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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1983-09-23MINUTES SPECIAL MEETING OF THE PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1983 CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS * * * * * * * * * * * * I. CALL TO ORDER Chairman Puluqi called the meeting to order at 10:30 a.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Member Phyllis Jackson Vice Chairman Walter H. Snyder Member S. Roy Wilson Chairman Romeo S. Puluqi Also Present: Excused Absence: Member Richard S. Kelly Carlos L. Ortega, Acting Executive Director Sheila R. Gilligan, Secretary Ramon A. Diaz, Director of Environmental Services III. NEW BUSINESS A. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION OF AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF PALM DESERT TO CALL FOR BIDS ON THE AGENCY'S BEHALF FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE VISITOR/INFORMATION/CHAMBER OFFICE BUILDING. Carlos Ortega briefly reviewed the request and introduced Bob Ricciardi, architect of the planned project. Chairman Puluqi inquired about the size of the building. Mr. Ricciardi reported that the building will be 2,000 square feet. He stated that preparation of the site will involve more cost than originally planned. He estimated that it would cost $12,000 for clearing the site and $12,000 for preparing the parking lot area and creating a new entrance on Monterey Avenue. Altogether it will cost approximately $100,000 more than the original budgeted amount. He explained that the cost for a municipal building of this type is usually higher since the structure will take more traffic and its life expectancy is higher. Chairman Puluqi stated that he did not agree with Mr. Ricciardi's figures and that the cost was over budget and too high. Ricciardi responded that this was a municipal building and cannot be compared to a square foot price on any building on El Paseo. Chairman Puluqi said that the Redevelopment Agency had budgeted a specific amount and he felt the building is overdesigned. Member Jackson pointed out that the building did not necessarily have to be the size originally proposed and that in discussion held concerning the building's architect, the Chamber of Commerce had suggested that there be a contest with the winning architect designing the building. Member Snyder said that the Chamber had come up with $50,000 along with the Agency's commitment of $107,000. Larry Spicer, President of the Chamber, addressed the Agency saying there were alternatives to this problem. MINUTES PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING SEPTEMBER 23, 1983 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * The building could be redesigned, or the City could advertise for bids from general contractors. It would be approximately three weeks for the bids to come in. Member Wilson asked about the possibility of scaling the building down. Ricciardi replied that it would be no problem coming up with an alternative design with less square footage. Mr. Ortega stated that with the current figure, the City Council should discuss a proper budget inasmuch as we currently only $107,000 had been budgeted. Chairman Puluqi stated that he had no interest in budgeti- more money and that advertising the project for bids was the only alternative. Member Jackson said that the Agency should consider the excess cost of improving the site. She felt that the City should be responsible for the necessary site improvements to prepare the lot. Don McNeilly, Manager of the Chamber of Commerce, ad- dressed the Agency. He said the Chamber had improved its services every year and that the Chamber offered free information to the public. He went on to say that he would like to see the Information Center be a reflection of the quality of service that the Chamber has given over the years and would hate to see the proposed project die for lack of money. Chairman Puluqi stated that he agreed with Larry Spicer i that the Agency should advertise for bids from general contractors for this project. Member Snyder said he thought that putting the project out for bids would incre.: the project price. Mr. Ortega pointed out that the best way to put the project out to bid was for the Agency to authorize the City to call for bids, or for the Chamber o' Commerce to build the project and for the City to buy it Chairman Puluqi disagreed with this suggestion. Mr. Spicer added that he felt calling for bids would allow fc- contractors to compete for the lowest bid. Member Wilson suggested that the Agency put the project out to bid in addition to seeing some possible alternative to design. Member Wilson moved to authorize the City on behalf of the Agency to call for bids on this project as designed and with at least 2 alternates that would significantly decrease the price. Member Snyder seconded the motion. Motion carried by a 4-0-1 vote with Member Kelly ABSENT. Upon motion by Snyder, second by Wilson, and unanimous vote o: the Members present, Chairman Puluqi adjourned the Agency meeting a' 11:05 a.m. ROMEO S. PULUQI, CHAIRMAN !� ATTEST: - SHEILA R. OT:L/LIGAN,4tCRETARY TO THE PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY