HomeMy WebLinkAbout1989-03-09MINUTES
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING
THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 1989
CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBER
• • a
I. CALL TO ORDER
• • • • • • • • • • • • •
Mayor Wilson convened the meeting at 4:00 p.m.
•
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Mayor S. Roy Wilson
III. INVOCATION - Councilman Walter H. Snyder
IV. ROLL CALL
Present:
Councilmember Jean M. Benson
Mayor Pro-Tempore Buford A. Crites
Councilman Richard S. Kelly
Councilman Walter H. Snyder
Mayor S. Roy Wilson
Also Present:
Bruce A. Altman, City Manager
Carlos L. Ortega, ACM/RDA Executive Director
Kandy Allen, Deputy City Attorney
Sheila R. Gilligan, City Clerk/Public Information Officer
Ramon A. Diaz, ACM/Director of Community Development/Planning
Gregg Holtz, Senior Engineer
Paul S. Gibson, Treasurer/Director of Finance
Frank Allen, Director of Code Compliance
Patrick Conlon, Director of Building & Safety
V. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. MINUTES of the Regular City Council Meeting of February 9,
1989, and the Special Meeting of February 24, 1989.
Rec: Approve as presented.
B. CLAIMS AND DEMANDS AGAINST THE CITY TREASURY - Warrant
Nos. WR 0110, 0114, 0200, 0203, and 0206.
Rec: Approve as presented.
MINUTES
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 9, 1989
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C. APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGF LICENSE by Anthony B.
and Melva Lee Ashe for Upper CrustCookingCompany, 73-580
El Paseo, #A, Palm Desert.
Rec: Receive and refer to the Department of Community
Development for processing.
D. APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE by Matthew
Gerald Sawyer for The Sandwichboard,
#4B, Palm Desert.
Rec: Receive and file.
73-241 Highway 111,
E. APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE by Cedar Creek
Inn Corporation for Cedar Creek Inn, 73-445 El Paseo, #11-
A, Palm Desert.
Rec: Receive and file.
F. RESOLUTION NO. 89-14 - 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.
G. MINUTES of the El Paseo Business Association Meeting of
January 5, 1989.
Rec: Receive and file.
H. REQUEST FOR RATIFICATION of Change Order No. 1 to Contract
No. 00-234, Signal Maintenance, Inc., for Traffic Signal
Modifications at Highway 74 and El Paseo.
Rec: By Minute Motion, ratify the City Manager's
approval.
I. REQUEST FOR RATIFICATION of Change Order No. 3 to Contract
No. 00-302A, Audio Video Supply, Inc., for Civic Center
Council Chamber.
Rec:
By Minute Motion, ratify the City Manager's
approval.
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POSTED AGENDA
PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 9, 1989
• • * * • • • * • • • • • • • a * • • • • • • a •
J. MINUTES of the Building Board of Appeals and Condemnation
Meeting of January 11, 1989.
PC
Rec: Receive and file.
LETTER OF RESIGNATION from Ms. Faith M. Ladlow from the
Planning Commission.
Rec: Accept with very sincere regret.
L. LETTER OF RESIGNATION from Mr. Terry Green from the
Activities Promotion Committee.
Rec: Accept with very sincere regret.
M. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of Final Parcel Map No. 20951
(Margaret Witten and Jack & Shirley Rowe, Applicants).
Rec: Waive further reading and adopt Resolution No.
89-15, approving Parcel Map No. 20951.
N. RESOLUTION NO. 89-16 - 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 Public Works that have been Microfilmed.
Rec: Waive further reading and adopt.
0. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL to Refund Subdivision Fees and
Release Subdivision Improvement Securities for Tract
19847-2 (Imperial Bank, Applicant).
Rec:
By Minute Motion: 1) Authorize the City Clerk to
release the subdivision improvement securities
for Tract 19847-2; and 2) Authorize the refund
of fees as shown on Exhibit "A" of the staff
report.
P. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL to Purchase a Four -Wheel Drive Truck
for the City's Street Supervisor.
Rec:
By Minute Motion, authorize the purchase of a
four-wheel drive truck for the Street Supervisor
through the State of California Department of
General Services In the amount of $11,439.
