HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-05-23MINUTES
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING
THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2002
CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBER
I. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Kelly convened the meeting at 4:02 p.m.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Councilman Buford A. Crites
III. INVOCATION - Mayor Richard S. Kelly
IV. ROLL CALL
Present:
Mayor Pro-Tempore Jean M. Benson
Councilman Buford A. Crites
Councilman Robert A. Spiegel
Mayor Richard S. Kelly
Excused Absence:
Councilman Jim Ferguson
Also Present:
Carlos L. Ortega, City Manager/RDA Executive Director
Robert W. Hargreaves, Deputy City Attorney
Richard J. Folkers, ACM for Development Services
Justin McCarthy, ACM for Redevelopment
Homer Croy, Director of Building & Safety
Philip Drell, Director of Community Development
Paul S. Gibson, Director of Finance/City Treasurer
Teresa L. La Rocca, Director of Housing
Martin Pinon, Director of Human Resources
David Yrigoyen, Director of Redevelopment
Mark Greenwood, Engineering Manager
Rachelle D. Klassen, Deputy City Clerk
V. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - A
MR. PERCY BYRD, 45-801 Eldorado Drive, Indian Wells, and Member of the
City Council of the City of Indian Wells, addressed the City Council and audience
to provide an update on the progress of the CVAG Municipal Utility Project. He said
based on Palm Desert's request, discussions continued with the Cities of Palm
Springs and Rancho Mirage about their participation in the effort. He said if the
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 23, 2002
cities decided against participating in the joint powers authority, it was requested
that they each put forth a ballot issue to their residents for an advisory vote.
Responding to question about why the formation of a Joint Powers Authority (JPA)
would be advantageous even if a municipal utility was not formed, Mr. Byrd stated
that a JPA can be a force in dealing with Southern California Edison. For instance,
he said it would provide local jurisdictions opportunity to have a say in the way the
community activity money collected from rate payers was spent. Secondly, he said
a JPA could also work with the providers of other energy sources, such as Southern
California Gas Company, to be able to purchase gas for residents at a beneficial
rate and have it carried across Southern California Gas lines. He believed that a
JPA had more leverage to provide input and control over rates and baselines even
if a municipal utility wasn't formed, which was a good reason to form the JPA. He
thanked Palm Desert for its support of the effort.
MR. RICARDO DASILVA, 72-600 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, addressed the
City Council as a resident of One Quail Place. He said he had been a tenant of the
property since 1999, always on a six-month lease basis. He said when he executed
the first lease, he was told animals were not allowed; but the people working there
at the time told him that as long as it was a small pet, kept inside, and if
maintenance staff could go inside the apartment and ensure that the unit was not
being damaged, it was okay. However, three days ago he received a letter stating
he needed to remove his cat within three days because it was not part of the
contract. He was disappointed in the management staff's handling of his inquiry as
to why now he was asked to remove his pet, especially when he checked with other
neighbors with small pets who were not asked to remove their animals. He asked
for Council's review of the situation.
MR. AARON HEWITSON, 45-278 Deep Canyon Road, Palm Desert, and on behalf
of Musician's Outlet, reported to the Council that the Temporary Use Permit it had
approved allowed his store to host a very successful Music Expo on May 18. In
appreciation, he presented Mayor Kelly with an autographed ukulele.
MR. JOHN McLEAN, 73-140 Shadow Mountain Drive, Palm Desert, spoke in regard
to Item B of New Business, dealing with an all -way stop control at the intersection
of Shadow Mountain and Ironwood. He believed that the Public Works and
Sheriff's Departments should monitor the intersection at the highest traffic times of
early morning (6:00 - 9:00 a.m.) and late evening. He noted that while the
recommendation was to deny the request, he felt a disaster there was imminent and
described circumstances of an accident last Sunday evening at the intersection that
resulted from a motorist speeding down the street, losing control around the curve,
jumping the curb, and coming to rest several houses away from the intersection.
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 23, 2002
He implored the City Council to reconsider the recommendation and approve the
all -way stop he and his neighbors had requested.
