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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-06-13MINUTES SPECIAL JOINT MEETING OF THE PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL, PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY, AND PALM DESERT HOUSING AUTHORITY FRIDAY, JUNE 13, 2003 12:30 P.M. ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES CONFERENCE ROOM I. CALL TO ORDER Mayor/Chairman/Chairman Benson convened the meeting at 12:40 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Councilman/Member/Member Buford A. Crites Councilman/Member/Member Jim Ferguson Councilman/Member/Member Richard S. Kelly Mayor Pro Tem/Vice Chairman/Vice Chairman Robert A. Spiegel Mayor/Chairman/Chairman Jean M. Benson Also Present: Carlos L. Ortega, City Manager/RDA Executive Director Sheila R. Gilligan, ACM for Community Services Homer Croy, ACM for Development Services Justin McCarthy, ACM for Redevelopment Rachelle Klassen, City Clerk Amir Hamidzadeh, Director of Building & Safety Paul S. Gibson, Director of Finance/City Treasurer Teresa L. La Rocca, Director of Housing Michael J. Errante, Director of Public Works/City Engineer J. Luis Espinoza, Finance Operations Manager Tom Bassler, Maintenance Services Manager Dennis Coleman, Redevelopment Finance Manager Martin Alvarez, Senior Management Analyst Stephen Aryan, Assistant to the City Manager Lieutenant Steve Thetford, Palm Desert Police Department Battalion Chief Walt Holloway, Riverside County Fire Department III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None MINUTES SPECIAL JOINT MEETING OF THE PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL, PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY, AND PALM DESERT HOUSING AUTHORITY IV. NEW BUSINESS JUNE 13, 2003 A. CONSIDERATION OF THE PRELIMINARY CITY MANAGER'S FINANCIAL PLAN FOR FISCAL YEAR 2003/04. Mayor/Chairman/Chairman Benson thanked staff for its efforts in getting all the related information to the City Council/Agency Board/Authority Board in a very timely manner. Mr. Ortega highlighted the summary pages of the Preliminary Budget book (pp. 4-10), stating that there were no proposed personnel increases, but there were some classification changes being put forward, all of which were closely reviewed prior to their presentation here and felt to have merit with the proposed Budget of some $36 million. He added that some new programs were also being proposed in the White Papers. He reminded Council/Agency Board/Authority Board Members that the projections for revenues and expenditures resulted from work on the process beginning six months ago. Responding to question, he answered that any currently vacant authorized positions would be filled; there was no need to leave them unfilled at this time. Consideration of White Papers BUILDING & SAFETY — Request for Direct Scheduling of Inspections Software— would allow contractors to call after hours to schedule their own inspections within the City's HTE permit/inspection system. City Manager's Office recommending this program be included in the FY 03/04 Budget in the amount of $41,950. In answer to question, staff responded that this program was different from the current availability of voice mail, allowing contractors to state their need for a particular inspection, but which still has to be physically scheduled in the system by City staff and then communicated to the contractor. Contractors had indicated their desire for direct access to scheduling their own inspections 24 hours/day. Further responding, staff said the technology was available for online scheduling, but there were issues to be resolved at the City's level prior to offering access into its mainframe computer. Staff noted that most contractors preferred a telephone access as they were working on -site with their cell phones and not with their computers. Staff will continue to pursue the online system for the future. With City Council/Agency Board/Authority Board concurrence, this request was authorized for inclusion in the FY 2003/04 Financial Plan scheduled to be adopted at the regular meetings of June 26, 2003. 2 MINUTES SPECIAL JOINT MEETING OF THE PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL, PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY, AND PALM DESERT HOUSING AUTHORITY COMMUNITY SERVICES JUNE 13, 2003 -- Recycling Enhancement Program — since the preparation of this request, a meeting had been held with the Integrated Waste Management Board, where it was determined that the City would be able to undertake an enhanced version of the proposed program. Staff will return to the City Council/Agency Board/Authority Board with new information. It was pointed out that this program would not affect the General Fund; there is a reserve fund collected through the refuse rates, which will provide the funds needed for this program. — Personnel Reclassifications — Upon inquiry, staff responded that reclassifications do not result in the former position becoming a position vacancy. With City Council/Agency Board/Authority Board concurrence, authorized inclusion of the requested reclassifications in the FY 2003/04 Financial Plan to be adopted June 26, 2003. — Desert Willow Painting — Original proposal presented to Sister Cities Committee. With City Council/Agency Board/Authority Board concurrence, directed that this request be first considered by the Art In Public Places Commission. -- Municipal Utility— Staff proceeding with the necessary steps to implement creation of same; however, it would be necessary to appropriate the funds required to take those