HomeMy WebLinkAboutLAFCO - Reinstate Sun City ot PD Sphere of Influence CITY OF PALM DESERT
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
STAFF REPORT
REQUEST: That the City Council reaffirm their request to the Riverside County
Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) to reinstate the Sun
City Palm Desert area into the Palm Desert Sphere of Influence.
SUBMITTED BY: Lauri Aylaian, Director of Community Development
DATE: April 22, 2010
CONTENTS: Map of Proposed Sphere of Influence Area
Recommendation
That the City Council, by minute motion, reaffirm their direction given on
December 11, 2008, to ask the Riverside County Local Agency Formation
Commission (LAFCO) to reintroduce Sun City Palm Desert and the
adjacent commercial area into the Palm Desert Sphere of Influence (SOI).
Executive Summary
A group of property owners in the Thousand Palms community has petitioned LAFCO
to deny the Palm Desert City Council's request to have the Del Webb - Sun City area
reintroduced into the Palm Desert Sphere of Influence. As they consider the matter, the
LAFCO commissioners would like to verify that the request of the City Council is still
valid. The original request was made fourteen months ago in December 2008.
Backqround
The Palm Desert Sphere of Influence was expanded north of Interstate 10 to include
Del Webb - Sun City ("Sun City Palm Desert") in 1998. The area comprises 3.7 square
miles, including Sun City and a commercial district west of Washington Street between
38th Avenue and Interstate 10; the whole area is commonly referred to as the Sun City
Sphere of Influence (SOI). (See attached map.)
In early 2007, LAFCO representatives asked Palm Desert to review its sphere of
influence areas, including the Sun City and Bermuda Dunes areas, and make known
their plans for retaining them. In April 2007, the Palm Desert City Council directed staff
to advise LAFCO that they had no interest in maintaining the Del Webb — Sun City area
in the Palm Desert Sphere of Influence, but wanted to maintain Bermuda Dunes within
the City's SOI. They also directed staff to have a fiscal analysis performed for potential
Sun City Palm Desert Sphere of Influence
April 22, 2010
Page 2 of 3
annexation of Bermuda Dunes at some point in the future. On October 25, 2007,
LAFCO held a public hearing on the matter and passed Resolution 117-07, removing
the Del Webb — Sun City area from the Palm Desert Sphere of Influence.
In late 2008, LAFCO requested that the City identify changes, if any, anticipated to
Palm Desert's SOI during the next five years. In response to this request and to public
testimony on the issue, the City Council directed staff to ask LAFCO to reinstate the
Sun City area in Palm Desert's SOI. A hearing was held in front of the Local Agency
Formation Commission on 3 December 2009; the matter has been continued three
times. At the most recent LAFCO meeting on 25 March 2010, the Commission
requested that the Palm Desert City Council reaffirm their interest in reintroducing the
Sun City area into their sphere of influence.
Discussion
A sphere of influence is defined as a "plan for the probable physical boundaries and
service area of a local agency." Spheres of influence are used by cities as planning
tools to ascertain the levels of service for any potential future incorporations or
annexations. However, inclusion of a particular area in a sphere of influence does not
categorically mean that the city is actively trying to annex the area. Nor does it mean
definitively that the lands within the SOI cannot be annexed into another jurisdiction.
A contingent of property owners and residents from Thousand Palms has expressed
opposition to having the Sun City area reinstated in Palm Desert's Sphere of Influence.
In particular, they object to inclusion of the commercial properties along Interstate 10,
believing that the revenue from these properties will be needed by Thousand Palms for
financial viability in the event that it incorporates as a city in the future. Their opposition
is the principal reason why LAFCO has continued consideration of the matter three
times. Representatives plan to attend the City Council meeting to voice their concerns
in person, and to ask whether the City Council intends to annex the subject area.
On the other side of the discussion, representatives of Sun City Palm Desert have
expressed strong support for reintroduction into the SOI. More than 3,800 letters of
support have been submitted by the Sun City Palm Desert Community Association.
Those letters are in binders that will be available for your inspection in the City Council
offices during the week of 19 April 2010, and will be available at the 22 April 2010
meeting. The Community Association will also ask representatives to present their
position orally at the meeting.
Unless the City Council has ruled out the possibility of annexing the Sun City area, staff
believes that it is important to reinstate the entire area originally included in the SOI.
