned with modifications to the Council
Chamber. Snyder explained that the Councilmembers would
be able to make eye contact with staff by having them
seated along each side instead of down below at the staff
table and that the staff table itself would actually be
taken out.
Wilson: The concept should be approved before Council
authorizes staff to go to bid on these modifications. Mr.
Conlon responded that final Council approval and award of
the contract would not be requested until the final costs
were in.
Crites: Concerned with putting a moveable partition in
the new conference room and how it would be soundproofed.
Mr. Conlon stated part of the conference room addition was
to soften the existing accoustics. He added that
carpeting would be put in, the walls would be specially
treated, and the doors separating the two rooms could be
accoustical bifold doors.
Wilson: Did not feel the $95,000 for the conference room
addition was necessary. Felt the Employees' Lounge should
be equipped with carpet, a television, etc., and that the
outside patio, which people used, should be left alone.
Felt if the City had this kind of money available, it
should be used for citizens, roads, etc. and not to make
the Councilmembers more comfortable. Did not feel these
were high priority items when the City could not even
provide a place for organizations such as the Boy Scouts
to have meetings.
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Councilman Snyder responded that it was not planned just
to make things more comfortable but to provide an
additional conference room.
Benson: Felt the conference room addition would benefit
the community and that a place large enough to have
special functions was a necessity.
Councilmember Benson moved to, by Minute Motion, authorize
staff, upon completion of the final working drawings, to advertise and
call for bids for the conference room addition. Motion was seconded by
Snyder and carried by a 4-1 vote, with Councilman Wilson voting NO.
Councilman Snyder moved to, by Minute Motion, authorize staff,
upon completion of the final working drawings, to advertise and call for
bids for the Council Chamber alterations. Motion was seconded by Benson
and carried by a 3-2 vote, with Councilmen Crites and Wilson voting NO.
Councilmember Benson moved to, by Minute Motion, authorize
staff, upon completion of the final working drawings, to advertise and
call for bids for the remodeling of the Administrative Services wing of
the Civic Center. Motion was seconded by Snyder and carried by a 3-2
vote, with Councilmen Crites and Wilson voting NO.
XIII.
REPORTS AND REMARKS
A. CITY MANAGER
None
B. CITY ATTORNEY
Mr. Erwin stated he had placed a memo on Council's desks
in anticipation of an oral presentation. He said he had
been advised that the oral presentation would not occur
and there would be some further discussion at staff level.
He said the Council could, therefore, disregard the memo.
C. MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
o City Council Requests for Action:
1. Draft Environmental Impact Statement on the
Devers Palo Verde Transmission Line.
Mayor Kelly stated he had received this
environmental impact statement and that the
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MAY 14, 1987
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transmission line would pass through the
Coachella Valley. He said he could not tell
from the report where it would pass through Palm
Desert.
With Council concurrence, staff was directed to
review the information and prepare a report to Council stating where it
would pass through the City of Palm Desert and how it would impact the
City and to ask the Coachella Valley Association of Governments for
comment. No formal action was taken.
o City Council Committee Reports:
Councilmember Benson stated she had attended the
Desert Beautiful dinner and that the City of Palm
Desert had been presented an Award of Outstanding
Contribution for beautification of the Desert because
of the Civic Center building. She said the City of
Palm Desert was the only city hall in the Coachella
Valley to receive this award and that approximately
two-thirds of the awards presented went to businesses
and office complexes located within Palm Desert.
Councilman Wilson reported for Council's information
that within the next month the Riverside County
Transportation Commission would be paying for a
telephone survey to be conducted in Riverside County
to find out how citizens feel relative to the sales
tax increase for transportation.
XIV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - B
None
Councilman Crites moved to adjourn the meeting at 5:55 p.m. to
Closed Session pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9 (a) and (b)
for the purpose of discussing pending and potential litigation. Motion
was seconded by Benson and carried by unanimous vote of the Council.
Mayor Kelly reconved the meeting at 6:00 p.m. and immediately recessed
for dinner, with no action announced.
Mayor Kelly reconvened the meeting at 7:10 p.m.
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 14. 1987
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XV.
COMPLETION OF ITEMS HELD OVER FROM 4:00 P.M. SESSION
OLD
BUSINESS C. PROGRESS REPORT ON SUNTERRA PROJECT.
Mr. Altman stated that on May 5th, a subcommittee of
members of Council, staff, and Mr. Bill Bone had met to
discuss this project. He said Mr. Bone had asked to
address Council and had offered to answer any questions.
He added that at this point in time, the subcommittee did
not have any definitive recommendation.
Mr. Bone stated that during the May 5th meeting, he felt
the only items of real significance discussed were the
Cook Street interchange, determination of the amount of
funding participation on his part for this interchange,
and public access onto Fred Waring Drive from the project.
He said that most of Indian Wells, including his project,
was in a redevelopment area, which meant that the City of
Indian Wells would receive a percentage of property taxes
collected in its city. He said that by State law, 20% of
Indian Wells' share of this tax money must be spent on
moderate income housing. He said that although Indian
Wells' present obligation by law was to provide 39 housing
units by virtue of what they had done in the City, it was
willing to use its tax income bonding capability to
provide 200 to 300 housing units. He offered to answer
any questions Council might have.
XVI. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - C
MR. MICHAEL MAY, 72-808 San Juan, addressed the Council
relative to the ordinance for line of sight at intersections
which restrict oleanders and hedges higher than six feet. He
said he did not think it was fair that he was being singled out
because of this ordinance. He said he had received a letter
from the City requiring that he cut the oleanders down to six
feet; however, he felt if he did that, the people next door
could look into his yard whenever they wanted to. He said he
felt the ordinance had been designed for line of sight at
intersections.
Councilman Wilson moved to, by Minute Motion, refer this matter
to staff, with no enforcement action to be taken at this time. Motion
was seconded by Benson and carried by unanimous vote of the Council.
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 14, 1987
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XVII. AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS, AND APPOINTMENTS
A. CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTMENTS TO THE RENT REVIEW
COMMISSION (Continued from Meeting of May 7, 1987).
Councilmember Benson reported that interviews had been
conducted during the previous two weeks for the three
vacancies on the Rent Review Commission. She said of the
seven letters with questionnaires which had been sent out,
four applicants expressed regret and stated they did not
wish to serve at this time. The other three applicants
had been interviewed, and she felt they were all very well
qualified to serve as Rent Review Commissioners.
Councilmember Benson moved to appoint Randall White, Wanda
Tucker, and Joyce Wade-Maltais to the City's Rent Review Commission to
fill vacancies created by the resignations of Joe Gibbs, Patricia Power,
and Lois Kent, with specific terms to be determined at the Commission's
first meeting. Motion was seconded by Crites and carried by unanimous
vote of the Council.
Councilman Wilson commented that he thought the selection
process used for these appointments had worked very well and
felt the same procedure should be used for all City commissions
and committees, including Civic Arts, Advertising & Promotion,
and Economic Development committees. He added that he felt
with Council interviewing applicants to serve on these
committees, the chances of getting good people to serve the
community would be enhanced.
Councilman Crites agreed and felt this was a more professional
process of selecting people to serve.
Councilman Wilson moved to, by Minute Motion, follow this
interview and selection process for all City commissions and committees.
Motion was seconded by Snyder and carried by unanimous vote of the
Council.
Mayor/Chairman Kelly convened the Redevelopment Agency meeting
at 7:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present:
Mayor Pro-Tem/Vice Chairman Jean M. Benson
Councilman/Member Buford A. Crites
Councilman/Member Walter H. Snyder
Councilman/Member S. Roy Wilson
Mayor/Chairman Richard S. Kelly
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Also Present:
Carlos L. Ortega, Assistant City Manager/Executive Director
Bruce A. Altman, City Manager
David J. Erwin, City Attorney
Sheila R. Gilligan, City Clerk/Agency Secretary
Richard J. Folkers, Director of Public Works
Ramon A. Diaz, Director of Community Development/Planning
CONSENT CALENDAR
A. MINUTES of the Meeting of the Redevelopment Agency of
April 23, 1987.
Rec: Approve as presented.
Upon motion by Crites, second by Benson, the Consent Calendar
was approved as presented by unanimous vote of the City Council/Agency
Board.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
None
PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF COMMERCIAL CORE AREA SPECIFIC PLAN
AND ASSOCIATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL
IMPACT.
Mr. Ortega stated that the City Council/Agency Board had
indicated they wished to meet with the Project Area
Committee to discuss its recommendation prior to taking
any action on this item.
Mayor/Chairman Kelly stated that because this had been
advertised as a public hearing, the Council/Agency Board would
hear testimony from the audience at this time. He declared the
public hearing open and invited testimony in FAVOR of or
OPPOSED to this proposal.
MR. LARRY GROTBECK of Roberge Jewelry on El Paseo read a
resolution which had been adopted by the El Paseo Business
Association (on file and of record in the City Clerk's
office), approving the Palm Desert Core Commercial Area
Specific Plan.
MS. JO McCART, 47-440 Rabat Drive, Palm Desert, owner of
Prickly Pear Square, spoke against the proposal. She
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 14, 1987
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disagreed with the closing of her one driveway onto El
Paseo as well as the driveway at the other end of the
block near City National Bank and directing that traffic
around Prickly Pear Lane and onto Larrea. She also felt
it would be hard on the City to condemn her property and
turn it into a parking area when she was already allowing
anyone to park there who wished to do so.
MR. WILLIAM PLOGER, City National Bank, agreed with Ms.
McCart and expressed opposition to the proposal.
MR. FRANK GOODMAN, 77-900 Avenue of the States, spoke on
behalf of eight property owners located between Alessandro
and Highway 111. He said that many of them used
Alessandro as a secondary through street rather than using
Highway 111 and hoped it would not be blocked and turned
into a parking lot. He added that he felt the only
advantage to be obtained by doing this would be that
people would have less walking to and from businesses.
MRS. ELEANOR SEGALL, 73-758 DeAnza Way, agreed with Mr.
Goodman and stated she owned a business on Highway 111
that backed up to Alessandro. She added that if the
proposal were approved, the City would cul-de-sac all
those streets except Deep Canyon, Alessandro, and San
Pablo, which would divert traffic onto DeAnza Way and make
it difficult for people to cross Portola Avenue.
MR. JACK DAYTON, 74-280 Alessandro, expressed concern that
the City keep this area a clean, respectable living area
and stated that many of the homeowners had been there
many, many years. He reviewed the letter and petition he
had submitted to the City dated March 25th and April 7th,
respectively (on file and of record in the City Clerk's
Office).
MR. GERALD SEGALL stated he felt business would be stifled
if Alessandro were closed. He added that he felt the
Palma Village area could be a tourist attraction in the
future.
MR. CHARLIE MILLER, Little Bend Trail, thanked the Council
for making the frontage road two-way from 1st Bank of Palm
Desert going east.
Mayor/Chairman Kelly reminded everyone that there would be
another opportunity for testimony when this item is next
considered by the City Council and Redevelopment Agency Board.
16
MINUTES
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING
• • • • • • • . • * • • • • *
MAY 14. 1987
• • • • • * • • • •
Councilman/Member Crites moved to, by Minute Motion, continue
this item to the meeting of June 11, 1987. Motion was seconded by Benson
and carried by unanimous vote of the Council/Agency Board.
RESOLUTIONS
None
CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER
None
NEW BUSINESS
None
CONTINUED BUSINESS
None
OLD BUSINESS
None
REPORTS, REMARKS, AND AGENCY BOARD ITEMS REQUIRING ACTION
A. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
None
B. AGENCY COUNSEL
Absent
C. CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS OF THE AGENCY
None
ADJOURNMENT
Upon motion by Crites, second by Benson, and unanimous vote of
the City Council/Agency Board, Mayor Kelly adjourned the Redevelopment
Agency meeting at 7:55 p.m.
17
MINUTES
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 14, 1987
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
XVIII. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF A PRECISE PLAN OF DESIGN AND
NEGATIVE DECLARATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT TO ALLOW 13
RESIDENTIAL UNITS ON A 40,500 SQUARE FOOT PROPERTY IN THE
R-3 20,000 (3) ZONE LOCATED ON THE NORTH SIDE OF SHADOW
MOUNTAIN DRIVE, 750 FEET WEST OF PORTOLA AVENUE - CASE NO.
PP 87-3, HSM PROPERTIES, APPLICANT (Called up by City
Council at its Meeting of April 9, 1987).
Mr. Diaz reviewed the staff report, noting that all
requirements of the present ordinance had been met as well
as additional open space requirements which had been
suggested to offset some of the concerns staff had with
the project at Larrea and Shadow Mountain. He said staff
recommended approval of the project.
Mayor Kelly declared the public hearing open and invited
testimony in FAVOR of this project.
MR. KEN STINDELL, 72-847 Skyward Way, concurred with
staff's report and stated he had obtained a stockpile
permit to bring the grading into conformance with the
City's grading ordinance in effect at that time. He said,
however, that the ordinance was being changed and that he
had removed the dirt and would be working with both the
Public Works Department to obtain the correct grading and
with the owners on the north side of the site to obtain a
drainage easement to facilitate the drainage runoff. He
offered to answer any questions.
Councilmember Benson questioned where the two-story
element would be located.
Mr. Stindell responded that he could change the plan
around to put the two-story adjacent to the vacant lot.
MASON NURICK, 73-771 Larrea Street, stated he owned a lot
adjacent to this project. He said he was not opposed to
this project as long as the two-story was changed the way
Mr. Stindell indicated.
Mayor Kelly invited testimony in OPPOSITION to this request.
MR. JOSEPH LYONS, JR., 73-860 Shadow Mountain, stated he
lived just east of this property and had been fighting the
two-story element since 1978 and that this was the third
developer who had tried to put in a two-story structure.
He felt it was a big mistake to put high density units in
Palm Desert.
18
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 14. 1987
* * * * • • * * • * • * • • * * * • * • • • * • •
Mayor Kelly declared the public hearing closed.
Council Comments/Questions:
Crites: Felt the issues in this case were two-story vs.
one-story and neighborhood compatibility.
Snyder: Felt two-story was not compatible and did not fit
the atmosphere of Palm Desert at this location. However,
felt the project itself was not too disagreeable and
stated he would go along with it.
Benson: Concerned with the possibility of infilling this
area with two-story structures. Mr. Diaz stated the two-
story was compatible with the permitted use. Benson
stated she agreed with putting the two-story in the middle
of the project.
Wilson: How long ago was this project started through the
approval process? Diaz responded that the applicant had
filed on January 12, 1987.
Kelly: Felt the applicant had made the project compatible
by moving the two-story away from the one-story adjacent
properties and that this project would be an asset to the
community.
Mr. Diaz stated he felt the following conditions should be
added to Resolution No. 87-27 if the Council decided to
approve the precise plan:
1)
The applicant shall revise the structures to place
the two-story elements in the seven-plex to abut the
vacant parcel to the north; and
2) The two-story element in the four-plex shall be
internally redesigned to have views not overlook the
property to the west.
Wilson: How many units would the applicant lose if the
project was all one-story?
Mr. Diaz responded that the applicant could have the same
number of units but would have to redesign the project.
Mr. Stindell added that although it could be redesigned,
there would have to be 700, 800, or 900 square foot, one
bedroom, one bath units instead of 1,100 square foot, two
bedroom, two bath units which would not be as nice.
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MINUTES
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 14, 1987
. * * * . * * * * * . • * * * • . . • • * . * •
Councilman Snyder moved to waive further reading and adopt
Resolution No. 87-27, amended to include the two conditions stated by Mr.
Diaz. Motion was seconded by Wilson and carried by a 4-1 vote, with
Councilman Crites voting NO.
B. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF A PRECISE PLAN OF DESIGN AND
NEGATIVE DECLARATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT TO ALLOW 13
RESIDENTIAL UNITS ON A 40,500 SQUARE FOOT PROPERTY IN THE
R-3 20,000 (3) ZONE LOCATED BETWEEN SHADOW MOUNTAIN DRIVE
AND LARREA, 450 FEET WEST OF PORTOLA AVENUE - CASE NO.
PP 87-2, HSM PROPERTIES, APPLICANT (Called up by City
Council at its Meeting of April 9, 1987).
Mr. Diaz reviewed the staff report and offered to answer
any questions.
Mayor Kelly declared the public hearing open and invited
testimony in FAVOR of this request.
MR. KEN STINDELL, 72-847 Skyward Way, spoke as the
applicant and stated he agreed with staff's
recommendation. He asked for clarification of Public
Works Condition #7 in Resolution 87-28 relative to
undergrounding of the utilities. He said he would join an
underground agreement with the utility companies but until
such- a time as that entire area is undergrounded, it would
be a tremendous economic hardship for him. He said he had
already removed any permanent structures from the ten -foot
easement area.
Mr. Diaz responded that the developer would not be
required to underground the utilities at this particular
time.
Mayor Kelly invited testimony in OPPOSITION to this request.
MR. JOSEPH A. LYONS, 73-860 Shadow Mountain Drive, stated
this property was located to the east of his home and that
he was opposed to two-story structures being built in this
area.
Mayor Kelly declared the public hearing closed.
