Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1991-01-24MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 1991 CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBER * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * I. CALL TO ORDER II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Councilman Buford A. Crites III. INVOCATION - Mayor Pro-Tempore Richard S. Kelly IV. ROLL CALL Present: Councilmember Jean M. Benson Councilman Buford A. Crites Mayor Pro-Tempore Richard S. Kelly Councilman S. Roy Wilson (Arrived at 7:00 p.m.) Mayor Walter H. Snyder 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, Director of Public Works/ACM Ramon A. Diaz, ACM/Director of Community Development/Planning Pat Conlon, Director of Building & Safety Frank Allen, Director of Code Compliance V. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES of the Regular City Council Meeting of January 10, 1991. Rec: Approve as presented. MINUTES REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 24,1991 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * B. CLAIMS AND DEMANDS AGAINST THE CITY TREASURY - Warrant Nos. WR 0104, 0115 and 1205. Rec: Approve as presented. C. APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE by Desert Food Development Inc. for Caffee Milano Restorante, 73-375 Highway 111, Palm Desert. Rec: Receive and refer to the Department of Community Development for processing. D. APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE by Daniel Mumeston and Gary Kevorkian for New York Pizza, 72-840 Highway 111, Palm Desert. Rec: Receive and file. E. APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE by Palm Lakes Golf, Inc. for Palm Lakes Golf Course, 74-945 Sheryl Drive, Palm Desert. Rec: Receive and refer to the Department of Community Development for processing. F. APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE by Trader Joe's Company for Trader Joe's, SEC Town Center Way and Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert. Rec: Receive and refer to the Department of Community Development for processing. G. APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE by XECAFE, Inc. for Cafe De Mexico, 73-325 Highway 111,Palm Desert. Rec: Receive and file. H. REOUEST FOR APPROVAL of Plan Check Extension for Butler & Associates. Rec: By Minute Motion, approve the request for a 180-day plan check extension for J. E. Butler and Associates for the Pepperwood Apartments located at 74- 410 Hovley Lane. Precise Plan No. 87-37. 2 MINUTES REGULAR CITY COU1 L MEETING JANUARY 24,1991 * * * * * * * * *-* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * I. REOUEST FOR APPROVAL of Change Order No. 1 to Contract No. 00-439, Hovley Lane Street Construction. Rec: By Minute Motion, approve Change Order No. 1 to Contract No. 00-439 in the amount of $14,556.40. J. REOUEST FOR AWARD OF CONTRACT NO. 00-486 for Landscape Maintenance on El Paseo Medians from Highway 74 to Portola Avenue. Rec: By Minute Motion, award Contract No. 00-486 to Environmental Care, Inc. in the amount of $30,540 ($2,545 per month). K. REOUEST FOR APPROVAL of Lot Line Adjustment Grant Deed for Tract No. 24591. Alacano Enterprises, Applicant. Rec: By Minute Motion, authorize the Mayor to execute a Grant Deed providing for the conveyance of property associated with lot line adjustment PMW 90-14. L. REOUEST FOR APPROVAL of Country Club Drive/Suncrest Mobile Home Park Intersection Improvement Plan. Rec: By Minute Motion: 1) Approve the proposed interim intersection improvement plan; 2) Authorize staff to proceed with implementation of the approved plan. Upon motion by Kelly, second by Crites, all items on the Consent Calendar, except Item "L", were approved as presented by unanimous vote of the Councilmembers present. VI. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - A MR. BILL THOMPSON, 45-385 Taos Cove, Indian Wells, addressed Council with concern about the surface water drainage from Candlewood that was threatening the Cove at Indian Wells, the homeowners association of which he is president. Mayor Snyder advised that staff would look into the matter, and Mr. Altman said a report would appear on the February 14, 1991, City Council Agenda. 3 MINUTES REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 24,1991 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * VII. RESOLUTIONS A. RESOLUTION NO. 91-09 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, ANNEXING CERTAIN CONTIGUOUS TERRITORY TO SAID CITY UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THE CORTESE/KNOX LOCAL GOVERNMENT REORGANIZATION ACT OF 1985, WHICH PROCEEDINGS ARE DESIGNATED AS PALM DESERT ANNEXATION NO. 27. LAFCO NO. 90-95-4 - SUNRISE COMPANY. Mr. Altman noted that Mr. Diaz had advised him that this annexation had been approved by LAFCo, and he recommended adoption of the resolution. Upon motion by Crites, second by Kelly, Resolution No. 91-09 was adopted by unanimous vote of the Councilmembers present. VIII. ORDINANCES For Introduction: None For Adoption: A. ORDINANCE NO. 628 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING AND ADOPTING AN AMENDMENT TO THE REDEVELOPMENT PLAN, AS AMENDED, FOR PROJECT AREA NO. 1, AS AMENDED, OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY. (AMENDMENT NO. 6) Mr. Altman stated that no changes had been made since introduction of this ordinance, and he recommended its adoption. Upon motion by Kelly, second by Benson, Ordinance No. 628 was adopted by unanimous vote of the Councilmembers present. B. ORDINANCE NO. 629 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING AND ADOPTING AN AMENDMENT TO THE REDEVELOPMENT PLAN, AS AMENDED, FOR PROJECT AREA NO. 1, AS AMENDED, OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY. (AMENDMENT NO. 7) Mr. Altman recommended adoption of the ordinance, noting that no changes had been made since its introduction. 4 MINUTES REGULAR CITY COUI L MEETING JANUARY 24,1991 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Upon motion by Crites, second by Kelly, Ordinance No. 629 was adopted by unanimous vote of the Councilmembers present. IX. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER L. REOUEST FOR APPROVAL of Country Club Drive/Suncrest Mobile Home Park Intersection Improvement Plan. Councilman Kelly stated that he had asked for this item to be removed because he felt more explanation was needed before he could make a decision. Councilman Crites agreed and expressed concern that this particular mobilehome park was actually located in the County of Riverside, not the City of Palm Desert. He felt the cost of the signal should be split between the County and the Suncrest Homeowners Association and not be borne by citizens of Palm Desert. Mr. Folkers responded that installation of a signal at this location would in fact affect residents of Palm Desert, specifically San Tropez Villas. He said he had just received information from the County that they would not proceed with any kind of signalization until warrant studies had been done. Upon question by Councilmember Benson regarding cost, Transportation Engineer Seyed Safavian responded that no specific figures were available at this point in time; however, the County had indicated it would share in the cost. Staff was requesting direction from Council and would then proceed with obtaining cost figures. Councilman Crites asked whether, by approving staffs recommendation, Council would be committing the City to pay a portion of the signal. He also asked if San Tropez was willing to pay a portion of the signal. Mr. Folkers responded that approval of staff's recommendation would not commit the City to pay a portion of the signal and said this was just an interim plan. Mr. Safavian added that staff had not discussed the signalization fee with the San Tropez representatives. Councilman Kelly said he felt if this was something that was not taken care of properly when San Tropez was approved, the City should pay for correcting the problem, not the residents. He asked if the City required San Tropez to put the median in the way it is now. Mr. Folkers responded that the median was proper for the development at that time. Councilman Crites stated that the staff report indicated the Technical Traffic Committee had been split on the matter of allowing U-turns at mid -block locations, and he asked staff to explain. 5 MINUTES REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 24,1991 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mr. Safavian responded that the Committee unanimously approved the interim plan but was split on allowing U-turns either at mid -block or at the Palm Desert Greens intersection. The problem with having it at the Palm Desert Greens intersection was the fact that it was so much further away from San Tropez. Councilman Benson moved to, by Minute Motion: 1) Approve the proposed interim intersection improvement plan; 2) Authorize staff to proceed with implementation of the approved plan. Councilman Kelly seconded the motion, and it carried by unanimous vote of the Councilmembers present. Mr. Gerhard Befeld, owner of Suncrest Mobilehome Park, addressed Council and offered to pay 1/2 of the improvements if the County failed to pay it. X. NEW BUSINESS A. CONSIDERATION OF PROJECT AREA COMMI'1'1'hE FOR PROJECT AREA NO. 3. Mr. Ortega reviewed the report in the packets outlining staff's recommendation for obtaining input from the property owners and residents in the project area. Councilman Crites moved to waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 91-1Q, declaring that a Project Area Committee is not necessary for Project Area No. 3 and that the City Council endorses the proposed Citizen Participation Program. Councilman Kelly seconded the motion and it carried by unanimous vote of the Councilmembers present. B. CONSIDERATION OF PROPOSAL FOR PALM DESERT PEOPLE MOVER. This item was considered at the 7 p.m. portion of the meeting so that Councilman Wilson could participate in the discussion. Mr. Altman reviewed the staff report and offered to answer any questions. Upon question by Councilman Wilson relative to possible future expansion and getting federal help for a Valley wide system, Mr. Altman responded that part of the Urban Mass Transit Administration (UMTA) program would be to see how it could be expanded Valley wide. Councilman Wilson asked that staff and the consultant touch bases with the Riverside County Transportation Commission, which normally handles the UMTA funding for the County, as well as the Palm Desert Chamber of Commerce Environmental Affairs Committee, which was pushing for a Valley wide monorail system. 