HomeMy WebLinkAbout1992-01-23MINUTES
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING
THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 1992
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I. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Kelly convened the meeting at 4:00 p. m.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Councilman S. Roy Wilson
III. INVOCATION - Mayor Pro-Tempore Jean M. Benson
IV. ROLL CALL
Present:
Mayor Pro-Tem Jean M. Benson
Councilman Buford A. Crites
Councilman Walter H. Snyder
Councilman S. Roy Wilson
Mayor Richard S. Kelly
Also Present:
Bruce A. Altman, City Manager
Doug S. Phillips, Deputy City Attorney
Sheila R. Gilligan, City Clerk/P.I.O.
Ramon A. Diaz, ACM/Director of Community Development
Richard J. Folkers, ACM/Director of Public Works
Carlos L. Ortega, ACM/Director of Redevelopment
Paul W. Shillcock, ACM/Director of Economic Development
Paul Gibson, City Treasurer/Director of Finance
Pat Conlon, Director of Building & Safety
Wayne Ramsey, Acting Director of Code Compliance
David Wilhelm, Director of Human Resources
Larry McAllister, General Services Director
V. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. MINUTES of the Regular City Council Meeting of January 9, 1992.
Rec: Approve as presented.
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B. CLAIMS AND DEMANDS AGAINST THE CITY TREASURY - Warrant Nos.
WR1206 and WR0100.
Rec: Approve as presented.
C. SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS dated October 31, 1991.
Rec: Receive and file.
D. STATEMENT OF CASH TRANSACTIONS dated October 31, 1991.
Rec: Receive and file.
E. REOUEST FOR PLAN CHECK EXTENSION for Lehv Office Building Located at 73-
161 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert.
Rec: By Minute Motion, deny the request.
F. REQUEST FOR PLAN CHECK EXTENSION for The Fedderly Company Located at
73-121 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert.
Rec: By Minute Motion, deny the request.
G. REOUEST FOR APPROVAL of Amendment #4 to Cove Public Safety Commission
Joint Powers Agreement (Contract No. 00-316-4).
Rec: By Minute Motion, authorize the Mayor to execute Amendment #4 to the Cove
Public Safety Commission Joint Powers Agreement (Contract No. 00-316-4).
H. REOUEST FOR APPROVAL of Internally Illuminated Street Name Sign Program for
the City of Palm Desert.
Rec: By Minute Motion: 1) Approve the street name program; 2) authorize the
purchase of the sign compartment plates from Nu -Art, a lighting and
manufacturing company from Santa Fe Springs, California, in an amount not
to exceed $20,000. As these materials are unique in nature, staff is requesting
the bidding requirements be waived per Municipal Code Section 3.32.090,
Exemptions; 3) authorize staff to continue with Phase II of the Program to cover
signalized intersections along Highway 111 and bring the matter for further
review to the Council at a later date.
I. REOUEST FOR ACCEPTANCE OF WORK for the Fred Waring Drive Improvements
Project (Contract No. 00-551).
Rec: By Minute Motion, accept the work as complete and authorize the City Clerk
to file a Notice of Completion for the subject project.
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J. REQUEST FOR RELEASE of Subdivision Improvement Securities for Tract 25217.
(Amalgamated Steel Boom and Barge, Applicant).
Rec: By Minute Motion, accept the subdivision improvements as complete and
authorize the City Clerk to release the subdivision improvement securities for
this project.
K. REOUEST FOR APPROVAL of Parks Equipment Trade -In.
Rec: By Minute Motion: 1) Approve the merchandise trade-in of a surplus Oathe
blower for $1,677.28; 2) authorize the purchase of a new Toro mower and
backpack blower ($1,717.44),utilizing the trade-in toward these for net purchase
cost of $40.16.
L. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION to Advertise and Call for Bids for the Landscape
Retrofit at the Civic Center Site (Contract No. 00-602).
Rec: 1) Review and approve the final landscape design as presented by the landscape
architect in the Construction Documents; 2) by Minute Motion, authorize the
City Clerk to advertise and call for bids for the landscape retrofit at the Civic
Center site.
M. LETTER from Homeowners on Haystack Road between Portola Avenue and Heliotrope
Relative to Revision of Haystack Road Marking Changes.
Rec: Refer to staff for report and recommendation.
N. REOUEST FOR RATIFICATION of City Manager's Approval of Request from Design
Industries Foundation for AIDS (DIFFA) for Skylights at the McCallum Theatre on
February 16 and 17, 1992.
Rec: By Minute Motion, ratify the City Manager's approval of this request.
O. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of Change Order No. 8 to Contract No. RD-422 for the
Civic Center Master Plan Project.
Rec: By Minute Motion, approve Construction Change Order No. 8 to the current
contract No. RD-422 for the Civic Center Master Plan for the payment of
extended line items in the construction of Rest Room "B",the Picnic Pavilion,
and the Tennis Courts in the amount of Twenty Eight Thousand Three Hundred
Eighty Seven Dollars ($28,387.00) and transfer this amount from contingency
to base in account #850-4562-0000.
Councilman Crites removed Item G, Councilman Wilson removed Item H, and Mayor
Pro-Tem Benson removed Item C from the Consent Calendar for separate discussion
under the Consent Items Held Over portion of the Agenda.
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Upon motion by Snyder, second by Wilson, and unanimous vote of the Council, the remainder
of the Consent Calendar was approved as presented.
VI. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - A
MR. DAN EHRLER, Executive Vice President of the Palm Desert Chamber of Commerce,
expressed the Chamber's appreciation and gratitude to Mr. Folkers for his quick response in
getting the large accumulation of palm trees and other growth cut back around the parking
area. He said before it was done, the area was "an accident waiting to happen", and the quick
service was very much appreciated.
MS. NANCY DOLENSEK, Executive Director of the McCallum Theatre, addressed Council
relative to a fund-raising carnival planned for February 14 - 23, 1992 (verbatim transcript
attached hereto and made a part hereof as Exhibit "A").
MR. DAVID SCHULER, Area Manager for Executone, stated that on January 10, 1992, he
had sent a letter of protest to the Council relative to the award of the telephone system
contract to Fujitsu. He said the body of the letter addressed several items they felt were
preferential and not fair to them, including the following:
Executone was never advised of any adjustments that needed to be made to the original
quote.
- A presentation of Executone's system was made at a customer site, while Fujitsu was
allowed the opportunity to do a demonstration in the office instead of just at a customer
location.
He said he felt Executone had served the City of Palm Desert in good faith.
