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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-12-16ADJOURNED JOINT MEETING OF THE PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL AND PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY TUESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1997 CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBER * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * I. CALL TO ORDER Mayor/Chairman Benson convened the meeting at 1:00 p.m. II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Councilman Jim Ferguson M. ROLL CALL Present: Councilman/Member Buford A. Crites Councilman/Member Jim Ferguson Councilman/Member Richard S. Kelly Mayor Pro-Tempore/Vice Chairman Robert A. Spiegel Mayor/Chairman Jean M. Benson Also Present: Ramon A. Diaz, City Manager Sheila R. Gilligan, Director of Community Affairs/City Clerk/Agency Secretary Carlos L. Ortega, RDA Executive Director Paul Gibson, Finance Director/City Treasurer Mary P. Gates, Deputy City Clerk IV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None PEES ADJOURNED MEETING OF THE PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL AND PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY DECEMBER 16, 1997 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * V. NEW BUSINESS A. CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST FROM McCALLUM THEATRE FOR COOPERATIVE SPONSORSHIP FOR CITY'S 25TH BIRTHDAY AND McCALLUM THEATRE'S 10TH ANNIVERSARY. Mrs. Gilligan noted that 1998 marked both the City's 25th Birthday and the McCallum Theatre's loth Anniversary. She stated the McCallum Theatre representatives had requested a sponsorship of $25,000 ($1,000 for each year of Cityhood). In return, the McCallum would include recognition of the City's 25th Birthday in all of its advertising for its own anniversary. She noted that Ms. Graphos suggested a "Happy Birthday, Palm Desert" sign to be reflected on the side of the Theatre facility; this would be rotated from the Fred Waring Drive side to the Monterey Avenue side. Upon question by Councilman Kelly, Mrs. Gilligan responded that something special for Palm Desert could be worked out for inclusion in performance programs in McCallum advertising; the City, in turn, would include McCallum advertising in any special events listing it promoted. Councilman Spiegel stated that he assumed there would be no further cost for anyone to attend the dinner, and Mrs. Gilligan responded that this was correct. Councilman Kelly moved to, by Minute Motion, approve a $25,000.00 contribution to the McCallum Theatre in exchange for cooperative promotion of the City's 25th Birthday and the McCallum Theatre's loth Anniversary, with direction to staff to work with the Mayor on the formulation of a special joint advertising program. Motion was seconded by Ferguson and carried by unanimous vote. With Council/Agency Board concurrence, Mayor/Chairman Benson adjourned the meeting at 1:10 p.m. for Closed Session as listed under Section VII, Adjournment. She reconvened the meeting at 1:25 p.m. B. CONSIDERATION OF REORGANIZATION OF THE PALM DESERT POLICE ADVISORY COMIvui irt. Mayor Benson stated that the Palm Desert Police Advisory Committee had indicated a desire to be reorganized so they can cover more issues. She stated that it was also felt it should be limited to between five and nine members. Councilman Ferguson stated that he had spoken with Duke Baker and others who complain that they do not really do anything, have no authority, and that the Committee is too large. He said his preference would be to dissolve the Committee and start over with new members, giving them new responsibilities, such as to evaluate whether there is a need for a new substation, 2 MINUTES ADJOURNED MEETING OF THE PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL AND PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY DECEMBER 16, 1997 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ways to mitigate traffic violations such as speeding and running red lights, etc. He said he had a list of ten things that he felt the new Committee could look at. Councilman Spiegel agreed the size of the Committee should be reduced and suggested that it also be renamed, perhaps to be called the Public Safety Committee, and that members primarily work with the Police Department. Councilman Crites moved to, by Minute Motion, ask Mayor Benson, Councilman Ferguson, the current chair of the Police Advisory Committee, a representative from the Sheriff's Department, and appropriate staff as determined by the City Manager to sit down and write a mission statement for a new group that would include suggestions for a new name, size, procedures, responsibilities, etc., and report back to the Council with recommendations for this new group