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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-10-09MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2014 CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBER 73510 FRED WARING DRIVE, PALM DESERT, CA 92260 I. CALL TO ORDER - 3:00 P.M. Mayor Tanner convened the meeting at 3:00 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Councilmember Jean M. Benson Councilmember Jan C. Hamik Councilman Robert A. Spiegel Mayor Pro Tem Susan Marie Weber Mayor Van G. Tanner Also Present: John M. Wohlmuth, City Manager David J. Erwin, City Attorney Rudy P. Acosta, Assistant City Manager 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 Stephen Y. Aryan, Risk Manager Kevin Vest, Chief, Palm Desert Police/Riverside Co. Sheriff's Department David Adams, Sgt., Palm Desert Police/Riverside Co. Sheriffs Department Grace L. Mendoza, Deputy City Clerk III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - A (CLOSED SESSION ITEMS) MR. CARL CIESLIKOWSKI, Spyglass Lane, Palm Desert, CA, first thanked Councilmember Benson for her 30+ years of service to the City and the marvelous job she had done. With regard to Section XII - Item A, Resolution No. 2014-82, Tract Map No. 13008 (The Summit), he noted that Councilmembers should have MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 9, 2014 received a copy of his letter on this issue included in their agenda packets. He said for those familiar with residents at The Summit, almost half of them are out of the area currently. Therefore, he asked that this fact be taken into consideration when Council takes up the matter. In response to question, he said most of those residents retum to their homes there toward the end of October. Councilmembers noted that the public hearing proposed to be set by Resolution No. 2014-82 was scheduled for the meeting of November 13, which would accommodate the request. IV. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION Reauest for Closed Session: A. Conference with Real Property Negotiator pursuant to Govemment Code Section 54956.8: 1) Property: APN 640-370-016 Negotiating Parties: Agency: John M. Wohlmuth/Rudy P. Acosta/Martin Alvarez/City of Palm Desert/Successor Agency to the Palm Desert Redevelopment Agency Property Owner. Successor Agency to the Palm Desert Redevelopment Agency Under Negotiation: x Price x Terms of Payment B. Conference with Legal Counsel regarding existing litigation pursuant to Govemment Code Section 54956.9(d)(1): 1) WNRA Palm Desert 103, LP, v. City of Palm Desert, et al., Riverside County Superior Court, Case No. PSC 1400549 C. Conference with Legal Counsel regarding significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Govemment Code Section 54956.9(d)(2): Number of potential cases: 2 With City Council concurrence, Mayor Tanner adjourned the meeting to Closed Session at 3:07 p.m. He reconvened the meeting at 4:00 p.m. V. RECONVENE REGULAR MEETING - 4:00 P.M. A. REPORT ON ACTION FROM CLOSED SESSION. None 2 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 9, 2014 VI. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - Mayor Van G. Tanner VII. INVOCATION - Councilman Robert A. Spiegel VIII. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - B MR. KENNETH DORAN, Palm Desert, CA, stated that approximately two weeks ago, 2014 City Council Candidates were invited to a meeting with the City Manager and all City Department Heads. However, he said one person wasn't in attendance, and he asked if an arrangement could be made to meet with that staff member to ask questions. Mr. Wohlmuth confirmed that there was a Candidate Meeting two weeks ago to introduce all City Department Heads to the Candidates, provide a brief overview of each area of responsibility and the budget for same, and answer questions. In response to comment that the staff member not present that day was Tourism and Marketing Manager Donna Gomez, he said there was a lot of staff time involved in setting up the prior meeting. He suggested that if there are questions for that Manager, Candidates could send them to his attention, and he would distribute responses to all Candidates. He said it would be unproductive at this time to set up another meeting amongst some 15 Directors and utilize an hours' worth of City time to do this activity twice. MR. DORAN responded he was not advocating for that. He added his concem for submitting questions directly to Mr. Wohlmuth is that he didn't want them to be filtered. He wanted to ask that person questions directly, and he wanted the response from that person who is being paid up to $130,000 annually. He felt that person could respond to questions; he