steps (i.e., hire consultants and/or legal counsel to give advice on dealing with the Public Utilities Commission and other such entities). Preliminary feasibility study for the selected area (North Sphere, including the proposed Desert Gateway project), shows that it would be feasible, with potential residual that could be used to fund either the General Fund or for lowering rates in the area. The suggested next step would be to have an independent review of the feasibility study. Staff has also been in contact with producers of power, which may provide more of a residual for the municipal utility. Responding to question, staff answered that following the independent review, it would be able to provide the City Council/Agency Board/Authority Board with a recommendation either to proceed or discontinue with this proposal. It was noted that the appropriation of funds did not mean the total would be expended, and for each step of the process, the expenditure would be first approved by City Council. Further, staff added that because the proposal was for a new area with new service, all of the infrastructure would be financed and constructed by the developers, which is the same as they have to do now. As the area grows and develops in the future (4-5 years), it will be necessary to build a power substation; however, by that time there would likely be a revenue stream and bonding ability. 3 MINUTES SPECIAL JOINT MEETING OF THE PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL, PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY, AND PALM DESERT HOUSING AUTHORITY JUNE 13, 2003 Staff indicated that the Desert Gateway project was still in the process of designing the necessary utility system but had not already signed an agreement with Southern California Edison. It was also stated that the Municipal Utility would be responsible for setting the rates; any residual could repay start-up expenses and perpetuate the utility --legal counsel could draw up the necessary agreements providing for this. The preliminary analysis was very encouraging; however, should that later change, the proposal could be abandoned. Further, the Municipal Utility could determine the source of the energy to be provided (i.e., natural gas or renewable sources), with terms like five-year contracts for purchase of the energy. Councilman/Member/Member Kelly believed further exploration of the Municipal Utility was warranted and he urged his colleagues' support of including this proposal in the FY 2003/04 Budget. With City Council/Agency Board/Authority Board concurrence, appropriation of funds for the further study of formation of a Palm Desert Municipal Utility was authorized for inclusion in the FY 2003/04 Financial Plan. — Historical Society — Proposal to implement a process for imaging its archived documents and things--one-of-a-kind links to Palm Desert's history. Historical Society has some funding already available to apply to the project, and staff felt it would be a prudent to provide funding assistance. Outside Agency Funding Committee recommended approval of $25,000; however, $10,000 of that would be for staffing, which has to be given directly to the Historical Society rather than through the Chamber of Commerce as it had been funded previously. Staff would be working closely with the Historical Society to better organize activities, such as Founders' Day, and for better overall promotion. Council/Agency Board/Authority Board Members concurred that the Historical Society had done a good job and had been a worthy recipient of City funding over the years. With City Council/Agency Board/Authority Board concurrence, authorized funding for the Historical Society, as presented, to be included in the FY 2003/04 Financial Plan. — After School Program — Since preparation of the request for this program, a downsized version was developed. Consultant Steve Amick was asked to take another look, working with the YMCA and the CVR&PD to establish programs at Lincoln School and the Middle School. The Committee determined that if the City Council were to move forward, it should only be at the Middle School for the coming year; it was the one area not being covered currently. After School Programs have been proven to provide academic achievements, support positive youth development, and decrease exposure to high -risk behaviors, the problems more prevalent in middle schools, and it was determined that this group should be 4 MINUTES SPECIAL JOINT MEETING OF THE PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL, PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY, AND PALM DESERT HOUSING AUTHORITY JUNE 13, 2003 given priority. The modified program represented a cost of $68,000, with the CVR&PD administering it for the Middle School, with the School District providing facilities. Responding to comment, it was stated that although many cities had After School Programs (none in the Coachella Valley presently), many were funded by local businesses; Los Angeles' s was one of the largest, funded nearly 80% by its businesses. It was felt that if the YMCA held a fund-raiser, calling on the major area employers for their support, such as mall stores, a windfall would be realized; and it would be done through the YMCA, not the City of Palm Desert. Mayor Pro TemNice ChairmanNice Chairman Spiegel strongly recommended support for the Middle School After School Program in the amount of $68,000 and to be administered by the CVR&PD. He commented that many students from Carter Elementary and Washington Charter Schools were already paying to participate in CVR&PD's After School