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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-10-23MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 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. Harnik Councilman Robert A. Spiegel Mayor Pro Tem Susan Marie Weber arrived at 3:08 p.m. Mayor Van G. Tanner Also Present: John M. Wohlmuth, City Manager Robert W. Hargreaves, Assistant 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 Casey Hartman, Battalion Chief, Palm Desert Fire/Riverside Co. Fire Dept./Cal Fire Bill Sullivan, Asst. Chief, Palm Desert Police/Riverside Co. Sheriff's Department Grace L. Mendoza, Deputy City Clerk III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - A (CLOSED SESSION ITEMS) None MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 23, 2014 IV. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION Reauest for Closed Session: A. Conference with Legal Counsel regarding significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2): Number of potential cases: 2 With City Council concurrence, Mayor Tanner adjourned the meeting to Closed Session at 3:01 p.m. He reconvened the meeting at 4:01 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 - Palm Desert Youth Committee Member Cory Hutchinson VII. INVOCATION - Councilmember Jan C. Harnik VIII. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - B MS. NIKOHL VANDEL, Desert Hot Springs, CA, referred to the "Freedom from Workplace Bullies Week" proclamation presented at the last City Council Meeting on October 9, and related some of her own personal experiences with bullying. She commended the City of Palm Desert for being accommodating in allowing her to share her thoughts. MR. SABBY JONATHAN, on behalf of the Family YMCA of the Desert, Palm Desert, provided an update on the Y's activities and recent events, including the inaugural Y Be Fit Palm Desert Reverse Triathlon held on Sunday, October 12, in and around Civic Center Park, which was hugely successful. He displayed photos from the day and provided Councilmembers with commemorative t-shirts, along with finishing medals in appreciation for the City's title sponsorship of the event, which contributed greatly to its ultimate success. He said the event would net between $15,000 - $20,000 that would be reinvested in the community through the various YMCA Programs. He graciously thanked the City Council for all of its support. MR. WILLIAM CORONEL, Falcon Crest Homeowner, Palm Desert, addressed City Council to seek help in dealing with the Homeowners Association in the Falcon 2 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 23, 2014 Crest development, recalling that he came before them previously about the matter but did not get it resolved. He indicated that there have been hard feelings amongst the residents over this issue. While he was proud to be a seven-year Palm Desert resident, this problem was becoming very hard to bear. He related that he was the only one brave enough to come forward before City Council, as his neighbors were afraid to come forward for fear of further retribution. Mayor Tanner thanked Mr. Coronel for coming forward with his issue and asked the City Manager to work with him on this matter, and Mr. Wohlmuth agreed to do so along with the Housing Department IX. AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS, AND APPOINTMENTS A. PRESENTATION OF 2014 "MINI -MUSTER" FIRE SAFETY PROGRAM RECOGNITION AND ARTWORK AWARD CERTIFICATES. Mayor Tanner presented the Artwork Award Certificates to the following 3rd Grade students: - Hannah Curtis, George Washington Charter Elementary. - Angela De La Herran, Ronald Reagan Elementary. - James Monteagudo, Abraham Lincoln Elementary. - Natalie Sullivan, Gerald Ford Elementary. - Alondra Hernandez, James Carter Elementary.m Historical Society of Palm Desert Member Hal Rover announced that these students would be further honored for their award -winning artwork by being featured in the Golf Cart Parade this Sunday as they ride in the Historical Fire Truck entry. Mini -Muster Coordinator Louise Neeley thanked Mayor Tanner for his support and participating in this year's event and followed up by presenting Certificates of Appreciation to Principals of all the Elementary Schools and to Palm Desert/Riverside County Firefighter -Mini -Muster Coordinator Kevin Merkh from Fire Station No. 33. She again extolled all many the virtues of this 22-year-old program for 3`d grade students in the City's elementary schools and presented the traveling plaques in recognition of the annual event to each Mayor Tanner and Firefighter Merkh. B. PRESENTATION OF UPDATE ON PALM DESERT YOUTH COMMITTEE ACTIVITIES BY MEMBER CORY HUTCHINSON. Member Hutchinson referred to Mr. Jonathan's comments earlier in the meeting, reporting that the Youth Committee also participated in the Y Be Fit Event on October 12 — Members were particularly pleased to assist with the 3 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 23, 2014 Color Run where they helped disburse some 300 pounds of color onto the participants and hoped to help with the event again next year. He said they would also be helping with the Golf Cart Parade on Sunday, October 26, in the VIP Seating Section, also looking forward to helping the City put on its annual Wreath Lighting on December 5, and helping with a Holiday Party for students at Lincoln Elementary. He said their Anti -bullying Subcommittee is very active and is scheduling presentations to elementary schools, and his personal goal was to also get their presentation introduced at high schools. Lastly, he said they looked forward to organizing the annual Car Wash Fund- raiser next spring, with the charitable organization to be benefitted being decided around the first of the year. He closed by hoping to see everyone at the parade on Sunday. X. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES of the Regular City Council Meeting of October 9, 2014. Rec: Approve as presented. B. CLAIMS AND DEMANDS AGAINST THE CITY TREASURY - Warrant Nos. 89, 94, 95, and 96. Rec: Approve as presented. C. APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE by JT's Diner, 37011 Cook Street, Suites 101 & 102, Palm Desert. Rec: Receive and file. D. APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE by Walmart Store #5096, 34500 Monterey Avenue, Palm Desert. Rec: Receive and file. E. CITY COMMITTEE AND COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES. 1. Citizens' Sustainability Committee Meeting of May 12, 2014. 2. Public Safety Commission Meeting of May 14, 2014. 3. Youth Committee Meeting of September 8, 2014. Rec: Receive and file. 4 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 23, 2014 F. LETTER OF RESIGNATION from Eric Corey Freed — Citizens' Sustainability Committee. Rec: Receive with very sincere regret. G. LETTER OF RESIGNATION from Luke Taylor — Citizens' Sustainability Committee. Rec: Receive with very sincere regret. H. RESOLUTION NO. 2014 - 85 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Palm Desert, California, Setting Forth its Findings and Authorizing the Destruction of Existing Short-term Rental Applications from the Department of Community Development that Have Been Digitally Imaged — Dated 2011. Rec: Waive further reading and adopt. I. RESOLUTION NO. 2014 - 86 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Palm Desert, California, Setting Forth its Findings and Authorizing the Destruction of Temporary Use Permits from the Department of Community Development that Have Been Digitally Imaged — Dated 1988, 1989, and 1998. Rec: Waive further reading and adopt. J. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of One-year Lease Agreements with Incight and Christopher's Clubhouse to Share Office Space No. 4 at the Portola Community Center, 45480 Portola Avenue (Contract Nos. C33930A and C33930B). By Minute Motion, authorize the Mayor to enter into one-year Lease Agreements with Incight and Christopher's Clubhouse to share Office Space No. 4 at the Portola Community Center. K. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION to Reduce the Amount of Security Held for Tract No. 34391 (KB Home, Southern California, Applicant). Rec: By Minute Motion, authorize reduction of the security for Tract No. 34391 to 10% of the amount of the Faithful Performance Bond to be held for a one-year period. 5 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 23, 2014 L. CONSIDERATION of a Request for Exception to Palm Desert Municipal Code Section 9.58.010 - Consumption of Alcoholic Beverages on Public Property - for a Reception to be Held by the RAP (Regional Access Project) Foundation, Riverside County Office, and The United Way on November 13, 2014, at the Parkview Professional Office Complex. Rec: By Minute Motion, approve an exception to Palm Desert Municipal Code Section 9.58.010 - Consumption of Alcoholic Beverages on Public Property - for a reception being jointly held by the RAP Foundation, Riverside County Office, and The United Way on November 13, 2014, at the Parkview Professional Office Complex. Upon a motion by Spiegel, second by Weber, and 5-0 vote of the City Council, (AYES: Benson, Harnik, Spiegel, Weber, and Tanner; NOES: None), the Consent Calendar was approved as presented. XI. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER None XII. RESOLUTIONS A. RESOLUTION NO. 2014 - 87 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING PARCEL MAP NO. 36741 (The Reserve Club, Applicant). Mr. Greenwood stated this map creates a single small lot for an irrigation well on the Shadow Mountain Golf Club, which will serve the Reserve Golf Club. Councilman Spiegel moved to waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 2014 - 87. Motion was seconded by Harnik and carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: Benson, Harnik, Spiegel, Weber, and Tanner; NOES: None). B. RESOLUTION NO. 2014 - 88 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING THE OBTAINING OF CRIMINAL HISTORY INFORMATION FOR THE PURPOSE OF EMPLOYMENT, LICENSING, AND CERTIFICATION. Human Resources Manager Lori Carney stated approval of the Resolution will authorize the City to