HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-05-23MINUTES
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING
THURSDAY, MAY 23, 1996
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I. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Snyder convened the meeting at 4:00 p.m.
H. ROLL CALL
Present
Councilmember Jean M. Benson
Councilman Buford A. Crites
Mayor Pro Tem Richard S. Kelly
Councilman Robert A. Spiegel
Mayor Walter H. Snyder
Also Present:
Ramon A. Diaz, City Manager
Doug Phillips, Deputy City Attorney
Sheila R. Gilligan, Director of Community Affairs/City Clerk
Carlos L. Ortega, Redevelopment Agency Executive Director
Richard J. Folkers, ACM/Director of Public Works
John Wohlmuth, ACM/Director of Administrative Services
Pat Conlon, Director of Building and Safety
Phil Drell, Director of Community Development
Evelyn Bridges, Acting Director of Code Compliance
Mary P. Gates, Deputy City Clerk
III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - A
None
IV. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. MINUTE4 of the Regular City Council Meeting of May 9, 1996.
Rec: Approve as presented.
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 23, 1996
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B. CLAIMS AND DEMANDS AGAINST THE CITY TREASURY - Warrant Nos. 48 and 49.
Rec: Approve as presented.
C. CLAIM AGAINST THE CITY ((307) by Vance E. Childers in the Amount of $78.86.
Rec: By Minute Motion, deny the claim and direct the City Clerk to so notify the
Claimant.
D. CLAIM AGAINST THE CITY (#308) by Carole Rusin in an Unspecified Amount.
Rec: By Minute Motion, deny the claim and direct the City Clerk to so notify the
Claimant.
E. APPLICATION FQR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE by Islands Fine Burgers &
Drinks, 72-353 Highway 111, Pad B, Palm Desert.
Rec: Receive and file.
APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE by Lucky Stores, Inc. for the
Northeast Corner of Highway 111 and Deep Canyon, Palm Desert.
F.
Rec: Receive and file.
G. RESOLUTION NQ. 96-30 - 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 (April, 1996).
Rec: Waive further reading and adopt.
H. RESOLUTION NO. 96-31 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Palm Desert,
California, Amending Section I on Salary Schedule, Ranges & Allocated Classifications of
Resolution No. 95-41 to Add Step "J-10" for All Job Classifications.
Rec: Waive further reading and adopt.
I. REQUEST FOR RATIFICATION of Agreement for Musicians Outlet to Furnish and Operate
a Public Address and Lighting System for the Summer Concert Series (Contract No.
C11300).
Rec: By Minute Motion, ratify the agreement with Musicians Outlet to furnish and
operate a public address and lighting system package of the Palm Desert Civic
Center Park Amphitheater for the eleven summer concerts at $800.00 for each
concert.
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 23, 1996
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J. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION to Advertise and Call for Bids for Painting of the El
Paseo Historical Society Fire Station.
Rec: By Minute Motion, authorize staff to obtain bids for the painting of the El Paseo
Historical Society Fire Station building.
K. REQUEST FOR AWARD OF CONTRACT for Underground Storage Tank Removal of Fire
Station #33, Town Center (Contract No. C 10100).
Rec: By Minute Motion, award the bid for underground storage tank removal at Fire
Station #33 to G & M Construction of Palm Springs in the amount of $11,250.00.
L. REQUEST FOR EXTENSION of Graffiti Removal Contract with Sunline Services Group
(Contract No. C08322).
Rec: By Minute Motion, renew the graffiti removal agreement with Sunline Services
Group (SLSG) for one year in the amount of $54,782.52 ($4,565.21 per month).
M. REOUE$T FOR AUTHORIZATION to Advertise and Call for Bids for Cleaning of Storm
Drains (Contract No. C11310).
Rec: By Minute Motion, authorize the City Clerk to advertise and call for bids for the
cleaning of storm drains.
N. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION to Advertise and Call for Bids for the Installation of
Opticom Signal Preemption System at Seven Locations (Contract No. C11320).
Rec: By Minute Motion, authorize the City Clerk to advertise and call for bids for the
above referenced project.
O. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL to Attend Out -of -State Meeting.
Rec: By Minute Motion, authorize attendance at the National Uniform Traffic Control
Devices Committee meeting to be held in Baltimore, Maryland, on June 11-14,
1996.
P. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of Change Order No. 2 to Contract No. C09700 -- Monterey
Avenue Bridge at the Whitewater Channel (Project No. 696-95).
Rec: Removed for separate discussion under Section VII, Consent Items Held Over. See
that portion of the Minutes for Council discussion and action.
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Q. SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS as of April 30, 1996.
Rec: Receive and file.
R. REQUEST FOR RELEASE of Subdivision Improvement Security for Tract Map 27546,
Desert Rose.
Rec: By Minute Motion, accept the subdivision improvements as complete and authorize
the City Clerk to reduce the amount of the subdivision improvement securities to
ten percent of their value as maintenance security for a one-year maintenance
period.
S. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL. of Final Tract Map 24984 (Foxx Development Corporation,
Applicant).
Rec: Waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 96-32 approving Tract Map 24984.
T. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of Final Parcel Maps 28323 and 28324 (Sunrise Desert
Partners, Applicant).
Rec: Waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 96-33 approving Parcel Maps
28323 and 28324 (Monterey Country Club).
V. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of Five -Year Measure "A" Local Funds Program.
Rec: Removed for separate discussion under Section VII, Consent Items Held Over. See
that portion of the Minutes for Council discussion and action.
Councilman Spiegel removed Item P for separate discussion under Section VII, Consent Items Held
Over, of the Agenda. Council Crites asked that Item V also be removed for separate discussion.
Upon motion by Spiegel, second by Crites, the remainder of the Consent Calendar was approved
as presented by unanimous vote of the Council.
V. RESOLUTIONS
None
VI. ORDINANCES
For Introduction:
None
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For Adoption:
A. DRDINANCE NO. 8Qj - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING CHAPTER 8.70 OF THE PALM DESERT
MUNICIPAL CODE PERTAINING TO PROPERTY MAINTENANCE.
Ms. Bridges noted that the Council had met in Study Session earlier in the afternoon and had
made several changes to the proposed ordinance. She asked that this matter be continued to
the Council meeting of June 13, 1996.
Councilman Spiegel moved to continue this matter to the meeting of June 13, 1996. Motion was
seconded by Crites and carried by unanimous vote.
B. ORDINANCE NO. 802 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO MUNICIPAL
CODE SECTION 25.68, Case No. ZOA96-1.
Mr. Drell stated that there had been no changes to this ordinance since its introduction, and
he recommended adoption.
Councilman Crites moved to waive further reading and adopt Ordinance No. 802. Motion was
seconded by Benson and carried by unanimous vote.
VII. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER
P. REOUEST FOR APPROVAL of Change Order No. 2 to Contract No. C09700 -- Monterey
Avenue Bridge at the Whitewater Channel (Project No. 696-95).
Upon question by Councilman Spiegel, Mr. Folkers stated that the intent was that the City
of Rancho Mirage would have sidewalk along the west side; however, the approach to the
project from the south was lacking sidewalk from Magnesia Falls Drive to Gran Via on the
east side of Monterey Avenue.
Councilman Spiegel moved to, by Minute Motion: 1) Approve Change Order No. 2 in the amount
of $41,985.00; 2) authorize the transfer of $41,985.00 from contingency to base. Motion was seconded by
Kelly and carried by unanimous vote.
V. REOUEST FOR APPROVAL of Five -Year Measure "A" Local Funds Program.
Councilman Crites stated that he was supportive of widening Highway 111 to three lanes from
Highway 74 to Deep Canyon; however, he questioned what was being done in terms of
working with Caltrans to "wiggle by six inches or a foot" in terms of lane widths so we can
get three lanes in without having to go in and tear out curbs and gutter and landscaping again.
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Mr. Folkers responded that some relief had been received from Caltrans down at Deep
Canyon but not as much as staff had hoped for. For the remainder of it, staff was trying to
come up with a situation where, in some cases, we can move back the curb by as much as
two feet without disturbing the landscaping and go with narrower lanes. Staff was now
working on coming up with a design and getting approval of the whole stretch. He added
that this would be part of the package to do work at San Pablo/Highway 111 and at Highway
74/Highway 111.
Councilman Crites stated that he would like to look at the conceptual plan for how much
narrowing and widening and curb moving when that plan is ready.
Councilman Crites moved to, by Minute Motion, approve the five-year Measure "A" Local Funds
Program for the Riverside County Transportation Commission. Motion was seconded by Spiegel and carried
by unanimous vote.
