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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-03-26MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2009 CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBER 73510 FRED WARING DRIVE, PALM DESERT, CA 92260 I. CALL TO ORDER - 3:00 P.M. Mayor Spiegel convened the meeting at 3:00 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Councilmember Jean M. Benson Councilman Jim Ferguson Mayor Pro Tem Cindy Finerty Councilman Richard S. Kelly Mayor Robert A. Spiegel Also Present: John M. Wohlmuth, 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 Bo Chen, City Engineer Russell Grance, Director of Building & Safety Lauri Aylaian, Director of Community Development Paul S. Gibson, Director of Finance/City Treasurer Janet M. Moore, Director of Housing David Yrigoyen, Director of Redevelopment & Housing Frankie Riddle, Director of Special Programs Steve Brooker, Battalion Chief, Palm Desert Fire/Riverside Co. Fire Dept./Cal Fire Andrew Shouse, Asst. Chief, Palm Desert Police/Riverside Co. Sheriff's Dept. Grace L. Mendoza, Deputy City Clerk III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - A (CLOSED SESSION ITEMS) None MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 26, 2009 IV. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION Request for Closed Session: Conference with Real Property Negotiator pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8: 1) Property: APN 627-074-012 Negotiating Parties: Agency: Justin McCarthy/Martin Alvarez/City of Palm Desert/ Palm Desert Redevelopment Agency Property Owner: David and Irene E. Yaghoubian 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: 2 Public Employment pursuant to Government Code Section 54957: Title of Position: City Attorney Mr. Erwin asked the City Council to consider adding two items to its Closed Session for matters that had arisen after the agenda was posted: Conference with Legal Counsel regarding existing litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(a): a) Barry Wilk v. City of Palm Desert, Riverside County Superior Court Case No. RIC477765 b) Sierra Club and Center for Biological Diversity v. City of Palm Desert, et al., Riverside County Superior Court Upon a motion by Ferguson, second by Benson, and 5-0 vote of the City Council, the aforementioned litigation cases were added to the agenda for Closed Session. With City Council concurrence, Mayor Spiegel adjourned the meeting to Closed Session at 3:01 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 2 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 26, 2009 VI. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - Councilmember Jean M. Benson VII. INVOCATION - Mayor Pro Tem Cindy Finerty VIII. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - B MR. JONNY ROHRBAUGH, Member of the Palm Desert Youth Committee and Chair of its Junior -Senior Get-together, announced the third annual event would be held Saturday, March 28, from 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. at the Joslyn Senior Center. He said this year's theme was "Game Night," with horseshoes, lawn bowling, Wil bowling, and bingo to be offered; with the exception of a nominal $1.00 fee to participate, all activities and refreshments would be free. He invited the City Council and audience to bring their friends and family to help support this event. Mayor Spiegel congratulated Mr. Rohrbaugh and the Youth Committee for their efforts and noted that he was also aware that members of the Joslyn Cove Senior Center were most appreciative for this event. MR. PETER ST. LOUIS, Palm Desert, representing the Desert Bicycle Club, wanted to thank the City Council for its recent actions in support of bicycling in Palm Desert and safety for cyclists, with the striping of so many new streets and preserving the bike lanes on Cook Street. He said the Club would like to support the City's application for being acknowledged as a Bicycle Friendly City with the League of American Cyclists and offer its assistance to the City Council and staff in any way they could with respect to cycling in the City. MS. SUSAN MARIE WEBER, Palm Desert, addressed the City Council about transparency. Her first issue was meetings; she felt it was embarrassing to be one of two Coachella Valley cities that do not let the public see their City Council Meetings, especially when they are held at a time when people cannot take off work to attend. She questioned why the City Council was adamantly opposed to televising and felt the reason given from a 20-year-old survey was no longer valid. She wondered what it would take to understand that residents want to see Council Meetings on television and whether or not 100 signatures would suffice for this purpose. She believed that if meetings were shown live, it would create a great interest in City Government, especially if meetings occurred when more people could attend, acknowledging her appreciation for the various