HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-06-10MINUTES
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING
THURSDAY, JUNE 10, 2010
CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBER
73510 FRED WARING DRIVE, PALM DESERT, CA 92260
I. CALL TO ORDER - 3:00 P.M.
Mayor Finerty convened the meeting at 3:00 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL
Present:
Councilmember Jean M. Benson
Mayor Pro Tem Jim Ferguson
Councilman Richard S. Kelly
Councilman Robert A. Spiegel
Mayor Cindy Finerty
Also Present:
Justin McCarthy, Acting City Manager/RDA Executive Director
David J. Ervdln, City Attorney
Stephen Y. Aryan, Assistant to the City Manager
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
Bo Chen, City Engineer
Frankie Riddle, Director of Special Programs
Bill Hunley, Battalion Chief, Palm Desert Fire/Riverside Co. Fire Dept./Cal Fire
Dorian Cooley, Division Chief, Palm Desert Fire/Riverside Co. Fire Dept./Cal Fire
Andrew Shouse, Asst. Chief, Palm Desert Police/Riverside Co. Sheriffs Dept.
Grace L. Mendoza, Deputy City Clerk
III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - A (CLOSED SESSION ITEMS)
None
MINUTES
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JUNE 10, 2010
IV. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION
Request for Closed Session:
Conference with Real Property Negotiator pursuant to Government Code
Section 54956.8:
1) Property: APN 628-130-015
Negotiating Parties:
Agency: John M. Wohlmuth/Lauri Aylaian/City of Palm Desert/
Palm Desert Redevelopment Agency
Property Owner: Barracuda, LLC
Under Negotiation: x Price x Terms of Payment
2) Property: APN 628-130-008
Negotiating Parties:
Agency: John M. Wohlmuth/Lauri Aylaian/City of Palm Desert/
Palm Desert Redevelopment Agency
Property Owner: David Nelson
Under Negotiation: x Price x Terms of Payment
3) Property: 72559 - 72567 Highway 111, Palm Desert
(APNs 640-370-015, 640-320-004)
Negotiating Parties:
Agency: John M. Wohlmuth/Justin McCarthy/City of Palm Desert/
Paim Desert Redevelopment Agency
Property Owner: City of Palm Desert
Other Parties: Palm Springs Art Museum
Under Negotiation: x Price x Terms of Payment
4) Property: Lease Property - 73-470 El Paseo, Suite No. 13, Palm Desert
(APN 627-202-010)
Negotiating Parties:
Agency: John M. Wohlmuth/Justin McCarthy/City of Paim Desert/
Palm Desert Redevelopment Agency
Property Owner: El Paseo Square, LLC
Under Negotiation: x Price x Terms of Payment
5) Property: APN 637-242-004
Negotiating Parties:
Agency: John M. Wohlmuth/Justin McCarthy/Janet Moore/
City of Palm Desert/Palm Desert Redevelopment Agency
Property Owner: Bank of New York
Under Negotiation: x Price x Terms of Payment
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JUNE 10, 2010
6) Property: APN 625-031-015
Negotiating Parties:
Agency: John M. Wohlmuth/Justin McCarthy/Janet Moore/
City of Palm Desert/Palm Desert Redevelopment Agency
Property Owner: Deutsche Bank
Under Negotiation: x Price
x Terms of Payment
7) Property: APNs 627-051-022, 625-064-016, 619-571-014
Negotiating Parties:
Agency: John M. Wohlmuth/Justin McCarthy/Janet Moore/
City of Palm Desert/Palm Desert Redevelopment Agency
Property Owner: Fannie Mae
Under Negotiation: x Price
x Terms of Payment
8) Property: APN 625-062-029
Negotiating Parties:
Agency: John M. Wohlmuth/Justin McCarthy/Janet Moore/
City of Palm Desert/Palm Desert Redevelopment Agency
Property Owner: Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp.
Under Negotiation: x Price x Terms of Payment
9) Property: APN 625-061-003
Negotiating Parties:
Agency: John M. Wohlmuth/Justin
City of Palm Desert/Palm
Property Owner: LaSalle Bank
Under Negotiation: x Price
McCarthy/Janet Moore/
Desert Redevelopment Agency
x Terms of Payment
10) Property: APN 627-153-003
Negotiating Parties:
Agency: John M. Wohlmuth/Justin McCarthy/Janet Moore/
City of Palm Desert/Palm Desert Redevelopment Agency
Property Owner: US Bank
Under Negotiation: x Price
x Terms of Payment
11) Property: APNs 625-062-012, 637-262-017
Negotiating Parties:
Agency: John M. Wohlmuth/Justin McCarthy/Janet Moore/
City of Palm Desert/Palm Desert Redevelopment Agency
Property Owner: Wells Fargo
Under Negotiation: x Price
x Terms of Payment
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JUNE 10, 2010
12) Property: APNs 694-170-014, 694-170-023
Negotiating Parties:
Agency: John M. Wohlmuth/Lauri Aylaian/City of Palm Desert
Property Owner: City of Palm Desert
Other Parties: Neil Bramdon/Emerald Brook, LLC
Under Negotiation: x Price x Terms of Payment
NOTE: THE FOLLOWING ITEM WAS LISTED ON AN AGENDA ADDENDUM POSTED
72 HOURS PRIOR TO THE MEETING.
Conference with Legal Counsel regarding existing litigation pursuant to
Government Code Section 54956.9(a):
a) PDCC Development LLC, Petition for Bankruptcy, United States
Bankruptcy Court, Central District of California.
