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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-01-26MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING THURSDAY, JANUARY 26, 2017 CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBER 73510 FRED WARING DRIVE, PALM DESERT, CA 92260 1. CALL TO ORDER - 3:00 P.M. Mayor Harnik convened the meeting at 3:02 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Mayor Pro Tem Jonathan Councilmember Kathleen Kelly Councilmember Gina Nestande Councilmember Susan Marie Weber Mayor Jan C. Harnik Also Present: Lauri Aylaian, 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 Janet M. Moore, Director of Finance/City Treasurer Lori Carney, Director of Human Resources Mark Greenwood, Director of Public Works Frankie Riddle, Director of Special Programs Stephen Y. Aryan, Risk Manager John Cortez, Battalion Chief, Palm Desert Fire/Riverside Co. Fire Dept./Cal Fire Anthony Baur, Asst. Chief, Palm Desert Police/Riverside Co. Sheriffs Department Sgt. David Adams, 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 JANUARY 26, 2017 IV. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION Request for Closed Session: A. Conference with Real Property Negotiator pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8: 1) Property: 73220 Highway 111 (APN 627-074-011), Palm Desert Negotiating Parties: Agency: Lauri Aylaian/Rudy P. Acosta/Martin Alvarez/ City of Palm Desert Property Owner: Nick Conti Under Negotiation: x Price x Terms of Payment 2) Property: APNs 627-232-006, -009; 627-232-005 Negotiating Parties: Agency: Lauri Aylaian/Rudy P. Acosta/City of Palm Desert Property Owner: Galleria Center and City of Palm Desert, respectively Under Negotiation: x Price x Terms of Payment B. 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 Harnik adjourned the meeting to Closed Session of the City Council at 3:04 p.m. She reconvened the meeting at 4:02 p.m. V. RECONVENE REGULAR MEETING - 4:00 P.M. A. REPORT ON ACTION FROM CLOSED SESSION. Mr. Hargreaves reported that direction was given, but no reportable action was taken. VI. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA- Palm Desert Youth Committee - Olivia Frary VII. INVOCATION - Councilmember Kathleen Kelly With City Council concurrence, Mayor Hamik announced that Council was adding an item under Section VIII - Awards and Presentations, Item B-1, to recognize the Palm Desert Youth Soccer League 2 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 26, 2017 VIII. AWARDS AND PRESENTATIONS A. PRESENTATION TO RECOGNIZE JOAN BEASLEY FOR HER SERVICE TO THE CITY OF PALM DESERT AND ITS LIBRARY PROMOTION COMMITTEE, 2003 - 2016. Ms. Beasley was unable to attend today's meeting for this recognition. Her engraved crystal clock will be sent to her separately. B. PRESENTATION OF PROCLAMATION DECLARING THURSDAY, JANUARY 26, 2017, AS "GLADYS HANOUSEK DAY" IN THE CITY OF PALM DESERT. On behalf of the City Council, Mayor Harnik presented the proclamation to Mrs. Gladys Hanousek, who was accompanied by her three sons William, James, and Steven, for founding the Master Pools Guild now known as Master Pools & Spas. Mrs. Hanousek graciously expressed her appreciation, sharing how much she loved living in Palm Desert and that tomorrow would be her 87th birthday. B-1. PRESENTATION TO RECOGNIZE THE PALM DESERT YOUTH SOCCER LEAGUE. Mayor Harnik announced that the Palm Desert Youth Soccer League had just won the Presidents Cup and the City Council wished to recognize their accomplishment and express their appreciation. Coach Doug Galloway thanked the City Council for taking the time to honor these student athletes, stating they are champions. He added that it was important to recognize that these young players are the future and could possibly be serving on the City Council one day. He shared that Boys Team 14 coached by Paul Thompson, Tony Dias, and himself won four games in Apple Valley to become the Champions. Also worthy of mentioning is that Boys Team 12 with Coaches Glenn Johnson and Frank Frary, won four games with scores of 4-1, 7-1, 9-1, and 12-1, which was outstanding. He congratulated all the players and thanked the City Council for having them. On behalf of the entire City Council, Mayor Harnik and Mayor Pro Tem Jonathan presented Certificates of Achievement to the following soccer players: Cash Anderhold Aimar Aquino Dylan Coronado Simon Frary Makaury Warren Austin Woods Austin Zeihen Chris Babekian Hanyi Joh Jace Kellett Nicholas Manzo Armando Ramos 3 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 26, 2017 Dawson Johnson Frank Gist Giovanni Leon Emiliano Morales David Olivas Carlos Cruz Nathan Dias Brandon Diaz Angel Flores Xander Higholt Abran Rodriguez Justin Rodriguez Jack Smith Fidel Tovar Junior Zelaya C. PRESENTATION TO THE CITY COUNCIL