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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1991-05-23MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING THURSDAY, MAY 23, 1991 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * s * * s s * s * * * * * s * * * * I. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Snyder convened the meeting at 4:10 p.m. 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 Mayor Walter H. Snyder Also Present: Bruce A. Altman, City Manager David J. Erwin, City Attorney Carlos L. Ortega, ACM/RDA Executive Director Mary P. Frazier, Deputy City Clerk Paul Shillcock, ACM/Director of Economic Development Richard J. Folkers, ACM/Director of Public Works Ramon A. Diaz, ACM/Director of Community Development/Planning Paul Gibson, Director of Finance/Treasurer Larry McAllister, Director of Human Resources Evelyn Bridges, Code Compliance Officer V. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES of the Regular City Council Meeting of May 9, 1991. Rec: Approve as presented. MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 23, 1991 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * B. CLAIM$ AND DEMANDS AGAINST THE CITY TREASURY - Warrant Nos. WR0412, WR0501, and WR0503. Rec: Approve as presented. C. CLAIM AGAINST THE CITY by Antonio Navarrete in an Amount in Excess of $10,000.00 (Claim No. 168). Rec: By Minute Motion: 1) Deny the Claim because the incident occurred outside the jurisdictional limits of the City of Palm Desert; 2) Instruct the City Clerk to so advise the Claimant. D. RESOLUTION NO. 91-55 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Palm Desert, California, Establishing a Sexual Harassment Policy for City Employment. Rec: Waive further reading and adopt. E. CONSIDERATION of Annexation Changes to Landscape and Lighting District No. 6. Rec: Waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 91-56, approving the engineer's report and boundary changes to Assessment District No. 6 and setting a public hearing for the annexation. F. REOUEST FOR APPROVAL of Parcel Map 26929 (William Wilson, Jr., Applicant). Rec: Waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 91-57, approving Parcel Map 26929. G. REOUEST FOR RELEASE of Subdivision Improvement Securities for Tracts 22690- 4, 22690-5, 22690-6, and 23724 (Mark Temple Construction, Applicant). Rec: By Minute Motion, accept the subdivision improvements as complete and authorize the City Clerk to release the subdivision improvement securities. H. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of City of Palm Desert Representation at Osoyoos Cherry Festival. Rec: By Minute Motion: 1) Authorize one member of the Palm Desert Sister City Committee and one designee of the Mayor of the City of Palm Desert to represent the City in the Osoyoos Cherry Festival and make a presentation to the Okanagan-Similkameen Tourism Association during its annual meeting; 2) Appropriate $1,000 from the Unobligated General Fund Budget to the Sister City Program Budget. 2 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT "Y COUNCIL MEETING MAY 23, 1991 * * * * * * * * * * * . * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * I. REOUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION to Advertise and Call for Bids to Replace Plastic Signal Heads with Metal Signal Heads at Monterey Avenue and San Gorgonio Way (Contract No. 00-548). Rec: By Minute Motion, authorize the City Clerk to advertise and call for bids for the subject project. J. REOUEST FOR APPROVAL of Civic Center Well Metering Agreement (Contract No. 00-546). Rec: By Minute Motion, authorize the Mayor to execute the Well Metering Agreement for State Well No. 05S06E20Q01S with the Coachella Valley Water District (Contract No. 00-546). K. RESOLUTION NO. 91-58 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Palm Desert, California, Setting the Date and Time of the Joint Public Hearing with Respect to the Redevelopment Plan for Project Area No. 3 and the Final Environmental Impact Report Prepared in Connection Therewith. Rec: Waive further reading and adopt. L. RESOLUTION NO. 91-59 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Palm Desert, California, Finding that the Use of Taxes Allocated from Project Area No. 3 for the Purpose of Housing Outside of the Project Area will be of Benefit to the Project. Rec: Waive further reading and adopt. M. LETTER FROM THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS ESTATES Requesting the City of Palm Desert's Adoption of a Resolution Supporting Efforts to Empower Properly Trained Peace Officers to Remove Unsafe Commercial Vehicles from Streets and Highways. Rec: By Minute Motion, refer to staff for report and recommendation. N. REOUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION of Funds for Capital Outlay. Rec: By Minute Motion: 1) Authorize the appropriation of an amount not to exceed $6,321.30from the Unobligated Public Art Fund to Account No. 236-4537-4040 for an Abodia Slide Storage System; 2) Make a finding pursuant to Palm Desert Municipal Code Section 3.32.090 exempting the purchase of the slide storage system; 3) Authorize the purchase of the Abodia Slide Storage System for an amount not to exceed $10,921.30. 