to replace the existing Police Advisory Committee. Councilman Kelly stated he agreed the Committee should be reformed. He said he felt it should be limited to five members, just like the Planning Commission and City Council, and that it should be a commission, with appropriate responsibilities and importance equal to the Planning Commission. He suggested the group be called the "Public Safety Commission" and that it be responsible for all issues dealing with public safety, including issues such as neighborhood street closures. Mayor Benson suggested that the committee noted by Councilman Crites in his motion be responsible for looking at the issue of whether or not the group should be a commission. Councilman Crites agreed. Councilman Ferguson stated he felt the word "commission" tended to scare people. He said he felt an entity should be created that would have oversight of the contract with the Sheriff's Department to make sure the City is getting the most for its money. He said the goal would be to get five of the best friends the Sheriff's Department has and keep the Council informed. Councilman Kelly stated that a Public Safety Commission as he sees it would have broad responsibilities, and his idea of making it a commission would be to give some recognition to those people who are going to serve and also to let the members know that the Council places a high level of importance on the entity. Councilman Spiegel seconded the motion. Motion carried by unanimous vote of the Council. Upon motion by Crites, second by Spiegel, Mr. Roger Dash was selected to be interviewed for possible appointment to this newly organized committee. Motion carried by unanimous vote. 3 MINUTES ADJOURNED MEETING OF THE PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL AND PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY DECEMBER 16, 1997 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * C. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION OF LETTER FROM SCHATZ ENERGY RESEARCH CENTER. Councilman Crites moved to add this item to the Agenda for discussion and action. Motion was seconded by Ferguson and carried by unanimous vote. Councilman Crites stated that there would be a meeting at 10:00 a.m. on January 15, 1998, to discuss the Palm Desert Hydrogen Refueling Station. He asked that appropriate staff be ready with a report relative to issues of concern, such as insurance. Mr. Diaz responded that staff would have a written report to the Council at its meeting of January 8, 1998, identifying clearly what the issues are and staffs recommendations. VI. AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS, AND APPOINTMENTS A. CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTMENTS TO FILL VACANCIES ON ALL CITY COMMii irr.S AND COMMISSIONS. Councilman Ferguson moved to, by Minute Motion, direct staff to prepare a resolution to amend Resolution No. 97-43 to require automatic resignation of committee/commission members once they are no longer residents of the City and that resignation be immediate rather than at the end of a committee or commission member's term. Mrs. Gilligan stated that staff had previously sent letters and a copy of the resolution to all committee/commission members who were no longer residents of Palm Desert advising that they could remain members until their terms expire. Councilman Ferguson amended his motion to direct staff to also advise those non-resident members that this is being done because of the enthusiastic response from Palm Desert applicants to serve on various committees and commissions, because committee/commission members serve at the pleasure of the Council, and because the Council is trying to accommodate more residents. Motion was seconded by Crites and carried by unanimous vote of the Council. Councilman Crites moved to, by Minute Motion, change the terms of all City committees/commissions to four years. Motion was seconded by Spiegel and carried by a 3-2 vote, with Councilmen Kelly and Ferguson voting NO. With Council concurrence, the application process was clarified as follows: All Councilmembers will receive copies of all applications received; the committee of two Councilmembers (Crites and Ferguson) will 4 MINUTES ADJOURNED MEETING OF THE PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL AND PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY DECEMBER 16, 1997 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * look at all applications and will narrow down the field of those to be interviewed; in November of each year, selected individuals will be interviewed, with appointments to be made and appointees notified by January 1. 1. ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION Councilman Spiegel moved to, by Minute Motion, reappoint Members Christopher Van Vliet, Richard O'Donnell, and Ron Gregory, and add John Aguirre as a second alternate. Motion was seconded by Crites. Councilman Ferguson stated that he would not be voting in favor of the motion and felt the Council should take a fresh look at this Commission. He expressed concern with the way the meetings are conducted. Because he had received complaints from individuals appearing before the Architectural Review Commission as to the treatment they received, he suggested that Commission members be included in the proposed customer service training to be scheduled next year. Councilman Kelly stated that before the Council changes anything, it should make sure it has done what it can to assist the Commission, and he felt part of the reason may be that there is no Council representative to this Commission. Councilman Crites disagreed and said he felt all of the Councilmembers as a group should sit down and have a general chat with the Architectural Review Commission. He said he would not be in favor of having a Council liaison to the Commission. Councilman Ferguson stated that while he did not think there should be a Council liaison, he felt the Council should do its part to improve things with the Commission. Councilman Spiegel stated he felt this was a staff issue, and if staff wasnot doing its job in keeping the Commission on a good level, then the City Manager needed to discuss this with staff. Councilman Kelly stated he would vote in favor of the motion and would expect staff to have the responsibility of working with the Architectural Review Commission to improve the way the meetings are conducted. Mayor Benson stated that she would vote in favor of the motion. She suggested that when the customer relations training is completed in all City departments, perhaps a booklet could be designed and distributed to all committee and commission members explaining proper etiquette and advising what the Council expects of them as members. Councilmembers agreed. 5 MINUTES ADJOURNED MEETING OF THE PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL AND PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY DECEMBER 16, 1997 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Benson called for the vote. The motion carried by unanimous vote of the Council. 2. ART -IN -PUBLIC -PLACES COMMrri Councilman Spiegel noted that Janet Brody was the Civic Arts Committee liaison to the Art -In -Public -Places Committee and should not be listed as a member. Mrs. Gilligan noted that the Art -In -Public -Places Committee suggested that one of the members be an artist. She noted that the one artist who applied had subsequently withdrawn his application. She added that staff would come back in a month or so with a request that the bylaws be amended. After further discussion, Councilman Crites moved to, by Minute Motion, direct that interviews be set up with Joe Dickinson, Peggy Steen, James McIntosh, and Jeanette Lucas for possible appointment to the Art -In -Public -Places or Civic Arts Committee, and to reappoint Wayne Connor and Kevin Grochau. Motion was seconded by Kelly and carried by unanimous vote. 3. BUILDING BOARD OF APPEALS & CONDEMNATION Councilman Ferguson moved to, by Minute Motion, appoint Walter Hutchinson to fill the expired term of Dennis Chappell. Motion was seconded by Crites and carried by a 4-1 vote, with Councilman Spiegel voting NO. 4. CIVIC ARTS COMMii lrx Councilman Spiegel suggested that Paula Kroonen be asked whether she would be interested in serving on the Library Promotion Committee. Mayor Benson agreed and said she had spoken with Mrs. Kroonen who suggested that Council might want to consider appointing someone to fill her position on the Civic Arts Committee. Councilman Spiegel moved to, by Minute Motion, reappoint Janet Brody to the Civic Arts Committee and ask Paula Kroonen if she would like to serve on the Library Promotion Committee. Motion was seconded by Crites and carried by unanimous vote. Note: See Item #2 above for individuals to be interviewed for possible appointment to the Civic Arts Committee. 5. COMMUNITY LIBRARY COMMI i ILL 6 MINUTES ADJOURNED MEETING OF THE PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL AND PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY DECEMBER 16, 1997 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Councilman Spiegel moved to, by Minute Motion, appoint Janice Laiacona to the Community Library Committee and ask Paula Kroonen to also serve on this committee. Motion was seconded by Ferguson. Councilman Crites suggested that it might be worth the Council's time to look at the College Friends of the Library and make one of the positions the appointment of the President of the College of the Desert Friends of the Library. Councilman Spiegel agreed to amend his motion to include this appointment, and Councilman Ferguson agreed to amend his second. Motion carried by unanimous vote. Councilman Spiegel moved to, by Minute Motion, direct that terms of this committee be established as four-year terms. Motion was seconded by Ferguson and carried by unanimous vote. With Council concurrence, staff was directed to ask Doloris Driskel if she would be interested in serving on this committee. 