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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1980-04-24MINUTES PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 1980 CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * CALL TO ORDER Chairman Wilson called the Regular Meeting of the Palm Desert Redevelopment Agency order at 8:35 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers. ROLL CALL Members Present: Vice Chairman James E. McPherson Member Alexis D. Newbrander Member Romeo S. Puluqi Member Walter H. Snyder Chairman S. Roy Wilson Also Present: Martin J. Bouman, Executive Director Steve Dorsey, Agency Counsel Les Pricer, Agency Consultant I. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES of the Regular Meeting of the Palm Desert Redevelopment Agency of April 10, 1980. Rec: Approve as presented. B. CLAIMS AND DEMANDS AGAINST THE AGENCY TREASURY - Demand No. 4-1. Rec: Approve as presented. C. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION TO CALL FOR BIDS For the Demolition of the Union Oil Building (Palm Desert Automotive). Rec: Approve the request and authorize the Agency Secretary to call for bids. Vice Chairman McPherson moved and Member Newbrander seconded to approve the nsent Calendar as presented. Motion carried unanimously. RESOLUTIONS None CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER None A. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF CONTRACT for Alessandro Alley Engineering and Surveying Services. Mr. Pricer stated that with the existing right-of-way dedication available, the Alessandro Alley could be a 20' wide paved area. It would extend from Las Palmas on the west to Monterey on the east. There are budgeted funds available, and Staff is asking the Agency to approve Resolution No. 110 which would approve a contract for engineering design for the alley in the amount of $12,000. The time limit on the design contract would be 30 days. Mr. Steve Dorsey advised, for the record, that he had discussed this matter with Agency Member Puluqi in that he should not participate in this matter because of a possible conflict of interest. It could have a financial impact on his business. He can address the agency as a member of the public, but Mr. Dorsey stated that it was his advice that Member Puluqi not participate. ri1 2d 1QRfl Panp_1 MINUTES PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * VI. NEW BUSINESS (Continued) A. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF CONTRACT (Continued) Since there was question relative to the length of the proposed alley, this item was continued for action later in the Agenda to allow time to retrieve a map specifically showing where and how long the paved area would be. VII. OLD BUSINESS A. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION FOR NEGOTIATION AND EXECUTION OF A CONTRACT for Frontage Road Revision Construction. Mr. Bouman reported that the Technical Traffic Advisory Committee had met on April 15, 1980, with the following revisions to the Frontage Road recommended: 1. Removal of island at Sage Avenue on south side of Frontage Road. 2. Installation of "Right Turn Only" sign, "One Way" sign, and "Do Not Enter" sign after island removal. 3. Removal of medians at San Luis Rey at both the north and south Frontage Roads, with nodes to be revamped to accommodate cross traffic. 4. Construction of driveway to Market Basket located just easterly of the slip ramp and lining up with an aisle of the Market Basket parking lot. 5. Shortening of the median at El Paseo and Highway 111 to enable U-turns without interfering with the State Highway traffic. Said shortening would be aligned with the southerly curb of the Frontage Road. 6. Installation of right -turn only and directional arrow for eastbound Frontage Road traffic at El Paseo and Highway 111 intersection. 7. Opening of the first median on San Pablo northerly of Highway 111 to be widened by approximately 10 feet. 8. Removal of the parking stall delineator curb located westerly of the west driveway of the Village Market. 9. No change on the two-way street area of the Frontage Road located easterly of El Paseo on both sides of Highway 111. 10. Addition of stop signs on the Frontage Road at Sage and San Marcos Avenues and wherever else needed to properly place the stop signs on the right hand side for approaching traffic. Lag lines also to be painted in conjunction with this recommendation. Mr. Dorsey announced, for the record, that it was his determination that Mr. Puluqi had no conflict of interest in this matter and that he could particip He reviewed the Political Reform Act and its provisions for the benefit of t Agency Members and the audience. Mr. Bouman stated that He had conveyed to the Members of the Agency a su gested procedure for continuing the study of the Frontage Road, a study in greater depth which would conform to the earlier recommendations of the Agency that we utilize services of a consultant. That procedure would be for the Technical Traffic Advisory Committee to consider the names of 3 to 5 qualified professional traffic engineering firms and based on their qualifications, select one as appropriate to do this study. He stated that he did not wish to personally participate in this selection inasmuch as he was, himself, a traffic engineer and knew many of them in the area, therefore creating a conflict of interest When the selection is