didn't need the City Manager nor any of the other Directors. Mayor Tanner said the request would be taken under consideration and a response would be provided to Mr. Doran. MR. FRANK LAULAINEN, Palm Desert, CA, wanted to address what is being proposed as El Paseo Square and a potential hotel site that has always been discussed. He said it's very unfortunate, after having further discussions with owners of the property there — everyone needed to see this go in the best direction, and we're at that threshold now with lots of new things about to happen. He added that there is a whole new market out there, while owners of the subject property told him as of today that the property is under no condition for sale. However, he said that the property owner indicated that he would be in Palm Desert toward the end of October and asked Mr. Laulainen if he'd be interested in buying out the lease and the whole package. This was possibly a step in the right direction, but he didn't 3 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 9, 2014 think it was being set up as a good power center - the market idea is great, it's a good tenant. Although with Whole Foods just opening in the mix of Palm Desert grocers, along with Jensen's, which he pointed out is constantly upgrading their operation and was one of the original businesses that put Palm Desert on the map, he felt the City really needed to be concemed about it. He wanted to let City Council know that he would still pursue his idea for the property, with a commitment from his investors to come up with the appropriate amount of funds to do this, including more in the direction of the San Pablo Avenue extension — it needed to be done, and the time was right. He urged everyone to put their energies into things that would encourage the better concept to come forward. Additionally, he noted that Mr. Wohlmuth mentioned that the City now has a Hotel Committee made up of interested individuals that may be a good resource for further dialog to put things together, the appropriate thing, without slamming people in the face, which isn't what he wanted to do. He wanted everyone to be happy and would appreciate Council's efforts to this end. MS. NIKOHL VANDEL, Desert Hot Springs, CA, said she wished to speak to the issue of Net Neutrality; it's a public utility — what we're transitioning to — and everyone needed to ask themselves what it should look like. She said it most definitely should not look like our current public utility systems, because when cities can't negotiate with their public utilities to get the best thoughts and ideas to come forward for communities in the desert, where solar is so big, yet the area builds a natural gas plant here. For those in the area with asthma, they are affected the most. She said everyone needed to look and see what the County Board of Supervisors and State Representatives (who are on longer in those positions) have done to the community. She stated that the natural gas plant can be retrofitted, probably should be, and residents need to push for it; there were many plants like it all over the planet, and technology could be utilized to upgrade and fix it. She had come forward today about Net Neutrality - it was like that. Further, she referred to prior comments at today's meeting, stating that there must be ethical problems somewhere in the room, because if they weren't, the gentleman would not have had to come forward to ask for a fair hearing of ideas. IX. AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS, AND APPOINTMENTS A. PRESENTATION OF PROCLAMATION DECLARING THE WEEK OF OCTOBER 19-25, 2014, AS "FREEDOM FROM WORKPLACE BULLIES WEEK" IN THE CITY OF PALM DESERT. On behalf of the City Council, Mayor Tanner presented the proclamation by reading it aloud. He noted that there wasn't a representative present today to accept it in person, but it would be forwarded to the organization. 4 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 9, 2014 B. PRESENTATION OF PROCLAMATION DECLARING THE WEEK OF NOVEMBER 2-8, 2014, AS "CALIFORNIA RETIRED TEACHERS WEEK" IN THE CITY OF PALM DESERT. On behalf of the City Council, Mayor Tanner presented the proclamation to a representative from the California Retired Teachers Association Roadrunner Division 43. MR. JIM JONES, President, Desert Roadrunner Division 43, graciously accepted the proclamation and highlighted the statistics presented in it, noting that after teachers retire from the classroom, they continue to give and are a very viable group. He said members of their group volunteer locally at The Living Desert, McCallum Theatre, and CV History Museum, they judge science fairs, serve as guest teachers in