HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-04-27MINUIFS
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING
THURSDAY, APRIL 27, 1995
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I. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Crites convened the meeting at 4:10 p.m.
H. ROLL CALL
Present:
Councilmember Jean M. Benson
Councilman Richard S. Kelly
Mayor Pro-Tempore Walter H. Snyder
Councilman Robert A. Spiegel
Mayor Buford A. Crites
Also Present:
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 J. Folkers, ACM/Director of Public Works
Carlos L. Ortega, ACM/Executive Director of Redevelopment Agency
Paul S. Gibson, Director of Finance
Wayne Ramsey, Director of Code Compliance
III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - A
MR. JIM BROCKMAN, 75-930 Osage Trail, Indian Wells, representative of Western Waste,
addressed Council and noted that his organization felt the difference of opinion was between the
Palm Desert Water & Services District and the City of Palm Desert. Western Waste felt the
homeowners should not be held up by that and had decided to put its homeowners' recycling
program into action. He said this week was the second pickup, and there was quite a bit of
participation on the part of the homeowners.
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MS. ELLEN SANDERS spoke as Director of the Fruitfly Action Cooperative Task Force (FACT),
a group of farmers throughout the Valley attempting to keep these flies out of this area. She gave
a brief history of how the group got started and distributed information to the City Council.
On behalf of the City Council, Mayor Crites commended Ms. Sanders and FACT for doing exactly
what should be done by being proactive instead of reactive.
MR. CHUCK CERVELLO, 44-616 Buckingham, Indio, representing Western Waste, noted that
an item on the February 23rd City Council Agenda was the waste hauling contract for the City.
Several companies in the audience asked for an opportunity to submit bids for this service. He said
he understood that Councilmember Benson had expressed a desire to see a competitive bid from
Western Waste included in the review. He also understood that staff was directed to prepare a
position paper, and Western Waste was waiting for the opportunity to present their proposal to the
City to be included in that position paper. He reiterated Western Waste's willingness to present
a fully -automated collection system, fully -automated residential green waste system now instead
of six months to two years in the future, and full AB939 indemnification. He said they had begun
preparing a proposal following the February 23rd meeting and had not as yet received an answer
to their letter to the City regarding this. He added that their concern was that the City not do
something this important without getting competitive bids and obtaining the best service for the best
price.
IV. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. MINUTES of the Regular City Council Meetings of March 23 and April 13, 1995.
Rec: Approve as presented.
B. CLAIMS AND DEMANDS AGAINST THE CITY TREASURY - Warrant Nos. 41, 41A,
42, and 43.
Rec: Approve as presented.
C. PRELIMINARY SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS as of March 31, 1995.
Rec: Receive and file.
D. RESOLUTION NO. 95-30 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Palm Desert,
California, Setting Forth its Findings and Authorizing the Destruction of Files from the
Department of Building and Safety that have been Microfilmed (March 1995).
Rec: Waive further reading and adopt.
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E. MINUTES of the Palm Desert Police Advisory Committee Meeting of March 8, 1995.
Rec: Receive and file.
F. MINUTES of Finance Committee Meetings of January 5 and February 2, 1995.
Rec: Receive and file.
G. MINUTES of Economic Development Advisory Committee Meetings of November 15, 1994,
November 29, 1994, February 16, 1995, and March 7, 1995.
Rec: Receive and file.
H. APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE by Fresh Choice, Inc. , 72-363A
Highway 111, Palm Desert.
Rec: Receive and file.
I. REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF IMPROVEMENT SECURITY for Tract 24984-1 (Sunlite
Developments, Applicant).
Rec: By Minute Motion, accept the subdivision improvements as complete and authorize
the City Clerk to release the subject improvement securities.
J. LETTER from City of Rosemead Urging Reform of the Voting Laws in the State of
California to Address the Impact of Voter Fraud.
Rec: Refer to the City Attorney for report and recommendation.
K. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of State -Local Transportation Partnership Program (SLTPP)
Supplement No. 4 to Master Agreement 08-5414.
Rec: By Minute Motion, approve and execute Program Supplement No. 4 to SLTPP
Master Agreement 08-5414 for the State share of the Cook Street Extension in the
amount of $209,101.
L. CLAIM AGAINST THE CITY (#281) by Ron Odekirk in the Approximate Amount of
$33,000.00.
Rec: By Minute Motion, deny the claim and direct the City Clerk to so notify the
Claimant.
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M. REQUEST FOR AWARD OF CONTRACT for Monterey Avenue and Fred Waring Drive
Storm Drain (Contract No. C09840).
Rec: by Minute Motion, award the subject contract to ARB, Inc. in an amount not to
exceed $5,927.00.
N. REOUEST FOR APPROVAL of Deep Canyon Road Storm Drain Design from Whitewater
Storm Channel to Alessandro Drive (Phase II), Contract No. C09850).