VIII. NEW BUSINESS
A. REOUEST FOR CONSIDERATION OF VACATION INN EXPANSION, ZONING
ORDINANCE INTERPRETATION CONCERNING APPLICABILITY OF HOTEL
DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS REQUIRING RESTAURANTS FOR PROJECTS
APPROVED BEFORE ORDINANCE ADOPTION.
Mr. Drell reviewed the staff report and offered to answer any questions.
Councilman Crites moved to, by Minute Motion, concur with staff interpretation of inapplicability
of restaurant requirement allowing expansion of Vacation Inn. Motion was seconded by Spiegel and carried
by unanimous vote.
B. REOUEST FOR CONSIDERATIQN OF PROPOSAL REGARDING NEIGHBORHOOD
ELECTRIC VEHICLE DESIGN COMPETITION.
Mr. Robert Webb, Grant Officer for the Webb Berger Foundation, reviewed the proposal and
stated that no monies were being requested from the City. He did ask that the City provide
staff time for judging of the competition and help with the contest design specifications.
Upon question by Councilman Spiegel, he stated that the Art Center College of Design was
aware of this and that the Webb Berger Foundation would be providing a grant in the amount
of $35,000. He added that if the City declined to participate, they would still go ahead with
the grant. Upon further question by Councilman Spiegel, he stated that he had contacts in
the design world who could work to actually produce the vehicle.
Councilman Spiegel commended Mr. Webb for this proposal.
Councilman Kelly stated that he felt this was a great opportunity for the City to get involved
in this project.
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Mayor Snyder agreed and stated that it fits in with the City's package.
Upon question by Councilmember Benson, Mr. Webb responded that the Webb Berger
Foundation was started about seven years ago in Mr. Berger's garage. It then moved to
Arcadia and then to the desert about four months ago.
Councilman Kelly moved to, by Minute Motion, approve the proposed competition to proceed
under the joint sponsorship of the City of Palm Desert and The Art Center, direct the City Attorney to
prepare a contract, and authorize the Mayor to execute same. Motion was seconded by Spiegel and carried
by unanimous vote.
C. CONSIDERATION OF REOUEST FROM THE CIVIC ARTS COMMI i t r t FOR A
Lbri tat OF SUPPORT FOR MR. IGOR HRUSCHEV RELATIVE TO A CULTURAL
EXCHANGE WITH RUSSIA.
Councilmember Benson noted that the City Clerk had requested a continuance of this item.
Councilman Crites moved to continue this matter to the meeting of June 13, 1996. Motion was
seconded by Kelly and carried by unanimous vote.
D. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION OF AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT BETWEEN THE
BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION OF THE PUBLIC EMPLOYEES RETIREMENT
SYSTEM AND THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT.
Mr. Wohlmuth reviewed the staff report, noting that the Public Employees Retirement System
(PERS) required an agency to adopt a resolution of intention prior to adoption of an ordinance
amending the contract. He stated that staff would be bringing the ordinance to the Council
during budget discussions.
MS. DONNA till-1 tK, President of the Palm Desert Employees Organization (PDEO),
stated that the PDEO wanted to confirm that the Council was aware that this was one of eight
items for which the organization was awaiting final Council approval with the memorandum
of understanding.
Mr. Wohlmuth added that the "2% at 55" benefit was one of the items within the
memorandum of understanding. He said it was a lengthy process to amend the PERS
contract, and a resolution of intention needed to be adopted before the Council could even
consider the amendment.
Councilman Spiegel moved to waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 96-34 stating the
City's intent to approve an amendment to the contract between the Board of Administration of the Public
Employees' Retirement System and the City Council of the City of Palm Desert. Motion was seconded by
Benson and carried by unanimous vote.
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E. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN CONTRACT FOR
PORTOLA COMMUNITY CENTER(OLD PORTOLA LIBRARY - CONTRACT NO.
C11330).
Mr. Conlon reviewed the staff report and recommendation and offered to answer any
questions.
Upon question by Councilman Kelly, Mr. Conlon responded that the reason for a shared
receptionist was to have someone to represent all of the different entities in the building and
to work with them to make reservations for community meetings.
Councilmember Benson added that that person would also be available to handle complaints
rather than having them come to the City.
