HomeMy WebLinkAboutPRELIM - CC - 02/08/07 PRELIMINARY MINUTES
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2007 pRAFT
CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBER
I. CALL TO ORDER - 3:00 P.M.
Mayor Kelly convened the meeting at 3:03 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL
Present:
Mayor Pro Tem Jean M. Benson
Councilman .lim Ferguson
Councilmember Cindy Finerty
Councilman Robert A. Spisgel
Mayor 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
Mark Greenwood, Acting ACM for Development Services
Justin McCarthy, ACM for Redevelopment
Stephen Y. Aryan, Assistant to the City Manager
RacheNe D. Klassen, City Clerk
Amir Hamidzadeh, Director of Building & Safety
Steve Smith, Acting Director of Community Development
Paul S. Gibson, Director of Finance/City Treasurer
Frankie Riddle, Director of Special Programs
Frank Taylor, Asst. Chief, Palm Desert Police/Riverside Co. Sheriff's Dept.
Grace L. Mendoza, Deputy City Clerk
III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - A (CLOSED SESSION ITEMS)
None
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 8, 2007
IV. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION �R,�FT
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
Public Employment pursuant to Government Code Section 54957:
Title of Position: City Attorney
Upon a motion by Spiegel, second by Finerty, and 3-0 vote of the City Council, with
Benson and Ferguson ABSENT, Mayor Kelly adjourned the meeting to Closed Session at
3:03 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 TO THE FLAG OF THE
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - Mayor Richard S. Kelly
VII. INVOCATION - Mayor Pro Tem Jean M. Benson
VIII. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - B
MS. ALICE NUCCI, of Carob Court and President of the Kings Point Villas
Homeowners Association, Palm Desert, addressed the City Council to request that
the City assume maintenance responsibility for a median island located at the
intersection of Highway 74/Shadow Mountain Drive,which was City property. Their
association had maintained the island for the last 27 years, from initiation of the
development, but felt it was unfair and had become a financial burden. She read
f�om a prepared statement and provided color photographs, which were received
for the record and are now on file with the City Clerk's Office.
Mayor Kelly responded that City staff would be in contact with Ms. Nucci to discuss
and look into the request.
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 8, 2007
IX. AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS, AND APPOINTMENTS
DR AFT
A. PRESENTATION TO RECOGNIZE FORMER MEMBERS OF VARIOUS
COMMITTEES AND COMMISSIONS FOR THEIR SERVICE TO THE CITY:
BILL VEAZIE - AUDIT, INVESTMENT & FINANCE COMMITTEE;
KEN STENDELL - BUILDING BOARD OF APPEALS;
LAWRENCE SAINDON, HOUSING COMMISSION; RAY RODRIGUEZ,JR.-
MARKETING COMMITTEE; LYNN DE SANTIS - LIBRARY PROMOTION
COMMITTEE; JIM LOPEZ - PLANNING COMMISSION; AND
FRANK PROULX - PROJECT AREA NO. 4 COMMITTEE.
On behalf of the City Council, Mayor Kelly presented an engraved crystal
clock to all the named members who had served the City's Committees and
Commissions in appreciation for their time. Mr. Bill Veazie, who had served
the Audit, Investment & Finance Committee for 10+ years, was present for
the recognition; the remaining members were unable to be present for this
meeting.
B. PRESENTATION TO THE CITY COUNCIL BY PALM DESERT HIGH
SCHOOL STUDENTS WHO ATTENDED THE LEONARDO DA VINCI
EXHIBIT.
MR. PAT WALSH, Principal of Palm Desert High School, along with social
science and art students MS. ABRIL GARCIA, MS. JANETH LARA, and
MS. NICOLE WYATT, expressed sincere appreciation to the City Council for
its funding of their field trips to the Da Vinci Exhibit, including bus
transportation and admission. The students presented the City Council with
photographs of their trips to the Exhibit.
C. REAPPOINTMENT TO THE PALM DESERT HISTORIC PRESERVATION
COMMITTEE.
