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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-10-10MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2013 CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBER 73510 FRED WARING DRIVE, PALM DESERT, CA 92260 I. CALL TO ORDER - 3:00 P.M. Mayor Hamik convened the meeting at 3:00 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Mayor Pro Tem Jean M. Benson Councilman Robert A. Spiegel arrived at 3:35 p.m. Councilman Van G. Tanner Councilmember Susan Marie Weber Mayor Jan C. Hamik Also Present: John M. Wohlmuth, City Manager David J. Erwin, City Attorney Rachelle D. Klassen, City Clerk Russell Grance, Director of Building & Safety Lauri Aylaian, Director of Community Development Martin Alvarez, Director of Economic 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 Bo Chen, City Engineer Casey Hartman, Battalion Chief, Palm Desert Fire/Riverside Co. Fire Dept./Cal Fire Bill Sullivan, Asst. Chief, Palm Desert Police/Riverside Co. Sheriffs Department Grace L. Mendoza, Deputy City Clerk Upon inquiry by Mayor Hamik, Ms. Klassen confirmed that the agendas for today's City Council, Successor Agency, and Housing Authority Meetings had all been posted in accordance with the Ralph M. Brown Act. III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - A (CLOSED SESSION ITEMS) None MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 10, 2013 IV. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION Request for Closed Session: A. Conference with Real Property Negotiator pursuant to Govemment Code Section 54956.8: 1) Property: 43930 Blueberry Lane (APN 634-061-024), Palm Desert Negotiating Parties: Agency: John M. Wohlmuth/Janet M. Moore/City of Palm Desert/ Palm Desert Housing Authority Property Owner: Rebecca Baker Under Negotiation: x Price x Terms of Payment 2) Property: 74833 Joni Drive (APN 624-071-014), Palm Desert Negotiating Parties: Agency: John M. Wohlmuth/Martin Alvarez/Ruth Ann Moore/ City of Palm Desert Property Owner: City of Palm Desert Under Negotiation: x Price x Terms of Payment B. Conference with Legal Counsel regarding significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Govemment Code Section 54956.9(dX2): Number of potential cases: With City Council concurrence, Spiegel ABSENT, Mayor Hamik 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. Mr. Erwin reported that the City Council authorized the execution of an agreement that sells the property at 74833 Joni Drive. He said the agreement was ready for the Mayor's execution, and she was authorized to do so; the agreement had already been executed by the purchaser (Contract No. C33110). VI. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - Palm Desert Youth Committee Member Jozanne Murphy VII. INVOCATION - Councilman Robert A. Spiegel 2 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 10, 2013 VIII. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - B MS. ZANNIE MURPHY, Palm Desert Youth Committee Member, said she is Chair of the Committee's Anti -Bullying Subcommittee and provided an update on their progress. She reported they're doing really well and have decided to target After -School Programs at Palm Desert Elementary Schools. On December 12 at 3:00 p.m. they'll be giving their first presentation at Lincoln Elementary, and their goal is to create an interactive presentation that stimulates the students and allows them to work with the Anti -Bullying Subcommittee to discuss techniques and ways to prevent bullying. She said they've already met several times this year and put together a program they feel is appropriate for elementary school students. They will continue the process throughout the coming school year. Councilmembers thanked Ms. Murphyforthe presentation and encouraged her and the Subcommittee to keep up the good work. MR. MICHAEL SMITH, Santa Rosa Way, Palm Desert, said he first wanted to talk about grocery carts left out in the streets. He'd made it a personal mission to address the problem, having formerly been a driver for Yellow Cab throughout the Coachella Valley and seeing hundreds of them everywhere. He's sent postcards to grocery and other stores to ask them to do something about getting their carts back. Ironically, he said many of those cards come back as undeliverable. Therefore, he thought of two ways to solve the problem. First, he believed it was State law that says grocery/shopping carts shall not be taken off store property, yet people do so. He suggested the Council impose a $25 ticket that could be forgiven if the recipient shows up at City Hall with a personal shopping cart, which he had with him and displayed for the Council. He said these could be purchased at several locations, such as Stater Brothers, Cardenas Market, or online at Walmart, as he did. He said they were relatively inexpensive at $20 and felt there was no reason people couldn't get these instead of costing stores the inconvenience of having to retrieve their carts. He proposed having COPS (Citizens On Patrol) issue these tickets, which would be retumed to