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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-08-22MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING THURSDAY, AUGUST 22, 1996 CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBER * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * I. CALL TO ORDER Chairman Snyder convened the meeting at 6:00 p.m. H. ROLL CALL Present Member Jean M. Benson Member Buford A. Crites Vice Chairman Richard S. Kelly Member Robert A. Spiegel Chairman Walter H. Snyder Jo Present: Carlos L. Ortega, Redevelopment Agency Executive Director Ramon A. Diaz, City Manager David J. Erwin, City Attorney Sheila R. Gilligan, Agency Secretary Richard J. Folkers, ACM/Director of Public Works John Wohlmuth, ACM/Director of Administrative Services Pat Conlon, Director of Building and Safety Phil Drell, Director of Community Development Paul Gibson, City Treasurer/Finance Director Evelyn Bridges, Acting Director of Code Compliance Paul Shillcock, Economic Development Manager Lisa Constande, Environmental Conservation Manager Mary P. Gates, Deputy City Clerk Member Crites moved to adjourn to Closed Session for items listed on the Agenda. Motion was seconded by Spiegel and carried by unanimous vote. He reconvened the meeting at 9:50 p.m. III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None MINUTES PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING AUGUST 22, 1996 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * IV. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES of the Redevelopment Agency Meetings of July 11, July 25, an August 8, 1996, the Adjourned Joint Meeting of the City Council and Redevelopment Agency of August 6, 1996, and the Adjourned Joint Meeting of the City Council, Redevelopment Agency, and Financing Authority of July 3, 1996. Rec: Approve as presented. B. CLAIMS AND DEMANDS AGAINST THE AGENCY TREASURY - Warrant Nos. 57, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 12, 14, and 15. Rec: Approve as presented. C. SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS as of June 30, 1996. Rec: Receive and file. D. REOUEST FOR APPROVAL of Agreement with Mark Palmer Designs to Perform Certain Services for the Redevelopment Agency Including Logo and Identity Concept Development and Letterhead Design. Rec: By Minute Motion, authorize the Chairman to execute an agreement (Contract No. R 11800) with Mark Palmer Designs to perform certain services for the Redevelopment Agency including logo and identity concept development and letterhead design. E. REOUEST FOR RATIFICATION of Electrical Repairs at the Parkview Professional Buildings. Rec: By Minute Motion, ratify the electrical repairs authorized by staff at the Parkview Professional Buildings, retaining Bradley Electrical, Inc. to accomplish those services. F. REOUEST FOR APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT TO INVESTMENT POLICY. Rec: By Minute Motion, approve an amendment to the current City of Palm Desert/Palm Desert Redevelopment Agency Investment Policy allowing the limit of the current normal operating portfolio percentage investment in mutual funds be increased from the present fifteen percent (15%) to twenty percent (20%) and remove the limit on bond proceeds investment in mutual funds effective immediately per California Government Code Sections 53601 and 53605. This amendment would remain in effect until annual investment policy review in January 1997, then subject to the recommendations of the review. 2 MINUTES PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING AUGUST 22, 1996 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Member Benson asked that Item D be removed for separate discussion under Section VI, Consent Items Held Over. Upon motion by Spiegel, second by Crites, the remainder of the Consent Calendar was approved as presented by unanimous vote of the Agency Board. V. RESOLUTIONS A. RESOLUTION NJ . 329A - A RESOLUTION OF THE PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF ITS TAX ALLOCATION REVENUE BONDS (DESERT ROSE PROJECT), 1996 SERIES A AND 1996 SERIES B, AND THE EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF A TRUST INDENTURE AND A PURCHASE CONTRACT, APPROVING A PRELIMINARY OFFICIAL STATEMENT AND A FINAL OFFICIAL STATEMENT IN CONNECTION THEREWITH, AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF OTHER DOCUMENTS, AND MAKING CERTAIN FINDINGS. Mr. Ortega noted the report in the packets. He said the recommendation was to adopt the resolution approving all documents as to form and giving authority to the Agency officers to make changes as the pricing is finalized. He noted that there was a short Financing Authority agenda to accompany these actions by the Redevelopment Agency Board. Member Crites asked how much Redwood Securities and the firm of Popham, Haik, Schnobrich & Kaufman, Ltd. would make from this. Redevelopment Analyst Dennis Coleman responded that this would be negotiated in the final cost of issuance and that it was usually a percentage of the bonds issued, with 1 % to 1.5 % being standard. He added that bond counsel usually received a percentage also. MR. LONNIE ODUM, Underwriter with Redwood Securities, added that this was something that had been worked on since last October. Member Spiegel moved to waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 329. Motion was seconded by Crites and carried by unanimous vote. VI. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER D. REOUEST FOR APPROVAL of Agreement with Mark Palmer Designs to Perform Certain Services for the Redevelopment Agency Including Logo and Identity Concept Development and Letterhead Design. Member Benson expressed concern that this looked like we are just looking for ways to spend money, and she felt that paying $3,700 for a logo when the Redevelopment Agency is part of the City of Palm Desert is just looking for ways to spend money. She added that if staff 3 MINUTES PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING AUGUST 22, 1996 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * is looking for a new logo other than what has been successful, then it should be done in- house. Mr. Ortega suggested holding this item until discussion of Old Business Item A. Councilmember Benson agreed to do so (see that portion of the Minutes for additional discussion). Following discussions under Old Business Item A, Member Benson moved to deny this request. Motion was seconded by Spiegel and carried by a 4-1 vote, with Member Kelly voting NO. VII. NEW BUSINESS A. REOUEST FOR APPRQVAL OF OUT OF STATE TRAVEL FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MANAGER. Mr. Ortega noted the report in the packets and recommended approval. Member Crites moved to, by Minute Motion: 1) Approve travel to Chicago, Illinois, to attend Commercializing Fuel Cell Vehicles Conference; 2) appropriate $2,500 from Unobligated Funds to cover estimated costs. Motion was seconded by Spiegel and carried by unanimous vote. B. REOUEST FOR APPROVAL OF VARIOUS ACTIONS WITH REGARD TO THE JEAN M. BENSON CHILDCARE CENTER AT DESERT ROSE. Mr. Ortega noted the report in the packets from Housing Programs Coordinator Teresa LaRocca and offered to answer any questions. Member Spiegel stated that he felt it was an excellent idea to have the Family YMCA run this facility, and he asked whether staff would aggressively go out after day care kids outside of the Desert Rose facility. Ms. LaRocca responded that initial priority would go to Desert Rose residents. She said the state would allow 102 children in the facility, and we would need outside participation. Member Spiegel stated he felt we should aggressively go out after outside residents for this facility. Ms. LaRocca stated that in the Housing Committee discussions of the occupancy of the childcare center, it was stressed that staff relay to the YMCA that after Desert Rose children are given priority, it would next be offered to residents of the Marriott before going outside Palm Desert. MR. GERALD HUNDT, Director of the Family YMCA, addressed the issue of the $40,000 subsidy and stated that he would like some assurance that the YMCA would be able to work with block grant money or some type of funding process since this will be a five-year lease. He added that they planned to bring in school age children and have one room for that use; Youth Center age kids (6th to 8th grade) would be encouraged to go to the Youth Center. 4 MINUTES PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING AUGUST 22, 1996 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Member Spiegel asked whether any money could be obtained from Desert Sands Unified School District. Mr. Hundt responded that it could not; however, perhaps funding could be obtained from the United Way. With regard to the five-year lease, Member Benson stated that it was also the consensus of the Housing Committee that we needed such a lease. She said if the City is subsidizing the housing, this would be another benefit to the City. Mr. Hundt noted that the YMCA had been receiving funding from the City of Indian Wells, but the funding stopped several years ago. He asked if the City of Palm Desert could assist in getting that funding started up again and perhaps let the City of Indian Wells know that this facility would also be serving employees of Stouffer's Esmeralda who live in Desert Rose. Member Spiegel moved to, by Minute Motion: 1) Authorize and direct staff to prepare a lease agreement by and between the Palm Desert Redevelopment Agency and the Family YMCA of the Desert for lease of the Jean M. Benson Childcare Center (Contract No. R11810); 2) approve a five-year lease; 3) approve an annual lease payment of $1 per year; 4) approve a grant in the amount of $15,000 as start-up funds contingent upon reprogramming of Fiscal Year 1996/97 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds; 5) grant a subsidy for the first year of operation in the amount of $40,000 to provide financial assistance to low income families contingent upon reprogramming of Fiscal year 1996/97 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds. Motion was seconded by Crites and carried by unanimous vote. C. REOUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION FOR PAYMENT TO THE COACHELLA VALLEY WATER DISTRICT AND SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON COMPANY FOR WATER AND PUMP ELECTRICAL SERVICES PROVIDED TO DESERT WILLOW GOLF COURSE PROJECT. Mr. Ortega noted the report in the packets and offered to answer any questions. Member Spiegel moved to, by Minute Motion: 1) Authorize the appropriation of $60,000 from Desert Willow Construction Account No. 851-4663-454-4001 to pay the Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) for water services provided during the construction of the Desert Willow Golf Course; 2) authorize the appropriation of $150,000 from Desert Willow Construction Account No. 851-4663-454-4001 to be used to pay Southern California Edison for electrical services provided during the construction of the Desert Willow Golf Course; 3) ratify the $5,000 payment to the Coachella Valley Water District for water services provided during the construction of the Desert Willow Golf Course, which is included in the $60,000 appropriation. Motion was seconded by Benson and carried by unanimous vote. D. REOUEST FOR AMENDMENT TO REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BYLAWS. Mr. Ortega noted his memorandum requesting authority for staff and Agency Counsel to look at all Agency bylaws since they have not been amended since formation of the Redevelopment 5 MINUTES PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING AUGUST 22, 1996 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Agency. He added that this would go beyond what is requested relative to a requirement for no less than three affirmative votes on issues dealing with funding or financing. Member Spiegel stated that he felt that specific regulation should be the same as it is for the City Council. Member Crites moved to, by Minute Motion, direct staff to work with Agency Counsel to prepare an amendment to the Redevelopment Agency bylaws to require no less than three affirmative votes on issues dealing with funding or financing, with authorization for staff and Agency Counsel to bring to the Agency Board appropriate restructuring of the bylaws as requested by Mr. Ortega. Motion was seconded by Spiegel and carried by unanimous vote. VD1. CONTINUED BUSINESS None IX. OLD BUSINESS A. REOUEST FOR CONSIDERATION OF COMMERCIAL SPACE INVENTORY PROGRAM. Mr. Shillcock stated he felt the staff report was fairly complete. He said the program had had some success attributed directly to it, it came in well under budget, and staff would like to continue it. He said there was one recommendation at the end of the report which tied in with Consent Calendar Item D. He said Palm Desert was competing with communities all over the country, and we are sending in a fairly plain envelope some photocopied sheets with some colored paper as a cover and a cover letter. He felt this would not successfully compete with some of the more attractive presentations provided by cities and communities from other parts of the country. He said Mark Palmer had a well -deserved representation, and he in his presentation indicated that an appropriate identity is vital because it is usually the first impression made and should be considered permanent communications. He said people make most decisions based on symbols and emotions, not facts, and identity is extremely influential in setting up expectations. He said there was nothing more important to him in doing his marketing in the City than to provide the proper expectations to the potential client or tenant. He noted that six years ago when he was liaison to the Promotion Committee, it was deemed extremely important that the Committee establish a logo for tourism development. A very attractive logo was completed about two years ago that is used on every piece of tourist development literature that is sent out. He said he is requesting approval to do the same thing and provide a very basic marketing tool for economic development efforts. What is being sent out now does not have a logo, and as attractive as the City seal is, it was created over 20 years ago. Just as architectural and clothing styles change, so too do the tastes and logos and seals. What is more appropriate these days is something that is very plain, simple, and clean logo that creates that identity. 6 MINUTES PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING AUGUST 22, 1996 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Member Spiegel stated that he did not feel the logo is old fashioned; however, if the Council feels it is, then perhaps it needs to be looked at. He said one of the things that sells Palm Desert is that it has 15 % of the population and do 30% of the business in the Valley. He said he could see no reason to have a different logo for the Redevelopment Agency than for the City, and he suggested keeping the logo as it is. Member Kelly agreed that the City has a great logo and that it is very successful; however, this same type of situation came up several years ago at Sunline and he was opposed to it at that time and did not like the new logo. He said he now looks at the logo and compares it with the