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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCRP Cmte - 09/29/09 ����—� CITY OF PALM DESERT � � BUILDING 8� SAFETY DEPARTMENT , INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM To: Rachelle Klassen, City Clerk ��� From: Suzanne Cicchini, Administrative Secretary Date: October 27, 2009 Subject: Submission of Approved Minutes for the Cultural Resources Preservation Committee Meeting held on September 29, 2009. Attached is a copy of the September 29, 2009 Minutes of the Cultural Resources Preservation Committee Meeting approved by the Committee on October 27, 2009. Please include on the next City Council agenda. Thank you Attachment CITy COUNCILACTION APPROVED._. DI:NIED RECEIVED � ` _. OTHC;R 1�1F:I?TINC DATE (/ " � -C� �v r s: � � � ,�..�ef�� � � �'1 �vors: �v��� �'� rA�����.1� �: lU�� �� �— ,1i�i. 7�/1 _.. ____..__-_-.—'.___.____Y_,.____._....�. /54*�''s�'i�e�4.A.7i; l.�/� �, � — _ .._._._ . ._. ,._._,..._ ^�� . ._ ._._...__...__'_ � 1,'T�F� rsl�� e��',. �` �� n _�__1! _._ __ _..._. ____. ��''��R al .? 49a1 �'P��.` b'� �a��? �,�le� �:��.1 s, 1 �l�a..:�. G:\BldgSfty\Suzanne Cicchini\Word Files\Cultural Resources Preservation CommitteeUNeeting ItemsWlemo-City Clerk-Minutes 10-27-09.doc CITY OF PALM DESERT ��---�.. � � CULTURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION COMMITTEE Minutes September 29, 2009 Administrative Conference Room I. CALL TO ORDER Committee Chair Gale Broeker called the meeting of the Cultural Resources Preservation Committee to order at 10:00 a.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Absent: Gale Broeker Bob Pitchford Don Graybill Vera Handley Kim Housken Kent Routh Also Present: Russell Grance, Director of Building and Safety Lauri Aylaian, Director of Community Development Ricki Brodie, Palm Desert Resident Ray Villacete, Palm Desert Resident Suzanne Cicchini, Recording Secretary III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Mr. Ray Villacete — 77180 Florida Avenue. Mr. Villacete is on the Board of Palm Desert Country Club Homeowners Association. The Board is considering applying for a cultural resources designation as a historic district. Palm Desert Country Club will be celebrating their 50th Anniversary in 2010. He discussed the planned community and noted Palm Desert Country Club is the first retirement golf course community in California. The golf course, a separate entity, has been closed. Property values have been negatively affected. The group hopes to generate some positive publicity about their neighborhood. He wants advice about a cultural resource designation, restrictions and what a designation will entail specifically to the homeowners. He plans to go back to the Board with his findings and submit a completed application. Palm Desert Country Club will be having their first tour of historic homes. It will be the first weekend in December, 2009, to start the celebration of their 50th Anniversary. The specifics of the tour will be announced at a later date. The Committee members questioned Mr. Villacete about the development. He noted the original planned community had 150 homes and more were added in 1964. There are about 400-450 homes now. Seventy- five percent of the homes are still there in one form or another. He requested an application from Director of Building and Safety, Russell Grance earlier this year. CULTURALRESOURCE PRESERVATION COMMITTEE SEPTEMBER 29, 2009 Mr. Grance explained that any time alterations or modifications to the exterior of a building are considered it would necessitate a separate process called Certificate of Appropriateness. The Committee would determine if the proposed modifications affect the historic significance of the unit itself. It's subjective based upon what is proposed. Mr. Villacete wanted to know if a district would be more or less tricky to do and if the rules applied to each individual home. Mr. Grance responded that whether it was a district or unusual landmark, the restrictions are the same. It applies to each individual unit. Committee Member Kim Housken added that the intent of it within a historic district was to prevent things like McMansions and to maintain the continuity of the homes. It typically pertains to the outside of the building and what can be seen from the street. It doesn't necessarily mean you can't make a house bigger. A second story might be an issue if it would affect the character of the home, and in that case, it would probably be frowned upon. She suggested Mr. Villacete meet with Russell Grance, Director of Building and Safety or a Committee Member after the meeting. She thought it was great that he was considering a designation and offered help with some of the questions Mr. Villacete had. She wanted to hear about the home tour and noted that they haven't had anybody apply for a designation. There