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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1991-04-11MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 1991 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * I. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Snyder convened the meeting at 4:05 p.m. II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Mayor Walter H. Snyder III. INVOCATION - Councilmember Jean M. Benson IV. ROLL CALL Present: Excusgl Absence: Councilmember Jean M. Benson Councilman Buford A. Crites Councilman S. Roy Wilson Mayor Walter H. Snyder Mayor Pro-Tempore Richard S. Kelly Also Present: Bruce A. Altman, City Manager David J. Erwin, City Attorney Sheila R. Gilligan, City Clerk/P.I.O. Carlos L. Ortega, ACM/RDA Executive Director Paul Shillcock, ACM/Director of Economic Development Richard S. Folkers, ACM/Director of Public Works Ramon A. Diaz, ACM/Director of Community Development/Planning Frank Allen, Director of Code Compliance John Wohlmuth, Environmental Conservation Manager Patrick Conlon, Director of Building & Safety V. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES of the Regular City Council Meeting of March 28, 1991. Rec: Approve as presented. B. CLAIMS AND DEMANDS AQAINST THE CITY TREASURY Warrant Nos. WR0306, WR0308, WR0311, and WR0314. Rec: Approve as presented. MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 11, 1991 * * • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • * * * • * C. MINUTES of the Regular Civic Arts Committee Meeting of February 27, 1991. Rec: Approve as presented. D. LETTER OF RESIGNATION from Mr. Harry G. Hoyt from the El Paseo Business Association Board. Rec: Accept with sincere regret. E. REOUEST FOR APPROVAL of Reimbursement Agreement for Western Community Developers (Contract No. 00-531). Rec: By Minute Motion, authorize the Mayor to enter into a reimbursement agreement with Western Community Developers for storm drain installation associated with San Tropez Villas. F. REOUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION to Advertise and Call for Bids for the Highway 111 and Monterey Avenue Intersection Improvements (Contract No. 90-530). Rec: By Minute Motion, authorize the City Clerk to advertise and call for bids for the subject project. G. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION to Negotiate for Engineering Services for Von's Center/Highway 111 Access (Contract No. 00-532). Rec: By Minute Motion, authorize staff to negotiate with ASL Consulting Engineers for engineering services for the subject project. H. REOUEST FOR AWARD OF BID for Electric Utility Veh'-le for the Civic Center Park. Rec: By Minute Motion, award the purchase of the subject vehicle to Electric Car Distributors, Inc. in the amount of $6,150.37. I. REOUEST FOR RATIFICATION of Change Order No. 3 to Contract No. 90-450, DBX, • Inc. for Traffic Signal Installation at Country Club Drive/Desert Falls Parkway. Rec: By Minute Motion, ratify the City Manager's approval of Change Order No. 3 to the subject contract in the amount of $617.98. J. REQUEST FOR ACCEPTANCE OF WORK for Contract No. 00-450, Traffic Signal Installation on Country Club Drive and Old Ranch Road/Desert Falls Parkway. Rec: By Minute Motion, accept the work as complete and authorize the City Clerk to file a Notice of Completion for th; subject project. 2 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESER^' C1TY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 11, 1991 * * * * * * * • * * ► * * • * * • * * • * * * * * * * * • • * * * K. REQUEST FOR RELEASE of Public Improvement Security for Precise Plan 86-50, The Emerald Desert. Rec: By Minute Motion, accept the subject improvements as complete and authorize the City Clerk to release the improvement securities. L. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of Final Tract Map 24603, U.P. Development, Applicant. Rec: Waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 91-M, approving Tract Map 24603. M. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of Turn Restriction at Panorama Drive and Highway 111. Rec: By Minute Motion, approve the Caltrans plan for turn restrictions at the subject location. N. REOUFST FOR APPROVAL of Four One -Day -Off Prizes for Employee Picnic. Rec: By Minute Motion, authorize four one -day -off prizes for employee picnic, with recipients to use prior to December 31, 1991. O. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of Change Order No. 1 to Contract No. 00-467 for Additional Engineering Services for the Portola Avenue and Haystack Road Widening. Rec: By Minute Motion: 1) Approve Change Order No. 1 to Contract 00-467 in the amount of S6,670.00 for additional engineering services; 2) Authorize the transfer of $6,670.00 from the project budget account, No. 213-4527-0000. P. REOIJEST FOR AUTHORIZATION To Advertise and Call for Bids for a 225-Amp Portable Arc Welder. Rec: By Minute Motion, authorize the City Clerk to advertise and call for bids for the purchase of a 225-amp portable arc welder. Q. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION To Advertise and Call for Bids for Contract No. Q0-531 to Remove Debris and Trim Tamarisk Trees on Public Property Adjacent to the Civic Center Park. Rec: By Minute Motion, authorize the City Clerk to advertise and call for bids for Contract No. 00-533. R. CONSIDERATION OF Lt 1 i rat From City of Rancho Mirage Urging the Cities in the Coachella Valley to Oppose the Palm Springs International Raceway. Rec: Receive and file. 3 M NU'I'FS REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 11, 1991 * • • • * • * * • * • • * * * • * * • • • • * • • • * * • • * • • * • • • S. REOUEST FROM THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE for the City's Financial Participation in the 4th of July Fireworks Celebration. Rec: By Minute Motion, approve the request and appropriate the funds from the Unobligated General Fund Reserve. T. REOUEST FOR APPROVAL of Payment by the Redevelopment Agency for All or Part of the Cost of Certain Undergrounding Improvements. Rec: Waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 91-4 Upon motion by Crites, second by Benson, the Consent Calendar was approved as presented by unanimous vote of the Councilmembers present. VI. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - A None VII. RESOLUTIONS None VIII. ORDINANCES For Introduction: A. ORDINANCE NO. 638 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, ADDING SECTIONS 8.20.125AND 8.20.145TO THE MUNICIPAL CODE AND AMENDING SECTIONS 8.20.020,8.20.120,8.20.140, 8.20.150,8.20.170,8.20.180,AND 8.20.1900F THE MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO NUISANCE ABATEMENT. Mr. Allen reviewed the staff report and justification for support of the ordinance which would allow the City to recover costs for City Attorney in -office hearings as well as an option to record public nuisance liens or judgement liens for parcels abated by the City. Upon motion by Crites, second by Benson, Ordinance No. 638 was passed to second reading by unanimous vote of the Councilmembers present. 4 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESEP CITY COUNCIL MEETING • • • • * * * • * • « * • • • * * • * • • * * APRIL 11, 1991 • * * • * * * * • * * * For Adoption: A. ORDINANCE NO. 637 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO THE ZONING ORDINANCE TEXT RELATING TO AWNINGS AND SIGNS SECTION 25.68, CASE NO. ZOA 89-1. Mr. Altman stated that no changes had been made since this ordinance was introduced; he recommended Council's adopting it. Upon motion by Crites, second by Benson, Ordinance No. 637 was adopted by a 3-1-1 vote with Councilman Kelly ABSENT and Councilman Wilson ABSTAINING. IX. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER None X. NEW BUSINESS A. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF CITY'S PARTICIPATION IN THE NATIONAL LEADERSHIP FORUM OF COMMUNITY SERVICE. Councilman Wilson noted that there were several items on the Agenda for the students' Mock City Council meeting that were also on the Council Agenda, including this matter. He suggested deferring discussion and action until after the students had reviewed and acted upon this item. Councilman Crites moved to continue this matter to the 7:00 p.m. portion of the Agenda. Motion was seconded by Wilson and carried by unanimous vote of the Councilmembers present. At 7:00 p.m., Human Resources Director Larry McAllister reviewed the staff report, noting that this was a five-day national event to honor adults and youth who have distinguished themselves in community service in cities across the United States. He added that one student honoree, one adult honoree, and the Mayor would attend the program at a cost of approximately $6,200.00. Councilman Crites moved to, by Minute Motion, approve the City's participation in said program to be held in Washington, D.C. October 16 to 20, 1991, and direct staff to include $6,200 in fiscal year 1991-92 budget. Councilmember Benson seconded the motion, and it carried by a 3-1-1 vote with Councilman Kelly ABSENT and Councilman Wilson voting NO. 5 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 11, 1991 * • ♦ • ♦ • • ♦ • • • * • • • • ♦ • • • • • • ♦ • • • • • • • • • ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ B, REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF PROPOSED REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREA NO. 4. Mr. Altman