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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-01-10MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 2013 CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBER 73510 FRED WARING DRIVE, PALM DESERT, CA 92260 I. CALL TO ORDER - 3:00 P.M. Mayor Harnik convened the meeting at 3:00 p.m II. ROLL CALL Present: Mayor Pro Tem Jean M. Benson Councilman Robert A. Spiegel Councilman Van G. Tanner Councilmember Susan Marie Weber Mayor Jan C. Harnik Also Present: John M. Wohlmuth, City Manager David J. Erwin, City Attorney William L. Strausz, Successor Agency Counsel Rachelle D. Klassen, City Clerk Russell Grance, Director of Building & Safety Lauri Aylaian, Director of Community Development Martin Alvarez, Director of Economic Development Janet M. Moore, Director of Housing Mark Greenwood, Director of Public Works Frankie Riddle, Director of Special Programs J. Luis Espinoza, Assistant Finance Director Casey Hartman, Battalion Chief, Palm Desert Fire/Riverside Co. Fire/Cal Fire Bill Sullivan, Asst. Chief, Palm Desert Police/Riverside Co. Sheriffs Dept. Grace L. Mendoza, Deputy City Clerk III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - A (CLOSED SESSION ITEMS) None IV. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION Reauest for Closed Session: MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 10, 2013 A. Conference with Legal Counsel regarding existing litigation pursuant to Govemment Code Section 54956.9(a): 1) City of Palm Springs v. All Persons Interested, etc., et al., Riverside County Superior Court, Case No. INDIO 51124 B. Conference with Legal Counsel regarding significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Govemment Code Section 54956.9(b): Number of potential cases: Mr. Erwin requested the City Council's consideration of adding an item to the agenda by four -fifths vote, which had presented itself after posting of the agenda. C. Conference with Real Property Negotiator pursuant to Govemment Code Section 54956.8: 1) Property: APN 693-230-016 Negotiating Parties: Agency: John M. Wohlmuth/Mark Greenwood/City of Palm Desert Property Owner: NetREIT, Inc. Under Negotiation: x Price x Terms of Payment On a motion by Spiegel, second by Tanner, and 5-0 vote of the City Council, the aforementioned Property Negotiation was added to the City Council agenda for Closed Session. With City Council concurrence, Mayor Hamik adjourned the meeting to Closed Session at 3:01 p.m. She reconvened the meeting at 4:03 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 Pro Tem Jean M. Benson VII. INVOCATION - Mayor Jan C. Harnik 2 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 10, 2013 VIII. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - B MR. JOE GAUGUSH, Broken Arrow Trail, Palm Desert, thanked City Council for its ongoing support of the Pet Adoption Reimbursement Program in support of the Coachella Valley Animal Campus. He and his wife, Cora, had the opportunity over the past week to utilize the Program, becoming the proud "parents" of two dogs — a two -year -old Siberian Husky and a one -year -old German Shepherd -mix — both now very happy to be part of their new home. IX. AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS, AND APPOINTMENTS None X. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES of the Regular City Council Meetings of December 13 and December 27, 2012. Rec: Approve as presented. B. CLAIMS AND DEMANDS AGAINST THE CITY TREASURY - Warrant Nos. 113, 114, 118, 119, 124, 125, 128, 129, 133, and 135. Rec: Approve as presented. C. CLAIM AGAINST THE CITY (#717) by Heirs of Gerald Weiss in the Amount of $15,000,000. Rec: By Minute Motion, reject the Claim and direct the City Clerk to so notify the Claimant. D. CLAIM AGAINST THE CITY (#7181 by Araceli L. McDougall in the Amount of $389,347.53. Rec: By Minute Motion, reject the Claim and direct the City Clerk to so notify the Claimant. E. APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE by Total Wine & More, 72-339 Highway 111, #339, Palm Desert. Rec: Receive and file. MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 10, 2013 F. APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE by Wineville USA, 42-815 Kansas Street, Palm Desert. Rec: Receive and file. G. MARKETING COMMITTEE MINUTES, for the Meeting of November 20, 2012. Rec: Receive and file. H. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION to Utilize Vendors on an Authorized Motorcycle Maintenance Vendors List for Repairs to City -owned Police Vehicles, Communication, RADAR and LIDAR Equipment. Rec: By Minute Motion, authorize the Palm Desert Police Department to utilize vendors on the Authorized Motorcycle Maintenance Vendors List, as presented in the Riverside County Sheriffs Memorandum dated May 22, 2012 — funds are available in the FY 2012-2013 Police Department Budget. I. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION for Purchase of Storage Area Network (SAN) in the Amount of $31,399.37 Under the DELL Govemment Pricing .rU Contract. Rec: By Minute Motion, approve the purchase of a Storage Area Network (SAN) to increase storage space for all the City's electronic files and servers in the amount of $31,399.37 — funds are budgeted in Account No. 530-4190-415-4040. J. REQUEST FOR ACCEPTANCE OF WORK for Contract No. C31440 — 2012 Citywide Slurry Seal Project (Project No. 751-12) (Roy Allan Slurry Seal, Inc., Santa Fe Springs, 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. K. REQUEST FOR ACCEPTANCE OF WORK for Contract No. C31850 — Civic Center Parking Lot Resurfacing Project (Project No. 750-12) (Ben's Asphalt, Santa Ana, 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. 4 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 10, 2013 L. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of Temporary Use of Alcohol for the Desert Recreation District's 13th Annual International Sports Festival (a.k.a. Senior Games) Opening Ceremony to be Held on February 8, 2013, at the Palm Desert Civic Center Park Amphitheater. Rec: By Minute Motion, approve the temporary waiver of Palm Desert Municipal Code Section 11.01.080 (W) - Possession/Consumption of Alcohol in City Parks, pursuant to Palm Desert Municipal Code Section 9.58.040, for the subject event. Upon a motion by Tanner, second by Spiegel, 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. 2013 - 01 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE SUBDIVISION MAP OF PARCEL MAP NO. 36395 (Kambiz Kamdar, c/o Ark Construction and Development, Inc., Applicant). Mr. Greenwood stated this map was on the existing Vineyards Development, and it separated the residential component from the commercial component, and staff recommended approval. Councilman Spiegel moved to waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 2013-01. Motion was seconded by Benson and carried by a 5-0 vote. XIII. ORDINANCES A. For Introduction: None B. For Adoption: None 5 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 10, 2013 XIV. NEW BUSINESS A. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF A SECOND AMENDMENT AND RESTATED JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT, CREATING A REGIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY TO BE KNOWN AS JACQUELINE COCHRAN REGIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY (CONTRACT NO. C08462). Mr. Aryan stated that pursuant to a Joint Powers Agreement, the City has been a member of the Desert Resorts Regional Airport Authority since 1984. The Authority serves on an advisory capacity to the County Board of Supervisors and is involved in the master planning of the Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport (JCRA), including promoting the economic development aspects of the airport and surrounding areas. The proposed second amendment effectuates the following: 1) Changes the former name of the Authority to Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport Authority (JCRAA); 2) Increases the annual membership dues by $2,500, so it will go from $10,000 to $12,500 per year; 3) Adds a new elected member to the Board from the Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians. He said staff recommended approval of the proposed amendment and offered to answer any questions. Councilman Spiegel moved to, by Minute Motion: 1) Approve the Second Amendment and Restated Joint Powers Agreement, Creating a Regional Airport Authority to be known as the Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport Authority (JCRAA); 2) authorize the Mayor to execute the Agreement; 3) appropriate $2,500 from the Unobligated General Fund and transfer to Account No. 110-4159-415-3630 to fund increase in the annual JCRAA Membership dues. Motion was seconded by Tanner and carried by a 5-0 vote. B. REQUEST FOR AWARD OF CONTRACT TO DIAMOND CONTRACT SERVICES, INC., IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $105,190.22 FOR CITY FACILITIES JANITORIAL SERVICES (CONTRACT NO. C32350, PROJECT NO. 771-13). Mr. Greenwood explained that last year with the City's early retirement incentive programs and staff reductions, the main janitorial person retired. Staff has been trying to provide these services with existing staff for quite a long time, but it's diverting those members, who are more suited to building repair type of activities, away from those activities. Therefore, the City went out to bid for janitorial services, and there was a lot of interest with 34 contractors going through the job walk. Staff is satisfied with the bids and recommended award of contract to Diamond Contract Service, Inc. Responding to question, he said Diamond Contract has a local office in La Quinta, stating the contract requires City staff to approve