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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1988-03-10MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 1988 CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBER • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • I. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Benson convened the meeting at 4:00 p.m. I1. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Councilman S. Roy Wilson III. INVOCATION - Councilman Richard S. Kelly IV. ROLL CALL Present: Councilman Buford A. Crites Councilman Richard 5. 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 Ramon A. Diaz, Director of Community Services Kirby J. Warner, Director of General Services Robert Smith, Code Compliance Officer V. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES of the Regular City Council Meeting of February 25, 1988. Rec: Approve as presented. B. CLAIMS AND DEMANDS AGAINST THE CITY TREASURY - Warranr Nos. WR0204 and WR0207. Rec: Approve as presented. MINUTES REGULAR MEETING OF THE PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MARCH 10, 1988 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • C. APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE by Angelo Dormizzi for Angelo's, 72-835 Highway 111, Palm Desert. Rec: Receive and refer to the Department of Community Services for processing. D. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of Change Order No. 2 to Contract No. 00-235 in the amount of $650.00, Moser Landscape, Inc., for the installation of Median Landscaping on Fred Waring Drive and Monterey Avenue. Rec: By Minute Motion, approve Change Order No. 2 and ratify the approval of the'City Manager. E. REQUEST FOR APPROPRIATION of $1,000 for the City's Participation in the Reception for the California Transportation Commission. Rec: By Minute Motion, appropriate $1,000 for payment to CVAG for Palm Desert's share of the cost for the California Transportation Commission Reception. F. REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF SUBDIVISION IMPROVEMENT BONDS for Tract 19074-1, San Pablo Properties. Rec: By Minute Motion, authorize the City Clerk to release the Subdivision Improvement Bonds for Tract 19074-1, San Pablo Properties. G. CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST from F.I.N.D. for Financial Assistance. Rec: By Minute Motion, refer the request to the Outside Agency Contribution Task Force for report and recommendation. H. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF CONTRACT FOR CITY SALES TAX AUDIT AND INFORMATION SERVICE. Rec: 1. By Minute Motion, authorize the Mayor to execute Contract No. 00-272 with Municipal Resource Consultants (MRC) to perform sales tax consulting and auditing services for the City of Paim Desert; and 2. Waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 88-30, appointing MRC as the City's authorized representative to examine State Sales and Use Tax rF,'rds of the board of Equalization. MINUTES REGULAR MEETING OF THE PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MARCH 10, 1988 • • • * • • • • • • • a • • a • • • • • * • • * • Mr. Erwin asked that Item A be held over for separate discussion under the Consent Items Held Over portion of the Agenda. Upon motion by Crites, second by Snyder, and unanimous vote of the Council, the Consent Calendar, with the exception of Item A, was approved as presented. VI. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - A MR. BOB DEXTER, 72-910 Calliandra, Palm Desert, addressed the Council and said since August, 1987, he had been a member of the committee trying to find a solution to the maintenance of the Haystack Channel greenbelt, which the City had stopped watering. He said after a meeting with Mayor Benson, Councilman Kelly, and members of staff, he had tried to solicit funds from residents of the area in the amount of $100 per parcel. He said including donations from two citizens who do not live in the area, $3,550 had been raised and that he had a check payable to the City in that amount. He noted that this was seed money to get the water turned back on and the lawn cut and to let the City know that these people wanted the area kept green. MR. TONY CAMPANERO, 73-037 Haystack Road, said he was also a member of the committee. He said several people in the area who had purchased lots had signed a document stating they were responsible for a portion of the greenbelt. He said he had shown this document to the City Manger, and the situation still could not be resolved. He asked when the matter could be placed on an Agenda for Council consideration. Upon question by Councilman Wilson relative to the procedure for formation of an assessment district, Mr. Erwin said thar staff would look into the matter initially, come up with a -- area, and contact property owners to see if a sufficient number of people would sign the petition. He said 507E in favor ha,i been the figure used in the past before starting the process or forming a district. He reminded Council that this item was nor on