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POSTED AGENDA
PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 9, 1989
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Q. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of Activities Promotion Committee's
Recommendation to Reappoint Davis & Associates for Fiscal
Year 1989-90 Contract.
Rec:
By Minute Motion. approve the recommendation of
the Activities Promotion Committee to reappoint
the firm of Davis & Associates and direct the
City Clerk to submit a new contract as part of
the 1989-90 budget approval.
R. REQUEST FOR APPROPRIATION of Funds for the Purchase of a
Banner for the Palm Desert Children's Choir.
Rec: By Minute Motion. appropriate an amount not to
exceed $250 for the purchase of said banner.
S. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of Civic Arts Committee's
Recommendation for a $75,000 Budget for the First Piece of
Public Art and $3,000 for Maquettes of the Proposed Pieces
($1,000 each).
Rec:
By Minute Motion, approve the request and
authorize the Civic Arts Committee to proceed
with the commission of a piece of art not to
exceed $75,000 in cost and three maquettes at a
cost of $1,000 each.
T. RESPONSE FROM CIVIC ARTS COMMITTEE Relative to the
Inclusion of a Sculpture Garden on the Civic Center Site.
Rec: Receive the report and refer to the Department
of Community Development for inclusion in the
overall plan of the Civic Center Site.
U. REQUEST FOR FORMATION of Art - In -Public -Places
Subcommittee.
Rec:
By Minute Motion, concur with the findings of
the Civic Arts Committee and officially form the
Public art subcommittee of the Civic Art
Committee.
V. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION Designating the City of Palm
Desert as the Lead Agency in the Upgrading of the Monterey
Avenue and Interstate 10 Interchange.
Rec:
Waive further reading and adopt Resolution No.
89- 1 7, authorizing the City of Palm Desert to
act as the lead agency for the subject project.
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POSTED AGENDA
PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 9, 1989
• a • • • • • • a • a • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
W. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION of Mid -Year Budget Adjustments.
Rec: Waive further reading and adopt Resolution No.
89-18, amending the Fiscal Year 1989-90 Budget.
Mayor Pro-Tem Crites asked that Items U and V be removed for
separate discussion under Section IX, Consent Items Held Over.
Upon motion by Crites, second by Snyder, the Consent Calendar,
with the exception of Items U and V, was approved as presented by
unanimous vote of the Council. •
VI. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - A
MS. ANGELA BENNETT, representing the Palm Desert Chamber of
Commerce, presented plaques of appreciation to City Manager
Bruce Altman and Assistant City Manger Ramon Diaz for their
continuing support of and assistance to the Chamber.
MAYOR PRO-TEM CRITES introduced Ms. Donna Wallis as a new
resident of Palm Desert who he had met several days ago on Fred
Waring Drive. He welcomed her to the Council meeting and to
the community.
VI1. RESOLUTIONS
None
VIII. ORDINANCES
For Introduction:
A. ORDINANCE NO. 569 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING
REGULATIONS RELATIVE TO COMMITTEE/COMMISSION MEMBER
ATTENDANCE.
Mr. Altman said this ordinance had been prepared at the
direction of the Council, and he offered to answer any
questions.
Mayor Wilson suggested that the ordinance be amended to
reflect three "unexcused" absences in any year shall
constitute automatic resignation and felt reasons for
excused absences should be specified; i.e., death in the
family, illness, unavoidable out of town travel, etc.
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POSTED AGENDA
PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 9, 1989
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Councilman Snyder agreed with the three unexcused absences
but felt the reasons should not be l i sted because
something might inadvertently be left out.
Councilman Kelly added that an absence should be excused
if the member calls ahead of time to advise that he or she
will not be able to attend the meeting and has a
legitimate reason. Council concurred.
Councilman Kelly moved to waive further reading and pass
Ordinance No. 569 to second reading, amended to reflect three "unexcused"
absences in any year (September 1 through August 31) shall constitute
automatic resignation of the member absent, with excused absences to be
approved in advance of the meeting. Motion was seconded by Benson and
carried by unanimous vote of the Council.
For Adoption:
A. ORDINANCE NO. 567 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA. AMENDING CHAPTER
9.50, SUBSECTIONS .060 AND .070 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF
PALM DESERT RELATING TO MOBILE HOME PARK RENT REVIEW.