Rec: By Minute Motion: 1) Approve engineering design p„.,r.,�el from NBS Lowry for
the storm drain facilities at the subject location; 2) appropriate $52,165.00, plus a
ten percent contingency of $5,216.50, for a total of $57,381.51 from Public Works
Professional Services Account No. 110-4300-413-3010.
O. REOUEST FOR APPROVAL of Change Order Nos. 2 and 3 to Contract No. C07440 for
Highway 111 and Portola Avenue Traffic Signal Modifications and Street Improvements.
Rec: By Minute Motion: 1) Approve Change Order No. 2 to Contract No. C07440 in the
amount of $29,437.63; 2) approve Change Order No. 3 to Contract No. C07440
in the amount of $14,482.40; 3) authorize the transfer of $18,864.12 from
contingency to base; 4) appropriate $25,055.91 from Measure A funds to Project
Account No. 213-4362-433-4001.
P. REQUEST FOR ACCEPTANCE OF WORK for Contract No. C07440 - Highway 111 and
Portola Avenue Traffic Signal Modifications and Street Improvements.
Rec: By Minute Motion, authorize the City Clerk to file a Notice of Completion for the
subject contract.
Mr. Erwin asked that Item L be removed from the Consent Calendar and continued for two weeks.
Upon motion by Snyder, second by Benson, and unanimous vote of the Council, Item L of the
Consent Calendar was continued to the meeting of -May- 11, 1995, and the remainder of the Consent
Calendar was approved as presented.
V. RESOLUTIONS
None
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VI. ORDINANCES
For Introduction:
A. ORDINANCE NO. 775 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, ADDING CHAFFER 2.26 TO TITLE 2 OF THE CODE
OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING THE ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMi i i rc (Continued from the Meeting of March 23,
1995).
Mr. Altman noted the memorandum in the packets from Mr. Ortega outlining the ordinance.
Upon question by Councilman Kelly, Mayor Crites responded that an additional question that
would be asked of the Committee was whether or not to add a category of restaurant.
Councilmember Benson expressed concern with staff of the executive committee and said she
would like to know the rationale for selecting those members and suggested that the EDAC
look at membership of the executive committee being the chairperson and two voting
members and delete the wording "selected by the chair". Councilman Kelly said he had a
similar concern.
Mayor Crites said he would like to see some more detailed justification for the change from
the desirability of having people from each of the different categories to making that an
absolute requirement. He suggested that staff look at other committees to see how those
members are selected, whether it is a requirement or a desire to have membership from each
category. With regard to the executive committee, he said he did not see a reason to have
one at all.
Councilman Snyder moved to continue this matter to the meeting of May 11, 1995, and request
that the Economic Development Advisory Committee consider several items, including the addition of a
restaurant category for membership, justification for changing the bylaws to make it a requirement instead
of a desire to have members from each category, and the rationale for having the Executive Committee
- members selected by the Chair of the EDAC. Motion was- seconded by Spiegel.
Councilman Spiegel noted that at its last meeting, the EDAC decided to hold future meetings
the third Thursday of each month; therefore, it will not be meeting before the City Council
meeting of May 11, 1995. He suggested that this matter be continued to the meeting of May
25, 1995.
Councilman Snyder agreed to amend his motion to continue this matter to the meeting of May 25,
1995. Councilman Spiegel agreed to amend his second. Motion carried by unanimous vote of the Council.
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B. ORDINANCE NO. 777 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CTf Y COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTION 10.36.010 OF THE MUNICIPAL
CODE RELATIVE TO ESTABLISHING SPEED ZONES (42nd Avenue Between
Washington Street and One-half Mile West of Oasis Club Drive).
Mr. Folkers reviewed the staff report and offered to answer any questions.
Councilman Spiegel moved to waive further reading and pass Ordinance No. m to second reading.
Motion was seconded by Snyder and carried by unanimous vote.
For Adoption:
A. ORDINANCE NO. 776 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 2.16 OF THE CODE OF THE
CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, RELATING TO INVESTMENT COM11u i i rc.
Mr. Altman noted that there had been no changes since introduction of this ordinance, and
he recommended adoption.
Councilmember Benson asked whether the ordinance could be modified to make it a
maximum of four citizens from the community so the ordinance does not have to be changed
if more than two citizens are to be appointed to the committee.
Mr. Erwin responded that the ordinance could be changed to read "up to a maximum of four
(4) citizens".
Councilmember Benson moved to waive further reading and adopt Ordinance No. 71as amended
to reflect a maximum of four (4) citizens from the community to be appointed by the Mayor. Motion was
seconded by Spiegel and carried by unanimous vote.
VII. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER
None
VIII. NEW BUSINESS
A. PRESENTATION BY PALM SPRINGS DESERT RESORTS AIRLINE SERVICE
COMM' i i r= RELATIVE TO ACTIVITIES, ACCOMPLISHMENTS, AND FUTURE
PROGRAMS.
Mr. Edward G. Barth, Director of the Palm Springs Desert Resorts Airline Service
Committee, addressed Council and explained the activities, accomplishments, and future
programs of this committee.
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Councilmember Benson stated she felt the consistency of the success with the Airline Task
Force was perseverance through bad times and good times.