DR. RALPH ZIMMERMAN, 73-025 Shadow Mountain Drive, Palm Desert, said he'd
been a resident since 1988. He also spoke to Item B of New Business, saying that
the traffic on Shadow Mountain had gotten heavier and heavier, especially since the
opening of The Gardens on El Paseo, and there seemed to be no regard for the
posted speed limit. He was well aware of the posted speed limit since he'd
received a ticket for exceeding it. He said the street there was perfectly straight,
running northwest to southeast, downhill, from Highway 74 to Portola, with no stop
signs. He agreed with Mr. McLean that the area should be monitored in the early
morning, when he'd seen speeds of 50, 60, and 70 miles per hour, and that it was
an accident waiting to happen. He believed a stop sign at Ironwood would cause
people to slow down and asked that the City Council take an action to approve the
stop control.
MR. MARK REINEKE, Director of Development for The Living Desert, and on behalf
of President Karen Sausman and Board Chairman Jack Farley, addressed the
City Council regarding Item D of New Business, a request to waive permit fees for
future construction projects. He expressed his organization's sincere appreciation
for all the support Palm Desert had provided, including waiving of permit fees in the
past. He realized the question put before the Council was rather broad for "future
construction projects" and that the recommendation was to deny it. Therefore, if it
would be more acceptable, his organization would propose making such requests
for consideration on a case -by -case basis.
VI. AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS, AND APPOINTMENTS
A. OFFICIAL WELCOME TO THE CITY OF PALM DESERT FOR THE
DELEGATION FROM IXTAPA - ZIHUATANEJO, MEXICO.
On behalf of the entire City Council, Mayor Kelly welcomed the delegation
from Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, Mexico, and presented them with gifts from the City
of Palm Desert. Gifts were also presented to the City Council from the
lxtapa-Zihuatanejo delegation.
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 23, 2002
B. PRESENTATION TO THE JOHN F. KENNEDY MEMORIAL FOUNDATION
WELL CARE CLINIC OF PALM DESERT.
Mayor Kelly made a presentation of a check in the amount of $300,000 to
Mr. Bill Powers, representing the John F. Kennedy Memorial Foundation
Well Care Clinic of Palm Desert.
Mr. Powers thanked the City Council for its support.
C. PRESENTATION OF PROCLAMATION DECLARING MAY 19 - 25, 2002,
AS "NATIONAL PUBLIC WORKS WEEK" IN THE CITY OF PALM DESERT.
Mayor Kelly presented the proclamation to Mark Greenwood.
D. PRESENTATION ON THE SISTER CITIES KEY -PAL AND
PHOTO EXCHANGE PROGRAMS BY PALM DESERT STUDENTS.
Teachers and students from Palm Desert Middle School and Washington
Charter School provided reports on their experiences with the programs.
E. PRESENTATION OF THE "STATE OF THE SCHOOL" REPORT BY
PALM DESERT HIGH SCHOOL.
Principal Patrick Walsh, Senior Students Chase McQuillen, Josh Zazulia,
and Sonya Isaac provided the report.
VII. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. MINUTES of the Regular City Council Meeting of May 9, 2002.
Rec: Approve as presented.
B. CLAIMS AND DEMANDS AGAINST THE CITY TREASURY - Warrant
Nos. 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 87PD Office Complex, and 93PD Office
Complex.
Rec: Approve as presented.
C. CLAIM AGAINST THE CITY (#461) by Maralynne B. Davidson in an
Unspecified Amount.
Rec: By Minute Motion, reject the Claim and direct the City Clerk to so
notify the Claimant.
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 23, 2002
D-1. APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE by
Hormoz Massoudi for CJ's Diner, 74-894 Lennon Street, #H1, Palm Desert.
Rec: Receive and file.
D-2. APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE by
Randy L. Adams and Charles V. Caropino for Smoky's, 72-990 El Paseo,
Palm Desert.
Rec: Receive and file.