OF AN UPDATE ON YOUTH COMMITTEE ACTIVITIES BY ALTERNATE MEMBER OLIVIA FRARY. Ms. Frary reported on the following Youth Committee activities: 1) Presentation for 8th grade after -school students at Palm Desert Charter Middle School on the benefits of joining the Youth Committee; 2) working on having a series of Technology Workshops at the Joslyn Center where youth members will help seniors with their technology; 3) some members will be participating in the International Holocaust Remembrance Day at the Civic Center Park on January 27 at 11:30 a.m.; 4) it will be attending the Swing 'N Hops Event on El Paseo from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 4 as part of First Weekend; 5) members are starting to explore the possibility of creating "No Idling Zones" around Palm Desert schools. Mayor Pro Tem Jonathan said he knew the Youth Committee received late notice about the International Holocaust Remembrance Day and for members to step up and attend on such short notice was very thoughtful. Ms. Fray said the Committee loves to participate in City events and glad they can attend. D. PRESENTATION TO THE CITY COUNCIL ON THE PALM DESERT EXPLORER POST PROGRAM. OFFICER CRYSTAL FREEMAN assigned to the Business District Team and one of five advisors of Post 507 provided a PowerPoint presentation of what the Explorer Post Program is all about. She said the Explorer Program is a division of the Boy Scouts of American, providing hands on experience on what a professional career in law enforcement is like. The program provides training that is both physically and mentally challenging, and it includes drill and marching, criminal investigations, first aid, firearm safety, and more. The Post is a valuable asset to the community by working special events such as the Golf Cart Parade, Fourth of July Celebration at Civic Center Park and others events. The Post participates annually in a three-day Explorer competition in Chandler, Arizona, which they just returned from with a 3rd Place Trophy in Water Operations. They competed against 65 other teams in hostage negotiations, vehicle assault, officer -down scenarios, etc. This Program offers a lot to the Explorers, and they are honored the City generously donates to their Post. She introduced Mr. Luis Olivares who is 4 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 26, 2017 the Director of the Westfield Mall Security, but was once a member of the Palm Desert Explorer Post 507. MR. LUIS OLIVARES, Director of Security at Westfield Mall, Palm Desert, shared that through his experience with the Explorer Program at the age of 16, he developed a lot of leadership skills that helped him reach his current position at the age of 23. He is the youngest Director of Security in his company for the Westfield Shopping Center nationwide, adding that he was grateful for the Program. Mayor Pro Tem Jonathan asked if participants in the program had a leg up in applying for a position with the Riverside County Sheriffs Department. OFFICER FREEMAN responded the program was for students ages 14 to 21, stating students are definitely encouraged when they turn 18 to go to college, military, or apply to the corrections division. Many opt to obtain their Bachelor's Degree and apply at the age of 21, but it doesn't specifically help them obtain a position with the Sheriff's Department. However, it does give them the ability and confidence to realize they can tackle a certain position. Because of the experience and training received through the program, one can say they have a leg up in law enforcement in general, because they know what to expect, their familiar with the testing, and they are more physically fit. Mayor Harnik thanked them for what they do in the community. E. PRESENTATION TO THE CITY COUNCIL BY REGIONAL ACCESS PROJECT FOUNDATION (RAP) CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER LETICIA DE LARA. MS. LETICIA DE LARA, Chief Executive Officer of RAP, thanked the City Council for the opportunity to make a presentation to talk about the Regional Access Project Foundation (RAP). She said RAP was created in 1982 for the purpose of addressing three focus areas: Health, Mental Health, and Juvenile Intervention. They serve the Fourth District covering the Palm Springs area to the Blythe communities. A study commissioned by the County of Riverside is the reason they were created, because the Lewin Study illustrated there was a great disparity between the western County and the eastern most part of the County, which is very rural and has many remote communities, thereby making it very difficult for many residents in the District to access County services. A unique agreement created by then County Supervisor Corky Larson in partnership with the City of Palm Desert, agreed to divert sales at the property known as the Costco Shopping Center to be diverted from the County to fund RAP services, which is a 501(c)(3) organization. The Board has 21 members, which abides by the Ralph M. Brown Act and is fully transparent in its deliberations and decision making. 