HomeMy WebLinkAbout1988-04-14MINUTES
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING
THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 1988
CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBER
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1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Benson convened the meeting at 4:00 p.m.
1I. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Councilman Richard 5. Kelly
III. INVOCATION - Councilman Walter H. Snyder
IV. ROLL CALL
Present:
Councilman Buford A. Crites
Councilman Richard S. Kelly
Councilman Walter H. Snyder
Mayor Pro-Tempore S. Roy Wilson
Mayor Jean M. Benson
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
Richard J. Folkers, Director of Public Works
Steve Smith, Associate Planner
Paul S. Gibson, Finance Director
Patrick Conlon, Director of Building & Safety
Frank Allen, Director of Code Compliance
V. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. MINUTES of the Regular City Council Meeting of March 24.
1988.
Rec: Approve as presented.
B. CLAIMS AND DEMANDS AGAINST THE CITY TREASURY - Warrant
Nos. WR 306, 309, and 312.
Rec: Approve as presented.
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APRIL 14, 1988
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C. APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE by Dervieux,
Inc. for Cuistot, 73-111 El Paseo, Palm Desert.
Rec: Receive and refer to the Department of Community
Development.
D. APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE by Dorothy M.
and Lowell A. Wooden for Dominick Mancuso's Tratoria, 73-
520 El Paseo, Palm Desert.
Rec: Receive and refer to the Department of Community
Development.
E. CLAIM NO. 071 AGAINST THE CITY by Barry Edward Ehlers in
the Amount of $512,614.84.
Rec: By Minute Motion, deny the Claim and instruct
the City Clerk to so advise the Claimant.
F. CLAIM NO. 072 AGAINST THE CITY by Theresa Irene Scanlan in
the Amount of $50,000.
Rec: By Minute Motion, deny the Claim and instruct
the City Clerk to so advise the Claimant.
G. CLAIM NO. 073 AGAINST THE CITY by Gary Howard and Peggy
Howard in the Amount of $250,000.
Rec: By Minute Motion, deny the Claim and
instruct the City Clerk to so advise the
Claimant.
H. MINUTES of the Building Board of Appeals and Condemnation
Meeting of March 9, 1988.
Rec: Receive and file.
I. LETTER OF RESIGNATION from Mr. Richard D. Johns from the
Civic Arts Committee.
Rec: Receive with regret.
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J. LETTER OF RESIGNATION from Mr. Hal J. Paradis from the
Advertising b Promotion Committee.
Rec: Receive with regret.
K. CONSIDERATION of Claims Handling Procedures for the City
of Palm Desert.
Rec:
By Minute Motion. adopt the Coachella Valley
Joint Powers Insurance Authority Claims
Administration Procedures for the City of Palm
Desert.
L. AUDIT REPORT on Transient Occupancy Tax.
Rec: Receive and file.
M. RESOLUTION NO. 88-38 - 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.
N. REQUEST FOR AWARD OF CONTRACT for Repair of FMC Sweeper.
Rec: By Minute Motion: 1) Determine that the
contract for the sweeper repair constitutes a
unique situation and Is therefore exempt from
normal bidding procedures (P.D. Municipal Code
Section 3.32.090): and 2) Authorize the Public
Works staff to issue a purchase order to Empire
Sales Company in an amount not to exceed
$12.000.
0. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of Purchase Order for Half -Ton Four -
Wheel Drive Pickup Truck for Maintenance Division.
Rec:
By Minute Motion, authorize the purchase of a
four-wheel drive half -ton pickup truck,
appropri.3ted in the mid -year budget, through the
State of California Department of General
Services in the amount of $10,929.
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P. REQUEST FOR ACCEPTANCE OF WORK on Contract No. 00-206.
1987-88 Slurry Seal Program.
Rec:
By Minute Motion, accept the work for Contract
No. 00-206 as complete and authorize the City
Clerk to file a Notice of Completion.
