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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1989-04-27MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING THURSDAY, APRIL 27, 1989 CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBER I. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Wilson convened the meeting at 4:00 p.m. II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Councilman Walter H. Snyder III. INVOCATION - Councilman Richard S. Kelly IV. ROLL CALL Present: Mayor Pro-Tem Buford A. Crites Councilman Richard S. Kelly Councilman Walter H. Snyder Mayor S. Roy Wilson Excused Absence: Councilmember Jean M. Benson Also Present: Bruce A. Altman, City Manager David J. Erwin, City Attorney Carlos L. Ortega, ACM/RDA Executive Director Sheila R. Gilligan, City Clerk/Public Information Officer Ramon A. Diaz, ACM/Director of Community Development/Planning Richard J. Folkers, ACM/Director of Public Works Paul Shillcock, ACM/Director of Economic Development Paul Gibson, Treasurer/Director of Finance Pat Conlon, Director of Building 8 Safety V. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES of the Regular City Council Meeting of April 13. 1989. Rec: Approve as presented. B. CLAIMS AND DEMANDS AGAINST THE CITY TREASURY - Warrant Nos. WR 0316 and WR 0401. Rec: Approve as presented. MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 27, 1989 * . * * * * * * * * * * * : * * * * * * * * * * * C. APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE by Music Systems Enterprises for Straw Hat Pizza, 73-155 Highway 111, Palm Desert. Rec: Receive and file. D. MINUTES of The El Paseo Business Association Board Meeting of March 2, 1989. Rec: Receive and file. E. RESOLUTION NO. 89-40 - 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 8 Safety That Have Been Microfilmed. Rec: Waive further reading and adopt. F. CLAIM NO. 103 AGAINST THE CITY By Southern California Edison Company In An Estimated Amount of $2,000. Rec: By Minute Motion, deny the claim and instruct the City Clerk to so advise the Claimant. G. REQUEST FOR RATIFICATION of Change Order No. 4 to Contract No. 00-304, Massey Sand 8 Rock Company, for Assessment District No. 87-1. H. REQUEST FOR AWARD OF CONTRACT NO. 00-359 - To Retain an Assessment Engineer for Preparation of Annexation and Initiation of an Additional Landscaping 8 Lighting District. Rec: By Minute Motion, award Contract No. 00-359 to Kicak and Associates. I. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of Parcel Map 22479 - Desert Valley View Partnership 8 ASL Consulting Engineers, Applicants. Rec: Waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 89-41, approving Parcel Map 22479. 2 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 27, 1989 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • J. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION to Advertise and Call for Bids for Contract No. 00-360 - 1988-89 Slurry Seal Program. Rec: By Minute Motion, authorize the City Clerk to advertise and call for bids for Contract No. 00- 360 K. REQUEST FOR VACATION of a Portion of Street Right -of -Way Known as Bel Air Road and Barberry Lane. Rec: Waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 89-42, setting a public hearing for May 25, 1989, to consider the vacation request. Councilman Crites asked that the Minutes be continued to the next meeting. Upon motion by Crites, second by Kelly, the Consent Calendar, with the exception of Item A, was approved as presented by unanimous vote of the Council. VI. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - A MR. KEN GLASSMAN, 37-117 Marboro, Rancho Mirage, addressed the Council relative to the Palm Springs Automobile Raceway. He said he was determined that this thing not be swept under the door and squeezed in by Palm Springs and the Council. He quoted the environmental impact report and said there were five unavoidable impacts: 1) Traffic control and circulation - six to eight major events planned, plus concerts, with at least 50,000 people attending - provision has been made for 20,000 parking spaces - Interstate 10 will be like a parking lot before and after these events; 2) Air quality will be totally unacceptable in all three basins - San Diego, Southern California, and Arizona; 3) Noise; 4) Significant impact on the federal preserve at Garnet Hill - will be trespassers and vandalism; 5) Mission Creek Channel will be used for parking. He added that there would be a 1,200 square foot billboard sign on Interstate 10. He said another major issue is the requirement by CEQA, "what would be the future cumulative impacts of a development of this type?" He asked that the Council: 1) Instruct the Planning Department to obtain copies of the environmental impact report, study it, and report back to the Council regarding the effects it would have on the Valley and Palm Desert, not only short term, but long term and cumulative effects; 2) Direct that someone from Planning Commission attend the Riverside