5 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 26, 2017 RAP provides funding to nonprofit organizations and agencies that address one of the three focus areas. Funding is provided through Request for Proposals (RFP) and Request for Qualifications (RFQ) along with small grants up to $5,000. In addition to providing grants, they provide supportive services helping nonprofits become more sustainable. They recently purchased a 24,000 square -foot building in the City of Palm Desert located at the corner of Eclectic and Hovley Lane (the former Guthy Renker building), which they envision to be their Center for Non -Profit Advancement. They hope to be able to expand their services and continue to serve more nonprofits. She noted she had their annual report with her, which she will leave with the City Council for their review. MR. JOHN EPPS, Director of the Center for Nonprofit Advancement, stated their goal is to increase capacity to build professionalism and help organizations do what they do better. As a Center, they have a membership model to try to get all the nonprofits to speak with one voice, so as they bring forth issues that are important to this community, they are able to have an impact on legislation, public policy, etc. Their greatest strength is that they believe in these organization and the people who work in them, and this is an opportunity to help them do more. He thanked the City Council for the opportunity to be able to make a difference for all the things that the City of Palm Desert has done for the Regional Access Project and looked forward to working with the Council in the next few years. IX. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - B MR. DAVE THORNTON, Executive Director for Habitat for Humanity, approached the City Council for two reasons, first to provide an official thank you, in that 11/2 years ago the City gave Habitat two lots to build two beautiful homes. They will provide a formal thank you in the future, but today was a notification that the project was a few days from completion with the last community workday on Saturday, February 4 at 8:00 a.m. They will have the Department of Probation employees come out to do the final ground cover. He said these two homes will be wonderful for the families purchasing them at a discount, and they are a marvelous addition to the community. If the Council was available to join them on Saturday, they would love to have them. He added that vendors and contractors have been assisting by trying to shake the trees a little bit to get their vendors to help with the brick walls and windows, so it was a community project of time, money, and effort to support their neighbors. Responding to question, he said there will be another ceremony when the veterans move into the homes, including, returning to the City Council to show photographs of the final product. Councilmember Weber mentioned she went to see the properties, and agreed they turned out beautiful. 6 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 26, 2017 MR. VAN TANNER, Cricket Cove, Palm Desert, shared that he attended a draft for the Palm Desert Youth Baseball Program and he and his son agreed to coach T-ball for 5-year-olds. He said the fields at the Civic Center are in great condition, as well as at Freedom Park. A big thank you to everybody who has contributed to make Freedom Park such a beautiful complex. X. MAYOR AND COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS TO THE COMMUNITY A. Meals on Wheels Program Councilmember Kelly stated that many people are aware that the Joslyn Center, which serves the cities of Indian Wells, Rancho Mirage, and Palm Desert has a wonderful Meals on Wheels Program for seniors. She feared that people may think there is a specific income criteria to us'e the service, which is not the case. She said people who are isolated at home or can't cook for themselves are eligible for this service, because there is a sliding scale. For those that are able to pay for the service may pay, and those who are not able, need no to pay. At this time, due to attrition, there is some excess capacity to provide these Meals on Wheels, so she urged members of the public to be aware of this service for themselves or others. Responding to question, she confirmed the service was just for seniors. B. Annual International Holocaust Remembrance Dav Mayor Pro Tem Jonathan announced that Ryan Szydlowski, who provides golf training at Desert Willow was named "The Golf Professional of the Year" at a recent dinner, adding there is more than 300 members