HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-05-13MINUTES
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING
THURSDAY, MAY 13, 2010
CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBER
73510 FRED WARING DRIVE, PALM DESERT, CA 92260
I. CALL TO ORDER - 3:00 P.M.
City Clerk Rachelle Klassen convened the meeting at 3:00 p.m. Due to the lack of
a quorum, she immediately adjourned the meeting to 3:30 p.m.
Mayor Finerty reconvened the meeting at 3:30 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL
Present:
Councilmember Jean M. Benson
Mayor Pro Tem Jim Ferguson arrived at 3:40 p.m.
Councilman Richard S. Kelly
Councilman Robert A. Spiegel
Mayor Cindy Finerty
Also Present:
John M. Wohlmuth, City Manager/RDA Executive Director
David J. Erwin, City Attorney
Justin McCarthy, ACM for Redevelopment
Stephen Y. Aryan, Assistant to the City Manager
Rachelle D. Klassen, City Clerk
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
Mark Greenwood, Director of Public Works
Frankie Riddle, Director of Special Programs
Bill Hunley, 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
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 13, 2010
IV. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION
Reauest 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: APN 637-263-008
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
Conference with Legal Counsel regarding significant exposure to litigation
pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(b):
Number of potential cases: 2
With City Council concurrence, Mayor Finerty adjourned the meeting to Closed
Session at 3:31 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 - Councilmember Jean M. Benson
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 13, 2010
VII. INVOCATION - Councilman Richard S. Kelly
VIII. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - B
MS. JACKIE DAMRON, Palm Desert, addressed the City Council regarding issues
at University Dog Park. She read from a prepared statement (which was received
for the record and is now on file with the City Clerk's Office), extolling virtues of the
Park, which she felt was one of the City's most beautiful at the time it was built.
However, she said that due to its remote location, University Dog Park has become
the target of vandals who have broken both the lights and the water faucets at the
Park. She proposed that larger lights for the area, such as those installed at Civic
Center Dog Park, would provide more security to prevent vandalism and make the
area safer for residents during the coming summer months. Additionally, better
access to water for dogs using the Park in the hot days to come is critical. While
acknowledging the definite need to be budget -conscious, she encouraged the City
to bring University Dog Park up to the same standard as all other City facilities,
including the installation of security cameras to help identify vandals and to increase
security by means of more Police or COPS (Citizens On Patrol) patrols there. She
closed by urging City Council to find solutions to the problems that are both fair to
citizens and their pets, specifically by visiting the Dog Parks and talking and
listening to the residents who use them.
MS. MICHELE FISHER, Palm Desert, said her issue was the same as
Ms. Damron's - water at University Dog Park. She questioned how Dog Park Users
could get the water turned back on there and keep it on. After using the Park, her
own dog becomes overheated and ill due to the lack of easy access to water on the
large -dog side of the Park; whereas, the City's other Dog Park has a hose that can
be used to cool off the dogs there. She strongly urged finding a solution to the
water issue, because for the previous two years there was a hose and sprinkler
available to keep dogs from being overheated.
Mayor Finerty requested the City Manager to take up this matter and contact both
speakers about a solution to the Dog Park issues. She added that she'd also be
holding onto Ms. Damron's letterfordiscussion at her Monday morning meeting with
the City Manager.
IX. AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS, AND APPOINTMENTS
A. PRESENTATION TO RECOGNIZE VERNA SMITH FOR HER SERVICE TO
THE CITY OF PALM DESERT AND ITS HOUSING COMMISSION.
Ms. Smith was unable to be present for the meeting. The engraved crystal
clock in appreciation for her time will be forwarded to her.
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 13, 2010
B. PRESENTATION OF PROCLAMATION DECLARING THE WEEK OF
MAY 22 - 28, 2010, AS "NATIONAL SAFE BOATING WEEK" IN THE
CITY OF PALM DESERT.
On behalf of the Mayor and City Council, and because he's been an avid
boater himself for many years, Councilman Kelly presented the proclamation
to Dr. Douglas Kroll, National Officer Holder in the U. S. Coast Guard
Auxiliary and Professor of History at College of the Desert. Other members
of the U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary were also in attendance for this
recognition.