was talk within the community of creating a district based on a particular architect, but by geography, it would not be as cohesive as Mr. Villacete's proposed district. Committee Member Kent Routh commented that the criteria are not cast in stone, although there are certain things that have to be followed. It was nice that his proposed designation was of a certain age and still existed. He felt sorry about the problems they were having but noted that it went with the times and things with real estate have drastically changed. Mr. Villacete noted that the homeowners were looking for exposure because not a lot of people out of Palm Springs know that they have this stock of mid century modern homes. There are four different models and very distinct architecture. He noted they have all the original brochures and plans. The developer is still around and very conversant. Committee Member Kim Housken explained that part of the process of the historic district is having community meetings so that everyone can hear about it and get their questions answered. She knows it's a little daunting when you look at the packet. Mr. Villacete agreed that it was and that it might be farmed out by the Board because some of the members have jobs. He noted that they were not professionals and it looked like a huge book report. Committee Chair Gale Broeker asked if the clubhouse would be included or if it was part of the golf course? The new clubhouse, which is part of the bankruptcy, is not the original structure. They still have the original clubhouse and the pools. Committee Member Vera Handley inquired if they would keep the original clubhouse. Mr. Villacete responded affirmatively and mentioned that about 50% of the homes do not have pools. Parts of the dues maintain the pools. Functions are held there. He noted they were a tight community. Committee Member pon Graybill wanted to know if every home was a part of the association. Committee Chair Gale Broeker thanked him for coming and mentioned they would try to help as much as they could. G:\BldgSfty\Suzanne Cicchini\Word Files\Cultural Resources Preservation Committee\Minutes 2009\092909 Minutes.docx Page 2 CULTURALRESOURCE PRESERVATION COMMITTEE SEPTEMBER 29, 2009 IV. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES — OF THE MEETING OF JUNE 30, 2009 Committee Member Kim Housken moved that the Minutes be accepted as presented. Committee Member Kent Routh seconded the Motion. The Motion passed unanimously. V. NEW BUSINESS None VI. CONTINUED BUSINESS None VII. OLD BUSINESS A. DISCUSS PROPERY OWNER LETTERS Russell Grance, Director of Building and Safety reported that we are still waiting for two property owners interested in a designation to submit their application packets. Of the other ten sent, two have not responded. The others have responded that they are not interested. He requested that the Committee go down the list to see if there are additional properties they want letters sent out to. Discussion commenced. Committee Chair Gale Broeker inquired about the City owned properties. She wanted to know if the City was willing to officially make the Portola Community Center a historic monument or just call it historic on all the paperwork. Mr. Grance responded that he had a meeting on August 26, 2009 with John Wohlmuth, City Manager and discussed the memos he originally sent to him back in March. He said he would approach the City Council but he hasn't heard anything yet. Committee Chair, Gale Broeker reminded the Committee that it's only "no" this time, this owner. Mr. Grance added that even though the current owners had sent their responses back, it was their choice, but it doesn't mean it can't change. There is always that chance. Committee Member Kent Routh noted that it isn't exactly overwhelming civic approval. Committee Member pon Graybill indicated that their job of education needs to be enhanced. They discussed Sandpiper and the difficulties in coordinating a district with so many homeowner associations. Committee Chair Kim Housken noted that you would have to send one to each of the 12-16 homeowners associations within Sandpiper. Mr. Grance suggested the option of sending it to the association so they could agendize it and to discuss it at their meeting. Committee Member Kim Housken mentioned that even one association within Sandpiper might choose to go for the district within their circles. G:\BldgSftylSuzanne Cicchini\Word Files\Cultural Resources Preservation Committee\Minutes 2009\092909 Minutes.docx Page 3 CULTURALRESOURCE PRESERVATION COMMITTEE SEPTEMBER 29, 2009 Committee Member pon Graybill inquired if there was a poll -- do the associations get together? Ms. Housken replied that she didn't know, but she did know that each circle had its own association. Committee Member Vera Handley added that when she lived there in the early 1970's there