in this organization. Secondly, tomorrow at 11:30 a.m., the City provides a location forthe Annual International Holocaust Remembrance Day Observance. The ceremony takes about an hour, and you will hear directly from actual Holocaust survivors and Father Howard Lincoln will be taking part as well. After last year's observance, he made it his personal mission to bring in children and youth, so this year there will be students from Palm Desert High School, the Youth and Government Committee at the YMCA, Palm Desert Youth Committee, Xavier High School, Sacred Heart, College of the Desert, and Cal State -San Bernardino in Palm Desert. He knew it was a difficult subject to focus on, but if anyone had time to join in, please come. C. Swing 'N Hops Event Mayor Harnik announced that First Weekend Palm Desert kicks off on February 4 with the Swing 'N Hops Event on El Paseo. 7 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 26, 2017 XI. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES of the Regular City Council Meeting of January 12, 2017. Rec: Approve as presented. B. CLAIMS AND DEMANDS AGAINST THE CITY TREASURY - Warrants Dated 12/30/2016, 1/6/2017, and 1/13/2017. Rec: Approve as presented. C. CLAIMS AND DEMANDS AGAINST THE CITY/HOUSING TREASURIES - Warrant Dated 1/6/2017 (Joint Consideration with the Palm Desert Housing Authority). Rec: Approve as presented. D. CITY COMMITTEE AND COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES. 1. Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting of November 1, 2016. 2. Public Safety Commission Meeting of October 19, 2016. 3. Youth Committee Meeting of December 5, 2016. Rec: Receive and file. E. REQUEST FOR DECLARATION of Surplus Property and Authorization for Disposal — Fire Department Office Furniture. Rec: By Minute Motion, declare items listed on the accompanying Staff Report's Exhibit "A" as surplus property and authorize disposal as appropriate. F. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION of Building Permit Fees Overpayment Refund for RD Olson Construction, Inc. Rec: By Minute Motion, approve the subject request to refund overpayment of Building Permit Fees (Permit Nos. 16-00071097, 16-00071749, and 16-00071750) in the amount of $6,828.23 to Permit Applicant R D Olson Construction, Inc. 8 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 26, 2017 G. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION to Purchase One (1) New 2016 BMW R1200 RT-P Motorcycle and Emergency Equipment from BMW Motorcycles of Riverside in the Amount of $29,451.27. Rec: By Minute Motion, approve the purchase of a 2016 BMW R1200 RT-P Motorcycle and Emergency Equipment from BMW Motorcycles of Riverside, California, in the amount of $29,451.27 — funds are available in the Equipment Replacement Fund, Account No. 5304210-4403000 for FY 2016-2017, and no appropriation is required. H. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of Revised Fourth Amendment to the SunLine Joint Powers Transportation Agency Agreement (Contract No. C00515). Rec: By Minute Motion, approve revised Fourth Amendment to the SunLine Joint Powers Transportation Agency Agreement and authorize Mayor to execute same. I. REQUEST FOR ACCEPTANCE OF WORK for the Project to Replace Two (2) Air Conditioning Units at the Desert Willow Golf Resort Clubhouse. Rec: By Minute Motion, accept the work as complete and authorize the City Clerk to file a Notice of Completion for the subject project. J. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of the 2017 Palm Desert Century Bike Ride (Shadow Tour, LLC, Applicant). Rec: By Minute Motion, approve: 1) Palm Desert Century Bike Ride on November 11, 2017, at University Park; 2) road closure at University Drive from College Drive East to West and southbound lane closure of College Drive between University and Frank Sinatra Drives; 3) temporary waiver of Palm Desert Municipal Code Section 11.01.140 - Amplified Sound in City Parks; 4) temporary waiver of Palm Desert Municipal Code Section 11.01.080(Q) - Prohibited Conduct Generally in City Parks - Vendor Sales; 5) temporary waiver of Palm Desert Municipal Code Section 11.01.080(W) - Prohibited Conduct Generally in City Parks - Possession/Consumption of Alcohol in City Parks pursuant to Palm Desert Municipal Code Section 9.58.040. Upon a motion by Weber, second by Nestande, and 5-0 vote of the City Council (AYES: Jonathan, Kelly, Nestande, Weber, and Harnik; NOES: None), the Consent Calendar was approved as presented. 9 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 26, 2017 XII. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER None XIII. RESOLUTIONS None XIV. ORDINANCES A. For Introduction: None B. For Adoption: 1. ORDINANCE NO. 1314—AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, RESCINDING AND REPLACING CHAPTER 2.04 OF THE PALM DESERT MUNICIPAL CODE — CITY MANAGER. Ms. Carney noted this item was presented at the Iast City Council meeting, and this was the second reading of the Ordinance for adoption. Councilmember Kelly moved to waive further reading and adopt Ordinance No. 1314. Motion was seconded by Weber and carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: Jonathan, Kelly, Nestande, Weber, and Harnik; NOES: None). 2. ORDINANCE NO. 1315 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, REVISING SECTION 2.52.705 OF THE PALM DESERT MUNICIPAL CODE — PERSONNEL SYSTEM — BENEFITS, VACATION LEAVE. Ms. Carney noted this was an item presented at the Iast City Council Meeting, and this was the second reading of the Ordinance for adoption. Councilmember Kelly moved to waive further reading and adopt Ordinance No. 1315. Motion was seconded by Weber and carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: Jonathan, Kelly, Nestande, Weber, and Hamik; NOES: None). 10 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 26, 2017 XV. NEW BUSINESS A. REQUEST FOR INITIATION OF A ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT TO ESTABLISH MARIJUANA -RELATED LAND USE STANDARDS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ADULT USE OF MARIJUANA ACT AND OTHER STATE -ADOPTED MARIJUANA -RELATED LAWS. Mr. Ceja stated that in February 2016, the City Council directed staff to form a Cannabis Committee to look at medical marijuana delivery options. The Committee met several times and decided to hold off from making any specific recommendations until after the November 2016 Election when California voters had an opportunity to vote on Proposition 64 - Adult Use of Marijuana Act, which passed. Therefore, the recommendation is to direct staff and the Committee to review land -use options related to the new law. Councilmember Nestande moved to, by Minute Motion, direct staff to initiate a Zoning Ordinance Amendment to establish marijuana land use standards in accordance with the Adult Use of Marijuana Act (AUMA) and other State -adopted marijuana -related laws. Motion was seconded by Weber and carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: Jonathan, Kelly, Nestande, Weber, and Harnik; NOES: None). Councilmember Weber commented that the City Council appreciated the Study Session that took place on this matter just prior to the meeting. B. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF APPOINTMENTS/REAPPOINTMENTS TO THE CITY'S STANDING COMMITTEES AND COMMISSIONS. Ms. Klassen reported the City Council went through a process of reviewing current applications on file. She noted for the record and for the audience that applications are always received by the City Clerk's Office, adding there wasn't necessarily a specific deadline. She said members of the public are encouraged to attend the various legislative body meetings, which are listed on the website calendar or by calling her office. After the City Council reviewed the applications and conducted interviews on January 9, direction was given about the appointments and reappointments as are listed on the agenda. Mayor Pro Tem Jonathan shared it was his third time going through the selection process, but the quantity and quality of the applicants were impressive, which reflected well of the City in that Palm Desert residents are qualified and want to get involved. Mayor Pro Tem Jonathan moved to, by Minute Motion: 1) Architectural Review Commission: a) Appoint Douglas Brewer to fill the term formerly held by Paul Clark (12/31/20), who is being transferred to the Cultural Resources Preservation Committee; reappoint Michael McAuliffe for a four-year term (1/1/17 - 12/31/20); extend sincere 11 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 26, 2017 appreciation to Mr. Eugene Colombini for his service to the Architectural Review and Housing Commissions for the last seven (7) years; b) direct staff to prepare the appropriate legislative enactment document and return to City Council with it in order to reduce Architectural Review Commission from nine (9) to seven (7) members from this point forward; 2) Art In Public Places Commission: Appoint Carol Adney to the vacant term formerly held by Norma Bussing (12/31/19); 3) Building Board of Appeals & Condemnation: Subject to her agreement to serve, appoint Deborah Hall to the vacant term formerly held by Eric Vogt (12/31/17) and appoint Michael Rover to the vacant term formerly held by Robyn Ritchey (12/31/20); 4) Cultural Resources Preservation Committee: Appoint Paul Clark to the vacant term formerly held by Leslie Roth (12/31/20); reappoint Don Graybill and Tom Mortensen each to a four-year term (1/1/17 - 12/31/20); 5) El Paseo Business Association Board of Directors: Reappoint Elyssa Goldberg and Susan Stauber each to a four-year term (1/1/17 - 12/31/20); 6) Housing Commission: Appoint Beverly Fitzgerald to the vacant term formerly held by Jane Turner (12/31/17); 7) Library Promotion Committee: Appoint Carol Marcuse to the vacant term formerly held by Aaron Bonner (12/31/20); reappoint Marilyn Hahn and Ella Manor each to a four-year term (1/1/17 - 12/31 /20); 8) Parks & Recreation Commission: Appoint Van Tanner to the vacant term formerly held by Ray Rodriguez Jr. (12/31/17); reappoint Deborah Hall and Mary Helen Kelly each to a four-year term (1/1/17 - 12/31/20); transfer Alternate Member Lindsay Holt to the Planning Commission; 9) Planning Commission: Appoint Lindsay Holt to the vacant term formerly held by Kathleen Kelly (12/31/19); reappoint Nancy DeLuna to a four-year term (1/1/17 - 12/31/20); 10) Public Safety Commission: Reappoint Jim Butzbach, Marty Nethery, and Frank Taylor each to a four-year term (1/1/17 - 12/31/20); 11) Rent Review Commission: Confirm reappointment of William Adams and Ken Dorf each to a four-year term effective last year (1/1/16 - 12/31/19) when reappointments were temporarily suspended subject to outcome of reorganizing the Commission; and reappoint Brian Torsney to a four-year term (1/1/17 - 12/31/20); 12) Citizen's Sustainability Committee: Appoint Jim Schmid to the vacant term formerly held by David Koller (12/31/18) and David O'Donnell to the vacant term formerly held by Bob Leo (12/31/17); reappoint Tommy Edwards and Greg Gritters each to a four-year term (1/1/17 - 12/31/20); 13) Youth Committee: Reappoint Zachary Berenbaum, Matthew Chang, Isaac Cho, Patricia Dan, Timothy Fitzpatrick, Ismael Haile, Tacie Johnson, Claire Kim, Lily Kim, Sarah Lauer, Uriah Shaw, and Daria Wood, pursuant to Committee Bylaws, each for a one-year term (1/1/17 - 12/31 /17). Motion was seconded by Nestande. Mayor Hamik echoed the City Clerk's point that the City still had some vacancies and the Council would love to have applications submitted so that they can be considered. Mayor Harnik called for the vote and the motion carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: Jonathan, Kelly, Nestande, Weber, and Harnik; NOES: None). XVI. CONTINUED BUSINESS None 12 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 26, 2017 XVII. OLD BUSINESS A. PRESENTATION TO THE CITY COUNCIL BY ALLIED REAL ESTATE REGARDING THE DESERT ARC AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROJECT. MS. YVONNE DELGADILLO, Allied Affordable Housing, stating they are one of the partners working on the development of ARC Village. She said the City of Palm Desert and Desert ARC are two of the lead partners in this project, along with the Foundation for Affordable Housing, which also has a lot of affordable housing experience. The subject vacant property is owned by the City and is right behind Desert ARC. After a few years of conversations and discussing the need for affordable housing for this particular population, DesertARC came to Allied Affordable Housing with this opportunity to develop 36 units of affordable housing for adults with developmental disabilities; primarily one -bedroom units and four two -bedroom units. She said the entitlements were approved by the City in May 2016. She said they have been submitting an application to the State Department of Treasury through the California Tax Allocating Agency for Low Income Housing Tax Credits, which could provide the majority of the financing. She displayed the site plan, community room, parking, the entrance to the development, and housing unit elevations. The newest update is that they submitted a Low -Income Housing Tax Credit Application last year on June 29 for their second round. Unfortunately, they were not granted the tax credit, stating it's a very competitive process, and they knew that going in, but they are committed to the project. Therefore, they are currently working with their development team to resubmit on March 1; if not successful, they will resubmit in June. She said their commitment is big, because the need is huge, adding it's very motivating to see they have the support and commitment from the City and residents as well. She offered to answer questions. MR. MITCH BLOOMBERG, Senior Vice President of Desert ARC, recalled for the Council that this project has been before the Planning Commission, City Council, and City staff several times over the last 1'/z years. They are very supportive of the project for the reasons stated, and it will provide 36 dwelling units for their clients on the site. It will also fill in the vacant two acres it sold to the City of Palm Desert five years ago. He said they were very fortunate to find a developer that specializes in housing for low income special needs people. He added that the head of Yvonne's Company has an Autistic son himself and is dedicated to providing this type of housing across the country. They are hopeful that Allied will get the tax credit they have been working so hard to obtain. Councilmember Nestande asked if Allied was given any feedback as to why the project was being denied the tax credit. 