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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-02-25MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2016 CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBER 73510 FRED WARING DRIVE, PALM DESERT, CA 92260 I. CALL TO ORDER - 3:00 P.M.* *Please refer to the agenda and minutes of the Special City Council Meeting of Thursday, February 25, 2016, convening at 2:30 p.m. in order to conduct an expanded Closed Session. The Special Meeting was adjourned at 4:00 p.m. and the Regular Meeting was immediately convened at 4:00 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Mayor Pro Tem Jan C. Hamik 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 Attomey 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 Bo Chen, City Engineer Stephen Y. Aryan, Risk Manager Susan Trevino, Chief, Palm Desert Police/Riverside Co. Sheriff's Department Anthony Baur, 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 25, 2016 IV. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION * Reauest for Closed Session: *Please refer to the Posted Agenda for the Special Palm Desert City Council Meeting, convening at 2:30 p.m. on February 25, 2016, for the purpose of conducting an expanded Closed Session. 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 Patricia Dan VII. INVOCATION - Councilman Van G. Tanner VIII. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - B MR. DOUG GALLOWAY, on behalf of the Palm Desert Youth Sports Association (PDYSA), announced the Annual Opening Day for Boys' Baseball and Girls' Softball upcoming on Saturday, March 5. He invited the Mayor and Councilmembers to join the festivities that morning for the ceremony beginning at 11:00 a.m. and asked the Mayor to provide a few remarks at that time. This year's theme was "A Tribute to Firefighters," coordinated with Riverside County Fire Chief John Hawkins, and there will be a display including the hook and ladder truck, fire engines, and demonstrations by the Fire Department. In addition, the University of Califomia, Riverside, Highlander Bagpipe and Drum Corps will be performing, and there will once again be an airplane flyover and a carnival for the kids. He thanked City Council for the small stipend that it provides to PDYSA, enabling them to have a great event on Opening Day for the kids and hoped that they would be able to continue it with this important support. He went on to say that PDYSA serves between 800-1,000 kids each year, pointing out that the older division consists of 14-year-olds, and for as long as he's been involved, there's only been one Girls' Softball team in this division. However, this year there are three (almost four) full teams in the Girls' 14-year-old division, of which they were particularly proud because it meant they were enjoying themselves, crediting PDYSA President Richard Weintraub and his staff for this result. He said there was also a Handicapped Division that has now grown to four teams on Mondays, 6:00 p.m., at Freedom Park, where kids with special needs play a game of baseball with a buddy who either wheels them around or directs them through the bases after they hit the ball, and they are very excited and dedicated players. He wanted to let everyone know about this opportunity for anyone who was interested. 2 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 25, 2016 Councilmembers thanked Mr. Galloway for the update and for the work he does with and for the kids. IX. AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS, AND APPOINTMENTS A. INTRODUCTION OF NEWLY APPOINTED CITY LIBRARIAN JANICE AKEL AT THE PALM DESERT BRANCH OF THE RIVERSIDE COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM, 73300 FRED WARING DRIVE. Ms. Akel introduced herself to the City Council and audience, noting that it was a privilege and honor to be with the City and give it the best Library it can have. She said Library staff was great; they're already planning some amazing things for the future, including on April 19, 2016, when the Library will celebrate its 20th anniversary at the present location. Events are being planned for the occasion, and she looked forward to the Mayor and Councilmembers being involved. Lastly, she commented that being originally from New Zealand herself, she was absolutely amazed to see the Maori artwork on the wall of the Chamber. Councilmembers welcomed Ms. Akel, wished her all the best, and offered their assistance if she needed anything from the City. They added that the artwork was a gift from Palm Desert's Sister City of Gisbome, New Zealand. B. PRESENTATION TO THE CITY COUNCIL OF AN UPDATE ON YOUTH COMMITTEE ACTIVITIES BY MEMBER PATRICIA DAN. Ms. Dan stated that there were no specific current activities to update; although, they are always thinking of the future. At the moment, the Anti - Bullying Subcommittee is planning events with After School Programs, Lincoln Elementary and others, along with possibly other Coachella Valley High Schools. She said the Committee also plans to partner with the Riverside Youth Commission for future volunteer events. C. PRESENTATION TO THE CITY COUNCIL BY REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE SAN GORGONIO MEMORIAL HOSPITAL BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CENTER. On behalf of the Behavioral Health Center in Palm Springs, Dr. Carol Dozier, Director, said they are part of the San Gorgonio Memorial Hospital located in Banning, California. She said in January 2015 their Mental Health Outpatient Services were relocated to Palm Springs so that they could serve the entire Coachella Valley, in addition to already serving parts of Banning and Beaumont. They provide intensive counseling services and medication management to individuals suffering from mental illnesses, most of which are chronic, with a goal of keeping those individuals out of the more costly care 3 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 25, 2016 in the hospitals, or greater still in the emergency rooms, which have been overwhelmed with individuals needing Behavioral Health Services. Patients are kept stable by visiting the facility 2-3 times per week, which has been very successful. She introduced her colleague and Program Nurse Jerome Estes, who would report on a special project developed at the Center. Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) Nurse Jerome Estes said at one time he was clinical manager of the inpatient unit at Desert Regional Medical Center, along with being clinical manager of the crisis team. He explained that when inpatient units close in communities, they not only lose hospital beds but also outpatient services, affecting thousands. Formerly, the crisis team was covering JFK Hospital in Indio, Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage, and Desert Regional, admitting close to 100 patients/month to the Desert Regional facility and seeing 300 patients/month in the emergency room for evaluations. So when the inpatient unit closed in 2007-2008, it left a huge vacuum for psychiatric services in the Coachella Valley for people with chronic mental illnesses. Those people then ended up in the emergency rooms and homeless. He went on to present a five-minute video that he photographed with the help of a doctor he worked with. With their cooperation, he got permission from certain patients to be photographed as part of an anti -stigma campaign at the hospital. He said it was important for people to know that the patients they see are older adults who developed mental illnesses in their late teens and twenties, had families, and went to school and college prior to their diagnosis. Following the video, he said those people had a lot of courage to be part of this process and should be applauded for it. He invited Councilmembers and any interested parties to come and visit their facility in Palm Springs — unique in that it's probably one of the first times these people have had a beautiful, new, bright place to be treated, instead of IOPs being located in basements or relegated to being out of sight and out of mind — part of the stigma the Center is trying to fight. He thanked City Council for the opportunity to raise awareness about their program and present the video. Councilmembers expressed appreciation to Dr. Dozier and Mr. Estes for the meaningful presentation. X. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES of the Regular City Council Meeting of February 11, 2016. Rec: Approve as presented. B. CLAIMS AND DEMANDS AGAINST THE CITY TREASURY - Warrants Dated 2/5/2016 and 2/9/2016. Rec: Approve as presented. 4 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 25, 2016 C. CLAIMS AND DEMANDS AGAINST THE CITY/HOUSING TREASURIES - Warrants Dated 1/22/2016, 1/29/2016, 2/5/2016, and 2/12/2016 (Joint Consideration with the Palm Desert Housing Authority). Rec: Approve as presented. D. CITY COMMITTEE AND COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES. 1. Marketing Committee Meeting of November 17, 2015. 2. Public Safety Commission Meeting of October 14, 2015. 3. Youth Committee Meeting of January 4, 2016. Rec: Receive and file. E. APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE by Desert Distilling, Inc., 34300 Gateway Drive, Suite 100, Palm Desert. Rec: Receive and file. F. APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE by Flor De Jalisco, 42215 Washington Street, Suite G, Palm Desert. Rec: Receive and file. G. APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE by Smart & Final Store, 72675 Highway 111, Palm Desert. Rec: Receive and file. H. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Regarding Fiscal Agent Responsibilities to the Palm Desert Police Department's Participation in the Post -Release Accountability and Compliance Team (P.A.C.T.) Program (Contract No. C35050). Rec: By Minute Motion, authorize the Chief of Police to execute and enter into the attached MOU regarding Fiscal Agent responsibilities for the AB 109-funded members of the Riverside County Post -Release Accountability and Compliance Team (P.A.C.T.). 5 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 25, 2016 I. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of the 2016 Spring Concert Series. Rec: By Minute Motion, approve/authorize: 1) 2016 Spring Concert Series schedule; 2) Contract No. C35060Awith Greg Craycraft in the amount of $2,500; 3) Contract No. C35060B with Haile Blackman in the amount of $2,250; 4) Contract No. C35060C with The Dustbowl Revival, LLC, in the amount of $4,000; 5) Contract No. C35060D with Blue Breeze Entertainment in the amount of $3,000; 6) Mayor to execute said contracts; 7) expenditure with Studio Instrument Rentals (SIR), Palm Springs, Califomia, in the amount of $8,800 for professional staff, instrumental equipment, and sound and lighting services in conjunction with the concerts (per Contract No. C34460); 8) expenditure with Alpha Media in an amount not to exceed $6,000 for radio promotion and live remotes in conjunction with the concert series; 9) miscellaneous expenditures in an amount not to exceed $3,000 for production of the 2016 Spring Concert Series — funds are available in Account No. 1104416-4306100. J. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION to Release Security for Parcel Map No. 31730 - Parcel 17 (Don McCoy Corporation, Applicant). Rec: By Minute Motion, authorize the City Clerk to release the security on file for Parcel Map No. 31730 - Parcel 17. K. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION to Release Security for Tract Map No. 31836-1 (Dahoon Investment Company, Inc., Applicant). Rec: By Minute Motion, authorize the City Clerk to release the security on file for Tract Map No. 31836-1. L. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION to Release Security for Tract Map No. 34626 (WL Homes LLC, Applicant). Rec: By Minute Motion, authorize the City Clerk to release the security on file for Tract Map No. 34626. M. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION to Release Portola Avenue Improvement Security for Tract No. 36404 - Villa Portofino (VP Builders, LLC, Applicant). Rec: By Minute Motion, authorize the City Clerk to release Portola Avenue Improvement Security for Tract No. 36404 - Villa Portofino. 6 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 25, 2016 N. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION to Release Storm Drain Security for Tract No. 36404 - Villa Portofino (VP Builders, LLC, Applicant). Rec: By Minute Motion, authorize the City Clerk to release the Storm Drain Security for Tract No. 36404 - Villa Portofino. Upon a motion by Harnik, second by Weber, and 5-0 vote of the City Council (AYES: Harnik, Jonathan, Tanner, Weber, and Spiegel; NOES: None), the Consent Calendar was approved as presented. Xl. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER None XII. RESOLUTIONS None XIII. ORDINANCES A. For Introduction: None B. For Adoption: None XIV. NEW BUSINESS A. REQUEST FOR AWARD OF CONTRACT TO CAL -STRIPE, INC., IN THE AMOUNT OF $275,275 FOR THE 2016 CITYWIDE STRIPING PROJECT (CONTRACT NO. C34870, PROJECT NO. 564-16). Mr. Greenwood stated this contract is to repaint all of the traffic stripes and markings on every street throughout the City; it includes adding striping to Shepherd Lane at the north end of town. Responding to question, he confirmed there are no local vendors in the Valley that did this type of work. Councilman Tanner moved to, by Minute Motion: 1) Award subject contract for the 2016 Citywide Striping Project to Cal -Stripe, Inc., Colton, Califomia, in the amount of $275,275; 2) authorize Director of Finance to set aside an additional 10% contingency in the amount of $27,527.50; 3) appropriate $2,802.50 from Unobligated Measure "A" to Account No. 2134315-4332000 - Citywide Striping; 4) authorize Mayor to execute said 7 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 25, 2016 contract — funds are available in Measure "A" Fund, Account No. 2134315-4332000 - Citywide Striping and in Unobligated Measure "A." Motion was seconded by Weber. Mayor Pro Tem Harnik asked if the scope of work included painting the curbs red. Mr. Greenwood said it did not. Further responding, he said that striping is best done in the late winter/early spring, basically in the next 60 days. Councilman Jonathan asked if the job will be completed within that time frame Mr. Greenwood replied that the contract allowed up to 90 days. Mayor Spiegel called for the vote and the motion carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: Harnik, Jonathan, Tanner, Weber, and Spiegel; NOES: None). B. REQUEST FOR AWARD OF CONTRACT TO S & H CIVILWORKS IN THE AMOUNT OF $99,350 FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE 2016 CURB RAMP MODIFICATION PROJECT (CONTRACT NO. C34900, PROJECT NO. 753-16). Mr. Greenwood stated that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires the City to ensure wheelchair ramps adjacent to street paving projects are up to the current code. He said these ramps are adjacent to either projects the City just overlaid or will be overlaying within the next few months. Councilmember Weber moved to, by Minute Motion: 1) Award subject contract for construction of the 2016 Curb Ramp Modification Project to S & H Civilworks, Colton, Califomia, in the amount of $99,350; 2) authorize Director of Finance to set aside a 10% contingency in the amount of $9,935; 3) authorize Mayor to execute said contract — funds are available in Account Nos. 