On behalf of the entire Council, Mayor Crites thanked Mr. Barth for providing this
information to the City.
No Council action necessary or taken on this item.
B. CONSIDERATION OF AN APPEAL OF A DECISION BY THE PALM DESERT
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION DENYING A REQUEST BY PAYLESS
SHOE SOURCE FOR USE OF ORANGE, YELLOW, AND BLACK TRADEMARK SIGN
COLORS (Federal Sign for Payless Shoe Source, Appellant), Case No. 4464SA.
Mr. Drell, Senior Planner, reviewed the staff report, noting that the sign program for the
Desert Crossing center included red, green, blue, and white. The Payless Shoe Source sign
complied with the sign program in all areas except the colors (yellow and orange). He noted
that to date there had been no deviation to the sign program, and staff recommended that
Council affirm the Architectural Review Commission denial and uphold the sign program.
He added that Payless Shoe Source felt their name and colors were part of the trademark and
were therefore protected by law. He noted the photographs he had distributed and said there
was a change in that the color black would not be used.
MR. DENNIS STOUT, 871 N. Maplewood, Orange, California 92667, spoke as a
representative of Payless Shoe Source. He noted that his company was owned by May
Company and that there were approximately 5,000 stores throughout the United States. He
said it was important for them to maintain consistency in the corporate logo, and they were
made aware that there is legal protection for trademarks, including colors. He noted their
legal counsel had made this information available to the City Attorney.
Councilmember Benson stated that to her, a logo was a design.
Mr. Stout responded that a name could also be a registered trademark; i.e., Coca Cola and
Baskin Robbins. He said it was not limited -to just a design.
Councilman Spiegel stated that his personal feeling was that the spectrum available to other
tenants at Desert Crossing was satisfactory and that the City should stay with that.
Councilmen Kelly and Snyder agreed.
Councilmember Benson agreed and said she felt the Council should uphold the colors
previously agreed upon.
Councilmember Benson moved to, by Minute Motion, affirm the Architectural Review Commission
denial and uphold the sign program. Motion was seconded by Spiegel and carried by unanimous vote.
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IX. CONTINUED BUSINESS
A. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION OF FUTURE USE OF PORTOLA LIBRARY
BUILDING (Continued from the Meeting of March 23, 1995).
Mr. Diaz said staff had a tentative list of people to send letters to and asked that this be
continued to the next meeting.
Councilman Snyder moved to continue this matter to a date uncertain. Motion was seconded by
Benson and carried by unanimous vote.
X. OLD BUSINESS
A. REQUEST FOR AWARD OF CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR COOK sixr i
EXTENSION: PARTIAL INTERCHANGE RAMP, WHITEWATER STORM DRAIN
CHANNEL SOIL REMOVAL, TRANSPORT, AND DEPOSITION (Contract No. C09560).
Mr. Folkers noted that bids had been opened on April 24th, with Cash Contractors as the low
bidder. He said there was a concern raised that the bid submitted by Cash did not have all
the spaces filled in; however, the City Attorney reviewed this and advised that the bid was
acceptable as submitted. He said staff recommended that the contract be awarded to Cash
Grading Contractors.
Councilman Spiegel moved to, by Minute Motion, award the contract to Cash Grading Contractors
of Ontario, California, in the amount of $599,900.00 plus a contingency of ten percent for the subject
contract. Motion was seconded by Kelly and carried by unanimous vote.
B. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF VARIOUS ACTIONS WITH REGARD TO PROPOSED
ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 94-3 (MERANO).
Mr. Diaz noted the resolutions in the packets and recommended adoption. He added that Mr.
Ken Crawford and Mr. Kurt DeCrinnis were available to answer any questions. He said
Stone and Youngberg had been selected to -be the underwriting firm.
Councilman Kelly moved to: 1) Waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 95-31 approving
and authorizing execution and delivery of Assessment District Acquisition Agreement (Contract No. C09860)
and Agreement for Acquisition, Conveyance, and Operation of Water and Sanitary Sewer Improvements
(Contract No. C09870); 2) waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 95-32 authorizing the issuance
of the limited obligation improvement bonds, approving a Fiscal Agent Agreement (Contract No. C09880),
an Official Statement, and a Bond Purchase Agreement (Contract No. C09890), authorizing the City
Manager and Director of Finance to set the final terms for the sale of the bonds, authorizing the payment
of costs of issuing the bonds, and making certain determinations relating thereto. Motion was seconded by
Spiegel and carried by unanimous vote.
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XI. REPORTS AND REMARKS
A. CITY MANAGER
1. Consideration of Right-of-Wav for Cook Street InterchanE a and URdate Relative to
meads and Bridges Assessment District
Mr. Erwin asked that this be added to the Agenda as an item which came up after the
Agenda was posted.
Councilman Kelly moved to add this item to the Agenda. Motion was seconded by Spiegel and
carried by unanimous vote.