DR. KROLL commented that while Palm Desert doesn't consider itself a
water community, there are a lot of City residents who boat at the Colorado
River, and the Coast Guard Auxiliary is doing what it can to publicize and
remind everyone to be safe doing so. He appreciated the City Council's
support.
X. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. MINUTES of the Regular City Council Meeting of April 22, 2010, and the
Special Joint City Council, Redevelopment Agency, and Housing Authority
Meetings of April 9, 2010, and April 26, 2010.
Rec: Approve as presented.
B. CLAIMS AND DEMANDS AGAINST THE CITY TREASURY - Warrant
Nos. 218, 221, 222, 226, and 227.
Rec: Approve as presented.
C. CITY COMMITTEE AND COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES.
1. Cultural Resources Preservation Committee Meeting of January 26,
2010.
2. Library Promotion Committee Meeting of December 16, 2009.
3. Marketing Committee Meeting of March 16, 2010.
4. Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting of March 2, 2010.
Rec: Receive and file.
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 13, 2010
D. RESOLUTION NO. 2010 - 25 - 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 2005).
Rec: Waive further reading and adopt.
E. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of the Use of Genuine Parts Company (NAPA)
to Supply Aftermarket Automotive Parts, Tools, Equipment, and Services for
Fleet Maintenance - Fiscal Year 2010-2011 in an Amount Not to Exceed
$40,000.
Rec: By Minute Motion, approve of the use of Genuine Parts Company
(NAPA), Palm Desert, California, to supply aftermarket automotive
parts, tools, equipment, and services for fleet maintenance for
FY 2010-2011 in an amount not to exceed $40,000 — funds are
budgeted in General Fund Account No. 110-4331-413-3340.
F. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of the Purchase of Compressed Natural Gas
(CNG) Fuel for Fiscal Year 2010-2011 in an Amount Not to Exceed $40,000
from Clean Energy as the Primary Source and SunLine Services Group as
an Alternative Source.
Rec: By Minute Motion, approve the purchase of CNG fuel for
FY 2010-2011 in an amount not to exceed $40,000 from Clean
Energy, Seal Beach, California, as the primary source, and from
SunLine Services Group, Thousand Palms, California, as an
alternative source — funds are budgeted in General Fund Account
No. 110-4331-413-2170.
G. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of the Palm Desert Resident Golf Card Appeal
Process.
Rec: By Minute Motion, approve the proposed Palm Desert Resident Golf
Card Appeal Process, as recommended in the accompanying staff
report.
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H. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION to Accept Improvements as Complete,
Release the Related Security, and Waive the Maintenance Bond
Requirement for Case No. PP 08-50 — Catalina Senior Apartments Located
at 73-582 Catalina Way (Bernard Investment Group, Inc., Applicant).
Rec: By Minute Motion, accept the improvements as complete, release the
related security, and waive the Maintenance Bond requirement for
Case No. PP-08-50 (Catalina Senior Apartments).
I. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION to Accept Improvements as Complete,
Release the Related Security, and Waive the Maintenance Bond
Requirement for the Building Located at 73-750 El Paseo (73750 El Paseo
Retail Group, LLC/Steven Gordon, Applicant).
Rec: By Minute Motion, accept the improvements as complete, release the
related security, and waive the Maintenance Bond requirement for the
building located at 73-750 El Paseo.
J. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION to Release the Security for Case
No. PP 07-03 — Ford Building Located at 73-141 Fred Waring Drive, and
Waive the Maintenance Bond Requirement (Bob and Marilyn Ford,
Applicants).
Rec: By Minute Motion, release the security for Case No. PP 07-03
(Ford Building) and waive the Maintenance Bond requirement.
Upon a motion by Spiegel, second by Ferguson, and 5-0 vote of the City Council,
the Consent Calendar was approved as presented.
XI. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER
None
XII. RESOLUTIONS
A. RESOLUTION NO. 2010 - 26 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING AND
ADOPTING LOCAL GUIDELINES FOR IMPLEMENTING THE CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) (PUBLIC RESOURCES
CODE §§ 21000 ET SEQ.).
Mayor Pro Tem Ferguson moved to waive further reading and adopt Resolution
No. 2010-26. Motion was seconded by Benson and carried by a 5-0 vote.