Desert Sands and Coachella Valley Unified School Districts, and they will be participating with a group in the Desert Art Walk on November 1 in Civic Center Park. Additionally, they give scholarships, with seven being awarded to local students last year of $1,000 each, with the minimum requirement, in addition to their academics, being that they be a child or grandchild of a present or former teacher. He went on to say that there are 86 divisions of Retired Teachers in the State of Califomia, with about 50,000 members currently. In their local group that represents from Palm Desert to Mecca and Blythe, there are 340 members, and they're always looking for more, encouraging anyone who knows of a retired teacher to let them know. On the State level, he said that grants are offered to teachers in the classroom presently; and one teacher in Thermal received such a grant of $100 last year to use at his discretion in the classroom. They also recognize current classroom teachers during "Day of the Teacher" and work directly with local school districts and educators to protect their pensions and offer a support system for life after the classroom. He again thanked the City of Palm Desert for this recognition and left a copy of their most recent newsletter with Mayor Tanner. X. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES of the Regular City Council Meeting of September 25, 2014. Rec: Approve as presented. Approved 4-0-1 (AYES: Benson, Hamik, Weber, and Tanner; NOES: None; ABSTAINING: Spiegel). B. CLAIMS AND DEMANDS AGAINST THE CITY TREASURY - Warrant Nos. 77, 82, 83, and 88. Rec: Approve as presented. 5 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 9, 2014 C. COMPLIANCE ANALYSIS AND INVESTMENT REPORTS for the Months of June, July, and August 2014 (Joint Consideration with the Successor Agency to the Palm Desert Redevelopment Agency). Rec: Receive and file. D. AUDIT. INVESTMENT & FINANCE COMMITTEE Meeting Minutes for June 24, 2014. Rec: Receive and file. E. LETTER OF RESIGNATION from Tom Hayes — Rent Review Commission. Rec: Receive with very sincere regret. F. REQUEST FOR RATIFICATION of the City Manager's Approval of Change Order No. 2 - Contract No. C33700D - Construction and Installation of the Community Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Project. Rec: By Minute Motion, ratify the City Manager's approval of Change Order No. 2 in the amount of $49,888.87 to the subject contract with Native Electrical Construction, Inc., Ramona, California, for additional work required for the project —funding is available through the MSRC Grant and the City's AB2766 funds, Account No. 238-4515-442-3630 - no impact to the General Fund. Councilman Spiegel noted he would be abstaining from the vote on Item A, Minutes of the September 25, 2014, regular City Council Meeting due to his absence therefrom. Upon a motion by Hamik, second by Weber, and 5-0 vote of the City Council, the remainder of the Consent Calendar was approved as presented (AYES: Benson, Hamik, Spiegel, Weber, and Tanner; NOES: None). XI. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER None 6 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 9, 2014 XII. RESOLUTIONS A. RESOLUTION NO. 2014 - 82 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, INITIATING PROCEEDINGS TO ACCEPT AND REJECT CERTAIN OFFERS OF DEDICATION WITHIN THE MAP OF TRACT NO. 13008 (THE SUMMIT) M.B. 106/24-30, RIV. CO. REC., UNDER PROVISIONS OF DIVISION 9, PART 3, CHAPTER 3 OF THE STREETS AND HIGHWAYS CODE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA, AND FIXING A TIME AND PLACE FOR HEARING ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN OR OBJECTING TO THE PROPOSED ACCEPTANCE AND REJECTION OF THE MAP DEDICATION. Mr. Greenwood stated approval of this Resolution would set the date of the public hearing for November 13, 2014, where Council will consider the actual action of accepting and rejecting the offers of dedication. Councilman Spiegel moved to waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 2014 - 82. Motion was seconded by Hamik and carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: Benson, Hamik, Spiegel, Weber, and Tanner; NOES: None). Mayor Tanner reiterated that on November 13, 2014, the Council will receive public testimony on the acceptance and rejection offers within The Summit Development. Councilman Spiegel asked about notification to the residents. Mr. Wohlmuth replied that because it's a public hearing, notices will be sent to residents within a 300-feet radius, stating staff will work with the homeowners association to ensure anyone interested is notified. XIII. ORDINANCES A. For Introduction: 1. ORDINANCE NO. 1275 