Mr. Folkers stated that agreement had been reached with Ivey Ranch for both right-of-
way and rights of construction access. He said staffs recommendation was that, by
Minute Motion, the Mayor be authorized to sign the appropriate documents so that
staff can proceed to finalize that agreement. He said this was the first of five parcels
to be acquired, four on the north side involving various developments and the fifth
parcel with the Southern Pacific Railroad Company. He said agreement had been
reached with two of the r . ties, and staff was working very diligently with two
major r..,r...ty owners, Mr. Hahn and TMP, and ....rwithin the next month to
be able to come to Council with request for approval to proceed with acquiring their
rights -of -way.
Councilman Kelly moved to, by Minute Motion, approve the agreements and authorize the
acquisition and accept the deed at a cost of approximately $2,700.00. Motion was seconded by Spiegel and
carried by unanimous vote.
With regard to the Cook Street Interchange, Mr. Folkers stated that the City had been
acting as lead agency for both this interchange and for Monterey Avenue to work with
the developer and his contractor with regard to the 500,000 cubic yards of dirt located
in Rancho Mirage by Home Depot. He noted that at the CVAG Executive Committee
meeting there was discussion relative -to accelerating the Monterey project to catch up
with the Cook Street project. He said staff was currently wrapping up the Varner
Road realignment project with the intent to go out in early May to advertise that
project. This would be the second phase of three phases for the interchange, and the
interchange itself would hopefully bid in August at the latest. He noted that the
County of Riverside was moving rapidly to remove impediments to the design and
right-of-way acquisition so they can catch up with us; however, he said it was
apparent that the County would not be able to have its package ready to go at the
same time as the City. He said there had been considerable discussion as to who
should be the lead agency, and approximately three and half hours had been spent
earlier that day with representatives of the County. The County of Riverside had the
capability to act as overseer for both the awarding of the project and supervision of
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the construction manager. However, there were some concerns on the part of City
staff and CVAG because it appears periodically that there are glitches in the process.
He said City staff would reluctantly recommend that the County act as the lead agency
on this. He stated that City staff was quite stretched at this time. He said it was
difficult to oversee projects of this magnitude with the staffing we have and the
programs going on now. However, if the Council felt staff should be the prime
movers and have control of the project management and awarding of the contract,
staff would do its best to put the package together and get it out in a timely fashion.
He offered to answer any questions.
Councilman Kelly stated he felt that if something were to go wrong, he would want
to talk to Mr. Folkers. He agreed with staffs feeling of concern about the County
and said he would have the same concern. He would want to see that the City remain
responsible for Cook Street to make sure it goes in right. He said he would prefer
that the City continue to be the lead agency on the Cook Street project.
Mr. Folkers stated that staff was talking about both the Cook Street and the Monterey
Interchanges together and had been advised of the possible savings of 1O% on the
entire thing if done together. The total cost of the two would be approximately $44
million, and 10% would be a large savings.
Councilmember Benson expressed concern with other projects getting behind if staff
is already stretched and the City of Palm Desert is lead agency on this project.
Mr. Altman noted that staff would be providing a five-year capital improvement
project list for the Council in the near future.
Councilman Kelly stated that if Public Works staff was willing to do this with the City
of Palm Desert as lead agency, he felt Council should do whatever it can to give staff
the resources.
Mayor Crites stated that if any member of the Council was opposed to considering the
City of Palm Desert as lead agency, now was the time to speak against it. No
opposition was voiced.
Mr. Folkers said the course of action he intended to take was to let CVAG, the
County, and Bechtel know that based on discussions at this Council meeting, it was
staffs feeling that the Council would not support the County of Riverside being the
lead agency for the construction management and construction of both interchanges.
Councilman Spiegel noted that the letter should indicated why the Council would not
support this, and Mr. Altman added that a letter would be drafted and routed to the
Council for editing prior to mailing.
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Councilman Kelly noted that the Cook Street Interchange was being funded by the
County, the City of Palm Desert, and the City of Indian Wells, and he asked how
much Indian Wells was contributing. Mr. Folkers responded that Indian Wells'
contribution was $360,000.
B. CITY ATTORNEY
Bequest for Closed Session:
Public Employee Performance Evaluation pursuant to Section 54957
Title of Position: City Manager
Mr. Erwin asked that the following items also be added to the Agenda for discussion in
Closed Session:
1) Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation pursuant to Section 54956.9(a):
Names of Parties: City of Palm Desert v. Louis Somera
Case or Claim Numbers: Riverside County Superior Court, Case No. 76264
2) Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation pursuant to Section 54956.9:
Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to subdivision (b):
Number of potential cases: 1
Councilman Spiegel moved to add these two cases to the Agenda for discussion in Closed Session.
Motion was seconded by Kelly and carried by unanimous vote.
C. CITY CLERK
None
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D. MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
o City Council Requests for Action:
1. CONSIDERATION OF REOUEST from City of Palm Springs Relative to
Support of the Passage of Senate Bill 1123 Requiring Electric Companies to
Provide Transmission Service on Terms and Rates Comparable to those that
are Involved in the Electric Corporation's Use of its Transmission System for
its own Sales or Transmission of Electricity to a Non -Regulated Power
Producer (Mayor Buford A. Crites).