Mr. Altman reported that the Deputy City Attorney had
recommended that this ordinance be tabled. He added that
specific discussion would be appropriate for Closed
Session.
Councilman Kelly moved to continue action on this item until
after discussions in Closed Session. Motion was seconded by Snyder and
carried by unanimous vote of the Council. (See action taken as announced
under "Adjournment.")
B. ORDINANCE NO. 568 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTIONS
5.04.210(D) AND 5.04.220, AND DELETING SECTION 5.04.210(E)
OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE PERTAINING TO PAYMENT DUE DATE OF
BUSINESS LICENSE TAXES.
Mr. Altman said that no changes had been made since
introduction of this ordinance and recommended its
adoption.
Councilmember Benson moved to waive further reading and adopt
Ordinance No. 568. Motion was seconded by Wilson and carried by
unanimous vote of the Council. Ai
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POSTED AGENDA
PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 9, 1989
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IX. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER
U. REQUEST FOR FORMATION of Art -In -Public -Places
Subcommittee.
Mayor Pro-Tem Crites said Civic Arts Committee Member Bob
Spiegel had submitted a list of individuals for this
subcommittee, as follows: Ms. Diane Funk, Mr. Richard
Danskin, Mr. Robert Spiegel, Mr. Bertrum Brock, Ms. Andrea
Von Milbacher-Kohl, Mrs. Kathleen Clewell, and Mr. Wayne
Conner. He said the idea was to include individuals with
different backgrounds, such as a landscape architect,
someone involved in music, etc., and he asked that the
Council consider appointing them at this time as part of
the formation of the subcommittee. He reviewed the
memorandum dated March 9, 1989, from the City Clerk,
noting that this subcommittee would be for the first piece
of art to be located in front of the Civic Center.
Councilman Kelly stated that he did not feel comfortable
with the fact that residency in the City was nota
requirement because such a large investment was being made
in the City of Palm Desert.
Mayor Pro-Tem Crites said he did not believe residency had
any relation to how the individuals will do in selecting
the art for Palm Desert. He added that three artists
would be selected from the many applications received to
create maquettes or models. He said that once these three
maquettes are completed, they would be displayed and
citizen input would be invited.
Councilman Snyder said that although he was not especially
concernced with residency since the subcommittee would not
be making the final determination, he did not want to set
a precedent for having nonresidents serving on City
boards.
Councilmember Benson said she felt comfortable with the
individuals listed since the Council would have the final
say in selecting the piece of art. She added that she
would rather have someone who knows what they are looking
at.
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POSTED AGENDA
PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 9, 1989
• • • • * • * • • s • • • • * * * • • • a • • • •
Mayor Pro-Tem Crites moved to, by Minute Motion, 1) Concur with
the findings of the Civic Arts Committee and officially form the public
art subcommittee of the Civic Art Committee; and 2) Appoint the following
individuals as the initial selection committee: Ms. Diane Funk, Mr.
Richard Danskin, Mr. Robert Spiegel, Mr. Bertrum Brock, Ms. Andrea Von
Milbacher-Kohl, Mrs. Kathleen Clewell, and Mr. Wayne Conner. Motion was
seconded by Benson and carried by unanimous vote of the Council.
V. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION Designating the City of Palm
Desert as the Lead Agency In the Upgrading of the Monterey
Avenue and Interstate 10 Interchange.
Mayor Pro-Tem Crites stated he had asked that this item be
discussed separately because he was concernced with the
development of the Price Club and the increased traffic it
would generate.
Mayor Wilson reported that he had attended a meeting that
same morning at Supervisor Corky Larson's office to
discuss this issue and the various options available for
the intersection of Dinah Shore Drive and Monterey Avenue.
He reviewed the recommendations from that meeting,
including: 1) That the Price Club be shifted far enough
west to allow room for the best solution to the
interchange problem (which the developer had agreed to);
2) that the Transportation Uniform Mitigation Fee (TUMF)
be designated for working on the engineering and
improvement of that intersection; and 3) That the
developer will prepare engineering plans for the
intersection anti pay for those costs, to be reimbursed
later from others who benefit. He said the City of Palm
Desert had been suggested as the lead agency to develop a
Mello -Roos financing program to obtain the monies to
finance the interchange, to later be reimbursed by
Proposition A monies.
