HomeMy WebLinkAboutPrelim - ADJ/JT CC - 12/21/09 DRAFT �-
,,�..� � PRELIMINARY MINUTES
� ADJOURNED REGULAR JOINT MEETING OF T
HE
PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL
AND
PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2009 — 1:00 P.M.
CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBER
73510 FRED WARING DRIVE, PALM DESERT, CA 92260
I. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor/Chairman Finerty convened the meeting at 1:01 p.m.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - Councilman Robert A. Spiegel
III. INVOCATION - Councilman Richard S. Kelly
IV. ROLL CALL
Present:
Councilmember/Member Jean M. Benson
Mayor Pro Tem/Vice Chairman Jim Ferguson
Councilman/Member Richard S. Kelly
Councilman/Member Robert A. Spiegel
Mayor/Chairman Cindy Finerty
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
Russell Grance, Director of Building & Safety
Lauri Aylaian, Director of Community Development
Janet M. Moore, Director of Housing
J. Luis Espinoza, Assistant Finance Director
Grace L. Mendoza, Deputy City Clerk
V. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
MS. DEBORAH McGARREY, Public Affairs Manager, Southern California Gas
Company, Palm Springs, CA, introduced herself as being the new person in the
position with Southern California Gas for the last month and offered to provide her
assistance whenever it was needed.
PRELIMINARY MINUTES DRAFT
ADJOURNED REGULAR JOINT MEETING OF THE
PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL AND
PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY DECEMBER 21, 2009
VIII. NEW BUSINESS
A. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF ADVANCE AND REIMBURSEMENT
AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENTAGENCY
AND THE CITY OF PALM DESERT; ADOPTION OF RESOLUTIONS OF THE
CITYCOUNCILAND REDEVELOPMENTAGENCYTOAPPROVE PAYMENT
BY THE AGENCY AND AN ADVANCE BY, AND REIMBURSEMENT OF, THE
CITY FOR ACQUISITION OF LAND AND INSTALLATION AND
CONSTRUCTION OF PUBLIC OPEN SPACE AND RECREATIONAL
IMPROVEMENTS; AND APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS FOR ACQUISITION
OF LAND.
Ms. Aylaian called attention to the report contained in the agenda packets and
offered to answer questions.
Councilman/Member Ferguson moved to: 1) By Minute Motion, approve the subject
Advance and Reimbursement Agreement between the Redevelopment Agency and the City
(Contract No. R29440);2)waive further reading and adopt City Council Resolution No. 09-81,
approving payment by the Redevelopment Agency for the value of the land and cost of
installation and construction of public open space and recreational improvements, and
approving said Agreement with the Agency; 3) waive further reading and adopt
Redevelopment Agency Resolution No. 568, approving payment by the Redevelopment
Agency for the value of the land and cost of installation and construction of public open space
and recreational improvements, and approving said Agreement with the City; 4) by Minute
Motion, appropriate$2,000,000 to Account No.850-4495-464-4001 from Unobligated Project
Area No. 1 Funds for this purpose. Motion was seconded by Benson and carried by a 4-1
vote of the City Council/Agency Board, with Kelly voting NO.
B. REQUEST FOR RATIFICATION OF A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT WITH SMART MICHAEL SIMINOFF(SMS)ARCHITECTS, INC.,
IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $24,750 AND APPROVAL OF
AMENDMENT NO. 2 IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $7,800 FOR THE
DESERT WILLOW KITCHEN/BUILDING EXPANSION PROJECT
(CONTRACT NO. R29450).
Redevelopment Manager Martin Alvarez explained that the subject request
would allow staff to proceed with an amendment to the contract and ratify an
existing contract with SMS Architects to help address the City Council/Agency
Board plan for the Desert Willow Kitchen and Building Expansion. He offered
to answer questions.
Upon inquiry, Mr. Alvarez said the only expenditures that have been incurred
so far are the subject contract for $24,750, with the additional $7,800 to allow
staff to come back to the City Council/Agency Board at the Study Session on
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PRELIMINARY MINUTES
ADJOURNED REGULAR JOINT MEETING OF THE D
PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL AND �,�� � �
PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY DECEMBER 21, 2009
warranted more discussion at the Study Session. Further, the Kitchen
Expansion is a project unto itself. When it was constructed, the facility was
probably never contemplated to be what it is today— demands of the back of
the house (i.e., kitchen and storage facilities)were rather understated for what
the property required, even now. Therefore, either consideration of what's
already done with construction or some possible changes to the building may
be necessary going forward. He offered to provide further information
whenever it's needed.
