HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-01-27MINUTES
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING
THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2005
CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBER
I. CALL TO ORDER - 3:00 P.M.
Mayor Crites convened the meeting at 3:03 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL
Present:
Councilmember Jean M. Benson
Mayor Pro Tem Jim Ferguson
Councilman Robert A. Spiegel
Mayor Buford A. Crites
Excused Absence:
Councilman Richard S. Kelly
Also Present:
Carlos L. Ortega, City Manager/RDA Executive Director
David J. Erwin, City Attorney
Sheila R. Gilligan, ACM for Community Services
Homer Croy, ACM for Development Services
Justin McCarthy, ACM for Redevelopment
Stephen Y. Aryan, Assistant to the City Manager
Rachelle D. Klassen, City Clerk
Mark D. Greenwood, City Engineer
Amir Hamidzadeh, Director of Building & Safety
Paul S. Gibson, Director of Finance/City Treasurer
Michael J. Errante, Director of Public Works
Ignacio Otero, Fire Chief, Palm Desert/Riverside County Fire Department/CDF
Steve Thetford, Asst. Chief, Palm Desert Police/Riverside Co. Sheriffs Dept.
III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - A (CLOSED SESSION ITEMS)
None
IV. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION
Request for Closed Session:
Conference with Legal Counsel regarding significant exposure to litigation
pursuant to Govemment Code Section 54956.9(b):
Number of potential cases: 2 4
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 27, 2005
Mr. Erwin asked for the City Council's consideration of adding two cases of
threatened litigation to the agenda for Closed Session consideration.
Upon a motion by Mayor Pro Tem Ferguson, second by Councilman Spiegel, and
4-0 vote of the City Council, with Councilman Kelly ABSENT, two additional cases of
potential litigation were added to the Conference with Legal Counsel pursuant to
Government Code Section 54956.9(b).
Upon a motion by Mayor Pro Tem Ferguson, second by Councilman Spiegel, and
4-0 vote of the City Council, with Councilman Kelly ABSENT, Mayor Crites adjourned the
meeting to Closed Session at 3:04 p.m. He reconvened the meeting at 4:00 p.m.
V. RECONVENE REGULAR MEETING - 4:00 P.M.
A. REPORT ON ACTION FROM CLOSED SESSION.
None
VI. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Councilman Robert A. Spiegel
VII. INVOCATION - Councilmember Jean M. Benson
VIII. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - B
None
IX. AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS, AND APPOINTMENTS
A. INTRODUCTION OF NEW PALM DESERT CITY LIBRARIAN,
JEANNIE KAYS.
MS. BARBARA BOWIE, Riverside County Library System Desert Zone
Manager, introduced Palm Desert's new City Librarian, Jeannie Kays, to the
City Council, commenting that it was actually her first week in Palm Desert.
She went on to say that Ms. Kays was formerly the System's Roving
Librarian in the various Coachella Valley libraries, even serving as acting
Palm Desert Children's Librarian for a period of time. For the past year she
served as City Librarian for the Cathedral City Library.
MS. JEANNIE KAYS greeted the City Council, saying she was very pleased
to be assuming this role, especially with the strong partnership enjoyed
between the City and the Library. She looked forward to serving the City and
its residents.
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 27, 2005
On behalf of the City Council, Mayor Crites welcomed Ms. Kays to
Palm Desert for what was hoped to be a Tong -term basis.
Councilmember Benson added that Ms. Kays had been introduced to the
Library Promotion Committee last week at its meeting, and everyone looked
forward to working with her. She went on to thank Ms. Bowie and LSSI
officials for allowing her and Mrs. Klassen to be part of their interview
process last month. It was particularly pleasing that one of the Library
System's "own" was selected to be Palm Desert's Librarian.
B. REAPPOINTMENT OF ART McKAY AS PALM DESERT TRUSTEE TO THE
COACHELLA VALLEY MOSQUITO AND VECTOR CONTROL DISTRICT
(CVMVCD).