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 13, 2010
XIII. ORDINANCES
For Introduction:
None
For Adoption:
None
XIV. NEW BUSINESS
A. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF THE WORK PLAN FOR THE CITY OF
PALM DESERT ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY PLAN AND
DESIGNATION OF THE NINE (9) RECOMMENDED PERSONS TO THE
CITIZENS' SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE.
Councilmember Benson moved to, by Minute Motion, approve the Environmental
Sustainability Work Plan and designate the nine (9) specified persons to the Citizens'
Sustainability Committee. Motion died for lack of a second.
Councilman Kelly stated he was concerned about the committee selection,
even though he believed they were all good candidates. However, he felt
that transportation, public transit, hotels, and El Paseo businesses, which
were an important part of a sustainable community were not represented.
Councilman Spiegel asked how staff came up with the individuals on the
Committee.
Assistant Planner Missy Grisa responded staff came up with a group of
people that represented the various categories of the Sustainability Plan.
Staff recommended nine persons to the Committee with the understanding
that the City Council may add to the list. If suggestions are made by the
Council, staff can return at the next City Council meeting with a final list.
Councilman Spiegel stated that normally when the Council created a
committee like this one, the Council interviewed the candidates, and when
there are vacancies, applications are solicited and then those candidates are
interviewed. He said the Council was accustomed to appointing the
members, and he didn't know anyone on the proposed list forthis committee.
Ms. Grisa responded staff can follow the Council's process. Further
responding, she said staff would like to keep the membership between seven
and nine, but ultimately it depended on how many members the Council
wished to have on the Committee.
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 13, 2010
Mayor Finerty stated it was fine to have a committee, but the City didn't have
the dollars to make any kind of substantial contribution. She knew the
Council had set aside some goals that were zero or no cost and questioned
what this Committee planned to do, because the Council had already
outlined where it wanted to go and thought staff was going to handle it.
Ms. Grisa agreed, stating that forming a Citizens' Advisory Committee
consisting of young professionals was one of the top items on the work plan
identified as Number 27. She said most of the items on the work plan were
low-cost action items, and this advisory committee was set up to review the
policies created by staff. Staff will continue to put together the policies and
procedures of all of the actions identified, which was another way to obtain
citizen input on the actions staff was looking to take.
Councilman Spiegel agreed with Councilman Kelly's statement that the
Committee did not include representation from the hotels or major
businesses like The Gardens or Westfield, and the Council didn't know how
this work plan will affect them. He thought it was important to include major
businesses as part of the Committee.
Mayor Finerty stated the impact that some of the goals would have on
businesses was discussed at the study session and how it would hit them in
their pocketbook, but also discussed the current economy, which was one
of the reasons why the Council didn't want to jump into this. She felt this was
another layer of bureaucracy that really wasn't needed at this point, because
the City wasn't ready to move forward. Maybe when the economy improved
or when the unemployment was 6%, which is what Supervisor Benoit kept
saying, the City can start implementing this work plan. However, she felt
many of the items will hurt businesses and they were struggling enough
already. She suggested continuing this item to a date uncertain and look at
it again in a year to see how the economy and businesses are doing, and
also review the Transient Occupancy Tax (T.O.T.) and Retail Tax.
Mayor Finerty moved to, by Minute Motion, continue the matter and revisit this item
in a year to see how the economy and business are doing and also review the City's
Transient Occupancy Tax (T.O.T) and Retail Tax. Motion was seconded by Spiegel.
Mayor Pro Tem Ferguson agreed with Councilman Spiegel, stating he's
never had staff unilaterally put together a committee and hand it over to the
City Council. He was curious to know the philosophy that certain people
have that are the Committee to make sure it's balanced, and that it will do
the work as directed by the Council. He disagreed with the Mayor that the
Council can put off its responsibility for a year, because some of the items
cost money. He said the Council had obligations to get underway, and the
formation of a committee was approved by this Council in the City's work
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 13, 2010
plan, and staff was doing its job by putting it together; however, he felt the
procedure by which it was done was hasty. Given that summer was
approaching, this matter could get the delay the Mayor wanted. He would
like to start over again, seek applications from people, hear why they want
to be on this committee, reduce the number of applications to conduct
interviews in the fall, and form a committee by the end of the year to get
started on the work plan, even if it's just on those items that cost little or no
money.