Councilmember Spiegel moved to, by Minute Motion, approve the City of Palm Springs request
for support of the pacsge of Senate Bill 1123. Motion was seconded by Benson and carried by unanimous
vote.
2. Big. BrotherBig Sister Program
Councilman Kelly moved to add this item to the Agenda. Motion was seconded by Benson and
carried by unanimous vote.
Councilman Kelly noted the information distributed to Council relative to
development of a Big Brother/Big Sister Program in the Coachella Valley. He
stated that the valley -wide community luncheon was scheduled for Monday,
May 1, 1995, thus the reason for adding the matter to this Agenda. He said
he felt this was something good for the community and asked that the Mayor
be directed to prepare a Letter of Commitment.
Councilman Kelly moved to, by Minute Motion, direct the Mayor to write a Letter of Commitment
for this program. Motion was seconded by Benson and carried by unanimous vote of the Council.
Councilmember Benson noted that she would be attending this luncheon to
represent the City of Palm Desert.
o City Council Committee Reports:
1. Rcmrt on the Impact of the Withdrawal of the City of Indian Wells from the
Coachella Valley Regional Airport Authority (Mayor Pro-Tem Walter H.
Snyder).
Councilman Spiegel noted that he had asked that this matter be placed on the
Agenda. Since that time, he had received the information he was requesting,
and this report was no longer necessary.
No Council action necessary or taken on this item.
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2. Councilmember Benson asked when a report would be coming from staff
relative to the Waste Management/Western Waste issue and what is going on
with that.
Mr. Erwin responded that staff anticipated having something ready for the next
meeting.
Ms. Constande stated it would not be possible to have a contract at the next
meeting but that there would be enough information for Council to make a
decision.
3. Councilman Spiegel noted that approximately 40 school students would be
visiting with the Council for dinner this evening and that they were winners
of the 1995 Student Art & Essay Contest.
4. Mayor Crites stated he had a copy of the Palm Springs ordinance relative to
promoting local business enterprise. He said he would like to pass this on to
the City Attorney to look at the legal issues and also to the City Manager to
see whether Palm Desert should do this.
XII. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - B
None
With Council concurrence, Mayor Crites recessed the meeting at 5:25 p.m. for dinner. He
reconvened the meeting at 7:00 p.m.
XIII. COMPLETION OF ITEMS HELD OVER FROM 4:00 P.M. SESSION
None
XIV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - C
None
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XV. AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS, AND APPOINTMENTS
A. PRESENTATION OF AWARDS TO WINNERS OF THE 1995 STUDENT ART & ESSAY
CONTEST.
Mayor Crites, Contest Chairperson Sharon Spiegel, and Civic Arts Committee Chairman
Janet Brody presented awards to the following:
Best of Show - Essay - Sharon Lloyd, Grade 4, Abraham Lincoln School.
Best of Show - Individual Art - Chris Garland, Grade 10, Palm Desert High School.
Best of Show - Group_Mural - Mrs. Watson's 3rd Grade Class, Abraham Lincoln School.
1995 Perpetual Award - Principal Carole Horlock, Washington Charter School.
Mayor's Special Awards - Group Art - Mrs. Deatrick's 4th Grade Class, Washington Charter
School; Mrs. Killebrew's 7th Grade Class, Palm Desert Middle School.
Mayor's Special Award - Individual Art - Oscar Armijo, Grade 5, Washington Charter
School.
J. Alvin O. Mark Art Award - Rosa Lee, Grade 3, Washington Charter School.
Paula N. Kroonen Essay Award - Ross D. Stout, Grade 5, Washington Charter School.
Mural Category - Group Entries - Ms. Kolls, Ms. Moms, Ms. Marks, and Ms. Familetti,
Grade K, Washington Charter School; Ms. Lerner, Grade 1, Abraham Lincoln School; Ms.
Ewing, Grade 2, Abraham Lincoln School; Ms. Granik, Grade 3, Washington Charter
School; Ms. Cleland, Grade 4, Washington Charter School; Ms. Biller, Grade 7, Palm Desert
Middle School; Ms. Foster, Grade 8, Palm Desert Middle School.
Special Mention - Group Essay Entries - Ms-McKay's Kindergarten Class, Abraham Lincoln
School; Ms. Hood's Kindergarten Class, Sacred Heart School.
Art Category - Individual Entries - Rikki Aiton, Grade 1, Abraham Lincoln School; Gavin
Grum, Grade 1, Abraham Lincoln School; Crysta Reed, Grade 3, Abraham Lincoln School;
Amanda Yeager Rojas, Grade 4, Washington Charter School; Lisa Rosen, Grade 5, Abraham
Lincoln School; Paul Heredia, Grade 6, Palm Desert Middle School; Colleen Beck, Grade
7, Palm Desert Middle School; Julie Bordowitz, Grade 8, Palm Desert Middle School; Alexis
Christopher Ipsan, Grade 9, Palm Desert High School; July Detrich, Grade 10, Palm Desert
High School; Steve Horner, Grade 11, Palm Desert High School; Kara Kelly, Grade 12,
Palm Desert High School.