Q. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of Kelly Ordinance Agreements for
North Side Country Club Drive Widening between Portola
Avenue to Cook Street.
Rec:
By Minute Motion, authorize the Mayor to enter
Into an agreement for the subject improvements
with CTK Properties, Cook Partners Ltd.. Frank
R. & Linda H. Swiniuch, Pacific Drive-1n
Theatres, Patricia L. Martin.
R. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of Time Extension - Raffles Hotel. PP
85-46 and PM 21412.
Rec:
By Minute Motion, approve the request and grant
the extension subject to the execution of
agreements required by the Department of Public
Works for the widening of Highway 111.
S. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF CONTRACT NO. 00-040-1 BETWEEN THE
FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST, PALM DESERT, THE UNITED
STATES POST OFFICE - PALM DESERT BRANCH, AND THE CITY FOR
USE OF PARKING LOTS.
Rec: By Minute Motion, approve Contract No. 00-040-1
and authorize the Mayor to execute same.
Councilman Wilson asked that Item R be removed and held for
separate discussion under the Consent Items Held Over portion
of the Agenda.
Upon motion by Crites. second by Wilson, the Consent Calendar.
with the exception of Item R. was approved as presented by unanimous vote
of the Council.
VI. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - A
None
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VII. RESOLUTIONS
None
VIII. ORDINANCES
For Introduction:
A. ORDINANCE NO. 535 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER
1.08.010 OF THE PALM DESERT MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO
MISDEMEANOR CITATIONS.
Mr. Altman stated there was a memo from Mr. Allen in the
packets and offered to answer any questions.
Councilman Crites moved to waive further reading and pass
Ordinance No. 535 to second reading. Motion was seconded by Benson and
carried by unanimous vote of the Council.
For Adoption:
A. ORDINANCE NO. 534 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A NEGATIVE
DECLARATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT AND PREANNEXATION
ZONING FOR APPROXIMATELY 203 ACRES EAST OF COOK STREET
BETWEEN 42N0 AVENUE AND THE WHITEWATER STORM CHANNEL.
CASE NO. C/Z 88-1.
Mr. Altman stated no changes had been received since
introduction of this ordinance and recommended its
adoption.
Councilman Wilson moved to waive further reading and adopt
Ordinance No. 534. Motion was seconded by Snyder and carried by
unanimous vote of the Council.
IX. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER
R. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of Time Extension - Raffles Hotel, PP
85-46 and PM 21412.
Rec:
By Minute Motion, approve the request and grant
the extension subject to the execution of
agreements required by the Department of Public
Works for the widening of Highway I11.
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Mr. Smith reviewed the staff report, noting that approval
of the time extension would be subject to the execution of
agreements for the widening of Highway 111.
Mayor Benson stated she had noticed a "For Sale" sign on
the lot and asked why an extension was needed if the land
was going to be sold.
MS. CAM I LLE COURTNEY, D b D Development, stated the
extension was being requested because the developer was
waiting for the financing to come through. She said she
hoped to be under construction by the end of the year and
added that the listing noted by Mayor Benson would expire
on May lst.
Upon question by Mayor Benson, Ms. Courtney responded that
the "For Sale" sign would be removed after the listing
expiration.
Councilman Crites moved to, by Minute Motion, approve the
request and grant the extension subject to the execution of agreements
required by the Department of Public Works for the widening of Highway
1I1. Motion was seconded by Kelly and carried by a 4-1 vote, with Mayor
Benson voting NO.
X. NEW BUSINESS
A. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF REIMBURSEMENT AGREEMENT NO. 00-
274, TRACT 22111 - OFFSITE STORM DRAIN CONSTRUCTION.
BIRTCHER DUNHAM, APPLICANT.
Upon question by Councilman Crites, Mr. Folkers reviewed
the staff report in detail.
Councilman Kelly added that the City would be crediting
the developer on his drainage fees in exchange for the
work he was doing on site.
