HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-10-12MINUTES
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2006
CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBER
I. CALL TO ORDER - 3:00 P.M.
Mayor Ferguson convened the meeting at 3:02 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL
Present:
Councilmember Jean M. Benson
Mayor Pro Tem Richard S. Kelly
Councilman Robert A. Spiegel
Mayor Jim Ferguson
Also Present:
Carlos L. Ortega, City Manager/RDA Executive Director
Robert W. Hargreaves, Assistant City Attorney
Stephen Y. Aryan, Assistant to the City Manager
Sheila R. Gilligan, ACM for Community Services
Justin McCarthy, ACM for Redevelopment
Mark Greenwood, Acting ACM for Development Services
Rachelle D. Klassen, City Clerk
Joseph S. Gaugush, City Engineer
Amir Hamidzadeh, Director of Building & Safety
Phil Drell, Director of Community Development
Patrick Conlon, Director of the Office of Energy Management
Paul S. Gibson, Director of Finance/City Treasurer
David Yrigoyen, Director of Redevelopment & Housing
Frankie Riddle, Director of Special Programs
Travis Witten, Battalion Chief, Palm Desert/Riverside Co. Fire Dept./CDF
Steve Thetford, Chief, Palm Desert Police/Riverside Co. Sheriff's Dept.
Grace L. Mendoza, Deputy City Clerk
III. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION
Reauest 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 OCTOBER 12, 2006
1) Property: Lease Property - Parkview Professional Office Complex -
73710 Fred Waring Drive, Suite Nos. 210 & 212, Palm Desert
Negotiating Parties:
Agency: Carlos L. Ortega/Paul S. Gibson/City of Palm Desert
Property Owner: City of Palm Desert
Other Parties: Wilson, Pesota & Fox
Under Negotiation: x Price x Terms of Payment
Mr. Hargreaves stated there was an additional Property Negotiation Item that
needed to be added to the Closed Session Agenda.
Upon a motion by Kelly, second by Benson, and 3-0 vote of the City Council, with
Spiegel ABSENT, Property Negotiation Item No. 2 was added to the agenda.
2) Property: NEC Gerald Ford Drive/Portola Avenue
Negotiating Parties:
Agency: Carlos L. Ortega/City of Palm Desert
Property Owner: City of Palm Desert
Under Negotiation: x Price x Terms of Payment
Conference with Legal Counsel regarding significant exposure to litigation
pursuant to Govemment Code Section 54956.9(b):
Number of potential cases: 2
With City Council concurrence, Mayor Ferguson adjourned the meeting to Closed
Session at 3:04 p.m. He reconvened the meeting at 4:00 p.m.
IV. RECONVENE REGULAR MEETING - 4:00 P.M.
A. REPORT ON ACTION FROM CLOSED SESSION.
None
V. AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS, AND APPOINTMENTS
A. APPOINTMENTS TO THE PALM DESERT YOUTH COMMITTEE.
Councilman Spiegel moved to, by Minute Motion, appoint Hunter Young and Donald
Griffith to the Palm Desert Youth Committee (term 12/31/06). Motion was seconded by
Kelly and carried by a 4-0 vote.
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 12, 2006
VI. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. MINUTES of the Regular City Council Meeting of September 28, 2006.
Rec: Approve as presented.
B. CLAIMS AND DEMANDS AGAINST THE CITY TREASURY - Warrant
Nos. 63 and 66.
Rec: Approve as presented.
C. CLAIM AGAINST THE CITY (#565) by Lu Cille Kelly in the Amount of
$1,650,000.
Rec: By Minute Motion, reject the claim and direct the City Clerk to so notify
the Claimant.
D. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of Authorized Securities Broker for the City of
Palm Desert (Joint Consideration with the Palm Desert Redevelopment
Agency).
Rec: By Minute Motion, approve First Tennessee Bank as an authorized
securities broker for the City of Palm Desert.
E. APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE by Got Business,
Inc., for Paseo Palms Bar and Grill, 73-040 El Paseo, Palm Desert.
Rec: Receive and file.
F. APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE by Santa Maria
Foods, Inc., for Town Center Cafe, 44-491 Town Center Way, Suite A,
Palm Desert.
Rec: Receive and file.
G. YOUTH COMMITTEE MINUTES for the Meeting of September 12, 2006.
Rec: Receive and file.