6 MINUTES REGULAR C1TY COUN , MEETING JANUARY 24,1991 * * * * * * * * * * -* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Councilman Crites moved to, by Minute Motion, authorize the City Manager to negotiate Agreement No. 00-501 with Goodman Corporation to put together an application to Urban Mass Transit Administration (UMTA) for preliminary engineering for Phase I of the project. Councilmember Benson seconded the motion, and it carried by unanimous vote. C. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: 1. Palmer CableVision Update. Mr. Ortega reviewed the staff report, noting that a letter had been received from Steve Merritt of Palmer CableVision responding to the first phase audit results. He said the letter had been submitted to the consultant for comment and that a report would be prepared for the Council once those comments were received. 2. Update on Tri-Cities Sports Facility. Mr. Altman stated that the Cities of Indian Wells and Rancho Mirage had adopted the Memorandum of Understanding and that staff was now getting ready to get things going. Mr. Ortega reported that the Civic Center Steering Committee had considered the Council directives from the last meeting and made several recommendations, including keeping the ball diamonds in the same area as originally planned. With regard to the date palms, he showed a recommended layout, noting that Council's direction was to space the trees the same way they are in the date groves;he said the Committee recommended inclusion of sufficient trees to make it look like a grove, but it did not recommend an actual square grove. He stated that another recommendation was that San Pablo not go through to Magnesia Falls Drive. Mr. Folkers added that this plan would provide 300 parking spaces and approximately 370 palm trees. Councilman Crites expressed concern regarding the suggested layout of the date trees and asked if the ballfields could be shifted to the left. He felt the idea was to have a square block of trees, not to leave a fringe of palms like a country club. He felt this plan negated the initial concept and made it not a viable concept. Councilman Kelly said the plan was as he had envisioned it. He said the most important thing to him was that this was a recreational area for the citizens of Palm Desert, and moving the ballfields would disrupt the whole plan. He said he felt this was a beautiful plan with parking right next to the ball diamonds. and he did not agree that a date preserve had to be square. He felt the plan took care of all the requirements. 7 MINUTES REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 24,1991 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Snyder said that to move everything north would cost a lot of money and would not make sense to him. He added that he really liked the plan. Councilman Crites said that for the last two years the five acres in the lower corner had been set aside for a date preserve. The purpose of having it in a square was to make it a living replica of an actual date grove, and he felt this was a policy decision that was made two years ago. Mayor Snyder agreed that the date grove had been discussed in the past, but at that time there were no discussions about having ball diamonds here also. He said it was decided this was the best place for ballfields, and the Committee had to find a way to include them. He suggested moving the date grove and said the City had a lot of property in the north sphere. Mr. Altman added that the idea was to keep all the recreational facilities together and that the YMCA would be supervising those activities. Councilmember Benson agreed that the recreational facilities should be kept together but also felt the date grove needed to be kept on the Civic Center site. Councilman Kelly said he felt the date grove would enhance the entire area and add pizzazz to the site. Councilman Crites said he felt the date grove as recommended would do nothing to mitigate the ballfields for the adjacent property owners. Councilmember Benson suggested leaving the date trees as shown on the renderings and perhaps some time in the future a place could be found for a real date grove. Councilman Crites agreed. Councilman Kelly moved to approve the plan for the ballfields, tennis courts, etc. as presented by staff and to direct staff to search for another location for the date palm preserve where it could be laid out in accordance with Councilman Crites suggestions. Councilmember Benson seconded the motion, and it carried by unanimous vote of the Councilmembers present. 