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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-02-28MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2002 CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBER I. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Kelly convened the meeting at 4:03 p.m. II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Councilman Robert A. Spiegel III. INVOCATION - Mayor Pro-Tempore Jean M. Benson IV. ROLL CALL Present: Mayor Pro-Tempore Jean M. Benson Councilman Buford A. Crites Councilman Jim Ferguson Councilman Robert A. Spiegel Mayor Richard S. Kelly Also Present: Richard J. Folkers, Acting City Manager David J. Erwin, City Attorney Sheila R. Gilligan, ACM for Community Services/City Clerk Justin McCarthy, ACM for Redevelopment Homer Croy, Director of Building & Safety Phil Drell, Director of Community Development Paul S. Gibson, Director of Finance/City Treasurer Joseph S. Gaugush, Director of Public Works/City Engineer David Yrigoyen, Director of Redevelopment Rachelle D. Klassen, Deputy City Clerk V. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - A MR. GARY JEANDRON, Palm Desert, expressed his sincere appreciation, both personally and professionally, as a City of Palm Springs Police Officer, for the Palm Desert Police Department's handling of his case and subsequent apprehension of suspects who robbed him in front of his residence on — December 20, 2001. He provided a copy of his statement, which is attached hereto and made a part of these Minutes as Exhibit "A." MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 28, 2002 VI. AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS, AND APPOINTMENTS A. INTRODUCTION OF JAMES EARL CARTER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENT COUNCIL. The students were welcomed by Mayor Kelly and City Councilmembers. B. PRESENTATION TO RECOGNIZE CITY OF PALM DESERT EMPLOYEES FOR EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE. The following City of Palm Desert employees were recognized for exceptional service: Sondra Johnson, Dave Cehr, Patty Leon, Dave Salas, Phil Drell, Spencer Knight, Deborah Cogley, Ali Hamidzadeh, Cora Salas, Elinor Thompson, Joe Pudis, and Laurel Knutson. Mayor Kelly expressed appreciation to the employees on behalf of the City Council and said there is nothing more valuable to the citizens of Palm Desert than dedicated and service -conscious employees. C. PRESENTATION TO RECOGNIZE DIDIER BLOCH FOR HIS SERVICE TO THE CITY OF PALM DESERT AND ITS EL PASEO BUSINESS ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS. Because Mr. Bloch was not able to attend the meeting, his "Thanks For Your Time" clock will be personally delivered. D. PRESENTATION TO RECOGNIZE ARNOLD KIRSCHENBAUM FOR HIS SERVICE TO THE CITY OF PALM DESERT AND ITS PROMOTION COMMITTEE. Because Mr. Kirschenbaum was not able to attend the meeting, his "Thanks For Your Time" clock will be personally delivered. E. PRESENTATION BY WASTE MANAGEMENT OF THE DESERT RELATIVE TO ITS VALLEY -WIDE ARTISTIC MURAL COMPETITION FOR ONE OF ITS GARBAGE TRUCKS. Waste Management's Deborah McGarrey, Municipal Marketing Manager, and Kimberly Keyton, Recycling Coordinator, explained the corporate program that was piloted by Waste Management of the Desert, announcing the winner of this year's competition, Palm Desert Middle School 7th Grader Stephanie Watson. On behalf of the City Council, Mayor Kelly presented a framed proclamation to Ms. Watson in honor of her award -winning design. 2 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 28, 2002 F. PRESENTATION OF THE "LEADERS OF DISTINCTION - GOLD MEDAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD" TO THE CITY OF PALM DESERT BY SALUDOS HISPANOS. Mr. Steve Solomon, President of Saludos Hispanos, a national Hispanic organization with its office in Palm Desert, presented the "Leaders of Distinction" Award to the City of Palm Desert. He said diversity enriched every community, and Palm Desert deserved recognition for exemplifying a community that was a wonderful place to live. VII. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES of the Regular City Council Meeting of February 14, 2002. Rec: Approve as presented. B. CLAIMS AND DEMANDS AGAINST THE CITY TREASURY - Warrant Nos. 69, 70, 71, and 71 PD Office Complex. Rec: Approve as presented. C-1. CLAIM AGAINST THE CITY (#4691 by Southern California Edison in the Estimated Amount of $3,500. Rec: By Minute Motion, reject the Claim and direct the City Clerk to so notify the Claimant. C-2. CLAIM AGAINST THE CITY (#470) by Martha's Gifts, Inc., in the Amount of $2,805. Rec: By Minute Motion, reject the Claim and direct the City Clerk to so notify the Claimant. D. MINUTES of the Housing Commission Meeting of January 9, 2002. Rec: Receive and file. MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 28, 2002 E. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION to Advertise and Call for Bids for the 2001/2002 Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities Program (Contract No. C19810, Project No. 699-01). Rec: By Minute Motion, authorize the City Clerk to advertise and call for bids for the subject project. F. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION to Reject Bid and Re -Advertise and Call for Bids for the Citywide Tree and Palm Tree Pruning Program (Contract No. C19780, Project No. 587-02). Rec: By Minute Motion: 1) Reject the bid received from Tree Rite, Bermuda Dunes, California; 2) authorize the City Clerk to re -advertise and call for bids for the Citywide Tree and Palm Tree Pruning Program (Contract No. C19780-A). G. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of Southern California Edison (SCE) Work Order for Undergrounding Along Fred Waring Drive from San Pascual Avenue to Deep Canyon. Rec: By Minute Motion, approve SCE Work Order No. 2245 in the amount of $30,451.22 for the subject undergrounding —funds are available in Project Account Fund 400. H. REQUEST FOR AWARD OF CONTRACT for Professional Landscape Design of the Sidewalk and Wall on El Paseo at Sandpiper (Contract No. C19260-A, Project No. 698-99). Rec: By Minute Motion, award the subject contract to Ray Lopez Associates, Palm Desert, California, in the amount of $19,800 and authorize a 10% contingency in the amount of $1,980 — project total of $21,780 — for professional landscape architectural services for the construction of sidewalk and wall on El Paseo at Sandpiper. I. REQUEST FOR EXTENSION of Art Maintenance Contract (Contract No. C17411). Rec: By Minute Motion, approve the extension of a six-month art maintenance contract with Expert Metal Refinishing, Palm Desert, California, in the amount of $12,243.72, and authorize the Mayor to execute same. 4 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 28, 2002 J-1. REQUEST FOR ACCEPTANCE OF WORK for Contract No. C18700 — Construction of the Curb, Gutter, and Cross Gutter Repair Program (Project No. 753-01) (Contreras Construction Company, Indio, CA). Rec: By Minute Motion, accept the work as complete and authorize the City Clerk to file a Notice of Completion for the subject project. J-2. REQUEST FOR ACCEPTANCE OF WORK for Contract No. C19170 — Storm Drain Construction on Gerald Ford Drive from Portola Avenue to Cook Street (Project No. 501-01) (Hemet Manufacturing Company dba/Genesis Construction, Hemet, CA). Rec: By Minute Motion, accept the work as complete and authorize the City Clerk to file a Notice of Completion for the subject project. K. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of Final Tract Map 30025 (World Development, Applicant). Rec: Waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 02-10, approving the Final Subdivision Map of Tract No. 30025 and approving the agreement relating thereto. L. CONSIDERATION of Request from Palm Desert Police Department for Creation and Implementation of an Internet Website. Rec: By Minute Motion, approve the request in the amount of $8,200 and appropriate same in Fund 229, the City's Cal Cops Grant Fund. M. REQUEST FOR WAIVER of Fees for the Palm Desert Senior Softball League 2002 Season. Rec: By Minute Motion, waive field usage and reservation fees associated with the Palm Desert Senior Softball League 2002 season. N. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of Out -of -State Travel for Senior Engineering Technician and Traffic Signal Technician to attend IMSA Traffic Signal Inspection Course. Rec: By Minute Motion, authorize out-of-state travel for the named employees to attend the subject training in Mesa, Arizona, April 4-5, 2002 — funds are available in Account No. 110-4300-413-3120. MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 28, 2002 O. CONSIDERATION of One -Time Funding Request for Desert Beautiful. Rec: By Minute Motion: 1) Approve the request in the amount of $2,000 and appropriate same from the Unobligated General Fund Reserves to Account No. 110-4800-454-3880; 2) direct the Mayor to send a letter to all Valley cities, seeking similar contributions. P. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: 1. Progress Report on Retail Center Vacancies Upon motion by Spiegel, second by Ferguson, the Consent Calendar was approved as presented by a 5-0 vote of the Council. VIII. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER None IX. RESOLUTIONS A. RESOLUTION NO. 02-11 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING A PALM DESERT YOUTH COMMISSION. Mr. Folkers noted the staff report in the packet. Councilman Spiegel moved to waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 02-11. Motion was seconded by Benson and carried by a 5-0 vote. X. ORDINANCES For Introduction: None For Adoption: A. ORDINANCE NO. 1010 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 935 AS IT RELATES TO THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE. Councilman Ferguson moved to waive further reading and adopt Ordinance No. 1010. Motion was seconded by Spiegel and carried by a 5-0 vote. 6 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 28, 2002 XI. NEW BUSINESS A. CONSIDERATION OF AN APPEAL TO AN ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION DECISION, DENYING A REQUEST TO PARK AND STORE A RECREATIONAL VEHICLE IN THE FRONT YARD OF THE RESIDENCE LOCATED AT 45-656 MOUNTAIN VIEW AVENUE Case No. RV 02-01 (Lerae B. Moeller, Appellant). Senior Management Analyst Martin Alvarez reviewed the staff report in detail and offered to answer any questions. He said without any provisions in the Code for medical condition or this vehicle being the only mode of transportation fora person, staff as recommending that the Council affirm the decision of the Architectural Review Commission and deny the appeal. MS. LERAE MOELLER, Appellant, stated she'd had recreational vehicles since 1989, and this was the third one. She said she had owned her home for close to 50 years, and it was one of the first homes in the area. She had also parked her recreational vehicles on her lot, and there had never been any complaints. She noted that she had multiple fractures of her sternum and vertebra and had a handicapped parking permit. She said the recreational vehicle was a very comfortable means for her to stand up and get into and out of a vehicle. She noted that while no one from the City had visited her residence to determine the feasibility of making the lot comply with City Code, she did have an contractor come out who indicated that, architecturally, the house could not be remodeled just to get the vehicle to park. She expressed concern that the RV Ordinance did not have any provision for the elderly and handicapped, etc. Councilman Ferguson stated that the City does make provision by allowing variances from ordinances in cases where application of those ordinances will cause an extreme hardship. He said his concern was with creating a giant loophole in the City's ordinance for anyone who comes in and says they just drive their recreational vehicle all the time. He said Ms. Moeller seemed to have life quality issues that most of the residents are not burdened with. He asked her to elaborate on her medical limitations. Ms. Moeller stated that she could step into and out of the recreational vehicle and that she was not supposed to bend over at all or pick up anything over 20 pounds. She noted that she did not use the vehicle for camping and did not have propane or water in it. She added that she did not have any other transportation and was physically unable to get into the smaller vehicles any longer. She stated that her biggest concern was that she felt so unwelcome and unwanted in Palm Desert. She said she did not know how, constitutionally, the City could tell a person he or she cannot park 7 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 28, 2002 his or her own vehicle on their own property, especially when they have been doing it for so long. Councilman Ferguson asked if Ms. Moeller's condition was permanent, and she indicated it is. He asked whether an exception or variance had been considered and rejected. Mr. Alvarez responded that the denial was based on the interpretation of the ordinance. He said there was no provision in the City's RV ordinance other than a variance. Mayor Kelly suggested continuing this matter and directing staff to look at the ordinance to see if there might be something that can be done; in the meantime, Ms. Moeller should be allowed to park her vehicle where it is. Councilman Spiegel noted the photograph provided by staff, and he asked if there was any way the vehicle could be backed up further than it is. Mr. Alvarez responded that it backs up directly to the garage, and it could not be moved any further back. Councilman Ferguson stated that, looking at the photograph, it appears there might be some minimal screening that could be done. Councilman Spiegel suggested continuing this matter and appointing two Councilmembers to go out and meet with Ms. Moeller and look at the property to see if there are any alternatives from the Council's standpoint. Upon question by Mayor Pro-Tem Benson, Ms. Moeller responded that she was leaving the desert in April. After further discussion, Councilman Spiegel moved to, by Minute Motion continue this matter to the meeting of March 14, 2002, and appoint Councilmen Crites and Ferguson to visit with Ms. Moeller at her home to formulate a recommendation that could be presented at the next meeting. Motion was seconded by Benson and carried by a 5-0 vote. B. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF THE 2002 REVISION OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT STANDARD EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (SEMS) PLAN. Mr. Folkers noted the staff report in the packets and stated that Risk Manager Gary Rosenblum was available to answer any questions. 8 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 28, 2002 Mayor Kelly asked whether the Public Safety Commission had reviewed this plan, and Mr. Rosenblum responded that it had not. Councilman Spiegel moved to continue this matter until such time as the Plan has been reviewed by the Public Safety Commission. Motion was seconded by Ferguson and carried by a 5-0 vote. XII. CONTINUED BUSINESS A. MINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS OF JANUARY 10, AND JANUARY 24, 2002 (Continued from the meetings of January 24, and February 14, 2002, respectively). Councilman Spiegel moved to, by Minute Motion, approve the Minutes as presented. Motion was seconded by Ferguson and carried by a 5-0 vote. XIII. OLD BUSINESS A. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF AUGMENTATION NO. 1 TO SCOPE OF SERVICES FOR THE GENERAL PLAN UPDATE AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT (CONTRACT NO. C17611). Mr. Drell reviewed the staff report and offered to answer any questions. Councilman Ferguson said he was thankful this had come up in the form of a change order. He said his feeling was that we have gotten bogged down in what was a comprehensive General Plan update. Elements of it have actually been passed, and yet we're stuck on this university village concept. He said he, along with Councilman Spiegel, had been as big a champion of the CSUSB CVC campus as anyone. However, as he looked at their numbers and projections, it is about a 15-year process, and he did not see a university village across the street from College of the Desert. He said he looked at two Cal State campuses in Fullerton and San Bernardino that had been there since the 1960s, and they are nowhere near 20,000 people. He said he was confident that sometime between now and the time that the City could sustain the university village, it will have to go through another General Plan update. He added that his inclination was that before more time and money is spent planning something that will not be needed for another 15 to 20 years, it might be more prudent to just move forward with the basic General Plan and tackle that problem when it truly becomes a problem. Mr. Drell said there was no reason why this community plan could not occur on a separate track from the General Plan. He said he felt there was a lot of latent demand for housing in Palm Desert, and there is significant 9 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 28, 2002 development pressure. He said this is being divided up as we speak, with disparate and isolated projects. He added that this does not just respond to the University, and existing zoning out there permits six to seven million square feet of commercial development. He noted that the General Plan was just to respond to the unique opportunities of trying to do this right, and he did not feel there was as much luxury of time as one might think. Councilman Ferguson said he did not feel there was luxury of time at all. He said he heard from the people who own the land who say they feel they are being forced to parcel it off and sell it before it gets down -zoned, because it is entitled, their map renewal is coming up, and they do view it as down -zoning. Councilman Crites said he felt there should be a discussion about what should be done as a General Plan when the General Plan is in front of the Council. He said he would prefer to have the maximum amount of information as possible as well. Councilman Ferguson said he felt everyone was in disequilibrium over the North Sphere — property owners, the University, the school districts — and the City ought to get the General Plan done and get into those discussions. He added that he saw this as spending more money pursuing an alternative that the Council has never considered. Mayor Pro-Tem Benson stated that questions that have come up most of the time in discussions about the General Plan is what will be put out there, what can be done, and what will it look like. She said that was the idea of bringing it forward, to see if there are some alternatives out there to look at, and the process seemed to be to do it now while Terra Nova is in the middle of doing this. She said questions keep coming up about what the transportation will be, what the