the people that will do the job, and it requires them to have a supervisor here in the Valley for 6 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 10, 2013 staff to work with if there are issues. Further responding, he confirmed the Portola Community Center was included in the contract. Councilman Spiegel moved to, by Minute Motion: 1) Declare Williams & Associates Plus One bid as non -responsive and reject; 2) authorize award of the subject contract to Diamond Contract Services, Inc., La Quinta, Califomia, for City Facilities Janitorial Services in an amount not to exceed $105,190.22; 3) authorize the Director of Finance to set aside $10,519.22 as 10% contingency for the contract; 4) appropriate $115,709.24 from the Unobligated General Fund to Building Maintenance Janitorial Services, Account No. 110-4340-413-3326 for the contract; 5) authorize the Mayor to execute said contract. Motion was seconded by Benson and carried by a 5-0 vote. C. REQUEST FOR AWARD OF CONTRACT TO ANDERSON AIR CONDITIONING, L.P., IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $983,000 FOR THE CIVIC CENTER SHERIFF SUBSTATION HVAC UPGRADES (CONTRACT NO. C32000A, PROJECT NO. 763-11). Mr. Greenwood stated $800,000 was budgeted for repair and upgrade of the HVAC system for the Sheriff's Substation. A local engineer designed the replacement system, and staff is satisfied with the design; it is an efficient system. He noted the 911 Center is housed next door in the Substation, stating it was an important facility. He said the HVAC system is needed not only to make it comfortable for employees, but there is a great deal of electronic equipment in that building that needs to be air-conditioned in order to keep it functioning. This project is to replace the existing HVAC system before it completely breaks down; the system still functions, but it has a lot of operational problems. Councilman Tanner asked if there are local vendors qualified to do this work. Mr. Greenwood stated there were only three bids submitted on this project, and he believed there are local vendors who are qualified and could do this work, but they chose not to submit a bid. Councilman Spiegel moved to by Minute Motion: 1) Authorize award of the subject contract to Anderson Air Conditioning, L. P., Fullerton, California, for the Civic Center Sheriff Substation HVAC Upgrades in an amount not to exceed $983,000; 2) authorize the Director of Finance to set aside $98,300 as 10% contingency for the contract; 3) reallocate $400,000 from the Civic Center and Chamber Restroom Remodel Projects in Building Maintenance Account No. 450-4161-415-4001 to the Sheriff Substation HVAC Project; 4) authorize the Mayor to execute said contract. Motion was seconded by Tanner. 7 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 10, 2013 Mayor Harnik commented all the contractors that bid were from out of the area, and they would have to drive into the City. She would like to have some sort of discussion with Desert Contractors Association, Desert Valley Builders Association, the Chamber of Commerce, and staff about making sure local vendors are getting the notice of City bids. Mayor Harnik called for the vote, and the motion carried by a 5-0 vote. D. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF THE 2013 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN. Economic Development Manager Ruth Ann Moore stated that with the elimination of Redevelopment, staff was tasked to create an Economic Development Strategic Plan (EDSP) that concentrated on goals for future economic development in Palm Desert. Staff approached this effort by researching the City's primary economic infrastructure, current demographics, and by attending conferences and webinars to review potential funding sources used by other cities. Focus groups were formed from several City committees, City staff, and the business community to discuss opportunities and gain insight into future needs. From the research, six goals for business development were crafted along with strategies to accomplish these goals. These strategies were broken down into immediate mid-term and long-term projects over the next five years. Since the Redevelopment Agency was the major funding source for economic development, the strategic plan also includes a list of potential funding sources; however, not all of the funding sources may be applicable to Palm Desert and will require further research and Council action in order to implement them. Future programs along with potential funding sources will come back to the Council at a later date. She offered to answer any questions. Mayor Pro Tem Benson complimented Ms. Moore on a good working piece. Although, she disagreed with some things, overall she did a fantastic job of putting forth the opportunities and weaknesses, and knowing things will come back to Council for approval provided her some assurance. Mayor Hamik agreed Ms. Moore did an amazing job on the Strategic Plan, stating it was an ongoing project, and it took a tremendous amount of work. With respect to the report, she asked what was the significance of the yellow bars on page 10 of the EDSP. Ms. Moore stated there is a notation on the top left comer of page 10, where it indicates that in 2000 to 2011, retail sales increased 15.1 % over those years. Mayor Harnik asked what was "Main Street City Designation." 