the City and not the court system in Indio; or he believed the Police could also issue them. Secondly, he felt some pressure could be placed on the merchants, and he held up a list of 150 merchants in the Coachella Valley that all use shopping carts — perhaps they could be given notice that the City has an ordinance specifying they have two days to pick up a cart or receive a ticket. He proposed the first ticket being a warning, but the second would impose a $25 fine against the store that he felt would motivate them to pick up their carts (e.g. Target, Jensen's, Albertsons, TraderJoe's—theircarts are everywhere). He added that he'd written cards to the 99¢ Store, and they all came back; now he sends cards to their headquarters in Commerce and was told that they don't even pick up their carts currently. His second City concern was related to last Friday's article in The Desert Sun, "Officials Urge Grass -scalping Alternative to Ease Health Issues." He referred to the program CVAG's promoted since around 2007 to get all the cities to adopt ordinances requiring businesses, golf courses, and apartment 3 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 10, 2013 buildings to stop scalping the grass. He said the article related that there was a better way to solve the problem without creating all the dust and dirt associated with scalping. He noted he lives at the City -owned Neighbors Gardens apartment complex, and just like One Quail Place and Desert Pointe that are all operated by RPM Management, they're not obeying the alternative scalping process. He said if Council were to make a visit, they would find it in terrible condition - dead grass everywhere with huge bare black dirt areas. He'd taken it upon himself to try to water those areas and was told to stop because it was going to be scalped. Meanwhile, there's dust and dirt everywhere. He added that they'd even gone so far as to lock up all the water spigots, including the one by the laundry facilities so tenants can no longer wash their hands if they get soap or bleach on them. He asked the manager to unlock that spigot, and she refused. Therefore, he requested City Council review the aforementioned article and carefully consider adopting such an ordinance to stop scalping grass to ease the health issues and flying dirt. Mayor Hamik asked City staff to look into Mr. Smith's issues. MR. DANIEL LEWIS, Columbine Drive, Palm Desert, stated that he'd been both a business and homeowner in the City since 1987. He wanted City Council to know that he supports the proposed changes to the property codes regarding outdoor sheds. He related that many homeowners have small, nice -looking sheds to house their lawn mowers and tools, and now a big issue has arisen over them. He said he and his neighbors are very proud of the nice homes they've had here for a long time, but now a large rift has jolted the neighborhood over this issue. He appreciated the City's efforts in this matter and hoped it would support changes to the code. MR. CHANDLER BILLMAN, Palm Desert Charter Middle School student, asked for the City Council's consideration of a proposal. He wanted to open up a small shop outside his school to sell snacks and refreshments to the students as they leave each day, with all proceeds going to charity. He recently had a friend pass away due to cancer and wanted to help give donations to St. Jude's Research Hospital in Tennessee. He was aware that he's too young to be issued one of the City's business licenses, but he was hoping there may be another way to work it out so that he could raise money as planned. MR. MITCHELL BILLMAN, Chandler's father, explained that the issue they'd encountered was that he didn't mind backing his son on the business license, but Chandler's name couldn't be on it at all; yet it was his project. He was fully prepared to take responsibility for his son, but he wasn't even allowed to place his name on the license because he was not yet 18. He went on to say that Chandler wants to do everything correctly in order to sell small snacks outside the school to make donations to St. Jude's. Mayor Hamik asked staff to look into the matter and thanked both Chandler and his dad for coming forward at the meeting today. 4 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 10, 2013 IX. AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS, AND APPOINTMENTS None X. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES of the Regular City Council Meeting of September 26, 2013. Rec: Approve as presented. B. CLAIMS AND DEMANDS AGAINST THE CITY TREASURY - Warrant Nos. 71, 76, 77, 78, and 79. Rec: Approve as presented. C. CLAIM AGAINST THE CITY (#725) by Jerid Pandita in an Unspecified Total Amount. Rec: By Minute Motion, reject the Claim and direct City Clerk to so notify the Claimant. D. COMPLIANCE ANALYSIS AND INVESTMENT REPORTS for the Months of July 2013 and August 2013 (Joint Consideration with the Successor Agency to the Palm Desert Redevelopment Agency). Rec: Receive and file. E. APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE by Circle K Store 321, 45200 Portola Avenue, Palm Desert. Rec: Receive and file. F. APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE by Circle K Store 642, 44775 San Pablo Avenue, Palm Desert. Rec: Receive and file. G. APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE by Circle K Store 9424, 78005 Country Club Drive, Palm Desert. Rec: Receive and file. H. APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE by Circle K Store 9481, 75000 Gerald Ford Drive, Palm Desert. Rec: Receive and file. 5 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 10, 2013 I. APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE by Desert Distilling, Inc., 34300 Gateway Drive, Suite No. 100, Palm Desert. Rec: Receive and file. J. CITY COMMITTEE AND COMMISSION MEETING MINUTE. 1. Art In Public Places Commission Meeting of July 17, 2013. 2. Audit, Investment & Finance Committee Meeting of July 23, 2013. 3. Cultural Resources Preservation Committee Meeting of April 30, 2013. Rec: Receive and file. K. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION to Streamline the Use of Vendors for the Finance Department and its Oversight of the Parkview Office and Henderson Buildings by Granting Exception to Bidding Requirements and Approving the Finance Department Various Vendors and Qualified Providers List for the Period of October 1, 2013, through September 30, 2014. Rec: By Minute Motion, authorize the streamlined use of vendors for the Finance Department and its oversight of the Parkview Office and Henderson Buildings by granting exception to bidding requirements and approving the Finance Department Various Vendors and Qualified Providers List for the period of October 1, 2013, through September 30, 2014. L. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION to Purchase Five (5) New Trek Police Bicycles with Emergency Equipment in an Amount Not to Exceed $7,882.01 from Palm Desert Cyclery, Inc. Rec: By Minute Motion: 1) Reject the proposal from Jax Bicycle Center, Murrieta, California, in the amount of $7,422.15 due to considerations for expense of travel/downtime associated with a vendor out of the area; 2) approve the purchase of five (5) new Trek Police Bicycles with Emergency Equipment from Palm Desert Cyclery, Inc., Palm Desert, Califomia, in an amount not to exceed $7,882.01 — funds are available in the Police Contingency Fund for FY 2013-2014. Upon a motion by Tanner, second by Benson, and 5-0 vote of the City Council, the Consent Calendar was approved as presented. XL CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER None 6 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 10, 2013 XII. RESOLUTIONS None XIII. ORDINANCES A. fgr Introduction: None B. For Adoption: 1. ORDINANCE NO. 1260 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 2.52 OF THE PALM DESERT MUNICIPAL CODE BY AMENDING SECTION NOS. 2.52.205 - RECRUITMENT NOTICES AND APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS, 2.52.305 - DEFINITION OF EMPLOYMENT TYPES, AND 2.52.700 - HOLIDAYS. Mr. Wohlmuth stated this was the second reading of the Ordinance, and approval will allow the City to advertise on the City's Website via electronic media, which is more prevalent for candidates searching for jobs these days than even a newspaper, the former ordinance required the City to place an opening in the local newspaper. In the last few recruitments the City received less inquiries from the publications versus the electronic formats. Secondly, the Ordinance addresses holidays for part-time employees, which the City didn't have until recently. Because of the economy, the City now has regular part-time employees, and this Ordinances allows the City to provide equivalent holiday leave to those employees. Councilman Tanner inquired about the fiscal impact. Mr. Wohlmuth responded it was less expensive to advertise electronically for job recruitments than in the newspaper. With respect to providing a holiday leave program for part-time employees, there is a slight fiscal impact. He pointed out part-time employees didn't necessarily work Monday through Friday like regular employees, they work Saturday, Sunday, and holidays as well. Councilman Tanner moved to waive further reading and adopt Ordinance No. 1260. Motion was seconded by Weber and carried by a 5-0 vote. 7 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 10, 2013 2. ORDINANCE NO. 1261 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTION NOS. 3.28.020 AND 3.28.040 OF THE PALM DESERT MUNICIPAL CODE - TRANSIENTS OCCUPANCY TAX (T.O.T.). Mr. Gibson stated this Ordinance had to do with Transient Occupancy Tax (T.O.T.), specifically with changing the language to clarify the counting of nights spent at a hotel, because there has been some confusion with people claiming half day here and half day there, but typically a person rented on a per night stay and not a day time stay. He said hopefully the amendment will clarify the Ordinance and stop the confusion by the hotel. Councilman Tanner moved to waive further reading and adopt Ordinance No. 1261. Motion was seconded by Weber and carried by a 5-0 vote. 3. ORDINANCE NO. 1263 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT TO MODIFY SECTION 25.56.080(G) (SECTION 25.68.080[G] CURRENTLY) - PEDESTRIAN -ORIENTED SIGNS, TO RESTRICT THEM ON EL PASEO AND ALLOW A -FRAME SIGNS IN OTHER PARTS OF THE CITY, Case No. ZOA 13-225 (City of Palm Desert, Applicant). Ms. Aylaian stated a revised Ordinance was distributed to the Council just prior to the meeting that included a minor change to Section 25.56.080.