Mayor Crites acknowledged that Mr. McKay was present in the audience
today. He asked Mr..McKay for confirmation that he was, indeed, willing to
serve another four years as Palm Desert's Trustee to the CVMVCD, which
Mr. McKay answered that he was.
Councilman Spiegel moved to, by Minute Motion, reappoint Mr. McKay to the
Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District for a four-year term, February 1,
2005 - January 31, 2009. Motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ferguson and carried
by a 4-0 vote, with Councilman Kelly ABSENT.
X. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. MINUTES of the Regular City Council Meeting of January 13, 2005.
Rec: Approve as presented.
Minutes approved on a 3-0-1 vote, with Councilman Spiegel
ABSTAINING and Councilman Kelly ABSENT.
B. CLAIMS AND DEMANDS AGAINST THE CITY TREASURY - Warrant
Nos. 141 and 142
Rec: Approve as presented.
C. APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE by Woodhaven
Food & Beverage, Inc., for Woodhaven Country Club, 41-555 Woodhaven
Drive East, Palm Desert.
Rec: Receive and file.
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D. APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE by Franck Melero
and Lisa Melero for Pinnacle Bar & Grill, 73-040 El Paseo, Palm Desert.
Rec: Receive and file.
E. CITY COMMITTEE AND COMMISSION MINUTES.
1. Art In Public Places Commission Meeting of December 15, 2004.
2. Housing Commission Meeting of December 8, 2004.
3. Public Safety Commission Meeting of November 10, 2004.
Rec: Receive and file.
F. LETTER OF RESIGNATION from Melinda Byrd — Marketing Committee.
Rec: Receive with very sincere regret.
G. COMPREHENSIVE ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT for the City of
Palm Desert, Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2004.
Rec: Receive and file.
H. AUDITED FINANCIAL REPORTS for the Measure "A" Fund, Fiscal Year
Ending June 30, 2004.
Rec: Receive and file.
I. AUDITED FINANCIAL REPORTS for Palm Desert Recreational Facilities
Corporation, Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2004.
Rec: Receive and file.
J. REPORT Pursuant to Section 33080.1 of the California Health and Safety
Code.
Rec: Receive and file.
K. REQUEST FOR ADOPTION of Resolutions Authorizing Destruction of Paper
Records that Have Been Digitally Imaged from the Department of
Building & Safety for the Months of July, August, and September 2004.
Rec: Waive further reading and adopt: 1) Resolution No. 05-11
(July 2004); 2) Resolution No. 05-12 (August 2004); 3) Resolution
No. 05-13 (September 2004).
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 27, 2005
L. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of Reimbursement to Operators for
Overpayment of Transient Occupancy Tax (T.O.T.) in Calendar Year 2003.
Rec: By Minute Motion, approve reimbursement totaling $2,751.51 to
operators for overpayment of T.O.T. in calendar year 2003.
M. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of Agreement for Professional Services in
Connection with the Formation of an Assessment District (Section 29)
(Contract No. C23340).
Rec: By Minute Motion: 1) Approve the subject agreement with
MuniFinancial, Temecula, California, in the amount of $44,000;
2) authorize the Mayor to execute said agreement — funds are
available in Account No. 610-0000-228-2100.
N. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION to Release Improvement Security for
Tract No. 29067 (Lennar Homes of California Inc., Applicant).
Rec: By Minute Motion, authorize the City Clerk to release the subject
improvement securities for Tract No. 29067.
O. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of Palm Desert Police Department's Loan of
Equipment to the San Jacinto Police Department.
Rec: By Minute Motion, approve the recommendation made to the City
Council by the Palm Desert Public Safety Commission at its meeting
of January 12, 2005, to loan the Police Department's used
Sokkia Total Station equipment to the San Jacinto Police Department.
P CONSIDERATION of Action by Legislative Review Committee —
ACA 4 (Plescia and Harman) — Transportation Funding.
