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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-02-11MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2016 CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBER 73510 FRED WARING DRIVE, PALM DESERT, CA 92260 I. CALL TO ORDER - 3:00 P.M. Mayor Spiegel convened the meeting at 3:00 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Mayor Pro Tem Jan C. Harnik Councilman Sabby Jonathan Councilman Van G. Tanner Councilmember Susan Marie Weber Mayor Robert A. Spiegel Also Present: John M. Wohlmuth, City Manager Robert W. Hargreaves, City Attorney Rudy P. Acosta, Assistant City Manager Rachelle D. Klassen, City Clerk Russell Grance, Director of Building & Safety Ryan Stendell, 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 Eric Cadden, Palm Desert Fire/Riverside Co. Fire Department/Cal Fire Herman Lopez, Asst. Chief, Palm Desert Police/Riverside Co. Sheriffs Department Grace L. Mendoza, Deputy City Clerk III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - A (CLOSED SESSION ITEMS) None MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 11, 2016 OM IV. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION .,■, Request for Closed Session: A. Conference with Real Property Negotiator pursuant to Govemment Code Section 54956.8: 1) Property: Desert Willow Lot Pads - APNs 620-450-012, -014; 620-450-016, -018, -020; 620-370-002, -004, -017, -018, -020, -033, and -043 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 Spiegel adjourned the meeting to Closed Session at 3:01 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 VI. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - Councilmember Susan Marie Weber VII. INVOCATION - Mayor Pro Tem Jan C. Harnik 2 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 11, 2016 VII1. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - B None IX. AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS, AND APPOINTMENTS A. PRESENTATION TO RECOGNIZE MAUREEN THOMPSON FOR HER SERVICE TO THE CITY OF PALM DESERT AND ITS CIVIC ARTS COMMITTEE AND ART IN PUBLIC PLACES COMMISSION, 1997 - 2015. On behalf of Mayor Spiegel and the entire City Council, Mayor Pro Tem Hamik presented the engraved crystal, half -cylinder clock to Ms. Thompson and heartily thanked her for her years of service to the City, to the School District, and the community. Ms. Thompson expressed sincere appreciation to the Cityforthe opportunity to serve — she loves Palm Desert — a wonderful home to her and her family, and she couldn't think of a better place to live or serve. X. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES of the Regular City Council Meeting of January 28, 2016. Rec: Approve as presented. B. CLAIMS AND DEMANDS AGAINST THE CITY TREASURY - Warrants Dated 1/15/2016 and 1/22/2016. Rec: Approve as presented. C. RESOLUTION NO. 2016 -18 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Palm Desert, California, Setting Forth its Findings and Authorizing the Destruction of Records from the Office of the City Manager, As Indicated on the Records Retention Schedule (Adopted May 14, 2015) — Records From 1996 - 2013 (Exhibit "A"). Rec: Waive further reading and adopt. 3 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 11, 2016 D. RESOLUTION NO. 2016 -19 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Palm Desert, California, Setting Forth its Findings and Authorizing the Destruction of Paper Records that Have Been Digitally Imaged from the Office of the City Clerk, to Rely On the Electronic Record as the Official Record — Records From 1991 - 1998 (Exhibit "A"). Rec: Waive further reading and adopt. E. RESOLUTION NO. 2016 - 20 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Palm Desert, Califomia, Setting Forth its Findings and Authorizing the Destruction of Records from the Office of the City Clerk, As Indicated on the Records Retention Schedule (Adopted May 14, 2015) — Records From 1991 - 2000 (Exhibit "A"). Rec: Waive further reading and adopt. F. RESOLUTION NO. 2016 - 21 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Palm Desert, California, Setting Forth its Findings and Authorizing the Destruction of Records from the Office of the City Clerk, As Indicated on the Records Retention Schedule (Adopted May 14, 2015) — Records From 2004 - 2014 (Exhibit "A"). Rec: Waive further reading and adopt. G. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of Out -of -State Travel for the Principal Planner from the Department of Community Development to Attend the American Planning Association's (APA) 2016 Annual National Planning Conference in Phoenix, Arizona - April 2-5. Rec: By Minute Motion, authorize out-of-state travel for the Principal Planner from the Department of Community Development to attend the American Planning Association's 2016 National Planning Conference in Phoenix, Arizona - funds are available in Account No. 1104470-4312000 - Community Development- Conferences/Seminars/Workshops. H. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION to Release Security for Tract No. 31676 - Comishe (Comishe of Bighorn, LLC, Applicant). Rec: By Minute Motion, authorize the City Clerk to release the security on file for Tract No. 31676 - Comishe. Upon a motion by Tanner, second by Weber, and 5-0 vote of the City Council (AYES: Hamik, Jonathan, Tanner, Weber, and Spiegel; NOES: None), the Consent Calendar was approved as presented. 4 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 11, 2016 XI. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER None XII. RESOLUTIONS A. RESOLUTION NO. 2016 - 22 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR 2015-2016 BUDGET AS A RESULT OF MID -YEAR ADJUSTMENTS. Mr. Gibson noted Exhibit A attached to the staff report, which highlights the adjustment to the General Fund by $49,500 and the estimated revenues by approximately $300,000, thereby increasing the net reserve. Councilman Jonathan noticed that the property tax adjustment has an increase of $250,000. Mr. Gibson explained that it was attributed to the low property tax the City receives due to Redevelopment being dissolved. Mr. Wohlmuth added that it was also due to the sale of Successor Agency properties, stating that when they are sold the City gets 3% back as one of the taxing entities. Mayor Pro Tem Harnik moved to waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 2016 - 22. Motion was seconded by Jonathan and carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: Hamik, Jonathan, Tanner, Weber, and Spiegel; NOES: None). XIII. ORDINANCES A. For Introduction: None 5 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 11, 2016 B. For Adoption: 1. ORDINANCE NO. 1303 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, REPEALING PALM DESERT MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 25.72.040 - DEVELOPMENT PLANS - AND ADOPTING A NEW MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 25.78.080 - SPECIFIC PLANS - AND MAKING MINOR AMENDMENTS TO MUNICIPAL CODE SECTIONS 25.28.060, 25.28.070, 25.60.060, AND 25.99.020 TO REFLECT THE NEW SPECIFIC PLAN ORDINANCE, Case No. 15-03 (City of Palm Desert, Applicant). Associate Planner Eric Ceja stated that the proposed Ordinance Amendment is to establish a Specific Plan Ordinance with other minor code amendments. Mayor Pro Tem Hamik moved to waive further reading and adopt Ordinance No. 1303. Motion was seconded by Tanner and carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: Harnik, Jonathan, Tanner, Weber, and Spiegel; NOES: None). XIV. NEW BUSINESS A. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF THE INSTALLATION OF A DC FAST CHARGER AT THE PALM DESERT CIVIC CENTER ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATION AND OF THE ACCEPTANCE OF MOBILE SOURCE AIR POLLUTION REDUCTION REVIEW COMMITTEE (MSRC) CLEAN TRANSPORTATION GRANT FUNDING. Ms. Riddle stated that approval of the contract will allow Clean Fuel Connection to maintain and operate the DC Fast Charger at the Electric Vehicle Charging Station located at the Civic Center. The vendor will be responsible for overseeing construction of the project and work with City Departments and the utilities such as Southem California Edison to coordinate all the work. The cost of the project will be paid for through SCAQMD (South Coast Air Quality Management District), MSRC grant funds, and AB 2766 Funds. Mayor Pro Tem Hamik moved to, by Minute Motion, approve: 1) Contract with Clean Fuel Connection, Inc., to undertake DC Fast Charger Installation Project (Contract No. C35030A); 2) Grant Contract with Mobile Source Reduction Committee (MSRC) for award of grant funds (Contract No. C35030B); 3) Southem California Edison work and expenditure to undertake certain site work relative to the project; 4) appropriation of funds in the amount of $112,000 from Account No. 2384515-4400100 for this project — funding for this project will have no negative impact on the City's General Fund. Motion was 6 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 11, 2016 seconded by Weber and carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: Hamik, Jonathan, Tanner, Weber, and Spiegel; NOES: None). B. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION TO INITIATE A ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT, ADDING PROVISIONS FOR HEIGHT EXCEPTIONS WITHIN THE OFFICE PROFESSIONAL (O.P.) ZONE - PALM DESERT MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 25.25.016. Mr. Stendell stated that at the January 28 City Council meeting, a request was made by Councilman Jonathan for staff to look at the Office Professional Zone, potentially for an exception section in the Municipal Code, adding that this was not a new request as this has been requested in the past. He said staff is pleased it has the flexibility within the design standards that when something makes sense, it's able to bring that request forward to the Council. However, in this case, the Office Professional Zone did not have that flexibility build into it. He displayed a map showing a small amount of Office Professional Zones in the City, with most along Fred Waring Drive, Monterey Avenue, and Deep Canyon, pointing out the buffer between residential zones. Although, in the north end of town there are some large parcels that are nowhere near the proximity of anything sensitive to a second story, an increase in height could lead to a better design and ensuring that roof -mounted equipment is screened. A height increase would provide property owners with a 10-foot interior ceiling height over an 8-foot, stating that such an exception wouldn't impact negatively, but rather provide a better building and net benefit to the City. Councilman Jonathan commented that staff was proposing to build a mechanism for an applicant to essentially come before the Council for an exception. Mr. Stendell concurred. Councilman Jonathan moved to, by Minute Motion, direct staff to initiate a Zoning Ordinance Amendment (ZOA) to add an exception section to the Office Professional Zone (P.D.M.C. 25.25.016). Motion was seconded by Tanner and carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: Hamik, Jonathan, Tanner, Weber, and Spiegel; NOES: None). Mr. Stendell pointed out that this item will go through the Planning Commission and return to the Council at a later date. Councilman Tanner said there was quite a bit of unoccupied office space in the north sphere and wondered if by adding a second story the area would be more appealing. 7 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 11, 2016 Mr. Stendell responded that the City already allows for a second story, but in this case, the height limit is 25 feet, stating the standard was written with sensitivity to the adjacent residential homes. Therefore, someone can already build a two story, but the standard is very constraining when factoring two eight -foot ceiling heights, leaving very little room to install and screen the roof -mounted equipment. Councilman Jonathan added that when looking at the three sectors between retail, commercial, and office, office is lagging way behind. He said office space has the highest vacancy rate, not just in the Valley, but throughout. Therefore, adding second stories or more office space will not fix the vacancy problem. C. CONSIDERATION OF RESCHEDULING THE THURSDAY, JUNE 23, REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING TO THURSDAY, JUNE 30, IN ORDER FOR COUNCILMEMBERS TO ATTEND THE 2016 LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES' MAYORS AND COUNCIL MEMBERS EXECUTIVE FORUM IN MONTEREY - JUNE 22-24. Councilman Tanner moved to, by Minute Motion, concur with staffs recommendation and schedule adjouming the Thursday, June 23, Regular City Council Meeting to Thursday, June 30, in order for Councilmembers to attend the League of Califomia Cities' 2016 Mayors and Council Members Executive Forum, June 22-24, in Monterey. Motion was seconded by Weber and carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: Hamik, Jonathan, Tanner, Weber, and Spiegel; NOES: None). D. INFORMATIONAL UPDATE ON THE ALESSANDRO WEST IMPROVEMENT PROJECT. • Mr. Alvarez noted that this item was on the agenda at Council's request for a status report on the Alessandro West Improvement Project. He noted the staff report and offered to answer any questions. Mayor Spiegel asked if the City now owned all that property. Mr. Alvarez replied that staff was still working on the last couple of slivers of land. Mayor Spiegel stated he thought the Council was going to be meeting with the property owner who lives in Beverly Hills. Mr. Alvarez said contact has been made with the property owner and staff and Legal Counsel is working through that process. 8 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 11, 2016 Mayor Pro Tem Hamik stated that according to the staff report, she understood the property owner has become difficult to reach again. Mr. Hargreaves confirmed that was true. Councilman Jonathan praised Mr. Alvarez for an outstanding job, stating this has been a difficult and long-drawn-out task over many years, and the City was now nearing reality and perhaps seeing construction out there soon. Further, he commended Mr. Alvarez for the wonderful results he has been able to obtain. Councilman Jonathan moved to, by Minute Motion, receive and file Informational Update on the Alessandro West Improvement Project. Motion was seconded by Tanner and carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: Harnik, Jonathan, Tanner, Weber, and Spiegel; NOES None). E. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION TO EXECUTE THE "PLEDGE OF PAYMENTS UNDER REIMBURSEMENT AGREEMENT," ASSIGNING HOTEL EL PASEO, LLC'S, POSITION FOR THE TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX PAYMENTS TO LAKESIDE CAPITAL, LLC (CONTRACT NO. C33180A). Economic Development Manager Ruth Ann Moore stated that on December 12, 2013, the Council executed a Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Reimbursement Agreement with El Paseo Hotel LLC. Within this agreement the City Manager was authorized to approve the Assignment of the Agreement, without further action from the Council, to a third party as part of the financing of the project. The reason the Assignment is before the Council today, is that Lakeside Capital LLC has requested modifications within the original agreement. The modifications are listed both in the staff report and in the Agreement. However, the City Attorney has one more modification to the Agreement as part of the approval that the developer has agreed to. Mr. Hargreaves said he discussed with the developer some of the issues that have been raised by certain Councilmembers. The developer is willing to make the pledge of the assignment conditioned on commercial operation of the hotel. Therefore, the pledge would not become effective until the Certificate of Occupancy (COV) is issued. Staff is requesting that the Council approve the Agreement as presented with the modification, subject to the approval of the City Manager and the City Attomey for that particular condition to be embedded in the Agreement. 9 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 11, 2016 Councilman Jonathan pointed out that the Agreement itself references the 9% TOT, which is a 50% of the 9% up to the $1.8 million. He questioned what would happen in the event the TOT is increased. Ms. Moore replied that the Agreement wouldn't change, stating it will remain at 50% of the 9%. Mayor Pro Tem Harnik moved to, by Minute Motion: 1) Approve the "Pledge of Payments Under Reimbursement Agreement," assigning the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) payments and authorize the City Attomey to make non -substantive changes to the agreement; 2) authorize the Mayor to execute same as amended, subject to the approval of the City Manager and City Attorney. Motion was seconded by Tanner and carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: Hamik, Jonathan, Tanner, Weber, and Spiegel; NOES: None). XV. CONTINUED BUSINESS A. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF A PROCESS FOR ANNUALLY ASSIGNING CITY COUNCILMEMBERS TO INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL LIAISON APPOINTMENTS (Continued from the meeting of January 14, 2016). Mayor Pro Tem Hamik moved to, by Minute Motion, approve a process of annually selecting and/or approving City Council Liaison Assignments to internal and extemal boards, committees, or commissions, using the following formula, in order of priority, for making same: 1) Seniority of continuous service on the City Council; 2) specific expertise or interest in a particular activity; 3) timing of regular meetings of the entity to coincide with the Councilmember's availability and schedule. Motion was seconded by Tanner and carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: Hamik, Jonathan, Tanner, Weber, and Spiegel; NOES: None). XVI. OLD BUSINESS A. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF AN AMENDED SCHEDULE "A" EXHIBIT FOR THE FIRE COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT TO CONTRACT FOR A FULL-TIME EMERGENCY SERVICES COORDINATOR (CONTRACT NO. C32750). Mr. Aryan stated the Council previously approved the concept of moving forward with a contracted full-time Emergency Services Coordinator to be shared with the City of Indian Wells, and today's request is to amend the Schedule "A" Exhibit to bring this individual on board. As noted in the staff report, the person identified in this capacity is a familiar face to those that have taken one of the City's CERT(Community Emergency Response Team) classes, Mr. Eric Cadden. He added that the City was fortunate to have him serve Palm Desert as Mr. Cadden has extensive emergency management 10 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 11, 2016 knowledge, but he's also familiar with the community. He pointed out that staff will continue to apply and submit an application for the Emergency Management Program Grant to offset the cost of this position by approximately $14,000. This item was before the Public Safety Commission and received its approval. Further, this request is aligned with the City's Strategic Plan under Priority III of the Emergency Section, which is to help the community become more prepared for disastrous and public safety emergencies. Councilmember Weber moved to, by Minute Motion, approve: 1) Amended Schedule "A" Exhibit for the Fire Cooperative Agreement to contract for a Full -Time Emergency Services Coordinator in an amount not to exceed $58,037; 2) purchase of a vehicle