corridor is going to be, how is it going to run, etc. She said she felt it was important to have the answers to these questions to see what needs to be done out there before getting a hodge-podge of stuff that the City cannot do anything around. She said they did not want to leave it to the developers to decide what they want out there. Councilman Ferguson stated that he had heard that argument repeatedly and would agree with it if there weren't entitlements on the property already. He said the Council knows exactly what has been approved there because it gave the approval. He said he did not see any surprise at the end of this process. He added that he has seen so many maps so far that the last thing he wants to do is pay someone $86,000 to come up with some new ones. He felt zoning was zoning. There is a traffic element to the General Plan, which he assumed was an element that is being worked on. 10 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 28, 2002 Councilman Spiegel agreed with Councilman Ferguson. He said one of the things being looked at by the committee is the City's sphere of influence. He added that he did not feel it was appropriate at this point to spend another $100,000. Mayor Kelly said the General Plan to him is a guideline, and the Council will have the General Plan to guide it in the development in that area. Mr. Drell noted the many different line items in the proposal, including additional meetings. Councilman Crites asked whether the proposed additional expenditure had been reviewed by the General Plan Committee. Mr. Drell responded that the dollar amount itself was not reviewed, although the specific activities were reviewed and endorsed by the Committee. Councilman Crites moved to, by Minute Motion, approve Augmentation No. 1 Scope of Services Exhibit "A" and Budget Exhibit "B" to the subject contract with Terra Nova Planning & Research, Palm Springs, California, in the amount of $86,400 and appropriate said funds from Unobligated General Fund Reserves to Account No. 110-4470-412-3090. Motion was seconded by Benson. Motion FAILED by a 2-3 vote, with Mayor Pro-Tem Benson and Councilman Crites voting YES and Councilman Ferguson, Councilman Spiegel, and Mayor Kelly voting NO. XIV. PUBLIC HEARINGS None XV. REPORTS AND REMARKS A. CITY MANAGER None B. CITY ATTORNEY 1) Reauest for Closed Session: Conference with Real Property Negotiator pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8: MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 28, 2002 1) Property: NEC Portola Avenue/San Marino Circle (APN 625-081-004) Negotiating Parties: Agency: Lauri Aylaian/Dave Yrigoyen/City of Palm Desert Property Owner: Benjamin F. and Arthur I. Montoya Under Negotiation: x Price x Terms of Payment 2) Property: Lease Property - Parkview Professional Office Complex - 73-710/720 Fred Waring Drive Negotiating Parties: Agency: Paul S. Gibson/City of Palm Desert Property Owner: City of Palm Desert Other Parties: Cove Communities Public Safety Commission Under Negotiation: x Price x Terms of Payment Conference with Legal Counsel regarding existing litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(a): a) Eddie Ahmad Babai v. City of Palm Desert, Riverside County Superior Court Case No. INC 013297 b) Eddie Ahmad Babai v. City of Palm Desert, Riverside County Superior Court Case No. INC 025112 c) Ken Weller v. City of Palm Desert, et al., Riverside County Superior Court Case No. INC 025659 d) Aggregate Products, Inc. v. City of Palm Desert, et al., Riverside County Superior Court Case No. INC 027276 Conference with Legal Counsel regarding significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(b): Number of potential cases: 2 2) Report and Action from Closed Session Made at This Meeting. None 12 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 28, 2002 C. CITY CLERK 1. Reminder to Adjourn this Meeting to 3:00 p.m. Thursday, March 14, 2002, for a Joint Study Session of the City Council and Redevelopment Agency for Review of the Entrada Del Paseo Project and Visitor Information Center. Ms. Klassen reminded the Council to adjourn this meeting to 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 14, 2002, for a Joint Study Session of the City Council and Redevelopment Agency for review of the Entrada Del Paseo Project and Visitor Information Center. D. MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL o City Council Reauests for Action: 1. Consideration of Request by the Palm Springs Desert Resorts Convention & Visitors Authority for a $50,000 Contribution for American Airlines Service at the Palm Springs International Airport (Mayor Pro-Tempore Jean M. Benson). Councilman Spiegel moved to, by Minute Motion, approve the request fora $50,000 contribution for American Airlines