Councilman Spiegel noted that staff was recommending $13,200.00; however, the contract
indicated $12,000.00, and he questioned the difference. Mr. Conlon responded that the
contract amount was $12,000.00, with a 10% contingency of $1,200.00.
Councilmember Benson stated that the staff report indicated that bids would be brought back
to Council by the end of July, and she noted that the Council would be cancelling its meetings
of July 25th and August 8th. She asked how this would affect the project.
Mr. Conlon stated that staff wanted to have the project under construction in August, with
the facilities to be open in October. He said he would have a better feeling as far as the bid
package once the drawings are complete, and staff would try to be ready for the July 1 lth
Council meeting with a request for award of the contract for construction. If not ready, it
might be necessary to call a special meeting of the Council.
Councilman Spiegel moved to, by Minute Motion: 1) Approve Contract No. C11330 with Robert
Ritchey, Architect, for the architectural design and bid package which covers the improvements at the
Portola Community Center; 2) authorize the Director of Finance to appropriate $13,200.00, which includes
a 10% contingency, from unobligated construction tax funds; 3) authorize staff, upon completion of the
construction drawings, to obtain bids and report back to the City Council for award to the lowest responsible
bidder. Motion was seconded by Benson and carried by unanimous vote.
F. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS:
1. Update on Interchanges:
a. I-10/Washington Street
Mr: Folkers noted that the County had opened bids for this project and that the
lowest bidder at this point was Riverside Construction in the amount of
$6,650,000. The next lowest bidder was Yeager at $6.9 million, with Granite
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Construction third at $7.5 million. He stated that the engineer's estimate was
approximately $10 million. He added that the Board of Supervisors would
consider awarding the contract some time in June.
Councilman Crites questioned whether the public art motif would be continued
on the Washington Street project as it was for the Cook Street project, and
Mr. Folkers responded that staff was confident it could be done.
b. I-10/Cook Street
Mr. Folkers noted that this project was approximately 42% complete and that
the ramps on the north side had been paved.
c. I-10/Monterey Avenue
Mr. Folkers stated that the piles were being driven for this project and that the
detour at Varner Road and Monterey Avenue was working well.
IX. CONTINUED BUSINESS
A. REQUEST FOR AWARD OF CONTRACT for Traffic Signal, Median Island, and Striping
Modifications on Monterey Avenue and Park View Drive/College of the Desert, Project No.
571/95, Contract No. C10420 (Continued from the Meeting of May 9, 1996).
Mr. Folkers reviewed the staff report, noting that there had been no word from College of
the Desert to date relative to participation in this project. He recommended that the Council
move forward with the project with the assumption that the College will pay half of the costs.
He added that even if the College did not pay its share, staff would still recommend that the
project proceed so that it could be completed by September when school starts again.
Councilman Spiegel moved to, by Minute Motion, award Contract No. C10420 to V & M
Construction of Indio in the amount of $32,320.00 plus a ten percent contingency of $3,232.00 and authorize
the Mayor to execute the agreement. Motion was seconded by Crites and carried by a 4-0-1 vote, with
Councilmember Benson ABSENT.
Councilman Crites stated that each of the Councilmembers had received a memorandum from
the Architectural Review Commission relative to the fencing across the street from City Hall.
He said he felt it was important to obtain agreement from the College of the Desert that they
will at least engage in discussions with the City and allow recommendations on architectural
issues at the College.
Councilman Kelly agreed and noted that the City of Palm Springs had a similar agreement
with the Indian tribes.
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Mr. Phillips stated that staff would attend to this matter and bring a proposed contract back
to the Council for consideration. He noted that he had done some research on this issue and
that what the cases said was that for it to be exempt from the City's zoning, it has to be
directly related to instruction of students, and an argument could be made that what this really
is is something other than that.
Mayor Snyder stated that Councilman Crites request was that we put together a suggested
proposal that whenever the College does anything, they at least come to the Council and have
discussions with the Architectural Review Commission.
Councilman Kelly stated that he would like to have a volunteer agreement rather than going
and getting official.
Councilman Crites agreed and said that whenever changes are made, they need to be up to
standard.
Mr. Wohlmuth stated that staff would meet with College officials to discuss the issue.
After further discussion, Councilman Spiegel added to his motion direction for Mayor to meet with
the College of the Desert Board to discuss an agreement whereby the College will bring any future projects
with architectural issues to the City for discussion and recommendation. Councilman Crites agreed to the
addition, and the motion carried by unanimous vote.