Councilman Ferguson moved to, by Minute Motion, reappoint Kim Housken
to the Historic Preservation Committee for a four-year term (1/1/07 - 12/31/10).
Motion was seconded by Finerty and carried by a 5-0 vote.
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X. CONSENT CALENDAR DRAFT
A. MINUTES of the Regular City Council Meeting of January 25, 2007.
Rec: Approve as presented.
B. CLAIMS AND DEMANDS AGAINST THE CITY TREASURY - Warrant
Nos. 148, 150, 154, 156, 157, 158, and 160.
Rec: Approve as presented.
C. COMPLIANCE ANALYSIS AND INVESTMENT REPORTS for the Months
of November 2006 and December 2006 (Joint Consideration with the
Palm Desert Redevelopment Agency).
This item was removed for separate consideration. Please see the resulting
discussion and action under Section VII - Consent Items he{d over.
D. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of the City of Palm Desert Treasury Policies
and Procedures, As Amended (Joint Consideration with the Palm Desert
Redevelopment Agency and the Palm Desert Housing Authority).
Rec: By Minute Motion, adopt the City of Palm Desert Treasury Policies
and Procedures, as amended.
E. APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE by
Richard Marvin Ameil and Dean Floyd Talbott for Grill A Burger,
73-091 Country Club Drive, #A2, Palm Desert.
Rec: Receive and file.
F. CITY COMMITTEE AND COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES.
1. Historic Preservation Committee Meeting of December 15, 2006.
2. Library Promotion Committee Meeting of February 15, 2006.
3. Marketing Committee Meeting of December 5, 2006.
4. Parks & Recreation Commission Meetings of December 5, and
December 19, 2006.
Rec: Receive and file.
G. LETTER OF RESIGNATION from Heather Sacre - EI Paseo Business
Improvement District Board of Directors.
Rec: Receive with very sincere regret.
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H. AUDITED FINANCIAL REPORTS for the City of Palm Desert for the Fiscal
Year Ended June 30, 2006.
This item was removed for separate consideration. Please see the resulting
discussion and action under Section VII - Consent Items Held Over.
I. AUDITED FINANCIAL REPORTS for the Palm Desert Redevelopment
Agency for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2006.
Rec: By Minute Motion, receive and file the subject Component Unit
Financial Report(CUFR)forthe Palm Desert RedevelopmentAgency.
J. AUDITED FINANCIAL REPORTS forthe Palm Desert Recreational Facilities
Corporation for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2006.
Rec: By Minute Motion, receive and file the subject reports for the
Palm Desert Recreational Facilities Corporation.
K. AUDITED FINANCIAL REPORTS for the Measure "A" Fund for the Fiscal
Year Ended June 30, 2006.
Rec: By Minute Motion, receive and file the subject financial statements for
the Measure "A" Fund.
L. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of the Extension of Contract to Perform
Auditing Services for the City of•Palm Desert, Palm Desert Redevelopment
Agency, and Palm Desert Housing Authority (Contract No. C20185) (Joint
Consideration with the Palm Desert Redevelopment Agency and the
Palm Desert Housing Authority).
This item was removed for separate consideration. Please see the resulting
discussion and action under Section VII - Consent Items Held Over.
M. LIMITED PROCEDURES REVIEW of Various Palm Desert Operators for
Compliance with the City of Palm DeserYs Transient OccupancyTax(T.O.T.)
Ordinance for 2005 Ca�endar Year and Approval of Related Actions.
Rec: By Minute Motion: 1)Receive and file the Limited Procedures Review
of various Palm Desert operators for compliance with the City of
Palm Desert's T.O.T. Ordinance for calendar 2005; 2) approve
reimbursement to operatorforoverpayment of T.O.T.totaling$10.38;
3) authorize collection from operators for underpayment of T.O.T.
totaling $8,682.21.
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N. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of the Purchase of Two Segway Electronic
Personal Assistive Mobility Devices (EPAMD) for Use by the Palm Desert
Police Department.
Rec: By Minute Motion, approve of the subject purchase with FY 2006/07
Supplemental Law Enforcement Services Funding (SLESF) Grant
Funds in the amount of $11,970.07.
O. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION to Release Waste Management of the
Desert's Faithful Performance Bond (No. 8145-54-97) (Contract
No. C17230).
Rec: By Minute Motion, authorize staff to release the subject Performance
Bond.
Councilman Spiegel requested that Item L be discussed separately, and
Councilmember Finerty requested that Items C and H be discussed
separately.
Upon motion by Ferguson, second by Finerty, and 5-0 vote of the City Council, the
remainder of the Consent Calendar was approved as presented.
XI. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER
C. COMPLIANCE ANALYSIS AND INVESTMENT REPORTS for the Months
of November 2006 and December 2006 (Joint Consideration with the
Palm Desert Redevelopment Agency).
Councilmember/Member Finerty stated she was concerned with the amount
of money invested in the Ford Motor Credit Corp (FMCC). She stated the
City was receiving a decent rate and noted the maturity date was June 2007;
however, Moody's and Standard and Poors (S&P) rated it B and B1. The
November Portfolio Holdings showed the City invested 5.31% in the FMCC,
and the Redevelopment Agency also invested a fair amount with FMCC;
however, that coupon matured January 2006. It concerned her that
$13 million was invested with FMCC with a rating of B and 61. She pointed
out that on page 41, the Auditors address a policy which obligated the City
to only invest in AAA rating items. Additionally, she noticed the State of
California Local Agency Investment Fund (LAIF) was unrated.
Mr. Gibson responded FMCC was initially acquired through the requirement
of the State of California. The option of selling it was discussed at the
Investment and Finance Committee, and it was decided to keep it until its
maturity date of June 2007; there was little risk of it defaulting. He said
FMCC and the Corporation had $32 billion in cash assets and selling it would
be a greater risk. With regards to LAIF, he said it was the State of California
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that invested those funds in items the City could also invest in. He noted the
City had no losses in past years and there was very little risk of it defaulting,
and it was State practice to not be audited by Moody's or S&P.
Upon further question, Mr. Gibson affirmed the coupon that matured
January 2006 was redeemed and invested in an A rating item; he planned
to do the same with the one maturing June 2007. He went on to say,the City
would no longer invest in Ford Motor Credit Corp because it was not on the
approved list of items the City could purchase.
Councilmember/Member Finerty moved to, by Minute Motion, receive and file the
Compliance Analysis and Investment Reports for November and December. Motion was
seconded by Ferguson and carried by a 5-0 vote.
H. AUDITED FINANCIAL REPORTS for the City of Palm Desert for the Fiscal Year
Ended June 30, 2006.
Councilmember Finerty pointed out that on page 42, three different assets
were listed and conside�ed to be exposed to Concentration of Credit Risk
because the City invested more than 5% of its total investments in any one
issuer.
Mr. Gibson stated the City pu�chased those items at a time when the new
Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB) requirement was not in
place. The committee was now reviewing that issue, but was not considered
a concern or a risk because it was receiving AAA quality credit rating;
however, the policy will be changed to reflect the new requirement.
Councilmember Finerty moved to, by Minute Motion, receive and file the subject
Comprehensive Annual Financial Report(CAFR)for the City of Palm Desert. Motion was
seconded by Spiegel and carried by 5-0 vote.
L. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of the Extension of Contract to Perform
Auditing Services for the City of Palm Desert, Palm Desert Redevelopment
Agency, and Palm Desert Housing Authority (Contract No. C20185) (Joint
Consideration with the Palm Desert Redevelopment Agency and the
Palm Desert Housing Authority).
Councilman/Member Spiegel stated he was of the understanding the City
would go out to bid after the initial five-year contract expired.
Mr. Gibson recalled the matterwas discussed with the previous proposal and
the committee adopted a policy. That policy stated that after the five-year
contract expired, the committee could revisit and either make a
recommendation to continue with the same firm or go out to Request for
Proposal (RFP). The committee chose to extend the contract five years
based on that policy. The Government Finance Officers Association
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that invested those funds in items the City could also invest in. He noted the
City had no losses in past years and there was very little risk of it defaulting,
and it was State practice to not be audited by Moody's or S&P.