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CTY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTION NOS. 1.16.010, 1.16.020, AND 1.16.030 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, RELATIVE TO USE OF THE OFFICIAL CITY SEAL. Mr. Erwin stated he requested this item be placed on the agenda, because currently the City didn't have any regulation on the use of the City seal. There is an instance where an individual is using the City seal advertising a business, and he has failed to remove it from his 7 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 9, 2014 website. He said this Ordinance is appropriate, because the City should be controlling the use of the seal, using it only for City business. Councilman Spiegel moved to waive further reading and pass Ordinance No. 1275 to second reading. Responding to question on whether the City seal was registered or trademarked, Mr. Erwin answered yes, and he agreed the individual was already breaking the law, but he wanted the Ordinance on the books in order to enforce it. Councilmember Hamik seconded the motion. In response to inquiry on the name of the business in question, Management Analyst David Hermann said it was El's Gardening Service. Mayor Tanner called for the vote and the motion carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: Benson, Hamik, Spiegel, Weber, and Tanner; NOES: None). B. For Adoption: None XIV. NEW BUSINESS With City Council concurrence, Mayor Tanner took New Business Items A and B out of order, resuming the posted order thereafter. Please refer to the resulting discussion and action for each, as follows. A. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT I.C.M.A. VANTAGECARE RETIREMENT HEALTH SAVINGS PLAN AND ESTABLISH A CORRESPONDING 401A MONEY PURCHASE PLAN, PROVIDING FOR MANDATORY PARTICIPATION FOR EMPLOYEES HIRED AFTER JANUARY 1, 2015, WITH SUCH EMPLOYEES NOT BEING ENROLLED IN THE CITY'S CURRENT RETIREE HEALTH SERVICE STIPEND PROGRAM, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE 2014 MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH THE PALM DESERT EMPLOYEES ORGANIZATION (P.D.E.O.). Human Resources Manager Lori Camey stated the proposed plan will the City's liability for post retirement health benefits. She offered to answer questions. 8 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 9, 2014 Councilman Spiegel moved to: 1) Waive further reading and adopt: a) Resolution No. 2014 - 83, amending City of Palm Desert ICMA Vantagecare Retirement Health Savings Plan; b) Resolution No. 2014 - 84, establishing a corresponding 401A Govemment Money Purchase Plan for employees hired after January 1, 2015; 2) by Minute Motion, authorize the City Manager to execute all documents related to implementation of the aforementioned plans. Motion was seconded by Hamik and carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: Benson, Hamik, Spiegel, Weber, and Tanner, NOES: None). B. CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST TO PERMANENTLY CONVERT TWO (2) TENNIS COURTS AT FREEDOM PARK INTO EIGHT (8) PICKLEBALL COURTS. Senior Management Analyst Ryan Stendell stated staff is asking to convert two tennis courts at Freedom Park into eight (8) dedicated Pickleball Courts for a budget amount not to exceed $20,000. With the conversion at Cahuilla Hills Park, staff has experienced an explosion in the popularity of pickleball and the request for additional courts. He said staff was in a difficult position because a resident at Cahuilla Hills wants one tennis court to remain. Staff is also running into a parking issue there because of the popularity of the hiking trails and the pickleballers. He said with the help of the Parks and Recreation Commission, they have discussed different locations, and the difference between adding a new concrete slab versus the conversion of an existing tennis court, the price difference is astounding. He said adding a brand-new facility was a $250,000 expenditure versus $20,000 for conversion of two existing tennis courts. He said staff didn't like taking away facilities; however, in this case, there are posted signs at Freedom Park. Staff received one written email from a resident who does use the tennis courts and didn't want to lose them. However, the general impression of tennis use at Freedom Park is that it's low compared to those at Civic Center Park. In this case, staff and the Commission recommended for the conversion of the two tennis courts at Freedom Park. Councilman Spiegel asked if it was possible to leave one court for tennis and one court for pickleball. Mr. Stendell answered yes, but it would only yield four pickleball courts at Freedom Park, which didn't provide