County Planning Commission 3 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 27, 1989 • • • • • • • • • • • a • • a • • • • * • a • a • meeting at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 3rd, in Room 412 of the County Building in Indio. He said he had contacted everyone from Senator Cranston to the State Senate and Assembly, and he hoped that the Council would decide not to agree to having something like this in the Valley. Mayor Wilson stated this was not an agenda item but that staff would look into the matter and report back at the next Council meeting. Council concurred. Mayor Wilson suspended the City Council Agenda at 4:15 p.m. in order to convene the Redevelopment Agency Meeting for the purpose of considering Item A of New Business. He reconvened the meeting at 4:45 p.m. VI1. RESOLUTIONS A. RESOLUTION NO. 89-44 - A RESOLUTION OF INTENTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA TO APPROVE AN AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT BETWEEN THE BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION OF THE PUBLIC EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM AND THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT TO PROVIDE ONE-YEAR FINAL COMPENSATION FORMULA FOR EMPLOYEES. Mr. Altman reviewed the staff report and offered to answer any questions. Upon question by Mayor Wilson relative to why this would be good for the City as a whole, Mr. Altman responded that it was comparable with what the majority of cities in the Valley and the State are offering. He said it would be to the advantage of every employee over the period of their career with the City. Councilman Crites moved to waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 89-44. Mayor Wilson seconded the motion in order to get the matter on the table for discussion. Councilman Kelly said his experience was that private industry uses a five-year average, and he did not understand the philosophy of using just the last year of salary in figuring final compensation. Mayor Wilson asked why this item needed to be considered at this time and not dealt with at the same time as the compensation package for next fiscal year. 4 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 27, 1989 . * * * * . * * . * * . * . * . * * * * . * . * * Mr. Altman responded that it was discussed during preparation of last year's budget, but formal action had not yet been taken by Council. Mayor Wilson called for the vote. Motion carried by unanimous vote of the Council. VIII. ORDINANCES For Introduction: A. ORDINANCE NO. - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, DEALING WITH THE USE OF STYROFOAM PAPER PRODUCTS. Mr. Altman reviewed the staff report, noting that the packets included both a resolution and ordinance modeled after the City of Redlands. Councilman Crites stated he had read an article in the National League of Cities newsletter regarding the City of Minneapolis' ordinance on packaging. He said they would be sending a copy of their ordinance to him, and he recommended tabling this matter until the information was received and reviewed. Mayor Wilson stated that an ordinance would also be coming from the Air Quality Management District regarding plastics, styrofoam, etc. He said it would be very comprehensive, and it would be strongly urged that the City of Palm Desert participate in the program to clean up the air by the year 2007. He recommended the Council adopt the resolution regarding eliminating the use of plastic food packaging by fast food facilities and continue action on the ordinance until the information is received from the Air Quality Management District. Councilman Kelly said passage of the resolution would encourage businesses to do this on their own and would also serve the purpose of notifying them of the City Council's intent. Councilman Snyder moved to waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 89-46 concerning the elimination of chlorofluorocarbons and the responsible use of plastics. 5 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 27, 1989 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • * • • • Mayor Wilson stated that two corrections needed to be made to the resolution: 1) In the 4th "whereas" paragraph, it should state "use" not "us"; and 2) The date should be changed in Section 3 from June 1989 to June 1990. Councilman Snyder agreed to amend his motion. Motion was seconded by Kelly and carried by unanimous vote of the Council. For Adoption: A. ORDINANCE NO. 570 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A NEGATIVE DECLARATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT AND A CHANGE OF ZONE FROM R-2 (7) TO 0.P. FOR TWO LOTS ON THE EAST SIDE OF MONTEREY AVENUE, 800 FEET SOUTH OF FRED WARING DRIVE. CASE NO. C/Z 89-3. Mr. Altman stated that no changes had been made since introduction of this ordinance, and he recommended its adoption. Councilman Crites moved to waive further reading and adopt Ordinance No. 570. Motion was seconded by Kelly and carried by unanimous vote of the Council. B. ORDINANCE NO. 571 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 107, THE PALM DESERT ZONING MAP, BY CHANGING THE ZONE FROM R-1 TO O.P. SOUTHWEST OF FRED WARING DRIVE AND SAN LUIS DRIVE. CASE NO. C/Z 88-1. Mr. Altman stated that staff was requesting continuance of this ordinance until the lots are merged into one developable site. Councilman Kelly moved to TABLE second reading of this ordinance until such time as the lots are merged into one developable lot and the matter is brought back to the Council. Motion was seconded by Crites and carried by unanimous vote of the Council. IX. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER None 6 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 27, 1989 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • X. NEW BUSINESS A. PRESENTATION 8Y JIM ABBOTT OF THE BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT. MR. JIM ABBOTT, Assistant Area Manager, 1900 E. Tahquitz McCallum Way, Palm Springs, addressed the Council and explained the Bureau's activities, noting they were proposing that the Santa Rosa Mountains and portions of the San Jacinto Mountains be designated as National Scenic Area. He asked the Council's support of this proposal. Mayor Wilson stated that the Council had taken previous action in support of preserving mountains. He asked that Planning staff work with the Bureau of Land Management to find out what it is that is needed, and then report back to the Council. Councilman Crites added that the City Council would support most movements that would deal with the environment and conservation. Councilman Snyder agreed, said he would like to see the same type of emphasis placed on this program as the Fringe Toed Lizard Habitat, and suggested that perhaps CVAG might act as the lead agency. Mr. Altman stated that staff would look into this and come back with a report to Council. 8. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION OF A HEIGHT LIMIT EXCEPTION TO PERMIT TWO 36-FOOT TOWERS ASSOCIATED WITH A REMODEL OF A COMMERCIAL COMPLEX ON THE NORTH SIDE OF EL PASEO, 200 FEET EAST OF HIGHWAY 74. Mr. Drell reviewed the staff report and asked for Council direction. MR. FRED FERN, the applicant, offered to answer any questions. Councilman Snyder said he felt this would enhance the desire of the Council to make El Paseo a unique street and that he could find no fault with it. Councilman Snyder moved to, by Minute Motion, approve the request for a height limit exception to permit two 36-foot towers associated with a remodel of a commercial complex on the north side of El Paseo, 200 feet east of Highway 74. Motion was seconded by Kelly. 7 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING • • • a • a • • • • • • • • APRIL 27, 1989 • • • • • • a • • • • Mayor Wilson thanked Mr. Fern and said he had done a fine job of upgrading the building across the street from this complex. He commended Mr. Fern for his efforts. Mayor Wilson called for the vote. Motion carried by unanimous vote of the Council. C. CONSIDERATION OF THE ADOPTION OF A RECYCLING POLICY FOR THE CITY OF PALM DESERT. Mr. Altman reviewed the staff report and recommended that the Council direct staff to come back with a resolution to implement the policy. Councilman Crites moved to, by Minute Motion direct staff to prepare the necessary resolution to implement a recycling policy for the City. Motion was seconded by Snyder and carried by unanimous vote of the Council. D. CONSIDERATION OF THE ADOPTION OF A POLICY RELATIVE TO BROAD LEAF TREES IN RESIDENTIAL ZONES. Mr. Diaz reviewed the staff report and asked for Council direction. Councilman Crites questioned the requirement for only two trees per residence in planned unit developments and said some of the material from the American Forestry Association set guidelines for a higher number. Mr. Diaz responded that staff felt requiring one tree per 4,000 square feet of lot area or two per residence in planned unit developments would meet the intent of the policy. Councilman Kelly questioned the use of the term "broad leaf trees" and felt the Council needed to be very careful in requiring specific types of trees be used. He said in the past the City had concentrated on landscaping as an aesthetic value. Councilman Crites said consideration needed to be given to location of the trees, since one of the primary purposes of such a policy is to use the trees as a passive coolant. He said trees needed to be placed so they act as overhangs and protect the buildings from the afternoon sun. He said he felt the Architectural Review Commission should be directed to consider landscaping as a passive heating/cooling mechanism. Councilman Kelly felt if tree location was going to be considered, the placement of windows should also be considered. 8 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 27. 