Mayor Pro-Tem Crites expressed concern with the fact that
the interchange was 5-7 years away from being completed
and felt the Price Club should not open its doors until
such time as the interchange was done.
Councilman Kelly said he felt this was the most critical
intersection in the entire Coachella Valley and that it
was very important to correct it now.
Mr. Safavian showed conceptual plans of the relationship
between the Price Club, the interchange, and the proposed
parkway.
8
POSTED AGENDA
PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 9, 1989
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Mayor Pro-Tem Crites complimented Mayor Wilson. Mr.
Safavian, and staff for their involvement in this issue.
but he said he was still very concerned with adding
approximately 35.000 cars to an intersection that will
deteriorate as far as quality every month that goes by.
Mayor Wilson said he felt it was important to get moving
on this as soon as possible and that Palm Desert should be
the lead agency.
Councilman Kelly moved to waive further reading and adopt
Resolution No. 89-17, authorizing the City•of Palm Desert to act as the
lead agency for the subject project. Motion was seconded by Benson and
carried by unanimous vote of the Council.
X. NEW BUSINESS
A. CONSIDERATION OF LETTER FROM THE OPERATORS OF HOWARD
JOHNSONS HOTEL, EMBASSY SUITES HOTEL, AND VACATION INN
REQUESTING THAT THE INTERSECTION OF HIGHWAY 111 AND THE
CONNECTOR ROAD BE NAMED "HOSPITALITY ROW".
Mr. Diaz reviewed the staff report, noting the
recommendation was that Council approve the request
subject to the costs for signing to be borne by the
applicants.
Upon question by Councilmember Benson, Mr. Diaz responded
that the sign would be required to conform with the City's
sign codes.
Mayor Pro-Tem Crites moved to, by Minute Motion, approve the
request, subject to any costs for signing to be borne by applicants.
Motion was seconded by Snyder and carried by unanimous vote of the
Council.
B. REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL REVIEW OF ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW
COMMISSION ACTION GRANTING FINAL APPROVAL OF BUILDING
PLANS FOR PAD 8 AT 111 TOWN CENTER (Ahmanson Company,
Applicant).
Mr. Diaz reviewed the staff report, noting that Mr. David
Newsome from Ahmanson was available to answer any
questions.
Mayor Pro-Tem Crites stated that he had originally been
concerned with the landscaping of the project and
congratulated the applicant on giving that landscaping a
lot of class.
9
1
POSTED AGENDA
PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 9, 1989
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Councilmember Benson expressed concern that the City be
given some kind of guarantee as far as where the trash
will be located and how it will be serviced. especially if
there is a food tenant located in the building. She felt
this should not wait until a tenant has moved in.
Mr. Newsome said he would be willing to agree not to put a
food tenant in the building. He also said he would agree
to have the plans brought back to the Council or
Architectural Review Commission for any additional
conditions. He added that he was requesting approval of
the building shell only, not the operational aspects of
the tenants.
Mayor Pro-Tem Crites expressed concern with the height of
the building, noting that the existing building's parapet
was much higher than was needed to conceal the mechanical
equipment on the roof.
Mr. Newsome responded that he was not sure the ridge line
of this parapet was as excessive as the existing building
and would be reluctant to redraw the plans.
Mayor Wilson asked whether the Council could reaffirm the
action of the Architectural Review Commission but ask the
Commission to look at specific items of concern. such as
the building height, trash enclosures, etc. Mr. Diaz
responded that this could be done and that development of
the building could be conditioned so that no food
operators would be allowed, all storage would be indoors,
and actual tenant operations would have to come back to
the City for approval.
Mayor Pro-Tem Crites said that he would agree to the
height of the building if the Architectural Review
Commission decided the height was necessary to cover
mechanical equipment, etc. He said he just felt this was
something that needed to be examined.
Mayor Pro-Tem Crites moved to, by Minute Motion, 1) Affirm the
action taken by the Architectural Review Commission to approve the
building plans, subject to the plans being returned to the Architectural
Review Commission for comment and clarification of the issues of building
height and trash enclosures; and 2) Condition the building to provide
that no food service establishments shall be located within this building
and that specific tenant improvements be brought before the Council for
review and approval. Motion was seconded by Benson and carried by
unanimous vote of the Council.