Rec: By Minute Motion, concur with the action taken by the Legislative
Review Committee at its January 18, 2005, Meeting and direct staff
to prepare a letter of support for the Mayor's signature with regard to
ACA 4 (Plescia and Harman).
Q. CONSIDERATION of Action by Legislative Review Committee —
SB 6 (Ducheny) — Enterprise Zones.
Rec: By Minute Motion, concur with the action taken by the Legislative
Review Committee at its January 18, 2005, Meeting and direct staff
to prepare a letter of support for the Mayor's signature with regard to
SB 6 (Ducheny).
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 27, 2005
R. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS:
1. Progress Report on Retail Center Vacancies
Councilman Spiegel stated for the record that due to his absence on January 13,
2005, he would be ABSTAINING on the vote to approve the Minutes of that
meeting.
Upon a motion by Mayor Pro Tem Ferguson, second by Councilman Spiegel, and
4-0 vote of the City Council, with Councilman Kelly ABSENT and Councilman Spiegel
ABSTAINING on the vote for Item A, the Consent Calendar approved as presented.
XI. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER
None
XII. RESOLUTIONS
A. RESOLUTION NO. 05-14 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, DENYING A CHANGE OF
ZONE FROM R-1 TO OFFICE PROFESSIONAL AND A PRECISE PLAN OF
DESIGN FOR A 1,826 SQUARE FOOT GENERAL OFFICE BUILDING
LOCATED AT 44-447 PORTOLA AVENUE Case Nos. C/Z 04-05 and
PP 04-31 (Robert and Marilyn Ford, Applicants).
Mr. Ortega reported that this was the item resulting from City Council's action
at the last meeting. He noted that Marilyn Ford had submitted a letter,
requesting the City Council postpone its discussion on this resolution.
Councilmember Benson commented that she wasn't opposed to a
continuance. However, she suggested that instead of changing the zoning
so that it can't be commercial, perhaps a different approach could be taken.
She didn't want commercial to be placed right in the middle of the block as
was proposed in the subject case, but if a planned progression between
Fred Waring Drive and Highway 111 were undertaken, that may be feasible.
Councilman Spiegel moved to, by Minute Motion, continue this matter to the meeting
of February 10, 2005. Motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ferguson and carried by
a 4-0 vote, with Councilman Kelly ABSENT.
With City Council concurrence, Mayor Crites suspended the agenda at this
point in order to take up Item XVI.- Old Business, Item A, related to the above.
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 27, 2005
XIII. ORDINANCES
For Introduction:
A. ORDINANCE NO. 1090 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, ADDING
SECTIONS 10.48.250 AND 10.48.260 TO CHAPTER 10.48 OF TITLE 10
OF THE PALM DESERT MUNICIPAL CODE WITH RESPECT TO
HANDICAPPED PARKING.
Mr. Ortega called attention to the staff report provided in the agenda packets.
Councilman Spiegel moved to waive further reading and pass Ordinance No. 1090
to second reading. Motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ferguson and carried by a
4-0 vote, with Councilman Kelly ABSENT.
For Adoption:
A. ORDINANCE NO. 1086 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING AN
AMENDMENT TO PALM DESERT MUNICIPAL CODE
CHAPTER 25.58.310(D) - OFF-STREET PARKING SCHEDULE FOR
MANUFACTURING PLANTS AND KINDRED USES Case No. ZOA 04-02
(City of Palm Desert, Applicant).
Mr. Ortega stated there had been no changes made to the ordinance since
the direction given during the last meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Ferguson moved to waive further reading and adopt Ordinance
No. 1086. Motion was seconded by Councilman Spiegel and carried by a 4-0 vote, with
Councilman Kelly ABSENT.
XIV. NEW BUSINESS
A. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF PARCEL MAP 31563 (Holt Architects,
Applicant).
Mr. Ortega noted the staff report provided in the packets.
Mr. Greenwood asked the City Council to continue this matter to the meeting
of February 10, 2005.
