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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993-03-25MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING THURSDAY, MARCH 25, 1993 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * I. CALL TO ORDER H. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Councilman Richard S. Kelly M. INVOCATION - Mayor Jean M. Benson IV. ROLL CALL Present: Councilman Buford A. Crites Councilman Richard S. Kelly Councilman Walter H. Snyder Mayor Pro-Tempore S. Roy Wilson Mayor Jean M. Benson Also Press; Bruce A. Altman, City Manager David J. Erwin, City Attorney Mary P. Frazier, Deputy City Clerk Ramon A. Diaz, ACM/Director of Community Development Richard Folkers, ACM/Director of Public Works Carlos L. Ortega, ACM/Director of Redevelopment Paul Shillcock, ACM/Economic Development Director Paul Gibson, Finance Director/City Treasurer Pat Conlon, Director of Building and Safety Dave Millheim, Director of Human Resources John Wohlmuth, Environmental Conservation Manager V. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUITEa of the Regular City Council Meeting of March 11, 1993. Rec: Approve as presented. B. CLAIMS AND DEMANDS AGAINST THE CITY TREASURY, - Warrant Nos. 41 and 42. Rec: Approve as presented. MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 25,'1993 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * C. APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE by General Mills Restaurants, Inc. for Red Lobster, 72-168 Highway 111, Palm Desert. Rec: Refer to the Department of Community Development for processing of a Conditional Use Permit. D. CLAIM AGAINST THE CITY by Charles A. Bishop (#216) in the Amount of $651.49. Rec: By Minute Motion: 1) Deny the Claim due to settlement by the Contractor; 2) instruct the City Clerk to so notify the Claimant. E. ,,AIM AGAINST THE CITY by Ronald A. Marra (#217) in the Amount of $80.41. Rec: By Minute Motion: 1) Deny the Claim and refer the Claimant to the Contractor, the Coachella Valley Water District; 2) instruct the City Clerk to so advise the Claimant. F. MINUTES of the Civic Arts Committee Meetings of December 14, 1992, January 11, 1993, and February 8, 1993. Rec: Receive and file. G. REOUEST for Reappropriation of Funds for SpringFest. Rec: By Minute Motion, reappropriate $3,500 previously approved from the General Fund Budget Reserve for SpringFest. H. ROUEST FOR APPROVAL of Addition to Existing Landscape Maintenance Contract with Sunshine Landscape for Cook Street and Country Club Drive (Contract No. C03150). Rec: By Minute Motion, approve the addition of medians along Country Club Drive between Eldorado and Washington Street to the existing contract with Sunshine Landscape for three months at $1,400.00 per month. I. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL to Negotiate Contract for Graffiti Eradication (Contract No. C07300). Rec: By Minute Motion, authorize the City Clerk to advertise and call for bids for painting contractors to aid City forces in the graffiti eradication (Contract No. C07300). 2 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT _..TY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 25, 1993 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * J. REOUEST FOR APPROVAL of Change Order No. 3 to Contract No. C04200 for Master Drainage Plan for the City of Palm Desert - 1991. Rec: By Minute Motion, approve Change Order No. 3 to Contract No. C04200 for NBS/Lowry to move contingency to base in the amount of $2,250.37. K. REOUEST FOR APPROVAL of Change Order No. 3 to San Luis Rey Storm Drain Project (Contract No. C06670). Rec: By Minute Motion, approve Change Order No. 3 in the amount of $1,950.00 to Contract No. C06670 with Carney Brothers, Inc. L. REOUEST FOR ACCEPTANCE OF WORK for San Luis Rey Storm Drain Improvements (Contract No. C06670). Rec: By Minute Motion, authorize the City Clerk to file a Notice of Completion for the subject project. M. REOUEST FOR APPROVAL of the Purchase of Picnic Tables for Picnic Pavilions. Rec: By Minute Motion: 1) Approve the purchase, assembly, and delivery of 15 hexagon recycled plastic picnic tables and 15 rectangular recycled plastic picnic tables from Environmental Specialty Products, Inc., in the amount of $12,574.43; 2) make a finding pursuant to Palm Desert Municipal Code Section 3.32.090 that this product is unique by nature and exempt from the normal bidding process; 3) appropriate $12,574.43 from the unobligated General Fund Reserve to the Civic Center Capital Outlay Park Fund (Account No. 110-4611-453-4045). N. REOUEST FOR AWARD OF CONTRACT for Signal Modifications and Street Improvements - Highway 111 and Monterey Avenue (Contract No. C05300). Rec: By Minute Motion: 1) Award a contract for the subject project to James E. Simon Company in the amount of $121,475.35 and authorize a ten percent contingency in the amount of $12,147.54; 2) appropriate $133,622.89 from the Unobligated Measure A Fund. O. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of Revised Convention and Visitors Bureau Joint Powers Agreement (Contract No. C03400). Rec: By Minute Motion, approve the revised Joint Powers Agreement and authorize the Mayor to execute same. 3 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 25, 1993 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * P. Request for Approval of Out -of -State Travel for City Manaer, Rec: By Minute Motion: 1) Approve the request for the City Manager to attend the ICMA Resort Communities and Tourism Conference in Park City, Utah, on June 3-6, 1993; 2) appropriate $900.00 from the unencumbered fund balance to Account No. 110- 4130-411-3120. Mayor Benson removed Item I for separate discussion under Section IX, Consent Items Held Over, of the Agenda. Upon motion by Snyder, second by Kelly, the remainder of the Consent Calendar was approved as presented by unanimous vote of the Council. VI. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - A None VII. RESOLUTIONS A. RESOLUTION NO. 93-23 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO. 93-4 AND EXPANDING THE BOARD OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION TO EIGHT MEMBERS. Mr. Altman noted that at its last meeting, Council directed staff to prepare this resolution. He recommended its adoption. Councilman Wilson moved to waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 93-23. Motion was seconded by Snyder and carried by unanimous vote. B. RESOLUTION NO. 93-24 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, DETERMINING THE AMOUNT OF PROPERTY TAX REVENUE TO BE EXCHANGED BETWEEN THE CITY OF PALM DESERT AND THE CITY OF INDIAN WELLS RELATING TO THE ANNEXATION OF LA ROCCA TO THE CITY OF INDIAN WELLS. Mr. Altman noted the memo in the packets from Mr. Diaz and offered to answer any questions. Upon question by Councilman Wilson relative to what was being exchanged, Mr. Altman responded that it would be everything except Redevelopment, which would stay in Palm Desert. Councilman Snyder moved to waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 93-24. Motion was . seconded by Crites and carried by unanimous vote. 4 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT _ .TY COUNCIL MEETING MARL * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * s * * * * * * * * VIII. ORDINANCES For Introduction: None For Adoption: A. ORDINANCE NO. 705 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING CHAPTER 10.50 OF THE PALM DESERT MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO VALET PARKING. Mr. Altman noted that this had been introduced at the last meeting and that no changes had been made. He recommended adoption. Councilman Kelly moved to waive further reading and adopt Ordinance No. 705. Motion was seconded by Snyder and carried by unanimous vote. B. ORDINANCE NO. 708 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, REGULATING THE DISCHARGE OF SEWAGE IN THE CITY OF PALM DESERT AND PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS. Mr. Altman noted that no changes had been made since introduction of this ordinance, and he recommended adoption. Councilman Kelly asked if it would be legal for the City to require people to hook up to the sewer system. Mr. Conlon responded that this was covered by the ordinance for chronic failure of a private disposal system if the public sewer is available and located within 200 feet from any lot or building served by the failing private sewage disposal system. Councilman Kelly said he felt this should be a requirement not just for chronic situations but for any that overflow because the groundwater is so vital now, and it becomes more and more difficult all the time to keep the groundwater from being contaminated. He added that he felt there should be a requirement as a home is sold and as it is going through the escrow process that it be hooked up to the sewer system. Discussion followed as to whether such wording should be added to this ordinance or if staff should be directed to prepare a separate ordinance. Councilman Wilson moved to: 1) Waive further reading and adopt Ordinance No. 708; 2) direct staff to prepare an ordinance that would require, upon sale, the mandatory sewer hookup of structures that are within so many feet of the sewer lines when such hookup can be done. Motion was seconded by Snyder and carried by unanimous vote. 5 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 25, 1993 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * C. ORDINANCE NO, 709 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTION 25.70.120(C) OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE TO CLARIFY THE TIME IN WHICH AN APPEAL MAY BE MADE FROM THE DECISION OF THE ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION. Mr. Altman stated that no changes had been made to this ordinance since its introduction. He recommended adoption. Councilman Wilson moved to waive further reading and adopt Ordinance No. 2Q . Motion was seconded by Snyder and carried by unanimous vote. D. ORDINANCE NO. 710 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTION 25.86.020 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE TO DELETE ANY REFERENCE IN THE '1TTLE OF THAT SECTION TO "THE DESIGN REVIEW BOARD". Mr. Altman noted that no changes had been made since introduction of this ordinance, and he recommended its adoption. Councilman Snyder moved to waive further reading and adopt Ordinance No. 710. Motion was seconded by Wilson and carried by unanimous vote. IX. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER I. REOUEST FOR APPROVAL to Negotiate Contract for Graffiti Eradication (Contract No. C07300). Rec: By Minute Motion, authorize the City Clerk to advertise and call for bids for painting contractors to aid City forces in the graffiti eradication (Contract No. C07300). Mayor Benson suggested that the City have a "graffiti hotline" similar to the "pothole hotline" where people can call in and report graffiti instead of having to call the Public Works Department. Council concurred. Mayor Benson moved to, by Minute Motion, authorize the City Clerk to advertise and call for bids for painting contractors to aid City forces in the graffiti eradication (Contract No. C07300), with instruction to staff to look into the possibility of having a "graffiti hotline". Motion was seconded by Kelly and carried by unanimous vote. 6 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT .TY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 25, 1993 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *-* * * * * * * * * * * * X. NEW BUSINESS A. REQUEST FOR AWARD OF CONTRACT for Design Consultant for Right Turn Lane at State Highway 111 and San Pablo (Contract No. C07310). Mr. Altman noted the report in the packets and offered to answer any questions. Councilman Kelly moved to, by Minute Motion, award Contract No. C07310 and authorize the Mayor to enter into an agreement with J.F. Davidson Associates in the amount of $23,720 and authorize a ten percent contingency of $2,372. Motion was seconded by Snyder and carried by unanimous vote. B. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: 1. Colony CableVision Update. Mr. Ortega noted the report in the packets relative to cable complaints. He offered to answer any questions. 2. Solid Waste Municipal Code Section 8.16.060 Modification for Construction Waste Exclusivity (Continued from the Meeting of March 11, 1993). Mr. Wohlmuth reviewed the staff report and the four options: 1) Equitable enforcement of the 8% franchise fee; 2) resources to the City of Palm Desert; 3) cost of service to the construction business; 4) control of the waste stream. He stated that a survey wa son file in the City Clerk's Office relative to exclusive franchises in other cities. He said it was his understanding that Palm Desert was the only city in the Coachella Valley that does not have an exclusive franchise as it relates to construction debris. Mr. Wohlmuth asked for direction from the Council. He said if it was Council's desire, staff would prepare an ordinance for a public hearing on this matter; if Council felt otherwise, staff recommended equitable enforcement of the 8% franchise fee. He noted that Western Waste does not currently pay fees to the City for the collection and hauling of construction debris. MR. JIM BROCKMAN, Western Waste, said he did not know where the $15,000 figure came from in the staff report as being the estimated loss of revenues to the City for construction debris hauling and disposal by his company. He said an audit had been done, and the franchise fees for 1991 would have been $2,568.00; in 1992, they would have been $2,868.00, based on an 8% fee. He added that prior to the Skins Game, the Bighorn people had called his company and said they were having trouble getting rid of their trash and that Waste Management could not get out there fast enough. He said Western Waste went up to the site and did the $25,000 job, which would equate to a $2,000 franchise fee. He noted that his company had asked in 1987 to pay a franchise fee to the City for hauling services, which they felt was only fair; 7 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 25, 1993 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * however, Waste Management said no, to the extent of a lawsuit, which was then dropped. He said his company instead volunteered to donate the equivalent of the 8% fee to the Palm Desert Youth Sports Association. Mr. Brockman said his organization would be more than happy to be legitimate in the City and work with staff. He said he felt staff had kept them at arm's length because Western Waste was not the exclusive hauler and that he would be happy to work with Mr. Wohlmuth as far as reporting the waste flow, establishing a construction recycling program, and working hand in hand as Waste Management does with the City. He added that since 1987, Western Waste had basically been taking the overflow and that he was not aware of any complaints as far as Western trying to muscle its way in. He said their intention was to stay in front of the Council until the next contract negotiations come up so the City continues to be familiar with his product. Councilman Wilson said the issue was how exclusive is an exclusive franchise, and he liked the idea of competitiveness and the fact that there are options. He questioned