service at the Palm Springs International Airport. Motion was seconded by Ferguson and carried by a 5-0 vote. o City Council Committee Reports: 1. Update on Energy Issues (Councilman Buford A. Crites). None o City Council Comments: None MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 28, 2002 XVI. ADJOURNMENT Councilman Spiegel moved to adjourn to Closed Session at 5:33 p.m. Motion was seconded by Ferguson and carried by a 5-0 vote. Mayor Kelly reconvened the meeting at 6:45 p.m, with no action announced from Closed Session. He immediately adjourned to 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 14, 2002, for a Joint Study Session with the Redevelopment Agency regarding the Entrada Del Paseo Project (12-Acre Site) at the southwest corner of El Paseo and Highway 111. TEST: SHEILA R.-GI IGA , i ITY CLERK CITY OF PALM DE `. ER , CALIFORNIA 4'I'' RICHARD S. KELLY, MAY 14 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 28, 2002 EXHIBIT "A" City of Palm Springs Police Department 200 South Civic Drive • Palm Springs, California 92262 TEL: (760) 323-8116 • TDD (760) 864-9527 February 28, 2002 Members of Palm Desert City Council Jean Benson Buford Crites James Ferguson Richard Kelly Robert Spiegel Dear Members of Palm Desert City Council, On December 20, 2001 at about 11:20 PM., I was a victim of an armed robbery in front of my home in Palm Desert. I was confronted by multiple suspects armed with a sawed off shotgun, demanding my wallet. To complicate matters, I was an off duty Palm Springs police officer carrying my handgun concealed in a fanny pack. I decided to comply with the criminals and at the first opportunity attempt to apprehend them. After handing over my wallet, the suspects entered a large sports utility vehicle before I could draw my handgun. In an attempt to stop these violent criminals, I shot at them as they fled. This action caused the driver to crash into a nearby tree. However, the car was not damaged enough to prevent them from escaping. The Palm Desert police department responded, conducted an exhaustive search for the suspects and a detailed investigation. A few days later, detectives apprehended all of the suspects involved. I am writing to you to express my appreciation for a job well done by the police department. I have been a police officer for 24 years. I was impressed with the professional demeanor of all the law enforcement involved. I commend Palm Desert police department for their quick response. Deputy Juan Zamora was first to arrive at my home. He quickly and efficiently gathered the information about the suspects and began his initial investigation. I am grateful not only because of his outstanding job as a first responder, but he remained in my home during the entire extensive investigation. His presence offered comfort for my wife and daughter who were obviously upset. He showed compassion for my family helping them to remain calm in face of this crime. I would like to especially thank Sergeant Frank Taylor, detectives Carl Carter (now Sergeant), JeffBuompensiero, John Shields, John Kneuer, Vince Singleterry and Luis Bolanos for their outstanding investigative work. They worked non-stop for several days on this case during the holiday season, taking time from their own families. Ultimately, their tenacity and hard work paid off in the apprehension of all the involved suspects. Post Office Box 1830 • Palm Springs, California 92263-1830 15 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 28, 2002 These talented detectives using excellent interrogation techniques were able to get admissions and confessions from 3 of the 4 involved suspects. Their ingenuity in covertly recording conversations of the suspects while in jail will be important evidence in the upcoming trial. Without these valuable statements and the impressive investigative work, we would not be able to prosecute these criminals. I wish to acknowledge all of the Palm Desert police employees that worked on my robbery. In addition to the officers already named, they are: Captain Dan Borden Lieutenant Tom Koehler Deputy Ken Reichle Deputy Fabian Granados Deputy Rob Roggeveen Deputy Misty Reynolds Deputy Robert Luna Deputy Tommy Coleman Deputy Mike Hernandez Deputy Robert Nagles Sergeant Ron Friedli Sergeant Bill Sullivan Technician Cindy Edison Technician Linda Penney Technician Tom Fisher. In closing, I have been a victim of violence several times in my career, but always as an on duty police officer. This crime as a civilian has given my insight to some of the traumas our victims' experience. The actions and behaviors of the Palm Desert police department helped to minimize the trauma for my family and me. They did an excellent job and I am sure you are as proud of them as I am. Sincerely 16