Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutPrelim Minutes - City 01/27/2005PRELIMINARY MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2005 CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBER I. CALL TO ORDER - 3:00 P.M. Mayor Crites convened the meeting at 3:03 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Councilmember Jean M. Benson Mayor Pro Tem Jim Ferguson Councilman Robert A. Spiegel Mayor Buford A. Crites Excused Absence: Councilman Richard S. Kelly 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 D. Greenwood, City Engineer Amir Hamidzadeh, Director of Building & Safety Paul S. Gibson, Director of Finance/City Treasurer Michael J. Errante, Director of Public Works Ignacio Otero, Fire Chief, Palm Desert/Riverside County Fire Department/CDF Steve Thetford, Asst. Chief, Palm Desert Police/Riverside Co. Sheriff's Dept. III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - A (CLOSED SESSION ITEMS) None 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 4 PRELIMINARY MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 27, 2005 Mr. Erwin asked for the City Council's consideration of adding two cases of threatened litigation to the agenda for Closed Session consideration. Upon a motion by Mayor Pro Tem Ferguson, second by Councilman Spiegel, and 4-0 vote of the City Council, with Councilman Kelly ABSENT, two additional cases of potential litigation were added to the Conference with Legal Counsel pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(b). Upon a motion by Mayor Pro Tem Ferguson, second by Councilman Spiegel, and 4-0 vote of the City Council, with Councilman Kelly ABSENT, Mayor Crites adjourned the meeting to Closed Session at 3:04 p.m. He reconvened the meeting at 4:00 p.m. V. RECONVENE REGULAR MEETING - 4:00 P.M. A. REPORT ON ACTION FROM CLOSED SESSION. None VI. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Councilman Robert A. Spiegel VII. INVOCATION - Councilmember Jean M. Benson VIII. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - B None IX. AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS, AND APPOINTMENTS A. INTRODUCTION OF NEW PALM DESERT CITY LIBRARIAN, JEANNIE KAYS. MS. BARBARA BOWIE, Riverside County Library System Desert Zone Manager, introduced Palm Desert's new City Librarian, Jeannie Kays, to the City Council, commenting that it was actually her first week in Palm Desert. She went on to say that Ms. Kays was formerly the System's Roving Librarian in the various Coachella Valley libraries, even serving as acting Palm Desert Children's Librarian for a period of time. For the past year she served as City Librarian for the Cathedral City Library. MS. JEANNIE KAYS greeted the City Council, saying she was very pleased to be assuming this role, especially with the strop partnership enjoyed between the City and the Library. She looked forward to sere serving the City and its residents. 2 PRELIMINARY MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 27, 2005 On behalf of the City Council, Mayor Crites welcomed Ms. Kays to Palm Desert for what was hoped to be a long-term basis. Councilmember Benson added that Ms. Kays had been introduced to the Library Promotion Committee last week at its meeting, and everyone looked forward to working with her. She went on to thank Ms. Bowie and LSSI officials for allowing her and Mrs. Klassen to be part of their interview process last month. It was particularly pleasing that one of the Library System's "own" was selected to be Palm Desert's Librarian. B. REAPPOINTMENT OF ART McKAY AS PALM DESERT TRUSTEE TO THE COACHELLA VALLEY MOSQUITO AND VECTOR CONTROL DISTRICT (CVMVCD). Mayor Crites acknowledged that Mr. McKay was present in the audience today. He asked Mr. McKay for confirmation that he was, indeed, willing to serve another four years as Palm Desert's Trustee to the CVMVCD, which Mr. McKay answered that he was. Councilman Spiegel moved to, by Minute Motion, reappoint Mr. McKay to the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District for a four-year term, February 1, 2005 - January 31, 2009. Motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ferguson and carried by a 4-0 vote, with Councilman Kelly ABSENT. X. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES of the Regular City Council Meeting of January 13, 2005. Rec: Approve as presented. Minutes approved on a 4-0-1 vote, with Councilman Spiegel ABSTAINING and Councilman Kelly ABSENT. B. CLAIMS AND DEMANDS AGAINST THE CITY TREASURY - Warrant Nos. 141 and 142 Rec: Approve as presented. C. APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE by Woodhaven Food & Beverage, Inc., for Woodhaven Country Club, 41-555 Woodhaven Drive East, Palm Desert. Rec: Receive and file. 3 PRELIMINARY MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 27, 2005 D. APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE by Franck Melero and Lisa Melero for Pinnacle Bar & Grill, 73-040 El Paseo, Palm Desert. Rec: Receive and file. E. CITY COMMITTEE AND COMMISSION MINUTES. 1. Art In Public Places Commission Meeting of December 15, 2004. 