collect criminal summary background information via Life Scan, which is where individuals go to have their fingerprints taken, and the City would receive criminal background information from the State and Federal Government. She said this was a best practice for a public employer for all employees, and it is a requirement of the law for any employee who works with minors. She said staff was advised by the City's Joint Powers 6 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 23, 2014 Insurance Authority to adopt this Resolution and begin obtaining criminal backgrounds. MS. ELAINE CLERMONT (A.K.A. NIKOHL VANDEL), Desert Hot Springs, CA, shared about a time when she was put in jail for speaking up as her parents taught her, questioning how in this country she arrived there. She went on to say the City should just Google everyone to get criminal background information instead of creating a policy, because she felt there was a whole generation of people that have been incarcerated left and right from places like Los Angeles, Chicago, etc., for all kinds of reasons, but not necessarily convicted. She felt the City would be discarding or discounting its human resources rather than restoring humanity. Mayor Pro Tem Weber inquired about the collection of information. Ms. Carney explained the Council will be authorizing the City to receive criminal summary reports from the Department of Justice. Mayor Pro Tem Weber stated she understood it was possible for the City to define the reasons for not hiring an individual, and then the summary report would only respond accordingly, but only to the qualifications outlined by the City without having to collect private information. Ms. Carney stated she would become the person of record for the City who would receive the criminal summary report, which was not a detailed report. She believed this was one area where people have concerns that she could alleviate, because it's not a detailed report. She said the report is more of a rap sheet listing only convictions and not arrests, and then it would be a determination on whether or not that criminal history had a nexus to what the person was applying for with the City. Mayor Pro Tem Weber stated she has had several of these done on her because she is a member of the rotary and she teaches, and the reports did provide private information. She asked if there was any way where Live Scan can be done based on the City's criteria without having private information in the City's possession. Ms. Carney replied that was not her understanding, stating the City currently obtained criminal records through Public Records Act searches, but it's limited to what someone puts on their application. For instance, an applicant can indicate they lived in Riverside County, Los Angeles County, and worked in San Bernardino County, and the agency used now would obtain public records from those three counties. By using Live Scan and the State Department of Justice, the City will receive records from counties they didn't report that they lived in that the City wouldn't otherwise know about. 7 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 23, 2014 Additionally, the City was advised this was a requirement for those employees that worked with minors. Because the City has been expanding, it did have employees working with minors. Mayor Pro Tem Weber asked if all current employees will go through this process. Ms. Carney replied it only affected those employees assigned to work with minor. Councilmember Harnik pointed out staff was only requesting public records. Ms. Carney agreed, stating the reports will only be records of convictions. Councilman Spiegel moved to waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 2014 - 88. Motion was seconded by Harnik and carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: Benson, Harnik, Spiegel, Weber, and Tanner; NOES: None). C. RESOLUTION NO. 2014 - 89 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING THE BYLAWS FOR THE HOTEL AND SIGNATURE EVENTS COMMITTEE. Mr. Alvarez stated the newly formed Hotel and Signature Events Committee met on October 1, and one item on the agenda was to review and approve the bylaws for the Committee, which are attached to the staff report. Responding to question, he confirmed the Committee approved the proposed bylaws. Councilman Spiegel moved to waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 2014 - 89. Motion was seconded by Harnik. Mayor Tanner asked how staff will handle a vacancy involving a general manager representing a hotel of more than 100 rooms. Mr. Alvarez replied the vacancy will be replaced with the equivalent of a particular category, but not necessarily through the same hotel. Mayor Tanner called for the vote, and the motion carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: Benson, Harnik, Spiegel, Weber, and Tanner; NOES: None). 