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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPrelim Minutes - City 03/25/2004PRELIMINARY MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING THURSDAY, MARCH 25, 2004 CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBER I. CALL TO ORDER - 3:00 P.M. Mayor Spiegel convened the meeting at 3:00 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Councilmember Jean M. Benson Mayor Pro Tem Buford A. Crites Councilman Jim Ferguson arrived at 3:02 p.m. Councilman Richard S. Kelly Mayor Robert A. Spiegel Also Present: Carlos L. Ortega, City Manager/RDA Executive Director David J. Erwin, City Attorney Sheila R. Gilligan, ACM for Community Services Homer Croy, ACM for Development Services Justin McCarthy, ACM for Redevelopment Stephen Y. Aryan, Assistant to the City Manager Rachelle D. Klassen, City Clerk Mark Greenwood, City Engineer 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 David Yrigoyen, Director of Redevelopment Robert P. Kohn, Director of Special Programs Stephen R. Smith, Planning Manager III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - A (CLOSED SESSION ITEMS) None PRELIMINARY MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 25, 2004 IV. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION Request for Closed Session: Conference with Legal Counsel regarding significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(b): Number of potential cases: 2 Mayor Pro Tem Crites moved to adjourn the meeting to Closed Session at 3:01 p.m. Motion was seconded by Kelly and carried by a 4-0 vote, with Councilman Ferguson ABSENT. Mayor Spiegel reconvened the meeting at 4:02 p.m. V. RECONVENE REGULAR MEETING - 4:00 P.M. A. REPORT ON ACTION FROM CLOSED SESSION. None VI. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Councilman Richard S. Kelly VII. INVOCATION - Mayor Robert A. Spiegel Vill. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - B None IX. AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS, AND APPOINTMENTS A. PRESENTATION TO RECOGNIZE ROBERT ROYER FOR HIS SERVICE TO THE CITY OF PALM DESERT AND ITS PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION. On behalf of the City Council, Mayor Spiegel presented an engraved crystal clock, thanking Mr. Royer for his 17 years of service on the Parks & Recreation Commission. Mayor Spiegel noted that through the instrumental efforts of Commissioners like Mr. Royer, the City now had wonderful facilities like the Civic Center Park, Palm Desert Soccer Park, and pocket parks throughout the City. B. PRESENTATION RECOGNIZING CARTER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRINCIPAL RITA LAMB AS "PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR." On behalf of the City Council, Mayor Spiegel presented an engraved crystal bowl to Ms. Lamb in recognition of her honor. 2 PRELIMINARY MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 25, 2004 C. PRESENTATION TO RECOGNIZE PALM DESERT PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICIALS — LIEUTENANT STEVE THETFORD OF THE PALM DESERT POLICE DEPARTMENT AND CHIEF IGNACIO OTERO OF THE PALM DESERT FIRE DEPARTMENT. On behalf of the City Council, Mayor Spiegel presented engraved brass platters to Lieutenant Thetford and Chief Otero, who had each "raised the bar" in their service to the City's Police and Fire Departments. X. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES of the Regular City Council Meeting of March 11, 2004; and the Adjourned Regular City Council Meetings of February 27, and March 3, 2004. Rec: Approve as presented. Approved with Councilman Ferguson ABSTAINING on the Minutes of the March 11, 2004, Meeting due to his absence therefrom. B. CLAIMS AND DEMANDS AGAINST THE CITY TREASURY - Warrant No. 185. Rec: Approve as presented. C. CLAIM AGAINST THE CITY (#504F) by Peter Young in an Unspecified Amount. Rec: By Minute Motion, reject the Claim and direct the City Clerk to so notify the Claimant. D. CLAIM AGAINST THE CITY (#522) by Patrick J. Clifford in the Amount of $50,000. Rec: By Minute Motion, reject the Claim and direct the City Clerk to so notify the Claimant. E. CLAIM AGAINST THE CITY (#526) by Valerie Malone in an Unspecified Amount. Rec: By Minute Motion, reject the Claim and direct the City Clerk to so notify the Claimant. 3 PRELIMINARY MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 25, 2004 F. CLAIM AGAINST THE CITY (#532) by Jack Kincheloe in an Unspecified Amount. Rec: By Minute Motion, reject the Claim and direct the City Clerk to so notify the Claimant. G. SINGLE AUDIT of Federally Assisted Grant Program for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2003. Rec: Receive and file. H. MINUTES of City Committee and Commission Meetings. 1. Citizens' Advisory Committee for Project Area No. 4 Meetings of October 20, 2003, and February 9, 2004. 2. Housing Commission Meeting of February 11, 2004. 3. Investment & Finance Committee Meeting of January 28, 2004. 4. Library Promotion Committee Meeting of January 21, 2004. 5. Outside Agency Funding Committee Meeting of September 30, 2003. 6. Public Safety Commission Meeting of February 11, 2004. 