HomeMy WebLinkAboutSponsor 2011 Virginia Waring International Piano Competition - $10,000CITY OF PALM DESERT
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
STAFF REPORT
REQUEST: RECONSIDERATION OF A FUNDING REQUEST TO SPONSOR
THE 2011 VIRGINIA WARING INTERNATIONAL PIANO
COMPETITION TO BE HELD IN PALM DESERT, CA.
SUBMITTED BY: Stephen Y. Aryan, Assistant to the City Manager
DATE: Thursday, January 27, 2011
CONTENTS: Virginia Waring International Piano Competition Sponsorship Packet
Marketing Committee Meeting Minutes (July 20, 2010)
City Council Meeting Minutes (August 26, 2010)
Recommendation
By Minute Motion:
1. Approve sponsorship in the amount of $10,000 for the 2011 Virginia Waring
International Piano Competition; and
2. Appropriate $10,000 from the unobligated General Fund to Special Events
Account No. 110-4416-414-3062.
Backaround
The non-profit Virginia Waring International Piano Competition (VWIPC) hosts a classical
piano competition every other year with participants coming to Palm Desert from around
the world. The next competition is scheduled for March 27 through April 3, 2011, for
juniors (ages 12 and under) and intermediates (ages 13-17). The event is held at
California State University, San Bernardino's Palm Desert Campus. The Finals are held at
the McCallum Theatre.
VWIPC representatives, Ms. Peggy Cravens and Dr. Bentson, presented the Marketing
Committee with an outline of the room nights and non -hotel dollars spent in Palm Desert
by Competition attendees. In 2009, the Competition booked 167 room nights and spent
nearly $63,000 on local merchants. The Competition only provides lodging for one
contestants and accompanying adult. These fiscal estimates do not include the hotel
nights and other dollars spent by additional attendees.
Please note that the VWIPC organization does not look solely to Palm Desert for fiscal
support but seeks funding from a variety of other sources. They also will host a "Black
and White Ball" fundraiser on February 20, 2011, where former United States Secretary of
State Condoleezza Rice will be the Guest of Honor.
Staff Report: VWIPC
January 27, 2011
Page 2of3
The VWIPC originally sought a $25,000 sponsorship. Please note that this item did not go
before the Outside Agency Review Committee, but was originally vetted by the Marketing
Committee on July 20, 2010, who voted unanimously to support the Competition in the
amount of $25,000. However, staff previously recommended sponsorship in the amount
of $10,000 due to the current economy and the fact that this item was not included in the
FY 2010-2011 budget.
The City Council considered this item on August 26, 2010, where Mayor Pro Tern Spiegel
made a motion, which failed to pass, to increase the staff recommended sponsorship
amount from $10,000 to $25,000. A subsequent motion by then Mayor Pro Tern Ferguson
to approve a $10,000 sponsorship received no action as the vote was tied 2-2. The
following tables summarize the funding request for the previous two events:
2007 VIRGINIA WARING COMPETITION: BLACK & WHITE BALL SPONSORSHIP
DATE ACTION
December 5, 2006 Funding request letter received for the amount of $35,000
December 5, 2006 Marketing Committee recommends that the City Council approve
$35,000 funding request for the Black & White Ball sponsorship
December 14, 2006 City Council approves $35,000 sponsorship under the Consent
Calendar
February 11, 2007 Black & White Ball held at Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa
March -April 2007 Competition held at CSUSB Palm Desert Campus
2009 VIRGINIA WARING COMPETITION: BLACK & WHITE BALL SPONSORSHIP
DATE ACTION
August 17, 2007 Funding request letter received for the amount of $35,000
October 11, 2007 Item continued to the October 25, 2007, City Council Meeting
October 25, 2007 Initial motion to approve the $35,000 funding for the Black & White Ball
fails and a subsequent motion passes for a sub -committee, comprised
of councilmembers and staff, to review the subject request and return
with a recommendation
December 13, 2007 City Council approves $35,000 sponsorship for the Black & White Ball
February 8, 2008 Black & White Ball held at Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa
March -April 2009 Competition held at CSUSB Palm Desert Campus
March 20, 2008 The Outside Agency Committee recommended denial for a subsequent
funding request of $35,000 to $70,000 for the Competition. Event
organizers submitted the Outside Agency Application Form in
November 2, 2007. This action was done before the City Council
approved the $35,000 sponsorship. The Outside Agency Funding
Committee apparently reviewed this application, although the City
Council previously awarded a donation.
Staff respectfully recommends that the City Council reconsider this funding request in the
amount of $10,000, as it demonstrates community support for an international event that
will occur in Palm Desert.
Staff Report: VWIPC
January 27, 2011
Page 3 of 3
Fiscal Analysis
Funding for this event in the amount of $10,000 was not included in this fiscal year's
budget and would need to be appropriated from the unobligated General Fund to Special
Events Account No. 110-4416-414-3062.
Submitted
Steph6 Y. A an, ' "tant to the City Manager
Approval:
Paul S. Gibson, Director of Finance
John M. Wohlmuth, City Manager
CITY COUNCIL ACC 'ION
APPROVED 'I DENTED
RECEIVED OTHER
AYES: n i T
NOES: IS
ABSENT: Tone
ABSTAIN:
VERIFIED BY: n �
Original on File with City Jerk's Office
* Approved as amended to reflect a $20,000
sponsorship. 3-2 (Finerty, Benson NO)
CITY COUNCIL ACTION
APPROVED DENTED
RECEIVED OTHERy
MEETING DATE �I
AYES: CITY
NOES:
ABSENT. -
ABSTAIN: ---
VERIFIED BY:
Original on File with eity C erk's Office
OF PALM DESERT
STAFF REPORT
Im
REQUEST: CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST FOR FUNDING TO SPONSOR
THE VIRGINIA WARING INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION
SUBMITTED BY: Kristy Kneiding, Marketing Manager
DATE: August 26, 2010
CONTENTS: Virginia Waring International Piano Competition Sponsorship Packet
Draft Marketing Committee Meeting Minutes July 20, 2010
Recommendation
By Minute Motion:
1. Approve sponsorship in the amount of $10,000 for the 2011 Virginia Waring
International Piano Competition; and
2. Appropriate $10,000 from the unobligated General Fund to Special Events
Account No. 110-4416-414-3062.
Committee Recommendation
The Marketing Committee reviewed the sponsorship opportunity and voted unanimously to
support the 2011 Virginia Waring International Piano Competition in the requested amount
of $25,000. The Committee felt the competition not only generates transient occupancy and
sales tax, it also brings international awareness to Palm Desert.
Background
The non-profit Virginia Waring International Piano Competition hosts a classical piano
competition every other year with participants coming to Palm Desert from around the
world. The next competition will be held March 27 through April 3, 2011, for Juniors (ages
12 and under) and Intermediates (ages 13-17). The event is held at Cal State San
Bernardino Palm Desert Campus with the finals at the McCallum Theatre. Performance
opportunities and cash prizes are awarded to the winners, some of which earned
performance opportunities in Vienna, London, Rome, Carnegie Hall, Florida, Denver, and
San Francisco. Most competition rounds, master classes, and concerts are free or offered
at reduced admission prices for spectators.
Staff Report
2011 Virginia Waring International Piano Competition Sponsorship
August 26, 2010
Page 2 of 2
At the Marketing Committee, representatives, Ms. Peggy Cravens and Dr. Bentson,
presented an outline (attached) of the room nights and non -hotel dollars spent in Palm
Desert by Competition attendees. In 2009, the Competition booked 167 room nights and
spent nearly $63,000 with Palm Desert merchants. The Competition only provides lodging
for one contestant and one accompanying adult. The figures presented do not include the
hotel nights or the dollars spent by additional attendees.
A list of benefits as a $25,000 sponsor, representing significant exposure for the City both
locally and internationally, is also included in the attached packet,
The organization seeks contributions from a variety of sources and does not look to Palm
Desert to fund the entire event. The Competition also will host a "Black and White Ball"
fundraiser on February 20, 2011. The Guest of Honor will be former United States
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.
While staff recognizes this event to be uniquely Palm Desert and attracts the targeted
demographic, due to the current economy and without funds included in this year's budget,
a recommendation of $10,000 is being suggested. Sponsorship in the amount of $10,000
versus $25,000 would decrease the amount of exposure received by the City.
Fiscal Analysis
This staff recommended sponsorship is a one-time $10,000 expenditure that will show
community support for an international event at the McCallum Theater. Funding was not
included in this fiscal year's budget and would need to be appropriated from the
unobligated General Fund to Special Events Account No. 110-4416-414-3062.
Submitted By:
Kristy,Kneidi g, Marketing Mana
Paul S. Gibson, Director of Finance
Approval:
Department Head:
glydativisty kneiding\word data\staff reportsmemos\events\virginiawaring2010 staff rpt.doc
The 181h International Piano Competition held in the City of Palm Desert
The 41h Virginia Waring International Piano Competition
Held on the Palm Desert Campus of CSUSB and at the McCallum Theatre
Sponsorship Package for the City of Palm Desert
2011 Junior and Intermediate Divisions - Spring 2011
Request is for $25,000 Sponsorship
• Palm Desert Tourism logo and listing as International Host City on every
trade and consumer print ad placed after receipt of the grant agreement in
fiscal year 2010-2011
• Dr. Rice will be seated at the Palm Desert table, Dr. Rice will be seated at
the Palm Desert table — Sponsorship includes ten seats at the 2011 Black and
White Gala Honoring Dr. Condoleezza Rice
• Full page color ad in 2011 Gala Tribute Book
• Palm Desert Tourism logo and listing as International Host City on ads
placed on movie screens throughout the Valley
• Palm Desert Tourism logo and listing as International Host City on KUSC
radio spots which is heard from San Diego to Santa Barbara
• Invitation for 8 to a special VIP reception with Virginia Waring
• Ten premiere tickets to the April 3, 2011 Concerto Finals Concert at the
McCallum Theatre
• Palm Desert Tourism logo and listing as International Host City on the
VWIPC website
• Palm Desert Tourism logo and listing as International Host City on Signage
at Competition events including Indian Wells Theater lobby and the
McCallum lobby
• Palm Desert Tourism logo and listing as International Host City on video
scroll at 2011 Black and White Gala
• Palm Desert Tourism logo and listing as International Host City on video
scroll the Indian Wells "Theater at CSUSB-Palm Desert campus during the
2011 Competition
• Palm Desert Tourism logo and listing as International Host City on all Event
Schedules, Save the Date cards and recognized on all competition press
releases.
• Work with the City of Palm Desert Marketing Department to have free
Competition tickets available at City Hall for Palm Desert Residents to pick up:
o to daytime Competition rounds at the Indian Wells Theater 3/ 27 - 4/2
o Select number to the McCallum concert on April 3
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Virginia 'Waring International Piano Competition — Page 1
Please note that this budget covers 24 months (two fiscal years).
The organization operates with a Two -Year Budget as the Competition itself occurs every other year
Insurance
Office expense
Accounting/tax/grant compliance
Bank charges/credit card fees
Depreciation
Equipment rental
Filing fees
Maintenance and repairs
Postage
Rent
Supplies
Telephone
Utilities
Program Services: Competition
Accompanists
Cell phones
Signage
Artistic director honorarium
Artistic director travel
Audio &Video recording
Judges/preliminary auditions
Award medals
Cash prizes (2 divisions per category)
Solo: first
second
third
Concerto: first
second
third
other
Chamber music
Transportation - Local
Community relations
Key Players Auxiliary
Education Outreach
Hospitality for Volunteers
2011 Jr. & Int. Plus In Kind Donation Value
12,000
5,000
1,000
2,520
400
5,000
200
22,000
3,500
6,000 1,000
3,000
7,500
0
1,500
20,000
10,000
8,000
5,000
2,000
5,000
3,000
2,000
5,000
3,000
2,000
1,500
0
1,500
7,500
5,000 300
15,000
6,000 6,000
Virginia Waring International Piano Competition - Page 2
Please note that this budget covers 24 months (two fiscal years).
The organization operates with a Two -Year Budget as the Competition itself occurs every other year
2011 Jr. & Int. Divisions + In Kind Donation Value
Air transportation 6,000 1,200
Honoraria 12,500
Lodging (incl. VIP's) 25,000
Meals 3,000 7,000
Advertising
Magazines, newsletters, etc.
1,000
In kind donated advertising
10,000
Advertising (trade & consumer)
32,000
Announcements - Save Dates
3,000
Master class promotional event
500
Master class honoraria
1,000
Orchestra
Honorarium
35,000
Conductor
3,000
Lodging
15,000
Meals
5,000
Transportation
3,000
Chamber Quartet
N/A
Performance awards (3)
15,000
Other (transportation)
5,000
Piano Rentals
70,000
Piano insurance
3,000
Program printing
8,000
Supplies
2,500
Technical support staff
2,000
Venue
8,000
Volunteers
3,000
1,500
Website
3,000
Other
0
Fundraising 8,000
Payroll & related expenses
Contract labor - $10/hr 8,000 235,000
Executive Director (gross) - $25/hr 75,000
Secretary/receptionist - $15/hr 32,000
Payroll & Taxes 5,200
TOTAL EXPENSE $492,820 331,812
2
Virginia Waring International Piano Competition
List of Major Contributors (other than City of Palm Desert)
Rec'd** Pending*
Berger Foundation:
$35,000
35,000
Conte & Philibosian Fdns:
$2000
2000
Highland Street:
7,500
5,000
Indian Wells City:
15,000
15,000
Rancho Mirage City:
55000
5,000
La Quinta City: (every other year)
1,000
Wells Fargo Bank:
251000
25,000
EMC
59000
5,000
Barnett
51000
55000
Barker Foundation
1000
1000
Coeta Barker Foundation
35000
5000
Kaufmann Foundation
57000
5,000
Annenberg:
100,000
* * Received in 2009-2010 Fiscal Year
*Pending Requests for this fiscal year
PRELIMINARY MINUTES
PALM DESERT MARKETING COMMITTEE JULY 20, 2010
Ms. Kneiding explained that the funds would be available from the Special
Events budget vs. the Marketing budget.
Upon inquiry from Ms. O'Flynn, Ms. Kneiding stated that she was
comfortable with recommending $5,000 for this sponsorship. She said the
Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains are in our backyard and was an
important aspect of our city. We should be a part of and support this 101h
anniversary celebration.
A discussion was held regarding the kick-off celebration being at the Palm
Desert Visitor Center at the $5,000 sponsorship level. Mr. Matthews said
they would not be able to have the kick-off celebration at the Palm Desert
Visitor Center at the $5,000 level.
Ms. Bird-Hrivnak moved, by Minute Motion, to recommend staffs
recommendation of a $5,000 sponsorship for the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto
Mountains National Monument 100 Anniversary Celebration. Motion was seconded by
Mr. Shimer and carried 5-0; Ms. Wolf and Ms. Maggio left the meeting at 3 p.m.
B. PRESENTATION AND REQUEST FOR SPONSORSHIP OF THE
VIRGINA WARING INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION
Peggy Cravens introduced herself and thanked the Committee for allowing
the Virginia Waring International Piano Competition the opportunity to
recognize the City of Palm Desert in many publications, all over the world,
since 2005. Ms. Cravens believed that the Competition has made Palm
Desert as well known as Palm Springs and brings a cross section of
people from all over the world to this very beautiful area.
A number of documents were distributed to the Committee. Ms. Cravens
recapped the information in the revenue document. She stated that the
last two sponsorship amounts given by the City were less than the first
amount and generated more revenue. It was clear that the Competition
was gaining great strengths, people were looking forward to it, and of
course it continues to be placed in international and national magazines
that cater to the piano world. They had a beautiful ad and insert in the
January issue of Palm Springs Life. The City of Palm Desert is mentioned
at all the competition events as well as in the printed program. Ms.
Cravens stated that they were very excited that the Sr. Division winner in
the Solo Division will win a sizable honorarium and will debut at the
Carnegie Weill Hall. Palm Desert will be publicized in that program as
well.
Ms. Cravens announced that Dr. Condoleezza Rice accepted to be the
honoree at the Black and White Gala.
4
PRELIMINARY MINUTES
PALM DESERT MARKETING COMMITTEE
JULY 20, 2010
Dr. Benston pointed out that non -hotel dollars spent in 2005, 2007 and
2009, were dollars spent by individuals involved with the Piano
Competition. There were considerable amounts of money spent by the
visitors, families and teachers. He emphasized that the upcoming 2011
Competition include Junior (ages 12 and under) and Intermediate (ages
13-17) categories and competitors were always accompanied by family,
parents, teachers and friends. Many stay at hotels and enjoy all the
amenities Palm Desert has to offer. In 2005, we had the International
Chamber Ensemble, over 40 attendees, from Rome. They took home
thousands of dollars worth of merchandise. The first cellist returned to
Rome with gifts for his wife and young daughter purchased at Tiffany's,
and they were all sporting polo shirts with the Italian and American flags
on them. They discovered the mall and a beautiful street called El Paseo.
Needless to say this is an important issue to point out as this competition
brings a beautiful awareness of the City of Palm Desert to the world.
He thanked the Committee for allowing him to appear before them and
since "we" is a collective word, he personalized his comments by saying
"I" respectfully request that you consider our grant sponsorship request in
the amount of $25,000.
Ms. O'Flynn complimented Ms. Cravens and Dr. Benston on the research
that was done with regards to the return on the investment. As someone
who has attended the Competition, she said it was a very beautiful and
educational event that brings a great deal of culture to our community.
With that she opened up the floor for comments and questions regarding
the proposal.
Ms. Cravens added that all publishing of printed materials were produced
in Palm Desert. She said that Dr. Rice and her Executive Assistant would
be seated at the City of Palm Desert table if so desired. There will be a
special VIP reception for Dr. Rice at a very prestigious home in El Dorado
Country Club. The Council members will be invited to the reception.
Upon inquiry by Ms. Kneiding, Ms. Cravens responded that the gala is
scheduled on February 20, 2011, to be held at the Rancho Las Palmas
Hotel in Rancho Mirage, and the VIP reception is scheduled for February
19, 2011. The Competition begins at the end of March and the final
concert at the McCallum is Sunday, April, April 3, 2011. Due to the
attendance of Dr. Rice, she estimates having anywhere between 400 to
500 people at the event.
Ms. Kneiding stated that the funds for this event were not included in the
Community Events budget, so if the Committee recommends approval
that would be noted on the City Council's staff report.
5
PRELIMINARY MINUTES
PALM DESERT MARKETING COMMITTEE JULY 20, 2010
Ms. Cravens added that because of the state of the economy they did not
feel that it was appropriate to request the same amount that was given in
2009. They felt that $25,000 would be a better figure.
Upon inquiry from Ruth Ann Moore, Ann Grier, Executive Director of
Virginia Waring Piano Competition, responded that they work exclusively
I with Palm Desert hotels.
Ms. O'Flynn moved, by Minute Motion, to recommend approval of the
requested amount of $25,000, considering the amount of revenue realized by the City
and the fact that they have taken the consideration to ask for a reduced sponsorship
than what was requested in the past. Motion was seconded by Ms. Bower and carried
5-0.
VII. CONTINUED BUSINESS
None
VIII. OLD BUSINESS
A. REQUEST FOR RECONSIDERATION AND RECOMMENDATION
REGARDING 2010 / 2011 MEDIA PLAN
Kristy Kneiding was asked to bring this item back to the Committee for
further discussion and input. She stated that the questions from Council
were specific to the Media Plan. Are the monies allocated for advertising
in the Desert Guide and Palm Springs Life being spent wisely? Could the
City create its own guide and distribute it at the Visitor Center?
Upon inquiry by Ms. Wolf, Justin McCarthy said he sensed that the
Council .wanted a more focused plan. He recommended to the Committee
that they could move the Media Plan forward and defer the items Council
was concerned about.
Upon inquiry by Michael Shimer, Ms. Kneiding responded that the Desert
Guide portion is $13,600. With the inclusion of tourism advertising the
total is $25,565.
Ms. Bird-Hrivnak stated that the Committee's direction was to do more
localized marketing to tourists that were already here. It did not make
sense to shift away from Palm Springs Life when they have a distribution
in the whole Valley and also outside of the area. She was curious about
the change in the thought process of the Council members because it did
not match what they previously discussed.
Donna Gomez mentioned that the Visitor Center advertises in Travel Host,
which is a local publication. The Visitor Center appears in the Desert
0
MINUTES
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING AUGUST 26, 2010
N. CONSIDERATION of Funding Support Request for the September Concert
Organized by Palm Desert Sister Cities Foundation to Occur on
September 11, 2010, at Civic Center Park.
Rec: By Minute Motion, approve the donation of $2,500 to the Palm Desert
Sister Cities Foundation for support of the September Concert on
Saturday, September 11, 2010, at Civic Center Park — funds are
available in the FY 2010-2011 Budget.
Councilman Spiegel requested Item M be removed for separate action under
Section XI, Consent Items Held Over.
Upon a motion by Spiegel, second by Ferguson, and 4-0 vote of the City Council,
the remainder of the Consent Calendar was approved as presented.
XI.
f
{
CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER
M. CONSIDERATION of a Request for Funding to Sponsor the 2011
Virginia Waring International Piano Competition.
Responding to question, Marketing Manager Kristy Kneiding said that based
on the information presented to the Marketing Committee by Peggy Cravens,
the Committee recommended $25,000 in support. However, because this
item was not part of the City's budget, staff was able to locate $10,000 in the
special events funds to support the competition, but not the full $25,000
requested.
Councilman Spiegel stated the sponsorship was $15,000 short. He said this
event was one of three major events held in the City annually; Fashion Week
on El Paseo, Golf Cart Parade, and the Virginia Waring, but the Virginia
Waring was the only international event. He said students from all over the
world are coming and lodging in Palm Desert, and the honoree at the Black
and White Gala is Dr. Condoleeza Rice who is well known and would attract
many to the City. He went on to say advertising for the event would include
a full -page color ad in the 2011 Gala Tribute Book, logo and listing as the
International Host City on ads placed on movie screens throughout the
Valley, etc., etc., and in order to receive the whole International Host City
package, the sponsorship should be $25,000.
Councilman Spiegel moved to, by Minute Motion, increase the sponsorship to
$25,000.
Mayor Finerty stated an evening gala is scheduled as part of the Virginia
Waring Competition and questioned in what City that would take place.
0
MINUTES
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING AUGUST 26, 2010
Ms. Kneiding answered Rancho Mirage; however, because of the extreme
busy season in February for the Desert Springs Marriott, they were unable
to accommodate the Virginia Waring event.
Mayor Finerty stated that according to the report received, the City of Rancho
Mirage gave $5,000 last year and $5,000 pending this year. She said the
Council already went through the budget process and questioned if Outside
Agency Funding was sought by the Virginia Waring organizers as
recommended to them over the last several years.
Ms. Kneiding stated she was unaware if they did nor not.
Mayor Finerty stated she would be happy to hear from Ms. Peggy Cravens
if she was in attendance this evening.
Councilman Spiegel stated the reason the gala was being held in Rancho
Mirage was because the facilities at the Marriott were unavailable, which is
the only place in Palm Desert that could accommodate the event.
Councilmember Benson asked if this item was considered through the
Outside Agency Funding, because the Virginia Waring organizers were
certainly aware of that process.
Ms. Riddle stated Outside Agency Funding was handled by the Finance
Department, but she could respond to questions relating to Community
Development Block Grants.
Councilmember Benson stated she wanted to know if the Virginia Waring
organizers went through the Outside Agency application process in January.
Ms. Riddle stated she didn't recall them being part of the selection.
Mayor Finerty stated she didn't recall either, and she sat on the committee.
She asked if the Finance Department had anything to add.
Assistant Finance Director Jose Luis Espinoza stated he would get an
answer for the Council.
MS. PEGGY CRAVENS thanked the Council for allowing her the opportunity
to speak and introduced First Vice President Dr. Gerald Benston, and
Executive Director Ann Grier. She thanked the Council for all of its support
over the years and proud of the fact that the competition was now
internationally recognized all over the world, and as such, the advertising
always recognized the City of Palm Desert as the International Host City,
thereby, giving the City an enormous international exposure. She said
7
MINUTES
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING AUGUST 26, 2010
greater exposure would be reached, because their honoree this year was
Dr. Condoleezza Rice.