the Agenda but could be considered if the Council, by 4/5th: vote, decided it was something that came up after the Agenr],j was posted and needed to be acted upon at this time. Mr. Campanero said his concern was that this matter had be, — addressed nine months ago, it would take another nine months a year to put the district together, and the grass would dig' before then. 3 MINUTES REGULAR MEETING OF THE PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MARCH 10, 1988 • • • • • • a • • • • a • • • • • a a a • • • • • Councilman Wilson moved to place this item on the Agenda for consideration as an emergency item in view of the fact that it had just come before the Council and there was a timing factor in deciding not to let the grass die. Motion was seconded by Crites and carried by unanimous vote of the Council. MR. ROBERT DICKSON, 72-827 Haystack Road, read a prepared statement (attached hereto and made a part hereof as Exhibit 1An) MR. ALBERT BARBER, 72-750 Ambrosia, asked the Council what the City was doing about the landscaping around the homes. Councilman Wilson responded that the City had no control over private landscaping. Lewis Homes was required by condition of approval of its development to install certain landscaping around each home, as was every other development in the City, be it single home or multiple home development. However, the City does not maintain that or any of the other landscaping. MS. OCTAVIA HOWELL, a student at Palm Desert High School, said she felt the greenbelt should be maintained because Haystack is a main roadway to The Living Desert. MR. PHILLIP MESSER, 72-775 Deergrass, said Lewis Homes had spent over $300,000 to install the landscaping, and he felt it would be a crime to let it die. MR. GROVER NABLES, 72-987 Haystack Road, said he had been advised when he purchased his home that Lewis Homes would install the landscaping, and the City would maintain it. He felt any assessment district should be broad because many more people benefit from the greenbelt than just those who live fn the area, including people who ride bikes, jog, and take their children for walks. MR. RAY OTT, 72-990 Deergrass, agreed with Mr. Nables and said he would be willing to participate in an assessment district. He said by law everyone who benefits should be included, and he felt that would mean the area south of Haystack as well as the Lewis Homes. MRS. JUNE DICKSON said since she lived in the City and paid taxes, she felt a lot of that money should go toward the maintenance of this greenbelt as part of the park area within the City. Councilman Wilson summarized the issue as follows: It is tradition in -e City that individuals u—'ng developments such as Ironwood, ie Lakes, and The V i neyat , pay for their own MINUTES REGULAR MEETING OF THE PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MARCH 10, 1988 • . . . . • . . . . • . • . . • . . . • . • • • • exterior maintenance. However, members of Canyon Cove argued that they felt it was unfair, because of the size of the channel, for them to pay all of it. The Council agreed last July that the City would pay two-thirds of the cost if the homeowners would put together a mechanism to get the 220 members of that area to come up with the other one-third of the cost. The City has now paid for two-thirds of one year in order to allow time for the homeowners to come up with this mechanism. He concluded his remarks by stating he felt the $3,550 was a good faith effort that someone in that area was trying to do something about the problem. Mayor Benson said as a result of the previously mentioned meeting with staff and residents of Canyon Cove, Mr. Diaz was to begin assessment district proceedings (which would take about four months), and Mr. Dexter and Mr. Campanero were advised that in the meantime they should collect money and present a check to the City to keep the maintenance going. Upon question by Wilson, Mr. Folkers stated that the monthly cost of maintenance was approximately $3,600; therefore, the $3,550 collected would cover one month. Councilman Snyder said that inasmuch as the homeowners had raised enough money to cover one month's maintenance, perhaps the City could continue with the two-thirds/one-third split and provide maintenance for an additional two months, for a total of three months. In the meantime, staff would either begin proceedings to form an assessment district. or an agreement could be reached whereby the homeowners would agree to pay one-third of the cost and the City would pay the other two-thirds. With this philosophy in mind, he moved to continue maintaining the greenbelt for another three months while this matter is being straightened out. Motion was seconded by Kelly. Councilman Wilson said the City had already paid the maintenance cost for two-thirds of one year, and it would not be fair to now put up another two-thirds of three months. He suggested that the water be turned back on, the maintenance crews mow the grass, and the matter be put on the Agenda in one month. If by that time there has been sufficient effort to get something put together within Canyon Cove for all 220 parcels, he said he would be w i 1 i i ng to spend more of the C i ty' s money from month to month while the process was being worked out. Councilman Kelly said he felt strongly that the City should do whatever paperwork was necessary to get the assessment district formed, and at the time of the public hearing, the Council would find out whether or not the homeowners actually wanted the assessment district. 