13 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 26, 2017 MS. DELGADILLO responded there are 168 applicants in the State of California and only 30 of those are funded. With regard to tax credits, the Federal Government allocates a certain amount to each State depending on the population and the income generated. She believes the State of California has the biggest allocation, because it's such a big State, but there are so many other projects that also apply, which leaves a cap. There is also some scoring criteria, and to be competitive, you need to have a perfect score, which they have. However, there are so many projects with perfect scores that they have a tiebreaker scoring. The tiebreaker is based on how much you leverage these low income housing tax credits with other sources of funds, and they put specific weight on those sources of funds. For example, grants, donations, commitments from federal, state, and local governments have bigger weight than an individual, and subsidies also play a big role. Therefore, when you have projects like ARC Village, which is 36- unit project in Palm Desert compared to a City of Los Angeles Homeless Project that the City of LA is coming in with $5 million for a $10 million project, the tiebreaker is a lot higher. Each year, the Qualified Allocation Plan is what determines an outline of how many points you get for specific categories, but it does change. Therefore, Allied is assessing how they currently stand in comparison to the application submitted last year with the changes that were made by the department. Mayor Pro Tem Jonathan asked if the residents at Sagewood were happy. MS. DELGADILLO responded they have had three meetings with the residents, stating she believed the last one was in November. As soon as they have any further updates on the progress of the project, they will reach out to them. However, they were able to address their concerns at their last meeting, stating she understood it was important to stay engaged. The first two meetings were when they raised the most concerns, and she believed their concerns were addressed prior to coming to the City when they made some of the design work. She said City staff was very helpful in coordinating the meetings to helping them address their concerns. As soon as they have the great news that they have the tax credits, they will reach out to the residents again. Mayor Harnik asked if it helped that the City offered the land in those tiebreaker situations. MS. DELGADILLO said it was huge, adding that it was one of the only sources that have been able to give them a bigger boost for a tiebreaker, but they are also working on some of the deficiencies. She said the units will be energy efficiency, so they are trying to work with different contractors to ensure that it's not only high quality, but also lower in cost, which is what a lot of other projects are struggling with throughout the State. This was another way of trying to obtain the tax credit. 14 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 26, 2017 Mayor Harnik said she understood Ms. Delgadillo to say that Desert ARC approached Allied for the building of the affordable housing. MS. DELGADILLO explained that in April 2014, Allied hosted a Visioning Session with different agencies throughout Southern California to discuss the need for affordable housing for adults with developmental disabilities, which is when they initiated the conversation and Desert ARC talked about the need in Palm Desert. Responding to question, she confirmed that Desert ARC approached Allied. MR. BLOOMBERG added that after Desert ARC sold the land to the City and after the dissolution of Redevelopment, it lost the source of funding to build something. At one time the City was going to expand Las Serena's Affordable Housing Senior Apartments to the east, but money wasn't there to do it. He said the City Manager's office actually asked Desert ARC to see if they could find a housing developer who could put housing on those two acres that were compatible with what they do at Desert ARC. He said that was a direction to them, and by being at that conference and meeting Allied, it all came together in a positive way for everyone. MS. DELGADILLO thanked the Council for their time and support. XVIII. PUBLIC HEARINGS None XIX. REPORTS AND REMARKS A. CITY MANAGER 1. City Manager's Meeting Summaries Report for the Period of January 3-13, 2017. With City Council concurrence, the Meeting Summaries report was received and filed. Ms. Aylaian made the following announcements: 