HomeMy WebLinkAboutOperation of a Horse-drawn Carriage on El PaseoLLV
CITY OF PALM DESERT
STAFF REPORT
REQUEST: AUTHORIZATION FOR THE OPERATION OF A HORSE-DRAWN
CARRIAGE ON EL PASEO
FROM: RUTH ANN MOORE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
DATE: JANUARY 12, 2006
CONTENTS: PICTURE OF CARRIAGE TO BE USED ON EL PASEO
Recommendation:
By Minute Motion, that the City Council authorize the operation of a horse-
drawn carriage on El Paseo by "Hay Dude" Ranch through May 31, 2006.
Executive Summary:
Approval of this operation would provide horse-drawn carriage rides throughout the El
Paseo Business Improvement District (EPBID) on weekends and special events during
this season. This will be a business operation by the vendor, who will charge for rides on a
fixed route that will tour the street.
Discussion:
Several years ago, "Hay Dude" Ranch was the operator of the large horse-drawn carriage
that operated on El Paseo giving rides to customers during various events sponsored by
the EPBID. Rides were free to the shoppers, and the EPBID paid the operator.
Paula Hunter, owner of the "Hay Dude" Ranch, recently contacted staff inquiring to
operate a business on El Paseo that would offer paid carriage rides. As a business
operation charging a fee for rides, they would be required to establish a fixed route. Ms.
Hunter would use an elegant, black carriage, and has expressed an interest in providing
rides throughout the season, Friday through Sunday, and the Thursday evenings of the
Art Walk. Her operation is completely contained, and she would be responsible for all
waste removal and storage during her operation.
Staff presented this proposal to the Board of Directors of the EPBID on December 15,
2005, and received a unanimous decision to recommend the operation to the City Council.
Staff would work with Ms. Hunter on the fixed route, vehicle requirements, permits,
licensing and locations to stop for the route should City Council approve the operation.
Staff Report
Authorization for the Operation of a Horse-drawn Carriage on El Paseo
January 12, 2006
Page 2 of 2
The availability of a horse-drawn carriage on the street will provide another form of
entertainment for the customer; therefore, staff recommends the above motion.
Submitted By:
t • nn Moofe
Econ•mic Development Manager
Approval:
in McCarthy, AC t ' - r, evelopment
ar •s L. Ortega, City M j -r
G \BusCtr\Ruth Ann Moore\word data\STAFF REPORTS\staff report horse drawncarriage doc