was only one association. Russell Grance, Director of Building and Safety noted that it might be more challenging. Committee Chair Gale Broeker noted that there are several friends of this committee that live in Sandpiper and suggested that the Committee needs to know who to contact, circle by circle, starting with Gate A or Gate B. More discussion commenced. Committee Member Vera Handley would like to follow up with College of the Desert to see if she could encourage them to respond positively to a designation for the Velma Dawson House. A letter was received earlier this year but they were not interested. Committee Chair Kim Housken discussed The Desert Squire Ranch on Cordova Way and would like a letter sent to the property owner. Committee Member pon Graybill expressed his concern that a letter going out cold didn't seem to positively affect property owners. Committee Chair Gale Broeker cited paperwork and the lack of the Mills Act also. B. DISCUSS PROGRESS OF BOOKLET Committee Member Vera Handley announced that she turned this over to Committee Member Kim Housken. Ms. Housken stated that she thought Russell Grance, Director of Building and Safety did a great job. She especially liked the ability to turn pictures into sketches. She was not able to find it on the web site and wanted to know what he needed from the Committee to proceed. There were some changes suggested earlier by the Committee. Additional language about Palm Village, changing 50 years to 75 years on page 3 and some other items were left to do. Committee Member Kim Housken told the Committee that she had it covered. Committee Member pon Graybill believes that it will help. Committee Member Vera Handley thought the booklet that Mr. Grance put together was so well done. Committee Member Kent Routh thought it should be finalized. Mr. Grance reminded the Committee that we can always change it. Committee Member Kent Routh added that the booklet might be nice to send out with the applications. Committee Member pon Graybill concurred. Committee Member Vera Handley asked if sketches would still be needed from the student at College of the Desert. Committee Member Kim Housken indicated that they would not need the sketches. Discussion commenced about the possibility of generating some publicity through an interview or newspaper article and that perhaps Ray Villacete could contact K Kaufmann reporter at the Desert Sun regarding publicity for the historic home Tour. Mr. Villacete noted that they would be hiring someone to handle the publicity also. G:\BldgSfty\Suzanne Cicchini\Word Files\Cultural Resources Preservation Committee\Minutes 2009\092909 Minutes.docx Page 4 CULTURALRESOURCE PRESERVATION COMMITTEE SEPTEMBER 29, 2009 VII. REPORTS AND REMARKS A. COMMENTS AND COMMITTEE MEMBER REPORTS Committee Member Kent Routh noted that The Martha Stewart show that aired today was set in Palm Springs. She toured The Elrod House and showed some mid century modern furniture. Committee Member Kim Housken announced that the Historical Society is having finro lectures this fall. The first one is Coffee and Conversation, a forum where you can bring your questions. It's set for Friday, October 16, 2009 at the Portola Community Center at 7:00 p.m. The second lecture will be held in November featuring Harry Quinn, local archaeologist, titled Finding Fault with the Coachella Valley. She passed information about the lectures. Committee Member Kim Housken discussed the Desert Landscapes idea of Painters of the Desert from last spring. They are working with Richard Twedt trying to get some EI Paseo galleries on board for this spring. Committee Member pon Graybill discussed his visit to the opening of the Salton Sea Yacht Club. Committee Chair Gale Broeker noted we have a connection with the North Shore Yacht Club because Committee Member Bon Pitchford designed the Flags for the Yacht Club and was active there. The report is in regarding the Carl Bray House in Indian Wells and it's favorable. There is one more report they are waiting on. She discussed that some buildings in the valley are in danger because they are single buildings and they don't require Environmental Impact Reports. Both the state and county have advised that the buildings need to be recorded. If a building is on the 1981 list it can't be demolished without an Environmental Impact Report according to the attorneys. She also discussed the Gilman Ranch/Willie Boy Symposium she attended recently in Banning. It was fascinating to learn about the history and to see the reproduction of the house that opened recently. The original burned down shortly after it went on the National Register. Ms. Broeker announced that she would not be able to attend the next meeting on October 27, 2009. Russell Grance, Director of Building and Safety requested that before he sends the additional property owner letters