Ms. Grisa asked for clarification on whether the Council was deferring the
whole Sustainabilty Plan and Committee until the fall or was staff to continue
working on the no -cost items.
Councilman Spiegel stated the Council was asking staff to review the
candidates for the Committee and return to Council in order to conduct
interviews to form the Committee, and then move forward.
Mayor Pro Tem Ferguson concurred, stating he would like it to be a substitute
motion, and moved to, by Minute Motion, continue the matter in order for staff to solicit
applications from individuals to serve on the Citizens' Sustainability Committee, followed
by their review and City Council's selection of applicants to be interviewed this fall, their
appointment, and begin carrying out the Work Plan thereafter. Motion was seconded by
Spiegel.
In answer to Ms. Mendoza's question about a deadline, Mayor Pro Tem
Ferguson stated with the summer approaching and his desire to have
candidates fill out applications and answer questions he can review prior to
interviewing so that he can know what to ask, interviews will probably take
place in the fall, and the goal would be to have the committee formed by the
end of the year.
Councilman Spiegel stated the candidates will be interviewed in the fall if the
applications are received in September, and that could take care of
everything, so there was no set deadline date.
Responding to inquiry, Ms. Grisa said she was clear on Council's direction
in that the Work Plan will be deferred until the Committee was presented and
approved by the City Council.
Councilman Spiegel clarified that candidates will be interviewed and
appointed by the City Council.
Mayor Finerty called for the vote, and the motion carried by a 5-0 vote.
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B. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF "DESERT BLOOM" BY GREG REICHE AS
THE PUBLIC ART COMPONENT FOR THE DESERT WILLOW GOLF
RESORT EXPANSION.
Councilmember Benson stated she did not attend the Art in Public Places
meeting, but knew this item was approved by the Commission.
Councilman Spiegel noted the artist offered to reduce the price of the art to
half its value.
Councilmember Benson stated the art piece will be placed at the second
entrance off the side parking.
Councilmember Benson moved to, by Minute Motion, approve "Desert Bloom" by
Greg Reiche at a cost of $20,000 as the public art component for the Desert Willow Golf
Resort Expansion project —funds are available in Account No. 436-4650-454-4001. Motion
was seconded by Spiegel and carried by a 4-1 vote, with Kelly voting NO.
C. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF CONTRACT WITH DIEHL, EVANS &
COMPANY, LLP, TO PERFORM AUDITING SERVICES FOR THE CITY OF
PALM DESERT, REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY, AND THE PALM DESERT
RECREATIONAL FACILITIES CORPORATION FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
ENDING JUNE 30, 2010 (CONTRACT NO. C27542).
Councilman Spiegel moved to, by Minute Motion, approve the subject contract with
Diehl, Evans & Company, LLP, Irvine, California, to perform auditing services for the City
of Palm Desert, Redevelopment Agency, and Palm Desert Recreational Facilities
Corporation for the Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2010. Motion was seconded by Kelly and
carried by a 5-0 vote.
D. REQUEST FOR AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE
FIRE STATION NO. 33 CONCRETE DRIVEWAY REPAIR PROJECT TO
ASR CONSTRUCTORS, INC., IN THE AMOUNT OF $94,300 (CONTRACT
NO. C28550, PROJECT NO.613-09) (JOINT CONSIDERATION WITH THE
PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY).
Councilman/Member Spiegel asked what kinds of clerical errors occurred
with Southland Construction and Doug Wall Construction that would cause
them to withdraw their bid.
Project Administrator Ryan Gayler responded the first low bidder Southland
Construction didn't specify the clerical errors they had, but in review of their
bid documents there were multiple empty spaces with their forms. He tried
contacting them, but they didn't return the call, except for a fax from them
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 13, 2010
stating they wished to withdraw their bid. After Southland Construction
withdrew their bid, he contacted the next lowest bidder Doug Wall
Construction to discuss the project, but they were confused with the
addendum. He said going into the bid, Doug Wall Construction bid on
six-inch thickness of concrete instead of one foot, so they had a legitimate
misunderstanding.