opportunities Palm Desert City Council offered for public comment. She asked for an agenda item in the near future so that the public could confirm its sentiment about televised meetings. Secondly, she addressed agenda packet information. She was totally embarrassed to see that the City of Indio has all of its Council packet information online for the public to access — total transparency — no secrets about the details in the Consent Calendar, no having to leave work in order to flip through the counter copy during City Hall hours or pay for copies in order to read what's going on at the 3 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 26, 2009 Council Meeting. It was inexcusable to her that any city in the Coachella Valley was giving its residents more convenience and information than Palm Desert. Thirdly, she addressed total financial transparency. She noted that the City of Nampa, Idaho, was disclosing its spending records on a website; every check, with the exception of payroll and any litigation settlements, and every credit card transaction appeared online for public scrutiny. She felt the City of Palm Desert should not only be meeting these levels of transparency but exceeding them; Palm Desert prides itself on being a leader, but right now, it was woefully behind the times. She elaborated that businesses didn't travel around the world to learn about issues such as solar power and landscaping —they utilized giant television screens and held virtual meetings —Palm Desert could be doing this so that not only all City employees would see what's going on, but everyone in the public could as well. She stated that Palm Desert needed to get with the times and could no longer do business the old- fashioned way, it was costly and inefficient — Palm Desert needed to be a totally transparent city and be a leader in this regard. Mayor Spiegel thanked Ms. Weber for her comments and asked Mrs. Gilligan to get in touch to discuss her requests. MR. DOUGLAS GALLOWAY, Palm Desert, said he represented PDYSA (Palm Desert Youth Sports Association), which was the baseball league in the City. He said after previously participating on the Palm Springs Parks & Recreation Commission and coaching several youth sports teams in the area, he was now teamed with League President, Richard Weintraub, and they worked to make Palm Desert's opening day this year very exciting and embarked on some pretty aggressive plans for it. He thanked Mayor Spiegel for participating in opening day this year, where the Marine Corps Band appeared, there was a plaque dedication to Steve Garvey, a 15-station carnival, and almost 2,000 people were fed during the day as well. Additionally, there was a military aircraft flyover precisely at the end of the National Anthem. He said with such ambitious plans, it took numerous meetings with the City's Parks & Recreation Director, and he publicly commended Janis Steele and her staff for their tremendous cooperation and assistance that he felt were above and beyond the call of duty, resulting in the overwhelming success of Palm Desert's Little League Baseball Opening Day 2009. Councilman Kelly agreed it was a terrific day and an impressive event that he looked forward to reading about the following day in The Desert Sun —happy families enjoying the day, lots of kids participating in Palm Desert's Civic Center Park —but he was very disappointed that there was no mention whatsoever there. IX. AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS, AND APPOINTMENTS A. PRESENTATION OF PROCLAMATION DECLARING APRIL 2009 AS "NATIONAL CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH" IN THE CITY OF PALM DESERT. 4 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 26, 2009 On behalf of the City Council, Mayor Spiegel presented the proclamation to Stephanie Herrington MSW, LCSW, member of the Child Abuse Council. MS. HERRINGTON presented the City Council with ink pens, blue ribbon pins, and posters, noting that the blue ribbon had been used for a number of years as the symbol for child abuse prevention after a grandmother lost her grandson to injuries inflicted by child abuse. She said the Prevent Child Abuse Coalition in the Coachella Valley also has a current campaign, billboards throughout the area calling attention to child abuse that happens to boys, since it is particularly under -reported compared to child abuse against girls. She thanked the City of Palm Desert for its tremendous support of the Coalition's mission over the years. She invited anyone to call her if they wanted more information and left one of her business cards with the City Clerk. B. APPOINTMENT TO THE ART IN PUBLIC PLACES COMMISSION. Councilmember Benson moved to, by Minute Motion, appoint Donna Jean Darby to the Art In Public Places Commission to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Kevin Grochau on this agenda (term 12/31/09). Motion was seconded by Finerty and carried by a 5-0 vote. X. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES of the Regular City Council Meeting of March 12, 2009. Removed for separate consideration under Section XI, Consent Items Held Over. Please see that portion of the Minutes for Council discussion and action. B. APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE by La Veranda European Bistro, 73-075 Highway 111, Palm Desert. Rec: Receive and file. C. APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE by Native Foods, 73-890 El Paseo, #R8, Palm Desert. Rec: Receive and file. D. APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE by Shadow Mountain Resort & Club, 45-750 San Luis Rey Avenue, Palm Desert. Rec: Receive and file. 5 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 26, 2009 E. APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE by Tilted Kilt, 72-191 Highway 111, Palm Desert. Rec: Receive and file. F. CITY COMMITTEE AND COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES. 1. Landscape Beautification Committee Meeting of January 21, 2009. 2. Parks & Recreation Commission Meetings of January 20, and February 3, 2009. 3. Public Safety Commission Meeting of February 11, 2009. Rec: Receive and file. G. LETTER OF RESIGNATION from Kevin Grochau — Art In Public Places Commission. Rec: Receive with very sincere regret. H. REQUEST FOR DECLARATION of Surplus Property and Disposal Authorization — Miscellaneous Electronic Office Equipment. Rec: By Minute Motion, declare items listed on the accompanying staff report's Exhibit "A" as surplus property and authorize disposal as appropriate. I. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION to Reject All Bids for the Maintenance and Conservation of the City of Palm Desert's Public Art Collection and to Re -advertise the Request for Proposals (RFP) (Contract No. C28720). Rec: By Minute Motion: 1) Reject all bids received for the Maintenance and Conservation of the City of Palm Desert's Public Art Collection and the El Paseo Invitational Exhibition; 2) direct staff to revise the RFP to include more definitive guidelines and criteria for maintenance of the City's Public Art Collection and re -advertise. J. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of the Purchase of 100 Safety Barriers for the Streets Maintenance Division. Rec: By Minute Motion, approve the purchase of 100 safety barriers from Armorcast Products Company, North Hollywood, California, in the amount of $21,442.25 — funds are available in Account No. 110-4310-433-3320 - Street Repair and Maintenance. 6 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 26, 2009 K. REQUEST FOR ACCEPTANCE OF WORK for Contract No. C23830B — Landscape Improvements on Fred Waring Drive Median Phase II (Project No. 955-08) (Sierra Landscape Company, 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. L. REQUEST FOR ACCEPTANCE OF WORK for Contract No. C28110 — Parks Office Remodeling Project (Simon Contracting, 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. M. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION to Release Letters of Credit for Oracle Plaza (Suresh Shah, Applicant). Rec: By Minute Motion, authorize release of the Letters of Credit held for the project known as Oracle Plaza. N. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION to Release Bonds for College View Estates II, Tract Map No. 30087 (College View Estates II, LLC, Applicant). Rec: By Minute Motion, authorize release of the bonds held for College View Estates II, Tract Map No. 30087. O. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION to Release Letters of Credit for Wal-Mart, Parcel Map No. 30502 (Wal-Mart, Applicant). Rec: By Minute Motion, authorize release of the Letters of Credit held for Wal-Mart, Parcel Map No. 30502. P. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION to Release Bonds for Rough Grading and Off -site Improvements for Paseo Village Development, Tract Map No. 31969 (Paseo Village Development, LLC, Applicant). Rec: By Minute Motion, authorize release of each of the bonds held for rough grading and off -site improvements, respectively, for Paseo Village Development, LLC, Tract Map No. 31969. Councilman Ferguson asked that Item A be removed for separate action under Section XI, Consent Items Held Over. Upon a motion by Kelly, second by Finerty and 5-0 vote of the City Council, the remainder of the Consent Calendar was approved as presented. 7 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 26, 2009 XI. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER A. MINUTES of the Regular City Council Meeting of March 12, 2009. Mayor Pro Tem Finerty moved to, by Minute Motion, approve the City Council Meeting Minutes of March 12, 2009. Motion was seconded by Spiegel and carried by a 4-0-1 vote, with Ferguson ABSTAINING. XII. RESOLUTIONS A. RESOLUTION NO. 09-16 - A RESOLUTION OF INTENTION TO APPROVE AN AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT BETWEEN THE BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION CALIFORNIA PUBLIC EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM (CALPERS) AND THE CTY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT. Mr. Wohlmuth stated staff's recommendation was for approval of the Resolution of Intent. He said CALPERS required that the City of Palm Desert announce the potential cost of the voluntary two-year early retirement program, which is $251,243, and the salary savings to the City would accrue to more than $4.5 million. He pointed out that it was not a first step to a lay off from the City of Palm Desert and reiterated it was a voluntary program for employees qualified to retire from CALPERS with a two-year additional service credit. If Council approved the Resolution, staff will work with employees to determine the level of interest and return with an ordinance at the appropriate time. Councilman Ferguson moved to waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 09-16. Motion was seconded by Finerty and carried by a 5-0 vote. B. RESOLUTION NO. 09-17 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, REGARDING RECEIPT AND DISTRIBUTION POLICY OF TICKETS AND/OR PASSES IN FURTHERANCE OF THE CITY'S PUBLIC PURPOSES. Mr. Erwin noted the staff report and offered to answer any questions. He said this Resolution would be a written policy that would be available on the City's website as required by the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC). He said the Resolution included new regulations that were somewhat more restrictive. Councilmember Benson moved to waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 09-17. Motion was seconded by Finerty and carried by a 5-0 vote. 8 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 26, 2009 XIII. ORDINANCES For Introduction: None For Adoption: None XIV. NEW BUSINESS A. RATIFICATION AND ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE CITY MANAGER AGREEMENT WITH JOHN M. WOHLMUTH EFFECTIVE FEBRUARY 1, 2009 (CONTRACT NO. C28520). Mr. Erwin noted he had advised the Council and The Desert Sun that he disagreed with what was necessary in this instance, but this argument was not one the City needed to carry further, and he didn't want there to be any doubt that the Council acted appropriately. He requested that Council approve the subject agreement with Mr. Wohlmuth, whose salary would be $215,000 a year with an auto allowance of $500 a month, plus the same benefits that are available to other City employees. Councilman Ferguson moved to, by Minute Motion, ratify approval of the subject contract with John M. Wohlmuth and resulting announcement of terms; to be adjusted upon review of the City Manager on an annual basis. Motion was seconded by Finerty and carried by a 5-0 vote. B. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION FOR THE DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TO REDUCE THE TRUST DEPOSIT FEE OF $2,915 TO $1,500 FOR PROCESSING OF A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT (CUP) TO OPERATE A "SHORT-TERM" RENTAL AT 77-040 UTAH CIRCLE, WHICH IS LOCATED IN THE R-1 9000 ZONE (SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL) (Lisa Theodoratus, Applicant). Associate Planner Renee Schrader noted that the staff report included a letter submitted by the homeowner. The Applicant Lisa Theodoratus was unable to attend, but a representative was present on her behalf. Councilman Kelly moved to, by Minute Motion, authorize reduction of the processing deposit to $1,500 for the Conditional Use Permit for a short-term rental in a single-family residential zone. 9 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 26, 2009 Mayor Spiegel asked about the people who were renting without a Conditional Use Permit (CUP). Ms. Aylaian stated this CUP was just recently brought to her attention as a result of the Applicant's request, and all the short-term rentals that paid Transient Occupancy Tax (T.O.T.) to the City have been identified. She also started identifying their location and checking the zoning area to see if short-term rental is permitted and following up on those issues. Responding to question, she said Code Enforcement, Planning Department, and Finance were working together on this matter. Further responding, she said staff was able to identify short-term rentals based on T.O.T. payments to the City. Mayor Pro Tem Finerty asked about those renters who were not paying T.O.T. Ms. Aylaian replied that occasionally those cases are reported by neighbors and are pursued as a Code Enforcement action. In addition, when short-term renters caused disruption within a neighborhood, the City usually receives a complaint and staff follows up. Councilmember Benson stated most short-term rentals turn out to be party houses and wondered if there was a list of conditions that must be applied. Ms. Aylaian stated staff identified for a particular property what was appropriate as far as how many vehicles, how many people, and what hours as part of the CUP process; limitations are placed that are specific