HomeMy WebLinkAbout1987-09-10MINUTES
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1987
CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBER
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I. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Kelly convened the meeting at 4:00 p.m.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Mayor Pro-Tempore Jean M. Benson
III. INVOCATION - Councilman Walter H. Snyder
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
Richard J. Folkers, Director of Public Works
Ramon A. Diaz, Director of Community Services
Kirby J. Warner, Director of General Services
Wayne Ramsey, Acting Director of Code Compliance
V. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. MINUTES of the Regular City Council Meeting of August 27.
1987.
Rec: Approve as presented.
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B. CLAIMS AND DEMANDS AGAINST THE CITY TREASURY - Warrant
Nos. WR0805, WR0808. and WR081I.
Rec: Approve as presented.
C. APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE by Orton Jay
Lofthus, David Mark Roberts. and Michael John Roberts for
The Village Butcher, 74-410 Highway 111, #C, Palm Desert.
Rec: Receive and refer to the Department of Community
Development/Planning for processing.
D. CLAIM AGAINST THE CITY (##054) by Art Linnemeyer in the
Amount of $8.00.
Rec: Deny the Claim and Instruct the City Clerk to so
advise the Claimant.
E. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of Final Parcel Map 20948.
Rec: Waive further reading and adopt Resolution No.
87-81, approving Parcel Map No. 20948.
F. NOTICE OF COMPLETION for Contract No. 00-194 (1113)-
Portola Avenue and Hovley Lane Drainage Facility.
Rec:
By Minute Motion, accept the work as complete
and authorize the City Clerk to file a Notice of
Completion for the subject contract.
G. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL to Release Subdivision Improvement
Bonds for Tract 19640, Ironwood Country Club.
Rec:
By Minute Motion, accept the subdivision as
complete and authorize the City Clerk to release
the subdivision improvement bonds on Tract
19640, Ironwood Country Club.
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H. REOUEST FOR AWARD OF CONTRACT NO. 00-244E for Engineering
Services for Traffic Signal Installation at Fred Waring
Drive and Town Center Way.
Rec:
By Minute Motion, award Contract No. 00-244E to
BSI Consultants, Inc., in the amount of
$4,950.00 as the negotiated quotation amount and
authorize a fifteen percent contingency reserve
for the contract in the amount of $745.00.
1. REQUEST FOR AWARD OF CONTRACT NO. 00-245 for Highway 111
Median Landscaping Maintenance.
Rec:
By Minute Motion, award the contract for the
Highway 111 Median Landscape Maintenance to the
lowest responsible bidder, Moser Landscape, in
the amount of $1,940.00 per month for nine
months.
J. REQUEST FOR AWARD OF CONTRACT for Purchase of Main Broom
Street Sweeper.
Rec:
By Minute Motion, award the contract for the
purchase of a main broom, conveyor belt street
sweeper, to Haaker Equipment Co. in the amount
of $85,303.50.
K. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of Maintenance Agreement (Contract
No. 00-246) for Traffic Signal at Monterey Avenue and
Clancy Lane/Avenida Del Sol.
Rec:
By Minute Motion. authorize the Mayor to enter
into an agreement with the City of Rancho Mirage
for the maintenance of the traffic signal at
Monterey Avenue and Clancy Lane/Avenida Del Sol.
L. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of Street Name Change within Tract
14032 (Silver Sands Racquet Club).
Rec:
Waive further reading and adopt Resolution No.
87-82. approving a street name change within
Tract 14032.
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M. RESOLUTION NO. 87-83 - A Resolution of the City Council of
the City of Palm Desert, California, Rescinding Resolution
No. 86-116 which Established the Position of Alternate
Member for the Advertising 8 Promotion Committee.
Rec: Waive further reading and adopt Resolution No.
87-83.
N. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL to Initiate Pre -Annexation Zoning for
Country Club Village Estates Area West of Cook Street,
North of Whitewater Channel.
Rec:
By Minute Motion, initiate pre -annexation zoning
for the Country Club Village Estates area and
other preparations leading to an application for
annexation to the City of Palm Desert.
0. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION from City of Indian Wells in
Opposition to Senate Bill 87 Regarding Licensing of
Landscape Architects.
Rec: Receive and file.
P. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION OF BIDS FOR CIVIC CENTER
MODIFICATIONS.