E. MINUTES of City Committee and Commission Meetings.
1. Housing Commission Meeting of April 10, 2002.
2. Investment & Finance Committee Meeting of March 27, 2002.
3. Public Safety Commission Meeting of March 13, 2002.
4. Technology Committee Meeting of March 5, 2002.
Rec: Receive and file.
F-1. LETTER OF RESIGNATION from Jeanette Lucas from the Civic Arts
Committee.
Rec: Receive with very sincere regret.
F-2. LETTER OF RESIGNATION from Margaret Steen from the Civic Arts
Committee.
Rec: Receive with very sincere regret.
F-3. LETTER OF RESIGNATION from William Sprigg from the Rent Review
Commission.
Rec: Receive with very sincere regret.
G. RESOLUTION NO. 02-52, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of
Palm Desert, California, Establishing a Petty Cash Fund Under the
Supervision and Control of the Director of Building & Safety.
Rec: Waive further reading and adopt.
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 23, 2002
H. REQUEST FOR ADOPTION of Resolutions to Declare the Results of the
Property Owner Protest Proceedings for the Palm Court and Shepherd Lane
Landscaping and Lighting Districts (Note: This is a housekeeping item
from the Meeting of May 9, 2002.)
Rec: Waive further reading and adopt: 1) Resolution No. 02-45, declaring
the results of a property owner protest proceeding for the territory
within the proposed Palm Court Landscaping and Lighting District and
approving certain related actions; 2) Resolution No. 02-48, declaring
the results of a property owner protest proceeding for the territory
within the proposed Shepherd Lane Landscaping and Lighting District
and approving certain related actions.
I REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION to Advertise and Call for Bids for Parking
Lot Sweeping Services (Contract No. C20150).
Rec: By Minute Motion, authorize the City Clerk to advertise and call for
bids for the subject services.
J. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of the City of Palm Desert -State Program
Supplemental Agreement No. 003M to Master Agreement 08-5414 for
Surface Transportation Program (STP) Funds for the Fred Waring Drive
Improvements from Highway 111 to Fairhaven Drive (Project No. 651-99).
Rec: By Minute Motion, approve the subject Supplemental Agreement
No. RPSTPL 5414 (003M) and authorize the Mayor to execute same,
covering construction and construction engineering for the
Fred Waring Drive Improvements Project from Highway 111 to
Fairhaven Drive.
K. REQUEST FOR ACCEPTANCE OF WORK for Contract No. C19180 —
Construction of a Right Turn Pocket on Southbound Highway 74 Entering
Silver Spur Mobile Manor (Project No. 686-00) (Granite 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.
L. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of Final Tract Map No. 28818-3
(Marriott Ownership Resorts, Inc., Applicant).
Rec: Waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 02-53, approving
Final Tract No. 28818-3.
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 23, 2002
M. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of Parcel Map No. 30486 (Real Property
Associates, Applicant).
Rec: Waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 02-54, approving
Parcel Map No. 30486.
N. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION to Release improvement Security for
Tract No. 28590-1 and Replace with Bond for Phase 2 (Tract No. 28590)
(Lantana Properties, LLC, Applicant).
Rec: By Minute Motion, authorize the City Clerk to release the subject
improvement security.
O. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION to Release Subdivision Improvement
Security for Tract No. 29585 (Krisco, Inc., Applicant).
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 10% of their value as maintenance security
for a one-year maintenance period for Tract No. 29585.
P. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of Traffic Signal Fee Reimbursement and
Credit to Traffic Signal Mitigation Fees for Precise Plan No. 00-27 and
Parcel Map No. 30042 (Mainiero, Smith and Associates on behalf of
Dutt Hospitality and American Realty Trust, Applicant).
Rec: By Minute Motion, approve a request for reimbursement of traffic
signal fees for Precise Plan No. 00-27 and a credit for traffic signal
mitigation fees against the actual traffic signal construction cost for
Parcel Map No. 30042.
REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION to Implement the Citywide Recycling
Program Within City Facilities and Parks.
Rec: By Minute Motion, authorize staff to: 1) Implement the Citywide
Recycling Program within City facilities and parks; 2) expend funds
from Account No. 236-4195-454-3090 for same.