3 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 23, 1991 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * O. REQUEST FOR AWARD OF CONTRACT NO. 00-520 for Street Sweeping North of the Whitewater Flood Control Channel. Rec: By Minute Motion, award the subject contract to Street Works, Inc. at the rate of $16.00 per curb/mile ($58,240.O0annual cost). Upon motion by Kelly, second by Wilson, the Consent Calendar was approved as presented by unanimous vote of the Council. VI. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - A MR. DAN EHRLER, Executive Vice President of the Palm Desert Chamber of Commerce, addressed Council and distributed copies of the new sign ordinance pamphlet which was the result of cooperative efforts of the City of Palm Desert, Chamber of Commerce, and Business Community Sign Ordinance Task Force. MR. MURRAY MAGLOFF, a resident of Chaparral Country Club, said he had spoken with Transportation Engineer Seyed Safavian relative to the Informational Item dealing with the Portola Avenue and Chaparral Country Club intersection and the fact that it does not currently warrant a signal light. He asked that Council consider installation of stop signs on Portola so that traffic traveling north and south will be slowed down enough to allow people to enter and exit Chaparral Country Club. Mayor Snyder responded that staff would look into this matter. VII. RESOLUTIONS None VIII. ORDINANCES For Introduction: A. ORDINANCE NO. 643 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTION 10.36.010 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE RELATIVE TO ESTABLISHING NEW SPEED ZONES (HOVLEY LANE BETWEEN PORTOLA AVENUE AND CARLOTTA DRIVE). Mr. Folkers reviewed the staff report, noting that this would result in a speed limit of 40 mph on Hovley Lane between Portola Avenue and Carlotta Drive. Councilman Crites asked if this was considered a safe speed on Hovley Lane where it curves, and Mr. Folkers stated that it would reduce the existing 55 mph to 40 mph. Councilman Crites moved to waive further reading and pass to second reading. Motion was seconded by Benson and carried by unanimous vote of the Council. MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT Y COUNCIL MEETING MAY 23, 1991 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * B. ORDINANCE NO. 644 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTION 10.36.010 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE RELATIVE TO REESTABLISHING SPEED ZONES (MONTEREY AVENUE FROM HIGHWAY 111 TO COUNTRY CLUB DRIVE, COUNTRY CLUB DRIVE FROM MONTEREY AVENUE TO OASIS CLUB DRIVE, FRED WARING DRIVE FROM HIGHWAY 111 TO COOK STREET). Mr. Folkers reviewed the staff report, noting that the California Vehicle Code required a new traffic engineering study to be done every five years in order for the speed zone to remain valid. Councilman Wilson noted that a limit of 50 mph had been established a few months ago on Monterey Avenue. However, if vehicles are traveling the speed limit, they almost get run over, and he felt it should be increased to at least 55 mph, especially since there are now four lanes on Monterey. Mr. Folkers responded that staff would look into this matter. Councilman Wilson moved to waive further reading and pass to second reading. Motion was seconded by Kelly and carried by unanimous vote of the Council. C. ORDINANCE NO. 645 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, REESTABLISHING A SPEED ZONE ON GARY AVENUE FROM REBECCA ROAD TO CHRISTIAN STREET. Mr. Folkers reviewed the staff report and offered to answer any questions. Councilman Kelly moved to waive further reading and pass to second reading. Motion was seconded by Wilson and carried by unanimous vote of the Council. D. ORDINANCE NO. 646 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING AN AMENDMENT TO THE CONTRACT BETWEEN THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, AND THE BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION OF THE CALIFORNIA PUBLIC EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM TO REMOVE THE EXCLUSION OF CROSSING GUARDS AND ADMINISTRATIVE INTERNS AS REQUIRED BY NEW FEDERAL (IRS) REGULATIONS. Mr. Altman noted there was a memo in the packets from Mr. McAllister, who would answer any questions. Councilman Wilson moved to waive further reading and pass to second reading. Motion was seconded by Benson and carried by unanimous vote of the Council. 