Mayor Pro TemNice Chairman Ferguson moved to, by Minute Motion: 1) Accept
withdrawal of bids from Southland Construction and Doug Wall Construction, and award
the subject contract for Construction of the Fire Station No. 33 Concrete Driveway Repair
Project to ASR Constructors, Inc., Riverside, California, in the amount of $94,300;
2) authorize the Mayor to execute the contract — funds are available in Redevelopment
Agency Account No. 850-4220-464-4001 - Project Area No. 1 Fire Services. Motion was
seconded by Spiegel and carried by a 5-0 vote.
E. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF A ONE-YEAR EXTENSION OF
CONTRACT WITH CLEANSTREET FOR $28.45 PER CURB MILE AND AN
ANNUAL TOTAL OF $175,604.78 FOR CITYWIDE RESIDENTIAL AND
COMMERCIAL STREET SWEEPING SERVICES - FISCAL YEAR
2010-2011 (CONTRACT NO. C28821).
Councilman Kelly moved to, by Minute Motion: 1) Approve a one-year extension of
the subject contract with CleanStreet, Gardena, California, for $28.45 per curb mile and
an annual total of $175,604.78 for Citywide residential and commercial street sweeping
services - FY 2010-2011; 2) authorize the Mayor to execute the agreement — funds are
available in General Fund Account No. 110-4310-433-3320 - Street Repair and
Maintenance. Motion was seconded by Ferguson and carried by a 5-0 vote.
F. REQUEST FOR AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE
2010 CURB RAMP MODIFICATION PROJECT TO CONTRERAS
CONSTRUCTION COMPANY IN THE AMOUNT OF $19,525 (CONTRACT
NO. C29650, PROJECT NO. 753-10).
Councilman Spiegel said the interesting thing about this bid was that
Contreras Construction, who was the low bidder, came in approximately 22%
lower than the engineer's estimate, which was a good thing.
Councilman Spiegel moved to, by Minute Motion: 1) Award the subject contract for
Construction of the 2010 Curb Ramp Modification Project to Contreras Construction
Company, Indio, California, in the amount of $19,525; 2) authorize the Mayor to execute
said Agreement — funds are available in General Fund Account No. 110-4312-433-3320 -
Curb and Gutter Maintenance. Motion was seconded by Kelly and carried by a 5-0 vote.
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G. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION TO ACQUIRE A PROPERTY LOCATED
IN FALCON CREST KNOWN AS APN 624-430-016
(74506 FALCON LANE), IF NECESSARY, IN ANTICIPATION OF THE
EXPIRATION OF THE FIRST RIGHT -OF -REFUSAL PERIOD (JOINT
CONSIDERATION WITH THE PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT
AGENCY).
Councilmember/Member Benson moved to, by Minute Motion: 1) Authorize
acquisition of the subject property for the purpose of retaining affordability covenants and
resale, if necessary, in anticipation of the expiration of the 45-day first right -of -refusal
period, in the amount pursuant to the Affordable Agreement; 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 resale from
Housing Set -aside Fund and BEGIN Program monies; 3) authorize the Director of Finance
to draw monies to facilitate the transaction from Account No. 870-4492-464-4001 and the
BEGIN Program Fund, Account No. 214-4492-464-4001; 4) authorize the Executive
Director or his designee to execute any documents necessary to facilitate this transaction.
Motion was seconded by Spiegel and carried by a 5-0 vote.
XV. CONTINUED BUSINESS
A. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF AMENDED PALM DESERT COUNTRY
CLUB NEIGHBORHOOD PARK (JOE MANN PARK) LEASE (CONTRACT
NO. C16152) (Continued from the meeting of April 22, 2010).
Councilman Spiegel moved to, by Minute Motion, approve the Amended Lease for
Palm Desert Country Club Neighborhood Park (Joe Mann Park), reducing the space
requirement for the CeII Tower, and authorize the Mayor to execute same. Motion was
seconded by Ferguson and carried by a 5-0 vote.
XVI. OLD BUSINESS
None
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 13, 2010
XVII. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. CONSIDERATION OF THE APPROVAL OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE
HILLSIDE PLANNED RESIDENTIAL (HPR) ZONE RELATING TO
DEFINITIONS/DEVELOPMENT OF "ROCK OUTCROPPINGS" Case
No. ZOA 10-41 (City of Palm Desert, Applicant) (Continued from the meeting
of April 8, 2010).