Councilman/Member Spiegel commented that if one is at Desert Willow on a
sunny day, no one is sitting inside; they're all on the patio, which is completely
full. The City wants to grow the restaurant and luncheon business, and he felt
the only way that could be done would be to expand the patio. Secondly, he'd
been dissatisfied with the size of the bar area since the Clubhouse opened; it's
very difficult for people to get to the bar during special events. If those two
things could be corrected, Desert Willow would do more business.
Councilmember/Member Benson added that if people cringed at the thought of
how much Indian Wells and La Quinta spent on their clubhouses (she believed
it was $13.5 million in La Quinta), Palm Desert was very conservative and built
the Desert Willow Clubhouse for $5.7 million. She thought the proposed
expansion would not make the Clubhouse look massive, but instead enhance
it forthe many desert residents who enjoy outdoordining. She emphasized that
enlarging the patio should not be initiated without enlarging the kitchen —
service is paramount. She felt it was very prudent to invest in the City's own
property in order to generate a return over the years.
Mayor/Chairman Finerty agreed, adding that Desert Willowwas one of the best
places anywhere to have lunch and host functions. If the goal is to enhance
revenues by enhancing the seating, the kitchen must also be enhanced. She
felt the current level of service could be improved upon and was concerned that
if the City moves ahead with any expansion, service will suffer, and there will be
no return on the investment. She felt it would be best to move forward and look
at all of the options available before making any further decisions; the Study
Session will be beneficial.
Councilman/Member Spiegel moved to, by Minute Motion: 1) Ratify an Agreement for
Professional Services with SMS Architects, Inc., Irvine, California, in an amount not to exceed
$24,750, including $1,000 for reimbursables for the subject project; 2) approve Amendment
No. 2 to the subject contract in an amount not to exceed $7,800; 3) authorize the Chairman
to execute the Amendment—funds are available in the Desert Willow FY 2009-2010 Capital
Improvement Budget.
Councilman/Member Kelly understood that all the other locations spent more
money than Palm Desert. He also thought about it each time he received an
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PRELIMINARY MINUTES
ADJOURNED REGULAR JOINT MEETING OF THE
PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL AND ��
PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY ��C�MBER 21
, 2009
Commission: Ron Gregory, Karel Lambell, Chris Van Vliet; b) Art In Public Places
Commission: Donna Jean Darby, Maureen Thompson; c) Audit. Investment & Finance
Committee: Everett Wood; d) Buildinq Board of Appeals & Condemnation: Eric Vogt;
e)EI Paseo BusinessAssociation:Sonia Campbell, Robert Ftiday, Michael Shimer;f)Housina
Commission: Verna Smith, Jane Turner; g) Library Promotion Committee:
Barbara Rosenberg; h) Marketinq Committee: Emily Bird-Hrivnak, Lee Morcus; i) Parks &
Recreation Commission: Michael Barnard, Roger Dash;j)Planning Commission:Van Tanner;
k) Rent Review Commission: Arne Werchick; I) Youth Committee: Raine Armstrong,
Kevin Autran, Laura Baldwin, Alahna Dunbar, Carl Gerhardt, Donald (Bryce) Griffith,
Toni Gutierrez, Kate Hart,Alison McCollister, Briana Nolan,Jason Richard,Jonny Rohrbaugh,
Jenna Scott, Abby Sturgeon, Elle Wohlmuth.
Motion was seconded by Benson and carried by a 5-0 vote.
Mayor/Chairman Finerty congratulated the appointees who were in the audience today
and said the City Council looked forward to working with them all beginning in January.
D. CONSIDERATION OF THE CITY COUNCIL AND AGENCY BOARD
COMMITTEE/COMMISSION LIAISON ASSIGNMENTS FOR 2010.
Following is a verbatim transcript of the discussion and action occurring with this item.
�
CF Mayor/Chairman Cindy Finerty
JMB Councilmember/Member Jean M. Benson
RSK Councilman/Member Richard S. Kelly
JF Mayor Pro Tem/Vice Chairman Jim Ferguson
GLM Grace L. Mendoza, Deputy City Clerk
RAS Councilman/Member Robert A. Spiegel
RDK Rachelle D. Klassen, City Clerk
JMW John M. Wohlmuth, City Manager/RDA Executive Director
CF Next is "Consideration of the City Council and Agency Board Committee/Commission
Liaison Assignments for 2010." In our agenda packet was...the 2009 Committee
Assignments, and...l was wondering if there were suggestions or changes that any of
you may have had. And we'll start with Councilman Kelly.