2314312-4400100 - New Construction Tax-ADA Curb Ramp and 2134312-4400100 - Measure "A"-ADA Curb Ramp. Motion was seconded by Hamik and carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: Hamik, Jonathan, Tanner, Weber, and Spiegel; NOES: None). C. REQUEST FOR AWARD OF CONTRACT TO RELIABLE TREE CARE IN THE AMOUNT OF $92,250 FOR THE 2016 CITYWIDE PALM TREE PRUNING PROJECT (CONTRACT NO. C34910, PROJECT NO. 931-16) (JOINT CONSIDERATION WITH THE PALM DESERT HOUSING AUTHORITY). Mr. Greenwood stated this contract is to prune approximately 3,500 palm trees throughout the City. 8 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 25, 2016 Mayor Pro TemNice Chairman Harnik moved to, by Minute Motion: 1) Award subject contract for the 2016 Citywide Palm Tree Pruning Project to Reliable Tree Care, Coachella, California, in the total amount of $92,250 (City - $83,350 and Housing Authority - $8,900); 2) authorize Director of Finance to set aside an additional 10% contingency in the total amount of $9,225 (City - $8,335 and Housing Authority - $890); 3) authorize the Mayor/Chairman to execute the contract — funds are available for the portion of contract relative to the City and Assessment Districts in Parks and Recreation Account Nos. 1104610-4332001, 1104611-4332001, 1104610-4337100; Repair/Maintenance Medians Account No. 1104614-4337001; Desert Willow Account No. 4414195-4332000; and Assessment District Fund 200 Accounts; and for the Housing Authority, funds are set aside in the FY 2015-2016 and proposed FY 2016-2017 Housing Authority Operating Budgets. Motion was seconded by Weber. Mayor/Chairman Spiegel asked if staff went around the City to inquire about having their palm trees pruned. Mr. Greenwood answered no, stating the contractor had his hands full with the City's 3,500 trees, and the contract doesn't allow for it. Mayor/Chairman called for the vote and the motion carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: Harnik, Jonathan, Tanner, Weber, and Spiegel; NOES: None). D. REQUEST FOR AWARD OF CONTRACT TO LIBERTY LANDSCAPING, INC., IN THE AMOUNT OF $273,478.90 FOR THE 2016 CITYWIDE TREE PRUNING PROGRAM (CONTRACT NO. C34920, PROJECT NO. 932-16) (JOINT CONSIDERATION WITH THE PALM DESERT HOUSING AUTHORITY). Mr. Greenwood stated this contract is for pruning 1/3 of the City's stock of trees. He explained that the pruning of the trees is done on a three-year rotation, depending on the species, because different trees have a different rotation cycle. Mayor/Chairman Spiegel asked if staff was still planning on taking down the trees on San Pablo. Mr. Greenwood replied there was no immediate plan, but they are part of the discussion of the General Plan and Highway 111 Specific Plan. Further responding, he said the trees were not watered, they are stealing water from the ball fields. Councilman/Member Tanner questioned why Reliable Tree Care didn't submit a bid. Mr. Greenwood said he didn't know, but it's better if two different contractors get the contracts, because each of them is a lot of work. 9 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 25, 2016 Councilman/Member Tanner moved to, by Minute Motion: 1) Waive minor bid irregularity; 2) award subject contract for the 2016 Citywide Tree Pruning Program to Liberty Landscaping, Inc., Riverside, Califomia, in the total amount of $273,478.90 (City - $235,281.95 and Housing Authority - $38,196.95); 3) authorize the Director of Finance to set aside an additional 10% contingency in the total amount of $27,347.89 (City - $23,528.19 and Housing Authority - $3,819.70); 4) appropriate $150,619.86 ($136,927.15 for base contract plus $13,692.71 for contingency) from Unobligated General Funds to Account Nos. 1104614-4337001 ($128,217.87), 1104610-4332001 ($22,401.99); 5) authorize the Mayor/Chairman to execute said contract —funds are available for the portion of the contract relative to the City and Assessment Districts in Parks and Recreation Account Nos. 1104610-4332001, 1104611-4332001, 1104610-4337100; Repair/Maintenance Medians Account No. 1104614-4337001; Desert Willow Account No. 4414195-4332000; and Assessment District Fund 200 Accounts; and for the Housing Authority, funds are set aside in the FY 2015-2016 and proposed FY 2016-2017 Housing Authority Operating Budgets. Motion was seconded by Weber and carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: Hamik, Jonathan, Tanner, Weber, and Spiegel; NOES: None). E. REQUEST FOR AWARD OF CONTRACT TO MICHAEL BAKER INTERNATIONAL, INC., FOR ON -CALL CITY SURVEYOR SERVICES FOR A TERM OF ONE YEAR IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $120,000 (CONTRACT NO. C35070). Mr. Greenwood said that the City Surveyor retired last year, yet the City still needs the services, so it contracted with Michael Baker, and will continue to do so while it considers whether it needs to fill that position with staff. Councilman Jonathan asked if cost effectiveness was being considered, because this was the second request in a little over a year, and $120,000 was a good amount of money. Mr. Greenwood reiterated that staff was evaluating whether it was more effective to rehire a staff member or continue to contract. Responding to comment, he said it wasn't a waste of money, because hiring for this highly technical position was very difficult in the Desert, and it would take a minimum of six months to fill the position once the City decides to do it. Councilman Tanner asked if the Altum Group or David Evans and Associates were more expensive or did they decide not to bid. Mr. Greenwood explained that when it comes to engineering and surveying services, by law, the City is prohibited from using price as the primary consideration in hiring, stating it has to be based on technical expertise. He said Michael Baker has the best qualifications. Councilmember Weber asked if staff estimated services to reach the $120,000 amount. 