5 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 23, 1991 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * For Adoption: None IX. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER None X. NEW BUSINESS A. PRESENTATION TO THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR INITIATION OF AN IMPORTANT COMMUNITY PROGRAM. Mayor Snyder presented a plaque of appreciation to Ms. Judy George for her outstanding efforts in preparing an earthquake preparedness plan for the business community. B. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: 1. Palmer CableVision Update. Mr. Ortega stated that there was no new report at this time. 2. Update on Tri-Cities Sports Facility. Mr. Diaz reported that the notice of preparedness had been completed and would be mailed the following day on the environmental impact report for Phase III which would cover lighted playing fields, parking area, corporation yard, and pedestrian bridge across the San Pascual Channel. He said CEQA requirements stated that the notice of completion must be out for 30 days, and then staff could begin the draft environmental impact report. He added that the notice was being sent to all property owners within 300 feet and all those individuals indicating an interest in the project. 3. Portola Avenue and Chaparral Country Club Intersection. Mr. Folkers reviewed the report, noting that staff could not at this time recommend any changes in the traffic controls for this intersection. He added that the second paragraph of the report noted that staff was currently reviewing the traffic control at the intersection of Portola Avenue and Hovley Lane East to see if possible traffic control changes to this intersection could result in access improvement at the Chaparral Country Club/Portola Avenue intersection. 6 1`INUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT "Y COUNCIL MEETING * * * * * * * * * * * i - * * * * * * * * * * * * MAY 23, 1991 * * * * * * * * * * Upon question by Councilman Crites, Mr. Folkers stated that the review by staff would include comments made by Mr. Magloff at the beginning of the meeting. 4. Report on Indian Wells' Low -Cost Housing Program. Mr. Diaz reviewed the report in the packets. No Council action necessary for this item. XI. CONTINUED BUSINESS A. CONSIDERATION OF AN APPEAL BY BOBBY CUPPLES RELATIVE TO THE ABATEMENT OF BIRDS ON HIS PROPERTY. Code Compliance Office Evelyn Bridges reviewed the report, noting that it was staff s recommendation that Mr. Cupples be allowed to keep only one exotic bird. MR. BOBBY CUPPLES, appellant, stated that he had owned the birds for the last 14 years, which included the time when he resided on Joshua Road in Palm Desert. He said his immediate neighbors had written letters to the City indicating the birds were acceptable to them. He noted that the main complainant did not live on either side of his home. He added that he had received threats that the birds would be killed if they were not removed; in addition, rocks had been thrown and obscene telephone calls made. He said he had gotten rid of five of the ten birds since the complaints began. With regard to a statement in the staff report that he had a business or hobby of raising exotic birds for sale, he said he at one time had put on shows for charity and used the birds in the shows; however, he had not done so in the past three years. Upon question by Councilmember Benson regarding how the birds were housed on the property, Mr. Cupples responded that the area was a covered patio with three walls that opened onto his pool. He added that the birds were kept in separate cages. Upon question by Councilman Wilson relative to the number of animals allowed per City ordinance, Mr. Diaz stated that it was his understanding that three dogs or cats were allowed but that there were no limits spelled out for other types of animals. MR. JOE SCHNEIDER addressed the Council and said he lived across the street and less than 200 feet from Mr. Cupples' residence. He said that at no time had he made the statement that he would kill the birds if they were not removed. He said he could not keep his doors or windows open because of the noise from the birds. He said he had no objection to Mr. Cupples' keeping as many birds as he wanted; his main concern was with the cockatoo, and he felt getting rid of the one screaming bird would solve his problem. He also submitted a letter from his physician relative to his medical condition (attached hereto and made a part hereof as Exhibit "A"). 