a net increase, stating pickleball users like to play all at one location. Councilman Spiegel agreed, however, the Council had to consider the rest of the residents who might want to play tennis. Councilmember Benson asked if staff had seen the letter from Dan Nelson suggesting split days. 9 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 9, 2014 Mr. Stendell explained the dual striping as suggested by Mr. Nelson wouldn't net enough courts to make the move. He said staff would rather just keep what is at Cahuilla Hills Park, because there are four dedicated pickleball courts with one dual stripped for a total of five pickleball courts there. Councilman Spiegel moved to, by Minute Motion, maintain one tennis court at Freedom Park and convert one for pickleball. Motion was seconded by Hamik. Councilmember Hamik asked if staff was proposing that all pickleball play be taken out of Cahuilla Hills. Mr. Stendell answered yes. He said staff underestimated the proximity of Cahuilla Hills Park to residential when it was decided to place pickleball there in 2010. Although, he hasn't received tons of calls, several residents on the eastern side of the wash have called him about the loudness, especially when there is good weather and their windows are open. One miscalculation on his part in 2010 when they located pickleball at Cahuilla Hills was not recognizing that Freedom Park was a regional park, much further away from residential, and with adequate parking. From a use perspective, it made more sense to have pickleball at Freedom Park, unfortunately, eliminating all tennis at the same time. Councilmember Hamik asked where did the pickleball players at Cahuilla Hills come from. Mr. Stendell stated Chris Thomas from the Parks and Recreation Commission, who is tied in with the pickleball community is present and may address that question. Councilmember Benson recalled that when the pickleball courts were installed, it was because there were so many people at Cahuilla Hills that wanted it. Councilmember Hamik asked if players were coming from other areas because they didn't have access to a pickleball court and would it be more convenient at Freedom Park. Mr. Stendell replied he believed the use at Cahuilla Hills was regional, because people were not walking from their homes or live in close proximity; in general, the players are driving in. Mayor Pro Tem Weber stated staff was suggesting that instead of driving to Cahuilla Hills, the players could just drive to Freedom Park. She understood from staff that pickleball players were different from tennis players, in that 10 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 9, 2014 pickleball is like a big fun party and they liked to play together, which is why staff wants to convert the two tennis courts at Freedom park into eight. Mr. Stendell agreed. Further responding, he confirmed there would be no more tennis at Freedom Park, and anyone wanting to play tennis would have to go to Civic Center Park. Councilman Spiegel said that's why he suggested one tennis court and one pickleball court at Freedom Park. Councilmmember Benson said that sounded more reasonable, and at least on a trial basis it should be tried to see if there are still tennis players there, if not, it can be changed back. She said to take tennis out completely out of Freedom Park didn't seem quite right. Councilmember Hamik stated she was at Freedom Park every week, and when she's there no one is playing tennis. She asked if there was any type of gate or fencing between the two courts. Mr. Stendell replied the courts can be retrofitted, and tennis and pickleball next to each other have worked well in the past. He said that ultimately what the pickleball community is desiring are eight courts in one location. He said staff can attempt to have split courts at both locations, but whether or not it will work, he didn't know. Councilman Spiegel noted the City already had a split court at the Civic Center Park. Mr. Stendell agreed, stating there was already a split court at Cahuilla Hills Park as well. Mayor Tanner stated that because pickleball is a very social event, all eight courts would be used at the same time, which is the reasoning behind converting both courts either at one location or the other. Councilman Spiegel stated an altemative would be to put in another court. Mr. Stendell agreed, however, it would be an expensive capital endeavor, stating the last time he checked, a lighted court was $125,000, and two would be a $250,000 capital project. Mayor Tanner noted that if the Council desired to place one at Freedom Park, it was already a regional park with permanent restrooms, playground, and picnic areas. He asked if there was room at Freedom Park for a new court. 