Program, as were some Lincoln School students at this time. The new program being proposed was strictly for the Middle School. In response to question, staff answered that the program was designed for 80 children for 37 weeks/year, with an actual funding request in the amount of $68,450. Further responding, staff reported that the YMCA had the program at Lincoln School; whereas, CVR&PD was already conducting one through the Middle School with its facility behind there --staff felt it was logical to work with the agency already in place. Staff also felt it would be beneficial to engage Mr. Amick's services to work with the YMCA and CVR&PD to develop grant applications to be submitted through the School District; no one presently had the expertise to develop a grant program, and he already worked with the San Diego After School Program. Staff requested adding $10,000 to the proposal for this purpose, adding that Lincoln School was socioeconomically eligible and had qualified for grant funding last year, except the funding did not come through in the Governor's Budget. However, if application were made again, Mr. Amick believed the funding could be obtained; the Middle School would be a different case, but grants could be applied for in the first year, turning it over to CVR&PD and YMCA handle the programs from there on. Mayor Pro Tem/Vice Chairman/Vice Chairman Spiegel pointed out that another plus was the agreement reached with Desert Sands that would allow the children to stay on campus for this purpose, eliminating the need for transport to another location. Teachers would be on hand to assist with instruction and tutoring, and Principal Maureen Thompson was enthusiastic about the program and was a friend of the City, having been Chairman of its Civic Arts Committee. 5 MINUTES SPECIAL JOINT MEETING OF THE PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL, PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY, AND PALM DESERT HOUSING AUTHORITY JUNE 13, 2003 Staff added that in addition to the facilities, the School would also provide janitorial services, and playground areas, which was not in place prior to applying for the grant last time. Upon inquiry, staff responded that the State Legislative Analyst's Office currently projects that the funds approved by Proposition 49 will be triggered by July 2005, and the funds could then be used. Staff went on to say it would be the intent to make the programs self-sufficient, adding that the YMCA's representative didn't object to this notion and that the City would work with and encourage both the YMCA and CVR&PD, along with assisting with the grant application process, to make the programs self-supporting. With City Council/Agency Board/Authority Board concurrence, authorization was given to include in the FY 2003/04 Budget an After School Program for Palm Desert Middle School in the amount of $68,450 and use of Mr. Amick's expertise in developing grant applications in an amount not to exceed $10,000. Councilmembers/Agency Board Members/Authority Board Members concurred that the YMCA had a broad, parent -based board and was more suited to fundraising for the program's future. It was requested that the school provide periodic reports on the existing program, fundraising efforts, and the status of grant funding. Mayor Pro TemNice ChairmanNice Chairman Spiegel suggested his colleagues make a trip to the school to see the program firsthand. DEVELOPMENT SERVICES — Conversion of Public Works Storage Area into Office Space — Mr. Ortega commented that over the past three years, two major remodeling projects had been undertaken to create more office space. Staff was recommending conversion of existing space for office area. Responding to question, he said at this time, the City was not providing office space to any outside agencies (i.e., League of California Cities, AQMD). Staff went on to explain that office space was currently at full capacity, with closets recently being converted to offices and corridors being used for work space; the two most efficient options were considered: 1) Adding onto the North Wing; 2) remodeling the storage area adjacent to Public Works, about 2,300 square feet (the same amount of area as is utilized by Building & Safety), or 16 more workstations. Councilman/Member/Member Kelly said he was opposed to the premise; the more space that was available, the more likely the City would be to get more positions, even though none were authorized at this time. Upon inquiry, staff said consideration had been given to making storage area available at the Corporation Yard expansion so that the entirety of City Hall could 6 MINUTES SPECIAL JOINT MEETING OF THE PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL, PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY, AND PALM DESERT HOUSING AUTHORITY JUNE 13, 2003 be used for offices. The cost of remodeling the storage area to maximize office space was estimated at $975,000. The other option would add approximately 6,000 square feet onto the North Wing. These options were the two most likely short of remodeling all of City Hall. It was noted that about one -quarter of the storage area was previously converted into offices for Code Compliance. Mayor/Chairman/Chairman Benson suggested holding the matter until more employees were actually hired by the City, further commenting that should anything change with the Sheriffs office at the Civic Center, that area may also be available for future office space. Mayor Pro Tem/Vice ChairmanNice Chairman Spiegel noted that there would also be a couple of empty offices at the