8 MINUTES REGULAR CITY COUNT MEETING JANUARY 24,1991 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 3. Cook Street and Interstate 10 Mello Roos Community Facilities District. Mr. Folkers reviewed the staff report and asked for Council approval in concept. Councilman Crites moved to approve the plan as submitted by staff and to direct staff to proceed as outlined in the staff report. Mayor Snyder seconded the motion, and it carried by unanimous vote of the Councilmembers present. 4. Library Report and Recommendation. Mr. Altman noted that staff was not requesting formal Council action at this time. Mr. Diaz introduced Regional Librarian Barbara Bowie, Acting Library Director Judith Auth, Carol Schoen, member of the Riverside County Free Library Advisory Committee, and Greg McDonald, in charge of construction and development for the Riverside City and County Public Library System, and said they were available to answer any questions about future servicing. He noted that two staff reports had been included in the packets: 1) Future Library Services; 2) Palm Springs Library Proposal. He said staffs recommendation was to continue with the present contract with Riverside City and County Public Library and remain part of the district. He reviewed the reports and offered to answer any questions. Councilman Crites asked if the City had already signed on to the County Library System for the next year. He also asked where the Palm Springs Library proposal was and noted he had only seen a one page letter in the packet listing library options. Mr. Diaz confirmed that Palm Desert had already signed on to the County Library System. He said the Palm Springs proposal was not in writing and added that it had also been made to Rancho Mirage. Councilman Crites said Rancho Mirage had pulled out of the system, and he asked when it would be known how much money it would get back. He said he did not think the current library was good and was not sure the County was the best provider of library services in the long run. Mayor Snyder responded that this information would probably not be available until the middle of the year. Mr. Altman stated that staff was bringing Council up to date on what had been done for the past few years. He added that a top notch architect was ready to start drawings of the library the City wants. 9 MINUTES REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 24,1991 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *. * * * * MS. JUDITH AUTH, Acting Director of the Riverside City and County Public Library, commended Council on its goal of having a library that is state of the art and also a community library for the future. She said the County library system was willing to work with the City of Palm Desert to get the best library for its citizens. Mr. Diaz showed renderings of the proposed library designs recommended by the Library Committee. Council concurred with the staff report, and directed staff to proceed in the direction outlined. No official action was required or taken. 5. Prototype Electric Vehicle. Environmental Conservation Manager John Wohlmuth said he had received a call from the Research Division of the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) relative to the City's interest in working with them on an electric bus for El Paseo. He said the matter would be before the SCAQMD Board this week relative to purchase of the bus; if passed by the Board, they were looking for a commitment from the City of Palm Desert to operate, maintain, and store the bus. He added that $80,000 had been approved by the Council in the 1990/91 budget, and he felt it could be done for less than $80,000 per year. Upon question by Councilmember Benson regarding how this would fit in with the bus system on El Paseo which had just been implemented, Mr. Wohlmuth responded that the intent was to take pedestrian shoppers on and around El Paseo, to the Palm Desert Town Center, and to the commercial district of Palm Desert. He added that there were no plans at this time to go to any of the hotels primarily because of the range of the bus (approximately 100 miles) and the all day use. Councilman Kelly added that the bus would have City of Palm Desert and South Coast Air Quality Management District signage on it and would stay strictly in the commercial areas of the City. Councilman Crites moved to approve the City's participation in this project with South Coast Air Quality Management District. Councilmember Benson seconded the motion, and it carried by unanimous vote of the Councilmembers present. 