Councilman Kelly stated that the Council had received the letter and asked the City Attorney
if he interpreted that letter as a threat to sue.
Mr. Phillips responded that he did and said it wouold be appropriate to discuss the matter in
Closed Session pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9 (a) and (b), pending and
potential litigation. He said it was the City Attorney's position that this was not a public works
bidding item subject to the State public contract requirements; rather, it was subject to the
City's purchase policy, and the Council has discretion to look not just at price but at other
issues as well. He recommended that it be discussed in Closed Session.
Council concurred.
Mr. Schuler stated it was not his firm's intent to take this to legal process. Instead, he said
that any bids put out should offer everyone the same practice, and he was asking that they be
given the same opportunities as the other companies were given.
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VII. RESOLUTIONS
A. RESOLUTION NO. 92-4 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, RESCINDING RESOLUTION 89-126A
AND APPROVING BYLAWS OF THE PALM DESERT POLICE ADVISORY
COMMITTEE.
Mr. Altman stated there was a memo in the packets and recommended adoption of the
resolution.
Councilman Snyder moved to waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 92-4.
Councilman Crites suggested an amendment to the resolution relative to meeting dates.
He said he felt it was inappropriate to put a day and time in the by-laws because
whenever the meeting day or time is changed, the by-laws would have to be amended.
He suggested that reference to the day and time be striken from the by-laws.
Councilman Snyder agreed with the amendment, and Councilman Crites seconded the motion.
Councilmember Benson asked whether this would make it an official committee and
would mean that members of the Police Advisory Committee would now have to fill out
the forms used for other committees and replacements and whether this should be in the
by-laws.
Mr. Altman responded that in the past Council had left it to the Committee to choose
its own members.
Mayor Kelly called for the vote. Motion carried by unanimous vote of the Council.
B. RRSOLUTIQN NO. 92-5 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, CERTIFYING A NEGATIVE
DECLARATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT AS COMPLYING WITH THE
REQUIREMENTS OF THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT OF
1970 AS AMENDED, AS IT PERTAINS TO CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 91-13.
THE FOLLOWING IS A VERBATIM TRANSCRIPT OF THIS PORTION OF THE
MEETING.
RSK: Richard S. Kelly
Mayor, City of Palm Desert
BAA: Bruce Altman
City Manager, City of Palm Desert
RAD: Ramon Diaz
ACM/Dir. of Community Development, City of Palm Desert
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MB: Michael Becker
73-051 Guadalupe, Palm Desert
JMB: Jean M. Benson
Mayor Pro-Tempore, City of Palm Desert
DSP: Douglas S. Philips
Deputy City Attorney, City of Palm Desert
WHS: Walter H. Snyder
Councilman, City of Palm Desert
SRG: Sheila R. Gilligan
City Clerk/P.I.O., City of Palm Desert
RSK: The next item on the Agenda is Resolution No. 92-5, a resolution of the City Council
of the City of Palm Desert, California, certifying a Negative Declaration of
Envrionmental Impact as complying with the requirements of the California
Environmental Quality Act of 1970 as amended as it pertains to Conditional Use
Permit 91-13.
BAA: Mr. Diaz will brief you on this one, Mr. Mayor.
RAD: Yes, this is a resolution certifying the negative declaration. If you'd like, I can read
it, but I don't think you want me to.
RSK: Okay, we have one person that would like to talk on this subject - Mr. Michael Becker.
MB: Yes, Mr. Mayor, I have a question on this declaration. At the last City Council
meeting while discussion was going on about this declaration, it was stated I believe
by Mr. Diaz that the declaration could only be approved if the street fair went no
further than 12:00 noon. I have gathered all of the reports leading up to this and I
can't seem to find the justification for that. I was wondering where Mr. Diaz got his
information. I have his signature right here stating that he is issuing a negative
declaration based on an initial study that I have right here that shows nothing about
a time limit. In fact, the initial study shows that other than some problems with the
turning lanes there are no negative impacts from the street fair at College of the
Desert.
RAD: Mr. Mayor and members of the Council. As I indicated at the last meeting, and it is
contained in the staff report as secondary recommendations to no Saturday selling at
all, was to terminate at 10:00, then 11:00, possibly 12:00. And I stand by that. If there
is an objection to this negative declaration of environmental impact on those grounds,
then we would say that the Council may wish then to instruct staff to prepare a full
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environmental impact report and suspend the conditional use permit. The evidence,
the information, and the rationale for backing the negative declaration and limit
Saturday selling to the hours that are set forth in the conditional use permit are within
the staff report which is part of the negative declaration of environmental impact.
MB: That is true, it is in the staff report. However, the Planning Commission made no
recommendations of that after reading the staff report, after public hearings, they
made no such recommendation. And like I say, the initial study that this supposedly
was based on also makes no recommendation as to time; in fact, it points out that the
only problem was in circulation, and it states that the circulation on Saturdays at those
particular hours is the same as on weekdays. So that is why I'm trying to figure out
how the staff, the staff made have made that recommendation, but nobody else did.
The Planning Commission certainly ignored that recommendation.
JMB: That is why it was called up to Council, because the Planning Commission did ignore
it.
MB: The Planning Commission heard public testimony and chose to ignore it because they
didn't feel it to be an issue.
JMB: Right, and that is the prerogative of the Council after. If they don't agree with the
decisioi made at the Planning Commission, they may call the issue up for review by
the Council, and that's what happened.
MB: Thank you.
RSK: I have a question. On page 4 of the resolution in our packet...
RAD: On the negative declaration - yes...
RSK: Well, I don't know whether this, I'm not sure whether this is a copy of something from
the Planning Commission or what it was from. But on page 4, and as far as I can tell
this is the resolution 91-13, on page 4 it specifies that Item 7, are you on that page
with me?
RAD: 1 don't think so.
RSK: It may just be backup material that does not affect, is different in some other location
that I didn't find it. But Item 7 says "shall operate on Sundays only".
RAD: That was the first staff resolution that went to the Commission.
RSK: I guess I had trouble finding that same thing in what we approved, where we specified
different times.
RAD: Okay, that time is contained in the resolution approving the conditional use permit,
which is Resolution 92-6.
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BAA: The next item on the Agenda.
DSP: Mr. Mayor, it is the next item. This negative declaration would be approved by you
with the understanding that those conditions, including the time limits, would be put
into affect. And that's the reason why staff is recommending this negative declaration
to you. It incorporates those conditions.
RSK: This time is not the same as we approved.
RAD: It's in the conditional use permit.
DSP: The new one does.