8 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 10, 2013 Ms. Moore explained it was a national designation, stating she originally thought there could be some grants involved with it, and staff was still researching it. Mayor Harnik noted that on page 21, under Long-range Efforts, the last bullet states, "Secure a qualified consultant to implement and promote the City's commercial EIP with third -party funding." She asked who was that third -party. Ms. Moore deferred the question to Director of Economic Development Martin Alvarez, because it was part of his strategy within the Plan. Mr. Alvarez stated a third -party can be a public consultant that the City can secure a proposal from. It can be a funding source from private banks or private investors that would pull their money in order to participate in the City's EIP Program. Councilman Spiegel moved to, by Minute Motion, approve the 2013 Economic Development Strategic Plan as presented. Motion was seconded by Tanner and carried by a 5-0 vote. Mayor Pro Tem Benson stated that in reading the report where it indicated that in 1973 the City's budget was $241,266, she recalled the main thing one of the candidates for Council wanted was to ensure the City had Christmas decorations, stating things have changed since 1973. XV. CONTINUED BUSINESS A. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION FOR CITY STAFF TO UNDERTAKE FACILITY OPERATION OF THE PORTOLA COMMUNITY CENTER (Continued from the meetings of November 15 and December 13, 2012). Councilman Spiegel moved to, by Minute Motion, continue this matter to a date uncertain. Motion was seconded by Benson and carried by a 5-0 vote. B. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF DESIGN GUIDELINES FOR THE EL PASEO SHOPPING DISTRICT AND DIRECT STAFF TO DEVELOP PROCEDURES AND FEES FOR ESTABLISHING A SIDEWALK CAFE PERMIT (Continued from the meetings of November 15 and December 13, 2012). Ms. Aylaian stated this item has been before the Council several times, most recently, it was assigned to a subcommittee with Mayor Hamik and Mayor Pro Tem Benson to look at a couple of details. Some of the items that were changed since it was last presented are as follows: First, there was a great deal of discussion about what the minimum clear width should be that would allow for people walking on the sidewalk without any congestion, barricades 9 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 10, 2013 for dining, planters, or anything else. The recommendation from the subcommittee is for an 8 feet minimum clear width, but that there is a process that would allow staff to reduce it down to 7 feet in cases of physical or financial hardship that precludes a provision of the 8-foot clear width, which is how the guidelines now currently read. Second, there was discussion regarding whether or not private businesses and private entities should be able to put street furnishings out in the public right-of-way or if it needs to be kept on their own property. The subcommittee recommended that private entities be allowed to put furnishings in the public right-of-way provided the furnishings are first reviewed and approved by City staff, which is now included in the program. Additionally, the subcommittee asked that City staff bring forth a White Paper for discussion during the Budget process for the purchase of new street furnishings, i.e., benches, waste receptacles, and planters. Finally, there was discussion on how to stop the tables and chairs from creeping out into the sidewalk in areas where restaurants or cafes did not use a barricade. If the establishment serves alcohol, a barricade will be required, but if it didn't, like Starbucks, it will require decorative pavers, saw cuts to the concrete, or contrasting color on the sidewalk that clearly defines the area that is for the cafe. She said this will make it easier for Code Enforcement to identify if furnishings are infringing on the public's right-of-way and also make it easier for businesses to police �..