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Essay gory - Individual Entries - Heather Enos, Grade 1, Abraham Lincoln School;
Shane Fuller, Grade 2, Washington Charter School; Molly McIntosh, Grade 3, Washington
Charter School; Nicholas Rondeau, Grade 4, Washington Charter School; Jenna Meister,
Grade 5, Washington Charter School; Michael Wiener, Grade 6, Palm Desert Middle School;
Kimberly Schaefer, Grade 8, Sacred Heart School; Nirav Patel, Grade 10, Palm Desert High
School.
Closing remarks were made by Mayor Pro-Tem Walter H. Snyder, and he thanked the Civic
Arts Committee members and the Art and Essay Contest Subcommittee members for all their
hard work.
B. APPOINTMENT TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMM.'i i r.r.
Councilman Spiegel moved to, by Minute Motion, appoint Mr. Charles Tatum to the Economic
Development Advisory Committee. Motion was seconded by Kelly and carried by unanimous vote.
C. PRESENTATION TO PALM DESERT KNIGHTS HOCKEY TEAM.
On behalf of the entire Palm Desert City Council and staff, Mayor Crites presented a plaque of
commendation to The Palm Desert Knights, 1995 champions of the "C" Division of the Southern California
Amateur Hockey Association and 1995 Champions of the Bay Harbor Spring Holiday Hockey Tournament.
With Council concurrence, Mayor Crites recessed the meeting at 8:05 p.m. and reconvened at 8:20
p. m.
XVI. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF STREET VACATION: A) WHITEHAWK HOMES
SUBDIVISION; B) LATISHA LANE NORTH OF DELAWARE; 3) LATISHA LANE
BETWEEN ROBIN LANE AND MOUNTAIN VIEW.
Mr. Folkers reviewed the staff report and recommendation. He offered to answer any
questions.
Mayor Crites declared the public hearing gin and invited testimony in FAVOR of or OPPOSED
to this request. No testimony was offered. He declared the public hearing gl.
Councilman Spiegel moved to waive further reading and adopt Resolution Nos. 95-33, 95-34, and
95-35 vacating certain public rights -of -way subject to retention of any and all utility easements and other
easements of record. Motion was seconded by Kelly and carried by unanimous vote.
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B. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF A GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT AND CHANGE OF
ZONE FROM PLANNED RESIDENTIAL AND RESORT COMMERCIAL TO DISTRICT
COMMERCIAL (PC-2) AND APPROVAL OF A PRECISE PLAN OF DESIGN TO
PERMIT CONSTRUCTION OF AN 81,747 SQUARE FOOT RETAIL SHOPPING
ur n Ira( ON 8.7 ACRES AT THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF DEEP CANYON ROAD
AND HIGHWAY 111, Case Nos. GPA94-2. Ca 94-3. PP 94-7 (F & M Associates,
Applicant).
Mr. Diaz reviewed the staff report. He noted the letter dated April 10, 1995, from Phyllis
Kuxhaus, owner of adjacent r..,r :.. VV, requesting a temporary curb cut into her r off
of Highway 111, and he said staff would not recommend approving this request. He said he
had seen several conditions that the Hidden Palms Homeowners Association was proposing
to clarify some concerns. These conditions were listed in a letter dated March 20, 1995,
from Wayne E. Barlow, and he did not have a problem with those conditions and would
recommended they be implemented. He noted concern raised by the Economic Development
Advisory Committee (EDAC) relative to doing something as quickly as possible to assure that
the existing Lucky Market not be left an empty store for a lengthy period of time. He said
staff's recommendation was that Council adopt the resolution approving the General Plan
Amendment, pass the ordinance to second reading approving the change of zone, and adopt
the resolution approving the precise plan, subject to conditions that would be added during
the public hearing.
Mayor Crites declared the public hearing open and invited testimony in FAVOR of or OPPOSED
to this request.
MR. RICHARD FRANDSEN, developer of the property, addressed Council and said they
had attempted to mitigate all concerns of all neighbors. With regard to the EDAC concerns
relative to the existing Lucky Store, he submitted a letter dated April 26, 1995, from Mr.
Chris Huss, Vice President of Real Estate for American Stores Properties, Inc. (attached
hereto and made a part hereof as Exhibit "A"), expressing their desire to relocate the San
Pablo Lucky Store to this new site and indicating they would do everything in their power
to market the San Pablo property to another retail user.