The cost of providing services to residential developments is typically greater than the
revenue they provide to a city through property taxes. Hence a balance of land uses,
including commercial and industrial uses, is usually required for an area to be revenue
neutral when incorporation or annexafion is considered. The area north of Interstate 10
g:\planning\tonya monroe\word files\city council staff reports�2010 04-22 sun city sphere of influence.doc
Sun City Palm Desert Sphere of Influence
April 22, 2010
Page 3 of 3
originally included in Palm Desert's SOI included the Del Webb — Sun City residential
development, plus the commercial and industrial properties fronting along Interstate 10
to the west. These properties are effectively separated from the rest of Thousand
Palms by the Thousand Palms Conservation Area of the Coachella Valley Multiple
Species Habitat Conservation Plan.
Fiscal Analvsis
Without the commercial areas to the west of Sun City, it is unlikely that the residential
area alone would ever be fiscally suitable for annexation. Without a detailed fiscal
analysis, staff cannot determine if some smaller portion of the Interstate 10 frontage
would support the added burden of the residential properties. Such a fiscal analysis is
not usually performed until or unless annexation is studied. Reintroducing the subject
area in the Palm Desert Sphere of Influence would not require any capital expenditure
and would not have any impact on the City's operating budget.
Submitted by:
Lauri Aylaian, Director of Community Development
Approval•
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S UN G ITY
PALM D ESERT
G'ommunity Association
April 15, 2010
The Honorable Cindy Finerty
City of Palm Desert
73-510 Fred Waring Drive
Palm Desert, CA 92260
Dear Mayor Finerty:
On behalf of our board and staff, and the overwhelming majority of our residents, I ask that you and your
fellow council members continue your support for reinstatement of Palm Desert's former sphere of
influence boundaries.
On April 6, 2010, we received a letter from your City Manager John Wohimuth informing us that the Palm
Desert Sphere of Influence would be on the Agenda for the April 22, 2010 City Council meeting. John
encouraged us to ask our residents if they want to return to the City of Palm Desert's Sphere of Influence.
We have polled our residents at Sun City Palm Desert Community Association and they have spoken
loud and clear. In just nine days, we have had an overwhelming response, with nearly 78% of our 4985
homes responding, all in the affirmative. Our residents truly wish to return to the Palm Desert Sphere of
Influence.
Please reaffirm your request to LAFCO to return our community and the surrounding commercial
properties to your Sphere of Influence.
Sincerely,
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ill Murphy, President � �'-��'
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Prusinowski, Karen
From: Hermann, David
Sent: Tuesday, April 13, 2010 4:39 PM
To: Prusinowski, Karen
Subject: FW: - Sun City Palm Desert
Hello Karen,
The email below is adciressed ta the City�c�ur�ci(. Per directior�, I am fcrrwarclir�� it to the City Manag�r so thak he ca��
evaluate how best to handl� it.
Tl�s�nlc yc�u very rn�ch far y�ur helg�!
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David Hermann
Public Information Officer
City of Palm Desert
760-776-6380
From: lila slanovec [mailto:lila.slanovec7381@att.net]
Sent: Tuesday, April 13, 2010 4:28 PM
To: InformationMail
Subject: [NEWSENDER] - Sun City Palm Desert
Subj�ct: F�alm Des��� S�h�r� o� ir�f�u�r���
D�ar Palm (��ser� �ity �ca�nci� ��m�ers.
I am 'resident QF �ur� City'P�Im [�esert �r�d I �m r�questi�g that yt�u
restt�re ou'r �t�mmunity ��d �he �urrc�€ar�dir�� cc�mmercial ar�a �o ye�ur
Spher� c�f in�l�enc�. C�ur ��mmur�6�y t��s k���r� clasely �ligr�ed wi�� P�Im
Deser� fcar m�r�y years anci we are pr�ud �c� inciu�� it in �ur r��r�e.
Sincerely, L.il� Slar�c�vec 7��54 Nampshire Av�. Palm Des�rt, CA 9��� 1
760-�72-9308
i
MINUTES
ADJOURNED REGULAR
PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING NOVEMBER 20, 2008
Councilman Kelly stated this smelled like creative financing, and there were
so many complications, changes, and rules to reaching the bottom line; it
scared him, and he would not be voting for it until he saw something that was
less creative.
Mayor Benson called for the vote, and the motion carried by a 3-1 vote, with Kelly
voting NO and Ferguson ABSENT.