RAD: Right, the new one does.
RSK: That's my question. The new one, the one we're acting on doesn't say this.
RAD: Right, but the new one does.
RSK: Okay. What is the Council's pleasure.
JMB: I would move to waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 92-5.
WHS: Second.
RSK: Would you indicate your pleasure by voting.
DSP: And just so I'm clear, that would include then the mitigation monitoring program as
well?
RAD: Yes.
DSP: Thank you.
SRG: Motion carries by a 3-0-2 vote, with Councilmembers Crites and Wilson abstaining.
C. R SOLUTION NO. 92-6 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE
PERMIT TO ALLOW THE OPERATION OF A STREET FAIR BY THE COLLEGE
OF THE DESERT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION ON THE CAMPUS OF THE COLLEGE
OF THE DESERT, CASE NO. CUP 91-13.
THE FOLLOWING IS A VERBATIM TRANSCRIPT OF THIS PORTION OF THE
MEETING.
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RSK: Richard S. Kelly
Mayor, City of Palm Desert
BAA: Bruce Altman
City Manager, City of Palm Desert
RAD: Ramon Diaz
ACM/Dir. of Community Development, City of Palm Desert
MB: Michael Becker
73-051 Guadalupe, Palm Desert
JMB: Jean M. Benson
Mayor Pro-Tempore, City of Palm Desert
DSP: Douglas S. Phillips
Deputy City Attorney, City of Palm Desert
WHS: Walter H. Snyder
Councilman, City of Palm Desert
SRG: Sheila R. Gilligan
City Clerk/P.I.O. , City of Palm Desert
RSK: Next item on the Agenda is Resolution No. 92-6, a resolution of the City Council of
the City of Palm Desert, California, approving a conditional use permit to allow the
operation of a street fair by the College of the Desert Alumni Association on the
campus of the College of the Desert, Case No CUP91-13.
BAA: Mr. Diaz will cover this one for you.
RAD: Yes, Mr. Mayor, your specific question, it would be condition 7 on page 6: "The
C.O.D. Street Fair shall operate on Saturdays from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and on
Sundays from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m."
RSK: What is the Council's pleasure?
JMB: I would move that we waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 92-6.
WHS: Second.
RSK: It's been moved and seconded that we waive further reading and adopt Resolution No.
92-6. Would you indicate your pleasure by voting.
SRG: Motion carries by a 3-0-2 vote, with Councilmen Crites and Wilson abstaining.
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WI. ORDINANCES
For Introduction:
None
For Adoption:
A. ORDINANCE NO. 665 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO
CHAPTER 25.24 (PLANNED RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT) OF THE ZONING
ORDINANCE RELATING TO DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS AND PERIMETER
SETBACKS FOR TWO-STORY, SINGLE-FAMILY DETACHED BUILDINGS, CASE
NO. ZOA 91-4.
Mr. Altman noted that this had been introduced at the last Council meeting and that no
changes had been made to the ordinance. He recommended its adoption.
Councilman Wilson moved to waive further reading and adopt Ordinance No. 665. Motion
was seconded by Snyder and carried by unanimous vote of the Council.
B. ORDINANCE NO. 666 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 15.16.012,SECTION
10.309(b)5, RELATIVE TO REQUIREMENTS FOR AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER
SYSTEMS IN CERTAIN OCCUPANCIES.
Mr. Altman noted that no changes had been made since introduction
and he recommended its adoption.
Councilman Snyder moved to waive further reading and adopt Ordinance
was seconded by Benson and carried by unanimous vote of the Council.
IX. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER
C.
of this ordinance,
No.666. Motion
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS dated October 31, 1991.
Rec: Receive and file.
Councilmember Benson requested clarification of some of the items which showed
maturity dates of 1991, since it is now 1992.
Mr. Gibson responded that it was because the report was dated October 31, 1991. He
added that the item with the maturity date of January, 1991, was a typographical error
and should be January, 1992.
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Councilmember Benson moved to receive and file this report. Motion was seconded by
Wilson and carried by unanimous vote of the Council.
Council.
G. REOUEST FOR APPROVAL of Amendment #4 to Cove Public Safety Commission
Joint Powers Agreement (Contract No. 00-316-4).
Rec: By Minute Motion, authorize the Mayor to execute Amendment #4 to the Cove
Public Safety Commission Joint Powers Agreement (Contract No. 00-316-4).
Councilman Crites expressed concern with the Memorandum of Understanding,
specifically Item #4 relative to the Children's Museum and the condition that the cities
will automatically give $1.6 million if the Museum raises $1.4 million. He said he did
not find that acceptable and said we would never have made the donation to the YMCA
until we knew what the program would be, how it would operate, etc.
Mr. Altman stated that this Memorandum of Understanding was adopted by the Council
in December, 1990.
Councilman Crites added that he had voted for it because he was told it would come
back to the Council prior to funding. He said his proposal was to go back to the Cove
Commission and insert in this condition wording that prior to any kind of approval of
funding, there must be a program of funding submitted. He said he did not have a
problem chipping in our part but not until we know what the program will be.
Mr. Altman suggested that this matter be held over and said he would discuss it with the
other cities.
Councilman Crites moved to continue this matter to the meeting of February 13, 1992.
Councilmember Benson noted that she was now on the Board for the Children's Museum
and said she was asking for copies of their funding, budget, and how they will operate.
Councilman Snyder agreed that there might be a need for some clarification but said
there had been justification at the time the MOU was approved.
Councilmember Benson seconded the motion. Motion carried by unanimous vote of the
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H. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of Internally Illuminated Street Name Sign Program for
the City of Palm Desert.
Rec: By Minute Motion: 1) Approve the street name program; 2) authorize the
purchase of the sign compartment plates from Nu -Art, a lighting and
manufacturing company from Santa Fe Springs, California, in an amount not
to exceed $20,000. As these materials are unique in nature, staff is requesting
the bidding requirements be waived per Municipal Code Section 3.32.090,
Exemptions; 3) authorize staff to continue with Phase II of the Program to cover
signalized intersections along Highway 111 and bring the matter for further
review to the Council at a later date.
Councilman Wilson stated that seven or eight years ago Council suggested that staff
examine changing the colors of the City's street signs, but we went to an insignia instead.
Then in the last year the Civic Arts Committee suggested the same thing. He asked
where staff was in this study and said he would hate to go out and spend a Iot of money
on this program at this time if the color is going to be changed.
Mr. Folkers responded that this had been reviewed and that the decision at this point
was to stay with the current colors; however, if Council wished to have the matter
reviewed further, staff would do so. He added that staff felt the current colors were
compatible with what is spelled out in the California Traffic manual.