Councilman Kelly moved to, by Minute Motion: 1) Enter into
Contract No. 00-274 and authorize the Mayor to execute same on behalf of
the City; and 2) Authorize the treat of offsite drainage fees applicable
to this subdivision against the construction cost of master plan storm
drain facilities In the amount of $118,752. Motion was seconded by
Wilson and carried by unanimous vote of the Council.
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8. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS FOR PROJECT
AREA NO. 2.
Mr. Ortega reviewed the staff report and offered to answer
any questions.
Councilmen Crites and Wilson stated that they would be
abstaining from voting on this matter.
Mayor Benson moved to, by Minute Motion, approve the
Cooperative Agreements for Project Area No. 2 with the Coachella Valley
Community College District (#00-275). the Palm Springs Unified School
District (#00-276), the Desert Sands Unified School District (#00-277),
and the Riverside County Superintendent of Schools (#00-278), and
authorize the Mayor to sign. Motion was seconded by Kelly and carried by
a 3-0-2 vote. with Councilmen Crites and Wilson ABSTAINING.
XI. CONTINUED BUSINESS
A. REQUEST BY SANDY BAUM FOR RECONSIDERATION OF CONDITIONS OF
APPROVAL FOR RESIDENCE INN TO BE LOCATED AT THE CORNER OF
HIGHWAY 1I1 AND DEEP CANYON ROAD IN THE CITY OF PALM
DESERT. CASE NO. 86-45. (Continued from the meeting of
March 24, 1988.)
MR. SANDY BAUM, 45-800 Deep Canyon, stated that conditions
necessitating his request for reconsideration of
conditions had changed. He said he was withdrawing his
request at this time, although it might be necessary at a
later date.
Councilman Wilson moved to TABLE this matter. Motion was
seconded by Snyder and carried by unanimous vote of the Council.
XII. OLD BUSINESS
A. CONSIDERATION OF THE FORMATION OF ASSESSMENT DISTRICT #2
AND ANNEXATION #1 THERETO - HAYSTACK AREA LANDSCAPE AND
LIGHTING ASSESSMENT DISTRICT.
Mr. Erwin stated that these were the first steps in moving
forward toward a public hearing to determine whether to
annex additional property into the existing landscaping
and lighting assessment district. He said he would answer
any questions after presentation of the engineer's report.
He added that the public hearing would be the time to hear
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testimony from individuals in favor of and opposed to this
assessment district and annexation.
MR. NOEL CHRISTENSEN, C G Engineering, San Bernardino,
gave a brief history, noting that the original district
was formed in 1979, consisting of one tract of homes
(Tract No. 11636-1). He said this annexation would add
four other phases into the district (Nos. 11636-2. 11636-
3, 11636-4, and 11636-5). He added that copies of his
report had been given to Steve Smith and to the Council.
Mr. Erwin stated that there were four resolutions for
Council consideration at this time. He said there were
several changes that needed to be made: 1) Throughout
all of the resolutions, any reference to the public
hearing should indicated June 9th at 7:00 p.m.; and 2) The
second paragraph of Resolution No. 88-35 should be
deleted
Council Comments/Questions:
Wilson: Did not want to go through this process if there
was strong opposition at this time, especially since the
public hearing was two months away and the City would
continue to spend money on maintenance of the greenbelt.
Crites: Did not feel strong support or opposition was a
determining factor in deciding whether or not to go
forward with a public hearing. Individuals to be included
in the assessment district would have an opportunity to
speak at that hearing.
Kelly: Would be much more appropriate for the Council to
hear all of the testimony at one time --during the public
hearing.
Benson: Agreed with Crites and Kelly.
MR. TONY CAMPANERO addressed the Council as one of the
individuals trying to establish this assessment district.
He said he had been lc''citing signatures in favor of this
district. He added tnat the City had received a good
faith check from Lewis Homes as well as monies from other
individuals, and he asked whether or not he should
continue soliciting his neighbors for signatures.