H. RESIGNATION of Nick Talboys — Youth Committee.
Rec: Receive with very sincere regret.
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 12, 2006
I. REQUEST FOR ADOPTION of Resolutions Authorizing the Destruction of
Paper Records from the Department of Building & Safety that Have Been
Digitally Imaged.
Rec: Waive further reading and adopt: 1) Resolution No. 06-132 - May
2006 Records; 2) Resolution No. 06-133 - June 2006 Records;
3) Resolution No. 06-134 - July 2006 Records.
J. REQUEST FOR DECLARATION of Surplus Property and Authorization for
Appropriate Disposal — Desert Willow Miscellaneous Equipment.
Rec: By Minute Motion, declare the items listed on the accompanying Staff
Report's Exhibit "A" as surplus property and authorize disposal.
K. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of Agreement for Printing of the 2007
Community Calendar (Contract No. C25850).
Rec: By Minute Motion, approve the subject agreement with
Papillon Graphics, Palm Desert, California, in the amount of
$25,656 — funds are available in Account No. 110-4417-414-3091.
L. CONSIDERATION of a Request for Funding for the 2007 Easter Bowl Junior
Tennis Tournament.
Rec: By Minute Motion, concur with the Marketing Committee's
recommendation to deny the subject request for a $25,000
sponsorship.
M. REQUEST FOR ACCEPTANCE OF WORK for Contract No. C24670 —
Landscaping Installation on Country Club Drive Medians from Tamarisk Row
Drive to Harris Lane (Project No. 933-04) (Pink, Inc., Palm Desert, 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.
N. REQUEST FOR ACCEPTANCE OF WORK for Contract No. C19250A —
Construction of the Corporation Yard Expansion (Project No. 715-00)
(WDL Construction, Palm Desert, 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.
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 12, 2006
O. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION to Release Improvement Security for
Tract No. 31860 (Palm Desert Terracina, LLC, Applicant).
Rec: By Minute Motion, authorize the City Clerk to release the subject
improvement security for Tract No. 31860.
P. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of the Subdivision Map of Tract No. 31836
(Dahoon Investment Company, Inc., Applicant).
Rec: Waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 06-135, approving
the Subdivision Map of Tract No. 31836.
Q. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of Parcel Map No. 33736 (Palm Desert
Associates, Applicant).
Rec: Waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 06-136, approving
the map of Parcel Map No. 33736.
Upon motion by Kelly, second by Spiegel, and 4-0 vote of the City Council, the
Consent Calendar was approved as presented.
VII. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER
None
VIII. RESOLUTIONS
A. RESOLUTION NO. 06-137 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, IN CONNECTION WITH THE
PROPOSED SECTION 29 ASSESSMENT DISTRICT TO APPROVE THE
FORM OF A JOINT FACILITIES AGREEMENT AND TO APPROVE THE
FORM OF A DEPOSIT AND REIMBURSEMENT AGREEMENT.
Mayor Pro Tem Kelly moved to waive further reading and adopt Resolution
No. 06-137. Motion was seconded by Spiegel and carried by a 4-0 vote.
IX. ORDINANCES
For Introduction:
None
For Adoption:
None
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 12, 2006
X. NEW BUSINESS
A. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION TO AWARD CONTRACT FOR
CONSTRUCTION OF LANDSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS IN THE
PORTOLA AVENUE MEDIAN BETWEEN FAIRWAY DRIVE AND
CHICORY STREET (CONTRACT NO. C25020B, PROJECT NO. 926-06).
Councilmember Benson moved to, by Minute Motion, authorize the City Manager
to award the subject contract to the lowest responsive bidder in an amount not to exceed
$80,000 and to execute same — funds are available in Account No. 400-4614-433-4001.
Motion was seconded by Kelly and carried by a 4-0 vote.
B. REQUEST FOR AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR PHASE I SEWER
IMPROVEMENTS FOR ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 29, NO. 2004-02
(CONTRACT NO. C25570).