reviewed the staff report, noting that this project area would Palm Desert Country Club area. He said staff felt Project Area #4 should before any property is annexed to the City. AGENCY include the be in place Councilman Wilson moved to waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 91-44 , requesting the Riverside County Board of Supervisors to authorize the redevelopment of an area within its territorial limits by the City of Palm Desert and to designate the City to undertake such redevelopment; by Minute Motion, authorize the Executive Director to retain the firm of Rosenow, Spevacek Group, Inc. to assist in the accomplishment of a feasibility study on the creation of a project area, appropriating the amount of $15,000 from the City's General Fund for such program; to waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 91-4/, designating a survey area for the proposed redevelopment. Councilman Crites seconded the motion, and it carried by unanimous vote of the Councilmembers present. C. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: 1. Palmer CableVision Update. Mr. Ortega reported that staff was currently reviewing copies of the proposed new cable legislation currently, in the hearing process in Washington, D.C. 2. Update on Tri-Cities Sports Facility. Mr. Diaz asked that this matter be held over until after the students' mock City Council meeting. 3. North Sphere Flyovers Clarification. Mr. Diaz reviewed the report, noting that staff was requesting clarification of Council's intent with regard to possible development of flyovers at major intersections in the north sphere. Upon question by Councilman Wilson as to why the report analyzed only the disadvantages of developing flyovers, Mr. Diaz responded that staff felt there were more disadvantages than advantages. Councilman Crites expressed concern that something be done to mitigate traffic in the north sphere area, especially in light of the current situation at the intersection of Monterey Avenue and Dinah Shore where the Price Club and Home Club are located. Councilman Wilson agreed and said he would not like to see the same thing happen in Palm Desert as in Los Angeles with its grid locks. 6 Its -REGULAR PALM DESE' ' CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 11, 1991 * • * • • * • * • • • • • • • * * * * * • • s 4 * * * * • * * • • • * • With regard to changing intersections, Councilman Crites said the issue was that it takes forever to actually implement any changes, even after Council agrees they are necessary. He agreed that flyovers were not needed at all intersections; however, he felt Monterey Avenue was a major highway which would be filled with traffic, and the fewer lights and intersections, the more people would be able to travel on it. Mayor Snyder suggested referring the matter to the CVAG Transportation Committee. Councilman Crites disagreed and said unless CVAG would be looking at Monterey Avenue and what could be done with that intersection, he did not see any point in referring the matter to the Transportation Committee. Councilman Wilson agreed that the issue could be referred to CVAG but was not sure this particular report itself should also be referred. He suggested perhaps asking CVAG to look at major arterials, i.e. Cook Street and Monterey Avenue. He expressed concern with Highway 111 and said he felt people driving from Palm Desert to Indio spent more time stopped at signals than actually driving. He did not want to see Monterey Avenue and Cook Street bottlenecked like Highway 111, which would discourage people from coming to Palm Desert and enjoying its amenities. Mr. Altman said this item was being brought to Council now because people are getting ready to develop in the area now and want to know what the City is planning with the intersections. Councilman Wilson said he would like to see a study address where flyovers would be feasible, the most economically feasible way to do them without taking a lot of land, and also some alternatives. He added that Council was basically concerned with the roads that go to the freeway (Cook Street and Monterey Avenue). Council concurred, and staff was directed to come back with a more comprehensive report on flyovers, one that would outline the advantages as well as the disadvantages. XI. CONTINUED BUSINESS None XII. OLD BUSINESS None 7 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 11, 1991 * • • • • * • * • * • * • * • • • * • * • * • * • * * • * • • * • • * • • XIII. REPORTS AND REMARKS A. CITY MANAGER 1. STAFF UPDATE on Cook Street at the Wash. Mr. Altman stated that staff was not prepared to make a final recommendation at this time. He said a report would be ready at the next meeting with