JMB I didn't have that
RSK I...don't ha-....I...
CF It's the very last page of your...
JF Packet.
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PRELIMINARY MINUTES
ADJOURNED REGULAR JOINT MEETING OF THE ���,�'T
PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL AND
PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY DECEMBER 21, 2009
JMB I don't see Sister City on here...(unclear)
CF I was going to put that under my comments.
RDK It's up Number 29 on the list.
CF 29, mmm hmm.
JMB Oh, okay. I...am willing to change the Animal Campus with Cindy for Sister Cities.
CF Thatwould begreat...l appreciatethat. Discussionthat...l had...goesto...primarily...the
Landscape Beautification Committee. I served on the Landscape Beautification
Committee as the liaison from Planning Commission for several years, and I
actually...was instrumental in creating that position. During the four months...when,
after Buford Crites had resigned, Councilman Spiegel stepped in and has remained
in that position since. And I would very much like to be reappointed back into
Landscape Beautification so that we have differing point of views. It's a...Committee
that I miss...very much, and I have...acquiesced as the new person on the block...for
three years...and having Councilman Spiegel consid-, continue on. But I would like
to...have Council's consideration for putting me back to the Landscape Beautification
Committee.
RAS Are you suggesting you replace myself or Councitman Kelly?
CF Well, Councilman Kelly was a mainstay, and I think...Councilman Spiegel, you just
filled in forthe four short months...before,from the time that...excuse me,from the time
that...Buford Crites resigned `til the time I was elected.
RAS Well I don't want to get off of it. You can vote me off, just the way you did with the
CVA.
CF I heard Councilman Keily say that he would like to stay on it, so...
RSK I'm the one that originated the Committee.
CF I understand.
RSK So there's no way...that's one of my primary interests.
CF I understand. A couple other changes...that I thought might be helpful would be
Number 16-the CVAG Transportation Committee...to put the Alternate as Mayor Pro
Tem Ferguson, since he's now representing the City on RCTC, leaving Councilman
Kelly as the primary representative. Also on Item Number 30...
JF Yeah.
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PRELIMINARY MINUTES
ADJOURNED REGULAR JOINT MEETING OF THE �����
PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL AND
PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY DECEMBER 21, 2009
CF Okay.
RAS So it would be Mayor Pro Tem Ferguson and Councilman Keily...for the pool.
JF Good idea.
JMB What Number's the pool?
RAS It's not on there.
CF We're going to make that Number 43.
RAS The new one.
JMB Oh, 43, oh. And iYs gonna' be who?
CF Mayor Pro Tem Ferguson and Councilmember Kelly.
JF That'll be a good one to work on.
CF Mmm hmm.
JF And (unclear)...Energy Finance?
CF Yes. Mr. City Manager, were we going to add the Energy Finance to this as well?
JMW Certainly, that one too. We have one Counci�member, Mayor Pro Tem Ferguson, sits
on, we have an ad hoc...Energy Independence and Energy...Program Committee that
we work with...primarily staff and Councilmember Ferguson. We would like to appoint
a second Councilmember, that would be good.
JF Well I'd certainly like to cease being the only one that really knows the Program. And
if anybody has an interest...l think it's always good if two or more of us know what's
going on.
CF Well I ha-...
JF Be like Dick Kelly in transportation, it's, you know...it's...
JMB (Inaudible)
CF Mmm hmm
JF ...if you decided you didn't want to do transportation one day, we'd be stuck.
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PRELIMINARY MINUTES
ADJOURNED REGULAR JOINT MEETING OF THE DI���T
PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL AND
PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY DECEMBER 21, 2009
JF Okay. ThaYs done.
CF Hmmm, onto...
JF So, my next one is 16.
CF Okay. I would just say that Number 11...1 would become the repres-, City's
representative.
JF By virtue of being Mayor.
CF Mayor.
JMB Automatic.
CF Right. And same with Number 14 and then Number 16.
JF And Number 16, I'd take your place as the Alternate for CVAG Transportation.
CF Okay. The staff report also mentioned Number 18, potentially doing away with that.
RAS It's finished.
JMW Correct.
RAS We don't need anybody for 18, do we?
JMW Yeah, I think that was, as far as I can tell, that was an ad hoc during the development
of Entrada del Paseo.
RAS So we can eliminate it.
JMW (Unclear)
JF We can strike that one off.
CF Okay.
RSK So you just did CVAG Transportation, and you...
JMB And we eliminated...
JF We're deleting Number 18, I'm your Alternate.