Councilman Wilson stated that he was disappointed about not having a change in the
color but understood the explanation.
Councilman Crites moved to, by Minute Motion: 1) Approve the street name program; 2)
authorize the purchase of the sign compartment plates from Nu -Art, a lighting and manufacturing
company from Santa Fe Springs, California, in an amount not to exceed $20,000. As these materials
are unique in nature, staff is requesting the bidding requirements be waived per Municipal Code
Section 3.32.090, Exemptions; 3) authorize staff to continue with Phase II of the Program to cover
signalized intersections along Highway 111 and bring the matter for further review to the Council at
a later date. Motion was seconded by Benson and carried by a 4-0-1 vote, with Councilman Wilson
voting NO.
X. NEW BUSINESS
A. CONSIDERATION OF AN APPEAL OF AN ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW
COMMISSION DECISION DENYING A SIGN REQUEST BY IMPERIAL SIGN
COMPANY ON BEHALF OF 99 CENT VIDEO LOCATED AT 73-963 HIGHWAY
111,e No. 2095SA
Mr. Diaz reviewed the staff report, noting that staff concurred with the decision of the
Architectural Review Commission and recommended denial of the appeal.
MR. JAMES ENGLE, JR., Imperial Sign Company, said the customer, 99 Cent Video,
wished to remove the existing awning and install red channel letters instead.
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Councilman Wilson noted that the awning was over two businesses and asked if the
request was to remove half the awning.
Mr. Engle responded that the request was to remove the entire awning and have just the
fascia wall. He added that another concern was that the awning obstructs vision and
makes the building look smaller.
Councilmember Benson stated she had gone out to look at the awning and felt it added
to the building and made it look more modern.
Mr. Engle asked whether Council would approve the sign program if they were to leave
the awning, clean it up, and add signage with reverse channel, halo -lit, 18-inch red letters.
Mayor Kelly responded that the applicant would have to go back to the Architectural
Review Commission for consideration.
Councilman Crites moved to, by Minute Motion, deny the appeal and affirm the decision of
the Architectural Review Commission. Motion was seconded by Wilson and carried by unanimos vote
of the Council.
B. ROUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION TO ADVERTISE AND CALL FOR BIDS FOR
FURNISHINGS FOR THE CIVIC CENTER EXPANSION (Contract No. 00-603).
Mr. Altman noted the memo in the packets and said Mr. McAllister was available to
answer any questions.
Councilman Wilson expressed concern with adding more space to take care of existing
staff who should already have desks, file cabinets, etc. He said he was afraid we will next
need new staff to use the new furniture we are buying.
Councilman Crites agreed and said he would be happy to join Councilman Wilson with
a NO vote.
Councilmember Benson said she could understand the need to carpet and do some things
with the flooring; however, there is a lot of office furniture that can be used that is in
the basement of the Sheriff Station.
Mr. Altman suggested that this matter be sent back to the Expansion Committee for
review.
Councilman Wilson moved to, by Minute Motion, continue this matter to the meeting of
February 13, 1992, and direct staff to meet with the appropriate committee to pare the request down
more. Motion was seconded by Crites and carried by unanimous vote of the Council.
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C. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS:
1. Palmer CableVision Update.
Mr. Ortega stated that he had nothing new to report at this time.
2. Update on Tri-Cities Sports Facility.
Mr. Diaz stated that the rough draft of the Environmental Impact Report was
available and would be distributed to Council. He said it did not include the
exhibits as yet. He added that staff would probably begin the 30-day review
period next week.
3. Status of Date Palm Grove.
Mr. Shillcock noted that the conceptual proposal submittd by the developer had
been reviewed by the Planning Department and was currently being reviewed by
the Public Works Department. He said a meeting had been tentatively scheduled
for the second week in February to finalize the conceptual design so staff will have
something to bring to Council.
XI. CONTINUED BUSINESS
A. RUOUEST FOR APPROVAL OF DOWNEY SAVINGS AND LOAN (DSL) TRAFFIC
SIGNAL REQUEST (Continued from the Meetings of October 24 and December 12,
1991.)
Mr. Folkers reviewed the staff report, noting that the consultant had recommended
channelization of the Highway 111/Fred Waring Drive intersection to prohibit left turns
out of and control left turns into the DSL and Toys-R-Us centers, with coordination of
this signal with the Highway 111/Fred Waring Drive signal controller. He said a second
option recommended by the consultant was to leave the intersection to operate with a
two-way stop control which would effectively allow all movements to take place with no
restrictions. He added that staff had reviewed these options and felt signalization of the
intersection would cause a lot of circulation problems.
Mr. Folkers reviewed staffs recommended solution as described in the staff report and
offered to answer any questions.
MR. WENDELL HINDLEY, DSL Service Company, stated that the worst case would
be to have left turns out of the site going east on Fred Waring Drive, which is something
they were not requesting.
MR. WES PRINGLE, 680 Langsdorf Drive, Fullerton, agreed with staff that warrants
were not met for a signal at this intersection. He said his concern was the potential of
traffic trying to turn left into the site from a queue or line backed up to Highway 111
and the safety factor of that. He said they proposed that it was not necessary to
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coordinate the signals and that all they would need to know is the timing for when the
signal at Highway 111 is turning red for westbound traffic on Fred Waring.
Mr. Folkers responded that staff's recommendation was still to proceed with the
channelization and not proceed with a traffic signal at this time because there is not
sufficient evidence to show that it can be done in such a way as to minimize potential
problems. Upon question by Councilman Wilson, he stated that channelization would
be the same with or without a signal. In addition, staff could have all of hardware
aspects and conduit put in and determine at a later date whether or not to go with a
traffic signal depending on what develops.
Councilman Wilson moved to, by Minute Motion, authorize staff to proceed with the plan as
outlined in the staff report but encourage the applicant to go ahead and put in all the conduit and
undergrounding at this time in case Phase I does not work. Motion was seconded by Benson.
Councilman Wilson commented that one of the worst signals in our city is at San
Gorgonio and Monterey Avenue. He asked if there was any way to make it a "slave" to
the Highway 111/Monterey signal so that when traffic is flowing on Highway 111, the
signal is also green for San Gorgonio traffic, and when the Highway 111/Monterey
Avenue signal is green for north/south Monterey Avenue traffic, the San Gorgonio signal
cannot function as a red light at that intersection for the north/south traffic.
Mr. Folkers responded that this had been done in the past but that people on the side
streets complained about having to wait so long.