and necessary equipment for the Emergency Services Coordinator, estimated at $35,000. Motion was seconded by Tanner and carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: Hamik, Jonathan, Tanner, Weber, and Spiegel; NOES: None). XVII. PUBLIC HEARINGS None XVIII. REPORTS AND REMARKS A. CITY MANAGER 1. City Manager Meeting Summaries Report for the Period of January 18-29, 2016. Mr. Wohlmuth noted the printed report provided in the agenda packets and offered to answer questions. With City Council concurrence, the Report was received and filed. B. CITY ATTORNEY None C. CITY CLERK 1. Announcement/Reminder of Special City Council Meeting scheduled for Thursday, February 25, 2016, at 2:30 p.m. for the Purpose of Conducting a Closed Session. Ms. Klassen called attention to the scheduling note, and Mr. Wohlmuth added that Council requested extending the evaluation of the City Manager in order to possibly identify a couple more goals. 11 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 11, 2016 Therefore, the extended Closed Session was calendared for the next meeting for that purpose. D. PUBLIC SAFETY 1. Fire Department None 2. Police Department Lt. Lopez reported on the Palm Desert Police Explorers Post's recent competition success. He recalled for Council that the City funds the Explorers, and those funds helped with a recent trip to Chandler, Arizona, on January 15 to participate in a Police Competition where they took part in various types of activities to sharpen their skills. They were very successful this year and retumed to the City with five trophies, including their first 1st Place. He introduced one of the Coordinators, CSO Diaz, and several of the Explorers who were present for today's meeting. They thanked the City and Council for sponsoring the Post, and Lt. Lopez noted that they assist with many community activities, such as July 4th and various other events, and the competitions they attend really help them hone their skills and make them more valuable to the City. Councilmembers congratulated the Explorers on their success and thanked them for helping the City throughout the year. E. MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL 1. Councilmember Susan Marie Weber's Meetino Summaries Report for the Period of January 18 - February 7, 2016. Councilmember Weber noted the printed report included in the agenda packets. Further, she reported that she had a great time on February 5 participating in an Amtrak event, displaying the Sunset Limited collectors' baseball cap that she was given while taking a bus into Union Station in Los Angeles. She was pleased to report to her colleagues that officials are updating Union Station, including polishing the brass fixtures there that were previously hidden by tarnish. They took a tour of the Amtrak Maintenance Yard, and afterward took the train back to the Coachella Valley. She noted that the Sunset Limited usually arrives here around midnight or 1 o'clock in the moming, and as both Mayor Pro Tem Harnik and Mayor Spiegel knowfrom their work at RCTC and SunLine, discussions have 12 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 11, 2016 been occurring for some time about how to get the train here at a decent hour. While it was scheduled to arrive at 6:30 p.m. last Friday, it didn't until 7:30 p.m. after having to wait for freight trains that have priority on the tracks. This can be problematic for people wanting to book a ticket on the train but needing to arrive at a certain place and time. She commented that Amtrak is going to try this out for a few months to see how many people will take the train from Los Angeles to arrive here around 6:30 p.m. on Fridays. She was very excited about the opportunity, being a fan of trains and part of the model train exhibit at the Riverside County Fair, and she encouraged everyone to take advantage of the new Sunset Limited offering. With City Council concurrence, the meetings report was received and filed. 2. Council Requests for Action/Committee Reports/Comments: a) Mayor Pro Tem Jan Hamik Requests/Reports/Comments — - CVAG Transportation Committee Meeting - The Committee met approximately 18 months ago regarding distribution of CMAQ (Congestion Mitigation Air Quality) funds throughout the Coachella Valley. Subcommittee reviewed the applications for funds, and a number of cities asked for traffic signal synchronization. Rather than giving them to separate cities, Committee decided to make a Valley -wide traffic signal project; proposal was made, presented, and passed unanimously at CVAG to get started on it with the consulting engineers. Additionally at the same Committee Meeting, the CV/Link Final Master Plan was presented and passed 9-2, with the Cities of Rancho Mirage and Indian Wells dissenting (Indian Wells having a new policy prohibiting voting on anything at CVAG that hasn't first been acted on by their whole