2. Housing Commission Meeting of December 8, 2004. 3. Public Safety Commission Meeting of November 10, 2004. Rec: Receive and file. F. LETTER OF RESIGNATION from Melinda Byrd — Marketing Committee. Rec: Receive with very sincere regret. G. COMPREHENSIVE ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT for the City of Palm Desert, Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2004. Rec: Receive and file. H. AUDITED FINANCIAL REPORTS for the Measure "A" Fund, Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2004. Rec: Receive and file. AUDITED FINANCIAL REPORTS for Palm Desert Recreational Facilities Corporation, Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2004. Rec: Receive and file. J. REPORT Pursuant to Section 33080.1 of the California Health and Safety Code. Rec: Receive and file. K. REQUEST FOR ADOPTION of Resolutions Authorizing Destruction of Paper Records that Have Been Digitally Imaged from the Department of Building & Safety for the Months of July, August, and September 2004. Rec: Waive further reading and adopt: 1) Resolution No. 05-11 (July 2004); 2) Resolution No. 05-12 (August 2004); 3) Resolution No. 05-13 (September 2004). 4 PRELIMINARY MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 27, 2005 L REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of Reimbursement to Operators for Overpayment of Transient Occupancy Tax (T.O.T.) in Calendar Year 2003. Rec: By Minute Motion, approve reimbursement totaling $2,751.51 to operators for overpayment of T.O.T. in calendar year 2003. M. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of Agreement for Professional Services in Connection with the Formation of an Assessment District (Section 29) (Contract No. C23340). Rec: By Minute Motion: 1) Approve the subject agreement with MuniFinancial, Temecula, California, in the amount of $44,000; 2) authorize the Mayor to execute said agreement — funds are available in Account No. 610-0000-228-2100. N. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION to Release Improvement Security for Tract No. 29067 (Lennar Homes of California Inc., Applicant). Rec: By Minute Motion, authorize the City Clerk to release the subject improvement securities for Tract No. 29067. O. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of Palm Desert Police Department's Loan of Equipment to the San Jacinto Police Department. Rec: By Minute Motion, approve the recommendation made to the City Council by the Palm Desert Public Safety Commission at its meeting of January 12, 2005, to loan the Police Department's used Sokkia Total Station equipment to the San Jacinto Police Department. P. CONSIDERATION of Action by Legislative Review Committee — ACA 4 (Plescia and Harman) — Transportation Funding. Rec: By Minute Motion, concur with the action taken by the Legislative Review Committee at its January 18, 2005, Meeting and direct staff to prepare a letter of support for the Mayor's signature with regard to ACA 4 (Plescia and Harman). Q. CONSIDERATION of Action by Legislative Review Committee — SB 6 (Ducheny) — Enterprise Zones. Rec: By Minute Motion, concur with the action taken by the Legislative Review Committee at its January 18, 2005, Meeting and direct staff to prepare a letter of support for the Mayor's signature with regard to SB 6 (Ducheny). PRELIMINARY MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 27, 2005 R. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: 1. Progress Report on Retail Center Vacancies Councilman Spiegel stated for the record that due to his absence on January 13, 2005, he would be ABSTAINING on the vote to approve the Minutes of that meeting. Upon a motion by Mayor Pro Tem Ferguson, second by Councilman Spiegel, and 4-0 vote of the City Council, with Councilman Kelly ABSENT and Councilman Spiegel ABSTAINING on the vote for Item A, the Consent Calendar approved as presented. XI. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER None XII. RESOLUTIONS A. RESOLUTION NO. 05-14 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, DENYING A CHANGE OF ZONE FROM R-1 TO OFFICE PROFESSIONAL AND A PRECISE PLAN OF DESIGN FOR A 1,826 SQUARE FOOT GENERAL OFFICE BUILDING LOCATED AT 44-447 PORTOLA AVENUE Case Nos. C/Z 04-05 and PP 04-31 (Robert and Marilyn Ford, Applicants). Mr. Ortega reported that this was the item resulting from City Council's action at the last meeting. He noted that Marilyn Ford had submitted a letter, requesting the City Council postpone its discussion on this resolution. Councilmember Benson commented that she wasn't opposed to a continuance. However, she suggested that instead of, changing the zoning so that it can't be commercial, perhaps a different approach could be taken. She didn't want commercial to be placed right in the middle of the block as was proposed in the subject case, but if a planned progression between Fred Waring Drive and Highway 111 were undertaken, that may be feasible. Councilman Spiegel moved to, by Minute Motion, continue this matter to the meeting of February 10, 2005. Motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ferguson and carried by a 4-0 vote, with Councilman Kelly ABSENT. With City Council concurrence, Mayor Crites suspended the agenda at this point in order to take up Item XVI.