Councilman Crites stated he wanted to be sure when it was originally decided to block
off Joshua Road that we did not promise the people that they could go through the DSL
site and then be able to go east on Fred Waring, and he asked that staff go back and
review this.
Mayor Kelly called for the vote. Motion carried by unanimous vote of the Council.
XII. OLD BUSINESS
None
3GII. REPORTS AND REMARKS
A. CITY MANAGER
1. Purchase_ of Picnic Tables for Picnic Pavilion
Mr. Altman stated that this matter had come up after the Agenda was posted and asked
that Council add it to the Agenda for discussion.
Councilman Wilson moved to add this item to the Agenda for discussion. Motion was
seconded by Snyder and carried by unanimous vote of the Council.
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Mr. Altman reviewed the staff report, noting that the picnic pavilion had recently been
completed. He said staffs recommendation was to approve the purchase and assembly
of thirty (30) hexagonal picnic tables in the amount of $13,253.25.
Mr. Folkers added that the tables were almond colored and made from recycled material.
Councilman Crites moved to, by Minute Motion: 1) Approve the purchase and assembly of
thirty hexagonal picnic tables from Environmental Specialty Products, Inc. in the amount of $13,253.25,
and 2) make a finding pursuant to Palm Desert Municipal Code Section 3.32.090,sole source purchase
of unique products. Motion was seconded by Snyder and carried by unanimous vote of the Council.
2. Economic Development Advisory Committee Recommendation Relative to California
ate University. San Bernardino
Councilman Crites moved to add this item to the Agenda for discussion as one which came
up after the Agenda was posted. Motion was seconded by Snyder and carried by unanimous vote of
the Council.
Mr. Shillcock reviewed the staff report, noting that it was the recommendation of the
EDAC that Council declare a matter of high priority to seek various possible locations
for a future California State University, San Bernardino, branch campus and direct staff
and an appropriate group to begin this search immediately. He offered to answer any
questions.
DR. PETER WILSON, Interim Dean of the Cal State Coachella Valley Center (CVC),
stated that the CVC had opened in the fall of 1986 with an enrollment of 80 students,
with this quarter's enrollment in excess of 600 students. He said their current space
consisted of leased modular buildings and that the space available now would probably
take care of their needs for the next three to four years before they would have to look
for alternate space; however, in planning for the future, he said they knew at some point
they would have to begin looking for a permanent site. He offered to answer any
questions.
For the record, Councilman Wilson asked the amount of acreage that would be needed
for a branch campus and for a full Cal State University campus. Dr. Wilson responded
that a branch campus would probably need about 40 acres of land, about the size of a
high school, while a Cal State University campus would range from 150 to 200 acres in
size.
Mayor Kelly asked whether the proposal was for our staff to do the research and look
for a location anywhere in the Coachella Valley.
Councilman Wilson responded that the intent of the EDAC was that is was important
to the economic viability of Palm Desert to have a campus, and if there is going to be
a University campus in the Valley, we should do everything we can to get it in Palm
Desert. He said the Committee felt it should come to staff right away to immediately
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start the process of looking for land that is still available to identify a 40-acre site that
could be used for a branch campus and that can be expanded to 150 to 200 acres. He
said it might involve working with large landowners in the north sphere area. He added
that the idea was to put our staff with a committee of several Councilmembers and
EDAC members to work with Dr. Wilson to explore locations and come back to Council
with some suggestions as soon as possible.
Mayor Kelly stated that with this being such a large State system, they should hayed staff
that does these kinds of things.
Councilman Wilson responded that they would be looking at the entire Coachella Valley,
and the EDAC felt it was important to the City of Palm Desert to get out and
aggressively pursue this.
Mayor Kelly stated that he did not share everyone's enthusiasm for having a university
in Palm Desert. He felt we have our share of higher education and that it should be
spread around a bit because of impacts such as traffic.
Councilman Crites moved to, by Minute Motion, approve the recommendation from the
Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC) to declare a matter of high priority to seek
various possible locations for a future California State University, San Bernardino, branch campus and
direct staff and an appropriate group to begin this search immediately. Motion was seconded by
Benson.
Councilman Wilson suggested an amendment to the motion to form a subcommittee with
representation by two Councilmembers, two members of the EDAC, and appropriate staff
to work on this.
Councilman Crites agreed to amend his motion, and Councilmember Benson agreed to amend
her second.
Councilman Snyder stated he felt higher education was sorely needed in this valley and
that he saw no reason for it not to be in Palm Desert.
Mayor Kelly called for the vote. Motion carried by a 4-1 vote, with Mayor Kelly voting NO.
Councilmember Benson commented that at a Joint Powers Authority meeting the other
day, Judy Vossler had reported that while she was home watching television, there was
a student on soap opera program who was going to go to pre-med school at College of
the Desert in Palm Desert.
B. CITY ATTORNEY
None
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C. MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
o City Council Reauests for Action:
None
o City Council Committee Reports:
None
XIV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - B
None
Upon motion by Crites, second by Snyder, and unanimous vote of the City Council, Mayor
Kelly recessed the meeting at 5:55 p.m. He reconvened the meeting at 7:00 p.m.
XV. COMPLETION OF ITEMS HELD OVER FROM 4:00 P.M. SESSION
None
XVI. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - C
None
XVII. AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS, AND APPOINTMENTS
A. PRESENTATION TO MS. DARLENE ROMANO (Continued from Meeting of January
9, 1992).
Mayor Kelly presented a plaque of appreciation to Darlene Romano for her efforts on
behalf of the City and the citizens of Palm Desert. In addition, he presented letters from
Congressman Al McCandless and Riverside County Supervisor Corky Larson and a
plaque from Assemblywoman Tricia Hunter.
On behalf of the Palm Desert Children's Choir, Ms. Romano expressed her thanks to the
City Council for their support in promoting this group.
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B. APPOINTMENT TO THE CIVIC ARTS COMMITTEE TO FILL THE VACANCY
CREATED BY THE RESIGNATION OF MR. ROBERT SPIEGEL.
Councilman Crites moved to, by Minute Motion: 1) Appoint Diane Morgan to the Civic Arts
Committee to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Alex Yaron; 2) appoint James Struck to
the Civic Arts Committee to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Robert Spiegel. Motion was
seconded by Snyder and carried by unanimous vote of the Council.