Portola Community Center in the near future. With City Council/Agency Board/Authority Board concurrence, directed staff to hold this item until such time as more City staff offices were necessary. FINANCE DEPARTMENT -- Personnel — Councilman/Member/Member Ferguson commented that over the past several years, it didn't seem there were enough Information Systems staff to keep up with the demand. He felt the Information Systems (IS) Department may need beefing up — after working with the Technology Committee on ideas, the number of City staff computers, Desert Willow, etc., it seemed there were not enough IS staff to handle the demand. He was also concemed that there were significant security issues involved with allowing more public access to the City's computer system. Staff responded that it considered requesting a clerical position; however, the determination was made that there be no new positions this year. In further response, staff answered that it may be possible to contract for maintenance on some of the installations, like Desert Willow and the Sheriffs Department. It was noted that IS had been increased by two or three positions in the past couple of years, but staff would take a closer look at the options available to it for better meeting the needs. FIRE DEPARTMENT — Mesa View Fire Station (No. 67) Renovation — This fire station was built some 25 years ago, and the renovation project is proposed as an alternative to constructing an entirely new station. Responding to question, staff answered that in taking a harder look at the project, additional funds were being requested to provide a more comprehensive renovation. The only amount of funds expended of those allocated last year (totaling $335,000) were for preliminary designs. 7 MINUTES SPECIAL JOINT MEETING OF THE PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL, PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY, AND PALM DESERT HOUSING AUTHORITY JUNE 13, 2003 Mr. Ortega said he and Councilman Kelly attended a meeting with Fire officials to determine exactly what would make the station good for the next 20-25 years, and the project presented here resulted. Responding to question, staff said this project did not fall under the Cove formula, it was Palm Desert's, and the total project budget would be $1,093,461, adding $758,461 to the previous $335,000. Working papers would be finalized, and the Council's authorization to go to bid would be requested in the future. Upon further inquiry, it was noted that Frank Urrutia was the original architect for that station. Mayor/Chairman/Chairman Benson suggested adding a carport to the project for the firefighters vehicles. Councilman/Member/Member Kelly countered that there was not enough space for a carport. Battalion Chief Holloway said while he appreciated the consideration, he agreed that there was not sufficient space for a carport structure with its overhangs that would be in the path of the fire engines. Councilmembers/Agency Board Members/Authority Board Members concurred that the Mesa View Fire Station (No. 67) Renovation project should be included in the FY 2003/04 Budget, with staff additionally directed to review whether a carport -type structure could be added to the facility and, if so, make it a separate component of the project. HUMAN RESOURCES — Reclassification of Human Resources Technician to Human Resources Management Analyst. With City Council/Agency Board/Authority Board concurrence, authorization was given to include this reclassification in the FY 2003/04 Budget. REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY — College of the Desert Pool — Mr. Ortega commented that both the Coachella Valley Recreation & Park District (CVR&PD) and the YMCA use the pool for general recreational purposes, and even though there are plans to build a major swimming complex, they are a ways off from collecting all the necessary funds (about $7 million) for that project. When both organizations were asked if it would be wise for the Redevelopment Agency to spend funds to rehabilitate COD's pool, they both supported the idea and said they would coordinate with each other for its use. As proposed, COD would turn the pool over to the Agency, with the request that some limited time be left available for the College's use, with the idea that CVR&PD would be the operator that would coordinate use by all the participating groups. He noted that today he'd received a call from a representative of one of the swimming groups who said they'd be present to 8 MINUTES SPECIAL JOINT MEETING OF THE PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL, PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY, AND PALM DESERT HOUSING AUTHORITY JUNE 13, 2003 support the proposal at the public hearing on the budget. Alternatives in this proposal were: 1) Doing the minimum amount of work to keep the pool open; 2) renovate it so that it would be suitable for competitive events. Councilman/Member/Member Kelly agreed that the community needed a pool; however, he was concerned that even though a significant amount of money would be spent, the facility still wouldn't be the right thing. He felt that during this process of keeping a worn-out pool open, serious thought should also be given to getting a new swimming facility that would serve the needs of both recreational and competitive purposes well into the future. Mayor Pro TemNice ChairmanNice Chairman Spiegel commented that because of its poor condition, the Health Department told COD that it would close the pool September 1. In the long term, he agreed with Councilman/Member/Member