Councilman Spiegel moved to, by Minute Motion, continue this item to the meeting
of February 10, 2005. Motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ferguson and carried by
a 4-0 vote, with Councilman Kelly ABSENT.
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 27, 2005
B. CONSIDERATION OF CITY COUNCIL REQUEST FOR REVIEW OF AN
ACTION BY THE ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION, APPROVING
A SIX-FOOT HIGH STREET -SIDE YARD WALL AT A RESIDENCE
LOCATED AT 73-526 IRONWOOD STREET Case No. MISC 04-67
(Stan and Michelle Smith, Applicants).
In order to be consistent with the residential wall cases previously continued,
Mayor Pro Tem Ferguson moved to, by Minute Motion, continue the review to allow
completion of the Zoning Ordinance Amendment relating to walls. Councilmember Benson
seconded the motion.
In response to Councilman Spiegel, Planning Manager Steve Smith advised
that the subject wall had not been painted, it was still gray concrete block.
If and when it is approved, one of the conditions imposed by the Architectural
Review Commission was that it be painted and stuccoed to match the house.
Mr. Smith also stated the applicant was present and may want to discuss the
matter with the City Council.
Answering the applicant's question from the audience, Mayor Crites
responded that there is currently a case to review how walls in residential
neighborhoods are/will be treated; it is going through the Architectural
Review and Planning Commissions and will eventually be acted upon by the
City Council. He said once it comes to the City Council, it will review a
number of cases on front walls that have been continued, including the
subject request. He asked staff if it had been decided when the City Council
would consider the matter so that this applicant could be advised
accordingly.
Mr. Smith replied that the zoning ordinance amendment case was scheduled
as a public hearing before the Planning Commission on Tuesday,
February 1. Staff then intended to have it before the City Council as a public
hearing on Thursday, February 24.
Mayor Pro Tem Ferguson agreed to amend his motion and Councilmember Benson
to amend her second to state that it would be a 30-day continuance so that it coincided
with the Zoning Ordinance Amendment public hearing (Case No. ZOA 04-04) on
February 24, 2005. The motion carried by a 4-0 vote, with Councilman Kelly ABSENT.
C. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF MEMORANDUMS OF UNDERSTANDING
(MOUs) FOR LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE AT I-10/MONTEREYAVENUE
AND 1-10/WASHINGTON STREET INTERCHANGES, AND MEDIAN
LANDSCAPES ON MONTEREY AVENUE/DINAH SHORE DRIVE.
Mr. Ortega referred to the staff report for this item, stating that these were
three separate agreements with five different entities.
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 27, 2005
Councilman Spiegel moved to, by Minute Motion, authorize the Mayor to execute
the following MOUs: 1) With the County of Riverside and Caltrans for maintenance of new
landscaping at the 1-10 and Monterey Avenue and 1-10 and Washington Street
Interchanges (Contract No. C23350); 2) with the City of Rancho Mirage for the
maintenance of median landscapes on Monterey Avenue and Dinah Shore Drive and the
1-10 and Monterey Avenue Interchange landscape (Contract Nos. C23360 and C23360A);
3) with the Cities of La Quinta and Indian Wells for the maintenance of the 1-10 and
Washington Street Interchange landscape (Contract No. C23370). Motion was seconded
by Councilmember Benson and carried by a 4-0 vote, with Councilman Kelly ABSENT.
Mrs. Klassen stated for the record that there were actually four agreements
that accompanied this report in the agenda packets, and she requested that
recommendation No. 2 approve Contract Nos. C23360 and C23360A.
D. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF LEASE FOR PHOTOCOPIER
EQUIPMENT THROUGHOUT CITY HALL.
Mr. Ortega noted the thorough staff report for this request and offered that
Mr. Gibson was available to answer questions.
Councilman Spiegel moved to, by Minute Motion: 1) Authorize leasing of
photocopier equipment from Xerox Corporation, Los Angeles, California, in the amount of
$4,290.67 per month for five years, plus copying cost and maintenance cost of
approximately $2,203.83; 2) authorize execution of purchase orders for leasing of
equipment and maintenance cost. Mayor Pro Tem Ferguson seconded the motion, and
it carried by a 4-0 vote, with Councilman Kelly ABSENT.
XV. CONTINUED BUSINESS
None
XVI. OLD BUSINESS
A. CONSIDERATION OF THE INITIATION OF PROCEEDINGS FOR A
GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT, REMOVING THE OFFICE
PROFESSIONAL LAND USE ON PORTOLA AVENUE BETWEEN
FRED WARING DRIVE AND DE ANZA WAY.
Councilmember Benson proposed continuing this item, as was just approved
for Resolution No. 05-14 above.
Mayor Crites agreed but added he was aware that there were people in the
audience today wishing to testify on the zone change. In answer to his
question whether speakers Doug Walker and Ming Lowe minded waiting to
testify until the next meeting, both speakers agreed to wait.
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Councilman Spiegel moved to, by Minute Motion, continue the matter to the meeting
of February 10, 2005. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Benson and carried by
a 4-0 vote, with Councilman Kelly ABSENT.
B. DISCUSSION OF MEDIUM DENSITY DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES.
Mr. Smith reviewed the staff report, highlighting that if the medium density
guidelines were endorsed, they will allow for flexibility in development,
creative and imaginative design, which are part of the current planned
residential Code provisions. Staff was seeking direction on how the City
Council wished to act on the guidelines: 1) Continuing as is done presently
on a case -by -case basis; 2) adopting the guidelines by resolution, thereby
making them the City's policy; 3) passing the guidelines pursuant to an
ordinance, making them part of the Zoning Ordinance.
In answer to question, Mr. Smith replied the thick book containing the
standards was part of a master plan presented by an applicant at that time,
which was subsequently denied. He added that one of the projects that
implemented the proposed standards was the Rilington Communities Tract
Map located on Gerald Ford, considered by the City Council in
October 2004. In further response, Mr. Smith said it was pretty unlikely that
a two-story accessory structure would be proposed; however, it has been
provided for should it be workable.
Councilmember Benson recalled that the reason the plan in the thick book
wasn't adopted was that her colleagues wanted to look at projects on a case -
by -case basis so that nothing slipped through unnoticed. She felt that since
that was the discussion about the General Plan, it should still be valid.
Mayor Pro Tem Ferguson said he remembered it being a 3-2 vote on the
master plan. He was uncomfortable doing something in a vacuum at that
time, preferring to apply guidelines to a project so that he could get a feel for
them. Since that time, he had expressed to staff that he was comfortable
with these standards in order to provide some certainty to a developer on
what their criteria was.
Mr. Smith agreed that these would give a developer a certain level of
confidence that he could design a project that would likely be acceptable.
Councilman Spiegel stated he preferred the case -by -case basis. There were
several large parcels that would be developed; he wanted to see what each
one would look like before 150-200 houses were built.
Mr. Smith offered that regardless of whether the standards were approved
or not, the City Council would absolutely be reviewing tract maps and precise
plan applications through the full public hearing process.
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 27, 2005
Mayor Pro Tem Ferguson related that given it's medium density, which
requires smaller setbacks, he was very comfortable with these types of
projects recently approved, like the one next to One Quail Place and
Rilington Communities on Gerald Ford. Although uncomfortable with the
master plan book with so much information considered previously, he felt a
developer should be given the standards by which his project would be
judged, like the simplified information presented here. He added that if a
problem was discovered, the guidelines could be changed. Mr. Smith
agreed.
Responding to question, Mr. Smith stated that every medium density project
would at least be considered through the Planning Commission process,
which included appeals and any City Council requests for review. He said
that if the Council chose to approve the standards as guidelines, then they
would all be brought back as part of a Code amendment. Councilman
Spiegel stated that he would prefer this option.
Mr. Smith said staff would bring back a resolution, adopting the guidelines,
which could then be distributed to project applicants.
Mayor Pro Tem Ferguson made a motion to direct staff to return to the City Council
with such a resolution.