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Mayor Benson responded that it was her understanding that
Mr. Campanero would continue his efforts until the public
hearing.
Mr. Altman confirmed that a check had been received from
Lewis Homes in the amount of $5,800, and this money was
given to the City to show that people do want to keep
things alive until this matter is resolved.
Snyder: Commended those individuals who have stepped
forward and spent a lot of time going up and down the
streets trying to bring this matter to a conclusion. He
said it was very evident that people in Palm Desert are
interested in their own well-being.
MR. ALBERT BARBER, 72-750 Ambrosia. read a prepared
statement (attached hereto and made a part hereof as
Exhibit "A").
Councilman Snyder moved to: 1)Waive further reading and adopt
Resolution No. 88-34, initiating proceedings for Annexation #1 to the
existing district (District #2), appointing the engineer of work. and
ordering preparation of the engineer's report; 2) Waive further reading
and adopt Resolution No. 88-35, delineating the City Council's Intent to
order Annexation #1 to District #2, its location and place, and
specifying a time for hearing objections thereto; 3) Waive further
reading and adopt Resolution No. 88-36, delineating the City Council's
intent to levy and collect assessments in District #2 for Fiscal Year
1988-89 and setting a time and place for hearing objections; and 4)Waive
further reading and adopt Resolution No. 88-37, approving the engineer's
report for levy of annual assessments for Fiscal Year 1988-89 for the
District #2 and Annexation #1 thereto. Motion was seconded by Crites and
carried by unanimous vote of the Council.
Councilman Wilson said that since the Phase 1 homeowners
were the ones who did not want to participate in the
assessment district on a one-third basis, he was ready to
take the area from Alamo to Highway 74 and give it back to
the Phase 1 owners to do whatever they wanted with it.
The City could then work with the other phases of Canyon
Cove to take care of the rest of the area and the storm
channel.
Mr. Altman asked that the staff report for the public
hearing include two alternatives for the Council to
consider: 1) Continue with the assessment district and
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annexation; or 2) Proceed with Councilman's Wilson
suggestions and cut Phase I loose. Mr. Erwin responded
that staff's report will give the Council the broadest
alternatives available.
B. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF PROPOSAL FOR CONFERENCE ROOM
FURNITURE AND PROPOSED REVISION TO FLOOR PLAN OF PROJECT
AREA "C".
Mr. Conlon reviewed the staff reports dated March 25th and
April 7th and offered to answer any questions.
Upon question by Councilman Crites relative to including
office space for law enforcement personnel in the floor
plan revision, Mr. Altman responded that where Deputy
Conley was currently sitting was considered his permanent
location.
Councilman Crites asked if this proposed revision would
save the City some money. Mr. Conlon responded that first
indications were that this would be a break even situation
and if there were any extras, he did not anticipate the
cost to be above $2,000.
Upon question by Wilson regarding the chairs in the
existing conference room, Mr. Altman responded that new
chairs were needed because there were not enough of the
existing chairs and they took up too much room around the
table. He assured the Council that staff would make use
of those chairs.
Discussion was held regarding where Councilmen Kelly and
Snyder would be housed during remodeling of their office
and the conference room. Mr. Altman assured them
arrangements would be made for them. Mr. Conlon added
that although both the office and conference room were
scheduled to be done at the same time. he would check with
the contractor to see If only one at a time could be done,
and that way Kelly and Snyder could be in the conference
room while their office was being remodeled.
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Councilman Crites moved to, by Minute Motion, approve the
proposal by Ms. Ann Wyles as Contract No. 00-279 and authorize the
Director of Finance to appropriate $30,427.65, including a 10%
contingency, from the New Construction Tax Fund. Motion was seconded by
Snyder and carried by a 4-1 vote, with Wilson voting NO.
Councilman Crites moved to, by Minute Motion, instruct staff to
proceed with the floor plan revisions to Project Area C as recommended by
the Civic Center Subcommittee. Motion was seconded by Benson and carried
by unanimous vote of the Council.