7. Sister Cities Committee Meeting of January 15, 2004. Rec: Receive and file. I. REQUEST FOR EXTENSION of Contract for Meeting Minutes Transcription Services (Contract No. C16853). Rec: By Minute Motion, approve extension of the subject contract with Mary P. Gates, an individual and sole proprietor, of Indio, California, on an as -needed basis, at the rate of $25 per hour, in an amount not to exceed $5,000 and authorize expenditure of said funds from Account No. 110-4111-410-3090 — funds are available and no additional appropriation is required. J. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION to Purchase Gateway Televisions for the Desert Willow Bar Area. Rec: By Minute Motion, authorize staff to purchase three (3) Gateway televisions under the City's Government Contracts Procurement Process in the amount of $12,907.84 to be installed at the Desert Willow Bar Area. 4 PRELIMINARY MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 25, 2004 K. REQUEST FOR AWARD OF CONTRACT for the Citywide Palm Tree Pruning Program (Contract No. C22520, Project No. 931-XX). Rec: By Minute Motion: 1) Award the subject contract to TruGreen Landcare, Upland, California, in the amount of $26,330.45 and authorize the Mayor to execute same; 2) authorize a 10% contingency for the project in the amount of $2,633.05 — funds are available in various Landscape Accounts. L. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION to Release Improvement Security for Tract No. 28818 Mass Grading (Marriott Ownership Resorts, Inc., Applicant). Rec: By Minute Motion, authorize the City Clerk to release the subject improvement security for Tract No. 28818. M. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION to Release Improvement Security for Tract No. 30275 (World Development, Applicant). Rec: By Minute Motion, authorize the City Clerk to release the subject improvement security and accept the accompanying one-year maintenance bond for Tract No. 30275. N. CONSIDERATION of Support for the County of Riverside Interoperability Radio Systems Program. Rec: By Minute Motion, concur with the recommendation of the Public Safety Commission to support the County of Riverside Interoperability Radio Systems Program and participate in the Multi -Jurisdictional Committee. O. REQUEST for Support for the Coachella Valley Association of Government's (CVAG) Public Safety Committee Goals for Fiscal Year 2004/05 and Submitting Palm Desert's Top Five Priorities. Rec: By Minute Motion, concur with the recommendation of the Public Safety Commission to support CVAG's Public Safety Committee Goals for FY 2004/05 and submit the list of Palm Desert's top five priorities. 5 PRELIMINARY MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 25, 2004 P. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of the Serving of Alcohol at the Eric Johnson Memorial Gardens Naming Ceremony. Removed for separate consideration under Section XI, Consent Items Held Over. Please see that portion of the Minutes for Council discussion and action. Q. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: 1. Report on Wamer Trail Storm Drain Improvements Councilman Ferguson removed Item P for separate discussion under Section XI, Consent Items Held Over. Upon motion by Kelly, second by Ferguson, the remainder of the Consent Calendar was approved as presented by a 5-0 vote, with the exception of Item A's Minutes of the March 11, 2004, Meeting, on which Councilman Ferguson ABSTAINED. XI. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER P. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of the Serving of Alcohol at the Eric Johnson Memorial Gardens Naming Ceremony. Councilman Ferguson stated that after conferring with appropriate staff regarding the Eric Johnson opening, he felt there was no longer a need for this request. Councilman Ferguson moved to TABLE this matter. Motion was seconded by Kelly and carried by a 5-0 vote. XII. RESOLUTIONS A. RESOLUTION NO. 04-21 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING ITS RESOLUTION NO. 90-130, ESTABLISHING A COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT LOW-INCOME HOUSING MITIGATION FEE FOR ALL COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENTS WITHIN THE CITY OF PALM DESERT. Mr. Ortega noted that this was a clarification and expansion of the items that this fee can be used for. He noted that Ms. LaRocca was available to answer any questions. Councilman Ferguson stated it was hard to tell from the resolution what parts of Resolution No. 90-130 were being amended. 6 PRELIMINARY MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 25, 2004 Ms. LaRocca responded that this would amend the portion that provided for the types of uses that the money could be spent for. Prior to this, they could only be spent for rental subsidy, and this resolution would expand the ability to use the funds for other housing purposes. Upon question by Mayor Spiegel, she responded that there was no increase to the developer. Councilman Ferguson moved to waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 04-21. Motion was seconded by Kelly and carried by a 5-0 vote. XIII. ORDINANCES For Introduction: None For Adoption: None XIV. NEW BUSINESS A. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION TO FORM LANDSCAPE AND LIGHTING DISTRICTS FOR SEVEN EXISTING SINGLE-FAMILY TRACTS (THE BOULDERS, SUNDANCE EAST, PETUNIA I, PETUNIA II, PALM COURT, COLLEGE VIEW ESTATES, AND JERI LANE). Mr. Ortega noted the staff report and recommendation in the packets. Councilman Ferguson asked what would happen if the people decided they wanted to have these districts and the City Council were to decide not to proceed. Senior Management Analyst Martin Alvarez responded that this would go right back to the issue staff is trying to address now, with neither landscaping and lighting districts nor homeowners associations (HOA) since homeowners associations required unanimous approval of property owners, and the existing property owners did not wish to have such HOA's. Councilman Ferguson stated it was his understanding the City was in this situation because the developers automatically assumed the City was going to do landscape and lighting districts and put this in the DRE report. When the City denied formation of these districts, the developers went back to the homeowners to see if they were willing to pay for this via HOA's, and the homeowners objected. Now the City is going back and asking homeowners 7 PRELIMINARY MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 25, 2004 if they want their property taxes assessed for districts which the Council already said it did not want to do. Mr. Alvarez agreed this was correct. MR. GARY RICHARD, World Development, 44-600 Village Court, stated that with regard to Councilman Ferguson's comment that the developers "assumed" the City was going to do districts, it was his understanding that a condition of approval for his project was that they form either an HOA or a landscape and lighting assessment district, and they had an option to do one or the other. At the time, their management decided to form a landscape and lighting assessment district as has been done in the past, and they put up $5,000 in bond money for one five -acre tract and $10,000 for a ten -acre tract for a total of $15,000. He said in good faith it was their understanding the district would be processed. He noted that in the process of selling, they had to file a DRE report which has to be processed in three different stages, and at the time they told the buyers there would not be an HOA. When the Council turned down formation of the district, they went through three different mailings to residents in those communities to explain to them the quandary they were now in. Although they received varied responses, they would have to have had 100% approval in order to form an HOA. He added that these subdivisions were completely sold out, and he was concerned that there was still no mechanism to take care of the offsite landscaping. He suggested that if the Council was going to direct that there be no more landscape and lighting assessment districts, it should be done from this point forward and not on those projects that were being approved up to that point. These subdivisions were already in process when the Council voted not to approve any more such districts. MS. CHRIS McSHAFFREY, 74-0129 Chinook Circle, presented a petition to the Council signed by 12 out of 14 homeowners on her street, one of the subdivisions that is currently not being maintained by the City (on file in the City Clerk's Office). She said when she purchased her property, there was a disclosure statement provided by the developer which indicated there would be a landscaping and lighting district and that the assessment would be included in their property taxes. She noted that she had closed escrow on her property in January of 2003, and the City abandoned this landscaping and lighting district in November of 2003 without any notification whatsoever to the homeowners. She found out about the situation when she called to ask why their landscaping strip was not being maintained, and it was explained it was currently in limbo; the water was being maintained by the City, but there was no maintenance of the landscaping. She added that her home was in the third phase of the subdivision, and the first and second phases were being maintained by the City. 8 PRELIMINARY MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 25, 2004 Councilman Kelly said it was his understanding that particular assessment district was one they voted not to have. If that is the case, it should have been explained; if that is not the case, he would like an explanation from staff as to what went wrong. Mayor Pro Tem Crites stated that they never voted on having or not having a landscape and lighting district. This came about when the Council said it did not want to have any such districts. In the past, there were quite a few of these where it ended up that the homeowners were neither willing to pay assessments nor take care of the maintenance themselves, and it had been nothing but a mess. The City decided it wanted out of the business of forming more landscape and lighting districts. These