Upon further question, Mr. Gibson affirmed the coupon that matured
January 2006 was redeemed and invested in an A rating item; he planned
to do the same with the one maturing June 2007. He went on to say, the City
would no longer invest in Ford Motor Credit Corp because it was not on the
approved list of items the City could purchase.
CouncilmemberlMember Finerty moved to, by Minute Motion, receive and file the
Compliance Analysis and Investment Reports for November and December. Motion was
seconded by Ferguson and carried by a 5-0 vote.
H. AUDITED FINANCIAL REPORTS for the City of Palm Desert for the Fiscal
Year Ended June 30, 2006.
Councilmember Finerty pointed out that on page 42, three different assets
were listed and considered to be exposed to Concentration of Credit Risk
because the City invested more than 5% of its total investments in any one
issuer.
Mr. Gibson stated the City purchased those items at a time when the new
Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB) requirement was not in
place. The committee was now reviewing that issue, but was not considered
a concern or a risk because it was receiving AAA quality credit rating;
however, the policy will be changed to reflect the new requirement.
Councilmember Finerty moved to, by Minute Motion, receive and file the subject
Comprehensive Annual Financial Report(CAFR)for the City of Palm Desert. Motion was
seconded by Spiegel and carried by 5-0 vote.
L. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of the Extension of Contract to Perform
Auditing Services for the City of Palm Desert, Palm Desert Redevelopment
Agency, and Palm Desert Housing Authority (Contract No. C20185) (Joint
Consideration with the Palm Desert Redevelopment Agency and the
Palm Desert Housing Authority).
Councilman/Member Spiegel stated he was of the understanding the City
would go out to bid after the initial five-year contract expired.
Mr. Gibson recalled the matterwas discussed with the previous proposal and
the committee adopted a policy. That policy stated that after the five-year
contract expired, the committee could revisit and either make a
recommendation to continue with the same firm or go out to Request for
Proposal (RFP). The committee chose to extend the contract five years
based on that policy. The Government Finance Officers Association
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(GFOA) who is the City's finance officers group recommended a maximum
of ten years to contract with an audit firm. He stated the finance department
was currently working on Section 29, University Park, and other bond issues
and staff was requesting the contract to be extended in order to deal with
those matters.
Councilman/Member Spiegel suggested extending the contract for one year
and revisit the matter at that time to consider whether to initiate a new RFP.
Mr. Gibson agreed.
Councilman/Member Spiegel moved to, by Minute Motion, approve the extension
of the subject contract with Lance Soll&Lunghard LLP, Brea, California, as amended, with
a one-year extension of the contract, staff directed to bring the matter back at the
appropriate time for a discussion on further extension or initiation of a new RFP for
Auditing Services. Motion was seconded by Ferguson and carried by a 5-0 vote.
XII. RES�LUTIONS
A. RESOLUTION NO. 07-8 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE FISCAL
YEAR 2006/07 BUDGET AS A RESULT OF MID-YEAR ADJUSTMENTS.
Mr. Gibson stated that staff reviewed the mid-year analysis through
December and was recommending a $500,000 change. The change was
due to the property taxes received and other changes in the expenditure for
an increase of about $310,000. The larger items were the Art of Food &
Wine Festival and the Engineering for construction.
Councilman Spiegel moved to waive further reading and adopt Resolution No.07-8.
Motion was seconded by Benson and carried by a 4-1 vote, with Ferguson voting NO.
B. RESOLUTION NO. 07-9 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, WHEREIN THE CITY
COUNCIL HEREBYAUTHORIZES THE SUBMITTAL OF AN APPLICATION
TO THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT FOR GRANT FUNDING UNDER THE WORKFORCE
HOUSING REWARD GRANT 2006 PROGRAM; THE EXECUTION FOR
SUCH FUNDING AND ANY AMENDMENTS THERETO; AND ANY
RELATED DOCUMENTS NECESSARY TO PARTICIPATE IN THE
WORKFORCE HOUSING REWARD GRANT 2006 PROGRAM.