� themselves. All other requirements are essentially as they were when last reviewed by the Council. The subcommittee discussed the number of �.r► businesses that currently have sidewalk dining and potential locations for other businesses to take advantage. Staff identified a total of 23 restaurants that have a potential for sidewalk dining on El Paseo, and all but five, currently do. She didn't expect there to be a rash of clutter, even if all these businesses took advantage of sidewalk dining. Responding to question, she said these items were taken to the El Paseo Business Improvement District (EPBID) Board of Directors where staff received active and lively participation and input from them. Councilman Spiegel asked if the EPBID went along with the guidelines. Ms. Aylaian answered yes, stating they actually preferred a 6-foot clear width, and that was in part, in response to one business owner who was proposing to do a renovation, who was John Wessman. She noted Mr. Wessman had spoken to the Council in the past on this issue, but at that time he felt he needed a six-foot clear width; however, he has revised his design and can do it with 7 feet. Councilman Spiegel asked when will Mr. Wessman start on his project. Ms. Aylaian stated Mr. Wessman assured her that he would be in for Plan Check in about two weeks. WIN 10 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 10, 2013 Councilman Spiegel moved to, by Minute Motion, approve design guidelines for the El Paseo Shopping District and direct staff to develop procedures and fees for establishing a Sidewalk Cafe permit. Mayor Harnik asked staff to elaborate on Item 4(b) on page 1 of Rules and Regulations for Sidewalk Dining Program, which states, "All sidewalk cafes must have an opening for ingress and egress at all times." Ms. Aylaian explained the establishment has to have an opening if the occupancy of the enclosed area is such that the Fire Marshal requires an exit; otherwise, the ingress and egress can be through the business itself. Mayor Harnik noted the subcommittee met a number of times on these items and a lot of work had been done, which is appreciated. Councilman Tanner seconded the motion, and it carried by a 5-0 vote. XVI. OLD BUSINESS None XVII. PUBLIC HEARINGS None XVIII. REPORTS AND REMARKS A. CITY MANAGER 1. City Manaaer Meetina Summaries for the Period of December 3 - 31, 2012. With City Council concurrence the City Manager Meeting Summaries were received and filed. 2. Report on History of the Appointment of Mayor/Mayor Pro Tem and Options for Appointment of Mayor Pro Tem for the December 12, 2013, City Council Meeting. Mr. Wohlmuth stated that to his knowledge, this was the first time the City Council had two new members at the same election — Members Tanner and Weber — sworn in on the same date. Therefore, it would convolute the manner in which the next Mayor Pro Tem would be inserted into the Rotation and then become Mayor, since two people assumed office on the same date. Whereas previously, the assuming 11 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 10, 2013 office date was the manner in which their seat was inserted into the Rotation. He referred to the report included in the agenda packets, showing the Council's current policy and history of the offices to date, and suggesting a couple of altematives for applying the policy going forward. Staffs recommendation for the next in line for Mayor Pro Tem would be the person receiving the highest number of votes; although, there were other options mentioned. He asked City Council to consider the matter and provide direction. Councilman Spiegel moved to, by Minute Motion, direct staff to prepare the policy such that when two or more Councilmembers are swam in on the same date, the Member receiving the highest number of votes be inserted into the Mayor Pro Tem/Mayor Rotation first, with the person receiving the second -highest number of votes be inserted second in the Rotation, etc. Motion was seconded by Benson. After seconding the motion, Mayor Pro Tem Benson went on to say she felt it would be appropriate to also review the criteria for Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem, acknowledging that the City had not been in this situation previously with two new Councilmembers. Additionally, she pointed out that there were currently two very seasoned Councilmembers in current and just -ended leadership positions. In case something were to change in that regard, previous service of the new Councilmembers, such as being Planning Commission Chair, would be an appropriate requisite and give them priority for serving as Mayor Pro Tem or Mayor. Mr. Wohlmuth said he'd be happy to work on the policy with Ms. Klassen, confirming that staff would review the current policy (requiring service on the Council for one year before becoming Mayor Pro Tem and two years before becoming Mayor) and suggest some options in the event City Council ends up in the same situation — other qualifications determining the order besides years of service on Council. He added it would also be helpful if Council provided direction regarding prioritization of how to establish Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem in the future, such as by