5 MINUTES REGULAR MEETING OF THE PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MARCH 10, 1988 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Council Wilson said he would like to see some more good faith effort along the lines of getting Lewis Homes to say they will stand behind the vacant lots they have not yet sold and have the other property owners agree to an assessment district. Councilman Snyder withdrew his motion, and Councilman Kelly withdrew his second. Councilman Wilson moved to turn the water back on and start the maintenance operation on the Haystack Channel immediately using the good faith money ($3,550) to pay for it; put the issue on the agenda in one month and ask those who have been assisting to continue their efforts to get petitions for commitment from people who would be willing to pay one- third of the assessment from the total 220 homes in the development. Councilman Kelly said he would second the motion with the amendment that staff put the wheels in motion to get the assessment district formed. Councilman Wilson agreed to the amendment. Mayor Benson called for the vote, and the motion carried by unanimous vote of the City Council. Upon question by Mr. Campanero as to whether or not they should continue soliciting funds from homeowners along Haystack, Councilman Wilson answered no. He said the biggest property owner was Mr. Lewis of Lewis Homes, and Mr. Campanero should try to get a commitment from him that he will make it clear that anyone purchasing property from him would be put on the fee structure to pay a portion of the one-third cost of the maintenance for the surrounding landscaping. MR. TOM ARGYLE, 72-980 Deergrass, expressed concern that only the 220 homes in the Canyon Cove area were to be Included in the assessment district, and he felt it might be difficult to get approval from all of the homeowners when many more people In the City benefit from the greenbelt. Councilman Crites responded that the Council was trying to deal with this Issue the same way it had dealt with others in the same situation --in other cases, landscaping is paid for by the entire project. He said when the Canyon Cove project was approved, residents across from the project were opposed to the higher density. In exchange for that higher density, Lewis Homes agreed to provide the setback. All of Palm Desert's citizens have been paying two-thirds of the cost for the landscaping, and the Council was asking Canyon Cove homeowners to pay only one-third. He said he felt this was a reasonable compromise. MINUTES REGULAR MEETING OF THE PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MARCH 10, 1988 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • a • • • • • • • • • • Mr. Argyle stated that inasmuch as he did not live on either of the two streets right along the Haystack Channel (Calllandra and Haystack), he did not feel the greenbelt was part of his home. Mayor Benson said that all arguments, both for and against, would be heard at the public hearing for the assessment district. VII. RESOLUTIONS None VIII. ORDINANCES For Introduction: None For Adoption: A. ORDINANCE NO. 531 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTION 2 . 28 . 0 1 0 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT TO ESTABLISH COMPENSATION FOR MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL EFFECTIVE DECEMBER 1, 1988. Mr. Altman stated that no further input had been received since this ordinance was introduced and recommended its adoption. Councilman Snyder moved to waive further reading and adopt Ordinance No. 531. Motion was seconded by Kelly and carried by a 4-0-1 vote, with Councilman Wilson ABSTAINING. B. ORDINANCE NO. 526A - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, FOR SPEED ZONE ESTABLISHMENT -- MESA VIEW DRIVE BETWEEN STATE HIGHWAY 74 AND PORTOLA AVENUE; PORTOLA AVENUE BETWEEN FRED WARING DRIVE AND MESA VIEW DRIVE. Mr. Altman stated that no further input had been received since first reading of this ordinance and recommended its adoption. 7 MINUTES REGULAR MEETING OF THE PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MARCH 10, 1988 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Councilman Kelly said he had observed other cities and especially the County and knew Palm Desert was very strict in trying to follow the guidelines and rules for the establishment of speed zones. However, he still felt more residential areas of the City should be posted as 25 mph in order to protect the neighborhoods. Councilman Wilson moved to waive further reading and adopt Ordinance No. 526A. Motion was seconded by Snyder and carried by a 4-1 vote, with Councilman Kelly voting NO. IX. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER A. MINUTES of the Regular City Council Meeting of February 25, 1988. Rec: Approve as presented. Mr. Erwin said that the motion on the second line on page 19 of the February 25th Minutes should be changed as follows: "Councilman Snyder moved to waive further reading and pass Ordinance No. 533 to second reading." Councilman Crites moved to approve the Minutes as corrected. Motion was seconded by Wilson and carried by unanimous vote of the Council. X. NEW BUSINESS None XI. CONTINUED BUSINESS A. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL to Release Subdivision Improvement Bonds for Tract 13881-4, Chaparral Country Club. (Continued from Meeting of February 25, 1988) Mr. Erwin said that rather than the recommendation on the Agenda to continue this matter to the meeting of March 24th, he would recommend that Council approve the release of the subdivision improvement bonds for this tract. He said he had found that there was no connection between the bonding for the tract and the pending litigation. Councilman Kelly moved to, by Minute Motion, authorize the City Clerk to release the subdivision improvement bonds for Tract 13881-4, Chaparral County Club. Motion was seconded by Crites and carried by unanimous vote of the Council. 8 MINUTES REGULAR MEETING OF THE PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MARCH 10, 1988 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • XII. OLD BUSINESS XIII. A. UPDATE ON PRESIDENTS' PLAZA PARKING PROBLEM. Mr. Phil Joy, Associate Planner, said that through the cooperation of a lot of different people, a temporary parking lot had been provided at El Paseo and Larkspur for employees, and this seemed to be helping with the parking problems In Presidents' Plaza. MS. KATHY NELSON from The Packaging Store reported that merchants in Presidents' Plaza had formed a committee and had held three meetings. She said there was excellent participation in using the parking lot, with almost 40 cars every day. She said that once the legal problems were worked out relative to the parking lot at the Security Pacific Bank, the parking problems would be alleviated even more. She added that the committee would continue meeting on a monthly basis to try and come up with long-term solutions to the problems. Mayor Benson said that this was a good example of the City and its citizens working together to arrive at a solution to a problem and said the Council appreciated the merchants meeting with City officials to work this out. Councilman Kelly said this was only a temporary solution to a problem that will only get worse. He asked if any kind of provision for public parking was being considered for that area of the City. Mr. Altman responded that long-term as well as short-term solutions were being looked at, and staff should have something within the next two to three months. REPORTS AND REMARKS A. CITY MANAGER None B. CITY ATTORNEY None 9 MINUTES REGULAR MEETING OF THE PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MARCH 10, 1988 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • a C. MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE LUUNC1L o C t y Council Reques.ts :,- Action: 1. Civic Center Rem-,r.; - Councilman Roy Wilson. Councilman Wilson said he had seen boards over the windows in tree Administrative Conference Room and had wondered if work was being done on it prior to completion of the new conference room. He said he had since then found out that the doors had been removed and installed in the new conference room, and there was no actual work being done yet on the existing one. o City Council Committee Reports: 1. RAN Board Meeting. Councilman Kelly said he had attended a RAN Board meeting that day as the City's representative. He said this program was so successful that already 1,500 people had been identified by fingerprints in the computer. He said that as high as 200 crimes had been solved from one identification. Now the problem was that the District Attorney's Office was unable to process the workload and was not getting any additional help; however, more attorneys were being added to the Public Defender's Office. XIV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - B None Mayor Benson recessed the meeting at 5:10 p.m. so that students from the Palm Desert High School participating in Youth in Government Day could conduct a Student Council Meeting. She introduced Dr. Mike Jones. Principal, and Ms. Carole Hartle, Assistant Principal, who were in attendance to watch the students in action. She reconvened the meeting at 7:00 p.m. XV. COMPLETION OF ITEMS HELD OVER FROM 4:00 P.M. SESSION None 10 MINUTES REGULAR MEETING OF THE PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MARCH 10, 1988 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • XVI. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - C MR. SANDY BAUM, 45-800 Deep Canyon, requested that the previously approved conditions of approval for the Residence Inn, Mobile gas station, and restaurant site at the corner of Deep Canyon and Highway III be put on the next City Council Agenda for discussion. Mr. Altman require a Agenda. verified with the City Attorney that this would not public hearing and said staff would add it to the MR. BILL WARING, 73-186 Fiddleneck Lane, Palm Desert, stated he had a personal request. He read a petition relative to the Bob Hope Cultural Center and the years his father, Fred Waring, had devoted to it (attached hereto and made a part hereof as Exhibit "B"). Mayor Benson asked that Mr. Waring leave a copy of the petition with the Council. She said she personally would be happy to sign it. XVII. AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS, AND APPOINTMENTS A. PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATES to Students Participating in Governmental Day at the Civic Center. Mayor Benson and Administrative Services Officer Larry McAllister presented certificates, tie tacks, charms, and City pins to the students who participated in Youth in Government Day at the Civic Center. Mayor Benson said she hoped the Palm Desert High School would consider having this on an annual basis.. She also suggested that the students consider visiting the Courthouse, Board of Education, and Water District to see how they operate. Mayor Benson thanked Mr. McAllister for all the work he put into organizing the activities. B. PRESENTATION OF PLAQUE OF APPRECIATION to Mr. Bill Waring for his Service on the C1ty's Advertising 8 Promotion Committee. (Continued from Meeting of February 25, 1988) Mayor Benson presented a plaque to Mr. Bill Waring in appreciation of his dedicated service on the City's Advertising 8 Promotion Committee from November 1984 to January 1988. 11 MINUTES REGULAR MEETING OF THE PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MARCH 10, 1988 a • • • • • a a • • • • a a • • • • • • • • • • • C. PRESENTATION OF PLAQUE OF APPRECIATION to Mr. Sabby Jonathan for his Service on the City's Rent Review Commission. (Continued from Meeting of February 25, 1988) Mayor Benson presented a plaque of appreciation to Mr. Sabby .Jonathan for his dedicated service on the City's Rent Review Commission from August 1983 to February 1988. D. PRESENTATION of Proclamation for United Way Month. Mayor Benson read the proclamation and presented it to Mr. John Marman and Mr. Sabby Jonathan. Mr. Jonathan issued a public challenge to the City Council. He said the United Way campaign was winding down and would end with festivities at the Palm Desert Town Center, and volunteers were needed for the "sponge throw" which would cost $1 per throw. Mr. Harman added that this event, the United Way Beach Party, would take place during the Easter vacation break. E. PRESENTATION of Proclamation for Mental Retardation Month. Mayor Benson read the proclamation and presented it to Mr. David Spierling and Mr. Ted Fasano of the Foundation for the Retarded. She said the City was very proud of this organization and encouraged everyone to visit the facilities. XVIII. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. CONSIDERATION OF AN APPLICATION FOR A BINGO PERMIT FOR THE CHAPARRAL HOMEOWNERS' ASSOCIATION. Mr. Bob Smith reviewed the staff report, conditions for approval had been met. answer any questions. noting that all He offered to Mayor Benson declared the public hearing open and invited testimony in FAVOR of or OPPOSED to this request. None was offered. She declared the public hearing closed. Councilman Crites moved to, by Minute Motion, approve the request and authorize staff to Issue said permit. Motion was seconded by Snyder and carried by unanimous vote of the Council. 12 MINUTES REGULAR MEETING OF THE PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MARCH 10, 1988 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • B. CONSIDERATION OF AN AMENDMENT TO CHAPTER 5.86 OF THE PALM DESERT MUNICIPAL CODE REGULATING MASSAGE AND ESCORT SERVICES. Mr. Altman said that Councilman Wilson had raised questions several meetings ago relative to individuals applying for massage permits and felt a City Council public hearing should not be required except for massage establishments. Mayor Benson declared the public hearing open and Invited testimony in FAVOR of or OPPOSED to this amendment. None was offered. She declared the public hearing closed. Councilman Wilson moved to waive further reading and pass Ordinance No. 532 to second reading. Motion was seconded by Kelly and carried by unanimous vote of the Council. C. CONSIDERATION OF 14TH YEAR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) PROGRAM (1988-89). Mr. Altman stated there was a memo in the packets from Mr. Ortega explaining the background and staff's recommendation. Mayor Benson declared the public hearing open and asked if there was anyone present who would like to request these funds. MR. VAN CADENHEAD, 73-415 Ironwood, spoke on behalf of the Palm Desert Senior Center and asked that the Council allocate its 1988-89 CDBG funds to the Senior Center for its expansion. He said he would also be attending Council meetings at the Cities of Indian Wells and Rancho Mirage to request their allocations. He explained that the $55,000 building fund had been used for architect fees ($28,800) and required parking lot extension ($25,966). Mayor Benson declared the public hearing closed. Councilman Crites moved to, by Minute Motion: 1) Note for trN record that a public hearing had been held to receive requests ana recommendations for use of the City's 1988-89 Community Block Grant entitlement; and, 2) Refer to staff the submittal of application for use of funds. Motion was seconded by Snyder and carried by unanimous vote �* the Council. 