8 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 23, 2014 XIII. ORDINANCES A. For Introduction: 1. ORDINANCE NO. 1276 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTION 3.30.020 OF THE PALM DESERT MUNICIPAL CODE TO REQUIRE COMPLIANCE WITH THE STATE PREVAILING WAGE REQUIREMENTS ON CITY PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS. Mr. Hargreaves explained that as a charter city, Palm Desert is not generally required to pay prevailing wages. However, last year the State enacted legislation that states if charter cities didn't agree to pay prevailing wages, then they wouldn't be able to access State funding across the board. There was litigation by charter cities challenging the State, but the litigation was unsuccessful. Therefore, it is Counsel's recommendation to adopt the proposed Ordinance, which would require the payment of prevailing wages for City Public Works contracts. Otherwise, the City will become ineligible to receive State funding. Mayor Tanner noted it would be a fiscal error on Council's part if it didn't adopt the proposed Ordinance. Councilman Spiegel moved to waive further reading and pass Ordinance No. 1276 to second reading. Motion was seconded by Harnik and carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: Benson, Harnik, Spiegel, Weber, and Tanner; NOES: None). B. For Adoption: 1. ORDINANCE NO. 1275 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY 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. Senior Management Analyst David Herman noted this was the second reading of the action taken by Council at the last meeting. Councilmember Harnik moved to waive further reading and adopt Ordinance No. 1275. Motion was seconded by Spiegel and carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: Benson, Harnik, Spiegel, Weber, and Tanner; NOES: None). 9 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 23, 2014 XIV. NEW BUSINESS A. REQUEST FOR AWARD OF CONTRACT TO DESERT AIR CONDITIONING, INC., IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $46,642 FOR PARKVIEW OFFICE COMPLEX H.V.A.C. REPLACEMENT PROJECT II (CONTRACT NO. C33940, FINANCE RFP NO. 2014-4). Mr. Gibson stated this contract went out to bid and a number of companies attended the walk through of the facilities. The City received proposals and staff is recommending award of contract to Desert Air Conditioning to replace nine units at the Parkview Office Complex. Responding to question, he confirmed Desert Air Conditioning was the low bidder. Councilman Spiegel moved to, by Minute Motion, authorize award of the subject contract to Desert Air Conditioning, Inc., Palm Springs, California, for the Parkview Office Complex HVAC Replacement Project II in an amount not to exceed $46,642 — funds are budgeted in Account No. 510-4195-495-3370. Councilmember Harnik stated she recognized the bid was considerably lower; however, the SEER rating is 15, with the highest being 15.5, yet she knew of units that are 17 and 18. Mr. Gibson explained it was harder to get those types of units for commercial buildings, and the 15-SEER units are available to be purchased immediately without having to wait another year. Councilmember Harnik seconded the motion. Mayor Tanner stated that typically when there is a 10% difference between the low bid and the next bid, a bonding company will kick it out. He asked if staff had received word from the bonding company Suretech if that was going to be the case. Mr. Gibson replied it shouldn't be a problem because they did the previous job and there was no problem with getting it bonded. Mayor Tanner pointed out this was a 40% difference. Mr. Gibson agreed, however, they have a preference with the manufacture and they are discounted because they sell so many units. Mayor Tanner called for the vote and the motion carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: Benson, Harnik, Spiegel, Weber, and Tanner; NOES: None). 10 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 23, 2014 B. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION TO EXECUTE A DEPOSIT AGREEMENT FUNDED BY EL PASEO HOTEL, LLC, TO DEPOSIT EARNEST MONEY IN ESCROW FOR PURCHASE OF PROPERTY AT THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF SHADOW MOUNTAIN DRIVE AND LARKSPUR LANE, PALM DESERT (APNs 627-262-008 and 627-262-011) (CONTRACT NO. C33950). Economic Development Manager Ruth Ann Moore stated this Deposit Agreement is the last action needed prior to the opening of escrow for the sale of property located at the northeast corner of Shadow Mountain Drive and Larkspur Lane to El Paseo Hotel, LLC. Per the original Exclusive Negotiation Agreement, El Paseo Hotel, LLC must deposit $100,000 into an escrow account. She said El Paseo Hotel has specific obligations it must meet prior to the close of escrow, including completion of all financing for the project, executed agreements with the flag company and the management company, approval of construction drawings, and approval of any amended entitlements, which is when this project will return to the City Council for its review. The developer anticipates completion of the obligations by late spring of 2015, and breaking ground the summer of 2015. Construction will take 18 months with the hotel opening by the end of 2016. Staff recommended approval of the