Rec: At this time, receive and file the bid from
Kretz Construction.
Councilman Wilson asked that Items H and P be held for separate
descussion under the Consent Items Held Over portion of the
Agenda. Councilman Crites asked that Item I also be held for
separate discussion.
Upon motion by Crites, second by Wilson, and unanimous vote of
the Council, the Consent Calendar, with the exception of Items H, 1, and
P, was approved as presented.
VI. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - A
None
VII. RESOLUTIONS
None
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VIII. ORDINANCES
For Introduction:
A. ORDINANCE NO. 512 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTION
25.56.190(D) PERTAINING TO HEDGES.
Mr. Altman reported that at its meeting of August 27th.
the Council had directed staff to prepare an ordinance
deleting the word "hedge" from Municipal Code Section
25.56.190(0). He recommended that this ordinance be
passed to second reading.
Councilman Crites moved to waive further reading and pass
Ordinance No. 512 to second reading. Motion was seconded by Benson and
carried by unanimous vote of the Council.
For Adoption:
None
IX. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER
H. REQUEST FOR AWARD OF CONTRACT NO. 00-244E for Engineering
Services for Traffic Signal Installation at Fred Waring
Drive and Town Center Way.
Councilman Wilson expressed concern that staff was adding
lights at almost every intersection on Country Club.
Highway 111, and Fred Waring Drive. which was slowing down
traffic. He agreed that the signals were necessary for
safety but asked that staff investigate alternatives. such
as overpasseses. underpasses, right -turn only. etc., to
keep the traffic moving and still provide the safety
factor.
Upon question by Councilmember Benson. Mr. Folkers stated
that the One Quail Place project had paid signalization
fees when it was first developed. and the One Eleven Town
Center project was both paying signalization fees and
providing a traffic signal at Town Center Way at the
entrance to the Palm Desert Town Center and One Eleven
Town Center areas.
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Councilman Wilson moved to, by Minute Motion, award Contract
No. 00-244E to BSI Consultants, Inc.. in the amount of $4,950.00 as the
negotiated quotation amount and authorize a fifteen percent contingency
reserve for the contract in the amount of $745.00. Motion was seconded
by Crites and carried by unanimous vote of the Council.
I. REQUEST FOR AWARD OF CONTRACT NO. 00-245 for Highway 111
Median Landscaping Maintenance.
Councilman Crites questioned whether this would be for
maintenance of the existing landscaping or if something
different would be put in on the medians. He stated he
did not think what was there now should be maintained and
still be there in nine months.
Mr. Folkers explained that the City's new park supervisor
was reviewing this and would be determining the
appropriate plants for the medians and would be
refurbishing the existing landscaping to make it look much
nicer. This contract would be to maintain whatever was
put in by the City.
Councilman Crites moved to, by Minute Motion, award the
contract for the Highway 111 Median Landscape Maintenance to the lowest
responsible bidder, Moser Landscape, in the amount of $1,940.00 per month
for nine months. Motion was seconded by Benson and carried by unanimous
vote of the Council.
P. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION OF BIDS FOR CIVIC CENTER
MODIFICATIONS.
Councilman Wilson asked whether staff had been authorized
to go to bid for the Civic Center modifications.
Mr. Altman responded that Council had authorized this to
go to bid as three separate contracts per the staff
report. He said receiving and filing the bid from Kretz
Construction would give staff time to further analyze the
matter.
MR. DAVID KRETZ asked what the next step would be.
Mr. Altman stated that the architect was presently out of
town, that a meeting would be held between the architect,
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the subcommittee, and Mr. Kretz, and that the matter would
be back to the Council on September 24th for action.
Councilmember Benson moved to. by Minute Motion. receive and
file the bid from Kretz Construction at this time. Motion was seconded
by Snyder and carried by unanimous vote of the Council.
X. NEW BUSINESS
A. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of Speed Zone Establishment on
Haystack Road Between State Highway 74 and Portola Avenue.
Mr. Altman stated that the main reason for establishment
of the speed zone in this area was so it could be enforced
with radar.
Councilman Wilson moved to waive further reading and pass
Ordinance No. 513 to second reading, establishing a new speed zone on
Haystack Road between State Highway 74 and Portola Avenue. Motion was
seconded by Benson and carried by unanimous vote of the Council.
B. CONSIDERATION OF REOUEST FROM NATIONAL LEAGUE OF CITIES
for Support of Reauthorization of Housing and Community
Development Laws.
Councilmember Benson stated that this was brought before
CVAG's Housing Committee and that all of the
representatives on that committee were taking this matter
back to their respective cities for the same action
recommended here.
Councilmember Benson moved to, by Minute Motion, direct Staff
to advise the National League of Cities and Congressman Al McCandless
that the City of Palm Desert supports the reauthorization of Housing and
Community Development laws, which will not have an impact on cities.
Motion was seconded by Snyder and carried by unanimous vote of the
Council.
C. CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST FROM CIVIC ARTS COMMITTEE for
$7,500 Per Year Funding for a Palm Desert Children's
Choir.
Mr. Altman stated there was a memo in the packets and that
Alex Yaron, Chairman of the Civic Arts Committee, was
present to answer any questions.
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Councilman Crites asked how the funds would be utilized in
the future.
Mr. Yaron explained that the request for $7,500 per year
was not an open ended request and would be for a two-year
trial period. He said within that time span, the value of
the choir would prove itself to the City so that some
community support could be obtained. He said the $7,500
was essentially seed money for each of two years and that
the Committee would be happy to provide a budget as to how
the monies would be used. He said the Committee felt this
would be a good opportunity for children in the community.
He added that he could see the choir as self-supporting in
two years.
DR. JOHN NORMAN, 71-503 Bistro Road, Rancho Mirage, spoke
as Choir Subcommittee Chairman and stated he supported Mr.
Yaron's statements as to the value of the program to the
City. Upon question by Councilman Wilson, Dr. Norman
responded that he estimated 35-40 children would be
participating. He added that he would be willing to offer
space at College of the Desert for rehearsals.
Councilman Crites asked for some examples of events in
which the choir would participate. Dr. Norman responded
that the choir would perform for City functions and other
events in the community and would probably want to have
designated public concerts.
Councilman Crites moved to continue this matter to the meeting
of September 24, 1987, and asked for information relative to a budget
showing how the funds would be utilized and a list of the kinds of civic
functions in which a children's choir could participate. He also asked
that at some point it be made clear for how many years the contribution
would be made. Motion was seconded by Kelly.
Councilman Wilson stated he supported the motion.
However, he said he would like to know if there was any
community interest in this choir and whether any volunteer
funding was already in place.
Councilmember Benson agreed and said that although the
Council agreed this would be nice, it wo-uld also need to
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be sure this was something that the community would like
to have.
Councilman Snyder agreed with both Wilson and Benson and
stated that he needed to have more factual data before
agreeing to spend this kind of money. He suggested that
it be turned over to the Charitable Contributions
Committee.
Councilman Wilson suggested that it might be more
appropriate to have the request reviewed the the Parks &
Recreation Commission and said he felt it was a very
exciting adjunct to things like baseball and soccer for
the kids.
Councilmember Benson also asked that a press release be
sent out asking for interested persons to contact the
City.
Mr. Diaz stated that the Parks & Recreation Commission
would be meeting on September 23rd and that it might be
difficult to have written comments ready for the September
24th meeting. Councilman Wilson asked that an oral report
be given on September 24th.
Councilman Wilson amended his motion to include the above
Council requests for additional information and press release.
Councilmember Benson amended her second. The motion carried by a 4-1
vote. with Councilman Snyder voting NO.
D. REPORT ON MEDICAL INSURANCE PROGRAMS.
Mr. Warner reviewed his memorandum dated August 18. 1987.
noting that he was looking at possibly offering an
alternative to Pacificare in January. 1988.
Mayor Kelly stated that he had personally had very good
results with Pacificare and was concerned that finding an
alternative insurance plan might jeopardize that
relationship. He said he wanted to be sure the City did
not end up with a plan that would be more costly to the
employees.
Mr. Warner stated that he was trying to find something
that would be a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) like
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Pacificare. If he could not, then Pacificare would
continue to be used. He added that at this point in time,
he was not sure what was going to happen but that he would
keep the Council informed as the program developed.
With Council concurrence, the Mayor suspended the regular order of
the Agenda at 4 : 53 p.m. in order to consider Item D under Old
Business. Please see that section of the Minutes for Council
discussion and action. The regular order of the Agenda was resumed
at 5:45 p.m.
E. REPORT ON NO PARKING SIGNS ON PORTOLA AVENUE AND FRED
WARING DRIVE.
Mr. Folkers stated that this was a request from a previous
Council meeting and that staff had installed "no parking"
signs along Portola as part of the final implementation of
the Portola Storm Drain project. He said that staff would
look into any citizen or Council concerns that had not yet
been addressed.
Councilman Wilson expressed concern with the narrowness of
Portola Avenue from the water tank south to Highway 111,
with a turn lane in the middle of the road. He said he
had received a report from someone who rides a bike
through this portion of Portola at the same time children
are walking to and from school, and there is a potentially
dangerous situation. If one of the kids steps out just a
little bit, they are in the path of the traffic. He asked
that staff investigate the possiblity of eliminating the
turn lane in the middle of that strip of Portola.
Councilman Snyder agreed that staff should take another
look at the markings and put in turn lanes only where
necessary.
MR. SANDY BAUM, 45-800 Deep Canyon, stated he had been
driving west along Fred Waring between Deep Canyon and
Portola. He said that the car in front of hfm was forced
to slow down because children had to walk out in the road
to go around a parked van and the kids could not use the
sidewalk. He said he felt this was a problem waiting to
happen.
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Mr. Folkers stated that staff would be looking into this
situation and would do any restriping necessary.
Councilman Wilson asked that staff also look at the
situation on Fred Waring between Phyllis Jackson Lane and
Cook Street. He said several accidents had been reported
to him because of the street narrowing from two lanes to
one.
Mr. Folkers responded that that area was the last Kelly
Ordinance widening project and that staff was already
considering it.
F. INFORMATION ITEMS
1. California Beverage Container Recycling and Litter
Reduction Act.
Mr. Altman stated there was a memo in the packets
from the Assistant City Manager.
No Council action was necessary or taken on this item.
2. Civic Center Water Conservation Program.
Mr. John Wohlmuth, Administrative Assistant, reviewed
the staff report. noting that the California Soil
Conservation Service was interested in conducting a
three-year field trial on the City's irrigation
system and landscape material.
Mr. Don Ackley, 74-165 Chicory, spoke as a
representative of the California Soil Conservation
Service. He explained his firm's services, noting
that the City could save approximately $1,000 to
$1,500 per year on its water bill. He said that if
the savings could be documented, his firm could use
the Civic Center as an example of how the study
works.
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XI. CONTINUED BUSINESS
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A. REQUEST FOR WAIVER OF DRAINAGE FEES AND OFF -SITE
IMPROVEMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP NO.
22862 LOCATED ON THE EAST SIDE OF STATE HIGHWAY 74 BETWEEN
PORTOLA AVENUE AND THE SOUTHERLY CITY LIMITS. (Continued
from the Meetings of July 23. August 9, and August 27.
1987 - Ron Birtcher. Applicant).
MR. SANDY BAUM. 45-800 Deep Canyon, stated he had met with
the Coachella Valley Water District that day but that the
meeting was not conclusive. He requested that this matter
be continued to a time uncertain.
Councilman Crites moved to continue this item indefinitely.
Motion was seconded by Benson and carried by unanimous vote of the
Council.
XII. OLD BUSINESS
A. CONSIDERATION OF REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION FROM CITY
ATTORNEY'S OFFICE ON FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS.
Mr. Altman reviewed the memo in the packets relative to
members of the various City committees and commissions
filing Conflict of Interest Statements. He said staff
felt it should be referred to the affected committees and
commissions for information and comment before proceeding
with implementation of this requirement. He said he felt
the City might end up losing members on different bodies
because of the disclosure requirements.
Councilman Crites stated he felt the City Attorney's
opinion was valid. He agreed that the committee and
commission members should know of the City's intentions in
this regard but did not agree that their opinions should
be asked for.
Councilman Wilson agreed with the City Attorney's
interpretation but felt the Parks 8 Recreation Commission,
which was left as acting in an advisory capacity, actually
made strong recommendations and should be added to the
list of committees and commissions required to file
disclosure statements.
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Councilman Snyder asked whether staff had any background
information as to what other cities in the Valley have
done with regard to disclosure requirements. He said the
Project Area Committee felt this was an invasion of
privacy and that some of the members resented it.
Councilman Wilson moved to continue this item to the meeting of
October 8, 1987, and to direct staff to consult with the various
committees and commissions to let them know that the Council is
considering this. Motion was seconded by Snyder and carried by unanimous
vote of the Council.
8. CONSIDERATION OF REPORT ON CONSUMER SERVICE PROGRAM.
Mr. Altman reviewed the memo dated August 20, 1987.
Councilmember Benson stated that with all the consumer
programs there are, she did not feel this needed to have
the Council's endorsement.
Mayor Kelly asked that the letter sent to Mr. Edwards
indicate that the Council encourages private ventures of
this nature.
Councilman Crites moved to, by Minute Motion, direct staff to
prepare a letter for the Mayor's signature encouraging Mr. Jack Edwards'
in his concept of a volunteer consumer service program. Motion was
seconded by Snyder and carried by unanimous vote of the Council.
C. UPDATE ON RODENT (RAT) CONTROL AND LETTER FROM MS. JANET
THOMPSON.
Mr. Ramsy reviewed the staff report, noting that although
the report indicated the Mosquito Abatement District could
provide rat poison, it was actually available for purchase
thorugh the Agricultural Commission in Coachella for $2.56
per unit. He said the City of Indian Wells was selling
this rat poison to its citizens. He added that he had
invited Mr. Mike Wargo of the Coachella Valley Mosquito
Abatement District to update the Council as to what his
firm is doing.
Councilman Crites stated he did not feel it was right to
tell people that they have to drive to Coachella to obtain
the rat poison and that if the City of Palm Desert wished
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to provide this service it should consider doing the same
thing as Indian Wells and allowing citizens to purchase
the poison from the City.
MR. MIKE WARGO, Coachella Valley Mosquito Abatement
District. stated that his firm was not directly involved
in rat control but rather mosquito and eye gnat control.
However, he said they were looking at the possibl ity of
expanding their services. He said they had hired an
individual, bought traps, and sent him out in the field to
obtain a sampling and find out just how much of a problem
exists. He said they would be assessing this situation
without any City involvement at this time. However, if a
particular city was concerned about the rat problem, he
suggested a letter be written to his firm asking for
assistance, and they would work with the city's staff to
see what could be done.
Councilman Wilson stated that he hoped the survey of the
rat situation would continue into the fail.
0. UPDATE ON COMMUNICATION FROM KCET ON PROPOSED CHANNEL
REALIGNMENT BY COACHELLA VALLEY TELEVISION.
Mr. Altman reviewed the staff report dated August 31,
1987, noting that staff was not prepared to make a
recommendation at this time because of litigation with
Coachella Valley Television (CVTV) and Palmer Cablevision.
Mr. Erwin stated that Deputy City Attorney Doug Phillips
had been meeting with the management of CVTV attempting to
work out a solution to this problem; however, at this
time, they did not have any particular answer or
recommendation to give to the Council. He suggested that
the Council adjourn to Closed Session if the
Councilmembers wished to discuss this situation further.
Councilman Wilson moved to adjourn to Closed Session in
accordance with Government Code Sectio 54956.9(a), pending litigation.
Motion was seconded by Crites.
Councilman Crites asked Mr. Erwin to explain to the
audience why a matter of pending litigation was not a
matter for open discussion.
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Mr. Erwin stated that the City Council was required to
conduct its business in open session except in matters of
litigation and that the Council was given the same
privilege as a private citizen to meet with its attorneys.
MR. JOHN BAKER, 73-520 Joshua Tree, Palm Desert, addressed
the Council in opposition to the moving of KCET from
Channel 8 to Channel 28. He said that General Telephone
had been denied a rate increase several years previously
because of poor service and that after the denial, the
service had gotten a little better. He said he had made a
private study of cable service here in the Valley versus
other places and had noted that there were at least six
outages in the last 12 months ranging from several minutes
to several hours. He said if these people were going to
be allowed to make more money, they should be required to
improve their service.
Mayor Kelly assured the audience that every Councilmember
felt the same as they did and were trying to do something
about the situation.
Councilman Wilson explained that the City had filed a
legal action against CVTV and that the Council had to be
careful of what was said because of this legal action. He
assured everyone that after Closed Session, the Council
would return to the Chamber and announce any decision
authorized by the City Attorney.
Councilman Snyder reiterated Wilson's comments, noting
that the Council must proceed with caution because this
was a legal matter.
MS. JUNE DICKSON, 72-827 Haystack, stated that Public
Television had received the most Emmy Awards recently in
news, etc. She felt the citizens were entitled to view
KCET without having to subscribe to cable television.
Mayor Kelly called for a vote. The motion carried by unanimous
vote, and the Council adjourned to Closed Session at 5:10 p.m.
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Mayor Kelly reconvened the meeting at 5:30 p.m. Mayor Kelly
announced that by unanimous vote in Closed Session, Council instructed
staff to meet with Palmer Cablevision the following day, September llth,
to negotiate moving KCET back to Channel 8. If that was not done by 5:00
p.m. on September 11th. the City Attorney was authorized to file with
Superior Court violation of the City's franchise agreement.
Councilman Wilson moved to, by Minute Motion, direct staff to
establish a citizens' task force to explore alternatives to monopoly
control of television signals in Palm Desert. Said task force should,
among other things, look into the following: 1) The feasibility of the
City of Palm Desert using its eminent domain powers to purchase this
cable monopoly and operate it as a municipal cable system; 2) The
feasibility of obtaining the necessary broadcasting frequencies to
establish in the City of Palm Desert a privately or municipally owned and
operated Multichannel, Multipoint Distribution Service that will provide
television programming to households over the air using a microwave
transmission system. Although programming would be limited, it could
carry network and PBS channels that are not available over the air
locally; and 3) The feasibility of the citizens of Palm Desert being
among the first in the nation to take advantage of the new Direct
Broadcast Satellite (DBS) technology that was authorized by the FCC in
June of 1982. Such a study would include: a) making contact with the
various companies developing this system to determine when their
programming will be available; and b) the feasibility of the City making
available to its citizens, either by rental or sales, the $100-$200
antenna receiving dishes. The motion was seconded by Snyder and carried
by unanimous vote of the Council.
MR. PAUL J. JONES, 73-244 Bursera Way, Palm Desert, stated
he appreciated the Council's work and asked how long the
existing franchise would be in effect.
Mr. Ortega responded that the Council had authorized a 15-
year franchise in 1983; therefore, there was still
approximately 10 years left.
MS. CAROL ANN NELSON, a resident of La Quinta, addressed
the Council and stated she had read a newspaper article
wherein Mr. Stuart Nazarro of CVTV stated his company
could do what it was doing because of the Cable Act of
1984.
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Mayor Kelly stated that the Council had a different
interpretation and that it would be negotiated during the
lawsuit.
Mayor Kelly called a recess at 5:40 p.m. and reconvened the meeting at
5:45 p.m. The Council moved to Item E of New Business.
XIII.
REPORTS AND REMARKS
NOTE: These items were considered after the Public Hearing.
A. CITY MANAGER
1. Charitable Contributions Subcommittee.
Mr. Altman stated that the Charitable Contributions
Subcommittee, consisting of himself, Councilman
Wilson, Councilmember Benson, and Mr. Warner, had
been receiving many different requests for City
funding and that they did not know what to do at this
point. He suggested that this matter be referred to
the CVAG executive committee to determine the issue
of regional policy for charitable contributions.
Councilman Snyder stated he felt it was always
difficult to turn down requests for funding.
However, he felt it would be a good idea to have all
of the cities get together to discuss philosophies
and legalities of charitable contributions so that
all of the cities are doing the same thing.
Council concurred and asked that this matter be
investigated. Councilman Snyder stated that he would
take it to the next Executive Committee.
2. Mr. Altman reminded the Council that it needed to
adjourn to Closed Session in accordance with
Government Code Sections 54956.9(a) and (b) for the
purpose of discussing pending and potential
litigation.
B. CITY ATTORNEY
None
17
MINUTES
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING SEPTEMBER 10, 1987
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
C. MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
o City Council Requests for Action:
1. Alignment of Mesa View Drive near Mesa View Fire
Station.
Councilmember Benson stated she had received
several calls asking what could be done to align
the strip of road between the fire house and
Alamo Drive where it narrows. She said Mesa
View was being used as a collector street from
Portola to Highway 74 and asked whether the
Kelly Ordinance could be used to widen this and
if staff could prepare a report for the Council.
She said she felt this was a very dangerous
situation which should be corrected.
Mr. Folkers stated that J.F. Davidson was
currently doing the engineering and design for
the Birtcher project and that it would hopefully
be under construction in December or January and
that the widening of Mesa View would be part of
the project.
2. Left -Turn Pocket at Monterey/Highway 111.
Councilman Crites stated that he had asked staff
in February to look into this situation where
the left -turn pocket at Monterey and Highway 111
was not long enough. He reminded Mr. Folkers
that this still needed to be done.
Mr. Folkers responded that staff had contacted
CalTrans, who had changed the timing of the
lights. He said staff would follow up on this
matter.
Councilman Wilson stated that the left -turn
pocket at Fred Waring and Portola Avenue was
also not long enough. He said that through
traffic blocked the pocket and people had to
wait for two signal changes in order to turn
left.
18
MINUTES
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING
. . . . . . . . . * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SEPTEMBER 10, 1987
Mayor Kelly commended staff for correcting the
situation at the intersection of El Paseo and
Highway ill at the Palm Desert Town Center and
stated that this left -turn pocket was working
well. He said he had seen a lot of improvement
in the traffic control throughout the City.
o City Council Committee Reports:
None
XIV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - 8
None
Mayor Kelly recessed the meeting at 6:19 p.m. for dinner. He
reconvened the meeting at 7:00 p.m.
XV. COMPLETION OF ITEMS HELD OVER FROM 4:00 P.M. SESSION
The Council considered Reports and Remarks after Awards,
Presentations, and Appointments. Please see the Reports and
Remarks section of the Minutes for Council action.
XVI. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - C
None
XVII. AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS, AND APPOINTMENTS
A. PRESENTATION OF EMPLOYEE ORIENTATION SLIDE PROGRAM.
Ms. Sandra Vinocur, Communications Coordinator, stated she
had been working for the past several months with the
I nformat i on Task Force on a new employee slide
presentation. She showed the approximately 15-minute
program to the Council.
B. PRESENTATION OF PLAQUE OF APPRECIATION TO MR. DEL
SHARBUTT.
Mayor Kelly noted that Mr. Del Sharbutt was the voice of
the Campbell's Soup commercials and stated that he felt
19
MINUTES
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING SEPTEMBER 10, 1987
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Privileged to have Mr. Sharbutt as one of Palm Desert's
citizens. He said that Mr. Sharbutt had donated his time
to narrate the City's slide program. On behalf of the
City Council, Mayor Kelly presented Mr. Sharbutt with a
plaque of appreciation.
Mr. Sharbutt stated that he was proud to be a citizen of
Palm Desert and that it was his adopted home town.
Mayor Kelly also presented a plaque of appreciation to Ms.
Vinocur for her efforts in putting together the City's
first employee orientation slide program. He stated he
felt it was a very fine presentation.
Councilman Wilson stated this was the first time he had
seen the program and felt that Ms. Vinocur and Ms.
Sharbutt had put together a fine presentation which would
be an asset for the City's employees. He added that he
would also like to see it go out to the different service
clubs to be used as an information tool about the City and
its employees.
C. PRESENTATION BY DR. SCOTT MILLER OF HIS DISSERTATION
RELATIVE TO CITY OF PALM DESERT TRAINING PROGRAM.
Mayor Kelly introduced Dr. Scott Miller, who participated
in the City's first internship program.
Dr. Miller stated that what he did in Palm Desert, thanks
to the Council and City Manager, was to conduct an
experiment. Staff went through a two-day seminar
regarding public relations and communications skills.
They were tested before training, after training, and
again six months after the training was completed to see
the effects of this training. The supervisors of these
staff members were also asked to indicate what these
employees were like before and after training and again
six months later. He said this was the first time this
type of experiment was conducted in the United States and
that his dissertation was written about the entire
program. He added that his dissertation had caused a lot
of interest in the community and that he had also received
four or five requests from different cities for copies of
it. He dedicated a copy of his dissertation to the City
20
MINUTES
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING SEPTEMBER 10, 1987
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
and presented it to the Mayor, thanking everyone for all
that had been done for him during his stay with the City.
D. RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT OF THE EFFORTS OF THE UNITED STATES
SOCCER FEDERATION IN BRINGING THE 1994 WORLD CUP TO THE
UNITED STATES.
Mayor Kelly read the resolution and presented it to Ms.
Theresa McKay and Mr. Phil Moore.
Mr. Moore stated he represented the Board of the Cove
Communities Youth Soccer Organization. He said they were
expecting approximately 700 children to sign up for soccer
this year and that soccer was second only to baseball for
children.
E. PROCLAMATION DECLARING OCTOBER 4 THROUGH 10, 1987, AS FIRE
PREVENTION WEEK IN THE CITY OF PALM DESERT.
On behalf of the entire City Council, Mayor Kelly
presented the proclamation to Eric Vogt, Eastern Division
Fire Chief, noting that the City of Palm Desert had one of
the most outstanding fire departments anywhere.
XVIII. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF THE ISSUANCE OF MASSAGE PERMITS-
JACQUAELINE M. HELLMAN, LAFAYE T. GOODIN, AND CHERYL E. C.
LOOMIS, APPLICANTS.__
Mr. Ramsey reviewed that staff report, noting.that the
Sheriff's Department had recommended approvai''of these
permits.
Mayor Kelly declared the public hearing open and invited
testimony in FAVOR of or OPPOSED to this request. None was
offered. He declared the public hearing closed.
Councilman Crites moved to, by Minute Motion, approve the
request and authorize the issuance of Massage Permits for Jacquaeline M.
Hellman, Lafaye T. Goodin, and Cheryl E. C. Loomis. Motion was seconded
by Snyder and carried by unanimous vote of the Council.
21
MINUTES
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING SEPTEMBER 10, 1987
• i • • • •
• •
• i • • • • ■ • • • • • • • • • •
XiX. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - D
None
XX. ADJOURNMENT
Councilman Wilson moved to adjourn to Closed Session at 7:50
o.m. in accoraance with Government Code Section 54956.9 (a) and (b). for
the purpose of discussing pending and potential litigation. said Closed
Session to immediately follow the Redevelopment Agency meeting. Motion
was seconded by Benson and carried by unanimous vote of the Council.
Mayor/Chairman Kelly reconvened both the Council and Agency
meetings at 8:53 p.m. for the purpose of holding a joint discussion on a
request by the County of Riverside for an extension of time relative to
an agreement to pass through tax increment from the Palm Desert
Redevelopment Project Area #2 to the County of Riverside.
Mr. Ortega stated this item had come up after the Agenda was
posted. He said he had received communications from the County
of Riverside requesting that action be taken at this time by
both the City Council and Redevelopment Agency Board.
Councilman/Member Snyder moved to determine that this item came
up after the Agenda was posted and needed to be considered at this time.
Motion was seconded by Benson and carried by unanimous vote of the
Council/Agency Board.
Upon question by Wilson. Mr. Ortega stated that a letter had
been hand -delivered that day from the County of Riverside. He
said he had been unable to finalize a final agreement with the
County and that they were asking the Council/Agency Board to
approve an agreement for a time extension of two months so that
an acceptable pass through agreement could be negotiated. He
asked that the extension agreement be approved in concept
because there were several items which had to be changed.
Councilman/Member Crites moved to approve in concept the
agreement extending for 60 days the period that the County can commence a
validation action. Motion was seconded by Wilson and carried by
unanimous vote of the Council/Agency Board.
Councilman Crites stated that proposed questions for Civic Arts
Committee applicants had been distributed the previous day.
Councilmember Benson added that proposed questions for Adver-
22
MINUTES
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING SEPTEMBER 10, 1987
a • a * a a a a a a a a a a a * a a * * a a a a a
ttsing & Promotion Committee applicants and Parks & Recreation
Commission applicants had also been distributed. She reviewed
the questions she and Councilman Crites had decided to use.
Council concurred with all of the recommended questions (all on
file and of record in the City Clerk's Office).
Upon motion by Snyder, second by Crites, and unanimous vote of
the Council/Agency Board, Mayor/Chairman Kelly adjourned the meeting at
9:00 p.m.
ATTEST:
MARY P.
CITY OF
ZIER, DEPUT'P CITY CLERK
M DESERT, CALIFORNIA
23
RICRARD S. KELL , MAYO