Conference with Legal Counsel regarding significant exposure to litigation
pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(b):
Number of potential cases: 2
Upon a motion by Ferguson, second by Benson, and 5-0 vote of the City Council,
Mayor Finerty adjourned the meeting to Closed Session at 3:01 p.m. She 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 TO THE FLAG OF
THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - Mayor Cindy Finerty
VII. INVOCATION - Councilman Robert A. Spiegel
VIII. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - B
MR. PETER RITTENHOUSE, Executive Director of the Joslyn Center, stated they held their
third joint activity with the Youth Committee and seniors last week, and it was an
overwhelming success. He believed merging the two generations was good for both
groups, because often seniors have an impression of the younger generation that's not so
favorable, but the twenty youth members who participated were a wonderful example of
what is right with that generation. He said they were smart, polite, courteous, and kind to
seniors, and it was a pleasure to have them. He thanked the City Council for supporting
the activity and stated Director of Special Programs Frankie Riddle and Administrative
Secretary Amy Lawrence did a great job of putting on the activity with them.
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JUNE 10, 2010
MR. JOHN MARMAN, President of the Sister Cities Foundation, formally invited the City
Council to a reception for some of their Sister Cities teachers from Gisborne, New Zealand.
The teachers were in Palm Desert to do the Aesthetic Education Program at the
McCallum Theatre, which had been done since 2002. The program begins on
Monday and the teachers plan to stay for ten days. The reception will be held at the
McIntosh House on Saturday, June 19, 2010, at 5:00 p.m. followed by a no -host
dinner.
MR. ROB BALLEW, Family YMCA of the Desert, Palm Desert, stated he had the
pleasure of watching three different preschools in the valley graduate, one of which
was the Jean M. Benson Childcare Center. He said 56 children graduated in their
caps and gowns, sang songs, and had a wonderful experience, which the City
helped provide. Additionally, he thanked the City Council for the great program at
Lincoln Elementary School, which was initiated a few years ago. Those children
had a wonderful year and wonderful experience.
IX. AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS, AND APPOINTMENTS
A. PRESENTATION TO RECOGNIZE ROBERT DUNCAN FOR HIS SERVICE
TO THE CITY OF PALM DESERT AND ITS CITIZENS' ADVISORY
COMMITTEE FOR PROJECT AREA NO. 4.
On behalf of the City Council, Mayor Finerty presented an engraved crystal
clock to Mr. Robert Duncan in appreciation for the time and input he provided
to the Project Area No. 4 Committee.
Mr. Duncan thanked the City Council for the opportunity to be part of the
Area 4 work, because it was important to him as he lived in that area. He
said the Committee had some significant issues and thanked the City
Council for the opportunity to serve. Additionally, he thanked his care giver
who accompanied him, stating she helped him recover and kept him moving.
He stated he hoped to return one day to do something else for the City,
because he loved living in Palm Desert; it was a wonderful place to live.
Mayor Finerty thanked him for his comments and care giver as well.
X. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. MINUTES of the Regular City Council Meeting of May 27, 2010.
Rec: Approve as presented.
Approved. 4-0-1 (Ferguson ABSTAINING)
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B. CLAIMS AND DEMANDS AGAINST THE CITY TREASURY - Warrant
Nos. 230, 239, and 240.
Rec: Approve as presented.
C. COMPLIANCE ANALYSIS AND INVESTMENT REPORTS for the Month of
April 2010 (Joint Consideration with the Palm Desert Redevelopment
Agency).
Rec: Receive and file.
D. CITY COMMITTEE AND COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES.
1. Audit, Investment & Finance Committee Meetings of February 23,
2010, March 23, 2010, and April 27, 2010.
2. Cultural Resources Preservation Committee Meeting of April 27,
2010.
3. Landscape Beautification Committee Meeting of March 17, 2010.
4. Marketing Committee Meeting of April 20, 2010.
5. Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting of May 18, 2010.
Rec: Receive and file.
E. RESOLUTION NO. 2010 - 38 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of
Palm Desert, California, Setting Forth Its Findings and Authorizing the
Destruction of Files from the Code Compliance Department that Have Been
Digitally Imaged (Files Dated 2007).
Rec: Waive further reading and adopt.