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 23, 2002
R. RESOLUTION NO. 02-55 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of
Palm Desert, California, Adopting the Recycled -Content Purchasing Policy
for the City of Palm Desert.
Removed for separate consideration under Section VII I, Consent Items Held
Over. Please see that portion of the Minutes for Council discussion and
action.
S. CONSIDERATION of Co-sponsorship of the First Annual Chamber of
Commerce "Putt Putt on El Paseo."
Rec: By Minute Motion, approve: 1) Co-sponsorship by the City of
Palm Desert for the First Annual Chamber of Commerce "Putt Putt on
El Paseo" event being held on Wednesday, July 10, 2002; 2) use of
the Shopper Hopper from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., in an amount not to
exceed $150; 3) waiver of the $10 cost of the Temporary Use Permit
required for the event.
T REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of Out -of -State Travel Reimbursement for
Arborist Certification Course in Arizona.
Rec: By Minute Motion, approve the subject request for Parks Maintenance
Worker Ricardo Torres in the amount of $1,304.18.
U. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of Out -of -State Travel for the Sister Cities
International Annual Conference in Toledo, Ohio.
Removed for separate consideration under Section VI I I, Consent Items Held
Over. Please see that portion of the Minutes for Council discussion and
action.
V. REQUEST FOR WAIVER of Fees Associated with James Carter Elementary
School End -of -Year Celebration.
Rec: By Minute Motion, waive fees associated with the End -of -the -Year
Celebration for James Carter Elementary School fifth grade students
and their parents scheduled to be held on June 4, 2002, at
Pavilion One located in the Palm Desert Civic Center Park.
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 23, 2002
W. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS:
1. Progress Report on Retail Center Vacancies
2. Report on Tract No. 30087 (College View Estates, II,
LLC)/Shepherd Lane Assessment District
Removed for separate consideration under Section VIII, Consent
Items Held Over. Please see that portion of the Minutes for Council
discussion and action.
Mr. Folkers requested that Items R and W-2 be removed for separate consideration
under Section VIII. Mayor Pro-Tem Benson also removed Item U for separate
consideration.
Upon motion by Crites, second by Spiegel, the remainder of the Consent Calendar
was approved as presented by a 4-0 vote, with Councilman Ferguson ABSENT.
VIII. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER
R. RESOLUTION NO. 02-55 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of
Palm Desert, California, Adopting the Recycled -Content Purchasing Policy
for the City of Palm Desert.
Mr. Folkers asked that the Council continue this matter in order for staff to
further review the policy.
Councilman Crites moved to continue this matter to the meeting of June 13, 2002,
so that staff could further review the policy prior to its adoption. Motion was seconded by
Spiegel and carried by a 4-0 vote, with Councilman Ferguson ABSENT.
U. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of Out -of -State Travel for the Sister Cities
International Annual Conference in Toledo, Ohio.
Mayor Pro-Tem Benson asked that a condition be added that two Sister City
representatives who have not been on a trip through Sister Cities be the
ones to go.
Councilman Crites suggested that it be worded in such a way that Sister City
representatives who had not previously participated in such out-of-state
travel be given preference, and Mayor Pro-Tem Benson agreed.
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 23, 2002
Councilman Spiegel asked whether it was necessary for representatives to
attend the conference this year.
Councilman Crites responded that the Committee felt it was important to
attend.
Councilman Crites moved to, by Minute Motion, approve the subject request for two
Sister Cities Subcommittee Representatives to attend the subject Conference, July 17-20,
2002, and authorize the expenditure of funds in an amount not to exceed $3,200 from
Account No. 110-4416-414-3126 for same, with direction that if possible, preference be
given to Sister City representatives who had not previously participated in such out-of-
state travel. Motion was seconded by Benson and carried by a 3-1 vote, with Councilman
Spiegel voting NO.
W. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS:
2. Report on Tract No. 30087 (College View Estates, II,
LLC)/Shepherd Lane Assessment District
Senior Management Analyst Martin Alvarez reviewed the staff report,
noting that at the City Council meeting of May 9, 2002, the formation
of the Shepherd Lane Assessment District failed by vote, resulting in
a question as to the future maintenance of perimeter landscaping for
those tracts currently under construction in that area. At that same
meeting, the City Council approved Tract Map No. 30087, College
View Estates, with the condition that a homeowners association
(HOA) be formed. He said that at this time, an HOA for this tract and
for others under construction may not be feasible. Staff's
recommendation was that the City Council re -approve the tract,
without the HOA condition, direct staff to proceed with individual
assessment districts for those tracts under construction, with any
future tracts to be directed to create HOAs. He stated that the
developer of College View Estates, Tom Halleck, had placed a
$75,000 bond to guarantee the maintenance of the perimeter
landscaping. Mr. Halleck still had ownership of the parcels and voting
powers, and he was guaranteeing the individual assessment districts.
Upon question by Councilman Spiegel relative to formation of an
HOA, Mr. Alvarez stated that an HOA would have to be recorded with
the State of California, and CC&Rs would have to be drafted. This
would take several months to complete, and residents were already
moving in to some of the tracts.
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 23, 2002
Councilman Crites asked whether this assessment district was a "no"
vote at the last meeting. Mr. Alvarez responded that with this
particular district, an incorrect address was used, and the developer
never received his ballot; therefore, there was no vote cast. Upon
question by Councilman Crites relative to having a new ballot, Mr.
Alvarez stated that the $75,000 bond guaranteed the maintenance for
a five-year period. After that time, the residents in that area would
have to be re -balloted.
Mr. Folkers stated that the idea behind the $75,000 was assuming
that the assessment district would proceed, and the money would be
returned after the assessment district is set up. The $75,000 was
strictly a guarantee that the district would proceed. Upon question by
Councilman Crites, he said it was still necessary to have a ballot to
form the district, and it was staff's understanding that the developer,
the sole owner, was very much in favor of the district.
Upon question by Councilman Spiegel relative to plans down the road
with HOAs, Mr. Alvarez stated that all new tracts that come in will be
required, as a condition of approval of the tentative maps, to create
an HOA. At this time, they have the option of either an assessment
district or an HOA.
Mayor Pro-Tem Benson moved to, by Minute Motion: 1) Re -approve Final Tract Map
No. 30087, removing the condition to form a homeowners' association; 2) direct staff to
proceed with forming individual landscape and lighting districts for tracts under
construction on Shepherd Lane; 3) accept a bond in the amount of $75,000 from College
View Estates II (Tract No. 30087), guaranteeing maintenance of the subdivision's
perimeter landscaping until an individual assessment district is formed. Motion was
seconded by Spiegel and carried by a 4-0 vote, with Councilman Ferguson ABSENT.
IX. RESOLUTIONS
A. RESOLUTION NO. 02-56 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING A POLICY
THAT THE OPERATION OF UNREGISTERED GOLF CARTS BE
ALLOWED ON ALL 25 MILES -PER -HOUR STREETS WITHIN
PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB.
Councilman Spiegel moved to waive further reading and adopt Resolution
No. 02-56. Motion was seconded by Crites and carried by a 4-0 vote, with Councilman
Ferguson ABSENT.
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 23, 2002
B. RESOLUTION NO. 02-57 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, SETTING THE TIME AND
PLACE OF REGULAR MEETINGS OF THE PALM DESERT
CITY COUNCIL.
Councilman Spiegel moved to waive further reading and adopt Resolution
No. 02-57. Motion was seconded by Kelly and carried by a 4-0 vote, with Councilman
Ferguson ABSENT.
X. ORDINANCES
For Introduction:
None
For Adoption:
None
XI. NEW BUSINESS
A. REQUEST FOR APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS FROM DRAINAGE FUND
NO. 232 FOR THE PROJECT KNOWN AS "TRAFFIC SIGNAL, STREET,
STORM DRAIN, AND WATER IMPROVEMENTS AT COOK STREET AND
FRANK SINATRA DRIVE (CONTRACT NO. C19620,
PROJECT NO. 678-01)."