11 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 9, 2014 Mr. Stendell replied he believed there was room, but everything is always competing against open space. If a new court is built, the good news is that it didn't have to be configured exactly like a tennis court, it can be designed to accommodate different layouts. Councilman Spiegel suggested the Council go along with his original recommendation, and if it became a problem, another court can be placed in the budget for next year. Councilmember Hamik stated that in reading the minutes from the Parks and Recreation Commission, it seemed a lot of thinking went into this and a lot of people have weighed in. She said the Commissioners are very active and did go out and check the parks and wondered if anyone had checked on the usage of the tennis courts at Freedom Park. Mr. Stendell answered yes, stating it was everyone's impression the tennis courts are rarely being used. He said the Commission asked him to post a notice, which he did about three weeks ago, and he has received one email and a phone call from residents there; however, the City is still coming into season. Councilmember Hamik agreed with staffs point the City was not in the season yet and thought it made sense to wait a little longer before taking tennis away. She said pickleball is growing in leaps in bounds, which was amazing to her, but she would hate to take something away, and then when residents returned in November or December to have to deal with the repercussions of that. Councilman Spiegel asked the Council to go along with his recommendation and see what happens, because it wouldn't cost money. Mayor Pro Tem Weber disagreed, stating it would cost money. Mr. Stendell explained that if one court is converted, the City will expend about $10,000 to do the conversion of one tennis court. Councilmember Benson stated she thought Councilman Spiegel's suggestion was the best agreeing the Council should wait to see what happens, and then consider it for next year's budget. Councilmember Hamik agreed $10,000 wasn't a lot of money, but if it's spent and then later the decision is reversed, the Council would be expending funds it shouldn't be spending. Therefore, she offered a substitute motion to continue this item until November or December when more residents or users of that park returned. 12 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 9, 2014 Mayor Pro Tem Weber said she would like this matter investigated a little bit more before it spends any money. Councilmember Hamik substituted the motion and moved to, by Minute Motion, continue this item to the meeting of December 11, 2014. Motion was seconded by Weber and carried by a 3-2 vote (AYES: Benson, Hamik, and Weber, NOES: Spiegel and Tanner). C. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF THE PALM DESERT POLICE DEPARTMENT'S PARTICIPATION IN THE POST -RELEASE ACCOUNTABILITY AND COMPLIANCE TEAMS (P.A.C.T.) PROGRAM FOR FISCAL YEAR 2014-2015. Mr. Aryan stated this item is for the City's continued participation on the East -PACT team by supplying one patrol deputy position. He recalled for the Council the PACT teams were created as a result of Assembly Bill 109 (AB109), which realigned the State's correction system. Subsequently, the realignment resulted in the early release of certain inmates. To mitigate the negative realignment impacts, PACT teams assist local law enforcement in overseeing new probationers. A point of clarification to the staff report, he said there is a requirement for participation, which is that no new positions will be created as a result of these teams. Although, this program did take one deputy away from patrol, public safety would not be diminished, because this position will be actively involved in supervising post -release inmates and have the full resources and the entire PACT team. The cost of this position is also paid by the State and provides approximately $200,000 in savings to the Police Budget. He said staffs recommendation adheres to the Public Safety Emergency Services section of the City's Strategic Plan with one identified priority, which is to: Enhance the delivery of public safety services. He noted the Palm Desert Public Safety Commission reviewed and recommended approval of this item at their meeting yesterday. Councilman Spiegel moved to, by Minute Motion: 1) Approve Palm Desert Police Department's participation in the Post -release Accountability and Compliance Teams (P.A.C.T.) Program for FY 2014-2015; 2) authorize the City Manager or his designee to execute any documents related to the City's participation in the P.A.C.T. Program; 3) appropriate $200,000 from Fund 229 - Police Department Budget - and estimated reimbursement of $200,000 from City's participation in the P.A.C.T. Program; 4) ratify the City Manager's approval of $2,000 toward Palm Desert's contribution for East-P.A.C.T. FY 2014-2015 operating costs. Motion was seconded by Weber. Mayor Tanner noted this item is identified legislatively as a three-year program. He asked if the City will be totally reimbursed $200,000 for three years. 