XVIII. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. REOUEST FOR APPROVAL OF A PRECISE PLAN TO ALLOW CONSTRUCTION
OF A 3,120 SQUARE FOOT AUTO SERVICE FACILITY ON THE SOUTH SIDE
OF FRED WARING DRIVE, 680 FEET EAST OF HIGHWAY 111 (ECONO LUBE
N' TUNE, APPLICANT). (Continued from the Meetings of November 14 and December
12, 1991.)
Mr. Altman noted that staff's recommendation was that this matter be tabled and
readvertised for public hearing when the project is ready to come back to Council.
Mr. Diaz added that the applicant had been unable to secure permission to put up the
poles requested by Council and approval by Toys-R-Us to go into the center. Staff was
recommending that the matter be tabled until those items are taken care of.
Mayor Kelly noted that the public hearing was still open and invited testimony in FAVOR of
or OPPOSED to this request.
MR. LARRY BELL, Project Manager for Econo Lube N' Tune, stated he had finally
received a letter via FAX from DSL two days ago. He said the letter expressed
continued opposition to the project but stated no reason for the opposition. In addition,
a negative response had been received from Toys-R-Us regarding the project because
the Econo Lube N' Tune building would not fit in the footprint of the original Pizza Hut.
He said his company was appealing that decision and hoped in the near future to have
a more favorable response. He asked that the DSL opposition be set aside since they
indicated no reason for that opposition. He added that they would support tabling the
matter at this time.
Mayor Kelly declared the public hearing closed.
Councilman Wilson moved to TABLE this matter. Motion was seconded by Crites and carried
by unanimous vote of the Council.
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B. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION OF THE ADOPTION OF THE MASTER
DRAINAGE PLAN DATED JUNE, 1991, AND SEATING FEES FOR DRAINAGE
FACILITIES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE MASTER DRAINAGE PLAN
(Continued from the Meetings of July 11, August 22, November 14, and December 23,
1991).
Mr. Altman recommended this matter be continued to the next meeting because staff and
the attorney were still working on it.
Mayor Kelly noted the public hearing was still open and invited testimony in FAVOR of or
OPPOSED to this request. No testimony was received.
Councilman Crites moved to continue this matter to the meeting of February 13, 1992.
Motion was seconded by Snyder and carried by unanimous vote of the Council.
C. REPT TEST FOR CONSIDERATION OF NEGATIVE DECLARATION OF
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT ON THE FINAL DRAFT OF THE CITY OF
PALM DESERT SOURCE REDUCTION AND RECYCLING ELEMENT AND THE
HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE ELEMENT IMPOSED BY ASSEMBLY BILL
939, CALIFORNIA INTEGRATED WASTE MANAGEMENT ACT.
Mr. Wohlmuth reviewed the staff report for Public Hearings C and D, noting that this
was one of the final steps for plan adoption for the Household Hazardous Waste Element
and Source Reduction and Recycling Element. He stated that it had been brought to
his attention by CVAG, the lead agency in this matter, that they must open their public
hearing for the CEQA process before we can close our public hearing. He said the
CEQA hearing would be held on Monday; therefore, staff was requesting that the Council
open the public hearings and continue the matter to the meeting of February 13, 1992.
He offered to answer any questions.
Mayor Kelly declared the public hearing open and invited testimony in FAVOR of or
OPPOSED to this request. None was offered.
Councilman Wilson moved to continue this matter to the meeting of February 13, 1992.
Motion was seconded by Crites and carried by unanimous vote of the Council.
D. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION OF FINAL DRAFT OF THE CITY OF PALM
DESERT SOURCE REDUCTION AND RECYCLING ELEMENT AND THE
HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE ELEMENT IMPOSED BY ASSEMBLY BILL
939, CALIFORNIA INTEGRATED WASTE MANAGEMENT ACT.
See Public Hearing C for staff report.
Mayor Kelly declared the public hearing open and invited testimony in FAVOR of or
OPPOSED to this request. None was offered.
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Councilman Crites moved to continue this matter to the meeting of February 13, 1992.
Motion was seconded by Benson and carried by unanimous vote of the Council.
E. REOUEST FOR CONSIDERATION OF THE ADOPTION OF COMMUNITY
FACILITIES DISTRICT 91-1 (INDIAN RIDGE PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS)
PURSUANT TO THE MELLO-ROOS COMMUNITY FACILITIES ACT OF 1982.
Mr. Altman stated that staffs recommendation was to open the public hearing to receive
public testimony but then to continue the matter to the meeting of February 13, 1992,
so that Sunrise has time to review the documentation.
Mr. Ortega added that the developer has requested the public hearing be continued to
the meeting of February 27, 1992.
Mayor Kelly declared the public hearing open and invited testimony in FAVOR of or
OPPOSED to this matter. None was offered.
Councilman Snyder moved to continue this matter to the meeting of February 27, 1992.
Motion was seconded by Crites and carried by unanimous vote of the Council.
XIX. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - D
None
XX. ADJOURNMENT
Councilman Crites moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:35 p.m. to Closed Session pursuant to
Government Code Section 54956.8, Real Property Transactions, 54956.9(a), pending litigation (Palm
Desert v. Toys R Us, Big Horn Institute and County of Riverside v. Palm Desert, Levald v. Palm
Desert, Cox v. Palm Desert, Rojo v. Rancho Mirage and the Barnum Case), and (b), potential
litigation. Motion was seconded by Snyder and carried by unanimous vote of the Council.
Mayor Kelly reconvened the meeting at 8:25 p.m. and immediately adjourned with no action
announced from Closed Session.
ATTEST:
.4/.6//
SHEILA R. GILLI 3AN, Cr( ' CLERK
CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA
RICHA S. KELLY; MAYOR
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EXHIBIT "A"
THE FOLLOWING IS A VERBATIM TRANSCRIPT OF THE "ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - A"
PORTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JANUARY 23, 1992
BAA: Bruce Altman
City Manager, City of Palm Desert
BAC: Buford A. Crites
Councilman, City of Palm Desert
DSP: Douglas S. Phillips
Deputy City Attorney, City of Palm Desert
ND: Nancy Dolensek
Executive Director, McCallum Theatre
RAD: Ramon Diaz
ACM/Dir. of Community Development, City of Palm Desert
RSK: Richard S. Kelly
Mayor, City of Palm Desert
SRG: Sheila R. Gilligan
City Clerk/P.I.O., City of Palm Desert
RSK: Is there anyone else who would like to speak to the Council on any item not otherwise on the
agenda?
ND: My name's Nancy Dolensek and I'm the Executive Director of the McCallum Theatre. We
were asked to be here today. I don't know whether this is the appropriate time to address the
Council or not. You'll have to tell me that.