10 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 25, 2016 Mr. Greenwood shared that over the last four or five months, the average amount has been about $8,000 a month, so he didn't expect to reach $120,000, but he wanted to ensure he had funds in the account to avoid coming back to Council for more money. Councilman Jonathan moved to, by Minute Motion: 1) Award subject contract for On -Call City Surveyor Services to Michael Baker International, Inc., Palm Desert, California, for a term of one (1) year in an amount not to exceed $120,000; 2) appropriate $120,000 from Unobligated General Funds to Account No. 1104300-4301000 - Professional- Architectural/Engineering; 3) authorize Mayor to execute the contract. Motion was seconded by Tanner and carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: Harnik, Jonathan, Tanner, Weber, and Spiegel; NOES: None). XV. CONTINUED BUSINESS None XVI. OLD BUSINESS A. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL INTERNAL/EXTERNAL LIAISON ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE BALANCE OF 2016. Councilman Jonathan stated he may have misunderstood the instructions, but when he marked the Library Promotion Committee for relinquishing, he took that to mean he was ready to relinquish it if someone else wanted it. However, that created a vacancy, but if no one else desires to be on that Committee, he would be happy to continue on it. Also, he noticed there is a vacancy on the Children's Discovery Museum that he is willing to serve on as well. Mayor Pro Tem Harnik commented that everyone turned in a list of what they were willing to relinquish and what they would request. Additionally, the Mayor indicated that alternates should start attending the meetings so that their up to speed. Ms. Klassen called attention to the other vacancies on the list such as the Historical Society, the Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport Authority, and a couple of other altemate positions. Councilman Tanner agreed to continue with the Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport Authority. Councilman Jonathan volunteered to serve on the Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Committee, however, he didn't know if they ever met. Ms. Klassen explained that it was not a Council appointment, and 11 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 25, 2016 it was handled through an application process by the BLM (Bureau of Land Management). She said that when they do call for applications, she will forward Councilman Jonathan's name. Councilman Tanner moved to, by Minute Motion, approve list of Council Intemal/Extemal Liaison Assignments for 2016, as specified. Motion was seconded by Hamik. Councilman Jonathan said he noticed there are still some vacancies, such as the Historical Society and the Riverside County Overlay Zone, although it only met on an as needed basis. He questioned if it was a problem for the City not to be represented on these committees. Mayor Spiegel said he was okay with it. Ms. Klassen asked if an altemate was needed for the Palm Springs Desert Resorts CVA/CVB Board. Mayor Pro Tem Harnik said it would be worth looking at the entire City Council Assignment list to ensure the City is represented. Mayor Spiegel called for the vote and the motion 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 February 1-12, 2016. Mr. Wohlmuth noted the printed report provided in the agenda packets. With City Council concurrence, the Meeting Summaries Report was received and filed. 2. Update on the Alessandro West Improvement Project. Mr. Wohlmuth called attention to the report provided with the agenda. With City Council concurrence, the Alessandro West Report was received and filed. 