HomeMy WebLinkAboutPrelim - CC - 10/22/09 DR,AFT
PRELIMINARY MINUTES
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2009
CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBER
73510 FRED WARING DRIVE, PALM DESERT, CA 92260
I. CALL TO ORDER - 3:00 P.M.
Mayor Spiegel convened the meeting at 3:00 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL
Present: Excused Absence:
Councilmember Jean M. Benson Councilman Jim Ferguson
Mayor Pro Tem Cindy Finerty
Councilman Richard S. Kelly
Mayor Robert A. Spiegel
Also Present:
John M. Wohlmuth, City Manager/RDA Executive Director
David J. Erwin, City Attorney
Justin McCarthy, ACM for Redevelopment
Stephen Y. Aryan, Assistant to the City Manager
Rachelle D. Klassen, City Clerk
Bo Chen, City Engineer
Russell Grance, Director of Building & Safety
Lauri Aylaian, Director of Community Development
Paul. S. Gibson, Director of Finance/City Treasurer
Janet M. Moore, Director of Housing
Mark Greenwood, Director of Public Works
Frankie Riddle, Director of Special Programs
Dorian Cooley, Division Chief, Palm Desert Fire/Riverside Co. Fire Dept./Cal Fire
Bill Hunley, Battalion Chief, Palm Desert Fire/Riverside Co. Fire Dept./Cal Fire
Andrew Shouse, Asst. Chief, Palm Desert Police/Riverside Co. Sheriff's Dept.
Grace L. Mendoza, Deputy City Clerk
III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - A (CLOSED SESSION ITEMS)
None
� AFT
PRELIMINARY MINUTES
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 22, 2009
IV. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION
Request for Closed Session:
Conference with Real Property Negotiator pursuant to Government Code
Section 54956.8:
1) Property: APN 628-130-015
Negotiating Parties:
Agency: John M. Wohlmuth/Lauri Aylaian/City of Palm Desert/
Palm Desert Redevelopment Agency
Property Owner: Barracuda, LLC
Under Negotiation: x Price x Terms of Payment
2) Property: APN 628-130-008
Negotiating Parties:
Agency: John M. Wohlmuth/Lauri Aylaian/City of Palm Desert/
Palm Desert Redevelopment Agency
Property Owner: David Nelson
Under Negotiation: x Price x Terms of Payment
3) Property: APN 628-120-005
Negotiating Parties:
Agency: John M. Wohlmuth/Lauri Aylaian/City of Palm Desert/
Palm Desert Redevelopment Agency
Property Owner: Roger Snellenberger
Under Negotiation: x Price x Terms of Payment
Conference with Legal Counsel regarding existing litigation pursuant to
Government Code Section 54956.9(a):
a) PDCC Development LLC, Petition for Bankruptcy, United States
Bankruptcy Court, Central District of California
Conference with Legal Counsel regarding significant exposure to litigation
pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(b):
Number of potential cases: 2
Conference with Legal Counsel to decide whether or not to initiate litigation
pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(c):
Number of potential cases: 1
With City Council concurrence, Mayor Spiegel adjourned the meeting to Closed
Session at 3:00 p.m. He reconvened the meeting at 4:00 p.m.
2
_ � � ��'
PRELIMINARY MINUTES
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 22, 2009
V. RECONVENE REGULAR MEETING - 4:00 P.M.
A. REPORT ON ACTION FROM CLOSED SESSION.
Mr. Erwin reported on the actions from Closed Session:
1. On a 4-0 vote of the City Council, with Ferguson ABSENT, subject to
the Bankruptcy Court, authorized staff to move forward with cleaning
up fire hazards at Palm Desert Country Club.
2. On a 4-0 vote of the City Council, with Ferguson ABSENT, authorized
initiation of a validation proceeding with regard to the bonds and
contracts associated with the AB 811 Program.
VI. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - Mayor Pro Tem Cindy Finerty
VII. INVOCATION - Mayor Robert A. Spiegel
VIII. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - B
MR. JOHN MARMAN, Palm Desert, observed that 30-40 years ago, he gave
swimming lessons to a lot of today's Palm Desert parents, and now he was working
with their children in the Mini-Muster. He went on to say he realized there was a
good deal of discussion and controversy over a long period of time relative to the
proposed swimming pool project. After all of that, he was truly amazed the City
Council could still work things out and do the right thing, which was greatly
appreciated by the citizens and children of Palm Desert, further commending the
City Council for always doing things the right way. Therefore, he urged pursuit of
a 50-meter pool for the project. Since most others were built smaller, the larger
version would provide a great deal more flexibility. He felt the current plan was a
good one, containing a play area, a small pool alongside and asked that the City
Manager be directed to look into including a bulkhead, which wouldn't add much to
the cost if specified at this time. The bulkhead splits up the pool, providing flexibility
for short races,water polo, and two orthree classes simultaneously. He said a non-
automatic version was available that slides along and can be set in designated
locations. He said there were a lot of opportunities to make the project very special,
and he was confident that in a few years the City would be very happy it proceeded.