(G).1.A. She said the change was clerical rather than substantive in nature; therefore, the City Council can take action at this second reading without retuming the Ordinance to the first reading. Councilmember Weber moved to waive further reading and adopt Ordinance No. 1263, the version with the non -substantive revision presented at today's meeting. Motion was seconded by Benson and carried by a 5-0 vote. 8 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 10, 2013 4. ORDINANCE NO. 1264 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT TO MODIFY SECTION 25.46.040(A) (SECTION 25.58.310 CURRENTLY) - PARKING REQUIREMENTS, TABLE 25.46-1, CHANGING THE NUMBER OF PARKING SPACES REQUIRED FOR DIFFERENT LAND USES, Case No. ZOA 13-, 2 (City of Palm Desert, Applicant). Councilman Spiegel moved to waive further reading and adopt Ordinance No. 1264. Motion was seconded by Weber and carried by a 5-0 vote. XIV. NEW BUSINESS A. REQUEST FOR REVOCATION OF CITY BUSINESS LICENSE NO. 13-44677 - DU XIA, DESERT MASSAGE, 73754 HIGHWAY 111, A/B, PALM DESERT, FOR NON-COMPLIANCE WITH THE PALM DESERT MUNICIPAL CODE DUE TO RECENT ARREST OF AN EMPLOYEE AT THE ESTABLISHMENT FOR SOLICITING PROSTITUTION. MR. BYRON CORNELIUS stated he was the attorney for the owner of the establishment, the person who was arrested. He said he wouldn't ask the Council to ignore the situation, but instead postpone the matter until there was a trial and/or the owner is found convicted or not convicted. Additionally, the owner was leaving the area, in any event, and there wouldn't be a need to revoke the license. Councilman Spiegel moved to waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 2013 - 60, revoking Business License No. 13-44677, pursuant to Palm Desert Municipal Code Section 5.04.160(B), in order to preserve the peace, health, safety, and general welfare of the City, for violation of State Law and for conducting business other than that for which Desert Massage was licensed. Motion was seconded by Tanner. Mr. Erwin asked Mr. Comelius if the establishment was closed at the present time. MR. CORNELIUS answered yes, stating there was no one performing massages at the establishment. Mr. Erwin explained the City Ordinance didn't require the Council to wait for a trial or a conviction, and it was at the discretion of the Council on whether it wished to continue the matter or take action at this point. Mayor Pro Tem Benson stated it was the Council's prerogative to close the establishment, and she believed it should be closed at this time. Mayor Hamik called for the vote and the motion carried by a 5-0 vote. 9 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 10, 2013 B. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION TO AWARD CONTRACT TO GLYN DONALD GRAY, d.b.a. GDG (FORMERLY RITE RATE, INC.), IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $83,000 $90,000 FOR OPERATION OF THE EL PASEO COURTESY CARTS (CONTRACT NO. C33080). Economic Development Manager Ruth Ann Moore stated the proposed contract is for the operation of the El Paseo Courtesy Carts and any maintenance that would occur. She said last year's program began in mid November and ran through Mother's Day weekend, and staff is planning the same schedule this year with the exception of adding the weekend of November 1st through the 3nd, which will include the activities of the City's new event, "First Weekend Palm Desert." Staff asked the Council to authorize the contract in the amount not to exceed $90,000 (total of operation and maintenance) instead of the $83,000 cited in the staff report. She said the vendor cannot do any additional maintenance unless they have staff approval, which is the way it's been done in the past. Responding to question, she said there was $90,000 in the budget. Councilman Spiegel moved to, by Minute Motion, authorize: 1) Award of the subject contract to Glyn Donald Gray, d.b.a. GDG (formerly Rite Rate, Inc.), Palm Desert, Califomia, in an amount not to exceed $90,000 for the yearly operation and maintenance of the El Paseo Courtesy Carts ($79,500 yearly operations and $3,500 for operations during special events); 2) additional $7,000 for maintenance and repairs to the vehicles;3) Mayor to execute said contract — funds in the amount of $90,000 are available in Courtesy Carts Account No. 110-4416-414-3681. Motion was seconded by Tanner and carried by a 5-0 vote. C. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF PROPOSED DONATION OF ARTWORK, SUN CATCHER BY DEBORAH FLOWERS, FROM RENOVA ENERGY CORPORATION FOR THE SET OF TWO TRAFFIC SIGNAL CABINETS AT THE CORNER OF EL PASEO AND LARKSPUR (Vincent Battaglia/ Renova Energy Corporation, Applicant Contributor). Management Analyst Deborah L. Schwartz stated the Art in Public Places Committee reviewed and approved the artwork. Councilman Spiegel moved to, by Minute Motion, concur with the recommendation of the Art In Public Places Commission and approve the proposed donation from Renova Energy Corporation of Sun Catcher by Deborah Flowers for the set of traffic signal cabinets at the comer of El Paseo and Larkspur. Motion was seconded by Tanner and carried by a 5-0 vote. Mayor Hamik pointed out the Art in Public Places Committee unanimously approved the artwork. 10 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 10, 2013 D. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF PROPOSAL FOR ARTWORK BY BIJAN MASOUMPANAH FOR THE TRAFFIC SIGNAL CABINET AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF FRED WARING DRIVE AND COLLEGE OF THE DESERT. Management Analyst Deborah L. Schwartz stated the Art in Public Places Committee reviewed and approved all the artwork for the traffic signal cabinets proposed this evening. Mayor Hamik noticed this artwork had an interesting vote, but it was still approved. Ms. Schwartz explained the proposal for the cabinet is to paint a bighorn sheep, but the mascot for College of the Desert is the roadrunner. Therefore, she sent the proposal to the head of College of the Desert, Dr. Kinnamon, as well as the McCallum Theatre, because both are situated around this traffic signal cabinet, and they were both in favor of the artwork. Councilman Tanner moved to, by Minute Motion, concur with the recommendation of the Art In Public Places Commission and approve the proposal by Bijan Masoumpanah for artwork for the traffic signal cabinet on the northwest comer of Fred Waring Drive and College of the Desert. Responding to question as to why Commissioner Darby voted no, she said there was concem people would confuse the bighom sheep as the mascot for College of the Desert. The motion was seconded by Weber and carried by a 5-0 vote. E. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF PROPOSAL FOR ARTWORK BY JENI BATE FOR THE SET OF TWO TRAFFIC SIGNAL CABINETS ON FRED WARING DRIVE AND TOWN CENTER WAY. Councilman Spiegel moved to, by Minute Motion, concur with the recommendation of the Art In Public Places Commission and approve the proposal by Jeni Bate for artwork for the set of two traffic signal cabinets at Fred Waring Drive and Town Center Way. Motion was seconded by Weber and carried by a 5-0 vote. 11 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 10, 2013 F. CONSIDERATION OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A HOTEL AND SPECIAL EVENTS ADVISORY COMMITTEE. Mr. Wohlmuth stated that with the dissolution of Redevelopment there's been interest in the City's building pads at Desert Willow. He said staff has spoken to two or three different hotel developers with the interest in expanding hotel products in Palm Desert. The thought is a lot could be gained from listening to hoteliers already in Palm Desert about how to attract and encourage rehabilitation of existing hotels to increase the room rate. He said Palm Springs did a wonderful job in the recent past of recruiting and improving hotels, which is a similar process he is proposing in his recommendation and to establish a hotel committee. Additionally, Palm Desert has a lot of events occurring primarily at two locations, Civic Center Park and McCallum Theatre. However, they are not necessarily signature events. He said the thought is to hear from hoteliers about the kinds of events the City should go after for Palm Desert in the future to bring heads in beds versus just having events for its citizens. He hoped to enlist the hoteliers and other committee members to assist in the City's economic development endeavors for Palm Desert. Councilman Tanner asked the City Manager if prior to drafting the proposal if he had asked the hoteliers around the area if they thought this was a good idea and if they would participate. Mr. Wohlmuth responded he did not, stating the recommendation is to direct staff to draft a resolution creating and defining the bylaws for a committee. He said he would be happy to call hoteliers to see if they thought it was worthwhile. Councilman Tanner said he believed it was worthwhile and it was a step that needed to be taken. Councilman Tanner moved to, by Minute Motion: 1) Direct staff to draft a City Council Resolution for future consideration, establishing a Hotel Committee; 2) consider combining the existing City Council Hotel Committee with the new Hotel Committee, comprised of Palm Desert Hotel General Managers, possibly a designee of the Convention & Visitors Bureau, and others suggested by City Council for this purpose. Motion was seconded by Weber. Councilman Spiegel asked if there should be a separate Special Events Advisory Committee, because other cities were handing their hat to Palm Desert. He said other cities had all kinds of events going on to attract people and Palm Desert didn't, except for the