1989 Mr. Conlon stated that an energy conservation document is required to be submitted for all new homes for plan check as well as architectural and structural plans. He said the builder can take credit for all of these energy conservation measures except for trees because trees die. Councilman Crites moved to waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 89-53, amended to change the term "broad leaf" to "canopy" and adding that consideration be given to location of the trees to maximize passive cooling impacts; and 2) By Minute Motion, direct staff to proceed with necessary measures to implement. Motion was seconded by Snyder and carried by unanimous vote of the Council. E. RESOLUTION NO. 89-43 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE ISSUANCE OF BONDS BY THE PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY. Mayor Wilson moved to waive further reading and adopt City Council Resolution No. 89-43 authorizing the issuance of bonds by the Palm Desert Redevelopment Agency. Motion was seconded by Kelly and carried by unanimous vote of the Council. F. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: 1. UPDATE ON PALMER CABLEVISION. Mr. Ortega stated he had received information that morning regarding the various ways the City can receive television signals over the air. He said it included specific name brands of equipment that could be used. He added that he would distribute the information to the City Council and that it would be discussed at the next Council meeting. XI. CONTINUED BUSINESS None XII. OLD BUSINESS A. REPORT ON IMPLEMENTATION OF FAIRWAY DRIVE TRAFFIC MITIGATION MEASURES. Mr. Altman reviewed the staff report and offered to answer any questions. Upon question by Councilman Kelly, Mr. Altman responded that it would take about six months to hire and train additional officers. 9 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 27, 1989 • • • • • • • • • • • • • * • * a * • • • • • • • Councilman Crites said that Mesa View had also been included in the motion at the last meeting, and Mr. Altman responded that it would be included. Crites questioned the reasoning for putting in a four-way stop sign at Fairway and Portola, noting he felt making people stop at that intersection would not keep the traffic off Fairway; instead, it would give people an opportunity to change directions. He asked that Item #4 of the report be deleted. Mr. Seyed Safavian, Traffic Engineer, explained that there were two reasons for the suggestion: 1) Analysis has been done, following the guidelines set by the State for traffic volume, which shows that a four-way stop is warranted; and 2) This is in response to the number of accidents and the letters the City has been getting from residents. He added that with the other changes proposed in the report, this four-way stop may not be needed. Mr. Altman suggested proceeding with the other items on the report and not implementing #4 until further along in the process. Mayor Wilson stated he had no problem with staff studying this but did have a problem with it being suggested as a possible solution to the Fairway Drive problem. Mr. Safavian said that this item would be taken out of the Fairway Drive solution and that staff would come back if necessary after the other steps are taken. Councilman Crites moved to receive and file the report and direct staff to implement what is called for in the plan. Motion was seconded by Snyder and carried by a 3-0-1 vote, with Councilman Kelly ABSTAINING. Councilman Kelly said he was abstaining because: 1) There had been some comments from people who felt it would be a conflict of interest for him to vote on this matter since he lives on Fairway Drive; and 2) There seemed to be some misunderstanding about how he voted at the last meeting. Councilman Snyder said he felt people on the south side of Fairway should be surveyed and asked to voice their opinions regarding allowing parking only on the other side of the street. Mayor Wilson invited comments from the audience. MS. ANN WALKER, 74-310 Fairway Drive, stated she lived on the north side of the street. She said everyone she had 10 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 27, 1989 spoken to said they didn't care what side of the street the parking would be allowed on. She said they just wanted the problem solved, and this was a minor item. MR. LARRY GROTBECK, 74-085 Fairway Drive, said he felt there would be a line of sight problem because of the parked cars, and he would prefer not to have parking on his side of the street from a safety point of view. MS. KAREN DONOVAN, 74-300 Fairway Drive, said she appreciated the police officers but felt they were out there at the wrong time of day, midafternoon, lunch time, and 3:00 p.m. She felt the mornings were the worst time, and that is when the officers would be most beneficial, from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. Mr. Altman responded that the units were out there during the early morning hours, and Mayor Wilson suggested that they concentrate on Fairway Drive in the beginning. Councilman Snyder suggested that staff advise all of the affected people that this is what the Council is intending to do and asking that they let the City know of their concerns. Council concurred. B. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION OF NEW SIGN PROGRAM FOR MUSIC PLUS AT ONE ELEVEN TOWN CENTER. Mr. Diaz reviewed the staff report, noting that this was not the original sign that was submitted. He recommended that the sign program as submitted be approved as recommended by the Architectural Review Commission. MR. MARK WESLEY, 3324 Colorado Street, Long Beach, addressed the Council as the applicant and showed a slide presentation of other Music Plus locations and signs as well as other business signs in the City. Councilman Crites said this matter had been called up because he and Councilmember Benson did not approve of the blue color and the white neon tubing. He added that he felt the slide presentation pointed out the least pleasing signs in the City and that signs were supposed to identify businesses, not act as advertising. Mr. Wesley responded that the tubing had been changed, and Mr. Phil Drell added that the sign approved by the Architectural Review Commission was an opaque halo sign similar to that of the Bullock's store. His associate added that the corporate logo was very important to Music MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING • • • • • • • • • • • • • APRIL 27, 1989 • • • • • • • • • • • Plus and that they had put together a package that fit within the codes and rules of the City. Upon question by Councilman Kelly relative to whether the blue color was 1 i sted in the sign ordinance, Mr. Diaz responded that it was not specifically mentioned in the ordinance but was one of the colors originally approved as part of the sign program for this business center. Mayor Wilson suggested that perhaps specific colors should be reviewed and addressed in the new sign ordinance. Councilman Snyder said he felt this applicant was bearing the brunt of a badly conceived signage program for the entire area. He said he felt the Council should not hold them responsible for a situation created by the City's not thoroughly addressing this matter at an earlier time. He added that they had attempted to work with staff and the Architectural Review Commission to come up something suitable. He said that while he did not like the sign, he would go along with it for the previously stated reasons. Councilman Snyder moved to, by Minute Motion, affirm the approval by the Architectural Review Commission. Mayor Wilson seconded the motion for discussion purposes only. Councilman Kelly said the Council agreed that the signs were bad in that center. However, this building's sign would be on Highway 111, at the entrance to the City. He asked if there were going to be any other blue signs along Highway 111. MR. DAVID NEWSOME of Ahmanson, said the leasing department had been advised to no longer use the sign program as approved by the Architectural Review Commission two years ago for the center. He said prospective tenants had been advised to individually meet with Planning staff to discuss signage. He added that there were no building leases or new tenants who were proposing blue signs facing Highway 111. Councilman Kelly said Hilton Head, South Carolina, has set a specific atmosphere for signs which they are sticking to. With this policy, you cannot tell by looking at a building that it is a McDonald's or a Jack -in -the -Box, etc. He felt the City of Palm Desert had a direction it was trying to go, and just because mistakes had been made in the past, he did not feel a need to continue making the same mistakes. 12 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 27, 1989 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Mr. Erwin stated that the attorney for Music Plus had asked that the Council continue this item for two weeks if it was considering denying the request. This would allow him to make a presentation to the Council prior to a decision being made. Mayor Wilson agreed with Councilman Kelly and said he felt very strongly that the City once had a very good sign program. He agreed with Councilman Snyder that this particular sign and business were caught in the middle. He said he was going to vote in favor of the motion to approve the sign even though he felt the signage program for that center was horrendous. Councilman Crites agreed that Music Plus was caught in the middle, but he felt the worst thing the Councilmembers could do was to approve a sign they know is not aesthetically compatible with what they want in the City. Mayor Wilson called for the vote on the motion to approve the sign. The Council voted as follows: Ayes - Snyder and Wilson; Noes - Crites and Kelly. Councilman Snyder moved to continue the matter to the meeting of May 11, 1989. Motion was seconded by Crites and carried by unanimous vote of the Council. Councilman Crites moved to recess the meeting at 6:30 p.m. for dinner. Motion was seconded by Snyder