- Old Business, Item A, related to the above. PRELIMINARY MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 27, 2005 XIII. ORDINANCES For Introduction: A. ORDINANCE NO. 1090 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, ADDING SECTIONS 10.48.250 AND 10.48.260 TO CHAPTER 10.48 OF TITLE 10 OF THE PALM DESERT MUNICIPAL CODE WITH RESPECT TO HANDICAPPED PARKING Mr. Ortega called attention to the staff report provided in the agenda packets. Councilman Spiegel moved to waive further reading and pass Ordinance No. 1090 to second reading. Motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ferguson and carried by a 4-0 vote, with Councilman Kelly ABSENT. For Adoption: A. ORDINANCE NO. 1086 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO PALM DESERT MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 25.58.310(D) - OFF-STREET PARKING SCHEDULE FOR MANUFACTURING PLANTS AND KINDRED USES Case No. ZOA 04-02 (City of Palm Desert, Applicant). Mr. Ortega stated there had been no changes made to the ordinance since the direction given during the last meeting. Mayor Pro Tem Ferguson moved to waive further reading and adopt Ordinance No. 1086. Motion was seconded by Councilman Spiegel and carried by a 4-0 vote, with Councilman Kelly ABSENT. XIV. NEW BUSINESS A. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF PARCEL MAP 31563 (Holt Architects, Applicant). Mr. Ortega noted the staff report provided in the packets. Mr. Greenwood asked the City Council to continue this matter to the meeting of February 10, 2005. Councilman Spiegel moved to, by Minute Motion, continue this item to the meeting of February 10, 2005. Motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Fergusoi and carried by a 4-0 vote, with Councilman Kelly ABSENT. 7 PRELIMINARY MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 27, 2005 B. CONSIDERATION OF CITY COUNCIL REQUEST FOR REVIEW OF AN ACTION BY THE ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION, APPROVING A SIX-FOOT HIGH STREET -SIDE YARD WALL AT A RESIDENCE LOCATED AT 73-526 IRONWOOD STREET Case No. MISC 04-67 (Stan and Michelle Smith, Applicants). In order to be consistent with the residential wall cases previously continued, Mayor Pro Tem Ferguson moved to, by Minute Motion, continue the review to allow completion of the Zoning Ordinance Amendment relating to walls. Councilmember Benson seconded the motion. In response to Councilman Spiegel, Planning Manager Steve Smith advised that the subject wall had not been painted, it was still gray concrete block. If and when it is approved, one of the conditions imposed by the Architectural Review Commission was that it be painted and stuccoed to match the house. Mr. Smith also stated the applicant was present and may want to discuss the matter with the City Council. Answering the applicant's question from the audience, Mayor Crites responded that there is currently a case to review how walls in residential neighborhoods are/will be treated; it is going through the Architectural Review and Planning Commissions and will eventually be acted upon by the City Council. He said once it comes to the City Council, it will review a number of cases on front walls that have been continued, including the subject request. He asked staff if it had been decided when the City Council would consider the matter so that this applicant could be advised accordingly. Mr. Smith replied that the zoning ordinance amendment case was scheduled as a public hearing before the Planning Commission on Tuesday, February 1. Staff then intended to have it before the City Council as a public hearing on Thursday, February 24. Mayor Pro Tem Ferguson agreed to amend his motion and Councilmember Benson to amend her second to state that it would be a 30-day continuance so that it coincided with the Zoning Ordinance Amendment public hearing (Case No. ZOA 04-04) on February 24, 2005. The motion carried by a 4-0 vote, with Councilman Kelly ABSENT. C. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF MEMORANDUMS OF UNDERSTANDING (MOUs) FOR LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE AT I-10/MONTEREYAVENUE AND I-10/WASHINGTON STREET INTERCHANGES, AND MEDIAN LANDSCAPES ON MONTEREY AVENUE/DINAH SHORE DRIVE. Mr. Ortega referred to the staff report for this item, stating that these were three separate agreements with five different entities. 