out that the information the Committee wanted changed in the booklet be done so he can send the booklet along with the letters. Committee Member Vera Handley requested a smaller version of the book suitable for carrying in a purse. The book could be made smaller with a little reformatting. The current format is best for the web site, but Mr. Grance agreed the other size is better for carrying around. The next meeting of the Cultural Resources Preservation Committee will be Tuesday, October 27, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. in the Administrative Conference Room at The City of Palm Desert. G:\BldgSfty\Suzanne Cicchini\Word Files\Cultural Resources Preservation Committee\Minutes 2009\092909 Minutes.docx Page 5 CULTURALRESOURCE PRESERVATION COMMITTEE SEPTEMBER 29, 2009 VIII. ADJOURNMENT Committee Chair Gale Broeker asked for a motion to adjourn. Committee Member Kent Routh moved that the meeting be adjourned. Committee Member pon Graybill seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously and the meeting was adjourned at 11:00 a.m. �-1�e n r�� �c c.� Suzanne Cicchini, Recording Secretary G:\BldgSfty\Suzanne Cicchini\Word Files\Cultural Resources Preservation Committee\Minutes 2009\092909 Minutes.docx Page 6 ,_,_�� MINUTES ���'�. REGULAR MEETING OF THE PALM DESERT ,,.�,. AUDIT, INVESTMENT, AND FINANCE COMMITTEE Tuesday, July 28, 2009 I. CALL TO ORDER Chairman Gibson called to order a regular meeting of the Palm Desert Audit, Investment and Finance Committee at 10:00 a.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Absent: Paul Gibson, Finance Director Stephanie Loog, Community Member Luis Espinoza, Asst. Finance Director James Walker, Community Member Thomas Jeffrey, Deputy City Treasurer John Wohlmuth, City Manager Robert A. Spiegel, Mayor Cindy Finerty, Mayor Pro-Tempore Justin McCarthy, ACM/Redevelopment David Erwin, City Attorney Everett Wood, Community Member Also Present: Mike Cavanaugh, Southwest Securities Anthony Hernandez, Senior Financial Analyst Richard Mogensen, Desert Willow Niamh Ortega, Recording Secretary Nitin Patel, Diehl, Evans & Company Veronica Tapia, RDA Accountant Derek White, Desert Willow II1. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None. IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF JUNE 23, 2009 MOTION was made by Member Erwin and seconded by Member Wood to adopt and approve in their entirety the minufes of the regu/ar meeting of the Pa/m Desert Audit, Investment and Finance Committee he/d on June 23, 2009. G:\Finance\Niamh Ortega\Investment Committee�2009\Minutes\Minutes 072809.docx AUDIT, INVESTMENT, AND FINANCE COMMITTEE MINUTES JULY 28 2009 V. NEW BUSINESS A. ORAL PRESENTATION BY DIEHL EVANS & COMPANY LLP RELATIVE TO AUDIT FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2009 Mr. Nitin Patel, partner at Diehl, Evans & Company, communicated an overview of the responsibilities of the auditing firm as detailed in the engagement letter previously accepted by the City Council. He also discussed several GAAAP standards in effect and a new GASB requirement that will be in practice this year for the audit process. Mr. Patel indicated that the interim field work is complete at the City and an inventory count was conducted at Desert Willow. Auditors will be on site at the City on September 8, and will travel to Lodi, California on September 24 to review the records for the Housing Authority's management company. Mr. Gibson discussed the status of the recent class-action lawsuit against the State by various California redevelopment agencies, and discussed possible future action of the State to use different language to be able to take the same funds from the redevelopment agencies. B. CITY AND REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY INVESTMENT SCHEDULES AND SUMMARY OF CASH REPORTS FOR JUNE 2009 Member Jeffrey presented the report highlighted the following points: The book value of the City Portfolio for the period ended June 30, 2009 was approximately $228.9 million. Interest earnings were approximately $366,000. Yield-to-maturity was approximately 2.03%. The book value of the Redevelopment Agency Portfolio for the period ended June 30, 2009 was approximately $287.3 million. Interest earnings were approximately $307,000. Yield-to-maturity was approximately 1.30%. The yield-to-maturity for the Redevelopment Agency has jumped significantly from May due to a transfer of $50 million in bond proceeds from Wells Fargo to LAIF, resulting in a change of earnings from 1% to 1.38%. The Energy Independence Program is also currently being carried on the Redevelopment books. C. LOCAL AGENCY INVESTMENT FUND (L.A.I.F.) ACCOUNT STATEMENTS FOR JUNE 2009 The report was received and filed. D. CALIFORNIA ASSET MANAGEMENT PROGRAM (C.A.M.P.) ACCOUNT STATEMENTS FOR JUNE 2009 The report was received and filed. 