X. OLD BUSINESS
None
XI. REPORTS AND REMARKS
A. CITY MANAGER
Mr. Wohlmuth noted that the Council had received copies of an information item relative to
Park Reservations, and he offered to answer any questions.
B. CITY ATTORNEY
1) Report and Action on Items from Closed Session Made at This Meeting.
At the conclusion of the Closed Session, Mr. Phillips announced the following:
a) The City Council approved the Memorandum of Understanding between the
City and the Palm Desert Employees' Organization by a vote of 4-0-1, with
Councilman Crites ABSTAINING as he had missed the previous meeting.
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b) The City Council, by unanimous vote: 1) Authorized appropriation of
$350,000.00 to the McCallum Theatre to provide affordable family
programming through the summer; 2) authorized the operational and fiscal
audits of the McCallum Theatre in the amount of $55,000.00.
2) Request for Closed Session
Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation pursuant to Government Code
Section 54956.9:
Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to subdivision (b):
Number of potential cases: 4
Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation pursuant to Section 54956.9:
1) Palm Desert v. Thomas, Bigbie and Smith, Riverside County Superior Court,
Case No. Indio 69969;
2) City of Palm Desert v. Herrera, Superior Court Case No. 76264
3) Gerald J. Chazan, Inc., A California Corporation; Chazan Construction
Company, A California Corporation, v. City of Palm Desert, Case No. Indio
59393
Conference with Labor Negotiator pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6:
Agency Negotiator: Ramon A. Diaz
Employee Organization: Palm Desert Employees' Organization
At the request of the City Attorney, Councilman Crites moved to add to Closed Session discussion
of arbitration results. Motion was seconded by Spiegel and carried by a 4-0-1 vote, with Councilmember
Benson ABSENT.
C. CITY CLERK
None
D. MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
o City Council Requests for Action:
1. Councilman Spiegel stated that he had recently attended a meeting of the
CVAG Safety Committee and that one of the issues discussed was a gambling
committee to analyze the effects on various cities and the Torres -Martinez
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Indian agreement relative to acquisition of land and the possibility of placing
casinos on that land. He expressed concern and said he would not be in favor
of a casino in Palm Desert. He asked what would preclude acreage right
across from the proposed Cal State College from becoming a casino, and he
suggested that the Council ask Congressman Bono to prepare a position paper
stating that casinos not be within a certain number of miles from a college
facility. He said that would preclude the land in question from being sold for
that purpose.
Councilman Kelly agreed and said he felt there should be some sphere of
influence language added into that position paper. He said he did not want
anything like this in the City or near it.
Mayor Snyder stated that the CVAG Executive Committee had discussed this
issue. He said this was an area that could be available for the Indian Tribes
to purchase; however, the City could veto that purchase.
Councilman Spiegel stated that he felt someone from the City should review
the law to make sure we understand it. He added that the City should also let
Supervisor Roy Wilson know of its concerns since the County would be the
body to approve the purchase of the land.
With Council concurrence, the City Attorney's Office was requested to review the law, analyze it,
and report back to the Council.
o City Council Committee Reports:
None
XII. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - B
None
Councilman Crites moved to adjourn the meeting at 5:00 p.m. to Closed Session, said Closed
Session to be held immediately following the Redevelopment Agency meeting. Motion was seconded by
Kelly and carried by a 4-0-1 vote, with Councilmember Benson ABSENT.
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 TO MRS. SHARON SPIEGEL FOR HER SERVICE ON THE PALM
DESERT CIVIC ARTS COM1vu i
On behalf of the entire City Council and staff, Mayor Pro-Tem Kelly presented Mrs. Spiegel
with an engraved clock in appreciation of her many years of service on the City's Civic Arts
Committee.
B. PRESENTATIQN TO SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPUTY JASON
SCOT' HENDRIX IN RECOGNITION OF HIS UNSELFISH ACT OF HEROISM.