I0
POSTED AGENDA
PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MARCH 9, 1989
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
C. REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL REVIEW OF ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW
COMMISSION ACTION GRANTING PRELIMINARY APPROVAL OF
BUILDING PLANS FOR PAD 1 AT III TOWN CENTER (Ahmanson
Company, Applicant).
Mr. Diaz reviewed the staff report and recommendation,
noting that the same conditions placed on Pad 8 in the
preceding public hearing could be added to this approval
if the Council wished to do so.
Counci lmember Benson expressed concern with the
identification sign for this building and felt something
should be done about it since this is the most visible pad
at the shopping center.
Mr. Newsome responded that he was merely asking Council
approval of the building shell and that his company was
not the applicant for the sign.
Mayor Pro-Tem Crites said he felt the issue of the sign
and the issue of the building shell were intertwined. He
expressed concern with the shade of blue used in the sign
and the fact that the sign was installed as high on the
building as possible. He suggested this matter be
continued for two weeks to allow the applicant to work
with the building tenant to resolve the sign issue.
Mr. Newsome responded that Music Plus was the tenant and
had received sign approval from the Architectural Review
Commission. He asked that the Council not delay approval
of the building shell because of the sign.
Mr. Diaz suggested continuing the matter for two weeks to
allow staff the opportunity to express Council's concerns
to the tenant.
Mayor Wilson suggested that Mr. Diaz tell the tenant that
the building might not be approved if they do not come up
with a new sign plan.
Mr. Newsome said it had always been his company's intent
that it was not the applicant for the sign and did not
want to get tied up with such an issue.
Councilman Kelly said he felt strongly that the landlord
has a responsibility regarding the sign. Mr. Newsome
agreed and said Ahmanson had in fact submitted a sign
program for review by the City several years ago.
POSTED AGENDA
PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 9, 1989
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Counciimember Benson moved to, by Minute Motion, continue this
item to the meeting of March 23, 1989. Motion was seconded by Crites and
carried by unanimous vote of the Council.
D. REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL REVIEW OF ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW
COMMISSION APPROVAL OF CENTER IDENTIFICATION SIGN AT LUCKY
CENTER AT HIGHWAY 111 AND SAN PABLO (Lucky Stores, Inc.,
Applicant).
Mr. Diaz reviewed the staff report and offered to answer
any questions.
Mayor Wilson said that although this item had been called
up within the normal period of time, a sign was already in
place, and he asked how this had been accomplished so
quickly.
Mr. Phil Drell responded that several months ago a sign
had been approved by the Architectural Review Commission
that just said "Lucky"; however, it had not been approved
by the property owner. Then in February the second
application was submitted, and it was the one called up.
MR. CLAUDE BROWNING, George Elkins Company, said he had
met with representatives of Lucky, and they had expressed
a willingness to reduce the size of the "Lucky" portion of
the sign and add "El Paseo Square" across the top. Upon
qustion by Councilman Crites, Mr. Browning agreed that the
monument would remain the same.
Upon question by Mayor Wilson, Mr. Diaz responded that in
the future, all sign applications would require the
signature of the property owner.
Councilman Kelly stated that it was not the size of the
sign which was obtrusive; it was the color.
The applicant suggested using the same blue grey that has
been used to stain the wood trim of the shopping center.
Mayor Pro-Tem Crites moved to, by Minute Motion, approve the
design of the sign with the "Lucky" and "El Paseo Square" wording as
approved by the Architectural Review Commission, provided it is a non -
illuminated sign and that the colors are redone in earth tones and
brought back to the Council for review and approval. Motion was seconded
by Benson and carried by unanimous vote.
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POSTED AGENDA
PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 9, 1989
* * . . * * * * * . . . . . * * . * * * * . . * .
E. CONSIDERATION OF ENTRYWAY SIGN AS DESIGNED BY NANING SAN
PEDRO AND AS RECOMMENDED BY THE CIVIC ARTS COMMITTEE.
Mr. Diaz reviewed the City Clerk's March 9th memorandum,
noting that the Civic Arts Committee had reviewed and
approved the entryway sign.
Mr. San Pedro reviewed his plans in detail. Upon question
by Councilman Crites, Mr. San Pedro agreed that the sign
could be done in a desert varnish finish.