7 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 23, 1991 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Councilman Crites said the issue was whether or not the squawking birds violated the noise level and asked if anyone had gone out and measured the noise to see if it was in violation of the noise ordinance. He also asked what staffs rationale was for recommending only one bird. Ms. Bridges responded that she was not aware of any noise measurement being done during the investigation and was also not clear as to the rationale for staff s recommendation other than the fact that at the beginning, ten birds was felt to be excessive. Councilman Wilson asked if there had been any discussions relative to locating the screaming bird in the house rather than outdoors, and Ms. Bridges responded that she did not know whether this had been discussed or not. Councilman Wilson moved to continue this item to the meeting of June 13, 1991, to allow staff time to investigate some of the other issues raised during this discussion. Motion was seconded by Benson and carried by unanimous vote of the Council. Councilman Wilson asked that staff contact Mr. Schneider relative to the cockatoo and the possibility of an alternative to staffs recommendation. B. STAFF REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION RELATIVE TO LETTER FROM BARBARA FLANAGAN RELATIVE TO ANIMAL CONTROL SERVICES. Ms. Bridges reviewed the report and said staffs recommendation was to continue with the Joint Powers Agreement with Riverside County Animal Control mainly due to budget and manpower. MRS. MARY NUDD, 73-409 Little Bend Trail, said she was in favor of the City having its own animal control officers. She felt it would be better for residents and animal owners and noted that all cities except Palm Desert and Indian Wells had their own officers. Councilman Crites asked if Mrs. Nudd could identify some specific things that for the same number of dollars would be better if the animal control officer actually worked for the City. Mrs. Nudd responded that she felt the one-on-one contact and always having the same officer would be beneficial and that the officer would have more empathy with the citizens. She added that she felt the City could find ways to afford its own officer. 8 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT `'Y COUNCIL MEETING MAY 23, 1991 * * * * * * * * * * * . . * * * * * * * * * * * * s * * * * * * * * * * MS. CATHY HODGKINS, 78-451 Darby Road, Bermuda Dunes, said she taught Humane Education in all the schools of the Coachella Valley and in those cities with their own animal control officers, the officer would actually go with her to the school and help the students learn about the laws. She said although the County wanted to do the same, it could not because of the budget and manpower. MS. BARBARA FLANAGAN, 47-978 Silver Spur, said she had researched what was written as fact in the staff report and would like an opportunity to work with staff to develop accurate information before a decision is made by the Council. She requested a continuance of 60 days. Councilman Wilson moved to continue this matter for 60 days and ask staff to meet with Mrs. Flanagan and any other interested citizens to discuss ways to provide a better program for animal control services at a reasonable cost. Motion was seconded by Crites and carried by unanimous vote of the Council. Councilman Crites asked that consideration also be given to continuity of personnel instead of having a different person each time. XII. OLD BUSINESS A. REOUEST FOR AWARD OF CONTRACT NO. 00-542 FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF CIVIC CENTER ADDITIONS. Mr. Conlon reviewed the staff report, noting that the low bid from Landmark Organization, Inc. was approximately $438,000 below the architect's final estimate. MR. JOHN OUTCAULT, Project Architect, reviewed the project and bids received and offered to answer any questions. MR. REGIS MATEJCIK, Vice President of Landmark Organization, Inc. explained his organization, noting that it had been a licensed general contractor in the State of California since 1986. He added that the company was not the same as the local Landmark Company. He said the intent was that the project would be built using predominantly local companies and would be supervised by a Landmark superintendent who would reside here full time during the course of the project until its completion. Mayor Snyder commended staff and the architect for coming up with an excellent proposal and