why Western does not allow a reciprocal agreement with Waste Management in the City of Coachella. Mr. Brockman responded that Waste Management has six of the nine cities in the Valley as well as everything more or less to the City of Riverside. He estimated that Waste Management paid the City of Palm Desert more in franchise fees than he makes in the City of Coachella, and he felt the City of Coachella could not sustain something like that because they have zero building now. Councilman Wilson noted that there was a survey of Southern California cities served by Western Waste and, with the exception of five, all have exclusive arrangements with Western. He said he felt "what is fair for the goose is fair for the gander". Councilman Crites asked if there were examples in Southern California where Western Waste is the exclusive franchise and it actively promotes allowing competition in construction debris hauling. Mr. Brockman responded that he understood that Gardena was the only place listed as having construction debris open territory. He added that this was something determined by the City Councils. Councilman Kelly said he felt the vital issue here was something that would be done over the next five years in solving our waste stream problem. He said Waste Management had gone beyond what would be normally required or expected in order to help the City solve that problem. He added that he was very much in favor of making it exclusive so the company that is assisting the City in solving its problems and meeting the laws that have been passed will have a greater ability to accomplish what the City is trying to do. 8 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCII, MEETING MARCH 25, 1993 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Councilman Wilson said he felt it was not fair for one company to pay the franchise fee while the other does not. He said he would prefer to have staff come up with two options and have a public hearing for input from the citizens before Council makes a decision to either 1) require an 8% franchise fee for all companies doing business, or 2) determine that exclusivity does not allow another company to come in and take over. Councilman Kelly responded that he did not think staff should be directed to come up with an either/or recommendation. Mr. Erwin said he wished to make Council aware of the fact that the City is currently involved in litigation on one aspect of this as far as recycling. He said Council could take whatever action it desired; however, that action may have some affect on the court action as well. Councilman Kelly moved to, by Minute Motion, direct staff to amend the ordinance to make all waste collection exclusive and include this in the contract we have. Mayor Benson stated she could see no compelling reason to change the ordinance from the way it is now. Councilman Crites said he had no doubt that both companies do a good job hauling waste; however, this was not a matter of whether companies are doing a good job or not. He said the issue was to determine the meaning of "exclusive franchise". Councilman Crites seconded the motion by Kelly. Councilman Wilson addressed the City Attorney and said there was no question that Waste Management has an exclusive contract to be the City's waste hauler. He said he remembered in the 1987 discussions that the Council allowed for this overflow in construction trash hauling. He suggested that the City Attorney review this issue from the legal standpoint as far as what action Council took in 1987. He added that he would feel more comfortable with more data. Mr. Erwin said it would be appropriate because Council had not been given a recent status report on the litigation. He suggested that this matter be continued to the next meeting to allow him to brief the Council on the litigation in Closed Session. Councilman Crites withdrew his second to allow a substitute motion to be made. Councilman Kelly's motion died for lack of a second. Councilman Wilson moved to continue this item to the meeting of April 8, 1993, so that the City Attorney can prepare a report for the Council on the current status of the litigation relative to recycling and the franchise. Motion was seconded by Crites and carried by a 4-1 vote, with Councilman Kelly voting NO. 9 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 25, 1993 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * XI. CONTINUED BUSINESS None XII. OLD BUSINESS NOTE: The following item was listed on an Agenda Addendum and posted 72 hours prior to the City Council meeting. A. REQUEST FOR EXTENSION OF PROCLAMATION CONFIRMING EXISTENCE OF A LOCAL EMERGENCY. Mr. Altman noted that this action was necessary to extend the declaration of a disaster regarding the January, 1993, heavy rains. Councilman Crites moved to waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 93-25. Motion was seconded by Snyder and carried by unanimous vote. XIII. REPORTS AND REMARKS A. CITY MANAGER None B. CITY ATTORNEY None C. MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL o City Council Requests for Action:, 1. Councilman Crites