Secondly, he addressed the need for music/entertainment for middle-aged
residents. He was aware of the sound problem with a few places in the City, and
he hoped those were being settled. But any time there was an opportunity to do
something for the middle-age group, it would be appropriate, since he felt there
were currently activities provided for both the youth and senior groups.
3
� ����
PRELIMINARY MINUTES
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 22, 2009
MS. JENNA SCOTT, representing the Palm Desert Youth Committee, announced
the upcoming Car Show at the Joslyn Senior Center benefiting the Meals On
Wheels Program. She said it would be held Saturday, November 7, beginning with
a Pancake Breakfast at 7:00 a.m. followed by the Car Show. Tickets were available
for $5 each from Palm Desert Youth Committee Staff Liaison Frankie Riddle.
IX. AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS, AND APPOINTMENTS
A. PRESENTATION TO RECOGNIZE CHAR�ES ASH FOR HIS
CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE CITY OF PALM DESERT/PALM DESERT
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AND ITS CITIZENS' ADVISORY
COMMITTEE FOR PROJECT AREA NO. 4.
Mr. Ash was unable to be present for the recognition today.
B. PRESENTATION OF ANNUAL "MINI-MUSTER" RECOGNITION AND
ARTWORK AWARD CERTIFICATES.
On behalf of the City Council, Mayor Spiegel presented Artwork Award
Certificates to Third Graders from Palm Desert Elementary Schools:
- Emily Chung, James Carter Elementary School
- Danielle Hjerpe, Gerald Ford Elementary School
- Tatum Matson, Abraham Lincoln Elementary School
- Jonathan Flores, Ronald Reagan Elementary School
- Isobelle Mendoza - George Washington Charter Elementary School
Mayor Spiegel noted the artwork was currently being displayed in the Council
Chamber Foyer.
MR. JOHN and MRS. MADONNA MARMAN, Coordinators for the Mini-
Muster Program, presented certificates of appreciation to the City Council
and staff and an engraved plaque to the City, recognizing its generous
support of the Program over the past 17 years. They also presented
certificates of appreciation to all of the Elementary School Principals, Chief
Cooley and Chief Hunley for the Fire Department, along with Firefighters
from the various stations for their invaluable participation. Firefighter
Kevin Murph was recognized for his significant contributions to the Program.
Mayor Spiegel gave further praise to all the benefits provided by the Mini-
Muster Program of Fire Safety for Palm Desert Third Graders and to the
Historical Society of Palm Desert for making it possible for each of the last
17 years.
4
d`,�,� ��
PRELIMINARY MINUTES
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 22, 2009
C. PRESENTATION OF TENTH ANNUAL NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF
CITIZENS ON PATROL CONFERENCE "BEST IN SHOW PATROL
VEHICLE" AND "BEST IN SHOW VOLUNTEER UNIFORM" AWARDS
RECEIVED BY THE PALM DESERT CITIZENS ON PATROL PROGRAM
(COPS).
CAPT. SAUL ROISENTUL and LT. EARLE WOLFE, Palm Desert Citizens
on Patrol Program (COPS), presented the two plaques to Mayor Spiegel.
Capt. Roisentul went on to say that COPS consisted completely of
volunteers, male and female, mostly retirees who want to give back to their
community. After about a year's hiatus, COPS was reinstated three years
ago with about six members; it has grown to the current team of 38, who
patrol the City and assist the Police Department with traffic control, security
for accident sites, special events(e.g. July 4th Celebration, Golf Cart Parade,
Concerts in the Park), DUI Checkpoints, and any and all events where they
can be of help so that Deputies can attend to more pressing duties.