price. Councilman Wilson commended staff and the architect for the energy efficient efforts in the addition. He said that rather than repeating everything he had said before, for the record he was opposed on the basis that he felt the expansion was unnecessary. He 9 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 23, 1991 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * said that historically we are seeing that manpower expands to fill the space available, and he felt that situation would be created by building such a large addition to City Hall. Mayor Snyder said he felt this was an excellent proposal. He agreed that expansion did bring in more people; however, in order to properly handle the number of citizens in Palm Desert, we need the people and places to put them, which was the original reason for expanding City Hall. In response to Councilman Wilson's concern, Councilmember Benson stated that this Council had done a good job of convincing staff not to come in with a lot of new employees. Councilmember Benson moved to, by Minute Motion, approve Contract No. 00-542 with Landmark Organization, Inc. in the amount of $1, 846, 800.00plus a 15% contingency of $277,020.00. Motion was seconded by Snyder and carried by a 4-1 vote, with Councilman Wilson voting NO. Mayor Snyder moved to, by Minute Motion, approve Contract No. 00-547 with John Outcault, Architect, in the amount of $25,500.00 for construction administration. Motion was seconded by Benson and carried by unanimous vote of the Council. XIII. REPORTS AND REMARKS A. CITY MANAGER 1. Ms. Miriam Swarbrick, Exchange Employee from Gisborne, New Zealand, showed a brief video of her city, noting that Gisborne was actually the first city in the world to see the sun at the beginning of each new day and will be the first city to see the year 2000. She thanked Council and staff for their support during her four weeks in Palm Desert and said she hoped Gisborne could share some of its information in the near future with a similar exchange of an employee from Palm Desert. Council thanked Miriam and wished her a happy trip home. 2. Mr. Folkers introduced the new Maintenance Services Manager, Tom Theobald, and Council welcomed him to the City. 3. San Jacinto Avenue Closure. Councilman Wilson moved to add this item to the Agenda for consideration. Motion was seconded by Kelly and carried by unanimous vote of the Council. 10 REGULAR PALM DESERT TY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 23, 1991 * * * * * * * * * * * .- * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mr. Folkers reviewed the staff report, noting that because of a complaint from the owner of apartments located at the southwest corner of Portola Avenue and De Anza Way, the contractor had been advised to stop the work being done to temporarily close San Jacinto Avenue at De Anza Way. He said the apartment owner, Mrs. Iglai, had indicated that neither she nor any of the residents in the apartment complex had been contacted by the resident who circulated the petition to close San Jacinto. MS. PAULINE ZAKARIAN, 44-818 San Jacinto, stated that she felt it would be better to close San Jacinto at Alessandro and thus close off the commercial area from the residential area. MRS. ELIZABETH IGLAI, apartment owner, said she had never been notified of the closure and felt installation of poles on De Anza would be an eyesore and that the dead end would encourage young people to gather for "street parties" on Saturday nights. She felt Council should consider this matter very carefully. MRS. KATHY SALVO, a resident on San Jacinto and circulator of the petition, stated she had not meant to exclude anyone and felt people on San Jacinto were mostly in favor of having the street blocked off. She said she did felt the dead end would discourage people from going through the neighborhood. Upon question by Councilman Wilson relative to which end of the street she would prefer to have closed, Mrs. Salvo responded that she felt it would be easier to have the De Anza end closed because the two lots at the other end had not yet been developed. She added that she felt it was important that something be done. Councilman Wilson stated that the reason for blocking off the street at De Anza was because it seemed that most of the people were using it as a short cut from the north; however, he felt putting a "no through street" sign at that end might solve the problem. Councilman Kelly added that it might be better to block off the south end (at Alessandro) because of the zoning, with perhaps a cul de sac when development takes place on the other lots. MR. BILL RAUSCH, homeowner on San Jacinto, said he had no preference