XIII. REPORTS AND REMARKS
A. CITY MANAGER
Mr. Folkers reported that bids had been opened for the
construction of the Highway 11I FAU Widening Project. He
said the low bid was received from Brutoco Company in the
amount of $1.733 million, which was 1.16% above the
engineer's final estimate. He added that it looked as if
it was a good bid and that the contractor would start some
time in May.
B. CITY ATTORNEY
Mr. Erwin stated that the Council might wish to go into
Closed Session at the end of the 4:00 p.m. session, time
permitting.
C. MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
o City Council Requests for Action:
Mayor Jean M. Benson:
1. Request from Metropolitan Water District of
Southern California for Adoption of a Resolution
Supporting Proposed Legislation for
Congressional Authorization to Line Portions of
the All American Canal and the Coachella Branch.
Councilman Snyder expressed concern that prior
to supporting this legislation, both Imperial
Irrigation and Coachella Valley Water District
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should be contacted to see if there are any
objections.
Councilman Crites pointed out that the report
indicates the Coachella Valley Water District
supports the legislation but that the Imperial
Irrigation District had several concerns.
Councilman Wilson moved to direct the Mayor to write
appropriate letters in support of the proposed legislation. Motion was
seconded by Crites and carried by unanimous vote of the Council.
2. Request from the City of Agoura Hills for
Support of AB 3813 Dealing with Billboards.
Mayor Benson stated she felt the Council should
support this bill.
Councilman Wilson moved to direct the Mayor to write
letters in support of this bill. Motion was seconded by Crites and
carried by unanimous vote of the Council.
3. Request from the Chamber of Commerce for
Appointment of a Council Liaison to the Chamber
Board.
Mayor Benson said this appointment had been
pending for some time and needed to be done.
Mr. Dan Ehrler. Executive Vice President of the
Chamber of Commerce. stated that the Board of
Directors had Initiated this request in
February.
Councilman Wilson moved to thank the Chamber of Commerce
and appoint the Mayor to serve as the Clty's representative.
Mayor Benson said she would be happy to serve in
this capacity but that the scheduled meetings
conflicted with her schedule. She recommended
that Councilman Crites be appointed since he had
expressed and interest in doing so.
Councilman Wilson withdrew his motion.
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Councilman Kelly moved to appoint Councilman Crites as
Council Liaison to the Chamber Board. Motion was seconded by Wilson and
carried by unanimous vote of the Council.
Councilman Walter H. Snyder:
1. Citizen Complaints about Leaf Blower Noise at
Palms to Pines Plaza.
Councilman Snyder stated he had received several
complaints from people about the Palms to Pines
area regarding leaf blower noise at 2:30 a.m.
He said he felt the ordinance restricting hours
of operation for these blowers should be looked
at again.
Mayor Benson said that she, Councilman Crites.
and Code Compliance Director Frank Allen would
be meeting with the City Attorney on May 2nd to
review reports from other cities as well as the
kinds of equipment being used.
Upon question by Councilman Kelly, Mr. Allen
responded that construction workers were allowed
to begin work at 7:00 a.m. during the season and
6:00 a.m. starting May 1st. Mr. Conlon added
that 8:00 a.m. was the earliest they could start
on weekends. Councilman Kelly asked how early
gardeners could begin work, and Mr. Allen
responded 7:00 a.m.
Mayor Pro-Tempore S. Roy Wilson:
1. Staff Report on concerns raised about One -Eleven
Town Center.
Councilman Wilson said he had asked staff to
prepare a report and bring the plans for this
center to the meeting. He said developments
seemed to be getting away from the architectural
tones est3blished for the City, such as earthen
colors, etc. He said it bothered him to see
that signs had gone from being wooden to being
back lighted, and now they had become very
garish, with everyone trying to outdo everyone
else's signs.