Mayor Pro Tem Kelly moved to, by Minute Motion, award the subject contract to
Jones Bros. Construction, Coachella, California, in the amount of $634,200, authorize a
10% contingency for the project and the Mayor to execute said contract, subject to
Coachella Valley Water District's approval of the Joint Facilities Agreement for the Section
29 Assessment District — funds are available in Account No. 469-4350-433-4001.
Councilman Spiegel asked why Dateland Construction's bid was twice the
amount submitted by the lowest bidder. Mr. Greenwood said he informally
heard that an error was made in their estimate.
Motion was seconded by Spiegel and carried by a 4-0 vote.
C. REQUEST FOR AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE
COUNTRY CLUB DRIVE PAVEMENT REHABILITATION IMPROVEMENTS
FROM COOK STREET TO ELDORADO DRIVE (CONTRACT NO. C25730,
PROJECT NO. 646-06).
Mayor Pro Tem Kelly moved to, by Minute Motion: 1) Award the subject contract to
Matich Corporation, San Bernardino, in the amount of $566,566 and authorize the Mayor
to execute same; 2) approve a 10% contingency for the project in the amount of $56,656
— funds are available in Account No. 110-4311-433-3320. Motion was seconded by
Benson and carried by a 4-0 vote.
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 12, 2006
D. REQUEST FOR EXTENSION OF CONTRACT FOR ON -CALL CITYWIDE
TRAFFIC SIGNAL SUPPORT SERVICES (CONTRACT NO. C24881).
Councilman Spiegel moved to, by Minute Motion, approve extension of the subject
contract to Republic ITS (formerly Republic Electric), Anaheim, California, for Fiscal Year
2006/07 in an amount not to exceed $80,000 and authorize the Mayor to execute same —
funds are available in Account No. 110-4250-433-3325. Motion was seconded by Kelly
and carried by a 4-0 vote.
E. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION TO REJECT ALL BIDS FOR
LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE AREA NO. 6 AND EXTEND ITS EXISTING
CONTRACT.
Councilman Spiegel moved to, by Minute Motion: 1) Reject all bids received for
Landscape Maintenance Area No. 6 (Contract No. C25740); 2) authorize the City Manager
to extend the existing Landscape Maintenance Area No. 6 contract with Vintage
Associates, Bermuda Dunes, California, on a month -to -month basis for up to six months;
3) authorize a 5% monthly price increase for Contract No. C23630; 4) direct staff to pursue
professional horticultural service for Landscape Maintenance Area No. 6 through the
Request for Qualifications (RFQ) process — funds are available in Account No.
241-4195-495-3320. Motion was seconded by Kelly and carried by a 4-0 vote.
F. REQUEST FOR EXTENSION OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT
FOR WEBSITE CONSULTING — SEPTEMBER 2006 THROUGH
JUNE 2007 (CONTRACT NO. C23181).
Councilman Spiegel moved to, by Minute Motion, approve the subject contract
extension with Kimberly Corak, Website Consultant, Tempe, Arizona, in an amount not to
exceed $55,000. Motion was seconded by Kelly and carried by a 4-0 vote.
G. CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST FOR FUNDING FOR THE DA VINCI
EXPERIENCE EXHIBITION AT THE PALM SPRINGS AIR MUSEUM.
Councilman Spiegel stated the Marketing Committee looked at the request
and unanimously decided to deny it. In the meantime, he and Mayor Pro
Tem Kelly decided it should be discussed at the next Two by Two Committee
meeting with Desert Sands to see if it makes sense to work with them so that
the students could go see the Da Vinci Experience, just as it's been done in
the past with the Museum. After the Two by Two Committee meeting, it will
be brought back to decide the funding amount.
Councilman Spiegel moved for staffs recommendation.
Mayor Pro Tem Kelly suggested going through the Education Committee.
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 12, 2006
Councilman Spiegel said that's why it's being taken to the Two by Two
Committee to see if it's justified by the School District and for a dollar amount
to be determined.
Mayor Ferguson suggested continuing the matter to a date uncertain.
Councilman Spiegel agreed to amend his motion to, by Minute Motion, continue the
matter to a date uncertain. Motion was seconded by Kelly and carried by a 4-0 vote.
Mayor Pro Tem Kelly noted they were not denying the concept but looking
at the matter from a different standpoint.
H. CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST FOR SUPPORT OF A CALIFORNIA
WELCOME CENTER LOCATED IN BANNING.
Councilman Spiegel moved to, by Minute Motion, concur with the Marketing
Committee's recommendation to support the placement of a new California Welcome
Center in Banning. Motion was seconded by Kelly.