executed agreement, and she offered to answer any questions. Councilman Spiegel moved to, by Minute Motion: 1) Approve the Deposit Agreement funded by El Paseo Hotel, LLC, to deposit earnest money into escrow for the purchase of property located at the northeast corner of Shadow Mountain Drive and Larkspur Lane, Palm Desert, and authorize the City Attorney to make non -substantive changes; 2) authorize the City Manager to execute said Agreement — no impact to the General Fund. Motion was seconded by Harnik and carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: Benson, Harnik, Spiegel, Weber, and Tanner; NOES: None). XV. CONTINUED BUSINESS None XVI. OLD BUSINESS A. REQUEST FOR AWARD OF CONTRACT TO VALLEY PIPELINE SERVICES IN THE AMOUNT OF $64,300.08 FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE FREEDOM PARK WELL SITE PROJECT (CONTRACT NO. C23210H, PROJECT NO. 713-13). Mr. Greenwood stated that with the development of Freedom Park over five years ago, the City was required to provide a well site to Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD). This particular project has taken a tortured path with 11 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 23, 2014 several phases in building various improvements, and this is the last and biggest phase. The City publicly bid the work and staff is recommending approval to the lowest bidder. Mayor Tanner stated that once the letter to proceed is granted, the vendor had 15 days to complete the job. He about when would that letter be released if approved this evening. Mr. Greenwood replied it would be at least 30 days from now, but Tess than 60 days from now. MS. NIKOHL VANDEL, Desert Hot Springs, stated she wasn't up to speed on all of the City's history, but anytime there is an irregularity, it was a red flag for her. She loved that the Council trusted staff, but sometimes there are bad deals. She was here as a visitor, but anyone that lived in Palm Desert still had an opportunity to get the contract because there was an irregularity. She said if there was a real problem with the bid, by her calling it out, someone from Palm Desert could be fighting for it. Councilmember Harnik noted the irregularity had to do with the vendor rounding down the numbers incorrectly to reflect an eight -cents difference. Councilman Spiegel moved to, by Minute Motion: 1) Waive bid irregularity; 2) award the subject contract for Construction of the Freedom Park Well Site Project to Valley Pipeline Services, Palm Desert, California, in the amount of $64,300.08; 3) authorize the Director of Finance to set aside a 10% contingency for the project in the amount of $6,430.01; 4) appropriate $25,000 from Unobligated Park and Recreation Facilities Fund to the Project Account, No. 233-4618-464-4001; 5) authorize the Mayor to execute said contract. Motion was seconded by Harnik and carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: Benson, Harnik, Spiegel, Weber, and Tanner; NOES: None). B. CONSIDERATION OF THE SELECTION OF ONE ARTIST TEAM TO CREATE PUBLIC ARTWORK FOR THE CARLOS ORTEGA VILLAS AND AWARD OF CONTRACT IN THE AMOUNT OF $30,000 TO THE SELECTED ARTIST TEAM (CONTRACT NO. C33500). Management Analyst Deborah Schwartz Gilickman stated in April the Council approved a $30,000 Public Art Project utilizing the Public Art fee for an artist to create a mural of either tile or glass to go at the Carlos Ortega Villas. The call for artists went out and the City received qualifications from more than 30 artists. The Art and Public Places Commission narrow it to a list of three finalists teams who met with Councilmember Benson and Rosemary Ortega to learn more about Carlos' life; the teams also had an opportunity to meet with a few other people who had worked with Carlos. 12 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 23, 2014 The three finalists teams met with the Commission, and all three were considered and ranked as noted in the staff report. Mayor Tanner noted that on display was a rendering of one of the models being considered. Councilman Spiegel moved to, by Minute Motion: 1) Select Showcase Mosaics to create the public art component for the Carlos Ortega Villas; 2) authorize the Mayor to execute an Agreement for Commission of Public Artwork in the amount of $30,000 for this purpose — funds will be disbursed from Account No. 436-4650-454-4001. Motion was seconded by Weber. Mayor Pro Tem Weber stated they had a wonderful discussion about this at their Art In Public Places Commission meeting, and it was great to have Councilmember Benson and Rosemary Ortega provide their lifetime experiences with Carlos. It was also a wonderful opportunity for her to see how these three different artists interpret the requirement on the project. Responding to question, Ms. Gilickman confirmed the recommendation is for the number one ranked artist, which is Showcase Mosaic. Mayor Tanner called for the vote and the motion carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: Benson, Harnik, Spiegel, Weber, and Tanner; NOES: None). XVII. PUBLIC HEARINGS None XVIII. REPORTS AND REMARKS A. CITY MANAGER 1. City Manaaer Meetina Summaries for the Period of September 29 - October 10, 2014. With City Council concurrence, the Meeting Summaries were received and filed. 2. U. S. Post Office at El Paseo/Portola Avenue Mr. Wohlmuth said in response to an earlier question he received about the future of the Post Office at this location, he asked Director of Community Development Lauri Aylaian for the status. He further related that the lease for the site of this Post Office was slated to expire in September 2015 unless the U.S.P.S. indicated a desire to extend. Ms. Aylaian contacted the broker for the site, who reported 13 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 23, 2014 that three days ago the U.S.P.S. and landowner agreed on a five-year extension of the lease to 2020. B. CITY ATTORNEY None C. CITY CLERK None D. PUBLIC SAFETY 1. Fire Department None 2. Police Department None E. MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL 1. City Council Reauests for Action: a) Fairfield Inn on Highway 111 — Councilmember Harnik requested an update on the status of the Fairfield Inn that was heavily damaged by a fire in late April this year and has been closed ever since. In response, Ms. Aylaian said the owner of the property has contacted the Planning Department wanting to know what needs to be done to begin building again. Further, they've indicated that they'd like to make some modifications to the exterior of the building. In order to do that, it will go through an Architectural Review process, and the owner has indicated that they're targeting coming before the Architectural Review Commission at its November 25 meeting. Afterward, it would have to go through then having construction documents prepared, and she understood that their structural engineer has also contacted the City Building & Safety Department about those procedures. Therefore, given the above, she felt it would take a couple of months to go through the Planning and permitting process. Further responding to question about if this meant the insurance process had concluded, she was unsure of the status in 14 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 23, 2014 that regard but felt the steps that have now been taken were a good sign. 2. City Council Consideration of Travel Requests and Reports: None 3. City Council Committee Reoorts: None 4. City Council Comments: a) Leadership Coachella Valley — Councilmember Harnik thanked City staff for its gracious hospitality during Palm Deserts hosting of Leadership Coachella Valley in the Chamber last Friday. She said everyone came together and made it a great experience for all the participants — from setting up tents out front and tables, and making sure IT was available and the AN system was ready to go for a successful session - it was great. Mayor Tanner concurred that it was a great day here. b) General Plan Uodate - Hiahwav 111 Corridor — Councilmember Harnik noted that there was a great meeting last Thursday, and it was great to see so many community members coming forward to volunteer their time and expertise to this effort. c) Mini -Muster 2014 — Mayor Tanner said this year's event was once again incredible, and he hoped the City Council, Historical Society, and the Fire Department will continue this wonderful effort for years to come. d) Y Be Fit Reverse Triathlon — Mayor Tanner commented that of the 750 total entrants in the event, 105 were from the City of Palm Desert. He said it was clearly an incredible effort, both from the City's sponsorship and from all the participation. He specifically congratulated City staff -Triathletes: Kevin Swartz, Lauri Aylaian, Lori Carney, Ryan Stendell, and David Hermann. He further congratulated Mr. Sabby Jonathan for creating the event and making a strong showing in it, and heartily congratulated the City, the YMCA, and all participants. e) 509' Annual Golf Cart Parade - Sunday. October 26, — Mayor Tanner reminded everyone of Sunday's parade, noting that there were a record number of cart entries signed up. He said the day 15 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 23, 2014 begins with the Rotary Club's Pancake Breakfast at 8:00 a.m., and he hoped to see everyone out there. Additionally, he noted that Councilmember Benson was this year's Grand Marshal, and everyone was looking forward to seeing her there. In answer to question, Councilmember Benson said she thought some kids from the YMCA would be riding along on her float. Mayor Tanner went on to say that the City's Council golf cart will have a couple of Councilmembers and four more kids riding along, with Ryan Stendell at the helm. He said it promised to be a tremendous event, looked forward to enjoying it, and hoped to see a record turnout. 5. Suaaested Items for Future City Council Meeting Agendas: None XIX. ADJOURNMENT On a motion by Spiegel, second by Weber, and unanimous consent of the City Council, Mayor Tanner adjourned the meeting at 5:04 p.m. ATTEST: RACHELLE D. KLASSEN, CITY CLERK CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA VAN G•TANNER, MAYOR 16