Councilman Spiegel moved to waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 07-9.
Motion was seconded by Benson and carried by a 5-0 vote.
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XIII. ORDINANCES
For Introduction:
None
For Adoption:
None
XIV. NEW BUSINESS
None
XV. CONTINUED BUSINESS
A. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT FOR THE PROVISION OF
LEGAL SERVICES TO THE CITY OF PALM DESERT (CONTRACT
NO. C00-008A) (Continued from the meeting of January 25, 2007).
Councilman Spiegel moved to continue the matter to the meeting of February 22,
2007. Motion was seconded by Ferguson and carried by a 5-0 vote.
XVI. OLD BUSINESS
A. REQUEST FOR AWARD OF CONTRACTS FOR THE WESTFIELD BUS
BAY PROJECT.
Councilman Spiegel stated it was brought to his attention that SunLine did
not view the proposed plans and recommended continuing the item to
provide them the opportunity to do so.
Councilman Spiegel moved to continue this matterto the next meeting. Councilman
Ferguson seconded the motion.
Responding to Councilman Ferguson's comment, Mayor Kelly affirmed the
project had been in the works for some years but had been revised several
times; he thought SunLine had already seen the latest revisions.
Ms. Riddle stated SunLine was aware of the project, aware that it's a turnout,
the bus pad, and the shelter. She said staff currently did not have a design
specifically for the shelter, but approval of this item would initiate the
contracts necessary for that purpose, with the exception of the bus turnout.
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Councilman Ferguson was concerned the City would be in a situation where
SunLine wouldn't agree with the location of the bus stop and wouldn't
provide service.
Ms. Riddle stated SunLine was on board with the location because there was
currently a stop there now, and it was also part of the Comprehensive
Operation Analysis (COA). Upon further question, Ms. Riddle replied there
was an ongoing issue with turnouts in general throughout the City, but not at
that location.
MR. MfKE OGLESBY, SunLine General Manager, stated there was no
concern, he only wanted the opportunity to work together with staff as they
moved forward with the project. He stated that he personally had received
very little documentation or communication on the project and seeing that
SunLine would be providing transportation to that location, he wanted to be
kept informed.
Mr. Ortega suggested it was a good time to ask SunLine to conduct a
meeting not only regarding the bus project but also tie in some of the other
items requested (i.e., Comprehensive Operational Plan Standards for
Turnouts) by the City.
Mayor Kelly agreed both meetings needed to be held, but was concerned
the bus shelter would be held up by combining it with larger scope matters.
Councilman Spiegel stated SunLine already agreed to meet and
recommended that a date and time to be coordinated between the City and
SunLine on the following day. He also requested to be part of that meeting,
since he was already the City's designated representative to SunLine.
Councilman Ferguson stated a smaller group meeting would be more
productive and agreed the City's representative to SunLine and an alternate
to be part of that meeting. Mayor Pro Tem Benson agreed to be the
alternate.
Councilman Spiegel and Councilman Ferguson agreed to amend their motion to
continue the matter to the meeting of February 22, 2007, with staff to set up a meeting
between SunLine, City Councilmembers Spiegel and Benson, and appropriate staff to
discuss the project in the interim. Mayor Kelly called for the vote and it carried by a 5-0
vote.
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B. REQUEST FOR AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR THE MONTEREY AVENUE
BRIDGE EXPANSION JOINT REPAIR PROJECT (CONTRACT
NO. C23900A, PROJECT NO. 643-05).
Councilman Spiegel moved to, Minute Motion: 1)Award the subject contract in the
amount of $73,000 to J. McLoughlin Engineering Company, Inc., Rancho Cucamonga,
California; 2) approve a 10% contingency for the project in the amount of $7,300; 3)
authorize the Mayor to execute the agreement — funds are available in Account
No. 400-4343-433-4001. Motion was seconded by Finerty and carried by a 5-0 vote.