8 PRELIMINARY MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 27, 2005 Councilman Spiegel moved to, by Minute Motion, authorize the Mayor to execute the following MOUs: 1) With the County of Riverside and Caltrans for maintenance of new landscaping at the 1-10 and Monterey Avenue and 1-10 and Washington Street Interchanges (Contract No. C23350); 2) with the City of Rancho Mirage for the maintenance of median landscapes on Monterey Avenue and Dinah Shore Drive and the 1-10 and Monterey Avenue Interchange landscape (Contract Nos. C23360 and C23360A); 3) with the Cities of La Quinta and Indian Wells for the maintenance of the 1-10 and Washington Street Interchange landscape (Contract No. C23370). Motion was seconded by Councilmember Benson and carried by a 4-0 vote, with Councilman Kelly ABSENT. Mrs. Klassen stated for the record that there were actually four agreements that accompanied this report in the agenda packets, and she requested that recommendation No. 2 approve Contract Nos. C23360 and C23360A. D. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF LEASE FOR PHOTOCOPIER EQUIPMENT THROUGHOUT CITY HALL. Mr. Ortega noted the thorough staff report for this request and offered that Mr. Gibson was available to answer questions. Councilman Spiegel moved to, by Minute Motion: 1) Authorize leasing of photocopier equipment from Xerox Corporation, Los Angeles, California, in the amount of $4,290.67 per month for five years, plus copying cost and maintenance cost of approximately $2,203.83; 2) authorize execution of purchase orders for leasing of equipment and maintenance cost. Mayor Pro Tem Ferguson seconded the motion, and it carried by a 4-0 vote, with Councilman Kelly ABSENT. XV. CONTINUED BUSINESS None XVI. OLD BUSINESS A. CONSIDERATION OF THE INITIATION OF PROCEEDINGS FOR A GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT, REMOVING THE OFFICE PROFESSIONAL LAND USE ON PORTOLA AVENUE BETWEEN FRED WARING DRIVE AND DE ANZA WAY. Councilmember Benson proposed continuing this item, as was just approved for Resolution No. 05-14 above. Mayor Crites agreed but added he was aware that there were people in the audience today wishing to testify on the zone change. In answer to his question whether speakers Doug Walker and Ming Lowe minded waiting to testify until the next meeting, both speakers agreed to wait. 9 PRELIMINARY MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 27, 2005 Councilman Spiegel moved to, by Minute Motion, continue the matter to the of February 10, 2005. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Benson and c meetiby a 4-0 vote, with Councilman Kelly ABSENT. meeting by B. DISCUSSION OF MEDIUM DENSITY DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES. Mr. Smith reviewed the staff report, highlighting that if the medium densit guidelines were endorsed, they will allow for flexibility in development, creative and imaginative design, which are part of the current planned residential Code provisions. Staff was seeking direction on how the City Council wished to act on the guidelines: 1) Continuing as is done presently on a case -by -case basis; 2) adopting the guidelines by resolution, thereby making them the City's policy; 3) passing the guidelines pursuant to an ordinance, making them part of the Zoning Ordinance. In answer to question, Mr. Smith replied the thick book containing the standards was part of a master plan presented by an applicant at that time, which was subsequently denied. He added that one of the projects that implemented the proposed standards was the Rilington Communities Tract Map located on Gerald Ford, considered by the City Council in October 2004. In further response, Mr. Smith said it was pretty unlikely a two-story accessory structure would be proposed; however, it has been provided for should it be workable. Councilmember Benson recalled that the reason the plan in the thick book wasn't adopted was that her colleagues wanted to look at projects on a case - by -case basis so that nothing slipped through unnoticed. She felt that since that was the discussion about the General Plan, it should still be valid. Mayor Pro Tem Ferguson said he remembered it being a 3-2 vote on the master plan. He was uncomfortable doing something in a vacuum at that time, preferring to apply guidelines to a project so that he could get a feel for them. Since that time, he had expressed to staff that he was comfortable with these standards in order to provide some certainty to a developer on what their criteria was. Mr. Smith agreed that these would give a developer a certain level of confidence that he could design a project that would likely be acceptable. Councilman Spiegel stated he preferred the case -by -case basis. There were several large parcels that would be developed; he wanted to see what each one would look like before 150-200 houses were built. Mr. Smith offered that regardless of whether the standards were aproved or not, the City Council would absolutely be reviewing tract maps and precise plan applications through the full public hearing process. 