old one and feels it is an up-to-date, modern type of identification that has a lot more pizzazz. He added that most corporations have designed their logos in the last several years, and he felt the Agency Board should be open minded. Member Benson stated she felt Palm Desert's logo was appropriate for what we are and has been successful for over 23 years. She added that the information is not going to come from a logo as far as telling people what Palm Desert has to offer. Member Crites stated that the Promotion Committee uses something different than the City seal on its promotional pieces. Member Benson noted that if the Promotion Committee is mailing out letters, it uses the City's letterhead. The other logo is on promotional materials. Member Crites stated that he did not have any strong feelings about the City doing this and doing it in-house. However, the request is for a different logo for the Redevelopment Agency than for the City. He said it was the Redevelopment Agency of the City of Palm Desert, and he agreed with Member Benson that the City seal is something he would be happy to live with in his three remaining years on the Council. He said he felt the seals should remain as they are; however, if the Agency wants something more fancy for its presentation folders, that would be okay. Member Benson agreed and said while she would approve changing the seal, she felt it would be okay to have something special to send out information to people. Member Spiegel agreed and said he did not feel there should be a new logo designed for the City. Mr. Shillcock noted that staff was not talking about doing away with the City of Palm Desert but was looking for a marketing tool so that when materials arrive on an executive's desk, they will not wind up in the trash without someone looking at them. Mr. Ortega added that staff did not want to change the City seal or the Redevelopment Agency letterhead. Member Benson added that if staff wanted to come at it as a design of a brochure for the economic development area, they should come in with some suggestions. 7 MINUTES PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING AUGUST 22, 1996 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Member Benson moved to deny the request for authorization for the Chairman to enter into an agreement with mark Palmer Designs to perform certain services for the Redevelopment Agency including logo and identity concept development and letterhead design. Motion was seconded by Spiegel and carried by a 4-1 vote, with Member Kelly voting NO. Member Crites moved to, by Minute Motion: 1) Continue the Commercial Space Inventory Program with adjustments resulting from quarterly evaluations; 2) develop a multiple usage presentation folder to improve the appearance of the inventory and to enable staff to assemble and package information that responds to specific inquiries, with it being implicit in Item #2 that it should be something that emphasizes the uniqueness of our city in terms of commercial space. Motion was seconded by Spiegel and carried by unanimous vote. X. REPORTS, REMARKS, AND AGENCY BOARD ITEMS REQUIRING ACTION A. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Mr. Ortega noted the items on the Agenda for Closed Session. B. AGENCY COUNSEL Request for Closed Session: Conference with Real Property Negotiator pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8: 1) Property: Lease property - Parkview Professional Office Buildings 73-710-720 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, CA 92260 Negotiating Parties: Agency: Carlos Ortega/Dave Yrigoyen Property Owner: Palm Desert Redevelopment Agency Under negotiation: x Price x Terms of Payment 2) Property: Southern half of Section Four Negotiating Parties: Agency: Carlos Ortega/Dave Yrigoyen Property Owner: Palm Desert Redevelopment Agency Other party: Intrawest Resorts, Inc. Under negotiation: x Price x Terms of Payment 3) Property: Southeast corner of Portola Avenue and Highway 111 Negotiating Parties: Agency: Carlos Ortega/Dave Yrigoyen Property Owner: Palm Desert Redevelopment Agency Under negotiation: x Price x Terms of Payment 8 MINUTES PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING AUGUST 22, 1996 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(a): Steven Wymer Litigation, United States vs. Idaho Real Property, Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, No. 94-56491 C. CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS OF THE AGENCY None XL AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS, AND APPOINTMENTS None XIL PUBLIC HEARINGS None XIII. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None XIV. ADJOURNMENT Member Crites moved to adjourn to Closed Session at 10:30 p.m., said Closed Session to immediately follow the Financing Authority meeting. Motion was seconded by Spiegel and carried by unanimous vote. Member Snyder reconvened the meeting at 10:55 p.m. and adjourned the meeting to 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 26, 1996. ATTEST: //4! WALTER H. SNYDER, CHXIRMAN 'SHEILA R. GILIGAN, S ARY TO THE PALM DESERT RED OPMENT AGENCY 9