Mayor Crites questioned whether an automatic projection and architectural
features height exception is provided for in other residential zones.
Mr. Smith answered that it is provided for, but it's not automatic.
Mayor Crites asked that the last line of the staff report's Exhibit "A" before the
subtitle "Exceptions" ("Projections /Architectural Features") be removed from
the guidelines.
Mayor Pro Tem Ferguson agreed to the Mayor's modification and moved to, by
Minute Motion, direct staff to return to the City Council with a resolution to adopt Medium
Density Development Guidelines, as presented, omitting provision stated in the staff
report's Exhibit "A," allowing "Projections / Architectural Features: 5 feet above primary
structure / no more than 10°A) of the roof area." Motion was seconded by Councilman
Spiegel and carried by a 4-0 vote, with Councilman Kelly ABSENT.
XVII. PUBLIC HEARINGS
None
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 27, 2005
XVIII. REPORTS AND REMARKS
A. CITY MANAGER
None
B. CITY ATTORNEY
None
C. CITY CLERK
Mrs. Klassen reminded City Councilmembers of the following:
1. Committee/Commission applicant interviews were being scheduled for
Thursday, February 3, 2005, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Mayor Crites noted that there was a listing of approximately 30
candidates selected by Councilmembers as being considered for
appointments. He had spoken with Councilman Kelly about the list,
and he asked for his colleagues' concurrence today that the following
candidates were known well enough that an interview by the City
Council was not required: Leon Bennett, Russ Campbell,
Kim Housken, William Kroonen, Jim Lewis, Hal Rover,
Maureen Thompson, and Eric Vogt.
City Councilmembers concurred that the City Clerk schedule interviews with the
remaining candidates on the consolidated list.
2. City Council/Redevelopment Agency Joint Study Session on
Thursday, February 10, 2005, at 2:00 p.m. to receive a presentation
from College of the Desert Officials regarding their bond issue and
campus renovation.
D. PUBLIC SAFETY
o Fire Department
None
o Police Department
None
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 27, 2005
E. MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
o City Council Requests for Action:
1. Palm Desert Community Presbyterian Church Parking —
Councilmember Benson said she'd come across the Church's
letter, seeking the City's permission for Sunday overflow
parking from November through April. She was concerned that
it was almost February and wondered if the request had
received attention.
Councilman Spiegel stated that St. Margaret's Episcopal
Church planned to meet with the Presbyterian Church to
discuss the parking problem, as both churches were
experiencing growth and a resulting parking shortage. He said
one of the solutions being considered is application to the City
for construction of a multi -level garage to be used by both
churches; it would be built into the hillside to minimize its
impact. He acknowledged that this project wouldn't happen
overnight, but it would nearly double the current parking
capacity.
Councilmember Benson went on to say she'd asked Mr. Drell
about the issue, and he'd responded that there was room for
about 50 cars; however, it's not marked.
Mr. Croy said staff would look into the matter further, noting
that staff had been awaiting confirmation from both
congregations. He believed there wasn't a problem with public
parking, it is an open area to park; staff would also look into
providing permanent parking, as it was also looking into a way
to provide a permanent road surface that would allow parking
on the side. He hoped to bring something back at the next
meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Ferguson noticed Pastor Garrard in the
audience, and he wanted to make sure everyone understood
the request.
PASTOR DOUG GARRARD, Palm Desert Community Church,
47-321 Highway 74, said attendance at both churches was up,
especially with the winter family church members now
worshiping with them. After the December 9 City Council
Meeting, he met with Mr. Drell to discuss possibly 50 parking
spaces along the road on the west side of the wash. He spoke
with Mr. Drell again this morning; he indicated that there were
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 27, 2005
also possibly spots to the north of the Thrush Bridge —
perpendicular parking along the road, and if people wanted to
park there, they could. Pastor Garrard said there would be
golf carts available to shuttle people from the outlying parking
areas to the church. He went on to say that Mr. Drell also
indicated that providing any type of permanent parking south
of the Thrush Bridge would be difficult as a result of some
drainage or engineering issues. However, Mr. Drell had
specifically said that they're looking at spots to the north of the
Thrush Bridge.