asked that an item be added to the Agenda for discussion relative to lighting of the El Paseo art exhibition. He said the matter had come up after the Agenda was posted. Councilman Snyder moved to add this item to the Agenda for discussion Motion was seconded by Kelly and carried by unanimous vote. Councilman Crites said the City was participating with the El Paseo merchants on placing sculptures on the medians. He noted the memo from Community Arts Manager Catherine Sass which indicated the merchants would like to know if the pieces could be lighted. He said from initial research, it was found that there are electrical outlets near all of the pieces, and these outlets 10 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT �iTY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 25, 1993 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * are the same ones used to plug in the Christmas trees each year. He added that it would be a matter of simply using low voltage lights to illuminate those pieces of art from the bottom. He noted that the merchants were willing to split the cost with the City, and he felt this showed commitment on their part. He said they had asked that this be done for the April artwalk. Councilman Crites moved to, by Minute Motion, direct the City Manager to investigate and, where feasible and where plug -ins are available nearby, try to accommodate this request for lighting, with the cost to be split 50/50 with the El Paseo Merchants. Motion was seconded by Kelly and carried by unanimous vote. Mr. Conlon added that he would do a survey the next day to see if this could be done. 2. Councilman Wilson stated that although he felt the City had done a great deal to enhance the quality of life in this community (i.e., public art, road improvements, etc.), he felt there was an area that had been neglected and that the City needed to focus its energies on starting a program to examine sidewalk infills. He noted, for example, that when walking around the City, there are areas that do not have sidewalks, and a person would have to walk in the golf cart and bicycle lanes. He said he felt the City should do everything it could to make things attractive so people can walk easily on sidewalks, and he asked that staff look into such a program that would speed up the sidewalk infills in the City. Council concurred. 3. SpringFest '93 Mayor Benson asked that this be added to the Agenda for discussion. Councilman Kelly moved to add this item to the Agenda by 4/5ths vote. Motion was seconded by Snyder and carried by unanimous vote. Mayor Benson expressed concern that plans for SpringFest included taking the main picnic pavilion and making it off limits to only those having beer. She said with so many families using the park that day, she felt this was not in the community spirit, especially if the weather is really hot. Councilman Kelly suggested instead of blocking off the picnic pavilion that a separate area be set up for those having beer. Mr. Shillcock responded that the picnic pavilion seemed to be the easiest place to block off with temporary fencing to see if that activity can be maintained. He added that the idea was that it would be close enough so those people 11 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 25, '1993 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * would be able to see the stage. In addition, plans were to set up a big -screen television so people could see what is happening on the stage; if we get too much further away, the cabling costs would be prohibitive. Councilman Kelly stated that the fairgrounds, the only place people were allowed to drink beer was within the fenced -off portion with umbrellas over the tables, and he suggested that this could be done for SpringFest as well. Mr. Shillcock responded that staff would look into this. He added that another concern was that because it would be an all day affair, it would be necessary to put up a tent to provide shade. Mayor Benson added that she felt we would be defeating the purpose of having "A Day in the Park", and we would be projecting a bad image to the people who would offended by beer being sold. She reiterated that she did not think it was in the best interests of the community. With Council concurrence, staff was directed to look at alternatives instead of taking the picnic pavilion and making it an area reserved for those having beer. 4. Mayor Benson stated that the City Council receives invitations to a lot of ribbon cuttings for new businesses in the City. She said she felt it would be nice if the City would give the businesses some type of welcome plaque or framed certificate when they open -- something saying how happy the Council is to have them in Palm Desert (i.e., "Welcome to Palm Desert -- We are Glad You Chose Our City"). Council concurred. 