made, the firm should present a scope of services proposal as the Frontage Road exists now, study alternatives, and if those alternatives call for major revision, then he should have no hesitancy. Once that proposal has been submitted, the Agency Members should interview him and select him to perform the study. This could take place in 30-45 days. Member Puluqi stated that he felt the entire project, study and revision, should be completed by September 30th - October 30th at the latest. Member McPherson stated that it should be done thoroughly, not with a hasty time frame. Anril 7Q 1Q51n PagE UTES M DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * OLD BUSINESS (Continued) A. (Continued) MR. RALPH WOOD, 72-920 Roy Emerson Drive, Palm Desert, addressed the Agency as a member of the Board of Realtors participating on the Traffic Advisory Committee. He stated that they heartily endorsed the recommendations made. He also stated that the contractors' attitude had been wonderful, and the legal ramifications were now being worked out for their contracts. He felt there were further problems to be worked out, and he hoped for con- tinued meetings of the Traffic Advisory Committee. g: MR. DICK NICKEL, 73-460 Highway 111, Palm Desert, addressed the Agency not Zi as a representative of the S.O.B. Organization and stated that he was r* completely against these little changes as it would only add to the confusion. He liked the idea of having an engineer review it and setting a time frame. MR. CHARLES PAUL, 74-055 Aster Street, Palm Desert, addressed the Agency on behalf of some of the merchants and stated that he did not feel that the job should be done half way. He stated that the merchants were very anxious to see all of the islands come out, and he represented about 25 merchants. Chairman Wilson asked Mr. Paul if he was opposed to making the interim changes, and Mr. Paul responded that the Agency should take out what they could now. MR. CLIFF SHINN,77-765 Seminole, Indian Wells, addressed the Agency in support of the interim changes. MR. DICK NICKEL addressed the Agency again stating that he did not per- sonally feel that all of the islands should be removed, and that a partial job at this stage would be bad. He opposed the driveway proposed for the Market Basket. He suggested that we are going into the summer months now, and we can wait until it is engineered properly and get it done right. MRS. HELEN ROSE, 73-853 Highway 111, addressed the Agency stating that her business was "just hanging in there" and expressed her support of the proposed changes. Member Puluqi stated that he was in opposition to the addition to the Market Basket driveway in that it would create a traffic hazard in hi opinion. Member Snyder stated that objections to the Frontage Road has been the subject of controversy for a long time. He agreed with all those who say it needs to be thoroughly redesigned, and it needs to be looked at in a professional manner and the amount of work that will required should be then determined. He also noted that there are people who are hurting, and the survey showed how badly. Because of that, the Council, just prior to the new members joining it, made a wise decision to ask a committee of people to get together and get input from all the people possible and make a decision on what recommendations would be done. This committee was created with members of S.O.B., the Board of Realtors, the Chamber of Commerce and others, and they have come up with suggestions which certainly have some bearing on it. He agreed totally that a restriction of time must be put on this so that it is com- pleted before next season. He also felt some action must be taken to relieve the condition that people are suffering from as quickly as possible. Inasmuch as the Agency can take this action relatively inexpensively, and even if we make a couple of changes, they will be minor as far as cost, the changes should be made. Vice Chairman McPherson stated that he agreed with everything that had been said, and he agreed with Mr. Nickel to a certain degree. This was a bandaid approach to a major wound. However, there has been an offer to have this done for free, and all we have to do is some minor additions cost wise to what we are going to do. He felt the Agency should move ahead and accept the offer of local contractors who said they would do it for us. He added that it is very fashionable not to believe what government tells you. When the Board of Realtors brought their survey to the Agency a month or so ago, the Agency said they would do exactly what they are doing now. A committee was formed, some minor modifications will be made, a consultant will be hired to study the thing and the Agency will accept recommendations of the consultant. Until this point, people probably did not think the Agency was really going 94 1 QRl MINUTES PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * VII. OLD BUSINESS (Continued) A. (Continued) to do anything. He stated that he wanted to reaffirm that they had said this as far back as when the S.O.B. people first came before the Agency - that they would look at the Frontage Road, give them an opportunity to work or fail and then do whatever necessary to make it right. This is where the Agenc, is right now. The Agency committed, and it is now doing it. Member Newbrander moved and Member Puluqi seconded to waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 111. Motion carried unanimously. B. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION TO TRANSFER FUNDS TO CORRECT FRONTAGE ROADS. Vice Chairman McPherson moved and Member Newbrander seconded to waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 112. Motion carried unanimously. Member Snyder moved to approve the procedure as outlined in the memo dated April 21st from the Executive Director (attached and made a part of these minutes as Exhibit "A") and that a deadline of September 30th, no later than October 30th, be placed upon the completion of the project. Vice Chairman McPherson seconded the motion. Member Puluqi questioned the amount of time it would take to hire a consultant. In an effort to expedite the process, it was decided that the Traffic Advisory Committee would be asked to meet on May 6th, 1980. Chairman Wilson called for the vote, and the motion carried unanimously. VI. NEW BUSINESS (Continued) A. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF CONTRACT - Alessandro Alley (Continued) Mr. Pricer presented a map showing the proposed Alessandro Alley and reviewed its boundaries for the benefit of the Agency and members of the audience. Member Newbrander moved and Vice Chairman McPherson seconded to waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 110. Motion carried unanimously. VIII. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Mr. Dick Nickel addressed the Agency stating that other members of the Agency in the past had voted on issues with no question of conflict of interest and stated that the issue now with Mr. Puluqi bothered him. IX. REPORTS AND REMARKS A. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD DRAINAGE PROJECT Mr. Bouman reported that bids had been opened for the subject project anc that the low bid had been in the amount of $88,888 by E. L. Yeager Compar•. It was Staff's recommendation that the Agency award the contract to the low bidder. Vice Chairman McPherson moved and Member Snyder seconded to waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 113, awarding the bid for the North Frontage Road Drainage Project to E. L. Yeager Company, low bidder. Motion carried unanimously. B. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION TO SUPPORT SENATE BILL 1972. Mr. Bouman reported that the Gann Iniative could place spending restrict-_-s on the Redevelopment Agency that, because of the potential growth and tax increment monies, could have a tremendous effect on our Agency. SB 1972 proposes to exempt Redevelopment Agencies from these limitations, and StE" was requesting permission to contact various legislators to request their support of the bill. Anril 7a 1QRn I:NUTES r;LM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY .* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * REPORTS AND REMARKS (Continued) A. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (Continued) SENATE BILL 1972 (Continued) Member Puluqi moved and Vice Chairman McPherson seconded to authorize staff to .2nd telegrams in support of Senate Bill 1972. Motion carried unanimously. B. AGENCY COUNSEL None C. CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS OF THE AGENCY Member Puluqi stated that a good job had been done tonight. ADJOURNMENT Member Snyder moved and Vice Chairman McPherson seconded to adjourn the meeting. lotion carried unanimously. Chairman Wilson adjourned the meeting at 9:30 p.m. x /% / "., S..f20f ,4ILSONyCHAIRMAN 'TEST: 1'1EILA R. I LIGdN E O TO THE iaLM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY Inril 94. 14Rf1 Paaa MINUTES PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY *****************************************.. TO: FROM: SUBJECT: EXHIBIT "A" INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM City of Palm Desert LES PRICER, REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY CONSULTANT MARTIN J. BOUMAN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TRAFFIC ENGINEERING CONSULTANT ON FRONTAGE ROADS DATE: April 21, 1980 At the April 17, 1980, Study Session of the Members of the Agency, staff was given direction to proceed with the selection of a traffic engineering consultant to evaluate the Frontage Road Project. The Members were speci- fic in their direction'that there is no need for the consultant to review the entire history and earlier design alternatives of the project, but to deal with the situation as it currently exists. This should not preclude, however, a possible recommendation by a consultant that the basic concept of the one-way..Frontage Road as presently constituted might require major change. My suggestion for the consultant selection process is to submit three or four recognized and qualified professional traffic engineering consulting firms to the Technical Traffic Advisory Committee and have the Committee select one to be interviewed by the Agency Members. Before such inter- view, the selected consultant should be required to present his proposed scope of services, together with a cost estimate. By using this means of consultants ection, I see no reason why we could not have a con- sulta t -t rk4n the project within 30 to 45 days. M9RTJ. BOUMAN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MJB/srg cc: Honorable Chairman and Members of the Redevelopment Agency Paul A. Williams, Director of Environmental Services L. Clyde Beebe, Directcr of Public Works fl.....: 1 9A 'Mon