to that residence. Further responding, she confirmed conditions would be developed for the Applicant for that location. Motion was seconded by Finerty and carried by a 5-0 vote. C. REQUEST FOR ADOPTION OF A CATEGORICAL EXEMPTION AND FILING OF NOTICE OF EXEMPTION FOR FIVE CONGESTION MITIGATION AND AIR QUALITY (CMAQ) FUNDED PROJECTS. Engineering Manager John Garcia noted the staff report and stated this was a preliminary California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) to submit the projects to Caltrans for approval. Further responding, he said this was a Categorical Exemption that fell within a category that's been determined there was no environmental impacts significant enough to go into any other steps. Mayor Spiegel stated the project included the City Signal Interconnect, Fred Waring at San Pascual Modification, Fred Waring/Monterey Avenue Turn Pockets, Highway 111 Improvements, and PM 10 Soil Stabilization. 10 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 26, 2009 Mr. Garcia agreed and added that these projects were previously awarded as California Association of Government (CVAG) projects Councilman Kelly moved to, by Minute Motion: 1) Adopt the Categorical Exemption for the City Signal Interconnect, Fred Waring at San Pascual Signal Modification, Fred Waring/Monterey Turn Pockets, Highway 111 Improvements, and the PM10 Soil Stabilization Projects; 2) authorize the Director of Public Works to execute and file the Notice of Exemption with the County Clerk. Motion was seconded by Finerty and carried by a 5-0 vote. D. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION FOR THE STATE -LEGISLATED "SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL" PROGRAM FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF SPEED LIMIT SIGNS ADJACENT TO SCHOOLS AND APPROVE THE EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS, WHICH WILL BE LARGELY REIMBURSED BY THE PROGRAM. Associate Transportation Planner Phil Joy stated staff was seeking Council's authorization to supply the matching funds for this program. He offered to answer any questions. Responding to question, he confirmed that all the schools in the City were included in the replacement of the speed limit signs, and the City would be reimbursed $166,320. Mayor Pro Tem Finerty moved to, by Minute Motion: 1) Authorize staff to apply for the State -legislated "Safe Routes To School" Program for the replacement of speed limit signs adjacent to schools; 2) approve the expenditure of $184,800 for the project, of which $166,320 will be reimbursed through the Program, resulting in a net expenditure of $18,480 — funds are available in Account No. 110-4250-433-2145 - Street Lights/Traffic Safety Supplies. Motion was seconded by Benson and carried by a 5-0 vote. E. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION TO SUBMIT "APPLICATION PART I" TO THE LEAGUE OF AMERICAN BICYCLISTS FOR CONSIDERATION OF DESIGNATION AS A BICYCLE FRIENDLY COMMUNITY AND DESIGNATE A BICYCLE COORDINATOR AND BICYCLE ADVISORY COMMITTEE. Assistant Planner Kevin Swartz noted the staff report and offered to answer any questions. Responding to question, he confirmed existing staff would serve on the Advisory Committee. Mayor Pro Tem Finerty moved to, by Minute Motion: 1) Authorize staff to submit "Application Part I" of the process to The League of American Bicyclists in becoming a Bicycle Friendly Community; 2) designate the Parks and Recreation Services Manager to be the City's Bicycle Coordinator; 3) designate the Parks & Recreation Commission to be the City's Bicycle Advisory Committee. Motion was seconded by Kelly. 11 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 26, 2009 Councilman Kelly volunteered to serve as Council liaison to the Bicycle Advisory Committee. Mayor Pro Tem Finerty amended her motion to include appointment of Councilman Kelly as Council liaison to the Bicycle Advisory Committee. Mayor Spiegel called for the vote, and the motion carried on a 5-0 vote. F. CONSIDERATION OF TERMINATION OF THE WASHINGTON STREET POLICE DEPARTMENT SUBSTATION LEASE. Mayor Pro Tem Finerty moved to, by Minute Motion, authorize termination of the Washington Street Police Department Substation Lease effective June 30, 2009. Motion was seconded by Kelly and carried by a 5-0 vote. G. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION TO ACQUIRE PROPERTY LOCATED IN FALCON CREST, 74-530 KING FISHER CIRCLE (APN 624-440-009), PALM DESERT (JOINT CONSIDERATION WITH THE PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY). Councilmember/Member Benson moved to, by Minute Motion: 1) Authorize acquisition of the subject propertyforthe purpose of retaining affordability covenants in the amount of $215,744 plus reasonable closing costs and commissions, if necessary, in anticipation of the expiration of the 45-day First Right -of -Refusal period; 2) approve Agency Silent Second and City "BEGIN" Third Trust Deed in amounts necessary to secure an affordable housing cost pursuant to Redevelopment Law for either a direct sale or Agency sale from Housing Set -aside Fund and BEGIN Program monies; 3) authorize the Director of Finance to appropriate and draw monies to facilitate the transaction from the Housing Set -aside Fund and the BEGIN Program Fund; 4) authorize the Executive Director or his designee to execute any documents necessary to facilitate this transaction. Motion was seconded by Finerty and carried by a 5-0 vote. XV. CONTINUED BUSINESS None 12 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 26, 2009 XVI. OLD BUSINESS A. UPDATE ON THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY, AND PALM DESERT HOUSING AUTHORITY STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES (JOINT CONSIDERATION WITH THE PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AND THE PALM DESERT HOUSING AUTHORITY). Mayor Pro Tem/Vice Chairman Finerty moved to, by Minute Motion, receive and file the Update on the City of Paim Desert, Palm Desert Redevelopment Agency, and Paim Desert Housing Authority Strategic Objectives. Motion was seconded by Kelly and carried by a 5-0 vote. XVII. PUBLIC HEARINGS None XVIII. REPORTS AND REMARKS A. CITY MANAGER None B. CITY ATTORNEY None C. CITY CLERK 1. Announcement of Upcoming City Council Study Sessions for Work on the City's Financial Plan Fiscal Year 2009-2010: a) April 3, 2009 - 9:00 a.m., Administrative Conference Room b) April 8, 2009 - 8:00 a.m., Administrative Conference Room c) April 24, 2009 - 9:00 a.m., Administrative Conference Room Councilmembers acknowledged the schedule of upcoming Study Sessions. D. PUBLIC SAFETY o Fire Department On behalf of Chief Brooker, who was called out of the meeting, Senior Management Analyst Ryan Stendell announced upcoming CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) Training Classes that have 13 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 26, 2009 been scheduled at College of the Desert, with sessions April 13, 14, and 15, and April 24, 25, and 26. He said they were basic emergency preparedness classes that included community organization and incident command systems, medical and triage, search and rescue, damage assessment, and basic fire safety training. He said staff looked forward to seeing all City Councilmembers who wished to take the course, and he would provide information to their secretary for doing so. o Police Department Lt. Shouse commented that with regard to the officers killed in the line of duty in Oakland earlier this week, the Riverside County Sheriff's Department was sending a contingent of personnel to the services; they will be representing the Sheriff's Department and each individual contract city. E. MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL o City Council Requests for Action: 1. Reauest for Discussion Regarding Freedom Park (Councilmember Jean M. Benson). Councilmember Benson stated that a constituent from the Resorter Country Club asked if perhaps the tennis courts at Freedom Park could be marked for Pickleball. The constituent related that it wouldn't hurt the tennis aspect, and since the courts at Cahuilla Park had been approved for Pickleball, she hoped one of the courts at Freedom Park could be as well. There were many residents of the Resorter who used to play tennis and now play Pickleball because it was less physically demanding for older players. Parks Facilities Manager Jay Niemczak agreed to look into this request. Mayor Spiegel added that the City was also looking to put in a couple of Pickleball Courts in another location besides Cahuilla Park. Councilman Kelly suggested having a Pickleball demonstration sometime so everyone could see what was involved. 14 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 26, 2009 o City Council Committee Reports: 1. Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) As the City's representative to RCTC, Councilman Kelly reported that there were still some complications being resolved with the Federal Stimulus Package, but the Bill was in process in Sacramento. At this time, it looks like Riverside County is going to receive $71 million; the two projects included are the 1-10/Palm Drive and 1-1 0/Bob Hope Interchanges. He believed many constituents used the 1-10/Bob Hope Interchange; and even if not, it will still relieve some of the congestion at Monterey Avenue. Councilmembers agreed that was good news and were thankful for the funds that will assist Palm Desert's neighboring cities. Mayor Spiegel went on to credit Councilman Kelly's representation at RCTC for Palm Desert being able to get its Interchanges done at Monterey Avenue, Cook Street, and Washington Street over 10 years ago. o City Council Comments: None XIX. ADJOURNMENT Upon a motion by Finerty, second by Benson, and unanimous vote of the City Council, Mayor Spiegel adjourned the meeting at 4:34 p.m. ATTEST: RACE ELLE D. �" EN, ITY CLE K CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA ROBERT A. SPIE , %$Y9'R 15