RSK: I guess I need to check with staff and determine, is this the time? This was the intended time.
ND: Okay. I'm here to address the, the question of the McCallum Theatre doing a fund raising
carnival in February, from February 14th through the 23rd. In July, our Director of
Development, Nancy Trapnell, came to meet with the City of Palm Desert, specifically Bruce
Altman and Ray Diaz, to ask them what was needed for us to do a carnival on the grounds
of the McCallum Theatre and the College of the Desert. They said that we did not need any
permits, it was, and gave her their blessings, that we should meet with the Sheriffs Department
to deal with the logistics of it, which she did. She then went to the Sheriff's Department and
met with Lt. Janes, who said the same thing; that we did not need permits, that we had his
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EXIIIB1T 'A'
JANUARY 23, 1992
* s * * * * * * * * * * * *
blessing. She, but that we should meet with David George, the President of the College of
the Desert and work logistics out with him, which indeed we also did. I believe some of you
are, all of you have copies of the correspondence that she had with those various people, and
if, if you don't we'd be happy to supply you with it. Several days ago I received a call from
Ray Diaz, who had read an item in Fred Heider's column on Monday talking about the
carnival that we were planning to bring. Ray Diaz asked me if we had talked to the City
about it. I said yes, that we certainly had. That I hadn't done that personally, but Nancy had
done that. Contacted Nancy who got in touch with Ray Diaz, and reminded him of their
meeting and of the subsequent correspondence. She also met with him that day, and the tenor
of that meeting was, well, there seems to be a little problem, but we'll work it out and can you
meet tomorrow to deal with the logistics of it; the parking, the traffic control, and she said yes.
Yesterday, Nancy Trapnell and Charles Joya, our Director of Operations, met with Ray Diaz,
with Captain Bloomquist, and with Lt. Janes with what was alleged to be a logistical meeting
for the carnival; which indeed turned out to be nothing less than an inquisition. We were told
that we could not do the carnival, we were accused of bringing gangs into the desert from Los
Angeles, we were compared to porn houses, with bringing bad elements in, with bringing law
breaking carnival workers in who didn't bathe. It was, in short, a meeting of accusations and
incrimination, and they were treated like a criminal element themselves. There did not seem
to be much interest in the quality of the carnival that we were bringing in, that what they
would see at that carnival were really rides from around the world that had only been shown
in a few places in the world, a carnival that could only be seen at a place like Oktoberfest.
They were not interested in the fact that the carnival is rated number three in the world. In
the past 24 hours since that, I have had hang-up calls at work from people who happen to live,
I don't know who they were because they hung up, in the same place that I live, in fact,
coincidentally that the Davis' live, the Davis' who own the carnival, saying how can we do this,
this is the worst thing you can do for the desert, the element of people that you are going to
bring in. Our staff has had hang-up calls on their answering machines at home, and I had a
call this morning besmirching the name of our founder who has generously donated this
carnival to us, calling him a pariah in the industry and saying that this is only a vendetta on
his part. The arrangement with the carnival is, is that Joanne and Larry Davis, who also
happen to be founders of the McCallum Theatre have donated the carnival to us and have
guaranteed the theatre $100,000.00or whatever their profit is, whichever is the most. As I
said, it is a very special carnival with vintage rides, with rides that one would see no place else
in the world. What we thought we were doing, as we always think we are doing, is bringing
something special to our community with the blessing of our community. Unless I'm missing
something, the McCallum Theatre, apart from the Town Center, brings more people into this
desert than any other desert institution. We have to raise between two and three million
dollars a year to keep those doors open. We've brought international attention to the City
of Palm Desert. We have notes in all the artists' dressing rooms saying when they get on stage
and talk about where they are that we do not live in Palm Springs, we live in Palm Desert.
We bring 40,000 school children through the theatre a year. We have a teacher training
program for teachers to go back into the schools because the, the schools have been destitute
and for lack of funds have cut off their arts programs. We underwrite performances for
College of the Desert each year. In short, we have tried to be a good neighbor and a good
citizen. Whatever the outcome of all of this is, or whatever your decision is for us to the
carnival, we are concerned and upset by the way it has been handled. If there was a problem,
then tell us what the problem is, and we can sit down and deal with that. But that has not
23
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EXHIBIT 'A'
been, that has not been the way that the situation has been approached. I tell you this
because we're all very proud of our City. We are certainly very proud of our theatre. I don't
think that we or the theatre have been dealt with in a professional manner. Whatever other
questions you may have about the carnival we would be happy to answer. We will certainly
abide by your decision, but we would like to think that from what, whatever goes on from here
on out can be dealt with as the friends and neighbors that we thought we were and not in a
Nazi police state Germany meeting that occurred yesterday afternoon. I thank you for your
time.
RSK: Thank you. I guess we should have a response.
BAA: Yes Mr. Mayor. Maybe we could have a brief staff report. This isn't on the agenda tonight
for Council action, but Ray, I think, can cover what the history is and then a suggested solution
from here if that is agreeable with you folks. Doug is that correct?
DSP: That's correct. Yes sir.
RAD: Well, this began in July, 1991. The City received a letter from the McCallum Theatre
requesting a meeting to discuss the fund raising carnival. That meeting was held in July, 1991.
We were under the impression at that time that one, the City did not have any control over
what occurred on the campus, and in the letter they requested to discuss the carnival and the
possibility of allowing parking for the carnival people along with their trailers along Magnesia
Falls. A meeting was held on July 17th at 2:00 p.m. with the City Manager, myself and Ms.