F. REQUEST FOR DECLARATION of Surplus Property and Authorization for
Disposal — Miscellaneous Computer and Electronic Equipment.
Rec: By Minute Motion, declare items listed on the accompanying staff
report's Exhibit "A" as surplus and authorize disposal as appropriate.
G. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of Vendors for Equipment and Rental Services
for the Public Works Department — Fiscal Year 2010-2011.
Rec: By Minute Motion, approve the use of Elms Equipment Rental, Inc.,
Indio, California; Clairemont Equipment, Indio, California; United
Rentals, Cathedral City, California; and Johnson Rental Services,
Indio, California, to provide equipment rental services to the City for
FY 2010-2011 — funds are budgeted in General Fund Account
No. 110-4331-413-3430.
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H. REQUEST FOR WAIVER of Business License Requirement for Community
Gardens, Youth Committee, and Citizens On Patrol Lecturers.
Rec: By Minute Motion, waive the City Business License Requirement for
speakers that provide presentations to the Community Gardens
Group, Youth Committee, and Citizens On Patrol.
Mayor Pro Tem Ferguson stated he would be abstaining on Item A.
Upon motion by Ferguson, second by Spiegel, and 5-0 vote of the City Council, with
Ferguson ABSTAINING on Item A, the remainder of the Consent Calendar was approved
as presented.
XI. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER
None
XII. RESOLUTIONS
None
XIII. ORDINANCES
For Introduction:
A. ORDINANCE NO. 1214 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING
CHAPTER 11.01 OF THE PALM DESERT MUNICIPAL CODE -
GENERAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO PARKS /TRAILS MANAGEMENT.
Senior Management Analyst Ryan Stendell noted the staff report and offered
to answer any questions on specific recommended changes.
Councilman Spiegel stated this was something the Park and Recreation
Commission approved, because it was necessary to make the City
Ordinance reflect the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) laws for the
Bighorn sheep.
Councilman Spiegel moved to waive further reading and pass Ordinance No. 1214
to second reading. Motion was seconded by Benson.
Mayor Pro Tem Ferguson asked Mayor Finerty if this was something the
Coachella Valley Conservation Committee (CVCC) had reviewed or
advocated, and he was asking the Mayor since she was the City's
representative on the CVCC.
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JUNE 10, 2010
Mayor Finerty responded the CVCC had not reviewed it.
Mayor Pro Tem Ferguson asked if she was urging the cities to conform its
role to those of the Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP) on
trails.
Mayor Finerty answered yes, stating she believed this Ordinance would
accomplish the goal.
Mayor Finerty called for the vote, and the motion carried by a 5-0 vote.
For Adoption:
None
XIV. NEW BUSINESS
A. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF FUNDS FOR ANNUAL COMPUTER
SOFTWARE MAINTENANCE WITH SUNGARD PUBLIC SECTOR IN THE
AMOUNT OF $57,493.13.
Information Systems Manager Clayton Von Helf noted the staff report and
offered to answer any questions.
Councilman Spiegel stated if the City went out to bid, it would be more
expensive because everything may need to be reconfigured.
Mr. Von Helf agreed.
Councilman Spiegel moved to, by Minute Motion, approve payment to Sungard
Public Sector in the amount of $57,493.13 to provide computer software maintenance to
the City for one year —funds are available in Account No. 110-4190-415-3360. Motion was
seconded by Benson and carried by a 5-0 vote.
B. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF CONTRACT FOR TIME WARNER
INTERNET CONNECTION UPGRADE FROM BUSINESS CLASS CABLE
TO FIBER OPTIC CONNECTION IN THE AMOUNT OF $10,740
(CONTRACT NO. C29840).
Councilman Spiegel stated this item was not just for $10,000, because in the
end it will cost almost $80,000.
Information Systems Manager Clayton Von Helf responded the amount being
approved this evening was only for the $10,740 per year contract. The
overall project for the Wi-Fi on El Paseo will be closer to $80,000. He will be
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JUNE 10, 2010
returning to the Council with an actionable item for purchase of equipment
in July.
Councilman Spiegel asked if this was necessary.
Mr. Von Helf stated a lot of cities were doing similar Wi-Fi hot spots in
congregated outdoor areas, parks, and civic center buildings. Further
responding, he said Starbucks and other stores provided Wi-Fi for their
customers.
Mayor Finerty stated she believed the funds were set aside.
Mr. Von Helf concurred, stating the funds were set aside for next year's
budget.
Mayor Pro Tem Ferguson stated when one plugged into the network it will
say "Welcome to Palm Desert," not Starbucks or Westfied, etc., providing a
broader range and scope where one could plug in anywhere down the
commercial corridor. He said it will be a great marketing tool for the City.
Mr. Von Helf agreed, stating this would also lay the foundation if the City
wanted to expand in the future.