particular subdivisions under discussion tonight were in process when the City decided not to have any more districts, and the developers were asked to form HOA's. He stated that the Council could vote to send out to a ballot the formation of a landscape and lighting district for these particular tracts only. Councilman Ferguson said it was his understanding that the bind the City got into was not formation of the districts themselves; it was when the cost of providing the level of maintenance went up, the City had to come back and seek an increase in the assessments, the homeowners objected, and the City ended up subsidizing the maintenance. He said the maintenance could be done through an HOA, where the homeowners control the money and the level of service, or they could agree to an assessment with automatic escalators that cover the actual cost of maintaining the service of the landscaping, with homeowners having an indeterminate amount assessed on the tax rolls and the City controlling it. Either way, the residents are going to have to pay for their own landscaping of the common areas in their subdivisions. He said if the homeowners preferred that the City assess them on their property taxes, with the caveat that the assessment amounts will rise as the City's costs rise, and the City will be made whole, he was willing to go that route. MS. MCSHAFFREY said she understood if the Council were to approve this district, there would be a meeting with the homeowners, costs would be discussed, homeowners would have to approve the costs of the maintenance, and the costs would be included in property taxes. She noted that the district was a condition of the subdivision map. There is a new tract of 16 homes going in behind her, to the south of Chinook Circle, and when that tract map was approved it was required that a HOA be formed. The process is working for the new tracts, but there is a problem with the existing ones. Upon question by Councilman Ferguson, she responded that the developer of her tract never came back to her about forming an HOA on her street. However, that was in November of 2003, and most of the homes 9 PRELIMINARY MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 25, 2004 closed escrow in January or February 2003, and it was her understanding once the developer completes the subdivision, he no longer is involved. Mr. Ortega said it was his understanding the current law with regard to assessment districts allowed for putting language in the ballot regarding future increases in the amount of the assessments, and staff would so do with these ballots. Councilman Ferguson noted the staff recommendation was for authorization to form these assessment districts. He asked if staff meant to move forward with the voting process and then based on those votes form the districts. Mayor Spiegel asked whether or not the districts were already formed. Mr. Alvarez responded that the districts were not yet formed, and staff was requesting authorization to proceed with that process, which would include meeting with the residents and going out to ballot. Mayor Pro Tem Crites moved to, by Minute Motion: 1) Authorize staff to proceed with the process to form seven Landscape and Lighting Districts for existing single-family tracts, including language in the ballot materials that provides for future increases in the amount of the assessments; 2) continue to require all new single-family tracts to form homeowners associations to maintain the perimeter landscaping areas. Motion was seconded by Ferguson and carried by a 5-0 vote. B. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF THE 2004 "SUMMER OF FUN" CONCERT AND MOVIE SERIES. Mr. Ortega noted the staff report and recommendation in the packets. Mayor Pro Tem Crites moved to, by Minute Motion, approve the following for the 2004 "Summer of Fun" Concert and Movie Series: 1) The attached lineup — funds are available in Account No. 110-4416-414-3061; 2) a purchase order in the amount of $9,687.50 with Live Oak Audio Visual, Seattle, Washington, for movies, professional staff, and audio visual equipment; 3) a purchase order in the amount of $15,100 with Musicians Outlet Rental Equipment, Palm Desert, California, for professional staff, sound, and lighting equipment at the concerts; 4) a purchase order in the amount of $6,148 with Pyro Spectaculars by Souza, Inc., Rialto, California, to provide a five-minute fireworks display at the conclusion of the September 2, 2004, concert; 5) a purchase order in the amount of $27,500 with Pyro Spectaculars by Souza, Inc., Rialto, California, for the Independence Day Celebration fireworks display; 6) the following concert contracts, as presented, and the Mayor to execute same: a) CT C Music — $1 , 5 0 0— Contract No. C22530A; b) Steve Madaio & Friends — $6,500 — Contract No. C22530B; c) Kal David & The Real Deal, Featuring Lauri Bono — $2,000 — Contract No. C22530C; d) Silverado — $1,600 — Contract No. C22530D; e) Upstream — $2,000 — Contract 10 PRELIMINARY MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 25, 2004 No. C22530E; f) Susie Hanson Latin Band — $3,400 — Contract No. C22530F; g) Redlands Symphony Orchestra — $10,000 — Contract No. C22530G. Motion was seconded by Benson and carried by a 5-0 vote. XV. CONTINUED BUSINESS None XVI. OLD BUSINESS A. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF ENERGY CONSERVATION AND CO -GENERATION PROJECT FOR THE CIVIC CENTER AS PROPOSED BY NORESCO. Councilman Ferguson moved to, by Minute Motion, continue this matter to the meeting of April 8, 2004. Motion was seconded by Kelly and carried by a 5-0 vote. XVII. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. CONSIDERATION OF AN APPEAL OF AN ORDER TO ABATE A PUBLIC NUISANCE FOR THE AWNING LOCATED AT 73-111 EL PASEO, SUITE #204 Case No. 04-336 (Sabina Wietlisbach, Appellant). Mayor Spiegel noted a request had been received from the appellant to withdraw this appeal, noting that the awning would be removed as soon as possible, and the appellant would be submitting an application for a permit for installation of a different awning structure. Mr. Ponder noted that although the appellant was withdrawing the appeal, staff would still like to proceed in case the process breaks down. Upon question by Mayor Spiegel, he responded that staff could bring the matter back to Council if necessary. Mayor Spiegel said he would like to give the appellant an opportunity to take care of this matter appropriately. Mayor Pro Tem Crites noted that another option would be to deny the appeal and ask staff to hold off on abatement; otherwise, if the nuisance is not abated, notices would have to be sent out again. Councilman Kelly noted that if the appellant withdrew the appeal, there is no longer an appeal. City Attorney Dave Erwin stated that even though the appellant has withdrawn the appeal, the Council still has the ability, since it is noticed, to 11 PRELIMINARY MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 25, 2004 give direction with regard to this matter. Council could still require that the awning be taken down. Mayor Spiegel declared the public hearing open and invited testimony in FAVOR of or in OPPOSITION to this request. With no testimony offered, he declared the public hearing closed. Mayor Pro Tem Crites moved to, by Minute Motion, remove this item from the Agenda per the request of the appellant. Motion was seconded by Ferguson and carried by a 5-0 vote. XVIII. REPORTS AND REMARKS A. CITY MANAGER 1. Public Meeting — Fred Waring Drive Widening Project Mr. Ortega announced that City Engineering Staff will be conducting an informational meeting for Palm Desert residents that will be impacted by the Fred Waring Drive project from Deep Canyon to Washington Street. It will be held at City Hall on Wednesday, March 31, at 6:00 p.m., and fliers will be sent to the Palm Desert residents. 2. Parking Expansion for CSUSB-Palm Desert Campus Mr. Ortega explained that even though the City has no approval authority on construction at the Palm Desert campus, CSUSB had sent a letter asking the City to look at the proposed expansion of their parking lot. He noted that there was a map to display to the City Council, but since it had only recently been received, City Engineering and Planning staffs had yet to review it for drainage concerns and conformance with the Master Plan. Councilman Kelly moved to add this item to the Agenda for consideration. Motion was seconded by Crites and carried by a 5-0 vote. Mayor Spiegel said the parking expansion goes along with construction of the second building on the campus. He said the first building has 350 parking spaces, and the additional lot, which will eventually become part of Berger Drive, will have 178 spaces —for a total of 528 spaces on campus. He said this equals 0.5 spaces per student, meaning Palm Desert will have more parking than San Bernardino, which has 0.38 spaces per student. He said CSUSB also requested a meeting with the City Council in May at the campus in order to better demonstrate their progress. Responding to question, he said once Berger Drive is further developed, part of this 12 PRELIMINARY MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 25, 2004 parking lot will be restriped and it will become part of that roadway; it will not require tearing out any hardscape. Mayor Pro Tem Crites moved to approve CSUSB's proceeding with the parking lot expansion, as proposed, with Councilman Ferguson named to work along with staff for closer review of the exact details. Motion was seconded by Ferguson and carried by a 5-0 vote. 3. Palm Desert Country Club Expansion Public Hearing Mr. Ortega noted that the subject public hearing was planned for the second City Council Meeting in April. However, due to prior commitments, there would not be a quorum of Councilmembers at that meeting. Therefore, it was recommended that the hearing be scheduled as originally planned in order to comply with timing requirements, but at the same time announce that it would be continued to a date specific, and he asked for Council direction on that date. With City Council concurrence, staff was directed to advertise the public hearing for April 22, 2004, with an additional announcement that the matter would be continued to