Councilman Snyder said he ,felt the water treatment was
beautiful and that the entire design was very nicely done.
He complimented Mr. San Pedro for the excellent design.
Mrs. Gilligan said the Civic Arts Committee had requested
that the Council conceptually approve this sign so that
they can proceed with it.
Councilman Snyder moved to, by Minute Motion, approve the
concept and direct the Civic Arts Committee to proceed with it. Motion
was seconded by Benson and carried by unanimous vote of the Council.
F. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS:
1. Traffic Signal Modifications: Highway 74 8 El Paseo
(Project 551-89).
2. Update On Consideration of Methanol As An Alternative
Fuel Source for the City's Fleet.
3. Palmer CableVision Update.
No Council action necessary or taken on the above informational
items.
XI. CONTINUED BUSINESS
None
XII. OLD BUSINESS
None
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POSTED AGENDA
PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 9, 1989
♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
XIII. REPORTS AND REMARKS
A. CITY MANAGER
1. Private Activity Bond Allocation
Mr. Altman stated that this item had come up after
the Agenda was posted and asked that it be added to
the Agenda by a 4/5ths vote for discussion and
action.
Councilman Crites moved to add this item to the Agenda as an
item which came up after the Agenda was posted. Motion was seconded by
Kelly and carried by unanimous vote of the Council.
MS. VERONICA MITCHELL, County of Riverside Department
of Economic and Community Development, 3499 loth
Street. Riverside, addressed the Council and reviewed
Mr. Ortega's March 9th memorandum.
Councilman Crites moved to waive further reading and adopt
Resolution No. 89-21, ratifying the adoption of a home mortgage finance
program in cooperation with the County of Riverside, authorizing the
submission of an application for an allocation to issue qualifieid
mortgage bonds, and authorizing assignment of such allocation to the
County of Riverside. Motion was seconded by Snyder and carried by
unanimous vote of the Council.
2. United Way Fund Drive
Councilman Crites moved to add this item to the Agenda as one
which came up after the Agenda was posted. Motion was seconded by Snyder
and carried by unanimous vote of the Council.
Mr. Larry McAllister, Administrative Services
Officer, reported on the United Way Fund Drive,
noting that there was a 45% increase in contributions
over last year. He said the United Way committee was
planning to hold a picnic at College of the Desert on
April 15th, with a raffle and prizes to be donated bo
local merchants, and the money collected from the
sale of raffle tickets to be an additional donation
to the United Way. He added that the grand prize
(four of them) would be a one -day holiday from work.
He asked that the Mayor proclaim the four individual
holidays.
Mr. Altman added that 1 007. of the Public Works
maintenance crew had contributed to the United Way.
14
POSTED AGENDA
PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 9, 1989
•
Mayor Pro-Tem Crites moved to, by Minute Motion, authorize the
Mayor to proclaim individual holidays. Motion was seconded by Kelly and
carried by unanimous vote of the Council.
3. Student Government Day
Mr. McAllister reported that April 13th had been
selected as this year's Student Government Day in the
City. He reviewed the planned events, including
having the students arriving at 1:30 p.m. to sit down
with their counterparts, holding a mock Council
meeting, and then dining with the City Council and
staff at 6:00 p.m. He added that this would be the
first graduating class of Palm Desert High School.
Mayor Pro-Tem Crites asked that the three applications for
awnings be called up for Council review. He said he did
not feel awning signs should be approved at this time
since the City was currently looking at revising the Sign
Ordinance.
Mayor Wilson recessed the meeting at 6:12 p.m. for dinner,
noting that individual winners of the Student Art 8 Essay
Contest were dining with the City Council prior to presentation
of awards at 7:00 p.m. He reconvened the meeting at 7:00 p.m.
B. CITY ATTORNEY
Ms. Allen asked that the Council adjourn to Closed Session
for the purpose of discussing real property acquisition,
and pending and potential litigation. However, she said
City Attorney Dave Erwin would be calling from out of town
at approximately 8:30 p.m. and asked that the Council not
adjourn until that time.
C. MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
o City Council Requests for Action:
1. Consideration of Requirements for Developers
Relative to Placement of Trash Containers and
Portable Lavatory Facilities on Development
Sites (Councilmember Jean M. Benson).