Currently, the group is averaging 700 volunteer hours per month, and
they've provided over 6,000 hours of patrol so far in 2009. Most of their work
was with the Palm Desert Police Department, and they extended very
sincere appreciation for the City Council's support. They were pleased to
present the awards they'd received at the Tenth Annual National Association
of Citizens On Patrol Conference, demonstrating results from all the City's
support. Last year Palm Desert COPS was awarded Third Place for Best-
looking Patrol Car, First Place for Uniform, followed by this year's Best In
Show for both Patrol Car and Uniform — the first time one program has
received two such awards at the same Conference. They were very proud
to represent Palm Desert.
X. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. MINUTES of the Regular City Council Meeting of October 8, 2009.
Rec: Approve as presented.
B. CLAIMS AND DEMANDS AGAINST THE CITY TREASURY - Warrant
Nos. 85, 86, 87, 88, 92, 93, and 94.
Rec: Approve as presented.
C. CITY COMMITTEE AND COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES.
1. Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting of September 15, 2009.
2. Public Safety Commission Meeting of September 9, 2009.
Rec: Receive and file.
5
.. -.� .., ,_..__,._._.
� i W �� � �
PRELIMINARY MINUTES
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 22, 2009
D. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of Amendment No. 3 to Contract No. C21460
with County of Riverside Department of Animal Services — Animal Shelter
Services.
Rec: By Minute Motion: 1)Approve Amendment No. 3 in an amount not to
exceed$5,433 to the subject contract with County of Riverside Animal
Services forongoing Animal Control ShelterServices;2)authorize the
Mayor to execute Amendment No. 3; 3) authorize the Director of
Finance to appropriate additional funds of $5,433 to Account
No. 110-4230-442-3090 for Purchase Order No. 16299 forthe subject
Animal Shelter Services Contract.
E. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION to Release the Grading Security for
Parcel Map No. 33996 (Bighorn) (David B. McFarland, Applicant).
Rec: By Minute Motion, authorize release of the grading security for Parcel
Map No. 33996 (Bighorn).
Upon a motion by Kelly, second by Finerty, and 4-0 vote of the City Council, with
Ferguson ABSENT, the Consent Calendar was approved as presented.
XI. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER
None
XII. RESOLUTIONS
A. RESOLUTION NO. 09-75 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA,APPROVING THE FORM OF
AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF A PURCHASE
AND SALE AGREEMENT AND RELATED DOCUMENTS WITH RESPECT
TO THE SALE OF THE SELLER'S PROPOSITION 1 A RECEIVABLE FROM
THE STATE; AND DIRECTING AND AUTHORIZING CERTAIN OTHER
ACTIONS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH.
Mr. Gibson explained that when the State adopted its budget, it declared an
emergency and elected to take money away from cities in the form of a loan,
which it can do every eight years according to the voter-approved Proposition
1A when an emergency is declared. He said the amount being taken from
Palm Desert represents 8% of its property tax revenue($1.2 million), but the
State has also approved legislation allowing bonds to be issued by the State
at no cost to the City in order for it to get 100% of its property tax revenue
immediately instead of waiting three years. Through the subject action, staff
recommends participating in the bond issue for this to occur.
6
� � y, � �
PRELIMINARY MINUTES
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 22, 2009
Mayor Pro Tem Finerty moved to waive further reading and adopt Resolution
No. 09-75. Motion was seconded by Kelly and carried by a 4-0 vote, with Ferguson
ABSENT.
XIII. ORDINANCES
For Introduction:
None
For Adoption:
None
XIV. NEW BUSINESS
A. REQUEST FOR AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE
CITYWIDE DRYWELL REMOVAL PROJECT TO TRI-STAR
CONTRACTING II, INC., IN THE AMOUNT OF $66,457 (CONTRACT
NO. C29280, PROJECT NO. 500-10).
Mr. Greenwood stated in the last several years the City had installed a
number of drywells in locations where no storm drains existed in an attempt
to remove water off the streets. Over the course of time, drywells wore out,
got water logged, and their effectiveness is lost. This contract was to remove
those drywells that have lost their effectiveness.
Councilman Kelly moved to, by Minute Motion: 1) Award the subject contract for
Construction of the Citywide Drywell Removal Project to Tri-Star Contracting II, Inc., Desert
� Hot Springs, California, in the amount of$66,457; 2) authorize the Mayor to execute said
contract—funds are available in Capital Reserve Account No. 420-4291-433-4001. Motion
was seconded by Finerty and carried by a 4-0 vote, with Ferguson ABSENt.
B. REQUEST FOR DISCUSSION ON THE CITY OF PALM DESERT'S
TRAVEL POLICY.