Captain Steve Bloomquist reviewed the incident that occurred March 30, 1996, at the Circuit
City store in Desert Crossing. He noted that Deputy Hendrix had assisted in the
apprehension of a gunman and in doing so, was shot several times. He presented Deputy
Hendrix with a plaque in appreciation of his courage and dedication and thanked him on
behalf of the Riverside County Sheriff's Department. He noted that with Deputy Hendrix at
this meeting tonight were his fiancee, his family, representatives from the San Bernardino
Sheriff's Department, and Superior Court Judge James McGuire. He added that there were
also present members of the Riverside County Sheriffs Department, including Lt. Dan Eisen,
Lt. John Killen, Sgt. Mark Barfknecht, and patrol staff from the Palm Desert Station. He
said it was truly an honor to have everyone in attendance for these awards.
Mr. Alan Berliere, District Manager for Circuit City, thanked Deputy Hendrix on behalf of
the management and employees of Circuit City and presented a plaque to him in honor of his
heroism. He noted that on the date of the incident, Deputy Hendrix and his fiancee were
shopping for a washer and dryer. In recognition of his assistance that day, Circuit City gave
the couple a new Whirlpool washer and dryer and a 27-inch television.
Mr. Tim Sullivan, General Manager of Marriott's Desert Springs Resort and Spa, presented
Deputy Hendrix with a complimentary week for him and a guest at either of Marriott's
resorts in Hawaii (Maui or Kauai).
Mayor Snyder, on behalf of the entire City Council, presented to Deputy Hendrix a certificate
for two roundtrip airline tickets to Hawaii. He said it was a great pleasure to recognize and
thank someone who has truly honored his profession, and he presented to Deputy Hendrix
a plaque in appreciation of all of his efforts.
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XVI. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF COMMUNICATION TOWERS ABOVE THE HEIGHT
LIMIT IN THE ZONES IN WHICH THEY ARE LOCATED, Case Nos. 420C. 422C, and
425C (Pacific Bell Mobile Services, Applicant).
Mr. Drell reviewed the staff report, noting that the applicant was proposing to install three
communication antennas, one in the Palms to Pines Center in the existing tower by the
theaters, one in the industrial area on Eclectic Street south of Continental Cablevision, and
a third at Woodhaven Country Club. He noted that the tower at Woodhaven had been put
on hold at this time while the applicant tries to find an acceptable site in the industrial park
north of Country Club just west of Washington Street. He stated that staffs recommendation
was to continue this matter for one month to allow the City Attorney to give a complete
report on the legal impacts of the Telecommunications Act on this request.
Councilman Crites asked if more than one telephone company could use the same tower. Mr.
Drell responded that he believed that could be done and that his understanding was that the
applicant had agreed to enter into an agreement for sharing of facilities with other providers.
Councilman Crites stated that he would agree with a continuance of this matter, as he did not
think the Council could make any decisions until after the City Attorney's report is received.
Mayor Snyder declared the public hearing on and invited testimony in FAVOR of or OPPOSED
to this request.
MR. DARRYL DOHERTY, representative from Pacific Bell Mobile Services, stated that he
would have no problem coming back in one month.
MR. RAY McCABE, 709 Sandpiper, stated that he lived across the street from the Palms to
Pines Center and was also the President of the Sandpiper Homeowners' Association
representing 96 homeowners in that area. He noted that also with him were Mr. Kelly,
resident of Unit 50 of Sandpiper. He said he had met with Mr. Steve Smith of the Planning
Department on May 17th but could not get much information at that time because there was
not a lot of information available. He said Mr. Smith assured him there would be no health
hazards from this tower and no interference with other equipment in the homes. He said the
residents of Sandpiper were against the tower at this time without having better information
and real architectural drawings. He said they also hoped it would be located in an alternate
area not so close to their residential area.
Mr. Diaz stated that for the record he would like the applicant to indicate whether he would
accept the continuance and time extension.
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MINUTES
REGULAR PALM DESERT (..1'Y COUNCIL MEETING MAY 23, 1996
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Mr. Doherty responded that he agreed with the continuance and time extension.
Councilman Crites moved to continue this matter to the meeting of June 27, 1996. Motion was
seconded by Spiegel and carried by unanimous vote. •
XVII. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - D
None
XVIII. ADJOURNMENT
Upon motion by Crites, second by Spiegel, and unanimous vote of the Council, Mayor Snyder
adjourned the meeting at 7:45 p.m. to Closed Session to continue discussions begun earlier. He reconvened
the meeting at 8:15 p.m. and immediately adjourned the meeting.
ATTEST:
/44/4-
SHEILA R.—GILLIGE DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS
CITY OF PALM D T, CALIFORNIA
WALTER H. SNYDER, MAYOR
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