Mr. Ortega noted that this was a bookkeeping item and that Council had
previously approved the project but had not appropriated the storm drain
funds.
Councilman Spiegel moved to, by Minute Motion, appropriate $239,030 from
Drainage Fund No. 232 to construct the storm drain system associated with the subject
project — there is no net effect on the contract awarded to Granite Construction Company
on April 25, 2002. Motion was seconded by Benson and carried by a 4-0 vote, with
Councilman Ferguson ABSENT.
B. CONSIDERATION OF ALL -WAY STOP CONTROL AT THE
INTERSECTION OF SHADOW MOUNTAIN DRIVE AND
IRONWOOD STREET.
Mr. Ortega noted the staff report and recommendation in the packets and
stated that this was the subject of discussion earlier in the meeting.
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 23, 2002
Upon question by Councilman Spiegel, Engineering Manager Mark
Greenwood responded that the stop signs cost approximately $100 each.
Councilman Crites asked how this stop sign request differed in terms of
traffic issues than the one on Grapevine that was approximately three blocks
to the east of Highway 74 at Desert Lilly.
Mr. Greenwood responded that sign was installed long before he came to
the City of Palm Desert. Upon additional question by Councilman Crites, he
said he did not know whether or not it would meet warrants, although he
doubted that it would.
Mayor Pro-Tem Benson said the stop sign at Desert Lilly was installed
because someone had been killed at that intersection.
Councilman Crites also questioned the stop sign on Shadow Mountain and
Tumbleweed, and Mr. Greenwood said it was his understanding that it did
meet warrants.
Councilman Spiegel noted the petition included in the staff report which was
signed by 40 residents, most of whom lived on Shadow Mountain or
Ironwood who were affected by the traffic in this area.
Councilman Spiegel moved to, by Minute Motion, approve the request for an all -way
stop control at the intersection of Shadow Mountain Drive and Ironwood Street. Motion
was seconded by Benson and carried by a 4-0 vote, with Councilman Ferguson ABSENT.
MR. CARL COX, 73-127 Shadow Mountain Drive, Palm Desert, expressed
appreciation to the City Council for this stop sign.
C. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF THE REIMBURSEMENT OF EXPENSES
ASSOCIATED WITH THE RELOCATION OF WATER UTILITIES BY THE
COACHELLA VALLEY WATER DISTRICT FOR THE
FRED WARING DRIVE WIDENING PROJECT FROM SAN PASCUAL
AVENUE TO DEEP CANYON ROAD.
Mr. Ortega noted the staff report in the packets.
Councilman Spiegel moved to, by Minute Motion, approve reimbursement of
expenses in an amount not to exceed $62,370 for the relocation of water utilities by the
Coachella Valley Water District for the subject project. Motion was seconded by Benson
and carried by a 4-0 vote, with Councilman Ferguson ABSENT..
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D. CONSIDERATION OF A WAIVER OF BUILDING AND PERMIT FEES FOR
THE LIVING DESERT'S FUTURE PROJECTS.
Mr. Ortega noted the report and recommendation in the packets. He added
that the Council had previously heard a presentation relative to submission
of individual requests for waivers on a case -by -case basis.
Councilman Spiegel moved to, by Minute Motion, continue the matter in order that
The Living Desert might submit individual requests for waivers on a case -by -case basis.
Motion was seconded by Benson and carried by a 4-0 vote, with Councilman Ferguson
ABSENT.
XII. CONTINUED BUSINESS
None
XIII. OLD BUSINESS
None
XIV. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF A ZONING ORDINANCE
AMENDMENT TO ADD SECTION 25.56.510 TO THE GENERAL
PROVISIONS REQUIRING APPROVAL FOR ANY SIGNIFICANT CHANGE
OF AN APPROVED COLOR OR TEXTURE ON AN EXISTING BUILDING,
STRUCTURE, SIGN, WALL, FENCE, OR OTHER IMPROVEMENTS TO
REAL PROPERTY Case No. ZOA 02-01 (City of Palm Desert, Applicant).