Responding to question about combining the Environmental Impact Report
(EIR) with the Expansion Joint Repair and other issues along that corridor,
Mr. Greenwood responded the City successfully separated the maintenance
issue from the EIR for the future widening. Approval of the subject project
should be a benefit because part of the purpose was to reduce the gap at the
edges of the bridge to reduce the noise. He added that staff was proceeding
with the City of Rancho Mirage staff on traffic study analysis to bring the
project forth to both City Councils.
Mayor Kelly called for the vote and it carried by a 5-0 vote.
C. REPORT REGARDING RIVERSIDE COUNTY TENTATIVE TRACT MAP
NO. 34305 (Peter Scheer, Applicant).
Mr. Erwin noted the letter that was presented at the Riverside County Board
of Supervisors meeting by the finro Councilmembers appointed to attend. He
noted no action was required.
Councilmember Finerty stated she was happy with the letter, but even more
pleased with the action of the Board of Supervisors, they unanimously voted
in support of the City's requested conditions.
XVII. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF THE UNIVERSITY PARK MASTER PLAN
DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT AS IT RELATES TO 190 +/- ACRES
GENERALLY LOCATED SOUTH OF GERALD FORD DRIVE AND EAST
OF PORTOLA AVENUE - 73-500 COLLEGE DRIVE Case No. DA 06-02
Related To C/Z 06-04 (Palm Desert Funding Company, LP, Applicant).
Mr. Smith stated the item was a request for a Master Plan Development
Agreement. He noted the Master Plan for the University Park Area had
already been approved. In addition,the Planning Commission had approved
a series of Tentative Tract Maps last summer. At this point, the Applicant
was seeking approval of the Development Agreement to vest and guarantee
its right to develop the projects, which the City already approved. The
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Planning Commission considered this request in January and recommended
approval. He offered to answer questions.
Responding to questions about the project, Mr. Smith confirmed the
agreement would not change anything in the General Plan and included
1,060 units covering more than 190 acres with a density of 4.5.
Mayor Kelly asked what would the development agreement accomplish; he
didn't understand why the City needed to consider the request.
Mr. Smith replied Council didn't have to approve the request, because
Council had already approved the four Tentative Maps and the proposal by
Laing Homes in that area. However, the developer of the area was seeking
an extension on the time frame to perform; up to 10 years. He said the
Tentative Maps would be approved for two years with possible extensions.
He pointed out, that the City inserted part of Section 6 into the agreement,
requiring specific performance on the development of the park sites. There
are four parks sites in the area which would be developed by each
developer, and this agreement would assure that the parks are developed
in a timely fashion to coincide with the first resident. Upon further question,
he replied almost all the streets and roads were included in the Tract Map
that is part of the Assessment District.
Mayor Pro Tem Benson asked for clarification of the additional 10 years.
Mr. Smith replied that it was not an additional 10 years, but a total of 10
years. He stated the maps were originally approved for two years with
possible annual extensions. He further responded, the agreement did not
provide for extensions beyond the 10 years and would require another action
to extend.
Mayor Pro Tem Benson stated Council has gone through a similar situation
once before, where additional time past the 10 years was requested. She
believed that if a project wasn't completed in 10 years, the developer was
just waiting for the value of the {and to go up. She was opposed to granting
anyone 20 years to develop.
Councilman Ferguson asked if the Community Facilities District (CFD)
included the maintenance of the parks.
Mr. Gibson replied the maintenance was not included in the CFD, it was
strictly the construction.
Responding to question, Mr. Smith replied he had the Master Plan version
with the undulated line that delineated the City's 170 acres from the
development. Upon request, he displayed the latest version on the overhead.
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Mr. Erwin stated that approval of the proposed Development Agreement
would amend the Wonder Palms Development Agreement, which currently
covered a portion of the property and provided for a different type of
development.
Mayor Kelly declared the public hearing open and invited testimony in FAVOR OF
or in OPPOSITION TO this matter.
MR. THAD WATKINS, stated he worked for Hover Development and
confirmed the location map was recorded some time ago, with all the details
worked out, and the line was undulated.