Mr. Wohlmuth stated at the October 8, 2009, City Council meeting,
Councilman Kelly requested this item be placed on the agenda. Staff
prepared a staff report providing options and requesting direction. Options
included revising the 2008 Travel Policy and Guidelines to a per diem-type
of policy. If Council chose the per diem policy, staff would recommend
following the Federal Government General Services Per Diem Rate, based
on metropolitan areas within the United States. He said approximately 80%-
90% of the travel was associated with conferences or seminars where there
7
"r"�"�, �+ �"""�"
PRELIMINARY MINUTES
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 22, 2009
was a published hotel rate with that conference/seminar.Staff recommended
reviewing the per diem and exempting the hotel rate when iYs published.
Upon that direction, staff will return with a policy for Council's consideration.
He offered to answer questions.
Mayor Pro Tem Finerty asked what percentage of travel was associated with
conferences or seminars.
Mr. Wohlmuth answered 80% to 90%. Further responding, he said in most
cases the perdiem rate was lowerthan the published conference rate,which
was usually a negotiated rate based on the conference being attended. The
negotiation is conducted by the entity that's holding the conference, e.g.,
League of California Cities, or International City Manager's Association.
Mayor Pro Tem Finerty stated that if Council were to approve a straight per
diem without affecting the conference room rate, if it was conceivable that
incidental charges could be made such as a taxi,traveling from the approved
hotel, conforming with the per diem, to the actual site of the conference.
Mr.Wohlmuth answered yes. He said if one did not stay at the conference
hotel, there would be incidental charges for parking, taxi, and mileage for
travel to and from a hotel in the same city. Since most conferences are held
in major metropolitan areas, parking was usually a charge incurred as well.
Often, those charges are as high as or higher than the hotel rate.
Councilman Kelly stated the City Manager should have more direction than
to review the per diem, because Council had other travels, such as lobbying
in Sacramento, League and Division dinners, and local charitable
organizations it attended. He liked the travel policy to follow AB 1234 as it's
written, which was the law of the State of California. He said that law made
no mention of reimbursement for spouses or traveling companions. On the
other hand, he said there was value to including spouses to Chamber of
Commerce and charitable dinners the Council was invited to attend in the
City of Palm Desert. He said it was his intention, in the future, to pay for his
spouse or anybody he should take with him, and it would be a good idea for
staff to return with two samples. One policy should be written to strictly
follow AB 1234 with the per diem, and the second policy should designate
organization, dinners, and functions that a spouse or guest could attend, and
City Council to then make a decision on which way they wanted to proceed.
Mayor Pro Tem Finerty stated she viewed this as two different things.
Number one, she agreed to direct City Manager to move forward and return
with a Travel Policy following AB 1234 with the per diem. However, she felt
strongly, based on City Manager's responses, that the conference room
rates would be exempt, and that would be one motion, and the second one
8
� �
� """'�
�v�� '` �,�� :�
PRELIMINARY MINUTES
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 22, 2009
would be dealing with the events, whether it's the League, Chamber, civic,
social,where Councilmembers attendance was a benefit with orwithout their
spouse or guest.
Councilmember Benson agreed there were so many charitable organizations
the Council was invited to attend. She said it was hard to decide which one's
were important, because they're all important to the person putting the event
on, and they all benefit the community. However, she felt there should be a
limit on how many or designate which ones to attend.
Councilman Kelly concurred that the policy should include how to handle all
those charitable events.
Mayor Pro Tem Finerty stated that rather than stating what events are
approved,that maybe setting a dollar amount would be better, and then have
Councilmembers decide what's important, because they are invited to so
many events.
Mayor Spiegel stated he agreed with a per diem-type of policy a hundred
percent. He was in retail for 32 years and was a buyer and a merchandise
manager where all his travel was handled per diem. When he lived in
St. Louis, all his travel whether he was going to New York, California or
Europe, a coach ticket was provided. His per diem to Europe was a little
higher, because it was more expensive to stay there; but it was all done by
per diem. He said one could go eat either at McDonald's or at The Ritz, it
didn't make any difference, because only a certain amount of money was
allotted, which he thought was a fair way of handing it. With regard to
special events, which was a tough one to solve, thought maybe the City
Manager can mull it over and return with his recommendation.
Mayor Pro Tem Finerty asked the Mayor if he had an opinion with regard to
exempting the conference room rate.
Mayor Spiegel responded he thought that was already part of what the City
Manager had said, for example, next year the League of California Cities
meeting will be held at the Marriott in San Diego, which he assumed might
be higher than a hotel nearby, but because it's part of the conference, he
would think it would be allowed in whatever option was presented to the
Council.