Mr. Drell reviewed the staff report, noting that there was currently no specific
language in the City's Zoning Ordinance relative to changing of approved
colors or textures on existing buildings. He said the proposed language was
to deal with significant changes and obvious transgressions. He said no
permit would be needed if an individual wished to repaint his or her house
the same color or a similar color. The only time there was a concern was
when there was a radical change. Upon question by Mayor Kelly as to how
people would know whether or not a permit was needed, Mr. Drell responded
that he felt this was information that should be included in the City's
newsletter, if the Council decided to adopt the ordinance.
Upon question by Councilman Spiegel, Mr. Drell responded that staff was
not suggesting a color palette. Basically, if the color of a home was being
significantly changed from whatever it was, approval would be required.
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 23, 2002
Mayor Kelly declared the public hearing open and invited testimony in FAVOR of
or in OPPOSITION to this request. No testimony was offered, and he declared the
public hearing closed.
Upon question by Councilman Spiegel, Mr. Drell responded that he felt there
should be an article in the City's newsletter letting residents know that if they
are contemplating a significant color change, they will need to call the City
and have it reviewed.
Upon question by Mayor Kelly, Mr. Drell stated that if the Council wished,
action on this matter could be continued until such time as the newsletter is
sent to residents with this article.
Councilman Crites suggested that second reading of this ordinance could be
held until after publication of an article on the proposed regulation in the
City's newsletter.
Mayor Kelly reopened the public hearing in order to allow for testimony once the
matter comes back to the Council for second reading.
Councilman Spiegel moved to waive further reading and pass Ordinance No. 1015
to second reading, said second reading to occur following publication of an article on the
proposed regulation in the July issue of the City's Bright Side newsletter, with special
attention being paid to providing opportunity for the receipt of public testimony when the
matter is next considered. Motion was seconded by Kelly and carried by a 4-0 vote, with
Councilman Ferguson ABSENT.
XV. REPORTS AND REMARKS
A. CITY MANAGER
1. Report on the Bighorn Pumping Station at Haystack/Chia.
Mr. Ortega provided a report on the matter that was brought to the
Council's attention at its May 9 meeting by Linda Garbarini. The
Informational Report was received by the Council.
B. CITY ATTORNEY
1) Request for Closed Session:
Conference with Real Property Negotiator pursuant to
Government Code Section 54956.8:
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 23, 2002
1) Property: APNs 625-062-015/016
Negotiating Parties:
Agency: Justin McCarthy/Lauri Aylaian/
City of Palm Desert
Property Owner: Jerome Beauvais
Under Negotiation: x Price x Terms of Payment
Conference with Legal Counsel regarding significant exposure to
litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(b):
Number of potential cases: 3
2) Report and Action from Closed Session Made at This Meetinq..
None
C. CITY CLERK
1. Reminder to Adjourn This Meeting to 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday,
June 5, 2002, for a Joint Meeting with the Redevelopment Agency
and Housing Authority for Consideration of the Fiscal Year 2002/03
Budget.
Mrs. Klassen reminded the Council to adjourn this meeting to 8:30
a.m. on Wednesday, June 5, 2002, for a Joint Meeting with the
Redevelopment Agency and Housing Authority for consideration of
the Fiscal Year 2002/03 Budget.
2. Consideration of Summer City Council Meeting Schedule.
With Council concurrence, it was decided that the Regular City Council Meetings
of July 11 and August 22 would be held, with the Regular Meetings of July 25 and
August 8 to be canceled, with the understanding that should there be business
requiring attention prior to August 22, the regular meeting dates could be observed
or a Special or Adjourned meeting could be called during the break.
D. MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
o City Council Reauests for Action:
None
16
MINUTES
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 23, 2002
o City Council Committee Reports:
1. Update on Energy Issues (Councilman Buford A. Crites).
The update was provided by Indian Wells Councilman
Percy Byrd at the beginning of the meeting.
o City Council Comments:
1. Councilman Spiegel reported that he had just returned from
the International Conference of Shopping Centers (ICSC) in
Las Vegas, with news that the new center proposed for
Monterey Avenue and Dinah Shore Drive, Desert Gateway,
was receiving a great deal of interest. He said the developer
estimated it would bring the City approximately $2 million per
year in sales tax. Besides the Sam's Club and WalMart, it was
proposed to host Red Lobster, another City Wok, Krispy
Kreme Donuts, Payless Shoes, and Del Taco.