MR. BRIAN MCCONNELL, President of Montecito Homeowners Association,
Palm Desert, requested a visual presentation by staff on the project.
Mr. Smith stated Council approved the Master Plan last summer. The area
is north of Frank Sinatra Drive, east of Portola Avenue, West of Cook Street,
and south of Gerald Ford Drive which includes 190 acres. He went on to
describe the project in detail, covering the density of all the adjacent Parcels
and pointing out Parcel B was the Laing Homes proposal for 191
condominium units and previously approved Tentative Map 32655 for 268,
9,000 square foot lots. He noted that currently Parcel A had no proposal.
He pointed out the shaded green areas on the overhead to reflect the four
parks.
MR. MGCONNELL stated it was cheap to build parks, but costly to the City
to maintain. He asked if the City had any projections on the costs to
maintain and operate the parks.
Mr. Ortega answered yes, and stated those projections will be provided to
the Council when staff presents the Budget; staff had a five-year projection
that included the maintenance of those parks and can be discussed during
the Budget deliberations.
With no further testimony offered, Mayor Kelly declared the public hearing closed.
Councilman Spiegel moved to waive further reading and pass Ordinance No. 1132
to second reading, approving Case No. DA 06-02. Motion was seconded by Ferguson with
the projection figures to be provided to Council prior to the second reading.
Mayor Pro Tem Benson stated she was still concerned with providing 20
years to develop. She said she was unclear about the procedure and
wondered if her colleagues agreed with her.
Mr. Erwin pointed out the Wonder Palms Agreement was a longer
agreement, and app�oval of the subject agreement would reduce it.
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Councilman Spiegel disagreed, he understood it to mean an initial term of 10
years, with possible extensions but not mandatory, as it's written in the
agreement.
Mr. Erwin stated the extensions would require a public hearing before the
Planning Commission and then City Council. Responding to additional
questions, Mr. Erwin explained that it was a contract, and any extension
granted required the consent of both parties and felt there was a clear
understanding that it would need to return to Council.
Mayor Kelly stated he would vote no, because he did not see the need for it
and thought it was previously decided that Council would see each project
as they came. He recalled previously approving one and knew this project
was already approved, so he didn't see why Council couldn't do the rest in
the same manner.
Mr. Smith replied that Council would see each project and afready had, with
the exception of Parcel A. He said building permits for Parcels B, C, D, E,
and F have already been issued, and the maps have already been approved.
Responding to question as to whythis development agreement was needed,
Mr. Smith replied that it was the time issue; when the time ran out, the
Applicant could request an extension. Further responding, he made
reference to page 6 which stated "Term shall terminate on the 10`n
anniversary date unless sooner terminated or extended, as provided
hereinafter."
Councilman Ferguson withdrew his second motion.
Mayor Pro Tem Benson seconded the motion and it FAILED on a 4-1 vote, with
Benson, Ferguson, Finerty, and Kelly voting NO.
Mr. Erwin affirmed no further action was required of the Council; however,
he pointed out the Wonder Palms Development Agreement still existed and
impacted the parks. Also, there was a request for additional issuance of the
bonds, and title opinion for the City to have clear title to the parks. He said
he was currently not prepared to address that with the Wonder Palms
Agreement in covering pa�ts of those parks.
Mayor Kelly stated the City had individual projects approved and when those
individual projects are build, there should be no problem with putting the
parks in as approved.
Mr Erwin stated the City would have a problem accepting the title from them.
Councilman Ferguson pointed out that the vote failed which meant Council
neither denied or approved the request. He said it provided the Applicant an
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opportunity to listen to Council's concerns and retool their presentation and
see what transpired.
Mr. Erwin encouraged Council to reconsider, perhaps, changing their minds
and recommended continuing the matter to the next meeting.
Upon request for input, Mr. Gibson stated Council approved a $70 million
bond issue for University Park last April of which the City issued $50 million.
An additional $20 million was requested, and Mr. Dave Erwin and bond
counsel advised that the City couldn't do it unless it had this agreement. The
City will now have to inform the developers that the City can't give them the
$20 million. Mr. Gibson stated that Council action on this item would affect
that portion of the agreement. He went on to say that staff was planning on
presenting the $20 million bond issue at the next Council Meeting.