Kelly that a pool was necessary, noting that the YMCA was the most likely organization since they've been working towards this goal for some time. He felt spending $2 million at COD was too much money. The pool needed to be kept in shape for use by Palm Desert residents, to be operated by CVR&PD and the YMCA, and that it be known as the Palm Desert pool until the YMCA builds theirs. He said COD indicated they would only use the pool in the mornings, and as soon as the YMCA's pool is built in about two or three years, there would be no more worry about COD's pool. Responding to question, Mr. Ortega advised that funds should be appropriated for this purpose, with the understanding that a working group of City staff and all the affected parties would be appointed to develop a plan for the most efficient use of those funds. Councilmembers/Agency Board Members/Authority Board Members agreed that a project to rehabilitate the pool to keep it open (not competition ready) for approximately $500,000 would be the best alternative at this time. Further, Councilman/Member/Member Crites agreed with Councilman/Member/Member Kelly that the issue of parking at the College should definitely be addressed, since it was already a problem with the Multi -Agency Library, and he also requested that it be made clear as to who would be responsible for the liability other than the City/Agency. Councilman/Member/Member Ferguson noted that in addition to the $330,000 for capital improvements, $120,000 would be needed for operation. Mayor Pro Tem/Vice Chairman/Vice Chairman Spiegel reminded his colleagues that if Palm Desert residents were going to have a pool to use, the City would have 9 MINUTES SPECIAL JOINT MEETING OF THE PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL, PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY, AND PALM DESERT HOUSING AUTHORITY JUNE 13, 2003 to step up to the plate. Fortunately, CVR&PD and the YMCA were already accustomed to running COD's pool. Mr. Ortega said since the White Paper was written, he'd asked CVR&PD to prepare a budget for operating this pool, including where the money would come from. He made it clear that the City/Agency might be willing to put in some capital but not to a long-term operation commitment. He affirmed that according to the YMCA, children who used the pool paid to do so, as do the swimming groups, so there would be some revenue sources. Councilman/Member/Member Kelly asked his colleagues to keep in mind that Rancho Mirage was also looking at building a pool, and they would probably be asking Palm Desert to participate. Councilmembers/Agency Board Members/Authority Board Members noted that non -Palm Desert residents would be using COD's pool through YMCA and CVR&PD programs. Therefore, perhaps the Cove Communities funding formula could be implemented for this project since residents of Rancho Mirage and Indian Wells would also probably benefit from rehabilitating the pool. With City Council/Agency Board/Authority Board concurrence, authorized appropriation of $500, 000 in the FY 2003/04 Budget, directing that a committee of affected groups be formed to develop a plan that would allow the pool to remain open with these funds and to be certain that the issues of parking and liability are addressed, with additional direction that consideration be given to the Cove Communities funding formula for this project. — Living Desert Parking Lot — Mr. Ortega commented that the request was for money to be given over a period of time in order for Living Desert to repay the loan for this project. He asked if the City Council/Agency Board/Authority Board would like to place any conditions on the funding, such as other agencies' participation and that proper leases could be worked out with the Coachella Valley Water District, which owns the property. If his colleagues agreed, Councilman/Member/Member Crites suggested a condition that Palm Desert, Indian Wells, and Living Desert reach a mutually acceptable agreement on public access to hiking trails. OUTSIDE AGENCY FUNDING Mr. Ortega noted that in addition to the expenditures provided by the General Fund, there was also a distribution of approximately $400,000 of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding. 10 MINUTES SPECIAL JOINT MEETING OF THE PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL, PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY, AND PALM DESERT HOUSING AUTHORITY — Coachella Valley Economic Partnership (CVEP) Committee reviewed all requests very conservatively recommended that funding equal to what they would City's contribution. JUNE 13, 2003 — Mr. Gibson said the this year. For CVEP, it pay in rent would be the Councilman/Member/Member Ferguson countered that every dollar given to CVEP through Outside Agency Funding came back to the City in the form of a rent payment, and they were required to pay the City so other organizations would see it not as free rent but as the process of obtaining funding. Historically, all the cities in the Valley pay a $6,000 membership, as does Palm Desert, which listed the $14,000+ in rent as its contribution. Therefore, for the last seven. years, the County of Riverside has been the highest funding agency at $45,000; Palm Desert's been the second highest at $20,000; all other cities have fallen in at $6,000. He said CVEP just hired a new Executive Director, and he was very concerned that it would send a horrible message when it would appear this year that Palm Desert had reduced its contribution by $5,000 (even though they were still being given all that they've been given). Since