fiscal implications of the various kinds of bridges. Mr. Folkers reviewed the different types of crossings for Cook Street at the wash, noting that a bridge similar to that on Bob Hope Drive in Rancho Mirage would cost approximately $8 million to provide four lanes across the channel during any storm. A crossing similar to that on Portola Avenue would be approximately $1.5 million, exclusive of utility costs, for 10 feet of elevation. To go higher (to 16 feet) would be approximately $2.5 million. He said the Coachella Valley Water District had some concerns and would prefer to have a crossing similar to the one on Monterey Avenue; however, staff did not agree because it would allow water to flow through very easily and not allow traffic during flood periods. With regard to the time element, Mr. Folkers said the Portola type could probably be designed and constructed in 15 months (by June 1992). A bridge would probably not be able to be completed until April 1993. In addition, the Portola type would allow traffic to continue to flow through during construction, while a bridge structure would require closure of Cook Street for up to three months. Upon question by Councilman Wilson regarding Portola Avenue during the last rain storm, Mr. Folkers responded that as far as he knew Portola Avenue had not been washed out since the new storm drain facility had been completed. He added that the highest it had been was within six inches of the top. Councilman Wilson said Portola was an experiment that seemed to be working quite well. The issue now was to get a passable solution so that Cook Street does not continue to wash out, and he said he would lean toward moving forward with a Portola type crossing. With Council concurrence, staff was directed to come back with costs for all three alternatives. 2. PRESENTATION of Civic Center Directional Signs. Transportation Engineer Seyed Safavian showed the proposed directional signs which would be installed along major City arterials to direct motorists to the Civic Center complex. 8 MINUTES 'REGULAR PALM DESE''' CITY COUNCIL MEETING * * * * • • • * • * • * * • • * • * * * • * APRLL 11, 1991 • • • • * * • * • * • * Councilmember Benson expressed concern that people would look at mistakenly think they were being directed only to the park and not Councilman Wilson suggested and staff was directed to place these signs number of areas to see their impact and effectiveness. B. CITY ATTORNEY the signs and to City Hall. in a reduced Mr. Erwin requested a Closed Session at an appropriate time in accordance with Section 54956.9 (a) and (b), specifically Levall vs. The City of Palm Desert. C. MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL o City Council Requests for Action: 1. REQUEST for "Dark Skies" Ordinance. (Councilman Buford A. Crites) This item was considered at the 7 p.m. portion of the meeting. Mr. Diaz reviewed the staff report and indicated that the current ordinance contained a loophole that allowed the type of lights that Mrs. Patricia Devin complained about during the student's mock City Council meeting. He recommended as an interim measure that Council consider adopting the County of Riverside "Dark Skies" ordinance, with the understanding that the 3ff would bring back a final ordinance after holding discussions with expert groups such as Southern California Edison. Councilman Wilson stated that Mrs. Devin had indicated during her testimony that the County ordinance contained a grandfather clause which, if adopted by the City, would continue to allow the placement of the lights she was complaining about. He moved to waive further reading and adopt Ordinance No. 642 as an emergency ordinance, adopting the Riverside County "Dark Skies" ordinance by reference, with the deletion of the first line of Section 1 making provision for grandfathering. Motion was seconded by Crites and carried by unanimous vote of the Councilmembers present. 2. RECONSIDERATION of Cahuilla Hills Park Name Change. (Councilman Buford A. Crites) Councilman Crites stated he had asked for reconsideration because the Parks & Recreation Commission had r,,.rd,...i a memorandum recommending several alternative names if Council decided the name needed to be changed at all. He thought Council might have felt the memo meant that the name needed to be changed. He added that there were many people who felt "Cahuilla Hills Park" was an appropriate name and that there was no need to change it. MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 11, 1991 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * MR. BOB SANDERS, owner of property adjacent to the park, spoke in favor of keeping the name "Cahuilla Hills Park". Councilman Wilson said he had originally raised the issue based on a letter received from Mr. Del Gagnon stating the existing name was not appropriate. Because new signs needed to be made anyway, staff was asked to look into the matter to make sure there was consensus for keeping the name "Cahuilla Hills Park". He added that he also was not thrilled with the Parks & Recreation Commission recommendation for "Homestead Park" or "Foothills Park". Mayor Snyder moved to reconsider the issue and to rename the park Cahuilla Hills Park. Councilman Crites seconded the motion, and it carried by unanimous vote of the Councilmembers present. 