For Adoption:
None
XIV. NEW BUSINESS
A. CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST FOR THE ISSUANCE OF A
CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY FOR LOTS 124, 125, AND 126 AT
DOLCE TRACT NO. 31071 WITHOUT COMPLETION OF OFFSITE AND
ONSITE IMPROVEMENTS APPROVED WITH THE PROJECT Case
No. TR 31071 (Rifington Communities, Applicant).
Mr. Ortega noted this issue had been resolved and requested this item be
pulled from the agenda. The Applicant provided bonds to guarantee the
completion of the improvements.
With City Council concurrence, this item was WITHDRAWN from the Agenda and
no action was taken.
B. REQUEST FOR CONFIRMATION THAT NO CHANGES IN THE
�,,,� PALM DESERT SPHERES OF INFLUENCE ARE ANTICIPATED WITHIN
THE NEXT FIVE YEARS.
Councilman Kelly moved, to by Minute Motion, confirm that no changes in the Palm
Desert Spheres of Influence are anticipated within the next five years so that this
information can be provided to the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO). Motion
was seconded by Finerty.
Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel stated Corky Larson met with him, and she asked
to have the Council reconsider having Sun City back in Palm Desert's sphere
of influence. He said Sun City residents feared being taken over by another
community in another city. He said Sun City wouldn't have to be brought
into the City, just under it's sphere of influence at no cost to the City.
Ms. Larson wished to discuss this matter with other members of the Council,
but he didn't know if she had the opportunity to do so. He recommended a
continuance.
14
MINUTES
ADJOURNED REGULAR
PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING NOVEMBER 20, 2008
Councilman Kelly withdrew his motion and moved to continue this matter to the
meeting of December 11, 2008. Motion was seconded by Finerty and carried by a 4-0 vote
with Ferguson ABSENT. �
C. REQUEST FOR AWARD OF CONTRACT TO HUNSAKER& ASSOCIATES,
INC., FOR LAND SURVEYING SERVICES FOR A RECORD OF SURVEY
OF THE HIGHWAY 111 CORRIDOR(CONTRACT NO. C28330, PROJECT
NO. 635-08).
Responding to question, Mr. Greenwood stated the City recently assumed
jurisdiction of Highway 111, and because it was built over the course of 50
years, the location of the property line was always in doubt. He said there
was quite a bit of surveying involved to determine where the road and
property line were located, so staff was proposing a comprehensive project
to settle the question once and for all; it will help staff with street projects,
community development, and property owners when remodeling..
Councilman Kelly moved to, by Minute Motion: 1) Award the subject contract for
Land Surveying Services for a Record of Survey of the Highway 111 Corridor to Hunsaker
&Associates, Inc., Palm Desert, California, in the amount of$155,700; 2) authorize a 10%
contingency for the project in the amount of $15,570; 3) authorize the Mayor to execute
said contract — funds are available in Account No. 110-4300-413-3010. Motion was
seconded by Finerty and carried by a 4-0 vote, with Ferguson ABSENT.
D. REQUEST FOR AWARD OF CONTRACT TO NANCY J. FRIEDMAN
PUBLIC RELATIONS FOR PUBLIC RELATIONS SERVICES THROUGH
OCTOBER 31, 2009 (CONTRACT NO. C28340).
Responding to question, Ms. Gilligan confirmed this contract was in
conjunction with the Marriott Desert Springs. She said the City had the
ability/opportunity to piggyback under Marriott's contract for a significantly
lower cost. She said this firm had earned a strong backing, and they've done
a great job for the City.
Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel moved to, by Minute Motion: 1) Concur with the Marketing
Committee's recommendation and award the subject contract to Nancy J. Friedman Public
Relations in the amount of $72,000 for Public Relations Services through October 31,
2009; 2) authorize the Mayor to execute the contract on behalf of the City — funds are
available in Account No. 110-4417-414-3090. Motion was seconded by Finerty and carried
by a 4-0 vote, with Ferguson ABSENT.
XV. CONTINUED BUSINESS
15
MINUTES
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 11, 2008
D. REQUEST FOR CONFIRMATION THAT NO CHANGES IN THE PALM
��► DESERT SPHERES OF INFLUENCE ARE ANTICIPATED WITHIN THE
NEXT FIVE YEARS (Continued from the meeting of November 20, 2008).