the meeting of May 13, 2004. B. CITY ATTORNEY None C. CITY CLERK 1. Reminder of Study Session with the Palm Springs Desert Resorts Convention & Visitors Authority on Friday, March 26, 2004, at 9:00 a.m. Mrs. Klassen reminded Council of this Study Session. D. MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL o City Council Requests for Action: 1. Family YMCA of the Desert — Councilman Ferguson noted the newspaper article about the YMCA going to Rancho Mirage to locate a pool and Rancho Mirage committing $3 million, which was great. However, he said they would also be coming back to the three cities with a $9 million request, and expansion there may have an impact on Palm Desert operations. He believed the Mayor and City Manager were going to be talking 13 PRELIMINARY MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 25, 2004 to the YMCA soon, and he thought it might be appropriate for the City Council to provide direction on Palm Desert's sense of its existing YMCA operations and the desire to keep them. Mayor Pro Tem Crites moved to add this item to the Agenda for consideration. Motion was seconded by Ferguson and carried by a 5-0 vote. Councilman Ferguson said he was concerned after reading the article indicating that Palm Desert would be asked to participate in a $9 million pool expansion. However, Palm Desert was already committed to renovating College of the Desert's pool, and this was the first hint given that it may be asked to contribute substantially to another facility. He pointed out that Palm Desert would certainly support Rancho Mirage's efforts in building a park. Although, he said it also appeared that major portions of the YMCA may be relocated to Rancho Mirage, which would have a large impact on the Civic Center. Councilmember Benson commented that Sabby Jonathan had raised the swimming pool issue several times, but she'd never heard any indication of taking Palm Desert's YMCA facilities. She didn't think they ever could since Palm Desert's Y was in such a central location. Mayor Pro Tem Crites added that he felt there may be other locations that Palm Desert would like to be considered for any type of aquatic complex, including the Cal State site, as well as how it may relate to the City's expenditure of funds with refurbishing COD's pool. Councilman Kelly observed that the City was often approached with ideas. He said Mr. Jonathan had shown him a pool, which prompted him to ask about location. He believed this may represent someone moving a bit too quickly, as he couldn't foresee the YMCA moving its headquarters. Councilman Ferguson agreed. Mr. Ortega noted that there was currently a binding lease between the City and the YMCA, which requires the Y to perform certain recreational activities. Mayor Spiegel felt he'd received the direction requested. 14 PRELIMINARY MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 25, 2004 o City Council Committee Reports: 1. SunLine — Councilman Kelly reported that SunLine had just named a new general manager. He also commented that in today's paper it was reported Palm Springs City Council approved advertising on taxicabs and would possibly also like to take over that authority. He had concerns about how this may impact taxi service for residents overall. He noted that senior drivers was one of the things the CVAG Public Safety Committee wanted to address; however, if seniors weren't going to be driving, it would be important to help them get to their destinations. He asked staff for a report on what the sign ordinance allowed and how it may impact taxicab advertising would have in the City of Palm Desert. Councilman Kelly went on to comment that he felt all the cities should be involved in a decision about taxi regulation, as it was all the cities that decided regulation of taxis would be handled in one location, and it was beneficial to the taxis in that they only needed to obtain one license for operating in the Valley. He suspected that perhaps some new players maybe weren't aware of the background for taxi service. He believed SunLine had done an excellent job of administering taxi service, adding that the two audits performed on the taxi operation revealed excellent outcomes. City Councilmembers concurred with Councilman Kelly's request for a report on what impact taxicab advertising would have on the City of Palm Desert. o City Council Comments: 1. City Council Liaison Reports. See above. 2. Extended Shopper Hopper Route to Indian Wells — Councilman Ferguson said he understood the extended route to Indian Wells would begin Sunday morning at 4 o'clock. During the Pacific Life tennis tournament, he had spoken with several hotel general managers, and they anticipated a robust ridership. He hoped to go out on the first Shopper Hopper run to see how many riders there were. 15 PRELIMINARY MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 25, 2004 XIX. ADJOURNMENT Councilman Kelly moved to adjourn the meeting at4:57 p.m. Motion was seconded by Crites and carried by a 5-0 vote. ATTEST: RACHELLE D. KLASSEN, CITY CLERK CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA 16 ROBERT A. SPIEGEL, MAYOR