Mayor Pro Tem Ferguson moved to, by Minute Motion, approve the subject contract
with Time Warner for Internet service in the amount of $10,740 per year — funds are
available in the FY 2010-2011 Budget in Account No. 110-4190-415-3650.
Councilmember Benson stated that Phase III indicated more access points
would be added to expand the Wi-Fi zone along El Paseo to run from
Highway 74 to Portola Avenue. She asked if the Council will be able to see
where the equipment will be placed, because she didn't want it to be
obnoxious looking.
Mr. Von Helf responded the access points would be hidden, stating they
were small antennas that will be sticking over the facade of the building and
painted to match the color of the building. He said the antennas will be
almost invisible. Further responding, he said Phase II will cover The
Gardens I and II from San Pablo toward Highway 74, which will include the
Daily Grill. Phase III will include San Pablo, the opposite way toward Portola
Avenue. However, the Council would only be taking action on the internet
upgrade for City Hall this evening, which was Phase I. At a later time, he will
return to Council for a request to purchase equipment that will broadcast the
signal down San Pablo to El Paseo.
Councilman Kelly asked what it will cost the City.
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JUNE 10, 2010
Mr. Von Helf responded this evening's request was only for the intemet
upgrade in the amount of $10,740 per year, but the approximate cost for all
three phases was approximately $80,000. He said the end cost depended
on the size of the area the Council wanted to cover or how dense that
coverage should be.
Mayor Finerty said the staff report indicated that a business class cable
(Roadrunner) internet connection was currently being used at City Hall at a
cost of $5,500 per year. So in essence, the City was upgrading the system
for an extra $5,000.
Mr. Von Helf answered yes.
Councilman Kelly asked if approval this evening was an indication that the
rest of the phases would be approved.
Mr. Von Helf answered no.
Councilmember Benson seconded the motion and it carried on a 4-1 vote, with
Spiegel voting NO.
C. REQUEST FOR EXTENSION OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICE CONTRACTS
FOR BUILDING AND SAFETY PLAN REVIEW SERVICES — FISCAL YEAR
2010-2011.
Councilman Spiegel asked if these contracts were needed when there was
a lack of construction.
Mr. Grance responded services were used primarily when dealing with
complex projects for structural review only. The balance of the plan reviews
were done in-house.
Councilmember Benson stated all three vendors were located outside the
area and questioned if there was anyone in Palm Desert that could provide
this service.
Mr. Grance stated when the City went out for Request for Proposal (RFP) for
this current contract, it was broadcast throughout southern California.
Mayor Finerty noted the staff report indicated there were 727 plan reviews
with only eleven projects being sent to a consultant at a cost of $23,000, so
the $30,000 was just the cap.
Mr. Grance agreed, stating the funds would only be used on a needed basis.
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JUNE 10, 2010
Councilman Spiegel moved to, by Minute Motion, extend the following Professional
Service Agreements for Building Plan Review Services FY 2010-2011: 1) Scott Fazekas
& Associates, Irvine, California (Contract No. C29041A); 2) Interwest Consulting Group,
Long Beach, Califomia (Contract No. C29041 B); 3) Willdan Engineering, San Bernardino,
California (Contract No. C29041 C) — in a total amount not to exceed $30,000 — funds will
be available in Account No. 110-4420-422-3010. Motion was seconded by Kelly and
carried by a 5-0 vote.
NOTE: THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WERE LISTED ON AN AGENDA ADDENDUM
POSTED 72 HOURS PRIOR TO THE MEETING.
D. CONSIDERATION OF LEASE WITH PALM SPRINGS ART MUSEUM AT
ENTRADA DEL PASEO (CONTRACT NO. C29860).
Following is a verbatim transcript of the discussion and action taken for New
Business Item D.
Key
CF Cindy Finerty, Mayor
JF Jim Ferguson, Mayor Pro Tem
DJE David J. Erwin, City Attorney
GLM Grace L. Mendoza, Deputy City Clerk
JM Justin McCarthy, Acting City Manager
RAS Robert A. Spiegel, Councilman
JMB Jean M. Benson, Councilmember
DS Deborah Schwartz, Public Arts Coordinator
HM Harold Mayerman, Chairman of the Palm Springs Art Museum
RSK Richard S. Kelly, Councilman
JH Jim Houston, Palm Springs
CF Okay next item is New Business, consideration of lease with Palm Springs Art
Museum at Entrada Del Paseo, Contract Number C29860.
JF Can I have a staff report?
DJE This is the Ordinance that...as originated in the Planning Commission...Mayor and
Members of the Council...
CF No, I think were...New Business Item D of the Addendum. Isn't that where we go?
GLM Yes.
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JUNE 10, 2010
CF And continuing on to New Business correct?
GLM Correct.
JF Yes.
CF Which is consideration of lease with Palm Springs Art Museum.