Councilmember Benson pointed out that the letter was also requesting
financial assistance, not in any specific amount, but she suggested a
$10,000 pledge.
Marketing Manager Kristy Kneiding said the initial report only requested a
letter of support. However, in the subsequent letter received, they are
requesting funding. In the meantime, a newspaper article has come out
announcing the Welcome Center in San Bernardino, but she has been
unable to confirm if the information is correct.
Councilman Spiegel noted that the Marketing Committee would meet the
following week and suggested returning the matter to the Marketing
Committee for a dollar amount recommendation.
Ms. Kneiding agreed and stated it would give her time to investigate whether
the State of California has actually granted San Bernardino the Welcome
Center.
Mayor Ferguson remarked that the Outside Agency applications would be
out in January, and these types of requests came in year-round and funneled
through that process all at once. He suggested giving them a letter of
recommendation and having them proceed through the Outside Agency
process.
Mayor Pro Tem Kelly stated this was not an Outside Agency, it was a
marketing matter and a different budget.
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 12, 2006
Councilmember Benson agreed that it go back to the Marketing Committee
for a recommendation.
Councilman Spiegel moved to, by Minute Motion continue this matter in order to
refer it back to the Marketing Committee for further consideration. Motion was seconded
by Kelly and carried by a 4-0 vote.
XI. CONTINUED BUSINESS
A. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE SOLID
WASTE FRANCHISE AGREEMENT RELATIVE TO THE ASSIGNMENT
FROM WASTE MANAGEMENT OF THE DESERT TO BURRTEC WASTE
INDUSTRIES (CONTRACT NO. C17230A) (Continued from the meeting of
September 28, 2006).
Mayor Ferguson noted that his prior legal representation of Waste
Management would be the reason he would not be participating in any
discussion or action on this matter. He then recused himself from the
Council Chamber and asked Mayor Pro Tem Kelly to preside.
Mr. Ortega stated the Amendment was the actual transfer from Waste
Management to Burrtec. When the Council previously considered it, staff
had some contingencies that have now been fulfilled. The Council requested
the Agreement be brought back for formal approval once the contingencies
were fulfilled, even though the transfer has already been approved.
Councilman Spiegel commented that nothing would change for the residents
of Palm Desert with this transfer. Mr. Ortega agreed.
MR. FRANK ORLETT, District Manager of Burrtec Waste and Recycling
Services, said he was available for questions.
Councilmember Benson said the trash bin at First Bank on the corner of
Monterey and Highway 111 is identified as Western Waste. She said it has
been that way for a long time and looked awful; she wondered if it was going
to be rectified. Mayor Pro Tem Kelly added that Burrtec trucks also needed
to be cleaned.
MR. ORLETT said he would fix them immediately.
Councilman Spiegel moved to, by Minute Motion, approve the First Amendment to
the Solid Waste Franchise Agreement, contingent upon approval of the items listed in
Finding Nos. 6 and 7 of the Review of Proposed Assignment of Solid Waste Agreement
Report prepared by Hilton, Farnkopf & Hobson, LLC, dated April 17, 2006. Motion was
seconded by Benson and carried by a 3-0 vote, with Mayor Ferguson ABSENT.
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 12, 2006
XII. OLD BUSINESS
A. CONSIDERATION OF INCORPORATING AN ADDITIONAL ELEMENT IN
HEATH SATOW'S ENTRANCE SIGN/SCULPTURE AT THE SOUTHEAST
CORNER OF MONTEREY AVENUE AND DINAH SHORE DRIVE.
Councilman Spiegel stated he liked the modifications made to the sculpture
but wondered where the lettering of Palm Desert would go.
Public Arts Manager Richard Twedt replied that an additional rock element
that was 12 feet long and 3 1/2 feet tall would be added. He's worked with the
artist on the positioning of it because it was critical not to block the outline of
the lizard. In his estimation, he felt the rock element needed to be placed to
the right or left of the sculpture with a small setback where it would be easily
seen by traffic passing by. He stated that Southern California Edison worked
with Mr. Rothbart in giving him the easement between the two large power
lines, and he would follow-up to make sure the City was not encroaching on
the sewer line. He added that the artist thought the modifications were an
improvement to the entrance sculpture site as well.