Mr. Erwin stated he had previously requested the Council to continue this
item to this date, and he was now requesting the Council to continue this
matter indefinitely.
Councilman Spiegel moved to continue this matter indefinitely. Motion was
seconded by Kelly and carried by a 5-0 vote.
B. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF LANDMARK DESIGNATION FOR THE
HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF PALM DESERT (PALM DESERT FIRE
CONTROL STATION) LOCATED AT 72-861 EL PASEO AS A LOCAL
HISTORIC LANDMARK Case No. CRPC 10-01.
Mr. Grance stated the proposed Resolution was a request for consideration
in approving landmark designation status to the City of Palm Desert's first
Fire Control Station. On April 27, the Cultural Resources Preservation
Committee conducted a public hearing, and that body unanimously approved
recommending nomination. He said this building was constructed in 1951
on land donated by Clifford W. Henderson, one of four brothers who played
a key role in Palm Desert's early development. He said the building was a
significant cultural resource as it was the City's first fire station, and it was
eligible for designation as it reflects distinctive examples of community
planning or significant development patterns, including those associated with
different eras of settlement, growth, agriculture, and transportation. The
building is owned by the City of Palm Desert and is leased to the Historical
Society of Palm Desert which maintains their Headquarters and Archival
Center. He offered to answer questions.
Councilman Spiegel stated there was no better building to be the first one to
go under the City's historical designation.
Mayor Finerty declared the public hearing open and invited anyone who wished to
come forward to speak on the matter to do so at this time. With no testimony
offered, she declared the public hearing closed.
Councilman Spiegel moved to waive further reading and adopt Resolution
No. 2010-27, reaffirming the action of the Cultural Resources Preservation Committee,
designating the Historical Society of Palm Desert (Palm Desert Fire Control Station)
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 13, 2010
located at 72-861 El Paseo with landmark designation in accordance with Section
29.40.010 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code. Motion was seconded by Ferguson and
carried by a 5-0 vote.
C. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF THE OUTSIDE AGENCY FUNDING
COMMITTEE'S FISCAL YEAR 2 01 0-2 01 1 FUNDING
RECOMMENDATIONS AND ONE-YEAR ACTION PLAN FOR THE
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) PROGRAM.
Councilmember Benson noticed $15,000 was allocated to the Desert Cancer
Foundation and nothing to Food In Need of Distribution (FIND) and FISH of
the Lower Coachella Valley, which had been funded by the City for 30 years
for the food bank programs. She said Desert Cancer Foundation had a very
well-oiled ability to raise money, and she would like to see that $15,000 given
to FIND and FISH for the hungry and food banks.
Councilman Spiegel noticed that the Family YMCA of the Desert requested
$24,000, but the request was denied.
Mayor Finerty. asked if the YMCA was funded through outside agency funds.
Mr. Gibson stated the City provided the usual yearly contribution to the
YMCA.
Councilman Spiegel stated funds are provided for the Jean Benson Child
Care Center.
Ms. Riddle stated the YMCA's request was for the Easter Egg Hunt and other
similar programs, which were previously funded by the City. However, the
YMCA is not able to track and obtain the self -certification forms for income,
ethnicity, and things that are required through Community Development
Block Grant (CDBG), which was the primary reason they were not
recommended for a grant this year. Responding to question, she said the
YMCA can still have an Easter Egg Hunt if they can fund it through another
source, but it couldn't be funded through a CDBG.
Councilman Kelly stated he agreed with Councilmember Benson's
suggestion to have $15,000 given to FISH and FIND, because lack of food
was a big problem in the Valley.
Councilmember Benson suggested dividing the $15,000 by donating $7,500
each to FISH and FIND. She said some organizations had the ability to raise
funds and others didn't.
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Ms. Riddle stated if the Council was going to fund an alternative, she would
recommend FISH, because they are better at tracking. She said FIND did
not track income, because they only gathered general information.
Councilmember Benson suggested moving the $15,000 to FISH.
Councilman Spiegel agreed, stating a lot of money had already been given
to FIND for their building.
Ms. Riddle agreed the City had funded FIND for several years in the past,
but with CDBG's the City should avoid having an organization be dependant
upon its funding source, but the City had already gone beyond.
Councilman Spiegel commented that the need for food in the Valley was so
large.