Mayor Pro Tem Finerty offered to make a motion as suggested on the
agenda.
9
�� '�, �"�"'
PRELIMINARY MINUTES
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 22, 2009
Mayor Spiegel stated that based on previous discussion with City Manager
this evening, the matter would be referred back and a motion was not
necessary.
Councilman Kelly suggested continuing this item.
Mr. Erwin stated that based on discussion, staff had enough direction that it
could put at least two lists together, if not more, to address alternatives and
hopefully put it together, that if Council wanted to, it can pick and choose
paragraphs. Further responding, he said a motion wasn't necessary.
Mr. Wohlmuth stated staff had enough direction to draft a travel policy by
November 12, 2009. He said local meetings were not part of the Travel
Policy, but it appeared local meetings and travel had been combined into one
issue. He agreed to look into the Municipal Code and local meeting rules in
AB 1234 and provide options at the November 12th meeting as well.
With City Council concurrence (Ferguson ABSENT), directed staff to bring the
matter back to the November 12, 2009, Regular Meeting with two policies providing
options: 1) Per diem structure and strict interpretation of AB 1234; 2) per diem structure,
with an exception for Conference Hotel rate and identification of certain charitable and/or
community events where a spouse/guest can participate.
XV. CONTINUED BUSINESS
A. CONSIDERATION OF AN APPEAL OF A DECISION BY THE
CITY MANAGER AND PERMIT ADMINISTRATOR, REVOKING A
MASSAGE ESTABLISHMENT PERMIT FOR TY SPA— 73-891 HIGHWAY
111 Massage Establishment Permit No. 07-43355(Jeon Suyong,Appellant)
(Continued from the meeting of October 8, 2009).
Assistant Planner, Kevin Swartz stated that as part of the City's ongoing
monitoring of massage establishments, the Police and Code Enforcement
Department routinely performed inspections at this location. During the
course of six inspections, massage therapists at Ty Spa failed to comply with
important licensing and posting requirements. At each inspection, at least
one massage therapist was performing or offering massage therapy services
without the required massage permit. At three of the inspections, criminal
citations were issued against those therapists who were without the required
permits. Findings for revocation of the Massage Establishment Permit can
be made since Ty Spa as a business had repeatedly employed individuals
who did not possess the required permits, which was a violation of the Palm
Desert Municipal Code Section 5.90.020(A). Staff recommended the City
Council revoke the Massage Establishment Permit.
10
° �, ��.�-�
PRELIMINARY MINUTES
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 22, 2009
MR. CHUDWICK J. BRADBURY, Applicant's Attorney, stated the Applicant
was unable to speak for herself. He said Ms. Suyong was a registered alien
of Korean National, who had a severe language problem. He said he was
unable to effectively communicate with her without using an interpreter. He
said the Applicant brought with her a spiritual advisor today to assist him in
that endeavor. He said the Applicant had no family in this area, except a
daughterwho lived in Los Angeles who spoke broken English,which was the
onlywayto communicate effectivelywith his client. He sincerely believed the
Applicant did not fully understand the gravity of the citations. He said the
citations themselves were not for any immoral conduct or anything of that
sort. He said the Applicant offered a legitimate therapeutic facility as
established by the declarations he provided to the City Council. In light of
the situation, he felt the Applicant did not have to be put out of business and
essentially stripped of her livelihood. He said the Conditional Use Permit
was revoked by the City on October 6, 2009, at the Planning Commission
Meeting and had been out of business since September 11, 2009, as set
forth in the violation. He understood the City's concern, because there was
no action taken on the part of the Applicant, which was inexcusable.
However, the Municipal Code asked fordistribution of motions of justice and
fairness. The Municipal Code did not require a revocation with regard to
suspension or revocation in light of the totality of the circumstances, which
is under Section 5.87.180 pertaining to massage establishments. In
addition, under Section 5.87.710, all the remedies are deemed appropriate.
He asked the City Council for leniency in this matter, stating he was on board
now, even thought he got in late in the game prior to the Appeal being filed,
and it would be his job to help the Applicant comply and maintain
compliance. He went on to say that some of the citations were handed over
to people working the front desk and answering phones, but they too had
language barriers. He again asked the Council for leniency, stating it was
the only way the Applicant could make a living here in Palm Desert, and it
would only add to another vacant facility on Highway 111. He said
punishment had been merited, but he thought it was extreme. He said
instead a fine for a reasonable amount and suspension, which are both
provided by the Code, would be fair and equitable, and just. He noted one
of the Applicant's clients was present to speak on behalf of the Applicant.