In response to Mayor Ferguson's question regarding the two renderings
submitted, Councilman Spiegel responded that one represented its present
look, and the other was the modified proposal.
Mr. Twedt stated they were the two options, and for an extra $2,000, the
small "Palm Desert" lettering could be taken off; that facet of the rock would
be rewelded and matched.
Councilman Spiegel asked if that was staffs preference, Mr. Twedt replied
that it was.
Councilman Spiegel moved to, by Minute Motion, directed staff to pursue the
proposal that relocates the "Palm Desert" identification component to a stone marker in
front of the artwork and removes it from the sculpture itself. Motion was seconded by
Benson and carried by a 4-0 vote.
XIII. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OFA MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION
OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT FOR SECTION 29 MASTER PLAN OF
INFRASTRUCTURE, ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 2004-2 (City of
Palm Desert, Applicant) (Continued from the meeting of September 28,
2006).
Mr. Ortega stated this item was related to two other items on the agenda and
staff was available to answer questions. Mr. Drell agreed.
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 12, 2006
In response to Councilman Spiegel's question, Mr. Drell replied that it was
a large area, similar to the other district that was formed, and it finishes out
the infrastructure of the City.
Mayor Ferguson declared the public hearing open on the Assessment District for
approximately one section of land in the northern sphere of the City and invited
testimony in FAVOR of or in OPPOSITION to this matter. With no testimony
offered, he declared the public hearing closed.
Mayor Pro Tem Kelly moved to waive further reading and adopt Resolution
No. 06-138 in connection with the proposed formation of the City of Palm Desert
Section 29 Assessment District, making environmental findings and adopting a Mitigated
Negative Declaration. Motion was seconded by Spiegel and carried by a 4-0 vote.
Councilmember Benson stated she had a question for Mr. Orlett with Burrtec
Waste and Recycling Services.
Mayor Ferguson once again recused himself from the Council Chamber due
to his previous affiliation with Waste Management and asked
Mayor Pro Tem Kelly to preside.
Councilmember Benson asked if Burrtec was going to work to improve the
trash containers and educate the public and commercial community
concerning strategies to eliminate the potential for the breeding of flies; she
wondered why not Citywide.
Mr. Drell replied they are addressing that throughout the City, but it was
mentioned in response to the Negative Declaration comment made by the
Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District regarding flies. He
agreed there are some areas that are a problem.
B. CONSIDERATION OF THE VACATION OF INTERIOR STREETS WITHIN
RILINGTON COMMUNITIES' DOLCE PROJECT, TRACT NO. 31071
(Rilington Communities, Applicant).
Mr. Ortega stated this item involved a vacation; the report indicated that the
streets were recorded as public, and the Applicant wants to make them
private. One of the conditions is that there needs to be a public hearing to
see if there are any objections.
In response to Councilman Spiegel's question, Mr. Greenwood confirmed the
streets were in a homeowners association and the streets would be
maintained by it.
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 12, 2006
Mayor Ferguson declared the public hearing open, and invited testimony in FAVOR
of or in OPPOSITION to this matter. With no testimony offered, he declared the
public hearing closed.
Councilman Spiegel moved to waive further reading and adopt Resolution
No. 06-139, vacating the interior public streets within Rilington Communities' Dolce
Project, Tract No. 31071. Motion was seconded by Kelly and carried by a 4-0 vote.
XIV. REPORTS AND REMARKS
A. CITY MANAGER
1. Consideration of Request for Financial Assistance — East Valley
Memorials Foundation.
In response to Mayor Ferguson's comment, City Clerk
Rachelle Klassen clarified this item was on the agenda, but a
subsequent letter was received stating they were unable to attend
today.
Councilman Spiegel asked what was the amount requested and
Councilmember Benson replied there was no specific amount noted.
Mayor Pro Tem Kelly moved to, by Minute Motion, refer to the Outside Agency
Funding Committee for recommendation. Motion was seconded by Spiegel and carried
by a 4-0 vote.
2. Section 29 Assessment District — Mr. Ortega noted that the City
Council had taken several actions today relative to the Assessment
District that would ultimately fund and construct public improvements,
such as widening of Monterey Avenue all the way to Gerald Ford
Drive. He presented City Councilmembers with a construction
schedule of the upcoming work (copy on file and of record in the City
Clerk's Office).