Council Comments/Questions:
Crites: Felt the developer had done a professional and
commendable job on the project but also felt that what
would stand out when people drive along Shadow Mountain
would be the two-story structure.
20
MINUTES
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 14. 1987
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Snyder: Agreed with Crites but said the area along San
Luis Rey, which is primarily motels, will be changing.
Wilson: Stated he would vote in favor of this project but
still did not feel the two-story element was really
compatible with the area. He said he hoped that in the
future staff would try to discourage that type of design
and make sure projects are one-story and compatible in the
early stages and not wait until so late in the process to
tell a developer his project should not be two-story.
Councilman Wilson moved to waive further reading and adopt
Resolution No. 87-28, approving PP 87-2. Motion was seconded by Snyder
and carried by a 4-1 vote, with Councilman Crites voting NO.
C. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF A CHANGE OF ZONE FROM RESIDENTIAL
(R-2 S.P.) TO OFFICE PROFESSIONAL (O.P.) FOR PROPERTY
LOCATED ON THE WEST SIDE OF MONTEREY AVENUE NORTH OF
ARBOLEDA AVENUE (MIKE HOMME AND JOE BENARON, APPLICANTS)
Mr. Diaz stated that staff felt this property was not
appropriate for residential use because of the traffic on
Monterey Avenue. He reviewed the staff report and
recommended approval of the change of zone.
Mayor Kelly declared the public hearing open and invited
testimony in FAVOR of this request.
MR. MIKE HOMME, 277 Santa Barbara Circle, spoke as the
applicant and stated he would agree to offer grants of
easement for access purposes to the westerly lots should
they ever be rezoned to office professional, a condition
added by the Planning Commission, as long as it was
reciprocal.
Mayor Kelly invited testimony in OPPOSITION to this request.
MR. BOB ANDERSON, 43-155 Portola Avenue, spoke as the
represenat i ve for Susanne Carras, 43-700 Acacia, one of
the adjacent property owners. He said she felt the entire
area should be rezoned as office professional instead of
having office buildings taking up four lots, then a vacant
lot, and then the Coachella Valley Water District site.
Mayor Kelly declared the public hearing closed.
Council Comments/Questions:
Benson: Why are we looking at changing just these four
lots at this time? Diaz responded it was because all of
21
MINUTES
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 14. 1987
* • * • • * • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
the property owners could not get together and that if the
entire area were rezoned to office professional, there
would be legal nonconforming use on the presently
developed properties. This could cause future problems in
selling those properties and obtaining loans.
Snyder: Have the owners of the six lots on the east side
been contacted? Diaz responded that staff was not trying
to get them together at this time.
Councilman Wilson moved to waive further reading and pass
Ordinance No. 505 to second reading. Motion was seconded by Snyder and
carried by unanimous vote of the Council.
Councilman Wilson commended the applicant and the
architect for a very desirable looking one-story set of
office• buildings. Council concurred.
D. REOUEST FOR APPROVAL OF TWO 2-STORY FOUR-PLEX APARTMENT
STRUCTURES AT THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF SHADOW HILLS ROAD
AND DRIFTWOOD DRIVE (CASE N0. PP 87-9, FRED VEIGA AND BILL
ROSSWORN, APPLICANTS).
Mr. Diaz reviewed the staff report, noting that the
overall plan met the requirements of the Code and that
staff recommended approval subject to conditions set forth
in the resolution.
Mayor Kelly declared the public hearing open and invited
testimony in FAVOR of this request.
MR. BILL ROSSWORN, 41-530 Woodhaven Drive East, spoke as
one of the applicants and offered to answer any questions.
Mayor Kelly invited testimony in OPPOSITION to this request,
and none was offered. He declared the public hearing closed.
Councilman Crites moved to waive further reading and adopt
Resolution No. 87-29, approving PP 87-9. Motion was seconded by Benson
and carried by unanimous vote of the Council.
XIX. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - 0
None
22
MINUTES
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 14, 1987
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
XX. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Kelly asked that everyone note the Future Meetings listed
on the Agenda.
Councilman Wilson moved to adjourn the meeting to 9:00 a.m. on
Tuesday, May 19, 1987, pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(b) for
the purpose of discussing potential litigation. Motion was seconded by
Crites and carried by unanimous vote of the Council.
ATTEST:
SHEILA R. G GAN, CI CLERK
CITY OF PALM DESERT, c� IFORNIA
RI HA D S. K LLY, MAYO
23