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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-09-04MINUTES RIVERSIDE COUNTY PALM DESERT FINANCING AUTHORITY ADJOURNED MEETING THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2003 — 11:00 A.M. NORTH WING CONFERENCE ROOM PALM DESERT CIVIC CENTER 73-510 FRED WARING DRIVE, PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA 92260 I. CALL TO ORDER President Benson convened the meeting at 11:15 a.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Excused Absence: Commissioner Carlos L. Ortega Commissioner Larry Parrish Commissioner Michael O'Connor (Alternate for Commissioner Parrish) Vice President Roy Wilson President Jean M. Benson Also Present: William L. Strausz, Authority Counsel Paul S. Gibson, Treasurer Homer Croy, ACM for Development Services Stephen Aryan, Assistant to the City Manager Patrick Conlon, Special Projects Administrator Amy Hughes, Office Assistant III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None IV. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES of the Adjourned Meeting of the Riverside County Palm Desert Financing Authority (RCPDFA) of July 14, 2003. Rec: Approve as presented. Upon a motion by President Benson, second by Vice President Wilson, and 4-0 vote of the Authority Board, the Consent Calendar was approved as presented. V. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER None MINUTES ADJOURNED MEETING OF THE RIVERSIDE COUNTY PALM DESERT FINANCING AUTHORITY VI. NEW BUSINESS 7 fr it -, 'SEPtEMBER 4, 2003 A. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT FOR PREPARATION OF A GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING REPORT (SOILS REPORT) FOR THE COACHELLA VALLEY ANIMAL CAMPUS (CONTRACT NO. RCPDFA 21820). Upon question, Mr. Conlon responded that the soils report would be done for the site of the Animal Campus only, but it could also be utilized by Animal Samaritans for their adjacent development. Vice President Wilson moved to, by Minute Motion: 1) Approve the subject contract with Earth Systems Southwest, Bermuda Dunes, California, in the amount of $4,500 and authorize the President to execute same; 2) authorize the funding and expenditure for the subject services. Motion was seconded by Commissioner O'Connor and carried by 4-0 vote. B. UPDATE ON THE COACHELLA VALLEY ANIMAL CAMPUS CITY PARTICIPATION AND CONSTRUCTION BUDGET. Commissioner Ortega reported that all but the Cities of Indio and Palm Springs had taken an action to join the Animal Campus project, which will require increasing both the budget and the size of the bond issue. Therefore, he went on to say that another meeting had been held with County Officials in order to further refine the understanding between the agencies. Mr. Strausz added that whereas previously an implementation (or pass - through) agreement between the County and the Palm Desert Redevelopment Agency (PDRDA) had been proposed with specific instructions for the transaction, it was decided to eliminate that agreement in order to provide the County more flexibility in its repayment options. The County normally issued general revenue obligation bonds, and proceeding in this fashion would be in keeping with that practice and would still allow the Authority to move forward with its plans. The next County meeting on the matter would be September 23. Mr. Conlon spoke about the architect's new cost estimate for the expanded building, which was included in the agenda packets. He noted that the original budget was $6 million, and the new estimate was $6.8 million. Rather than building another pod, it was determined that the most efficient method of increasing capacity at this time was to expand the existing pods by 16 kennels (four on each side of each pod) without substantially altering the configuration. There was still room for two new pods if they were needed 2 MINUTES ADJOURNED MEETING OF THE RIVERSIDE COUNTY PALM DESERT FINANCING 4UTHORITY SEPTEMBER 4, 2003 in the future. Responding to question, he said adequate staff work area had been planned to accommodate all of the contract cities as well as the Riverside County Animal Control Field Services. There was some room for growth in the future, and there was also room on both sides of the building to expand, if needed. He explained that there was the Animal Campus, the Animal Samaritans, and between the two was the Phil Stack Memorial Courtyard area. Upon inquiry regarding the proposed five percent contingency, Mr. Conlon stated that when the project is ready for the bid sets, they would be structured to add/deduct alternatives to make sure the project stays within the structure budget, which was about $5.4 million. He said the numbers would be carefully examined to determine a firm final cost estimate before requesting authorization to go to bid on the construction. Commissioner O'Connor affirmed that Riverside County staff was standing ready to expedite the plan check process. Commissioner Ortega pointed out that according to the bond schedule, money would be in hand on October 30; therefore, it would be imperative to have firm costs. In answer to Vice President Wilson, Mr. Conlon said in order to accommodate the required expansion, the architect added $20 per square foot to the cost estimate, making it currently $170 per square foot. The materials and furnishings to be specified will be those providing maximum sanitation and durability. Vice President Wilson moved to approve the revised budget for the project. Motion was seconded by President Benson and carried by 4-0 vote. VII. CONTINUED BUSINESS None VIII. OLD BUSINESS None 3 MINUTES ADJOURNED MEETING OF THE RIVERSIDE COUNTY PALM DESERT FINANCING AUTHORITY XI. REPORTS AND REMARKS A. Revised Lease Revenue Bond Schedule. SEPTEMBER 4, 2003 Commissioner Ortega called attention to the report contained within the agenda packets. It was noted that President Benson, Mr. Conlon, and Mike Russell (Animal Samaritans) would be present for the Board of Supervisors Meeting on September 23 where this matter would be considered. Responding to question, Mr. Strausz stated that the draft documents called for the Authority President to execute them. Mr. Gibson added that the County would hold the funds that become available on October 30. Palm Desert staff would work closely with the County to process Animal Campus progress payments on about a year's worth of construction. Mr. Conlon reported that at its next meeting, he would ask the Board for authorization to bid for off -site improvements (curb and gutter, street widening) to be initiated in November. He would look into moving up the remaining construction schedule by 30 days. With Authority Board concurrence, the schedule was accepted as presented. Commissioner O'Connor commented that the Mecca Clinic project was proceeding on schedule. X. ADJOURNMENT With Authority Board concurrence, President Benson adjourned the meeting at 11:47 a.m. ATTEST: RACHE LE m. KLASSEIV, SECRETARY RIVERSIDE COUNTY PALM DESERT FINANCING AUTHORITY M. BENS'(ON, PRESIDENT 4