Responding to Mayor Pro Tem Kelly's question, Mr. Greenwood
responded that if everything goes according to schedule, all the work
was expected to be completed by November 2007. In further
response to Councilman Spiegel, he said the improvements on
Portola Avenue and Dinah Shore Drive were expected by mid -
July 2007.
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 12, 2006
B. CITY ATTORNEY
None
C. CITY CLERK
None
D. PUBLIC SAFETY
o Fire Department
None
o Police Department
None
E. MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
o City Council Requests for Action:
1. Highway 74 Roadwork — Councilman Spiegel said he was
aware Caltrans was doing the work on Highway 74, and he
wondered if there was any estimated completion date.
In response, Mr. Greenwood said it was a complete surprise to
City staff when Caltrans started the work. He said a number
of frantic telephone calls were made to advise that the
Samsung Golf Toumament was going to be in town this week.
As a result, they buttoned up the job and moved offsite for this
week; hopefully, they will resume next week. He said it
shouldn't be more than about two weeks' worth of work.
Councilman Spiegel asked staff to request that the resurfacing
work be accomplished at night.
Mr. Greenwood said that staff could make that request.
However, the last time Caltrans resurfaced Highway 74, it was
done at night, with several complaints received about the noise
from all the back-up buzzers, etc.
Mayor Ferguson felt the main issue was being advised of when
the work would be done so that appropriate announcements
can be made regarding alternative routes.
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 12, 2006
Mr. Greenwood agreed to make contact with Caltrans and
obtain firm dates regarding their construction schedule.
2. November City Council Meeting — Councilmember Benson
remarked in the past when there was only one November
meeting, sometimes it was held on the third Thursday instead
of the second. She said since the opening of the Art of Food &
Wine Festival is scheduled to be held on El Paseo on
November 9, she asked for her colleagues' concurrence with
rescheduling the November 9 Meeting to November 16. She
said this would allow City Councilmembers to participate in the
opening ceremony.
Mayor Ferguson said he'd discussed the matter with
Councilman Spiegel, and since it is the inaugural Palm Desert
Art of Food & Wine Festival, it would be important for the City
Council to be there.
With City Council concurrence, directed that the regular City Council Meeting of
November 9 be adjourned to November 16.
3. Helmet Law for Bicyclists — Councilman Spiegel asked if the
City's Police Chief had any response to Mr. Schiff's comments
made earlier in the meeting during Oral Communications - B
on the Redevelopment Agency Agenda.
Captain Thetford responded that he'd taken note of the issue
and felt the school provided a good response; the School
District cannot issue citations to the students. However, the
School Resource Officer can pay closer attention to the
students coming onto campus, and the Police can run a
program there to address the issue and monitor its extent. He
said citations may be issued that are similar to "fix -it" tickets for
cars; if they receive a citation, students can come down to one
of the substations and go through a short video. Then, if they
can prove that they have a helmet, the ticket can be signed off.
If the student doesn't have the ability to obtain a helmet, there
is a program to provide them with one.
o City Council Committee Reports:
None
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 12, 2006
o City Council Comments:
1. Ronald Reagan Elementary School — Mayor Ferguson noted
that yesterday most of the City Council was privileged to attend
the dedication of Ronald Reagan Elementary School at a
standing -room -only event. He said it was a particularly proud
moment for the City, looking back on how it obtained 30 acres
of land for a park in that location, worked with the School
District to locate a school there, and wanted to honor freedom,
as opposed to peace, hence the naming of Freedom Park. But
he didn't think anyone really understood how all the elements
came together, with the City's Sister Ship relationship with the
U.S.S. Ronald Reagan, home port of San Diego, the Captain
was present with 20 flag officers, the Desert Sands Unified
School District Board of Education was present, the students,
teachers, and parents were there, along with the City Council,
and it became clear to everyone why freedom was being
honored during the dedication of a beautiful new school next
to a beautiful new park. He thanked Councilman Spiegel, as
the liaison to the Parks & Recreation Commission, for this
project.
XV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - C
None
XVI. ADJOURNMENT
With City Council concurrence, Mayor Ferguson adjourned the meeting at 4:44 p.m.
ATTEST
RA1-IELLE D. KLASSEN'CITY CLERK�
CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA
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