McCallum Theatre. He noted the Palm Springs Committee had a fellow from Goldenvoice, etc., etc., and he 12 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 10, 2013 didn't think Palm Desert was doing as much as it should. Responding to question, he believed this was a step in the right direction, but the City should go further. Mayor Pro Tem Benson added the Palm Desert Chamber of Commerce and El Paseo Merchants should be involved with this or have a subcommittee of the main committee. Councilman Spiegel suggested having staff look at the possibility of a separate committee for special events. Mayor Hamik said she met with some of the people in Palm Springs that have done this as part of a committee comprised of hoteliers. She said they came up with great ideas for events, and they use formulas for improvement on some of the hotels. She said the three questions asked at the bottom of the staff report spoke to those issue. Additionally, she voiced her interest on being on the committee. Councilman Spiegel stated he would like to be on the committee as well. Mr. Wohlmuth pointed out he didn't have a role on which members of the Council are on the committee. Essentially, the Council will direct staff to draft a resolution and come up with a typical make-up of the proposal, which will be considered at a future meeting. At that time, a separate item would be to appoint two members from the City Council to the subject committee. One comment on the special events, as mentioned by Mayor Pro Tem Benson, a subcommittee could be formed to work on special events. In fact, yesterday moming, staff discussed current City events and how to attract new ones; staff from Marketing, Economic Development, and Planning were at this meeting. One suggestion was to have the Marketing Committee look at special events. Therefore, he wasn't sure a separate committee for special events was necessary, especially with the potential of a Hotel Committee. He said both the Hotel and Marketing committee's can have a subcommittee dealing with special events. Mayor Hamik called for the vote, and the motion carried by a 5-0 vote. Responding to question about the Palm Desert High School band, Ms. Riddle confirmed they will be performing at the Civic Center Park on November 18. 13 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 10, 2013 XV. CONTINUED BUSINESS A. CONSIDERATION OF THE APPROVAL OF BEGINNING THE PROCESS OF FORMING A LANDSCAPE AND LIGHTING DISTRICT FOR HOMES LOCATED ON THE FAIRWAYS OF PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB (PD Golf Operations, LLC, d.b.a. Palm Desert Country Club, Applicant) (Continued from the meeting of April 11, 2013). Senior Management Analyst Ryan Stendell recalled for the Council this item was heard at the April 11, 2013, meeting and was ultimately continued to the October meeting to allow the owners of Palm Desert County Club (PDCC) to do outreach. He said the Applicant offered to create a website and meet with neighbors, and the direction from Council was clear in that it wanted a high level of community support before venturing down the path of forming a landscape and lighting district. As noted in the staff report, there were five bullet points crucial to the proposals by the Applicant, yet none of the promises made at the April meeting have occurred at this point. He said staff continues to receive phone calls and emails from residents asking when those promises will be met, yet it's the burden belongs to the PDCC ownership. Staff will continue to support the assessment idea if and when there is a high level of community support. After the staff report was drafted, an email from the Applicant was received outlining reasons why they haven't complied with the promised items of the April meeting and asking for additional time to comply; the email was distributed to the Council. Councilman Spiegel asked if the Applicant was aware of staffs recommendation and should this item be continued. Mr. Stendell replied the Applicant was made aware of staffs recommendation of denial, and continuing to a date uncertain would achieve the same thing. Councilman Spiegel moved to, Minute Motion, deny the request to begin the process of forming a Landscape and Lighting District (LLD) for homes located on the fairways of Palm Desert Country Club (PDCC). Mayor Hamik asked if the request is denied, how long before the Applicant can come back to the City. Mr. Erwin replied there was no limit. Mr. Wohlmuth noted the only limit was that assessment districts had to go on the tax role, and they are only available once a year. 14 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 10, 2013 Mr. Stendell added late July or early August is the deadline to get the assessment on the tax roles, but at this point, he didn't believe the deadline would be met. Councilman Tanner said many of the residents have shown concem on the maintenance building, and he had an opportunity to speak with Managing Director Moe Sihota this week. On concem Mr. Sihota shared was the delay in getting the permits to actually do anything with