and carried by unanimous vote of the Council. Mayor Wilson reconvened the meeting at 7:00 p.m. and asked that everyone present observe a moment of silence in memory of Palm Desert's first Mayor, Hank Clark, who passed away last week. Old Business Items C, D. and E. and Reports and Remarks were considered following the public hearing. C. PROGRESS REPORT ON TRI-CITY ATHLETIC FIELD PROGRAM. Mr. Diaz reported that this program was proceeding well, with the three -member subcommittee composed of a representative from Rancho Mirage, Indian Wells, and Palm Desert. He said to date none of the seed money had been spent because the architect had been donating his time, and the land had been offered by the City of Rancho Mirage. He added that a sketch of the plan would be ready to present to the Council at its next meeting. 13 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 27, 1989 • • • • • • * • • • • * • • • • * • • • • • • * • D. PROGRESS REPORT ON SELF-HELP HOUSING PROGRAM. Mr. Ortega reviewed the memo in the packets dated April 20, 1989. Upon question by Mayor Wilson, Mr. Ortega responded that the $20,000 subsidy would include the lot, permit fees, etc. With Council concurrence, staff was directed to proceed with this program. E. PROGRESS REPORT ON IMPLEMENTATION OF AIR CONDITION SCREENS AT HACIENDA DE MONTEREY. MR. NORM REYNOLDS, 44-600 Monterey Avenue, addressed the Council and stated that examples of the proposed parapet wall screen had been erected on the site. He asked that the Council go out again and look at the new screening. He said he felt these were better architecturally and visually and asked that he be allowed to address the Council again at its next meeting. He also showed pictures of the screens to the Councilmembers. XIII. REPORTS AND REMARKS A. CITY MANAGER None B. CITY ATTORNEY Mr. Erwin asked that the Council adjourn to Closed Session pursuant to Government Code Sections 54956.9 (a), pending litigation (Palm Desert vs. Indian Wells/Sunterra; Palm Springs vs. Palm Desert). C. MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL o City Council Requests for Action: 1. Report by Mayor Pro-Tem Buford Crites on clarification and action of interim sign policy. Councilman Crites stated that the subcommittee looking at changes relative to awnings had submitted a draft proposal to the Planning Commission for review and that the matter had been continued for further study at the request of the Chamber. He said a Sign Ordinance Task Force had been created, consisting of 14 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 27, 1989 • * * * * * * * * * * * . . * * . * * * * * * * * ✓ epresentatives of the Chamber Board of Directors, El Paseo Improvement Area Board, Board of Realtors, and other businesses and would be studying the proposed changes and meeting with representatives from the City to discuss areas of agreement and disagreement. It would then be considered by the Planning Commission, with a recommendation forwarded to the City Council. He said that because of the t ime necessary to study these changes, the Chamber had requested that the City continue w ith the existing sign ordinance until any changes are actually codified; however, he did not agree. He said the City's Signage Committee had suggested an interim policy and recommended that it be followed until final changes are made to the ordinance. MR. ROBERT KEENAN, Executive Director of the Sign Users Council, 415 Foothill Blvd., Suite 212, Claremont, CA 91711, addressed the Council in support of the recommendation from the Chamber of Commerce and asked that the Council not adopt the interim policy at this time. He said there might be some legal problems as far as the Council's approving and not approving signs, and he said he felt a good sign code should be drafted that is reasonable, enforceable, and protects the local economy. MR. DAN EHRLER, Executive Director of the Palm Desert Chamber of Commerce, stated that the Planning Commission had recommended a 60-day moratorium. He said the Board of Directors felt there was already a mechanism in place through the Architectural Review Commission process and the Council's ability to call up any project if there is a problem. He expressed concern that during the interim policy period, revisions proposed might be deleted or modified, and this would have an effect on the signs erected during the interim period. He added that the El Paseo Business Association had concurred with the Chamber's recommendation. Upon question by Mayor Wilson, Mr. Diaz responded that the Planning Commission had recommended a moratorium on all signs. However, staff did not agree with the recommendation because of new businesses coming in during the next 60 days. He said staff felt an interim 15 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 27, 1989 • * • • • • • • • • • • • * • • • • • • • • • • • policy was a more equitable and realistic way to go. However, if there was a legal problem, perhaps staff should be instructed