10 PRELIMINARY MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 27, 2005 Mayor Pro Tem Ferguson related that given it's medium density, which requires smaller setbacks, he was very comfortable with these types of projects recently approved, like the one next to One Quail Place and Rilington Communities on Gerald Ford. Although uncomfortable with the master plan book with so much information considered previously, he felt a developer should be given the standards by which his project would be judged, like the simplified information presented here. He added that if a problem was discovered, the guidelines could be changed. Mr. Smith agreed. Responding to question, Mr. Smith stated that every medium density project would at least be considered through the Planning Commission process, which included appeals and any City Council requests for review. He said that if the Council chose to approve the standards as guidelines, then they would all be brought back as part of a Code amendment. Councilman Spiegel stated that he would prefer this option. Mr. Smith said staff would bring back a resolution, adopting the guidelines, which could then be distributed to project applicants. Mayor Pro Tem Ferguson made a motion to direct staff to return to the City Council with such a resolution. Mayor Crites questioned whether an automatic projection and architectural features height exception is provided for in other residential zones. Mr. Smith answered that it is provided for, but it's not automatic. Mayor Crites asked that the last line of the staff report's Exhibit "A" before the subtitle "Exceptions" ("Projections /Architectural Features") be removed from the guidelines. Mayor Pro Tem Ferguson agreed to the Mayor's modification and moved to, by Minute Motion, direct staff to return to the City Council with a resolution to adopt Medium Density Development Guidelines, as presented, omitting provision stated in the staff report's Exhibit "A," allowing "Projections / Architectural Features: 5 feet above primary structure / no more than 10% of the roof area." Motion was seconded by Councilman Spiegel and carried by a 4-0 vote, with Councilman Kelly ABSENT. XVII. PUBLIC HEARINGS None 11 PRELIMINARY MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 27, 2005 XVIII. REPORTS AND REMARKS A. CITY MANAGER None B. CITY ATTORNEY None C. CITY CLERK Mrs. Klassen reminded City Councilmembers of the following: 1. Committee/Commission applicant interviews were being scheduled for Thursday, February 3, 2005, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Mayor Crites noted that there was a listing of approximately 30 candidates selected by Councilmembers as being considered for appointments. He had spoken with Councilman Kelly about the list, and he asked for his colleagues' concurrence today that the following candidates were known well enough that an interview by the City Council was not required: Leon Bennett, Russ Campbell, Kim Housken, William Kroonen, Jim Lewis, Hal Rover, Maureen Thompson, and Eric Vogt. City Councilmembers concurred that the City Clerk schedule interviews with the remaining candidates on the consolidated list. 2. City Council/Redevelopment Agency Joint Study Session on Thursday, February 10, 2005, at 2:00 p.m. to receive a presentation from College of the Desert Officials regarding their bond issue and campus renovation. D. PUBLIC SAFETY o Fire Department None o Police Department None 12 PRELIMINARY MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 27, 2005 E. MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL o City Council Requests for Action: 1. Palm Desert Community Presbyterian Church Parking — Councilmember Benson said she'd come across the Church's letter, seeking the City's permission for Sunday overflow parking from November through April. She was concerned that it was almost February and wondered if the request had received attention. Councilman Spiegel stated that St. Margaret's Episcopal Church planned to meet with the Presbyterian Church to discuss the parking problem, as both churches were experiencing growth and a resulting parking shortage. He said one of the solutions being considered is application to the City for construction of a multi -level garage to be used by both churches; it would be built into the hillside to minimize its impact. He acknowledged that this project wouldn't happen overnight, but it would nearly double the current parking capacity. Councilmember Benson went on to say she'd asked Mr. Drell about the issue, and he'd responded that there was room for about 50 cars; however, it's not marked. Mr. Croy said staff would look into the matter further, noting that staff had been awaiting confirmation from both congregations. He believed there wasn't a problem with public parking, it is an open area to park; staff would also look into providing permanent parking, as it was also looking into a way to provide a permanent road surface that would allow parking on the side. He hoped to bring something back at the next meeting. Mayor Pro Tem Ferguson noticed Pastor Garrard in the audience, and he wanted to make sure everyone understood the request. PASTOR DOUG GARRARD, Palm Desert Community Church, 47-321 Highway 74, said attendance at both churches was up, especially with the winter family church members now worshiping with them. After the December 9 City Council Meeting, he met with Mr. Drell to discuss possibly 50 parking spaces along the road on the west side of the wash. He spoke with Mr. Drell again this morning; he