Councilmember Benson said it was an exception to the rule.
Councilman Spiegel stated the Ranch Recovery Center was being allotted
a large amount, and he would like to take a small portion of that for the
YMCA.
Ms. Riddle said those were Capital Improvement Funds. Further responding,
she said the City couldn't fund the Easter Egg Hunt, because the YMCA did
not track or monitor those participants. She said the YMCA has been made
aware of the requirement and their inability to do so. She informed the
YMCA that she would not recommend them because of their inability to track
and monitor the event as required by the CDBG. She said the YMCA made
an appearance at the Outside Agency Committee Meeting, and at that time
they were informed.
Councilmember Benson stated if the economy improved, they can request
a donation through the outside agency funds. She said the Council used to
donate $1 ,000 or $2,000, which can be done again if the economy improved.
Mayor Finerty declared the public hearing open and invited testimony in FAVOR of
or in OPPOSITION to this matter. With no testimony offered, she declared the
public hearing closed.
Councilmember Benson moved to, by Minute Motion: 1) Approve the Outside
Agency Funding Committee's FY 2010-2011 recommendations as amended to reallocate
$15,000 from Desert Cancer Foundation to FISH; 2) approve the FY 2010-2011 One-year
Action Plan; 3) authorize the City Manager to sign the One-year Action Plan Certifications;
4) authorize staff to submit the One-year action Plan to the U. S. Department of Housing
and Urban Development (HUD). Motion was seconded by Kelly and carried by a 5-0 vote.
15
MINUTES
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 13, 2010
XVIII. REPORTS AND REMARKS
A. CITY MANAGER
1. Reauest for Volunteer City Councilmember to Serve on the
Palm Springs Unified School District's (PSUSD) Rancho Mirage High
School Naming Committee.
Mr. Wohlmuth reported that PSUSD was establishing a committee to
name the new high school being built in Rancho Mirage. Today he'd
spoken with PSUSD's Superintendent, Dr. Lorri McCune, to ask if
Palm Desert could have a representative on the committee, and she
agreed. It was noted that there is no schedule yet for the first
meeting, but if she was given a name of a City representative, they
would be included. He asked if there was a volunteer Councilmember
willing to serve in this capacity.
Councilman Kelly volunteered to serve on the Rancho Mirage High School Naming
Committee, and with City Council concurrence, he was approved.
2. Outside Aaencv Fundina Recommendations for FY 2010-2011.
Mr. Wohlmuth stated that the last thing to be considered in putting
together the City's FY 2010-2011 Budget was Charitable
Contributions (Outside Agency Funding). He said the Outside Agency
Funding Committee met last week and made its recommendations,
with the resulting report to be placed on the City Council's next
agenda. He added that staff will take into consideration the issues
raised today during the CDBG Public Hearing.
B. CITY ATTORNEY
None
C. CITY CLERK
None
16
MINUTES
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 13, 2010
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:
None
o City Council Consideration of Travel Reauests and Reports:
None
o City Council Committee Reports:
1. Southem California Association of Governments (SCAG) -
Councilman Kelly reported that after being appointed to
represent the City at the SCAG General Assembly in La Quinta
last week, he participated but was disappointed. For him, it
was a layer of govemment that could be compared to going
through a sausage factory, which tended to leave one not
wanting to eat sausage anymore.
2. Leaaue of Califomia Cities - City Selection Committee —
Councilman Kelly went on to report that he'd recently
represented Palm Desert at the League's City Selection
Committee, requiring him to drive across western Riverside
County. He noted that the streets and roads there are
pathetic — two-lane roads carrying a huge amount of traffic
even after 20+ years of Measure "A" funding. It reminded him
of what a good job representatives in the Coachella Valley
have done with Measure "A" in order to benefit transportation.
Mayor Finerty offered thanks to Councilman Kelly for all his
good work to this end.
17
MINUTES
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 13, 2010
o City Council Comments:
None
XIX. ADJOURNMENT
Upon a motion by Spiegel, second by Ferguson, and unanimous vote of the City
Council, Mayor Finerty adjourned the meeting at 4:42 p.m.
ATTEST:
CHELLE D. KL SS N, CITY CLERK
CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA
C NDY FIN = ' , MAYOR
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