12 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 25, 2016 B. CITY ATTORNEY None C. CITY CLERK None D. PUBLIC SAFETY 1. Fire Department None 2. Police Department Capt. Trevino recalled for City Councilmembers that last month she introduced a new Assistant Chief of Police, Lt. Herman Lopez. Today she was here to introduce the newest Assistant Chief of Police and welcomed Lt. Anthony Baur. She went on to say that he has over 25 years' experience with the Sheriffs Department through the ranks in a variety of positions, including as a Sergeant out of the Personnel Bureau in Riverside, responsible for recruiting staff into the department. He was promoted to Lieutenant in March 2015, working out of the Palm Desert Station in Administration until being placed in the position of Assistant Chief of the Palm Desert Police Department last Thursday. Lt. Baur said it was an honor to serve as the City's Assistant Chief. As a resident of Palm Desert, he was very encouraged to know that there is such a high quality of life here and looked forward to working with everyone here to maintain it. Councilman Jonathan understood that Lt. Baur's predecessor went on to other duties and responsibilities that may pose certain risks and dangers, and he was wished all the best. In response, Capt. Trevino said that Lt. Lopez went back to the Homicide Team for the County of Riverside, which is a very busy assignment. She added that he'd worked it before, and because of his past experience, he was chosen to go back to it. 13 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 25, 2016 E. MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL 1. Councilmember Susan Marie Weber's Meeting Summaries for the Period of February 8-21, 2016. Councilmember Weber noted her printed report provided with the agenda packets. With City Council concurrence, the Meeting Summaries were received and filed. 2. Council Requests for Action/Committee Reports/Comments: a) Councilmember Susan Marie Weber Requests - Noted that over the past couple of years, City has had some people who've been very involved in what's going on at Desert Willow Golf Resort. They're very concemed, have made many suggestions that have been accepted by management, and changes have taken place there. Most recently, they've asked to form a Citizens' Golf Committee, consisting of 2-3 citizens, 2 City staff members, and 1-2 Desert Willow staff to meet monthly and discuss issues of common interest and concem (e.g. summer resident play). This group would then report to the City's President's Committee so that everyone can work together. She called attention to Palm Desert's reputation for great resident participation and asked for the City Manager's assistance in requesting staffs review how this could be established and brought forward to a future Council Meeting agenda. Mr. Wohlmuth responded that staff would have to develop objectives for the body, membership, bylaws, whether or not it would be ad hoc or a standing committee, Brown Act application concerns, and it would be agendized for Council to consider establishing such a body. Then the matter would come back before Council again for appointment of members. He said if Council directed, staff would begin making these arrangements. Councilman Jonathan thought this was a worthy idea; if residents want to give input, Council's responsibility is to welcome it. However, he acknowledged that Council was also considering trimming the number of Committees and Commissions due to their resource -intensive nature. Therefore, as staffs recommendation is developed, he encouraged looking at all options, including perhaps reformatting the President's Committee — whether or not their 14 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 25, 2016 role is specifically limited, possibly reinventing it instead of forming a second body. Mr. Wohlmuth was concerned about including residents in the President's Committee proceedings due to certain proprietary information being discussed there. Mayor Spiegel proposed staff taking a look at the proposal, estimating any associated costs and amount of time required to administer such a committee, and bring it to Council for consideration. Councilman Tanner suggested including research about similar resident advisory bodies associated with comparable municipal golf courses. b) Councilman Sabbv Jonathan Reauests/Reports/Comments - - CVAG Homelessness Committee - Reported that the Committee met and, at his request, scheduled a workshop on the impacts of homelessness on all the Coachella Valley cities, different than looking at the needs of the homeless. Both he and Councilman Tanner have been involved with this emerging and growing issue in the area, affecting public safety and Code Compliance — the City, individuals and businesses are experiencing adverse impacts of the homeless community, as are the other eight cities in the Valley. He will confirm the workshop date scheduled for March, where there will be representation from staff, members of the Sheriffs Department, and City of Indio's Chief of Police Richard Twiss or his representatives will be offering information from their City's very successful homeless program. He encouraged his colleagues and any other Councilmembers interested in the topic to attend. - Council Study Session Prioritizing Strategic Plan Goals - Requested Study Session to prioritize City goals for the coming year based upon and building on goals identified by the Envision Palm Desert Committee. Hoped this could be scheduled sometime soon so that it may correlate with the City's budgeting process. In response, Mr. Wohlmuth said if Council directed, a Study Session would be scheduled as soon as possible, and Council would be provided with the Envision Palm Desert Goals for discussion. 