5. PRESENTATION to Assemblywoman Julie Bornstein. Mayor Benson presented a framed mural of Palm Desert to Assemblywoman Julie Bornstein on behalf of the entire City Council. Assemblywoman Bornstein thanked everyone for the plaque and expressed her appreciation. She added the walls in her Sacramento office had been kept bare until she could get desert scenes to put up. 12 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESER1 _ .TY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 25, 1993 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *sss * * * NOTE: The following item was listed on an Agenda Addendum and posted 72 hours prior to the City Council meeting. 6. PROCLAMATION Declaring the Month of April as Community Services Month in the City of Palm Desert. Mayor Benson stated that because no one was able to attend to receive this proclamation, she would call the appropriate person the next day and make sure this proclamation was delivered to them. o City Council Committee Reports: 1. Councilman Crites reported on his recent trip to Washington, D.C. and said he had received positive feedback from the House Appropriations Committee on a request for land and water conservation funds for the purchase of private lands in the Santa Rosa Mountains National Scenic Area. He said he felt the primary reason was that the group he was with was able to show that although it was requesting Federal assistance, there was already a lot of local support (i.e., State of California putting $18 million into the Palm Canyon Area to pay for lands for the creation of a park area; County of Riverside spending $500,000; Eagle Mountain $1.00 per ton mitigation fee which, when the project comes to pass will generate $6 million per year in lands; cities and Agua Caliente Tribal Council paying for ranger patrols, etc.). He added that they out of some 70 groups to testify, his was asked to be the first to testify before the House appropriations Committee. 2. Councilman Crites reported that in reading the Washington Post the days he was in Washington, D.C., he found out that the National Football League owners were meeting in Palm Desert. He said for three days running, the headlines noted that the meeting was in Palm Desert and that they never indicated it was anywhere else. He added that it was nice for a change not to have to call someone and say "this is not Palm Springs". Councilman Kelly said he had watched a lot of the sports programs and found that they announced loud and clear that they were in Palm Desert -- they never used the name of any other city. He added that Palm Desert got a lot of national publicity from this meeting. 3. Mayor Benson reported that she had received, on behalf of the City of Palm Desert, a plaque from the Child Care Council for the CDBG grant the City gave. 4. Mayor Benson thanked Councilman Kelly for the outstanding job he did in organizing the United Way Celebrity dinner on March 15th. She said it was a great success and that all of the celebrity waiters had done a good job. 13 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 25, 1993 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 5. Mayor Benson reported that she had served as "Principal for the Day" at Palm Desert Middle School on March 23rd, and she encouraged everyone to do the same if given the opportunity. She said it was a real education to see the teachers and students and see what they go through day after day. She added that she had really enjoyed herself and would encourage others to do the same. 6. Councilman Kelly reported that the United Way Celebrity Dinner had made approximately $13,000.00. He thanked all of the waiters and said they had done a very good job. In addition, he thanked the employees who put on the barbecue in the Civic Center Park the previous Saturday. He said he felt the Council should express great appreciation for the time and work the many employees put into doing something for the United Way. Councilman Snyder also thanked Councilman Kelly and said he felt he had done a great job on the dinner. In addition, he said one thing that he felt separates Palm Desert from other cities is the way staff and the Council work together as a team. 7. Councilman Kelly stated that he had played golf earlier in the day and that he usually is approached by citizens wanting to discuss problems. However, this time he had someone come up and comment on the many areas of the City that have drought tolerant landscaping, how beautiful this looks, and what a tremendous job everyone in the City of Palm Desert is doing to make the City look nice. XIV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - B None XV. COMPLETION OF ITEMS HELD OVER FROM 4:00 P.M. SESSION None XVI. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - C None XVII. AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS, AND APPOINTMENTS None XVIII. PUBLIC HEARINGS None 14 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESE CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 25, 1993 * s * s * s * * * * * * * s * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * $ s * $ s XIX. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - D None XX. ADJOURNMENT Upon motion by Crites, second by Kelly, and unanimous vote of the Council, Mayor Benson adjourned the meeting at 5:19 p.m. ATTEST: Tv� MARY P. DEPUTY ICI Y CLERK CITY OF P DESERT, CALIFORNIA rt M. B SON, MAYOR 15