to notify the Council of any signs approved by the Architectural Review Commission that do not meet the present guidelines of the Committee, and Council could then take appropriate action. Mr. Erwin said he would check into any legal problems as far as the interim sign policy and would have a formal report to the Council at its next meeting. In the meantime, he felt Mr. Diaz's suggestion was a good one and that staff should keep the Council advised of all sign requests going through the Architectural Review Commission. The Council concurred. o City Council Committee Reports: 1. Environmental Award of Excellence Councilman Kelly showed pictures of the plaque used by Sunl ine and proposed that the City of Palm Desert do a similar plaque for its Environmental Award of Excellence, using the City logo and colors. He said the plaque could either be hung on the wall or set on a table. Mr. Diaz said his staff would check into this costs of having plaques made up. 2. Councilman Crites asked for a progress report on the Ironwood Park on the south side of Palm Desert. Mr. Altman responded that this would be discussed at budget time, and a report would be available then. 3. Mayor Wilson said he had received a letter several weeks ago from a constituent requesting that the City look into the possibility of printing up signs regarding water conservation and encouraging restaurants to voluntarily participate in the program by placing these signs on their tables advising customers that water would only be served upon request. He passed around examples of such a sign and asked that staff prepare any necessary resolutions to 16 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 27, 1989 * • • • • • • • • • • • • • • * * • • • • * • * * implement such a program and look into the costs for printing up 10,000 signs. Councilman Crites suggested taking this to CVAG to look at a possible Valley -wide water conservation program. XIV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - B None XV. COMPLETION OF ITEMS HELD OVER FROM 4:00 P.M. SESSION Old Business Items C, D, and E, and Reports and Remarks were considered after the public hearing. See those sections for Council discussion and action. XVI. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - C MR. BUZZ RADOFF, General Manager of The Lakes Country Club, 1610 Ranch Road, addressed the Council relative to installation of a traffic signal at Country Club Drive in front of The Lakes Country Club and Desert Falls Country Club. He said there had been numerous accidents on that road and that it was difficult for members to ingress and egress. He said he had with him 750 names on a petition from members of the Club, which he submitted to the City Clerk (on file and of record in the City Clerk's Office). He said Sunrise had built the project, and he had been informed that there was a deposit of approximately $14,000 for a signal at that location. He added that club members were receptive to contributing to that amount in order to get a signal installed. Mayor Wilson responded that the Council, by law, could not take action on the item at this time. However, he asked that staff look into this matter and report back to the Council. XVII. AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS, AND APPOINTMENTS A. APPOINTMENT OF PLANNING COMMISSIONER TO FILL THE VACANCY CREATED BY THE RESIGNATION OF FAITH LAOLOW. Mayor Wilson stated that the Council had been interviewing individuals for this vacancy but would delay any action until it had an opportunity to discuss the matter and evaluate the results of the interviews. He said the item would be put on the next Council Agenda. 17 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 27, 1989 • • • * * * * * * * * * * * • * it • * * * It • * * XVIII. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST FOR VACATION OF A PORTION OF STREET RIGHT-OF-WAY KNOWN AS GRAPEVINE STREET. Mayor Wilson declared the public hearing open. Mr. Altman noted that there was a staff report in the packets and added that Mr. Folkers was available to answer any questions. Mayor Wilson invited testimony in FAVOR of or OPPOSED to this street vacation. None was offered. He declared the public hearing closed. Councilman Snyder moved to waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 89-45, vacating a portion of the public right-of-way known as Grapevine Street. Motion was seconded by Crites and carried by unanimous vote of the Council. XIX. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - D None XX. ADJOURNMENT Councilman Crites moved to adjourn the meeting to Closed Session at 7:45 p.m. pursuant to Government Code Sections 54956.9(a), pending litigation (Palm Desert vs. Indian Wells/Sunterra, Palm Springs vs. Palm Desert), 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 Wilson reconvened the meeting at 8:40 p.m. and immediately adjourned with no action announced from Closed Session. ATTEST: CLERK CITY OF PALM ESERT, IA C ALiFORN p((OY WI(SON, MAYOR 18