as to which end to close off but felt something needed to be done or there would be accidents. MR. MOSES FROCHET, a resident of the apartments, said he felt there was not a lot of traffic and that barricades would be an eyesore and lower the property 11 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 23, 1991 * * * * * • * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * values. He added that his biggest concern was with emergency vehicle access if the street were blocked off. MS. EDNA McDANIEL, a resident of San Jacinto since 1955, said the street had become a speedway to get to the 7/11 and the AM/PM on Portola Avenue. She said although she would prefer that the street be blocked at De Anza, she felt something definitely needed to be done. MR. SALVO said he and his wife had initiated this matter. He apologized for not making it clear that not everyone in the area had been contacted. He added that he did not feel there would be a problem with emergency vehicles because those drivers make themselves aware of which streets have dead ends. Upon question by Councilman Wilson, Mr. Folkers responded that the Master Plan did call for the closure to be at the south end because of commercial development taking place there. Councilmember Benson agreed that the south side of San Jacinto near Alessandro was the better end of the street to block. Councilman Kelly moved to, by Minute Motion, instruct staff to proceed with the closure of San Jacinto on the south end (near Alessandro) for a 90-day trial period and report back to Council any problems encountered. 4. Mr. Diaz gave an update on the proposed Mervyn's and said the signage would come back to Council for approval. 5. Report on People Mover Attitude Survey. Mr. Shillcock reviewed the report and introduced Mr. Doug Lynn, instructor at College of the Desert and coordinator of the survey, who subsequently introduced Dr. Dan Baxley, also from College of the Desert. Mr. Lynn reviewed the survey given to Council at the beginning of the week and commended Council for allowing students at the College to conduct a survey such as this. He added that Council could be proud of the fact that this survey involved 34 different students. Councilman Wilson stated he was pleased with the results of the study and felt they were very encouraging as far as the direction we should be going. 12 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT 'TY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 23, 1991 * * * * * * * * * * * _ * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Councilman Crites said he felt it would be interesting once the people mover system is operating to compare actual results with this survey data to see what kinds of discrepancies there are. Councilman Wilson responded that although he had not seen the actual data, it was his understanding that the Blue Line that opened in Los Angeles last year showed that actual ridership exceeded what had been estimated. Upon question by Councilman Crites, he suggested that staff contact various counties such as Los Angeles and Orange County to see what data they have available. B. CITY ATTORNEY Mr. Erwin requested a Closed Session at the appropriate time pursuant to Government Code Sections 54956.9 (a) (Levald v. Palm Desert - Indian Springs Mobile Home Park; Smith v. Palm Desert - Haystack Channel; Palm Springs Recycling v. City of Palm Desert), and (b). C. MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL o City Council ReQuests for Action: 1. Letter from City of Rancho Mirage Regarding Mountains Conservancy (Councilman Buford A. Crites). Councilman Crites reviewed the letter received from the City of Rancho Mirage requesting Palm Desert's participation in the funding of the Mountains Conservancy in the amount of $5,000. He said there was no immediate funding available when legislation was passed creating the Conservancy. Upon question by Councilman Wilson regarding what the funding formula was or if the request was for $5,000 from each city, Crites responded that he was not present at the Conservancy meeting but understood from Vice Chairman Fitzhenry that $5,000 was being requested from each city. Councilmember Benson said she felt this was a worthy organization and that a lot of hard work had gone into getting the legislation passed creating it. She said she would hate to see the Conservancy go under for lack of funding. Upon question by Councilman Wilson relative to hiring a staff person, Councilman Crites stated that responses to the RFP had been received from the County Parks District, President of the Riverside County Land Conservancy, and Pete Dangermond & Associates. He added that it would be on a part time basis. 