JM I'll speak to that issue. Basically staff has been negotiating a lease agreement for
the Visitor Center with the Palm Springs Art Museum. They've expressed an
interest in occupying that premise and bringing art displays, classes, and other
types of art services to that location. We've basically come pretty close to
negotiating a draft lease...we would kind of like to see if the Council would be
admenable to author —authorizing us to proceed to negotiate that, subject to the City
Attorney and the City Manager's review and ultimate execution, or if the City Council
would like us to prepare a full document and bring it back for their consideration.
RAS When this was discussed in Closed Session, there were like three things, I think that
we were concerned about.
JM Yes sir.
RAS One was a minimum of three years I believe.
JM Yes sir.
RAS Two was that the Museum out here be open six days a week, but always opened
on Saturday or Sunday, unless it was a holiday. And three, that the sculpture
display not include El Paseo. Is that correct?
JM I think the...I believe the El Paseo might not been part of it. The...though there was
a concern that the...the City's art commission and City Council review art that is
displayed in the public domain like Eric, Eric Johnson Gardens, things of that
nature.
CF Would it make sense to have a representative from the Art Museum on AIPP.
JM That would be a policy decision and...I could see no objection to it. I can't really
speak to it, and we have, I think Deborah is moving forward here.
CF Okay.
JMB We already have...
JM You have some commentary on that.
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CF Okay well we...
DS I did. Katherine Hough is one of the curators at the Museum and has been on the
Commission for years, and as far as I know will continue to be.
CF Continue to be, okay great. Thank you.
JM We also have a number of representatives of the Museum in attendance.
CF Okay.
RAS Would any of them want to address the concerns that we have?
HM . Mayor, Councilmembers...
CF Please state your name and address for the record.
HM Harold Mayerman, I am the Chairman of the Art Museum.
CF Okay. What days of the week typically do you operate?
HM We operate everyday except Mondays during the summer.
RSK Pull the mic up there.
HM We operate everyday of the week except Mondays during the summer.
CF Monday's the day off?
HM Yes.
CF Okay.
RAS So you'll be opening, open on Saturday and Sunday out here?
HM Yes. Big days.
RSK Well, can I ask a question?
CF Sure.
RSK I noticed in the summary there, there was...no commitment how long that you
might...commit to when you move in, and do you have a problem with committing
to...a three-year stay and some kind of guarantee that we'd be sure that when you
moved in, you'll be there at least three years?
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HM I think it all depends to the achievement of our financial plans for the, for the facility
here. I think if we felt that we had the proper financing in place, which is, would be
a condition of the lease that we would —are discussing about, and clearly we would
not have a problem with that.
RSK You have a problem with that?
HM We would not have a problem.
RSK Oh, you would not have a problem with the three years?
HM As long as we have the financing in place to achieve that, to do...
RSK How do we assure that before we make the agreement?
HM Before we can really raise financing and funding for the facility, we need to be sure
that we have a transaction here with the City. After we have that, then I think we
can go out and try to raise funding for this facility. And, and there is a matter —some
urgency here, because for the exhibition that we would envisioned to be here, we
invariably need to negotiate and plan and prepay for that (unclear) two years in
advance. So...
RSK It's kind, it's kind of a catch 22 I guess, because we love you, and you have a
gorgeous beautiful museum there, and we would love to have you here, but at the
same time we have to put our business hat on, and we've gotten in a lot of trouble
over the years. I've been here to help get into trouble, and so one thing we've
found, it's, it's nice to have some kind of commitment guarantee...that you're gonna'
have at least a certain length of time. If you are here three years and you
know...you just decide to move, will at least ,we would have had some benefit from
all the things we've gone through. So, it seems three years wouldn't be that much
to ask for some kind of commitment.
HM What we —we are Councilman Kelly, first of all thank you for your kind comments.
hope that everyone heard those and you're welcome to come to the Museum.
(Laughter) We would not enter into an arrangement such as this, which would
require an awful lot of investment in terms of resources on our part, unless we felt
that we were at least committed to, at least committed to three years if not more.
Is that...
RSK Well no, you're not saying, you're not saying, okay we'll commit to three years?
HM Well because we need to have our financing in place.
JMB Well they won't move in until they have the financing in place and the tenant
improvements anyway.
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HM That's exactly, yes. That's correct.
JF Well at least in the draft lease that I got in my packet, you're committing to five
years not three years, and you're getting five, five-year options for a total of a
thirty-year lease. So it doesn't seem to me that you're, you're at all waffling. And....I
just want to make sure that, that you're commitment is, is long term. I mean we're
not talking about three years, we're talking about thirty years if things go the way
you want them to go.
HM Absolutely. I, I just don't believe that we would...even consider this if we thought it
would be a three-year commitment. We are looking at five years plus five years
extension.
RSK Why is that, why is that line in there that, that either...
RAS They can opt out...
RSK that you can pull out the first year?
RAS after the first —during the first year.
HM Bob this is, this would be the year before we would open. In other words, we would
not open until we have financing in place.
RSK But once you're in place, that doesn't include that?