highest number of votes received, and that could be incorporated into the new policy. He noted that in the event of there being three new Councilmembers, it would be extremely difficult to follow the current policy, and agreed with Mayor Pro Tem Benson's suggestion for looking at other qualifications and make them a little more flexible as a means of determining eligibility. He confirmed that staff would bring this back to the Council in the form of a policy revision. Mayor Harnik definitely agreed that it was important for there to be some contingencies in place. When she looked at the information very carefully, she understood the immediate reaction of selecting the 12 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 10, 2013 Member with the highest number of votes. However, she also realized that because of the way people vote — whether they have the option of voting for three, or two, or only one — it may not always be the best way to go and may, instead, set a precedent that doesn't always work as well. She believed a totally random selection by drawing lots may be better and as fair as any other method. Mr. Wohlmuth noted that a Randomized Alphabet Drawing for determining the order of names on the ballot was done for each election, and that was a totally random process that could be carried through to the Council's Mayor/Mayor Pro Tem Rotation selection. Responding to Councilmember Weber's comment about drawing straws could result in the same person being Mayor every year, he said it would only apply when there was more than one Councilmember sworn in on the same date and their insertion into the Rotation. In further response, it was clarified that the highest number of votes factor was only going to be used in determining the order of Mayor Pro Tem/Mayor for the five sitting Councilmembers, not for filling a later Council vacancy, should it occur. It was confirmed that should a vacancy occur, it required a whole different process to fill, either by appointment or another election as specified in State Law. It was also noted that the policy of selection of Mayor Pro Tem and Mayor Rotation, particularly when two or more Councilmembers came on at the same time, could be changed in the future if so desired. Councilman Spiegel concurred with Mayor Pro Tem Benson's suggested amendment to the above motion, asking staff to expand on the Mayor Pro Tem/Mayor Rotation policy revision to include providing alternative qualifications for selecting the Mayor Pro Tem/Mayor, other than one and two years of service, respectively, including service and leadership on other City Legislative Advisory Bodies, particularly Planning Commission that would qualify a Councilmember for appointment to the positions of Mayor Pro Tem and Mayor. Mayor Harnik called for the vote, and the motion carried 4-1, with Harnik voting NO. 3. Animal Adoption Feature Mr. Wohlmuth indicated that at the Council's last meeting, staff received direction to videotape animal adoption features to place on the website and, in turn, be part of the Council Meeting recording sent to Time Warner for their broadcast on Channels 17 (analog) and 120 (digital) at 6:00 p.m. on the Thursday following the date of the Council Meeting. He said staffs been working closely with Animal Samaritans, and the first video animal adoption feature will occur at the January 24 Council Meeting. Although, the video will not be 13 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 10, 2013 shown during the actual meeting, it will appear on the broadcast recording. 4. Marriott Desert Springs General ManaaeL Mr. Wohlmuth went on to report that effective December 31, Marriott Desert Springs General Manager Ken Schwartz retired, and the new General Manager is Ralph Scatena. He asked City Council for its concurrence with preparing a proclamation honoring Mr. Schwartz for his service, recognizing the good partnership the City had with the Marriott during Mr. Schwartz's tenure. With City Council concurrence, Mr. Wohlmuth was directed to prepare a proclamation to honor Mr. Ken Schwartz for his years of service as General Manager of the Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa and present it at the next City Council Meeting on January 24. 5. 2013 Economic Development Strateaic Plan Mr. Wohlmuth thanked Economic Development Manager Ruth Ann Moore and Director of Economic Development Martin Alvarez for all the hard work that went into development of the Economic Development Strategic Plan. He believed it was the first time the City's had a comprehensive Plan of this type, after talking about preparing one for a number of years. He said Ms. Moore did an excellent job soliciting input for development of the Plan, and it was very much appreciated. Councilmembers concurred. B. CITY ATTORNEY None C. CITY CLERK 1. Announcement of City Council Study Session — Thursday, January 24, 2013, at 2:00 p.m., Administrative Conference Room, for the Purpose of Discussing Development of the City's Updated Strategic Plan. Councilmembers noted the announcement and the scheduled Study Session. 