MS. CORKY LARSON, Sun City, Palm Desert, stated she was present to
address the Palm Desert Sphere of Influence, but first expressed her
appreciation of Mr. Ortega,stating itwas beautiful what he had accomplished
for the City of Palm Desert. She recalled when she was serving as Interim
City Manager for the City of Desert Hot Springs (DHS), she came to
Mr. Ortega for assistance in dealing with DHS financial issues, and he
agreed to lend the City's Financial Directorto help, but also offered the City's
consultant; it was a very common response from him. She went on to say
Mr. Ortega made the Costco Regional Access project happened when she,
the County, and City were in a fight, it was Mr. Ortega who solved that
problem. She characterized him as a Saint of the City and the Coachella
Valley, and she couldn't thank him enough. Returning to the matter at hand,
she introduced the following Board Members from Sun City: David Novick,
Carolyn Einung, Ann Leach, Helen McEnerney, Vice President of the Board
Don Hein, and General Manager Sandy Seddon. She noted a letter was
dropped off for the Council the previous day and presumed the Council had
an opportunity to review it. She said it would be a deal for Palm Desert to
take back Sun City under its sphere of influence because of all the
commercial development within the walls of Sun City, i.e., housing, three
clubhouses, $1.75 billion assessed valuation, private streets, private security,
and non-resident expenses. She said the Council really needed to take a
favorable look at what the area had to offer. Just outside the walls of Sun
City were two hotels with a third one about to be built, a Stater Bros., and
mammoth commercial revenue possibilities. She asked the Council to return
Sun City to its original sphere, which went over to 38�h Avenue to Varner
Road. She would understand if the Council decided annexation would not be
best for the City, but she wanted the chance to show the Council what Sun
City had to offer. Initially when Sun City was dropped from Palm Desert's
sphere, she thought it would be okay because they had an agreement with
the City of Indio; however, she now thought they wouldn't honor it. A study
was done that showed exported taxes exceeded the services they received.
The study was done by Ruthler & Kelly (sp?), a reputable outfit
recommended by George Spiliotis, which she would be happy to share with
the Council.
MS. HELEN MCENERNEY, stated she was former Vice-President/General
Manager of Del Webb California Corp., the developer of Sun City, Palm
Desert, and a current resident of Sun City. She said for the past four years
she was in Florida building an active adult community, but since her return
to the desert this past summer, much to her dismay and surprise, a few
changes had taken place at Sun City. One in particular related to the action
21
MINUTES
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 11, 2008
taken by the City of Indio to place its sphere east of Washington Street and
west of Adams Street (north of Sun City and Francis Way right into the
foothills). Back in November of 1996, the City of Indio and Del Webb, of
which she was a signatory on that agreement, had a written signed
agreement regarding annexation. Basically Del Webb would assist in the
annexation of property along Varner Road for purposes of auto mall uses,
including a triangular parcel, which was 40 acres a.k.a. Capter Parcel. The
written agreement was very clear that except for the Capter property,the City
of Indio would annex west of Adams Street. However, the City of Indio
approved the Indio Trails project last week; it approved and certified an
Environmental Impact Report (EIP), Change of Zone, and Specific Plan
Development Agreement. This now paved the way for annexation west of
Adams Street, in direct violation of their agreement. What would prevent the
City of Indio from annexing the commercial property south of Sun City along
Varner Road and Interstate 10, which incorporates a Coco's, fast food
restaurants, gas stations, Stater Bros., Walgreens, shops, motels, and other
venues. She recalled in past years, Del Webb worked closely with the City
of Palm Desert to change the name Sun City Palm Springs to Sun City Palm
Desert, and it assisted with a Palm Desert Post Office and the Washington
Street interchange. Even thought Sun City disclosed their homes that were
built in an unincorporated Riverside County, Sun City residents always felt
a strong bond with the City of Palm Desert. She asked the Council to
reconsider the return of Sun City under Palm Desert's sphere, and also to
protect their commercial property. She said at some future point in time,
maybe Palm Desert could annex Sun City into the City of Palm Desert.
Councilman Ferguson stated he represented Indio Trails and wasn't aware
it would be part of this discussion. He recused himself and left the Council
Chamber.
MR. DON HEIN, Vice President of the Board for Sun City Community
Association, concurred with all the details expressed by the previous
speakers on behalf of Sun City. He said they were sincere about wanting to
be part of Palm Desert's sphere of influence, and once this matter was
reviewed by the Council, they will find that it's probably beneficial to both the
City and Sun City residents.
MS. MCENERNEY clarified the reinstatement of Sun City into Palm Desert's
sphere of influence would not include Indio Trails, which was one-half mile
away.
Councilmember Benson recalled Sun City was taken out of Palm Desert's
sphere of influence because La Quinta was cherry-picking all the way up
Washington Street and Sun City was included in that sphere. She said that
22
MINUTES
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 11, 2008
decision was being reconsidered because another hearing had been
scheduled.