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Mr. Altman suggested that this might be a good
topic for a joint meeting between City Council
and Planning Commission where all the members
would go out a look at the site.
Mayor Benson said she felt the Architectural
Review Commission should be included in this
meeting.
Councilman Crites asked that staff set a half
day meeting with lunch and that the agenda for
the meeting be open for all three bodies to
place items on it for discussion. The Council
agreed.
Councilman Wilson asked that staff proceed with
the suggestions outlined in the report for this
project. Council concurred.
o City Council Committee Reports:
Councilman Crites
I. Councilman Crites said he had represented the
Council on Saturday, April 9th, at the opening
of the annual baseball season. As in the past,
there were approximately 1,000 young people
wanting to play baseball, with 80% or so from
Palm Desert. He said he felt this pointed out a
definite need for action in terms of the Civic
Center park and athletic facilities for the
youth of the City. He added that Mr. Folkers
had also attended the opening to make sure the
fields were groomed, and he thanked him for
doing so since this was not something that was
required of him.
2. Councilman Crites said he represented the
Council on CVAG's Energy and Environment
Committee and that each Councilmember would
receive a copy of the work plan for this year as
soon as it was typed. He said one of the goals
would be to set up at least two meetings with
the South Coast Air Quality Management District
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to discuss philosophies about the air quality in
the Los Angeles Basin and the Coachella Valley.
Mayor Benson added that she, the City Manager,
and Jim Lopez from the Marriott were recently in
Phoenix to attend the Institute of Resource
Management Conference on clean air. She said
the conference was very informative and that she
would put her notes together in a report to the
Council. She added that the next meeting would
be in held in Riverside County in July and said
initial contact had been made to see if they
would be interested in having it in Palm Desert.
Councilman Wilson said that the South Coast Air
Quality Management District would be unveiling
its air quality management plan on June 29th and
that this would have to go to all governmental
agencies and businesses. He said the Council
should be prepared to spend a lot of time
reviewing the plan, which would include some
life-style change implications for everyone.
Upon question by Councilman Crites, Wilson
responded that the plan needed to be adopted by
Fall 1988 In order to meet Federal requirements.
3. Councilman Crites stated that one of the items
that came up at the Public Safety Committee was
disaster preparedness drills. He said when
these drills are held, it is very important to
be sure the policy makers are included in the
actual activities. He said that very often the
drills have been with members of staff, and it
is time that everyone participates in order to
get a feel for what kinds of decisions will have
to be made in disaster situations.
Councilman Kelly
Councilman Kelly stated he had represented CVAG
at the CalCog Transportation Committee meeting.
He said a bill was being presented through the
Senate which would give local jurisdictions more
control over traffic. He said one interesting
point was that San Diego was not included in the
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bill because officials in San Diego felt they
were doing some of their own regional planning.
He added that In the last two years, the
Coachella Valley had done an outstanding job of
regional traffic planning.
2. Councilman Kelly stated that Saturday, April
16th, was the performance Joanna Hodges Piano
Competition winners at the McCallum Theatre. He
said he felt the Counc i l should encourage as
many people In the community to attend and
support this event as possible as this was the
first year it would be held in this facility.
Mayor Benson added that the cost of the tickets
had been kept down to $5. $10. and $16 per seat
so that people in the community could afford to
attend.
Councilman Wilson
1. Councilman Wilson asked that staff prepare a
report relative to the Art In Public Places
program. Mr. Altman responded that it would be
on the next Council agenda with a recommendation
to continue with the program.
XIV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - B
MR. DAN EHRLER. Executive Vice President of the Chamber of
Commerce, said that each of the Councllmembers should have
received a packet of Information relative to the goals and
objectives which came about as a result of the Chamber of
Commerce Planning Session. He said for those who were unable
to attend this Planning Session, a meeting was set for 7:30
a.m. on Friday, April 29th, at the Chamber of Commerce to
discuss these matters.