2. Bond Refinancing Reported that on Wednesday staff consummated the refinancing of bonds that had been issued over the years. The City was successful in its ultimate goal of being able to pass savings to taxing entities. While the City receives some savings, the bigger recipients will be the school district, Coachella Valley Water District, College District, and other taxing entities who will recognize about $36.1 million in savings 15 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 26, 2017 over the years. She thanked both Director of Finance Janet Moore and Senior Management Analyst Veronica Tapia for their great work on this. 3. Employee Updates: a) She recalled for the City Council that Leslee Starling, who was Building Permit Specialist II, retired at the end of December. The City followed up with an internal and external recruitment, and the most qualified candidates were interviewed. The person selected to fill the position is Cherie Williams who is currently serving as a Building Permit Specialist I. She said Cherie had been going the extra mile by studying to get the necessary credentialing and improve in her field. c) She announced that Deputy City Clerk Grace recently married and her new name is Grace L. Rocha. B. CITY ATTORNEY None C. CITY CLERK 1. Announcement of Upcoming City Council Study Sessions: a) January 30, 2017 February 17, 2017 - 8:00 a.m. - City Manager Workplan, Desert Willow Golf Resort, 38995 Desert Willow Drive, Palm Desert, California 92260. b) February 9, 2017 — 2:00 p.m. - IT (Information Technology) Master Plan, Administrative Conference Room, Palm Desert Civic Center. Ms. Klassen noted the upcoming Study Sessions, with the scheduling change for the January 30, which has been moved to February 17, 2017, at 8:00 a.m. at Desert Willow Golf Resort. Councilmembers acknowledged the change to the Study Session schedule. 2. Request for Appointment of Voting Delegate and Alternate(s) to the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) General 16 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 26, 2017 Assembly — May 4-5, 2017, at JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa, Palm Desert. Mayor Harnik noted she already represented RCTC at SCAG, so the Council needed a representative for Palm Desert. Councilmember Weber said she has served as the Delegate for the past couple of years. Councilmembers Kelly and Nestande volunteered to participate. Mayor Pro Tem Jonathan moved to, by Minute Motion, appoint Councilmember Kathleen Kelly asthe Voting Delegate and Councilmember Gina Nestande as the Alternate to the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) General Assembly being held at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 4, 2017, at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa, Palm Desert. Motion was seconded by Weber and carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: Jonathan, Kelly, Nestande, Weber, and Harnik; NOES: None). Mayor Harnik noted SCAG had their first General Assembly planning meeting today and it appears there will be great speakers. D. PUBLIC SAFETY 1. Fire Department None 2. Police Department None E. MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL 1. Councilmember Susan Marie Weber's Meetina Summaries Report for the Period of January 1-15, 2017. With City Council concurrence, the Meeting Summaries were received and filed. 2. City Council Reports/Comments: a) Women's Realtor Breakfast - Mayor Harnik reported that on Friday, January 13, she attended the Women's Realtor Breakfast and they addressed the short-term rental issue as it exists in Palm Springs. Great information was distributed, which she brought back to share in order to find the right balance for Palm Desert. 17 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 26, 2017 3. City Council Requests for Action: a) League of California Cities (LOCC) Annual Conference and Expo held September 13-15, 2017 - Mayor Pro Tem Jonathan reported that the Conference takes place during a City Council meeting night. Therefore, the sooner the date conflict is addressed the better. Ms. Aylaian agreed to look into it, stating there is a series of changes that need to be made and staff will work with the City Council to find a date that works. 4. City Council Consideration of Travel Requests and Reports: a) League of California Cities New Mayor and Council Member Academy January 18-20. 2017 - Mayor Harnik reported she and Councilmember Kelly attended the LOCC - Academy, noting that a lot of interesting legislation came out of it, which she felt staff was on top of already. XX. ADJOURNMENT With City Council concurrence, Mayor Harnik adjourned the meeting at 5:15 p.m. • 'JAN C. HARNIK, MAYOR ATTEST: RA HELLS D. KLASSE , CITY CLER CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA /- 18