13 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 23, 1991 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Councilman Wilson moved to, by Minute Motion, authorize the City of Palm Desert's participation in this program as requested. Motion was seconded by Benson and carried by unanimous vote of the Council. 2. Letter from Robert J. Fitch Seeking Assistance with the Planning of a County Centennial Celebration in 1993 (Mayor Walter H. Snyder). Mr. Fitch reviewed his letter dated April 30, 1991, noting some of the events tentatively being planned for the County of Riverside centennial celebration which would be in 1993 (attached hereto and made a part hereof as Exhibit ., B"). Mayor Snyder stated that the Council would try to help Mr. Fitch in any way possible. o City Council Committee Reports: 1. Mayor Snyder stated he had received a letter from the people who were in Palm Desert for the Phoenix Challenge tennis tournament praising the City and expressing appreciation for the way they were treated and how nice the people in Palm Desert are. He added that they would be recommending that the 1992 finals be held in Palm Desert also. 2. Councilmember Benson stated that she had received a telephone call as well as a visit from a constituent relative to push cart vendors in the City and how the City controls them. She added that one of the complaints was from a mother of a child who said the vendors are brought in to the City and spend the entire day in the neighborhood. She asked that staff prepare a report for the next agenda. XIV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - B None XVII. AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS, AND APPOINTMENTS None XVIII. PUBLIC HEARINGS None 14 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT 'Y COUNCIL MEETING MAY 23, 1991 * * * * * * * * * * * *_: * * * * * * * * * * * * > * * * * * * * * * * XX. ADJOURNMENT Councilman Wilson moved to adjourn to Closed Session at 6:27 p. m. for reasons stated by the City Attorney. Motion was seconded by Kelly and carried by unanimous vote of the Council. Mayor Snyder reconvened the meeting at 7:27 p.m. and immediately adjourned to 12:00 Noon on Monday, June 10, 1991, with no action announced from Closed Session. ATTEST: MARY P. F IER, DEPUTY -)CITY CLERK CITY OF PA DESERT, CALIFORNIA WALTilZ H. SNYDER, MA OR 15 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 23, 1991 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * EXHIBIT "A" Robert J. Fitch 5811 Argyle Way. R;eersiae Cahfor is 92506 714; 683-8346 April 30, 1991 Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council C-tv of Palm Desert 73510 Fred Waring Drive Palm Desert. CA 92260 Attention: Bruce Altman, City Manager Honorable Mayor and Members of the Council: I have been appointed by the Riverside County Board of Supervisors to organize and coordinate the events and activities for the County's Centennial in 1993. I chair a 25 member County -wide Advisory Board. the members of which have been selected by the Board of Supervisors. The actual 100th birthday of the County is May 9, 1993: however. the Advisory Board has tentatively planned a year -long celebraticn commencing in the fall of 1992 and culminating in a parade. banquet, etc. at the County Seat on Saturday. May 8, 1993. wish an opportunity to briefly appear before your Council to: Review with you some of the major events tentatively planned for the County's Centennial. 2. Seek your suggestions for Centennial activities, particularly in your area of the County. 3. Seek coordination of the scheduling of any of your City's annul celebrations with the County's Centennial events and/or programs look forward to meeting with you in the near future. Centennially yours, rti Robert J. Fitch 16 I11T.1TES REGULAR PALM DESERT ^Y COUNCIL MEETING MAY 23, 1991 * * * * * * * * * * * .-* * * * * * * * * * * * * .-* * * * * * * * * * * EXHIBIT ' B' RIBTON M. WADE, M.D., INC. GENERAL MEDICINE AND FAMILY PRACTICE REPLY -9 791 ORCHARD CDACiELLA CA 92236 (6' 9, 398-C' 28 MAY 17,1991 TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: RE: MY PATIENT H.J. SCHNEIDER t R REEPP LY T�/ 72655 HIGHWAY 111 SUITE 87 PALM DESERT. CA 92260 (619) 346-3233 MR. SCHNEIDER IS UNDER MY CARE AS A HEART PATIENT. HE ALSO SUFFERS FROM HYPERTENSION(HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE), AND HEART PALPITATIONS(SKIPPED BEATS), WHENEVER HIS BLOOD PRESSURE IS ELEVATED. MR. SCHNEIDER IS TAKING MEDICATIONS FOR THE ABOVE CONDITIONS,AND HAS BEEN ADVISEE., BY ME TO GET AS MUCH REST,PEACE AND QUIET AS POSSIBLE IN ORDER TO ER:NG H:S CONDITION UNDER CONTROL. : REMA:N, t RIBTON M R,F_ ., .. 17 1