Responding to Mayor Pro Tem Ferguson's question about
public parking north of the Thrush Bridge, Mayor Crites said
there were as many spaces as vehicles that would fit along the
perimeter of the park. Mayor Pro Tem Ferguson asked staff to
find out exactly how many spaces there were, but from his
perspective, it could be used starting this weekend.
Mayor Crites agreed, pointing out that there could be parallel
parking along the south side of the bridge; it's public parking
anywhere along Calle de los Campesinos. Mayor Pro Tem
Ferguson added that if it wasn't already, it should shortly be an
improved public street with a nice surface.
PASTOR GARRARD said he'd indicated to Mr. Drell that if
there was any desire for the church to be involved in paying its
part towards striping, grading, etc., it would certainly willing to
consider such a request.
Mayor Crites added that while there's a lot of construction
traffic in this area currently, there's none on Sunday. He
proposed letting people park parallel all the way along the
park, north and south.
PASTOR GARRARD added that he'd been in contact with
Father Certain about their mutual parking difficulty and to plan
some discussion about how it may be alleviated. He
expressed appreciation for the City Council's consideration and
its help.
o City Council Committee Reoorts:
None
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 27, 2005
o City Council Comments:
1. City Council Liaison Reports.
a) Palma Village Community Park — Councilman Spiegel
invited his colleagues to see the progress on the Palma Village
Park at the intersection of San Carlos and San Gorgonio. He
thought it was terrific, with amenities that include a tot lot,
basketball, picnic, and barbecue areas.
b) Washington. D.C. — Mayor Crites reported that he was
pleased to be in our nation's capital last week where he
noticed the prevalence of pedestrian countdown traffic signals
in the city. He observed that the signals provided varying
amounts of time, depending on their location, and urged City
staff to take this information into account in implementing
future Palm Desert installations.
Mayor Crites went on to say he was in Washington, D.C., to
attend the U.S. Conference of Mayors. hie highlighted:
— South Carolina Mayors were working with then -Secretary of
Homeland Security Tom Ridge to obtain better notification from
railroads about the types of car passing through
communities in Tight of the recent rail `accident there where
toxic gas was released and fatalities resulted. He believed
Palm Desert also had a vested interest in the same type of
issues with the very busy railroad traveling along its northern
boundary. He forwarded related information to the City
Manager.
— National Center for Early Defibrillation put on one of the
sessions he attended. Among the things they discussed were
the number of young people (under age 18) who suffer sudden
cardiac arrest —it was fairly common. Some states were
already taking action on defibrillation programs.
Coincidentally, he'd seen an article in yesterday's Desert Sun,
asking "Do Schools Need Defibrillators?", an issue which he
felt the City Council should discuss with its colleagues on the
School Board. He provided his colleagues each with a copy of
a letter from the National Center for Early Defibrillation. He
went on to say there was also a presentation by Dr. Heimlich,
who noted that many schools are taking about one hour to
train students in the Heimlich Maneuver. In addition to being
used for choking, it has also been successful in rescuing
people from asthma attacks and as the single most effective
way to get water out of the lungs of drowning victims.
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 27, 2005
Mayor Crites said he was quite impressed with this conference
in the caliber of speakers it provided, number of
representatives from Capitol Hill (both parties), as well as
members of President Bush's Cabinet that took the time to
come and discuss issues of urban development and homeland
security, such as Transportation Secretary Mineta.
XIX. ADJOURNMENT
On a motion by Spiegel, second by Ferguson, and 4-0 vote of the City Council, with
Councilman Kelly ABSENT, Mayor Crites adjourned the meeting at 4:45 p.m.
ATTEST:
rcr
c LED. KLASSEN, iTY CLERK
CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA
BUFOFA. CRITES, MAYOR
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