Councilman Kelly stated when Sun City was taken out of Palm Desert's
sphere of influence, the Council didn't hear much concern from its residents.
He said it was important to protect Palm Desert's sphere and the people that
lived out in Sun City, so he was in favor of applying to have Sun City in Palm
Desert's sphere of influence.
Responding to question about notifying Local Area Formation Commission
(LAFCO), Mr. Ortega reminded Council that a couple of years ago when the
issue came up, Palm Desert did a study, and Council decided it was not
financially feasible to include Sun City under its sphere because eventually
annexation would have been the next step. The commercial area had not
been built at that time, so he didn't know if all the potential revenue was
included in the study. He suggested Council review the matter again, given
the new commercial growth, and see if it's financially feasible.
Councilman Kelly requested staff prepare a map that outlined exactly what
was being considered, appoint finro Councilmembers to review it, and
continue this item to the next City Council Meeting. However, the final
decision should not be based solely on the City making money, because it
made sense to him that Sun City be under Palm Desert's sphere of
influence. He said there was a lot of development on the west side of Sun
City, and he thought that area needed to be included with the City's proposal.
He had heard the comment that LAFCO thought Palm Desert was vacillating
in and out, but it was a poor excuse for not doing what needed to be done.
Councilman Kelly moved to continue this item to the next City Council meeting, and
direct staff to provide a map that delineated the exact area with street names.
Ms. Aylaian noted the Council had two different choices. She said LAFCO
needed a letter from the City prior to January 2, 2009, indicating what Palm
Desert's intentions were for its sphere of influence for the next five years. If
the Council voted this evening to notify LAFCO about wanting to reintroduce
Sun City to its sphere of influence, staff could do that.
Councilman Kelly modified his motion to send a letterto LAFCO and notifythem that
Palm Desert was proposing keeping Sun City under its sphere of influence, and the City
will follow-up at a later time.
Ms. Aylaian stated the letter to LAFCO would need to include the area it was
considering or justthe area thatwas previously detached from Palm Desert's
sphere of influence. Further responding, she confirmed the previously
23
MINUTES
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 11, 2008
detached area included the area to the west. She offered a recommendation
for Council to consider, and Councilman Kelly agreed with her suggestion.
Councilman Kelly moved to, by Minute Motion, directed staff to send a letter to
LAFCO, indicating the City of Palm Desert's interest in reintroducing formerly detached
area from its Sphere of Influence(Sun City), subject to staff's verification of the lines drawn
on the map, such that they include the related commercial area. Motion was seconded by
Spiegel and carried by a 3-0 vote, with Ferguson and Finerty ABSENT.
Mayor Spiegel stated he hoped representation from Sun City would be
present when this matter went to LAFCO. Ms. Larson agreed. �
E. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION FOR STAFF TO NEGOTIATE WITH
WELLS FARGO BANK REGARDING ITS PROPOSAL TO ASSIST THE
CITY WITH STRUCTURING A VARIABLE RATE BOND ISSUE TO
PROVIDE FINANCING FOR THE CITY'S ENERGY INDEPENDENCE
PROGRAM (Continued from the meetings of November 20, 2008 and
November 24, 2008).
Mr. Ortega noted the Audit, Investment & Financing Committee
recommendation. He said Council had a proposal on the table from Wells
Fargo, and City Consultant Ken Dieker would explain the changes Wells
Fargo was willing to make in order address Council's concerns. At the last
meeting, Wells Fargo was offering a variable with no cap. He said the
Council previously authorized the private placement of$5 million directlywith
the Redevelopment Agency, so the program had money to work with. He
said staff wanted to continue with Wells Fargo's proposal because it
provided long-term financing and they were willing to lower the amount the
City would have to borrow; however, the initial $10 million proposal was still
on the table. He said a representative from Wells Fargo was present to
answer questions.
MR. KEN DIEKER, Del Rio Advisors, Financial Advisor to the City, stated
since the last City Council meeting, Wells Fargo had agreed to finance $5
million versus $10 million; $5 million being the initial amount of loans
currently waiting to be funded. In addition, they were willing to work with the
City to provide a cap to the interest rate, and that cap would be
approximately 5.57% in today's market. When you add the letter of credit,
fees, and re-marketing fees, it was approximately the 7% rate, which would
match the underlying City's loan rate. In summary, Wells Fargo was willing
to finance the $5 million or$10 million and also provide an interest rate cap,
which addressed Mayor Pro Tem Finerty's concern.