13 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 9, 2014 Mr. Aryan answered yes, stating it was for one position. Further responding, he said at the end of the three-year period of time, the City can renew the program or take that one position back. He explained it was one position that the City already had that is being funded by the State, but the activities are diverted from patrol into the PACT team. MS. NIKOHL VANDEL, Desert Hot Springs, first addressed the Council on an earlier action on the agenda where it approved an Ordinance over the use of the City seal, stating there was already a law in place for it. She questioned why the Council couldn't just enforce the existing law under the one form of govemment, because it now had two laws over the City seal. She said the Council needed to pay attention to what it did on the dais. With respect to this item, she was confused as to why the City had a Palm Desert Police Department, because she thought it was the Riverside County Sheriff's Department that serviced Palm Desert. However, if the Council did have influence over how the Sheriff Department implements this program, she believed police officers need to integrate social and mental issues into their everyday being as to how to interact with the community. She said there can be one officer who can do a really good job at training other officers on how to help rehabilitate others even down to the homeless. She said this past week Palm Springs had a new discussion on the homeless that she would encourage this Council to participate in, because it was a regional problem. Mayor Tanner called for the vote and the motion carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: Benson, Hamik, Spiegel, Weber, and Tanner; NOES: None). D. REQUEST FOR ACCEPTANCE OF THE 2014 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PERFORMANCE GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $15,562 FROM THE CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR'S OFFICE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES AND AUTHORIZE THE PURCHASE OF A MOBILE WATER TREATMENT SYSTEM FOR DISASTER OPERATIONS. Mr. Aryan stated this filtration system will provide the City the ability to process approximately 28,000 gallons of potable water per a 24-hour period. In essence, it would provide the minimum standard of one gallon of potable water per person per day for about half of the City's non -season population and City personnel. The system would only be utilized in an extreme emergency situation where the water supply is disrupted. Staff is actively encouraging its residents to be self reliant and prepare for at least 10 to 14 days following a major emergency incident, stating it was not a substitute for preparedness. He said the City will initially pay the full cost of the system, which is estimated at $40,000, and once the grant money kicks in, the net total will be about $25,000 to the City's budget. He said this item adheres to the City's Strategic Plan under the Public Safety Emergency section, where 14 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 9, 2014 one identified priority is to: Help the community to become more prepared for disasters and public safety emeraencies. He noted the Public Safety Commission recommended approval of this item at yesterday's meeting. Councilman Spiegel moved to, by Minute Motion: 1) Accept the FY 2014 Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) through the Califomia Governor's Office of Emergency Services (OES) in the amount of $15,562; 2) authorize purchase of a mobile water treatment system in an amount up to $45,000 through a sole -source process, if approved by OES; 3) appropriate $45,000 from the Unobligated General Fund Reserves and transfer into Account No. 110-4130-411-4040 for this purpose; 4) authorize the City Manager to execute all required grant documentation. Motion was seconded by Hamik and carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: Benson, Hamik, Spiegel, Weber, and Tanner, NOES: None). XV. CONTINUED BUSINESS None XVI. OLD BUSINESS None XVII. PUBLIC HEARINGS None XVIII. REPORTS AND REMARKS A. CITY MANAGER 1. City Manager Meetina Summaries for the Period of September 