MR. CHRIS HUSS reviewed his letter, noting that American Stores Properties, Inc. also
owned Sav-On Drugs and perhaps could move that store into the existing Lucky Store. In
addition, they had a New Concepts store being opened in Northern California; they would
be bringing it down to Southern California, and he said the characteristics of the Lucky Store
site lend itself to this type of operation. He felt the site was very marketable because of its
location and reasonable rent factor. He said they would make every effort to sublease this
store and make sure it is not dark. He added that once approved, it would probably be at
least two years before they would open the new store or consider closing the old store, and
they would have those two years to market the old site. He hoped they would not have to
market the site and that they would be able to use it internally. With regard to the new site,
he said it would give them the opportunity to relocate a modern store. The existing store was
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24,000 square feet, it was an outmoded store, and it was one which they would not put a lot
of money in because it did not have a lot of future to it. He said it was not a profitable store
in the sense of what they for their return because they could not merchandise it the
way they do their modern stores. He assured the Council that he would work with the City
and whoever the City wanted them to work with, if they do not utilize the building
themselves, in trying to market the old site.
Upon question by Councilman Spiegel, Mr. Huss responded that the current lease was
relatively short; however, he believed they had three five-year options. With regard to the
adjacent ...t, owner requesting access, he said if the Council were to require that they
provide this access, they would ask that the Council also impose a condition that they
negotiate some restrictive covenants on that lot. He said they would not want some type of
use in there that would be not acceptable to a neighborhood shopping center and something
that would be developed consistent with what they were proposing to develop. He added that
the store they were proposing to develop was over S 1 million more for the cost of the store
and that it would be the most beautiful, state-of-the-art, store they had in Southern California.
MR. HAROLD HOPP, President of the Hidden Palms Homeowners Association, said he had
discussed with staff the undergrounding of utilities along Deep Canyon between Highway 111
and Fred Waring Drive. He said his understanding was that those should be in by the end
of the month. He said it was also his understanding that the City would be seeking r.,.r.:.wJs
to close off the frontage roads north of Highway 111 on Deep Canyon.
Mr. Folkers responded that this was part of a project the City was working on. The frontage
road from Smokey's would be cul-de-sacced or turned and brought to Alessandro. He added
that it would not come out on the intersection because of problems that it would cause.
Mr. Hopp noted that some members of the Homeowners Association supported the project
while others opposed it. Concerns were primarily increased traffic on Deep Canyon and Fred
Waring and that there had not been enough study on the amount of traffic the project would
cause. He said he personally felt this was an excellent project with the conditions agreed to
by the developer. He submitted proposed changes to conditions as stated in the letter from
Wayne Barlow dated March 20, 1995 (attached hereto and made a part hereof as Exhibit "B")
and said the developer had agreed that all of these conditions be put into some form of
recordable form so that in the unlikely event they are violated, they would be able to be
enforced.
Mayor Crites stated that if the Homeowners Association wants the conditions to be enforced,
they should be part of the restrictions. Mr. Hopp stated that what he was talking about was
a second layer of protection that would allow a property owner to seek to enforce those
conditions himself or herself in addition to whatever enforcement efforts the City might
undertake.
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MS. JUDY BEASLEY, 75-589 Desert Horizons Drive, Indian Wells, spoke as the
representative of Phyllis Kuxhaus, owner of the 35,000 square foot lot that will not be
incorporated into this development. She noted the letter dated April 10, 1995, and reiterated
some of those concerns.
MR. WILLIAM ADAMS, 44-671 Monaco Circle, Hidden Palms Country Club, stated that
although some of his neighbors still had concerns about impacts of this project, he had never
in the . course of his experience as a city attorney and dealing with other shopping center
locations encountered developers more cooperative with their neighbors than these. He said
he did not know of anything that had been brought to their attention by the neighbors to
which they had not agreed. He welcomed Mr. Huss to the neighborhood.
Mayor Crites declared the public hearing gloat and asked staff to respond to concerns raised.
Mr. Diaz stated that with regard to access to the 35,000 square foot r.4,1,.4 LJ, by law a parcel
of r r .. tJr cannot be landlocked. If the 35,000 square foot parcel comes in for development,
the City would have to find a way to allow ingress and egress. Part of the development
conditions require the developer to give mutual access to this r. ur:.. t, , and when the other
r w w tj comes in to develop it will also give mutual access. With regard to standards of
development on that particular piece of r.i.,r.,.Li, the City would make any
developer of that property go through what other developers must go through to work
everything out. With regard to conditions of approval presented by Mr. Hopp, he said staff
would incorporate those into the City Council Resolution 95-37 in the appropriate places.
With regard to being able to give to the Hidden Palms Homeowners Association the right to
enforce these conditions, he said he did not believe the City could abrogate its responsibility;
however, it would be better to have the people complain to the City and have the City enforce
the conditions of approval rather than trying to do it through civil action. The assurance was
the conditions of approval and if for some reason the City chose not to enforce a condition
of approval, the Homeowners Association would merely have to go to court and file a writ
to force the City to enforce them.