it was an accounting tool, he wanted the level of funding to be maintained, recognizing that the money still comes back to the City in the form of proceeds from the Parkview Office Fund. He understood that this fund was set aside for parks and recreation, which may put a greater limitation on it, but since the General Fund also funds parks and recreation, a problem could be averted by leaving it at $15,000. Staff agreed. Further, Councilman/Member/Member Ferguson noted that when Indio reduced its funding, it took over three years to get them back in — other cities perceived the move as their stepping away from the program. Since this was a critical time, he didn't want to do anything that looked like Palm Desert was backing off in its support of CVEP, especially when it wasn't. Councilman/Member/Member Crites called attention to the handout regarding Outside Agency Funding, and amounts and comments shown for Riverside County CASA, Coachella Valley Parks & Recreation, and Food In Need of Distribution (FIND), which were not in agreement. It was noted that CVR&PD would now be receiving $30,000 forthe Golf Center, as recommended by the Parks & Recreation Commission. He also remarked that the Friends of the Desert Mountains had requested $6,000 but had only been recommended for $5,000, he asked his colleagues to consider funding it at the requested amount. With City Council/Agency Board/Authority Board concurrence, agreed to fund Friends of the Desert Mountains in the amount of $6, 000. Mayor/Chairman/Chairman Benson commented that Animal Samaritans had been funded in past years. Due to an oversight in the midst of working on the Valley - wide Animal Campus project, they missed the application deadline this year. She 11 MINUTES SPECIAL JOINT MEETING OF THE PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL, PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY, AND PALM DESERT HOUSING AUTHORITY JUNE 13, 2003 asked for her colleagues' concurrence that Animal Samaritans be allowed to present a late application for the same amount as they'd been funded before. Councilmembers/Agency Board Members/Authority Board Members agreed that Animal Samaritans could submit their application and be funded at the same amount as last year. Mayor/Chairman/Benson also stated that she, Mayor Pro TemNice ChairmanNice Chairman Spiegel, and ACM McCarthy met with representatives of the Palm Springs Desert Museum on their plans to locate a facility in this part of the Valley. She said the Museum was very appreciative of the City's willingness to work with them, but at this time, they were financially 10 years away from doing a new facility. However, she said they submitted a partnership request for a program they're running, beginning in November 2003 and ending October 2004, where Palm Desert would be the lead contributor at $50,000. She noted that the two other programs done with the Museum were very successful and well publicized as being funded by the City. Mayor Pro TemNice ChairmanNice Chairman Spiegel added that it would include bussing all of Palm Desert's schoolchildren to the museum to see the "Creepy - Crawly" things there, a reception for the City, family passes to be distributed in the Bright Side, and a title wall. He felt it would be worthwhile. Councilman/Member/Member Kelly said he was impressed by the pass for each family and the schoolchildren. Councilman/Member/Member Kelly moved to approve sponsorship of the upcoming program by Palm Springs Desert Museum in the amount of $50, 000. Motion was seconded by Mayor Pro TemNice ChairmanNice Chairman Spiegel and carried by a 5-0 vote. Councilman/Member/Member Crites noted that the City was putting $37,000 of Outside Agency Funding to the matching program for schools. He emphasized that it would be important to direct all school requests to those organizations and eliminate spot requests. Further, he suggested that those organizations be reminded that activities occur all year long, so that the funds were not all expended in the first semester. Mayor Pro TemNice Chairman/Vice Chairman Spiegel pointed out that the school organizations did not receive the funds until they had matched the expenditures. He said this year three schools sent teams to Odyssey of the Mind, and none came to the City Council for additional funding. His colleagues agreed but said there were other similar requests during the year. 12 MINUTES SPECIAL JOINT MEETING OF THE PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL, PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY, AND PALM DESERT HOUSING AUTHORITY JUNE 13, 2003 Mr. Gibson offered that one of the problems was that it was a new board member dealing with the program each time, and there was a learning curve. Councilmembers/Agency Board Members/Authority Board Members directed that the school principals each be sent a letter pointing out that this was their approved funding for this fiscal year, no special requests would be considered. In closing, Mr. Ortega noted that the figures presented here would be updated to reflect changes made at this meeting and since the budget process began. He added that as it looked presently, revenues looked better than originally projected. V. ADJOURNMENT With City Council/Agency Board/Authority Board concurrence, Mayor/Chairman/Chairman Benson adjourned the meeting at 3:30 p.m. JEA ATTEST: CHELLE D-KLASSEN CITY CLERK/SECRETARY/SECRETARY CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA/ PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY/ PALM DESERT HOUSING AUTHORITY 4 . BENSON,.AO(AYOR/CHAIRMAN/CHAIRMAN 13