RSK You're gonna' be my Alternate.
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PRELIMINARY MINUTES
ADJOURNED REGULAR JOINT MEETING OF THE D� �
PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL AND
PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY DECEMBER 21, 2009
RSK ...wild interest.
JF Okay.
CF Okay.
RSK I never did get along very good with accountants.
(Laughter)
CF Okay.
JF So it'll...let's see, Investment & Finance won't be the Mayor and the Mayor Pro Tem,
it would be Spiegel, it would be, stay the same, would be Spiegel, Finerty.
CF Mmm hmm.
RSK What...did we make...one of those a permanent position, is that what we did?
JF Yeah.
RSK I would...
JMB The Investment Committee was...we did something, John, that made it the Mayor and
the Mayor Pro Tem. So maybe we should change whatever document we did and
make it Mayor and one appointee.
JMW Staff would be (unclear)...
RSK Yeah, I like the idea of the Mayor being there.
JF Okay.
RSK With an...we could have an appointed person that stays there. But I kinda' like the
idea of the Mayor being responsible.
JMB Mayor and one appointee, yeah.
RSK With an appointee.
JF And it's good for this year.
RSK Hmm?
CF Ahh-ha.
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PRELIMINARY MINUTES �����
ADJOURNED REGULAR JOINT MEETING OF THE
PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL AND
PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY DECEMBER 21, 2009
(Laughter)
RSK I wanted to go, so I didn't.
RAS They're always happy to see him.
CF Okay.
JF Okay. That...
CF Okay, that's good
JF I have no problem with that at ail.
CF I think that Number 31, Councilman Kelly was happy for me to pick up as being the
Alternate for the CVA.
JMB And thaYs you.
JF Yeah.
CF Mmm hmm. And then we had...the Energy Finance of the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem,
and Aquatic Center...
RDK Did you want...
CF ...would be Mayor Pro Tem Ferguson and Councilmember Kelly. So I don't think any
of those were contested.
RSK What...number are we on now?
CF 43 and 44; although, if we eliminate 18, that's gonna' change our numbering system,
but for purposes of discussion today...Number 43,the Aquatic Center,would be Mayor
Pro Tem Ferguson and Councilmember Kelly. And the Energy Finance, Number 44,
would be Mayor Pro Tem Ferguson and Mayor Finerty.
RDK And when you say Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem, you mean for this year, it's not like a
permanent, like the Audit Committee?
CF That's my understanding, yes.
RDK Thank you.
JF Umm...
17
PRELIMINARY MINUTES
ADJOURNED REGULAR JOINT MEETING OF THE R�,�
PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL AND
PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY DECEMBER 21, 2009
RSK ...which is required for us to have a...liquor license at Desert Willow.
JF Right.
CF Okay.
JF So I don't know who the Members are now.
RDK Oscar Armijo and Phil Smith are your current Outside Members.
JF Okay. And then the other one, which I guess it doesn't have to be on here, was the
Palm Desert - Rancho Mirage Monterey Corridor Committee.
(Laughter)
JMB Well, if they'd open that, we wouldn't need a Committee.
JF Well, that's all...
JMB They quit workin' on it.
JF Well, that's...l think Councilman Kelly and I were on that as well, and we've been
working to get them to widen it to three lanes all the way to Mont-, Highway 111 and
Country Club. So just to be complete.
CF Okay. With that, I think we've taken care of everything with the exception of Number
22.
RSK And did we decide on that one yet?
JF On what one?
RSK On the Monterey?
JF Do you still want to do it, or are you tired of it?
RSK Well...l'm...whatever...
JF Would anybody else want to do it?
RSK ...Councit would like. I guess you and I probably ought to keep doin' it.
JF Well, I, it used to be Harvey Gerber and Alan Seman that were on it, so I have a
feeling that...
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PRELIMINARY MINUTES
ADJOURNED REGULAR JOINT MEETING OF THE Q�� �
PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL AND
PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY DECEMBER 21, 2009
CF No.
JF Why, do you want to make a change?
RSK No.
JF Okay.
CF Okay. Did anyone else have comments? Seeing none, is there a motion to adjourn?
IX. ADJOURNMENT
Upon a motion by Spiegel, second by Ferguson, and unanimous vote of the
City Council/Agency Board, Mayor/Chairman Finerty adjourned the meeting at 1:45 p.m.
CINDY FINERTY, MAYOR/CHAIRMAN
ATTEST:
RACHELLE D. KLASSEN, CITY CLERK/SECRETARY
CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA/
PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
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