6. ECONOMIC_DEV,EI,OPMENT ADVISORY COMMI IIJ t . Councilman Kelly moved to, by Minute Motion, appoint Russ Campbell and Rick Post to the Economic Development Advisory Committee. Motion was seconded by Ferguson. Councilman Crites suggested that the Council also consider Katherine Levitt for this committee. Councilman Ferguson stated that he had spoken with most of the people left on this committee, and all had expressed dissatisfaction. He said he talked to Dave Tschopp who was reluctant to accept reappointment because he felt the Committee had been relatively stagnant. Councilman Ferguson indicated he had encouraed Mr. Tschopp to remain on the Committee and told him that it would be reorganized and given a more specific set of goals and objectives. He suggested that, in addition to Mr. Tschopp, the Council consider interviewing the three individuals mentioned (Mr. Campbell, Mr. Post, and Ms. Levitt). Councilman Crites suggested that Councilman Kelly withdraw his motion, that the three individuals be interviewed, and that the Council consider what can be done to reconstitute the mission of this group. Councilman Spiegel stated he felt it was a good idea to sit down with Mr. Diaz and Mr. Ortega to consider this group just as was being done for the Police Advisory 7 MINUTES ADJOURNED MEETING OF THE PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL AND PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY DECEMBER 16, 1997 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Committee. He suggested that he and Councilman Ferguson do that and come back with a recommendation. Mayor Benson stated that this might also be a good time to look at Business Support. Councilman Kelly stated that the Economic Development Advisory Committee had basically been taking developers' proposals and passing along its recommendations, and he felt this was not the Committee's primary responsibility. He added that he felt its primary responsibility should be to go out and recruit business to the City. Councilman Kelly withdrew his motion and moved to, by Minute Motion, interview Russ Campbell, Rick Post, and Katherine Levitt for possible appointment to the Economic Development Advisory Committee, with interviews to take place after the composition of the Committee is looked at. Motion was seconded by Ferguson and carried by unanimous vote. 7. HOUSING ADVISORY COMMIT it Mayor Benson stated that Jim Richards had indicated he did not wish to be reappointed and would rather serve as a member of the Desert Willow Committee. Councilman Crites moved to, by Minute Motion, reappoint Gil Holmes and William Winfield to the Housing Advisory Committee. Motion was seconded by Kelly and carried by unanimous vote. 8. INVESTMENT & FINANCE COMMITTEE Councilman Spiegel moved to, by Minute Motion, direct that terms for this committee be established as four-year terms and that one of the two members be reviewed next year, with the other member to be reviewed the following year. Motion was seconded by Ferguson and carried by unanimous vote. 9. PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSIQN Councilman Spiegel moved to, by Minute Motion, reappoint Van Tanner to the Parks & Recreation Commission. Motion was seconded by Kelly and carried by unanimous vote. Councilman Crites moved to, by Minute Motion, appoint Julie Munson and Terry Scheurer to the Parks & Recreation Commission to fill the expired terms of Maria Neatherton and Donna Peat. Motion was seconded by Spiegel and carried by unanimous vote. With Council concurrence, staff was directed to ask Doloris Driskel if she would be interested in serving on the Community Library Committee. 8 MINUTES ADJOURNED MEETING OF THE PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL AND PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY DECEMBER 16, 1997 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 10. PLANNING COMMISSION Councilman Spiegel moved to, by Minute Motion, reappoint Sabby Jonathan to the Planning Commission. Motion was seconded by Crites. Councilman Kelly stated that he felt interviews should be conducted for this Commission because of its importance.. With Council concurrence, staff was directed to set up interviews with the following individuals for possible appointment to the Planning Commission: Jim Lopez, Cindy Finerty, Ed van Dam, Donald Gettleson, Katherine Levitt, Terry Scheurer, Bernard Kurtz, and Carrie Wick. 