MR. DAVID HARVEY BROWN stated he lived in Indian Wells and had been
a customer of Ty Spa for a year. He said the Applicant did not have the
opportunity to speak to anyone in the City of Palm Desert in the language
that she could understand as she spoke Korean and didn't speak English.
He became aware of the ApplicanYs situation a month ago when the
Applicant asked if he was a lawyer. He said he was a retired DEA lawyer,
but he didn't have a license in the State of California. He advised the
Applicant to get someone to represent her, but up until that day, the
Applicant didn't understand she was in any trouble. He said Ms. Suyong ran
11
: m'"� A .�'�
��7�X� xo
�x .�i" �
PRELIMINARY MINUTES
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 22, 2009
a good, honest, ethical business, and there was no reason to put the lady out
of business; she wasn't doing anything morally wrong. He understood there
were citations issued, but they were delivered to people at the front desk and
not the massage therapist. He said one of the things about Korean's was
that they were very gracious people and agreed with one on anything one
said. He said if they are handed a piece of paper, they thank you very much
and go on to the next customer. It was his opinion that the Applicant wasn't
ignoring the citations, but just simply didn't understand.
Responding to question, Senior Code Compliance Officer Pedro Rodriguez
agreed that the Applicant's ability to speak English may be limited, but he
believed they were able to understand each other and understood why Code
Enforcement was there. The times he did speak to the Applicant, an
interpreter came on the Applicant's telephone where everything was
translated, and based on those conversations, he believed they understood
what was happening.
Mayor Pro Tem Finerty asked if the Applicant was cited six times.
Mr. Rodriguez responded the ApplicanYs employees were cited for operating
without a license. He disagreed with Mr. Chadwick's statement that citations
were handed out to clerks answering the phone, because he himself and
deputies witnessed therapists coming out of rooms where massage services
were offered, and the patrons, after being asked, pointed out the therapist.
He said Code Enforcement didn't just hand out citations to clerks answering
the phone because thaYs not how they operated. He said people were seen
coming out of massage rooms, they were approached, and it was
determined thattherapistswere performing without permits,so citationswere
issued.
Mayor Pro Tem Finerty moved to waive further reading and adopt Resolution No.
09-74, upholding the City Manager's and Permit Administrator's decisions to revoke an
existing Massage Establishment Permit, No. 07-43355, forTy Spa. Motion was seconded
by Benson.
Mayor Spiegel noted this was a consideration of an Appeal of a decision by
the City Manager and Permit Administrator.
Mr. Erwin explained the citation was done through Code Enforcement, but
the Permit Administrator/Finance Department is designated the responsibility
because thaYs where the permit was issued.
Mr. Gibson noted that part of the process was to have the City Attorney
review the case and determine what would be the appropriate step, which
12
� �� ��
�������� �
PRELIMINARY MINUTES
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 22, 2009
have led up to this point. Further responding, he said he supported staff's
recommendation.
Mayor Spiegel called for the vote and it carried by a 4-0 vote, with Ferguson
ABSENT.
XVI. OLD BUSINESS
None
XVII. PUBLIC HEARINGS
None
XVIII. REPORTS AND REMARKS
A. CITY MANAGER
None
B. CITY ATTORNEY
None
C. CITY CLERK
None
D. PUBLIC SAFETY
o Fire Department
None
o Police Department
None
E. MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
o City Council Requests for Action:
None
13
�����
PRELIMINARY MINUTES
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 22, 2009
o City Council Committee Reports
1. Palm Sprinqs Desert Resort Communities CVA — Mayor
Spiegel reported thatthe CVAannounced its HIBC(Hospitality
Industry and Business Council) was giving $50,000 to the
Coachella Valley Economic Partnership(CVEP)in furtherance
of its activities.
o City Council Comments:
1. Jacaueline Cochran Air Show — Councilman Kelly reminded
everyone of the Air Show coming up on Saturday,
November 7, 10:00 a.m., with free admission. He encouraged
anyone interested in airplanes of any era to participate.
XIX. ADJOURNMENT
With City Council concurrence, Mayor Spiegel adjourned the meeting at 4:48 p.m.
ROBERT A. SPIEGEL, MAYOR
ATTEST:
RACHELLE D. KLASSEN, CITY CLERK
CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA
14