Trapnell. And at that time we indicated that we were under the impression that we did not
have any control. We did not know what the size of the carnival we were talking about for
other events that would take place later. We indicated that the trailers would not, should not
be allowed to park along Magnesia Falls. That this was prohibited. We requested that we
be kept involved in the process. A subsequent letter was received July 19, 1991, where the
City was thanked and told it was, it would be kept appraised of the event's progress; the
event's progress being the carnival. This was the last communication that we received until
January 21, 1992, when we contacted the McCallum's representatives as the result of an article
that had appeared in the Desert Sun that, and we met on January 21st, and a subsequent
meeting was set up on the 22nd. I would not characterize that meeting as a Nazi -type of
inquisition, but so be it. In July, 1991, but since that time it has been determined that the City
has jurisdiction over non -educational events at the College of the Desert. Further, the
processing of the street fair application, the resolutions which are before you this evening, and
its growth has necessitated specific conditions including on -street parking restrictions to
accommodate this weekend, the weekend traffic that's generated by this weekly event. The
concern that we had over traffic and over the, because of other events at that time that will
occur at the same time as the carnival wishes to go ahead, which would be the same time as
the Date Festival, which causes the, which the Sheriff's Department has to control, and they
can address that; they're here. As a result of that and the fact that you have on -going events,
I denied the request for the temporary use permit. First of all, such events as carnivals, now
that we do have control of them, your temporary use permit ordinance allows them for only
seven consecutive days. This event was scheduled for ten days. Secondly, the presence of the
street fair would generate intolerable volumes of traffic and parking problems both on campus
and in the area both events occurred simultaneously. You will recall, that we are, that it's a
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EXHIBIT "A"
condition of approval for the street fair, we're prohibiting parking on Fred Waring and on
Monterey on the weekends. The fair, the carnival, is to take place right on Monterey. Our
concern is, will the people then park in the residential area to go to the carnival. Thirdly, the
elimination of the designated street fair parking, which is where the carnival rides are going
to go for the erection of the carnival facility would violate the conditional use permit that you
are approving today. That permit calls for this area to be designated parking. Fourthly, the
Sheriff's Department would have undue difficulty in providing necessary manpower to secure
the event because of its commitment to concurrent, the concurrent National Date Festival
operations. And fifthly, the potential conflicts with student parking and evening events at the
McCallum could negatively impact city streets and neighborhoods. This is what we based, or
what I based, my decision on. It is unfortunate that the City has been placed in a position of
being the heavy in this particular case. We, the City, has, staff has no quarrel with the
McCallum. We believe that it is a, one of the jewels on the crown of the City of Palm Desert.
And besides it be one of the jewels on the crown of the City of Palm Desert. However, the
serious concerns that we have do not allow us to approve it at this time. At the meeting
yesterday, the specific question was asked if the street fair was not taking place at the same
time would we be having a different conversation. In other words, my, might, might my
decision be different. And I indicated to the representatives from the McCallum it might
indeed be different. But we still had the problem of security and that would have to be
worked out. But having all these events at the same time, staff feels its like putting twenty
pounds of sugar in a five pound sack. It is just too much at this time. And this is why we
indicated no. The appeal of the staffs decision, in discussing it with the City Attorney, can
be made, has to be made through the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission, of
course, met last Tuesday. I've contacted the members of the Planning Commission, and an
emergency meeting of the Commission can be held Monday evening at 7:00 p.m. to evaluate
and discuss an appeal should the McCallum Theatre folks want that. As I indicated, things
are different now than they were in July. We were not kept appraised of what was happening.
It is unfortunate as far as the calls that have been made to the McCallum representatives at
their offices and at their homes, all of us would strongly condemn that kind of tactic and
approach and those kind of things. That has absolutely nothing to do with the meetings and
the decisions that have been made. We don't know who made those calls, and I'm sure if they
were reported to the Sheriffs Department they will attempt to find out. And that would
conclude the report.
RSK: I guess I need to look for direction.
BAA: Yeah, I believe, I'll, the City Attorney correct me if I'm wrong. I believe the Council is in no
position to take an action on this matter. Its here as an informational item. If they are
grieved, the appropriate thing would be the Planning Commission will meet in special session
on Monday to weigh whatever the decision has been of your zoning administrator. If they are
grieved with that decision, then they could appeal to the City Council. At that stage it would
be an advertised hearing that you would hear the facts and make a determination. Is that
accurate?
DSP: That's right. Another option would be if you do choose to take this up on your own and take
some action, you would need to make, to have a vote to add it to the agenda as a late
breaking item. At this point, it would appear that the Planning Director has indicated a, the
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 23, 1992
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EXHIBIT "A"
solution that is appropriate under the code, which is the appeal goes to the Planning
Commission and that meeting would take place, what Ray, Monday night?
RAD: Yes. If an appeal is desired it would be Monday evening at 7:00.
RSK: Well, it seems to me that the Council really isn't, doesn't, isn't in a position to make any
decisions. It sounds to me like if the applicant wants to appeal it and that it would be a
decision between the Planning Department and the Planning Department, Commission.
DSP: Yes.
RSK: Do they want to meet Monday and does the applicant want to go through the appeal process.
DSP: Correct.
BAA: In fact, they can just tell us now if that is what their desire is, we'll get the motions in the
process. Is that what you'd like to do, Nancy?
(inaudible)
RSK: You want to know who you should address your response?
(inaudible)
RSK: Who should they address their response to?
(inaudible)
BAA: Yeah, I think to Ray Diaz.
RSK: To Ray Diaz.
RAD: What I will do is this. We will post that meeting as scheduled and you can call me up to 4:30
Monday. After that you can't get through on the switchboard. But the meeting will be
scheduled. I will have the Commission convene and if no one, if it is cancelled before 4:30
Monday we will cancel it, and if not, we won't. We'll go that way, if that's alright.
(inaudible)
RSK: Maybe I ought to have you come back to the microphone so that I can hear.
ND: If indeed we accept your invitation to meet before the, a special meeting of the Planning
Commission on Monday evening, is the decision made that evening or is there then yet
another process that we need to go through?
RSK: I would say that a decision would be made that night, but it could also be subject to appeal
either by the McCallum Theatre or someone on the Council.
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MINUTES
REGULAR PALM DESER'' :ITY COUNCIL MEEflNG JANUARY 23, 1992
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EXHIBIT "A'
ND: And if indeed there is appeal then what is the process, what is that process, and what are the,
what is the time frame.
RSK: We would have another problem because Council doesn't meet until I think, the 14th?
SRG: The 13th.
RSK: The 13th.
BAA: You could have a special meeting, if you so choose.
RSK: Well, it would require a require a special meeting of the Council if it were appealed.
ND: Thank you very much.
BAC: Mr. Mayor I want to make one quick comment. This is obviously an issue that needs to be
tended to, and I don't want to comment on the substance of it. But I do want to comment
on one thing. To take what is second-hand data about a meeting with a member of our staff
about which obviously the McCallum Theatre people are not happy and to from that refer to
our staff as part of a Nazi police state is to me not only unfortunate, but it trivializes
something that's very serious. The holocaust that the Nazis put forward in Germany and for
which the entire world suffered and does suffer yet today with millions of deaths and torture
has no comparison at all to the results of a meeting with a member staff with whom you don't
agree, and I think to make those kind of comments in public does a disservice to the
McCallum Theatre and does a disservice to something that this world seeks to look back on
constantly with shame and with remembrance.
RSK: Okay. Is there anyone else who would like to speak to City Council at this time on any item
not on the agenda?
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