it, not that it was an excuse, but he was wondering if there was anything the City could do, for the residents sake, with regard to the maintenance shed. Mr. Stendell noted a lot of these issues get lumped into one big pot of issues, but he knew the Planning Department was actively working on it. Ms. Aylaian added staff has been working with PDCC and encouraging them to get all the submittals needed in order to move forward. She said there was a public hearing this summer regarding their proposal to locate the maintenance yard in a different location than was previously approved. At that meeting, PDCC withdrew their request, stating they will change course and do something different. Therefore, staff is working with them in obtaining all the information in order to process it. She understood residents are tired of looking at this shed, and staff agreed this has been dragged out for a long time, which is why staff has encouraged PDCC to move forward with all due haste. Mayor Hamik stated Mr. Sihota said he was going to put up a website and he didn't, but he could have at least posted the dates the financials and course redesigns would be available. She said there have been no communication, and the people out there probably feel insecure about the whole matter because it affects their home. She said it was not okay to leave people hanging, yet we all knew something had to be done, but it didn't appear it was moving in that direction. Mayor Hamik called for the vote and the motion carried by a 5-0 vote. XVI. OLD BUSINESS None XVII. PUBLIC HEARINGS None 15 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 10, 2013 XVIII. REPORTS AND REMARKS A. CITY MANAGER 1.y Manaaer Meetina Summaries for the Period of September 16-27, 2013. Mr. Wohlmuth noted the Meeting Summaries report contained in the agenda packets and offered to answer questions. With City Council concurrence, the report was received and filed. 2. Report on the Launch of "FIRST WEEKend Palm Desert." Mr. Wohlmuth said he asked Tourism & Marketing Manager Donna Gomez to provide an update on this new program. He felt that staff had done a wonderful job getting this launched on very short notice. He called attention to the actual promotional rack card provided to each Councilmember at the dais. Ms. Gomez related that research confirms that Cultural Tourism is one of the fastest -growing segments of the travel industry. Therefore, it made sense for Palm Desert to include a goal within its Economic Development Strategic Plan to address that trend and take the necessary steps to host a cultural event. Specifically, she said the City looked at working with various entities and events to create the "FI RST WEEKend" concept. Staff put together a core team to work on the project, consisting of Economic Development Manager Ruth Ann Moore, Management Analyst Deborah Schwartz, and she, along with Palm Springs Art Museum -Palm Desert Marketing Manger Arlene Amick, to work diligently on it. She said they considered marketing and advertising for the program, as well as looking to community partners that will make the effort feasible. They created a logo, the aforementioned rack card, and a website that will be available next week: pdfirstweekend.com. It will be the main source of information for the program and will have an updated calendar of events that can be changed daily as needed. As far as advertising, she noted that they've developed a pretty diversified program — print, radio, social media, and public relations outreach. This along with providing all the partners with the "F1 RST WEEKend" logo and encouraging them to utilize it on all their marketing materials; the Art Museum is already doing so to get the branding message out. She went on to say that partners were very critical to the program, and several have already signed on. She said "F1 RST WEEKend" serves as an umbrella for a lot of existing arts and cultural events, and 16 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 10, 2013 collaboration is occurring with agencies, such as The Gardens On El Paseo that already hosts concerts in its garden area, and McCallum Theatre has already provided some of their events that fall within "F1 RST WEEKend;" Cinemas Palme D'Or has some great interactive programs with Q&As and are working with the City as well. She called attention to the fact that Palm Springs Art Museum -Palm Desert was really taking a leadership role in revitalizing the El Paseo Art Walk and will be hosting free entrance on Friday nights during "FI RST WEEKend," as well as having concerts on their property. With regard to the revitalized El Paseo Art Walk, she said there has been some activity and discussions, and it sounded like there was a lot of interest in businesses on El Paseo being willing to stay open late on that first Friday night each month, which was very exciting. Additionally after first of the year, Docent Tours will start to occur during "F1 RST WEEKend" as well, and the El Paseo Cruise Night has extended their program and is now starting in November to be part of the inaugural