Councilmember Benson stated it had been brought
to her attention by Mrs. Marion Henderson that
on development sites, the portable johns always
seem to be put on the street, and she asked that
15
POSTED AGENDA
PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 9, 1989
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
*
direction be given to the developers to locate
these facilities at the back of the development.
Councilman Snyder responded that this would not
really be feasible because the companies which
service them could not reach them at the back of
the development.
Councilmember Benson suggested asking the Building Department
to direct the developers to place the portable lavatory facilities in as
unobtrusive a location as possible. Council concurred.
2. Discussion of Awning Signs (Mayor Pro-Tempore
Buford A. Crites).
Councilman Crites said he had spoken with the
awning sign applicants during dinner break and
was advised that most of the small awning
companies are three -fourths out of business as
long as the City is holding up the processing
and approval of these applications.
Councilmember Benson agreed that the City needs
to consider the livelihood of these companies
and find a way to work around it temporarily.
She suggested working with them to provide
guidance as to what the changes will be.
Councilman Crites said they would just need to
know things like how much lettering would be
allowed, the size of the letters, color of the
signs, etc.
Councilman Kelly said he felt the awnings should
not be looked at as detrimental because a lot of
them give a lot of class to the City's business
districts.
Upon question by Mayor Wilson relative to
whether or not there was already an ordinance,
Mr. Diaz responded that the issue of awning
colors had already been clearly decided but that
there had been a problem with canvas signs
addressed as awnings. He added that the
Architectural Review Commission had the
authority to approve or deny these awnings on
aesthetic grounds, but the Commission members
wanted to have more guidelines in the ordinance.
He said the sign ordinance should be ready for
16
POSTED AGENDA
PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 9, 1989
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Council consideration in two weeks, at which
time it could be adopted as an urgency ordinance
if the Council wished.
o City Council Committee Reports:
1. Tri- Cities Recreation Committee
Councilmember Benson moved to add this item to the Agenda as
one which came up after the Agenda was posted. Motion was seconded by
Crites and carried by unanimous vote of the Council.
Councilmember Benson said the Tri-Cities
Recreation Committee had met to discuss the
possibility of putting together a ballfield
program involving all three cities. She said
the City of Rancho Mirage had offered 25 acres
in its north sphere at Dinah Shore and Monterey
Avenue and indicated they would be willing to
work with the other cities to provide ballfields
with lights. She said each city was asked to
put up $5,000 to do a mock-up of the fields to
see if it would be feasible to do. She added
that both Indian Wells and Rancho Mirage had
already agreed to this, and she asked that the
City of Palm Desert appropriate similar funds.
Councilman Snyder moved to, by Minute Motion, appropriate
$5,000 from the unobligated general fund balance. Motion was seconded by
Kelly and carried by unanimous vote of the Council.
2. Councilman Crites reported that at the last
meeting of the Board of Directors of the Palm
Desrt Chamber of Commerce, it was decided that
one member of the Board would be attending each
of the City Council meetings during the year.
He introduced Mr. Don Alexander as the
designated Board Member.
XIV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - 8
None
XV. COMPLETION OF ITEMS HELD OVER FROM 4:00 P.M. SESSION
17
POSTED AGENDA
PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MARCH 9, 1989
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
XVI. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - C
Councilmember Benson introduced Mr. Norm Reynolds of Charter
Communities, who wished to make a presentation to the Council.
MR. NORM REYNOLDS, 44-600 Monterey Avenue, addressed the
Council relative to the issue of screening the air conditioning
of the Hacienda project on Monterey Avenue. He introduced Mr.
Steve Russell of Escondido who explained his company's special
styrofoam type material which might be used to provide this
screening.
Upon question by Mayor Wilson relative to what was being
'requested at this time, Councilmember Benson said the reason
this was brought up at this time was to ask the Councilmembers
to individually go out and look at the project and determine
whether or not Mr. Reynolds would be allowed to use this
screening material.
Mayor Wilson asked that Mr. Reynolds contact the City Clerk's
Office once a sample screening is ready, and then the
Councilmembers could individually go out and look at it.
XVII. AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS, AND APPOINTMENTS
A. PRESENTATION OF STUDENT AWARDS FOR THE ART & ESSAY
CONTEST.
Mayor Wilson welcomed everyone and explained that this was
the City's Fourth Annual Student Art & Essay Contest.