Mayor Kelly re-opened the public hearing and left it open.
Councilman Ferguson moved to continue the matter to the meeting of
February 22, 2007. Motion was seconded by Spiegel and it carried by a 5-0 vote.
Councilmembers concurred that a staff report needed to be provided with
an explanation of exactly what would be involved if they approved or didn't
approve the development agreement.
XVIII. REPORTS AND REMARKS
A. CITY MANAGER
1. Coachella Valley Water District Sewer(CVWD) Project— Mr. Ortega
said he'd asked Mr. Greenwood to provide an update on how the City
is handling the subject project, given concem raised by residents
because of the work being done at night.
Mr. Greenwood commented that the project was a significant one that
was traversing Palm Desert from the Sewer Treatment Plant on Cook
Street to the intersection of Monterey Avenue/Country Club Drive,
where it then enters the City of Rancho Mirage and will continue in a
subsequent phase. He noted the work already done on Cook Street
and in front of the City's Corporation Yard on Avenue 42. The project
was now on Hovley Lane, which was a narrow roadway where the
pipe had to be laid fairly deep. Before the project started, City staff
metwith area residents, MarriottTimeshare Management, and James
Carter Elementary School staff to develop the best way to handle
traffic control during the construction. After serious thought, it was
determined the best way to do that would be to construct the project
at night. However, since the work began this week, numerous
Canterra Apartments residents reported the work was keeping them
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REGU�AR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 8, 2007
up at night. An emergency meeting has been scheduled for tomorrow
with City staff, CVWD, the contractor, management of the
Apartments, the Timeshares, and the School, to see if there was an
alternative to relieve the construction issues for the residents. Upon
question, he said the project will be on Hovley Lane East for at least
a month and then in the intersection of Portola Avenue/Hovley Lane
for another month.
B. CITY ATTORNEY
None
C. CITY CLERK
1. Reminder of Joint City Council, Redevelopment Agency, Housing
Authority Study Session to Review FY 2006/07 Project Status,
Thursday, February 15, 2007, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Mrs. Klassen reminded City Councilmembers of the upcoming Study
Session.
D. PUBLIC SAFETY
a Fire Department
None
o Police Department
None
E. MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
o City Council Requests for Action:
None
o Citv Council Committee Reports:
1. Parks&Recreation Commission Councilman Spiegel reported
on the following activities:
a)Disc GolfTournament—successful firsttournament held last
weekend at the Course located at the Palm Desert Soccer
Park, with 60 participants from as far away as Redlands.
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 8, 2007
b) Palm Desert Senior Games — there would be a dinner
tomorrow night for participants in the Games, Willie Mays was
scheduled to speak. Over 1,000 people were signed up so far
this year, most from outside Palm Dese�t. Track and field and
basketball events were being held at the High School, softball
would be played on the Civic Center fields, with lawn bowling
held at the Senior Center. The Games started today with golf
at Desert Willow, the bulk of the events were being held Friday
and Saturday.
c) Freedom Park — scheduled to be open around early April,
with the dedication being planned for later.
o City Council Comments:
1. Mayor Pro Tem Benson had been researching newspapers in
preparation for Bob Downs' funeral service this weekend.
When he ran for City Council in 1984, the main issue was
fixing the roads, transportation and good traffic flow so that it
wasn't disrupted all year long, and she found it interesting that
the issues were about the same 22 years later. During that
same election, she herself was accused of scaring people from
building on the hillsides because it would start a building
bonanza there that wouldn't stop, which was also interesting to
her given City Council's consideration of the Peter Scheer
application discussed earlier in this meeting.
XIX. ADJOURNMENT
Upon a motion by Spiegel, second by Ferguson, and unanimous vote of the City
Council, Mayor Kel�y adjourned the meeting at 5:25 p.m.
RICHARD S. KELLY, MAYOR
ATTEST:
RACHELLE D. KLASSEN, CITY CLERK
CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA
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