13 MINUTES REGULAR MEETING OF THE PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MARCH 10, 1988 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . * . . . . . . . . . D. CONSIDERATION OF STAFF RECOMMENDATION FOR USE OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) FUNDS FOR 1988-89. Mr. Ortega said that staff had analyzed the request from the Senior Center and recommended that these funds be used to finance the expansion of the Senior Center, with the conditions that the Center obtain CDBG funds from the Cities of Indian Wells and Rancho Mirage and that ft have a fully funded project. He reviewed the memo in the packets and offered to answer any questions. Mayor Benson declared the public hearing open and invited testimony in FAVOR of or OPPOSED to this recommendation. None was offered. She declared the public hearing closed. Councilman Crites moved to, by Minute Motion, apply the City's allocation of $116,000 of Community Block Grant funds for fiscal year 1988-89 towards the expansion of the Senior Center with the condition that the Senior Center obtain CDBG funds from Indian Wells and Rancho Mirage and that it have a fully funded project. Motion was seconded by Kelly and carried by unanimous vote of the Council. XIX. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - D Mayor Benson noted that Boy Scouts from Troop 168 had spent some time that afternoon learning about city government in order to earn their Citizenship Merit Badges and that they were present in the audience. She asked the boys and their Scoutmaster to come forward and presented them with City pins. MR. DAN EHRLER from the Palm Desert Chamber of Commerce made a personal comment that experiences such as today's activities go a long way towards putting kids into political positions in the future. He said it was interesting to watch the kids and wonder which ones would actually wind up as Palm Desert City Counciimembers. Mr. Ehrler invited Council and staff to attend the Chamber's 1988 Planning Conference to be held from 7:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 19th, to discuss goals and objectives for the remainder of 1988. He said the cost was $15.00 per person and encouraged as many of the Council to attend as possible. He added that this conference would help continue the facilitation of communication between the Chamber and the City. Councilman Kelly expressed his regrets and said that he and Councilman Crites would both be out of town on City business that day and would not be able to attend the conference. 14 MINUTES REGULAR MEETING OF THE PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MARCH 10, 1988 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • * * • • * * • • Mr. Ehrler responded that perhaps some time in April a meeting could be arranged to discuss what went on during the conference. Mayor Benson said that this was something the City Council had been looking forward to getting started and commended Mr. Ehrler for his efforts. MR. SANDY BAUM, 45-800 Deep Canyon, Palm Desert, said he had noticed that El Paseo was darker now at night than it was before Christmas, primarily on the median strips, and that some of the lights had burned out and never been replaced. He felt either the Christmas lights needed to be eliminated or the burned out lights replaced. Mr. Altman said a report would be prepared for a future Agenda. He said the existing lights were strictly temporary and that staff was looking into low voltage lights. XX. ADJOURNMENT Councilman Crites moved to adjourn the City Council meeting at 7:52 p.m. and convene the Redevelopment Agency meeting. Motion was seconded by Kelly and carried by unanimous vote. ATTEST: SHE I LA R. G I LL'f GAN, C Ij'Y CLERK CITY OF PALM DESERT,' ALIFORNIA JEANjM. BENSON, MA OR 15 MINUTES REGULAR MEETING OF THE PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MARCH 10, 1988 • • • • • • • a • a a a • a • • • a a a a • a a a 10 March, 1988 EXHIBIT "A" DEMAND FOR A FULL D1$CLOSUPE OF ALL FACTS CONVECTED 'WITH THE FCBLIC PARK FACILITY ALONG HAYSTACK T?CAD AND ON THE EAST SIDE OF RICHWAY 74. By The City Clerk and the City Council of The City of Palm Desert, California. It must be assumed that involved elected officers of Palm Desert are endeavoring to have our community benefit from