JF Right.
RAS Once you're in place...
RSK What we have here is a line item that says you have the right to pull out within one
year.
HM Only that first year, only that first year.
RSK First year before your move in?
HM No, no, we would envisioned that we would make use of the facility, starting I
believe, we talked about August 1st. We would have a chance to show our donors
and we would be able to look at the facility and look at the exhibitions that would fit.
We would do all sorts of things to make sure that we would get the funding in place,
and once when that was in place, we will be ready to go. So that one year
does —basically drops away, but we would feel we need a year to get it done.
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JH Can I help?
HM Of course, what can I say. (Laughter)
CF We would be honored.
JH Keep your hand around my shoulder
HM Okay.
JH I'm Jim Houston from Palm Springs.
RSK Make sure you talk into the microphone. I got both hearing aids in so I did my part,
now you have to do yours. (Laughter)
JH Okay. A couple of issues, the idea of the year was that we got to get our ducks in
a row, and we have a year to do it, but we're not gonna' spend —we're not gonna'
spend any money, in terms of start working on the building or anything like that until
we're sure we have those ducks in a row. And I think, from our standpoint, we
would be prepared to say, once we're ready to start, if it's six months, nine months,
three weeks, whatever, then that means we're committed. Once we're committed,
the idea of being committed for three years is not gonna' be a big deal. We'll
commit for three years because we expect to be there for five, five, five, and that's
the way we're gonna' go, but....what he's talking about we have to put all these
ducks in a row. Once we say we're gonna' go, we're gonna' go, but we won't touch
the building or do anything to it until we're ready to do that, and the way it was
proposed was that we had up to a year to put all that stuff together. But once we
start, then we can, I think we can say that closure time in order to do the work, start
the lease, and make a commitment for three years...
RSK Well that comes out a lot better than the line item we had...
JH Well I understand that, but I'm trying to clarify the situation.
RSK Well you did, I'm just telling you —you did.
JH Okay, and, and, I somehow feel I just stuck my foot in, in terms of almost
guaranteeing.... (Laughter)
(Unclear)
RAS Let me ask you...let me ask you a question. Is what Mr. Houston is saying, that
once we go into that building, and we start making it into a museum, then three
years is not, not a problem?
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JH Not a problem.
RAS But if we don't go into the building, than you can opt out?
JH Right.
RAS That's fine.
JH Yes.
RSK That sounds a lot better.
JH That's, that's the intent.
RSK Alright.
JM Can I get a clarification please?
JH Yes.
JM I just wanna' make sure that —you did, did you want to at least occupy the building
like on a month to month basis in anticipation of your permanent lease?
JF Wait a minute, let me...
JM I just want to kind of understand.
JF Let me clarify your clarification.
JM Thank you.
JF Because my, my understanding is you execute this lease you got, you're signing up
for a five-year term unless you opt out in the first year?
JH Correct.
JF And you've agreed not to make any changes to the building until you got sufficient
financing.
JH Exactly.
JF Presumably you'll notify, and we can put in the lease that you'll notify the City in
writing, "we're ready to commence making changes to the building, and we're ready
to move forward." In the meantime, you have full occupancy of the building and the
garden, you will hold fund raisers there, you will show donors what your plans are,
your blue prints, what your hopes are, what you envision, the sculpture garden and
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the different types of things, and you'll actually use the facility to help raise the very
money you need to do the tenant improvements to the facility to get to the point
where you can give us written notice that you're gonna' start making improvements?
HM I couldn't have said it any better.
JF And, and if the economy goes into the toilet or something happens even worse, and
you're physically incapable of doing that a year from now, you have the right of not
over extending your mother ship, as you put it, in Palm Springs. And you can say,
sorry Palm Desert we simply can't do it financially, just within that first year.
HM That's exactly right, exactly right.
JF Okay.
RAS Okay.
CF Excellent. Any other questions?
RSK I think I'm satisfied with my concerns.
JF Okay.
CF Okay. Then..
JF And...let's see...and we are just talking about the sculptures in the Eric Johnson
Gardens. I think there was a typo in our staff report that said something about the
El Paseo sculptures, and that's not...
HM No, it's just in the immediate approximate area.
JF Okay.
RAS I'll move approval.
JF I'll second.
CF Please vote.
GLM For clarification, what is the motion, 'cause the motion, the motion...
JF The motion is to, if you, the motion maker doesn't mind me restating it, is contained
in, is to authorize the City Manager and the City Attorney to execute, finalize and
execute the lease according to the term sheet that was given to us in Closed
Session with the following modifications: Number 7, that they be open at least on
Saturday and Sunday.
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RAS Unless it's a holiday.
JF Unless it's a holiday.
JF That....number 8 be retained, but explained that it is for the purpose of fund raising
and that they will give written notice to the City when they are ready to commence
tenant improvements, and that upon notice to the City of tenant improvements, that
their lease will vest and they will be bound by its terms, at least for the first five-year
term.