11. PROJECT AREA NO. 4 COMMI ui Councilman Spiegel moved to, by Minute Motion, appoint Rick Post to the Project Area No. 4 Committee. Motion was seconded by Crites and carried by unanimous vote. 12. PROMOTION CM/Mil i Councilman Crites moved to, by Minute Motion, appoint Gail Paparian and Ric Mandelbaum to the Promotion Committee to fill the expired terms of Robert Evans and David Panullo, and reappoint Arnold Kirschenbaum. Motion was seconded by Kelly and carried by unanimous vote. 13. RENT REVIEW COMMISSION Councilman Kelly moved to, by Minute Motion, reappoint Henry Armstrong and Ulrich McNulty to the Rent Review Commission. Motion was seconded by Ferguson and carried by unanimous vote. 14. SISTER CITIES COMMITTFF, Mrs. Gilligan stated that there were concerns with regard to the direction of this committee, and she asked if this could be revisited in January once Councilman Crites returns from vacation. Councilman Kelly suggested that staff reconfirm with the City of Osoyoos whether or not they wish to continue the Sister Cities relationship. Mr. Wohlmuth noted that Osoyoos elects all five councilmembers at the same time rather than staggered terms as done in Palm Desert. Two of the new councilmembers were former councilmembers who were defeated four years ago. He said two of the 9 MINUTES ADJOURNED MEETING OF THE PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL AND PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY DECEMBER 16, 1997 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * councilmembers wished to continue with the program and asked if they could be allowed time to convince the others that this is something that should be continued. He added that staff had not yet heard from them. B. CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTMENTS FOR CITY COUNCIL COMM'i lbh AND COMMISSION REPRESENTATION. With Council concurrence, appointments for City Council committee and commission representation were made as outlined in the attached Exhibit "A". VII. ADJOURNMENT Adjourn to Closed Session for the following: 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: 1 With Council concurrence, Mayor/Chairman Benson adjourned the meeting at 3:35 p.m. ATTEST: We"( (04 vrt--J SHEILA R. IGAN, Y CLERK CITY OF PALM DES T, CALIFORNIA 10 MINUTES ADJOURNED MEETING OF THE PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL AND PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *Annexation Committee *Charitable Contributions Comindtee *Civic Center Steeling Committee *Committee/Commission Selection Committee 1 Golf Course Conunittee 1*Golf Cart Legbiation Committee (Ad Hoc) Investment Committee (requires Mayor A Mayor Pro-Tentpore) *McCalhun Theatre Subcommittee *Retail Subcommittee (Ad Hoc) 1 1 *Twenty -Filth Anniversary Committee 1 1 *Zoithig Ordinance Review Committee 1 Ask Planning Conunbsion to appoint a member to this committee DECEMBER 16, 1997 • Meets on an "as needed" basis. isintiertinhilfc11, . . •.. . Art In Public Places Subcommittee Civic Arts Committee Desert Wtllow Advbory Committee Economic Development Advisory Committee Housing Advisory Committee Alt NO LONGER NEEDED ,/ Library Promotion Committee i I (also serves on Desert Library Zone Committee) Police Advisory Committee COMMITTEE BEING REORGANIZED (curt.endy being consideredfor reorganization or dissolution) Project Area Four Committee / 1 Promotion Committee / Parise and Recreation Commission Alt 1 Sister Cities Committee (requires Mayor Pro-Tempore) COMMITTEE BEING REVISITED 11 MINUTES ADJOURNED MEETING OF THE PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL AND PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * CVAG Executive Committee Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Children's Discovery Museum CVAG Energy & Environment Resources Committee CVAG Human Resources Committee CVAG Personnel Committee* CVAG Public Safety Committee CVAG Transportation Committee Coachella Valley Mountabu Conservancy Board Cove Communities Public Safety Commission Desert Library Zone Committee (also serves on Library Pronwtion Conunitee) Historical Society McCallum Theatre Board of Directors (requires approval of McCallum Board of Trustees) Patin Sprints Airport Commission Patin Springs/Desert Resorts CVB Southern California Joint Powers Insurance Authority Sunline Transit Agency Board ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ League of California Cides Board of Directors Local Agency Formation Conunhsion Riverside County Transportation Conrmhsion ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Southern California Association of Governments Board *THIS APPOINTMENT MADE BY PRESIDENT OF CVAG EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE DECEMBER 16, 1997 1 Alt Alt ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 12