any changes made in our facilities and from taxes related to such changes. The public careers of each and every person resronsible should benefit from such worthy improvements —that is the action should be fully publicized. On the other hand,it is also the opinion of thie writer, that any irregular action in such matters be fully reported. In line with the foregoing thoughts, it is incumbent that the citizens of our community know all the facts pertaining to the afore -mentioned Public Parks —as follows: (1) The full history of the origin of the land and it's development. (2) A breakdown of the costs related to maintenance. (3) A report on bow the projects have been funded. (4) An explantion of how the money will be used if divert- ed to other projects. (5) If maintenance on Haystack Road is discontinued what happens to the workers who have been doing the work 7 (6) Have the city officials given consideration to the fact that Haystack Road is a main artery of travel through: our beautiful city? Many people travel aeeross this poorly controlled Internetloni Raceway to see our Living Desert Park —that is thousands more than use the other east -west cross streets. A poor decision could effect buslneases as well as reeidents. The thoughts and specific questions posed by this writer should be answered for each numbered item or the entire matter could be lost in a typical political COP-OUT 1 Robert S. Dickson 72-827 Haystack Rd. 16 MINUTES REGULAR MEETING OF THE PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MARCH 10, 1988 • • • a • a • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • EXHIBIT "B" BOB HOPE CULTURAL CENTER (Thank you Fred Waring{ HOW WOULD YOU FEEL? You have been writing the script and musical score for a motion picture for 10 years. You have invested S100,000.00 of your own. You have promoted your forthcoming film for all those years. Some wealthy friends offer to produce your motion picture. Without your knowledge, they give your script and score to a powerful person who is to take the credit for your work but provide no financial support. Your 10 year effort becomes a major motion picture. At its opening in your own town, your name is never mentioned. During its nationally televised premier your name is not mentioned. Your name appears nowhere in the film credits. Your name is omitted by the news media whenever your film is discussed. You are to be forgotten and should say nothing more. THIS IS A PARALLEL TO WHAT HAPPENED TO FRED WARING! The Cultural Center was his dream almost 20 years ago. For 10 of those years be donated the entire proceeds (9100,0001 from 10 sold out performances to keep that dream alive. That's when tickets started at 92.001 He was a Director on the Friends of the Cultural Center Board from its inception until he died in 1996. Today there is no recognition of him in the Cultural Center program booklet -unless in the forthcoming second edition. His name was never mentioned at the Grand Opening. The media forgets his name whenever the center is discussed. After Virginia Waring's sold out concert in January, featuring Fred Waring's Pennsylvanians, there were no reviews printed anywhere and no commentary on local television in spite of a standing ovation. He was never mentioned in Bob Hope's TV special about the Center. A bas-relief that doesn't resemble him, and a small plaque that doesn't reveal who he was or what he did for the Center, are all that remind us of his contributions. People new to our desert are not to know that Fred Waring started the Cultural Center. FAIRNESS IS THE REAL ISSUE. Whether you compare this shameful treatment to something unfair in your own life or just know that it happened right here, it's wrong. Our country is being deceived in many ways today from political arenas to religion. There seems to be less and less concern for the truth. The more powerful and wealthy the participants, the sore helpless we feel when something dishonest takes place. Let's show that FAIRNESS DOE,: MATTER in our -community. We have a beautiful cultural center, we realize Bob Hope deserves credit for many endeavors BUT NOT AT THE EXPENSE OF FRED WARING'S DREAM, HIS 10 YEARS OF SACRIFICE, OR HIS MEMORY. Let's ask the media to remember the truth about Fred Waring and report it. Let's ask the Cultural Center Board of Directors to remember the truth about Fred Waring and do something about it. This plea is not lust for Fred Waring. It is for common decency and fairness, and it involves all of us in the Coachella Valley. Thank you, Bill Waring, P.O. Box 6000 11306, Palm Desert, CA 92261 FRIENDS FOR FAIRNESS TO FRED WARING We agree that Fred Waring should be fairly and more permanently recognized for his original dream of a Cultural Center almost 20 years ago and for his 10 years of concerts, dedication and fund raising. You may may not use our names to help this cause. Comments: We need petitions for friends or for our places of business Names Signatures Address 17 Phone Please mail to Bill Waring P.O. Box 6000 1304, Palm Desert, CA 92261