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Chairman Benson convened the Redevelopment Agency meeting at 5:20
p.m. for the purpose of a joint Agency/City Council Closed Session.
ROLL CALL
Present:
Member Buford A. Crites
Member Richard S. Kelly
Member Walter H. Snyder
Vice Chairman 5. Roy Wilson
Chairman Jean M. Benson
Also Present:
Carlos L. Ortega, Executive Director
Bruce A. Altman. City Manager
Sheila R. Gilligan, Agency Secretary
Richard J. Folkers, Director of Public Works
Steve Smith, Associate Planner
Paul S. Gibson, Finance Director
Patrick Conlon, Director of Building 8 Safety
Frank Allen, Director of Code Compliance
Councilman/Member Crites moved to adjourn to Closed Session at
5:20 p.m. pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8, Real Property
Acquisition (relative to Mr. and Mrs. Kay property on the east side of
Alamo Drive between Bel Air and the north property line of the Birtcher-
Dunham project; a parcel of land located on El Paseo and owned by Palm
Desert National Bank; four lots on Acacia owned by Michael Homme; and the
Yrmibesh property on Alessandro), 54945.9 (a), Pending Litigation (Palm
Desert and Indian Wells (Sunterra), Dame vs. the City of Palm Desert, and
Matich vs. the City of Palm Desert), and 54956.9 (b), Potential
Litigation. Motion was seconded by Wilson and carried by unanimous vote
of the Council/Agency.
Mayor/Chairman Benson reconvened the meeting at 7:00 p.m. and
proceeded with the City Council Agenda. The Redevelopment
Agency meeting was completed following adjournment of the City
Council meeting.
XV. COMPLETION OF ITEMS HELD OVER FROM 4:00 P.M. SESSION
None
XVI. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - C
None
17
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 14, 1988
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XVII. AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS, AND APPOINTMENTS
A. PRESENTATION OF PLAQUE HONORING THE PALM DESERT MIDDLE
SCHOOL FOR ITS 1987 YEARBOOK.
Mayor Benson stated that this presentation would be
continued to the meeting of April 28► 1988, so that a
representative of the Middle School could be present to
receive the plaque.
B. PROCLAMATION Declaring Thursday, May 5, 1988, as National
Prayer Day in the City of Palm Desert.
Mayor Benson read and presented the proclamation declaring
May 5, 1988, as National Prayer Day In Palm Desert.
C. PRESENTATION by Resort Towns International, Inc.
Council Comments/Questions:
Crites: Things not commented on are basically those items
with which the Council is comfortable. Concerned with
traffic circulation - limiting the number of access points
onto Monterey Avenue. Traffic from the proposed
commercial portion of the project should be funnelled
through the main entrance. Applauded the developer's
interest in providing the first glimmer of employee
housing, and that issue is something that needs to be
addressed. Concerned with whether or not providing 70-80
units constitutes enough effort to provide this type of
housing. One of the problems is low income employees -
what will be done on site for day care? Felt it was
exciting to have an architectural monument at the
entrance. Concerned with the building height of 60 feet
and the 125 foot high tower and said it would make this
project the highest building between here and downtown Los
Angeles. Also concerned with the long straight line of
golf course type homes.
Kelly: Asked what the density of the project was with 575
rooms, 224 cisitds, and 498 golf -ourse villas. Mr. Smith
responded that it was Tess than three units to the acre.
Councilman Kelly expressed concern with: 1) The traffic;
and 2) The effect of the long line of units - felt more
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APRIL 14, 1988
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thought should be given to breaking up that line so it
does not look like an army base. Liked the fact that
there was not housing along both sides of all the golf
fairways.
Wilson: Commended the developer for the mediterranean
architecture, said he was instantly enamored by the
softness and atmosphere, and felt it was a very inviting
project. However, had some concerns about the entrance
onto Monterey and felt other alternatives needed to be
discussed. Agreed with Crites about the need to be very
sensitive to employee housing, not necessarily on site but
nearby. This should be addressed by the environmental
impact report. First reaction to the project was that it
was very nicely thought out. Liked the concepts and the
feel of the project.