Upon question by Councilman Kelly relative to where the monument signs are, Mr. Frandsen
responded that they had not indicated -any-signs yet. Councilman Kelly asked if he was
correct in thinking that the developers would do the Art -In -Public -Places themselves on the
corner. Mr. Frandsen stated that the corner was not really their Art -In -Public -Places attempt
but that it was a plus to try and dress up the corner. He said they had been discussing with
The Living Desert to do something with them relative to art. He added that there would not
be a sign on the corner. Councilman Kelly asked Mr. Frandsen if they had tried to purchase
the adjacent piece of r...Y:..t� or if they had chosen not to do so. Mr. Frandsen stated they
had made an attempt but could not get the particulars together. He added that small satellite
shops were very hard to lease these days.
Councilman Kelly asked whether the Council was being asked to approve the location of a
building on those pads on the Deep Canyon site at this time and said he had concerns with
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how close they would be to Deep Canyon. Mr. Diaz responded that Council was not being
asked to approve the location of buildings. He said a condition could be placed on the
Precise Plan that the buildings on those pads shall not be closer than however many feet
Council chooses. He added that the buildings would have to go through the Architectural
Review Commission process for approval.
Mayor Crites expressed concern relative to the potential empty building once the Lucky Store
relocates from San Pablo. He said the City had a surplus of retail space already. He asked
whether this entire package could be wrapped up as a development agreement with something
put into the development agreement saying that prior to occupying the new site there will be
a tenant acceptable to the other owner and the City leased to the old site.
Mr. Diaz responded that this could not be wrapped into a development agreement because
that was not the public hearing that was held; however, that condition could be placed on the
precise plan that a certificate of occupancy will not be granted until a tenant has been
identified for the existing Lucky Store site.
Councilmember Benson stated she would like it to read that a new tenant have a signed lease,
not just be identified.
Mr. Huss stated that if that could be done he would have no problem; however, his concern
was that the new store could not be started until the old one is leased. He said his company
would not spend the money on a new store until it knows it will obtain a certificate of
occupancy. He said he had never been faced with this type of situation before. He said
maybe a compromise would be for them to put control of this building as a joint venture with
the City, and the City could have them talk to whoever it wants as a tenant for that old store.
Councilman Spiegel asked how soon the developer would make a determination as to how the
old Lucky Store will be used. Mr. Huss responded that the New Concepts store in Northern
California would be finished in the next six months, and that would determine where it goes
next. He added that he could have an answer from Sav-on within the next 30-60 days.
Mayor Crites asked whether Sav-on would-be closing a store in another location in town or
adding a new store. Mr. Huss responded that he thought it would be an addition because the
other Sav-on store is so far away in the Washington Center.
Councilmember Benson expressed concern with changing the zoning for the new location
when the City does not know what will happen in the other location. She said she could not
see doing that whether the store eventually closes or not, and she expressed concern that this
type of thing was happening all over town.
Councilman Spiegel agreed and said he felt an empty store looked a lot worse and an empty
lot.
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Mr. Huss said he felt strongly they would not have a problem renting out the old store. He
felt the new location would give them a great opportunity and would be a real benefit for the
community.
MR. TIM BARTLETT stated he understood Council's concerns relative to vacant stores;
however, he said he felt this situation was entirely different because of the old store's location
on El Paseo.
Mayor Crites noted that even if Council were to approve staffs recommendations at this time,
it would still have to come back for the second reading of the ordinance. He said Council
could pass the ordinance to second reading and hold the change of zone and precise plan
resolutions until the second reading of the ordinance and ask two Councilmembers to meet
with the developers to find some way of doing what both sides need. He said it was his
impression from the earlier meeting that the City would have a commitment from Lucky that
something would go back in to the old location.
Councilmen Spiegel and Snyder agreed.
Mr. Diaz stated that he would not recommend approving the change of zone without
approving the general plan amendment because then you would have inconsistency between
the zoning and the general plan. He suggested that the public testimony portion of the public
hearing be closed and the matter continued for two weeks.
Mr. Huss stated he would make sure the drug store division gets out here to the desert within
the next two weeks. He said the only delay would be for them to do studies if they decided
to pursue this.
Mr. Frandsen said he would agree to meet with two Councilmembers. He added that he also
got the feeling that the project was acceptable to a majority of the Council as long as the
problem of a vacant store is handled.
Councilman Kelly asked whether this committee would deal with the setback problem.
Mayor Crites responded that it could do that. Mr. Frandsen agreed that this was something
they could discuss.
Mayor Crites asked Councilmember Benson and Councilman Spiegel to sit on this committee,
with Councilman Snyder as an alternate so that there will always be two Councilmembers at
those discussions. All agreed. Mayor Crites asked that the committee also look at the
architecture and the footprint.
Mayor Crites rmizenfgl the public hearing.
Councilman Spiegel moved to continue this matter to the meeting of May 11, 1995. Motion was
seconded by Snyder and carried by unanimous vote.
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XVII. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - D
None
XVIII. ADJOURNMENT
With Council concurrence, Mayor Crites recessed the meeting at 9:20 p.m. to Closed Session. He
reconvened the meeting at 11:00 p.m. and adjourned to 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 3, 1995.
ATTEST:
MARY P. F DEPUT Y CLERK
CITY OF PA DESERT
CTT IER
BUFORD . CRITES, MAYOR
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