Council). Therefore, the Master Plan was approved and recommended to be acted on by the CVAG Executive Committee. - RCTC Meeting - Riverside County Transportation Commission held an excellent Annual Workshop focused on future -proofing infrastructure. Both here and at the recent SCAG (Southem California Association of Governments) meetings, the hot topic was the California Transportation Committee's (CTC) $754 million reduction in State Transportation Project Funds that will be experienced next year. She said everyone needed to be aware of this development and speak up about it. She went on to say that 13 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 11, 2016 another important issue is the Gas Tax and the fact that it will not sustain necessary transportation infrastructure. Therefore, in order to find new ways to support it, a pilot program entitled VMT (Vehicle Miles Traveled) has been announced for participants to provide valuable information to policymakers. She has signed up; they're looking for 5,000 people to participate and represent all different facets of our communities to come up with a formula. She had brochures for anyone who was interested in applying, noting that they're trying to select as many different types of participants as possible to represent the various community areas. - DVBA Luncheon — At today's Desert Valleys Builders Association's meeting, Mr. Stendell provided an outstanding presentation about the City's General Plan Update Process and concepts being put forward in it. - Get Tested Coachella Valley — Outreach for HIV and AIDS testing came forward with their second annual report this moming. Very important issue, takes the stigma away from being tested, finding ways to do it in the City and being met with tremendous success Valley -wide. b) Councilman Sabbv Jonathan Requests/Reports/Comments — - Palm Desert Charter Middle School Panther 5K - Fundraiser held January 31 with it being the first time held on El Paseo, congratulating everyone who put that event together as it was a wonderful success. Believed that the organizers are very pleased with the El Paseo location and were grateful to the City. - Beekeeping Ordinance - Met with Mayor Pro Tem Hamik, Principal Planner Tony Bagato, and members of the community regarding the backyard beekeeping ordinance. Draft ordinance now moving through the process, expected at City Council in the next couple of months. - Swing 'N Hops Event — February 6th event was amazing — crossed all ages, with more people being interested in it then he had imagined. Well attended, great energy, and he hoped for more and more of this type of event in the future. Commended Management Analyst Deborah Glickman for her oversight of it. 14 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 11, 2016 Later in the meeting, Councilman Tanner said while he was unable to attend, heard many positive reports back and hoped it would become an annual event. Further, Mayor Pro Tem Hamik asked for feedback about it from both attendees and El Paseo Merchants. - COPS Program Presidential Recognition - Seven members of the City's Citizens On Patrol Program recently received a Presidential Award, and he suggested recognizing them at an upcoming Council Meeting. Councilmember Weber said there were plans to provide such recognition at the February 25 Council Meeting. She noted that seven members received the Gold Award, and the entire COPS Program received a Presidential Letter and Award. Mayor Spiegel added that he'd sent them each a letter of congratulations, as well. - Dr. David Tana - Extremities Exsanauination Device — Recalled the announcement at the January 28 Council Meeting and request for an endorsement. He and Mayor Pro Tem Harnik heard more about the device, it sounds like a life-saver and is why the medical community is promoting it, and Dr. Tang asked for the City's endorsement. He asked if his colleagues would consider doing so, as it seemed like a good thing. Mayor Spiegel recommended placing such an endorsement on the agenda. Mayor Pro Tem Hamik noted that individuals could also speak up on the issue too. c) Councilman Van Tanner Requests/Reports/Comments — - CVAG Energy & Environment Committee - At today's meeting, the Committee passed endorsement of the CV/Link Project with a 7-2 vote (Rancho Mirage, Indian Wells dissenting). d) Mayor Robert Spiegel Requests/Reports/Comments — -Alessandro West Improvement Proiect — Requested ongoing updates on this project. 15 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 11, 2016 3. Council Consideration of Travel Requests and Reports: None XIX. ADJOURNMENT On a motion by Hamik, second by Jonathan, and unanimous consent of the City Council, Mayor Spiegel adjoumed the meeting at 4:33 p.m. ATTEST: RA ELL ottereck.,_e„ D. KLASSEN, • TY CLERK ROBERT A. SPIE OPOIR trail CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA .. 16