15-26, 2014. Mr. Wohlmuth called attention to the Meeting Summaries report in the agenda packet and offered to answer questions. Responding to one about the Freedom Flags For Families project, he said this is a project the City is pursuing with a report tentatively scheduled for the Council's November 13 meeting. He said Mr. Greenwood has started the discussion with the representative that has set up the program in Palm Desert, and Human Resources Manager Lori Camey was taking it up now. Additionally, he said there's going to be a relationship discussion with one of the battalions at 29 Palms Marine Base, and this report will also be on the November 13 agenda. In answer to question about his attendance at the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) Annual Conference 15 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 9, 2014 September 14-17, he said it was their 100th anniversary and was a well -attended conference with many good sessions that he participated in, particularly on economic development. With City Council concurrence, the Meeting Summaries were received and filed. B. CITY ATTORNEY None C. CITY CLERK None D. PUBLIC SAFETY 1. Fire Department None 2. Police Department Capt. Vest reported that the American Heat Motorcycle Event is happening this weekend in Palm Springs. As a result, residents would likely notice an increased law enforcement presence throughout the Coachella Valley. He said all seven regions of the Countywide Gang Task Force would be working, and Palm Desert has increased its staffing as well. E. MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL 1. City Council Reauests for Action: None 2. City Council Consideration of Travel Reauests and Reports: None 3. City Council Committee Reports: a) CSUSB - Palm Desert Campus Convocation — Councilmember Hamik stated that she, Mayor Pro Tem Weber, and Mayor Tanner all attended the inaugural Convocation at the Palm Desert Campus on 16 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 9, 2014 September 23. She said it was very special and represented history in the making with this new tradition here. Her colleagues agreed. b) Califomia Transportation Commission — Councilmember Hamik went on to report that yesterday our local area went before the CTC in an effort to receive grant money for active transportation projects, which is how the CV Link project is characterized. She said $7 million was just released toward that project of the total $10.9 million that had been given. c) Measure "A" Celebration — Councilmember Hamik noted that City officials participated in the Measure "A" celebration on September29, where Councilmember Benson was also honored. She said Measure "A" was passed in 1988 and credited former Councilman and Mayor Dick Kelly for all his efforts in that regard, especially with implementation of TUMF (Transportation Uniform Mitigation Fee). At that time, she said there were four major projects named, with the fourth, widening of Fred Waring Drive, just being completed. She added that the celebration's theme was "Promises Kept," since all of those projects were on the ballot at that time and are now completed. 4. City Council Comments: a) Jean Benson Luncheon — Councilmember Benson laughingly asked whether or not Mr. Greenwood was disgusted with her, given that there was a street project taking place with a four-way stop implemented at the intersection of Desert Willow and Country Club Drives on Monday, October 6, making it tougher to get to Desert Willow for her luncheon hosted by Palm Desert's Soroptimist International and Sister Cities Foundation. However, she still enjoyed herself very much and was very touched to see everyone there helping her celebrate her long career on the City Council. Mayor Tanner offered that even with the slight traffic delay, there were 240 people who did seem to find their way to the magical celebration for Councilmember Benson for her 32-year investment of time on the City Council. He added that in six of those years, she served as the City's Mayor, and he didn't foresee anyone ever meeting or getting close to doing this in the future. He congratulated her for inspiring him, along with many, many other people in Palm Desert and the Coachella Valley. 5. Suaaested Items for Future City Council Meetina Aaendas: None 17 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 9, 2014 XIX. ADJOURNMENT On a motion by Weber, second by Tanner, and 5-0 vote of the City Council (AYES: Benson, Hamik, Spiegel, Weber, and Tanner; NOES: None), Mayor Tanner adjourned the meeting at 5:00 p.m. ATTEST: VAN G. TANNER, MAYOR • % HELLE D. KLASSEN, CLERK \ CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA 18