10 MINUTES REGULAR CITY COUNC MEETING JANUARY 24,1991 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * XI. CONTINUED BUSINESS A. REOUEST FOR APPROVAL OF Warrant No. 1202 of the City of Palm Desert. (Continued from the meeting of January 10, 1991.) Councilmember Benson said that she was now satisfied with this particular item. Upon motion by Benson, second by Crites, the item was approved as presented by unanimous vote of the Councilmembers present. XII. OLD BUSINESS None XIII. REPORTS AND REMARKS A. CITY MANAGER None B. CITY ATTORNEY Mr. Erwin requested a Closed Session in accordance with Government Code Section 54956.9 (a), (b), and (c), noting that the pending litigation was Levall vs. The City of Palm Desert. C. MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL o City Council Requests for Action: 1. Gallerv/Restaurant Brochure Councilman Kelly stated - that this item had come up after the agenda had been posted and asked that it be added to the agenda. Upon motion be Crites, second by Benson, and unanimous vote of the Council, the item was added to the agenda for consideration. Mr. Kelly reviewed the staff report, noting that the cost of the brochure would be between $7,500 and $8,000. He said 35 galleries and/or restaurants had contributed $100 each for a total of $3,500, and he requested that Council approve payment of the difference. 11 MINUTES REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 24,1991 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Snyder said he had no problem with payment but asked why the CVB was not participating. Councilmember Benson responded that this matter had not been brought to the CVB. She added that in order for the CVB to participate, the brochure would have to include other cities for people to visit, not just Palm Desert. Upon question by Councilman Kelly, Mrs. Gilligan responded that the money would be added to the Activities Promotion budget. Councilman Crites said he felt if the City was paying half the cost of the brochure, it should highlight the City's art program and show what types of things are available in the City in the public art domain. Councilman Kelly agreed. Councilman Crites moved to, by Minute Motion, appropriate an amount not to exceed $4,500 to the Community Promotion Budget to participate in the production of a Gallery/Restaurant Brochure with the condition that Dick Kelly and Sheila Gilligan work with the Public Art Coordinator to highlight the City's public art in the brochure. Councilman Kelly seconded the motion, and it carried by unanimous vote of the Councilmembers present. Councilman Crites asked that the matter be fully discussed at budget time before including monies for another brochure next year. 2. PM-10 Micron Technical Workine Group Councilman Crites stated that he, Councilman Wilson, and Environmental Conservation Manager John Wohlmuth had represented the City of Palm Desert at the first meeting of this group. He said they would be meeting again at the end of February and would be setting up six or more test demonstrations. He noted that Palm Desert had been complimented by the Air Quality Management District as being the only jurisdiction in the Valley to send in reports on what is being done within the City. He added that Dr. Emily Nelson would chair this group for the next five years and that he would be acting as the Vice Chair for a while. o City Council Committee Reports: XIV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - B None 12 MINUTES REGULAR CITY COUN' MEETING JANUARY 24,1991 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 'f * * * * * * * * * * * Councilman Crites moved to adjourn to Closed Session at 5:55 p.m. for purposes as stated by the City Attorney. Motion was seconded by Kelly and carried by unanimous vote of the Councilmembers present. Mayor Snyder reconvened the meeting at 7:00 p.m. and turned it over to the students of Palm Desert Middle School who conducted a Candlelight Vigil in support of the U.S. troops in the Persian Gulf. XV. COMPLETION OF ITEMS HELD OVER FROM 4:00 P.M. SESSION B. CONSIDERATION OF PROPOSAL FOR PALM DESERT PEOPLE MOVER. This item was considered at the 7 p.m. portion of the meeting so that Councilman Wilson could participate in the discussion. XVI. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - C None XVII. AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS, AND APPOINTMENTS A. REOUEST FOR REAPPOINTMENTS TO THE CIVIC ARTS COMMITTEE. Councilman Crites moved to, by Minute Motion, reappoint Robert Spiegel, Dianne Funk, Evelyn Bennett, and Janet Abrams to each serve three-year terms. Councilmember Benson seconded the motion, and it carried by unanimous vote. B. REOUEST FOR APPOINTMENTS TO THE NEWLY CREATED CITY TRAILS COMMITTEE. Councilman Crites moved to appoint Janet Abrams, Doug Simmons, Steve Sims, and Ron Gregory to the newly created City Trails Committee and to ask that group to make recommendations relative to other individuals who should be appointed. Councilman Wilson seconded the motion, and it carried by unanimous vote. XVIII. PUBLIC HEARINGS None XIX. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - D None 13 MINUTES REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 24,1991 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * XX. ADJOURNMENT Upon motion be Crites, second by Wilson, and unanimous vote of the Council, Mayor Snyder adjourned the meeting at 8:00 p.m. Mayor Snyder reconvened the meeting at 8:45 p.m. and immediately adjourned with no action announced from Closed Session. ATTEST: SHEILA R. GIL GAN, CIT)LERK CITY OF PALM DESERT, IFORNIA WALTER H. SNYDER, Mta6(76.-- A 14