Mrs. Paula Kroonen, Chairman of the Art & Essay Contest
Subcommittee, introduced Ms. Darlene Romano, Director of
the Palm Desert Children's Choir.
After the Children's Choir performance, Mayor Wilson
presented awards to the winners.
Councilman Snyder moved'to adjourn to Closed Session pursuant
to Government Code Sections 54956.8, Real Property Acquisition, and
54956.9 (a), (b), and (c), pending and potential litigation. Motion was
seconded by Crites and carried by unanimous vote of the Council. Mayor
Wilson adjourned to Closed Session at 8:35 p.m.
Mayor Pro-Tempore Crites reconvened the meeting at 9:45 p.m. in the
absence of Mayor Wilson who was working outside the meeting with the City
Attorney.
I8
POSTED AGENDA
PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 9, 1989
* * * * * * . . * * * * . * . * . * . * . . * * .
B. CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTMENT TO THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO FILL THE VACANCY CREATED BY THE
RESIGNATION OF MR. ROMEO PULUQI.
Upon motion by Snyder, second by Benson, Diane Cox was appointed by
unanimous vote to fill the vacancy on the Economic Development Advisory
Committee.
C. CONSIDERATION OF NOMINATIONS for Founders' Plaque.
Upon motion by Snyder, second by Benson, the following people were
designated for the Founders Plaque by Lnanimous vote of the Council:
Marian Henderson, Samuel Montoya, Oscar Hurley, John Dickson, Barbara
Callahan, Theda Simpson Lundquist, Luther Taylor, and Philip Boyd for
1988; Gail B. Thompson for 1989.
XVIII. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. CONSIDERATION OF A ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT CREATING
SECTION 25.58.313 PROVIDING FOR THE INCLUSION OF COMPACT
PARKING SPACES IN REQUIRED OFF-STREET PARKING LOTS (Case
No. ZOA 88-5, Continued from the Meeting of March 9,
1989).
Mr. Altman requested that this item be tabled until such
time as the staff had completed a comprehensive review of
the City's parking standards.
Mayor Pro-Tempore Crites declared the hearing open and invited
public testimony in favor of or in opposition to the amendment,
and none was offered. He declared the public hearing closed.
Councilman Snyder moved to able the matter until completion of a
comprehensive review of the City's parking design standards.
Councilmember Benson seconded the motion, and it carried by unanimous
vote.
B. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF UNDERGROUNDING UTILITY ASSESSMENT
DISTRICT FOR UNDERGROUNDING OF CABLES AT THE PALM DESERT
CIVIC CENTER SITE.
Mr. Altman reviewed the staff report and recommendation.
Mayor Pro-Tempore Crites declared the hearing open and invited
public testimony in favor of or in opposition to the amendment,
and none was offered. He declared the public hearing closed.
Upon motion by Snyder, second by Benson, Resolution No. 89-19 was
adopted by unanimous vote of the Council.
19
POSTED AGENDA
PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 9, 1989
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
C. CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST FOR VACATION OF A PORTION OF
STREET RIGHT-OF-WAY KNOWN AS DESERT LILY DRIVE.
Mr. Greg Holtz reviewed the staff report and
recommendation.
Mayor Pro-Tempore Crites declared the hearing open and invited
public testimony in favor of or in opposition to the amendment,
and none was offered. He declared the public hearing closed.
Upon motion by Snyder, second by Kelly, Resolution No. 89-20 was
adopted by unanimous vote of the Council.
XIX. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - 0
None
XX. ADJOURNMENT
Upon motion by Kelly, second by Benson, and unanimous vote of the
Council, Mayor Pro-Tempore Crites adjourned to Closed Session pursuant to
Government Code Section 54956.8, Real Property Transactions and 54956.9
(a) and (b), Pending and Potential Litigation at 9:55 p.m. at which time
Mayor Wilson rejoined the Council meeting.
Mayor Wilson reconvened the meeting at 10:30 p.m. and immediately
adjourned announcing that after discussion involving Ordinance No. 567,
the City Council had tabled the ordinance by unanimouos vote.
ATTEST:
SHEILA R. GILLIGAN, CITY ERK
CITY OF PALM DESERT, CAL FORN1A
ROY WILSON, MAYOR
20