2 AUDIT, INVESTMENT, AND FINANCE COMMITTEE MINUTES JULY 28 2009 E. CITY FINANCIAL REPORTS FOR AUGUST AND REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY FINANCIAL REPORTS FOR JUNE 2009 Chairman Gibson reported that revenues and expenses are still being accrued through the second week in August. The County has been delaying payments for property taxes until final numbers are known. The State has also delayed payments due to their budget crisis. Registered warrants are currently being received in lieu of rent payments for the Parkview building. There was some discussion as to how the new fiscal year budget would be affected, and Mr. Gibson responded that it was a little early to tell how the year would pan out yet and whether the City would receive all of the funds owed by the State for the last fiscal year and how that would affect the upcoming year. Mr. Gibson expects to have a clearer picture by the end of August when an additional $3 million will be received. Ms. Tapia reported that RDA revenues were $2 million and expenditures were approximately $4.3 million. RDA has received approximately $90 million in tax increment and has had about $84 million in fixed cost expenses. F. PARKVIEW PROFESSIONAL OFFICE BUILDINGS FINANCIAL REPORTS FOR JUNE 2009 The ADA requirements for the Water Resources Board are currently underway, and the lease will go to Council once the improvements are completed. G. PALM DESERT GOLF COURSE FACILITIES CORPORATION FINANCIAL REPORTS FOR JUNE 2009 Mr. White reported that there were some large discrepancies in the monthly actuals versus budget due to the fact that the Mountain View renovations were not taken into account, which resulted in the Mountain View course being closed for the entire month of June. Mr. White also reported that year-to-date revenue was $8.884 million versus $10.993 budgeted, a $2.1 million shortfall, and an 8% decrease from last year's actual. Payroll year-to-date was $4.258 million versus a budget of $4.381 million. Hours were reduced by 20,000 for the year, which translates to approximately 9.5 full-time employees. Operating expenses were $2.949 million versus a budget of $3.071 million. Prior year was $3.122 million, a savings of 4% on budget and 5% on prior year. Overall, the numbers reflected a $37,000 loss for operating cash flow, versus last year's profit of$1.2 million. Golf shop revenue was down substantially. Female shoppers typically spend more and are more likely to purchase more frequently, and that is no longer happening. Banquets have switched from dinners to lunches, and regular dining that typically results from hotel business is down due to decreased overflow from these resorts. February 2010 is showing some improvement and indicating a potential for increased business. Until then, revenue is expected to be down. 3 AUDIT, INVESTMENT, AND FINANCE COMMITTEE MINUTES JULY 28. 2009 Desert Willow had almost as many rounds as Indian Wells' two courses in June, and other clubs are having a difficult time this year, offering specials resulting in a $12-17 golf round, a rate previously unheard of. A 20% discount coupon currently available at the Palm Desert Visitor Center for Desert Willow has not been used much, and out of 200 promotional cards given away at another location, only about 17 have been used. H. COMMITTEE MEETING OF AUGUST 25. 2009 Mr. Gibson stated that in the past the Committee has typically gone dark for the August meeting to allow staff additional time to prepare for the September audit. MOTION to adjourn the meeting of August 25, 2009 to the next regular meeting of September 22, 2009 made by Member Wood, seconded by Member Erwin, and unanimously approved. VI. CONTINUED BUSINESS None. VII. OLD BUSINESS A. PALM DESERT FINANCING AUTHORITY BOND ISSUANCE There is currently a claim against the City by the developers of Portofino in the amount of $112 million. Wells Fargo requires the reporting of any claims over $1 million, so the paperwork was submitted to them. The Energy Program bond issue was supposed to close on July 23, but it did not due to this issue. It is currently being reviewed by Wells Fargo and legal counsel to determine various types of extra security to be offered, and a conference call has taken place to discuss the claim. Member Erwin reminded the Committee that only a claim has been filed, and there is no lawsuit as yet. A more complete report will be prepared for Council when additional information is available. The most recent applications are on hold until such time as this issue is resolved or alternate funding is secured. VIII. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS None. IX. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, this meeting, upon motion duly made, seconded and carried was adjourned at 10:45 a.m. to the next regular meeting of September 22, 2009. � Niamh Ortega, R ording Secretary 4