Snyder: Also liked the architecture. Not as concerned
with the entrance on Monterey but agreed the long line of
units needed to be varied. Appreciated the developer
coming to the Council and asking for suggestions. Felt
that was a very proper way to do things so that solutions
to problems could be worked out. Felt overall it was an
excellent project that would bring Palm Desert more glory.
Benson: Still concerned with Monterey entrance and the
height of the campaniles. Did not see why that type of
treatment was necessary. Another concern was the off site
housing more than on site and the vehicle traffic into the
project. Felt the Council would be very remiss if it did
not address housing. Bringing in 1,500 employees. the
Council must be concerned with keeping the air clean and
cutting down the distance between where they live and
where they work. Concerned with the corner commercial
area and making sure the proper agreement is reached as
far as what will go in that section. Felt the location
was very good and that the project would complement what
she would like to see in that area of the City.
Developer's Response:
Mr. Frank Laulainen stated that more excitement could be
created in those units along the golf courses. He said
the entry monument was only a concept at this time. He
said the campanile (tower) was an architectural feature,
not a building. which would ring with bells and chimes at
19
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING APPIL 14, 1988
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dinnertime. etc. He added that they were also concerned
with the traffic but did not want potential guests coming
to the hotel and not being able to turn into the project.
He said whatever was determined by the traffic engineers.
traffic studies. environmental impact reports, etc. would
be what they would do. As far as providing employee
housing, he said this would probably not satisfy all of
that need. He said he did not think all of it could be
satisfied totally on this site and would have to be solved
off -site. He said he felt studies would show where that
need is and said there had been discussions with adjoining
property owners for additional area for that type of
housing. He completed his report by stating that he
wanted to work with the Council and get its ideas before
coming back with a final plan.
Mr. Steve Smith, Associate Planner, stated that the
application had been filed a week or ten days ago for a
tentative map. precise plan, and conditional use permit
for the hotel in the PR zone. He said the notice of
preparation for the environmental impact report had been
sent out to 52 agencies, which had 30 days in which to
indicated to the City those areas which should be
addressed. Following receipt of those comments, the draft
document will be prepared and circulated to those agencies
for comment, and staff will proceed from that point on.
Mr. Altman added that the environmental impact report
would include addressing areas such as housing, traffic,
and drainage. He said that the developer had financing
and wanted to get the project moving soon so the facility
could open in 1990.
Upon question by Crites. the developer responded that a
builder, Roel Construction, had already been obtained for
this project.
D. PRESENTATION by Lt. Stan Sniff on Traffic Team.
Lt. Sniff presented the 1987 Traffic Safety Program Report
for the City of Palm Desert (on file and of record in the
City Clerk's Office). He introduced Sgt. Betty Byers, who
would be taking over the Traffic Team. and Traffic
Investigator Ron Ereedly. He added that he had really
enjoyed working with the community for the last three
years.
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 14, 1988
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Mayor Benson presented a plaque of appreciation to Lt.
Sniff for his service to Palm Desert.
XVIII. PUBLIC HEARINGS
None
XIX. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - D
None
XX. ADJOURNMENT
Councilman Crites moved to adjourn to Closed Session at 8:22
p.m. pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8, Real Property
Transactions and 54956.9 (a) and (b), Pending and Potential Litigation.
said Closed Session to immediately follow adjournment of the
Redevelopment Agency meeting. Motion was seconded by Kelly and carried
by unanimous vote of the Council.
Mayor Benson reconvened the meeting at 9:25 p.m. and
immediately adjourned with no action announced.
ATTEST:
--
SHE ILA R. f3uLIGAN,
CITY OF PALM DESERT
Y CLERK
CALIFORNIA
4{ 6erx4,tvt
J A M. BENSON, MAYOR
21
MINUTES
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING
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