indicated that there were 13 PRELIMINARY MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 27, 2005 also possibly spots to the north of the Thrush Bridge — perpendicular parking along the road, and if people wanted to park there, they could. Pastor Garrard said there would be golf carts available to shuttle people from the outlying parking areas to the church. He went on to say that Mr. Drell also indicated that providing any type of permanent parking south of the Thrush Bridge would be difficult as a result of some drainage or engineering issues. However, Mr. Drell had specifically said that they're looking at spots to the north of the Thrush Bridge. Responding to Mayor Pro Tem Ferguson's question about public parking north of the Thrush Bridge, Mayor Crites said there were as many spaces as vehicles that would fit along the perimeter of the park. Mayor Pro Tem Ferguson asked staff to find out exactly how many spaces there were, but from his perspective, it could be used starting this weekend. Mayor Crites agreed, pointing out that there could be parallel parking along the south side of the bridge; it's public parking anywhere along Calle de los Campesinos. Mayor Pro Tem Ferguson added that if it wasn't already, it should shortly be an improved public street with a nice surface. PASTOR GARRARD said he'd indicated to Mr. Drell that if there was any desire for the church to be involved in paying its part towards striping, grading, etc., it would certainly willing to consider such a request. Mayor Crites added that while there's a lot of construction traffic in this area currently, there's none on Sunday. He proposed letting people park parallel all the way along the park, north and south. PASTOR GARRARD added that he'd been in contact with Father Certain about their mutual parking difficulty and to plan some discussion about how it may be alleviated. He expressed appreciation forthe City Council's consideration and its help. o City Council Committee Reports: None 14 PRELIMINARY MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 27, 2005 o City Council Comments: 1. City Council Liaison Reports. a) Palma Village Community Park — Councilman Spiegel invited his colleagues to see the progress on the Palma Village Park at the intersection of San Carlos and San Gorgonio. He thought it was terrific, with amenities that include a tot lot, basketball, picnic, and barbecue areas. b) Washington, D.C. — Mayor Crites reported that he was pleased to be in our nation's capital last week where he noticed the prevalence of pedestrian countdown traffic signals in the city. He observed that the signals provided varying amounts of time, depending on their location, and urged City staff to take this information into account in implementing future Palm Desert installations. Mayor Crites went on to say he was in Washington, D.C., to attend the U.S. Conference of Mayors. He highlighted: — South Carolina Mayors were working with then -Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge to obtain better notification from railroads about the types of cargo passing through communities in light of the recent rail accident there where toxic gas was released and fatalities resulted. He believed Palm Desert also had a vested interest in the same type of issues with the very busy railroad traveling along its northern boundary. He forwarded related information to the City Manager. — National Center for Early Defibrillation put on one of the sessions he attended. Among the things they discussed were the number of young people (under age 18) who suffer sudden cardiac arrest -it was fairly common. Some states were already taking action on defibrillation programs. Coincidentally, he'd seen an article in yesterday's Desert Sun, asking "Do Schools Need Defibrillators?", an issue which he felt the City Council should discuss with its colleagues on the School Board. He provided his colleagues each with a copy of a letter from the National Center for Early Defibrillation. He went on to say there was also a presentation by Dr. Heimlich, who noted that many schools are taking about one hour to train students in the Heimlich Maneuver. In addition to being used for choking, it has also been successful in rescuing people from asthma attacks and as the single most effective way to get water out of the lungs of drowning victims. 15 PRELIMINARY MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 27, 2005 Mayor Crites said he was quite impressed with this conference in the caliber of speakers it provided, number of representatives from Capitol Hill (both parties), as well as members of President Bush's Cabinet that took the time to come and discuss issues of urban development and homeland security, such as Transportation Secretary Mineta. XIX. ADJOURNMENT On a motion by Spiegel, second by Ferguson, and 4-0 vote of the City Council, with Councilman Kelly ABSENT, Mayor Crites adjourned the meeting at 4:45 p.m. ATTEST: RACHELLE D. KLASSEN, CITY CLERK CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA BUFORD A. CRITES, MAYOR 16