15 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 25, 2016 Councilman Tanner pointed out that he and Mayor Pro Tem Hamik have spent the last 15 months working on the General Plan Update, which takes the Envision Palm Desert Strategic Plan into consideration and moves it forward. Therefore, he suggested waiting until all of Council has had an opportunity to digest the General Plan Update. Mr. Wohlmuth said that would be fine too. However, Council's consideration of the General Plan Update was probably currently slated for late April - early May, and the City will be pretty much through the budget process at that time. Further, he said Council would likely be holding a separate Study Session on the General Plan. Responding to question and comment, Mr. Stendell offered that if Council wanted to hold a Study Session for prioritizing the Envision Goals, it should go ahead and not wait for the General Plan consideration in order to set priorities for budgeting purposes. With regard to consideration of the General Plan, he said there's a statutory review process and many moving pieces to that, none of which will line up with the City's budget process. He explained that the goals in the Envision Strategic Plan are only further defined in the General Plan. In answer to question, he agreed to provide copies of information considered by the General Plan Technical Working Group to date to the other three Councilmembers so that they would be up to speed with it. c) Mayor Pro Tem Jan C. Hamik Requests/Reports/Comments — - Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) - Reminded anyone who wanted to volunteer to provide information for the pilot study on VMT to do so, and she felt it would be a great effort on their part. It's a Statewide program, since the current funding system of gas tax is unsustainable for California's highways and infrastructure. She reiterated that the study is looking for different participants from all different facets of the community and life so that they can get good research. - Request for Appointment to El Paseo Business Board - Requested a March 10 agenda item to confirm a new member on the EPBID (El Paseo Business Improvement District) Board of Directors. The Board has a recommendation that they have voted on for an applicant who would like to participate that they wish to put forward and are waiting for Council's appointment. 16 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 25, 2016 d) Councilman Van G. Tanner Reauests/Reports/Comments — - Regional Access Proiect (RAP) Board - Attended first meeting yesterday, an amazing group that he's anxious to become more involved in. e) Mayor Robert A. Spiegel Reauests/Reports/Comments — - Thanked Mayor Pro Tem Harnik for taking his place last week while he nursed a very horrible cold. - SunLine Transit Agency Board / City Bus Stops — Learned that four new bus stops were being placed in the City on Monterey Avenue, Fred Waring Drive (2), and Washington Street, but they're all coming with just a bench and waste container. He asked if there were any funds available for improving upon these very basic facilities. Mr. Wohlmuth responded that he'd asked Director of Special Programs Frankie Riddle to research the issue. He recalled that past Councils had done away with advertising on SunLine Bus Shelters, and in order to again allow it, the contract has to be changed. He estimated it could save the City around $70,000 annually, and staff was looking at it. That being said, he was unsure whether or not SunLine has additional bus shelters; but if they have advertising, the City doesn't pay for the maintenance, SunLine would, there are some other advantages that would be available. Mayor Spiegel noted that many (over 50%) of the City's bus shelters are not covered. Mr. Wohlmuth said if SunLine has the structures, the City would investigate it. In answer to question about the prior budget where the City designed and built bus shelters, he said the ones put in by the City were developer -conditioned with a couple done by the City. He noted that there was no money in the current budget to do any. Mayor Pro Tem Harnik cautioned that the City should look long and hard before it allows advertising on the bus shelters. She liked the idea of having bus shelters and for people to have protection. 17 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 25, 2016 Mayor Spiegel stated that the City Manager would have to approve anything that goes on the shelter. Mr. Wohlmuth agreed and added that there were issues of content, competition, etc., which were specified in the contract. It is a Council decision, staff is looking into it, and will bring it forward around the budget process. Staff will also address bus stops that do not have shelters in that same staff report. Councilman Jonathan requested that the staff report also include alternatives to advertising for funding shelters (i.e., grants). 3. Council Consideration of Travel Requests and Reports: None XIX. ADJOURNMENT On a motion by Hamik, second by Weber, and unanimous vote of the City Council, Mayor Spiegel adjoumed the meeting at 4:53 p.m. ATTEST: RA ELLS D. KLASSEN, CITY -CLERK CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA /?,./k°,7i- a ROBERT A. SPIEGEyVIAYOR 18