RAS Three years.
RSK We said five.
JF It's a five-year term.
RAS It's a five-year term, but we said that they couldn't get out...
RSK Well we got five.
JF Yeah that's right, we got five. That they will have a representative on Art in Public
Places, even thought we have one, which should be made clear. And that...it's
already in the lease, but we'll make clear that any changes to the Eric Johnson
Gardens will require City Council approval and that includes pad locations and any
alterations. Is that okay?
GLM Yes.
JF Okay.
CF Okay so we have a motion and second.
GLM And I have you as abstaining at the moment Mr. Ferguson.
JF No, I hit the...
GLM Motion carried by unanimous vote.
CF Excellent.
JF Thank you.
CF Welcome. Thank you very much, and we're very pleased to have you as part of our
City.
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JF We are glad to have you in our City.
CF Thank you for taking the time to come today, we really appreciate that.
For purposes of clarification the motion is:
Councilman Spiegel moved to, by Minute Motion, authorize the City Manager and
City Attorney to finalize and execute a lease agreement between the City of Palm Desert
and Palm Springs Art Museum for the building at Entrada Del Paseo, Palm Desert,
according to the lease terms presented in Closed Session with the following modifications:
A) Lease Term No. 7 - Days of operation will be six days a week and opened Saturdays
and Sundays except on holidays; B) Lease Term No. 8 - The Palm Springs Art Museum
will have full occupancy of the building and garden for the purpose of conducting fund
raisers with the option to opt out within one year on the condition they provide written
notice to the City regarding commencement of tenant improvements, and upon notice of
same, the lease will vest and be bound by its terms for the first five years; C) Lease Term
No. 9 - Sculpture Displays - Any changes to the Eric Johnson Gardens will require City
Council approval, which will include pad locations and alterations; D) Lease Term No.10 -
The Art in Public Places Commission will include a representative from the Palm Springs
Art Museum. Motion was seconded by Ferguson and carried by a 5-0 vote.
E. CONSIDERATION OF A PRIVATE IMPROVEMENT AGREEMENT
BETWEEN THE CITY OF PALM DESERT AND GID MONTEREY, LLC, TO
ASSURE COMPLETION OF CERTAIN PRIVATE IMPROVEMENTS AT THE
RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT KNOWN AS MONTEREY RIDGE
(CONTRACT NO. C29870).
Mayor Pro Tem Ferguson stated he would need a staff report on this item,
because he didn't read it.
Ms. Aylaian stated the development that was known as Falling Waters when
it bankrupt several years ago was subsequently acquired by a new firm who
was working to complete the units and the project amenities. They are
almost complete with the number of buildings, but haven't actually received
Certificate of Occupancy on any of them. They have a number of buyers for
the units who are trying to take advantage of the Federal Tax Incentives if
they close their sale/escrow by June 30. This agreement would allow them
to obtain the Certificate of Occupancy, while putting money into a separate
account that would ensure completion of the amenities, clubhouse,
landscape, and screening walls; work is required to be completed by
September 30. Responding to question, she said if the work is not
completed by the deadline date, the money that is in escrow would be
adequate for the City to either complete the work or have the homeowners'
association or other organization complete it. Further responding, she said
there was no financial impact to the City.
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JUNE 10, 2010
Councilman Spiegel moved to, by Minute Motion, approve the subject Agreement
substantially as to form and authorize the Mayor to execute same on behalf of the City,
subject to technical revisions as may be deemed appropriate by the City Manager. Motion
was seconded by Benson and carried by a 5-0 vote.
XV. CONTINUED BUSINESS
A. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF A ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT,
ADDING CHAPTER 25.130 - LOCATION OF MISCELLANEOUS USES -TO
THE PALM DESERT MUNICIPAL CODE Case No. ZOA 10-69 (City of
Palm Desert, Applicant) (Continued from the meeting of May 27, 2010).
Councilman Spiegel stated he must abstain on this item and left the Council
Chamber.
Councilmember Benson asked if this item needed to be continued to
June 24, 2010.
Principal Planner Tony Bagato stated the City Manager directed staff to
continue the item in anticipation of a similar vote from the last time when it
had one Councilmember absent, but with a full Council this evening, the item
can be voted on today or continued to June 24.
Mayor Finerty stated if Councilman Spiegel was abstaining, but the rest of
the Council was present, it might as well address it.
Mayor Pro Tem Ferguson requested an executive summary of the staff
report, because he wasn't present at the last meeting.
Mr. Bagato stated staff incorporated the changes from the April 22 meeting
to accommodate existing businesses and allow them to relocate and expand
along Highway 111 and El Paseo as directed by the Council.
Mayor Finerty explained the concern was raised under public testimony in
that landlords who decided to increase the rent would force existing
businesses out of that location, which was a concern to Councilmember
Benson. Council directed staff to address the concern and they did. If the
rent is raised, existing businesses had the ability to move elsewhere in a
similar location.