Further, he said Westfield was poised to announce several
new retailers; the two he could announce were
Charlotte Russe, an upscale dress store, and Abercrombie &
Fitch, athletic and casual wear. Robinsons May anticipated
breaking ground on its expansion next week.
He went on to say that at the ICSC, a good deal of discussion
centered on "multiple use," meaning businesses would be
placed over stores. He said one of the people working on
Palms to Pines Central, the site of the fire earlier this week,
was looking at the possibility of a combination of businesses
and stores there.
2. Councilman Crites said he had been asked by several people
about the Palm Springs Unified School District and
Desert Sands Unified School District annexation issue. He
related that those asking said their concern was that the
Palm Springs School District was tied to the existing sites in
the North Sphere for Proposition 60 money; if the schools
weren't built there, the money would be lost. He stated that
the information was conveyed to him as coming from
Palm Springs school officials, which brought out a number of
people who were opposed to the boundary changes.
17
MINUTES
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 23, 2002
Councilman Spiegel responded that an outside firm from the
Carlsbad area had been contracted to perform a cost analysis
for both districts. He said it is Palm Desert's contention that
there is negligible effect on either school district by making the
move. However, it is the other side's contention that there is.
Consequently, he said it would be necessary to wait for the
report, noting that his colleagues probably also received the
notice that the final hearing would be held in late July, with
exact date to be determined. He added that whatever the
decision was, it could be appealed by either Palm Springs or
the City of Palm Desert.
3. Mayor Kelly reported that relative to Councilman Spiegel's
report on the Desert Gateway shopping center, he had been
working on a committee for the last six months, looking into the
possibility of using flyways at intersections. He said the group
zeroed in on the intersection of Monterey/Dinah Shore, and
during the examination and looking at the tremendous
increase in traffic volume, it was decided to take a closer look
at Portola Avenue. He said Portola had initially been listed for
an overcrossing, but now it probably would be best to look
soon at the possibility of an interchange there. He explained
that a flyway at Monterey/Dinah Shore would cost almost as
much as an interchange at Portola.
In response to question, Mr. Greenwood believed the flyway
would cost approximately $5 million.
Mayor Kelly asked for the feeling of his colleagues on this
matter so that he could take that information back to the next
meeting, noting that Rancho Mirage was already moving
ahead with building at the intersection.
Councilman Spiegel said he believed doing the interchange at
Portola would be the best way to proceed; it would provide
another access to the City.
Mayor Pro Tem Benson was not enthused about the flyway
proposal; however, she felt Portola was worth looking at but
was unsure it warranted another interchange that close to
Cook Street.
18
MINUTES
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 23, 2002
Councilman Crites wondered what alternatives existed in Tight
of Rancho Mirage's plans to build out the corner, as well as
the proposed Desert Gateway on Palm Desert's side. He
believed it should be carefully considered, suggesting that the
developers on both sides be asked to contribute mitigation
funds towards the project.
Mayor Pro Tem Benson commented that when Mr. Carver
made one of his presentations, he proposed access at the rear
of the site also.
Mayor Kelly said that in this project, it sounded as though
CVAG was willing to contribute 75%. He believed the flyway
had to be on Monterey rather than Dinah Shore.
XVI. ADJOURNMENT
Councilman Spiegel moved to adjourn the meeting to 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday,
June 5, 2002, for a Joint Meeting of the Housing Authority, City Council, and
Redevelopment Agency. Motion was seconded by Crites and carried by a 4-0 vote, with
Councilman Ferguson ABSENT.
ATTEST:
(,_
ii-t1,-,
RICHARD S. KELLY, MAYQF(
RACHELLE D. KLASSEN, DEPUTY CITY CLER
CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA
19