3. CONSTITUENT'S SUGGESTION for a Cultural Park Theme. (Councilman S. Roy Wilson) Councilman Wilson said this idea had come from Professor Frederick Thon who felt the Civic Center Park development should include recognition of the — diversity of culture in the Valley. He said he thought the idea had some merit and asked that staff look into the matter and perhaps as part of the Civic Center Sculpture Walk ask representatives of the different cultures to contribute. Councilmember Benson said she also thought something could be done with the amphitheater, perhaps with programs or community events periodically. She suggested referring the matter to the Civic Arts Committee for report and recommendation. Councilman Wilson asked that staff look at the feasibility of a "Cultural Park", come up with a proposal, and then take it to the Civic Arts Committee for recommendation. Council concurred. o City Council Committee Reports: 1. REPORT on Land Use Subcommittee of the Santa Rosa Mountains National Scenic Area Planning Team. (Councilman Buford A. Crites) Councilman Crites stated that BLM staff was now looking at this second revised draft of the Policy Recommendation I and would be putting together a finished draft soon. He added that this had received unanimous approval of the Executive Committee, including Corky Larson and the Cities of Palm Springs, La Quinta, and Cathedral City. 10 MThflTTES REGULAR PALM DESEP T1TY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 11, 1991 * * * * * * * * * * • * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * XIV . ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - B None Upon motion by Crites, second by Wilson, and unanimous vote of the Councilmembers present, Mayor Snyder recessed the meeting at 5:15 p.m. for the students participating in Youth in Government Day to hold a mock City Council meeting. He reconvened the meeting at 7:00 p.m. XV. COMPLETION OF ITEMS HELD OVER FROM 4:00 P.M. SESSION See Section X, Item A, and Section XIII, Item C-1, for actions. XVI. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - C None XVII. AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS, AND APPOINTMENTS A. PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATE'S OF APPRECIATION TO STUDENTS PARTICIPATING IN STUDENT GOVERNMENT DAY. Mayor Snyder and Human Resources Director Larry McAllister presented Certificates of Appreciation to the following students who participated in Youth in Government Day: Stephen Ketzer . (Mayor), Lee Munson (Mayor Pro-Tempore), Jennifer Dorrough (Councilmember), Lupe Lopez (Councilmember), Christian Sentianin (Councilmember), Michael Rosenfeld (City Manager), In Koo Kim (ACM/Redevelopment Director), Kristyl Sunderman (City Clerk/P.I.O.), David Sager (ACM/Economic Development Director), Victoria Marino (Finance Director/City Treasurer), Mark Mikan (ACM/Public Works Director), Marcella Janes (ACM/Planning Director), Kristi Walker (Building & Safety Director), Josh Homme (Code Compliance Director), Josh McIntosh (Human Resources Director), Maria Lozano (Police Chief), Mac Varnell (Fire Chief), Nicole Gitmed (City Attorney), Gianna Bevens (Environmental Conservation Manager), Darrell Morden (Emergency Services Coordinator), and Richie Iafrate (Public Art Coordinator). XVIII. PUBLIC HEARINGS None XIX. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - D None 11 Alms REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 11, 1991 * * * * • * * * * * * * * * • * * • * * * * * * * * * * * * * • * * * * * XX. ADJOURNMENT Councilman Crites moved to adjourn to Closed Session pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(a) and (b), Pending and Potential Litigation, for the cases specifically stated by the City Attorney. Councilman Wilson seconded the motion, and it carried by unanimous vote of the Councilmembers present. Mayor Snyder adjourned the meeting to Closed Session at 7:30 p.m. Mayor Snyder reconvened the meeting at 7:45 p.m. and immediately adjourned with no action announced. ATTEST: r SHEILA R. GII4.IGAN, Y CLERK CITY OF PALM DESEII( CALIFORNIA Q't-iet' WALTER H. SNYDER, MAY 12