14 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 10, 2013 D. PUBLIC SAFETY 1. Fire Department None 2. Police Department None E. MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL 1. City Council Requests for Action: a) Consideration of City Council Appointments to Internal and External Boards, Committees, and Commissions. Councilmembers referred to the table of Proposed Assignments included in the agenda packet. • Greater Palm Desert Chamber of Commerce - Councilman Spiegel noted that he'd been City Representative to the Chamber of Commerce for 16 years and felt it was time to step down and let someone else benefit from that experience. In answer to request, Councilman Tanner agreed to serve in that capacity instead of Councilman Spiegel • Cove Communities Public Safety Commission - Councilman Spiegel went on to report that the Cove Communities Public Safety Commission (a.k.a. Cove Commission) meets quarterly, and he is currently Vice Chairman. This year the Commission meets in Indian Wells, with the hosting rotation set to come to Palm Desert next year. He asked to remain on the Cove Commission for the next two years in order to serve out his term through Chairman. In answer to his request, Councilman Spiegel was named to remain, along with Councilmember Weber as the second appointee to the Cove Commission. Mr. Wohlmuth confirmed that the Cove Commission Board is comprised of two Councilmembers from each of the three cities (Indian Wells, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage). • Hotel Committee - Councilman Spiegel stated that he was instrumental in establishing this body and would very much like to continue this appointment. in answer to comment, he said 15 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 10, 2013 it met randomly but felt it should meet more regularly, such as monthly in order to see where the City is going with its hotels. Mayor Pro Tem Benson agreed that Councilman Spiegel had been a longtime member, but she wasn't sure the Committee needed to meet monthly. She felt the Mayor should be on it along with Councilman Spiegel, and she would then agree to be Altemate. • Two x Two Committee - Councilman Spiegel observed that he initiated this body, bringing the idea from Bakersfield; he currently serves as Chair and would like to continue. In answer to question, Councilman Tanner agreed to be the second appointee, and Mayor Hamik agreed to be the Altemate. • Historical Society of Palm Desert - Councilmember Weber said she had a correction to the meeting time, which she'd already conveyed to Ms. Klassen. This body meets on the third Thursday at 9:30 a.m. • Palm Springs Art Museum Board - Mayor Hamik said there was another time correction to be made. The Art Museum Board meets on the second Friday at 1:15 p.m. Upon a motion by Tanner, second by Weber, and 5-0 vote of the City Council, the City Council Assignments - 2013 were approved as presented and with the amendments noted above. b) Request for Scheduling of City Council Study Session to Conduct Interviews of Applicants for Various Vacancies and Consider Reappointments of Members on the City's Standing Committees and Commissions. Following discussion of available dates and times, with City Council concurrence, staff was directed to schedule the Study Session and applicant interviews for Monday, January 28, beginning at 9:00 a.m. and continuing through around 3:00 p.m. that day. 2. City Council Consideration of Travel Reauests and Reoorts: None 3. City Council Committee Reports: None 16 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 10, 2013 4. City Council Comments: a) Corporation Yard — Mayor Harnik said she went out to the City's Corporation Yard recently (where all the City's heavy equipment is kept), and she again commended the operation there — it was well organized, clean, and very impressive. b) 2013-2014 El Paseo Invitational Exhibition Dedication — Mayor Harnik noted that the official opening of the Exhibition was celebrated this past Monday evening. She loved the artwork there and complimented Art In Public Places Commission Chair Kim Snyder, the entire Commission, and City Public Art staff for all their good work that culminated in a wonderful event and Exhibition. Councilman Spiegel commended Mayor Harnik for her stellar performance in opening the Exhibition. 5. Suaaested Items for Future City Council Meetina Aaendas: None XIX. ADJOURNMENT Upon motion by Spiegel, second by Tanner, and unanimous vote of the City Council, Mayor Harnik adjourned the meeting at 5:00 p.m. ATTEST: R EL E D. KLASSEN, C CLERK CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA AN C. H • ' NIK, MAYOR 17