Mayor Pro Tem Ferguson asked what would happen if they sold their
business.
Councilmember Benson responded the Ordinance only applied to new
businesses coming in.
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Mayor Pro Tem Ferguson asked staff how this conformed with the City's
Lawful Non -Conforming Use Ordinance.
Mr. Bagato responded it would be a separate matter, because
Non -Conforming Use did not allow for relocation or expansion. This was its
own kind of separate provision if it was the same owner, and it couldn't be
sold or transferred as part of new ownership.
Mayor Pro Tem Ferguson asked how many tattoo parlors where in the
subject area.
Mr. Bagato answered five on Highway 111. Further responding, he said
there were originally eight massage establishments, but since the Council
had revoked a few of those Conditional Use Permits, it left only five or six.
He said there were three smoke shops on the list affected, with no other
uses affected.
Mayor Pro Tem Ferguson asked what businesses did staff consider smoke
shops besides Palm Desert Tobacco.
Mr. Bagato responded The Smoke Shop on Highway 111, which was east
of San Pablo on the north side of Highway 111 in a multi -tenant building on
the first floor. The other one was in the Von's Shopping Center.
Mayor Pro Tem Ferguson stated the City wasn't proposing to ban any of the
subject Miscellaneous Uses.
Mr. Bagato agreed, stating they would be allowed elsewhere throughout the
City with a separation distance requirement from a similar use.
Mayor Pro Tem Ferguson asked when referring to El Paseo, was that El
Paseo Highway 111 to Highway 111.
Mr. Bagato responded it was a 300-feet buffer away from each, but basically
it was Highway111 and El Paseo, in between there.
Mayor Pro Tem Ferguson asked if Highway 111 meant city limit to city limit.
Mr. Bagato answered yes.
Councilmember Benson moved to waive further reading and pass Ordinance No.
1213A to second reading, approving a Zoning Ordinance Amendment to add
Chapter 25.130 - Location of Miscellaneous Uses - to the Palm Desert Municipal Code.
Motion was seconded by Ferguson and received NO ACTION on a 2-2 vote, with Benson
and Finerty voting AYE, Ferguson and Kelly voting NAY, and Spiegel ABSENT.
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XVI. OLD BUSINESS
None
XVII. PUBLIC HEARINGS
None
XVIII. REPORTS AND REMARKS
A. CITY MANAGER
None
B. CITY ATTORNEY
None
C. CITY CLERK
1. Reminder of City Council Study Session Regarding
Council Chamber and Administrative Conference Room Equipment
Upgrades — Thursday, June 24, 2010, 2:00 p.m. in the
Administrative Conference Room.
Ms. Mendoza called City Councilmembers' attention to the reminder
for the upcoming Study Session.
Councilmembers so noted the date.
D. PUBLIC SAFETY
o Fire Department
None
o Police Department
None
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E. MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
o City Council Requests for Action:
None
o City Council Consideration of Travel Requests and Reports:
None
o City Council Committee Reports:
None
o City Council Comments:
1. Hiah School Scholarships - Councilman Kelly noted the
high schools presented their scholarships last week,
and Councilmember Benson and Councilman Spiegel
both had scholarships given out as well. The Rotary
who helped raise those funds gave away approximately
$20,000 (twenty scholarships). He said City Manager
John Wohlmuth's daughter received six scholarships,
which was more than anyone else. One of the
scholarships was for Outstanding Student and another
for Outstanding Athlete. What she accomplished this
year by winning the CIF Championship four years in a
row for her freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior
years was phenomenal, which was unheard of to him.
He said Elle Wohlmuth really shined, and it was
something all can be proud of that one of Palm Desert's
familys received all those scholarships.
Mayor Finerty stated she looked forward to shaking her
hand this evening, as she would be attending the
graduation.
2. Civic Center Concert - Councilman Kelly stated the
concert last week was good and well attended.
3. Art in Public Places - "Walkina Tall" Exhibition -
Councilman Kelly stated the reception Monday night
was well attended. He noted Councilmember Benson
was also present.
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4. Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG)
- Councilman Kelly stated the CVAG Transportation
meeting didn't go as well, and he didn't get the outcome
he hoped for, but he wasn't giving up yet. Mayor
Finerty stated the Council appreciated the passion in
which he represented the City.
5. Palm Desert Baseball Team - Councilman Spiegel
stated the team accomplished something that hadn't
been done before, and the City Council will be honoring
them at the next City Council Meeting.
Councilman Kelly noted the City had two CIF
Championships to recognize and needed to be figured
out how to do that.
XIX. ADJOURNMENT
With City Council concurrence, Mayor Finerty adjourned the meeting at 4:47 p.m.
ATTEST:
\ a.-c—e— / -
GRAL. MENDOZA, DPUCITY CLERK
CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA
CINDY FGE'TY, MA OR
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