Councilman Ferguson apologized for not being present at the last City
Council meeting, but he was meeting with the President of the Public Utilities
24
MINUTES
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JULY 9, 2009
However, at a minimum, given all that the Friends of the Desert had done,
check to see what would work best for them before going out and advertise.
In his opinion, it appeared the City was snubbing them and running an ad to
replace them. He thought a better policy was needed for the Portola
Community Center.
Mayor Pro Tem Finerty called for the vote and it carried on a 4-0 vote.
F. CONSIDERATION OF INFORMATIONAL REPORT REGARDING
LAFCO 2009-04-4, THE REORGANIZATION TO INCLUDE
� ANNEXATION 89 (INDIO TRAILS) TO THE CITY OF INDIO AND
CONCURRENT DETACHMENTS FROM THE RIVERSIDE COUNTY
WASTE RESOURCES MANAGEMENT DISTRICT.
Councilman Ferguson stated he represented Indio Trails two years ago and
didn't believe he had a legal conflict, but probably an appearance of one. He
said he would abstain on this item and left the Council Chamber.
Assistant Planner Missy Grisa stated the City occasionally received notices
from Riverside Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) for the
opportunity to either comment or request more information. The City had
requested to reattached Sun City to Palm Desert's sphere of influence at the
request of Sun City residents, and the proposed annexation of Indio Trails
was directly north of Sun City Palm Desert. Staff was neither in favor nor
against this project; this was strictly a policy decision. Staff was simply
looking to see if the Council had comments so it could respond. If there were
none, this will just be an informational report to the Council.
Councilman Kelly noted Sun City had an active board and wondered if staff
had asked them if they had any comments.
Ms. Grisa responded it had not, but agreed to do so.
Councilman Kelly said it seemed this whole annexation was set up to satisfy
the people in that area because the annexation included five acres of
commercial. He said the City needed to make sure Sun City residents were
comfortable.
Ms. Grisa pointed out that comments were required to be returned by
July 30, 2009. She offered to contact the board of Sun City and either return
to Council with their comments or forward them directly to LAFCO.
Responding to question,she said if there were no comments to offer, nothing
would be filed.
Mr. Wohlmuth stated the City received many notices from LAFCO on
potential annexations by other cities, and the City normally didn't comment.
The only reason this item was on the agenda was because the Council
18
MINUTES
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JULY 9, 2009
recently added Sun City back to the City's sphere of influence, and the
annexation was directly adjacent to Sun City. His recommendation was to
not comment on this annexation, which was the City's typical response.
Councilman Kelly moved to, by Minute Motion, directed staff to contact the Board
of the appropriate Sun City Palm Desert Resident Association to obtain its position and
forward same from the City of Palm Desert to LAFCO. Motion was seconded by Benson
and carried by a 3-0 vote, with Ferguson and Spiegel ABSENT.
�
G. CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF ARTWORK DESIGN PROPOSAL
"PROFESSIONALS WHO CARE" BY PATRICK JEWETT FOR THE
COVE COMMUNITIES SHERIFF STATION LOCATED ON GERALD FORD
DRIVE NEAR MONTEREY AVENUE, PALM DESERT.
Mayor Pro Tem Finerty understood this was an art piece the County had
chosen and will also pay its total cost of$160,000.
Public Arts Coordinator Deborah Schwartz concurred, stating the developer
had already paid $100,000 into the Public Art Fund.
Councilman Kelly moved to, by Minute Motion, consider Patrick Jewett's artwork
proposal, "Professionals Who Care" as the art component for the Cove Communities
Sheriff Station located on Gerald Ford Drive near Monterey Avenue, Palm Desert — fee
paid into the Art Fund to date is $100,000, with artwork cost of$160,000, and developer
will request reimbursement of art fee paid into the Fund once the artwork is complete
(Account No. 436-0000-312-2700). Motion was seconded by Ferguson.
Councilman Ferguson said it was one of the finer public art pieces he's seen
since the Mother and Daughter piece and the one at Freedom Park. He said
he liked realism art, and he would be proud to have it in front of the police
station.
Mayor Pro Tem Finerty commented that recognizable art was always a
pleasure.
Councilman Kelly noted this was a reminder that Council didn't always
disagree with everything Art in Public Places did.
Mayor Pro Tem Finerty called for the vote and it carried by a 4-0 vote, with Spiegel
ABSENT.
19
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