event. She added that the Art Walk at The Art Place on Corporate Way is also part of the program, is very supportive, and wants to play an integral part in it. Further, the Cal State Campus Theater is also participating, along with other partners such as Desert Willow and The Living Desert that are looking to incorporate programming to coincide with "FI RST WEEKend." She pointed out that this demonstrates one example of how reaching out to the community and partnering with our community partners can go a long way — the City doesn't have to commit a lot of money or staff time and can work with its community partners to make these programs happen. She emphasized that this represents a lot of existing events that were brought together and showcased, and staff was hoping to grow the program this season (November- May), along with including new partners as time goes on. She said any event that falls within the Arts and Culture Category will be promoted on the website. For the future, partnerships were anticipated with restaurants that may offer special deals during "FIRST WEEKend" and also hotels that would offer cultural weekends in Palm Desert. She was very excited about the prospects for the City as it builds upon its standing as a Cultural Tourist destination. The first program kicks off on November 1, and all were invited to attend, with final details being worked out for the opening night ceremony, which she will be forwarding. Mayor Pro Tem Benson suggested delivering notices to the hotels that could be put into their guest packages upon check -in during that week. She felt oftentimes having something in hand was more apt to entice action than having to go on the Internet to find it. Ms. Gomez appreciated the idea and said staff would work very closely with all the hotel concierges, making sure they have plenty of 17 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 10, 2013 the rack cards available. She said they would try to contact the concierges every first Thursday to alert them to the activities coming up that weekend. Mayor Hamik said she was very enthused about the program. She added that she spoke to the Women's Realtors Council today, who were very excited about this effort, and the response has been terrific. B. CITY ATTORNEY None C. CITY CLERK 1. Announcement of City Council Study Session Regarding Unmanned Aerial Systems - Thursday, October 24, 2013, at 2:00 p.m. - Administrative Conference Room. Ms. Klassen noted the upcoming Study Session for Councilmembers, and they so noted. 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) Storaae Shed Ordinance — Mayor Hamik noted the speaker at the beginning of today's meeting asking Council to take a look at the Municipal Code as it relates to storage sheds on residential property. She asked staff to begin the process of making this review for future Council consideration. 18 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 10, 2013 b) Traffic Sianal Cabinet Art Proiects — Mayor Hamik suggested having local students be invited to watch the artists work on the projects approved earlier on today's agenda, because she felt it would be great educational experience. Management Analyst Deborah Schwartz responded that another set of Traffic Signal Cabinets would be coming before Council in the next six weeks' time that is actually located next to Palm Desert High School. The artist to be commissioned there will be required to work with the students on the design, and it will be perfect for the interactive element. Additionally, she said schools could be encouraged to come out for the ones just approved. Mayor Hamik said it would be great if the YMCA and other similar student -oriented organizations could come out and appreciate this artistic endeavor. 2. Citv Council Consideration of Travel Reauests and Reports: None 3. Citv Council Committee Reports: a) SunLine Transit Agency Board — Mayor Hamik noted that she's currently the Altemate to the Board but asked her colleagues if it would be okay for Councilmember Weber to serve as a 21'd Altemate there, because her own schedule is a little tight right now, and she could use someone to cover for her. Councilman Tanner moved to, by Minute Motion, appoint Councilmember Susan Marie Weber as the City of Palm Desert's 2nd Altemate to the SunLine Transit Agency Board. Motion was seconded by Benson and carried by 5-0 vote. 4. City Council Comments: a) Councilman Spiegel wished Mayor Hamik a happy birthday this weekend. b) Councilman Tanner noted that the "Paint El Paseo Pink" event for Breast Cancer Awareness event was happening this Saturday at The Gardens and hoped everyone would come out and celebrate. 19 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 10, 2013 5. Suaaested Items for Future Citv Council Meetina Aaendas: .r None XIX. ADJOURNMENT On a motion by Spiegel, second by Tanner, and unanimous vote of the City Council, Mayor Hamik adjourned the meeting at 5:00 p.m. ATTEST: RAC LL D. KLA EN, ! ITY CLERK CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA /JJAN C. HARNIK, MAYOR IMO um all r 20