MR. GERALD BENSTON extended his condolences for the loss of
Councilman Richard Kelly, who was not only a great Councilman, but a
significant member of this community. He knew him personally, stating he
was truly a great guy. He said an article in the local newspaper reported on
how funding had been significantly cut in the Palm Springs Unified School
District regarding music teaching and the number of teachers being allowed
to teach in the oncoming semesters. He said one of the things the Virginia
Waring International Piano Competition did was expend a lot of energy on
their outreach programs, which reached all of the elementary schools in the
Coachella Valley. He said the event brought a significant level of
representation in terms of their international nature in this competition to
Palm Desert. He said in the perfect world they would find a sponsor, which
would enable them to establish an endowment, and their visit here this
evening would be unnecessary; therefore, he asked the Council to consider
their request for a $25,000 sponsorship and promised more in return.
MS. CRAVENS stated just as the Palm Springs area was considered an
international destination point for many years, now more often people are
becoming aware of the importance of Palm Desert. She knew the
international exposure being provided by virtue of the competition was very
important to the City, and obviously the City's Marketing Committee felt the
same. She said the Valley had international film festivals, tennis and golf
tournaments, so there was no reason not to have an international piano
competition in Palm Desert, but also the whole Coachella Valley, because
it was a great expansion of culture.
Mayor Pro Tem Ferguson seconded the motion for the purposes of discussion.
Mayor Finerty stated she would reiterate her comments from several years
prior, which is that the City had limited funds, and the process needed to be
followed whether it was through block grants or outside agency funding. She
said the Virginia Waring Competition organizers were advised to please seek
out and submit an application for the Outside Agency Funding Program, and
this year they did not do so. Other agencies who are just as worthwhile were
also advised, and some of them did submit an application and were awarded
funds. She understood the importance of marketing the City and respected
what the Marketing Committee recommended; however, at the Council level
one had to look at the big picture and all the dollars and cents, and the
$10,000 sponsorship recommended by the Marketing Committee were not
funds that were set aside during the budget process. She agreed
Dr. Condoleezza Rice was quite a draw and suspected her coming here to
Palm Desert would benefit the hotels and restaurants. She said the City had
MINUTES
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING AUGUST 26, 2010
I
been a tremendous sponsor of Virginia Waring over the years giving
$50,000 over the years. She did not believe it would be appropriate to
support sponsorship of this event, because it wouldn't be fair to all the other
organizations that followed the City's process
Councilmember Benson concurred, stating the Council had been supporters
of the event when it was originally named Joanna Hodges and then changed
to Virginia Waring, but this has been one of the toughest budget years ever,
and Council had to follow the procedures already set, including those that
had to do with Council's travel restrictions and contributions. She said the
City of Palm Desert had done more for Coachella Valley nonprofit
organizations than any other city. She agreed with the City's current budget
process, and agreed the Council had to change to adjust to what the
conditions are today. She is disturbed Virginia Waring didn't apply in January
when they should have, because they knew the process and knew Palm
Desert was on a strict budget; therefore, she couldn't support the request.
Mayor Finerty called for the vote and it failed on a 1-3 vote, with Spiegel voting Aye,
and Benson, Ferguson, and Finerty voting NO.
Mayor Pro Tern Ferguson moved to, by Minute Motion: 1) Approve sponsorship in
the amount of $10,000 for the 2011 Virginia Waring International Piano Competition;
1 2) appropriate $10,000 from the Unobligated General Fund to Special Events Account
No.110-4416-414-3062 for this purpose. Motion was seconded by Spiegel, and the motion
received NO ACTION on a 2-2 tie vote, with Ferguson and Spiegel voting AYE and
Benson and Finerty voting NO.
XII. RESOLUTIONS
A. RESOLUTION NO. 2010 - 63 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE FISCAL
YEAR 2009-2010 BUDGET TO PROVIDE TRANSFER, APPROPRIATION,
AND ESTIMATED REVENUES OF UNOBLIGATED FUNDS FROM THE
GAS TAX, GOLF COURSE MAINTENANCE, TRAFFIC SAFETY, CAPITAL
PROJECT RESERVE, AND THE GENERAL FUND.
Assistant Finance Director Jose Luis Espinoza offered to answer any
questions.
Councilmember Benson moved to waive further reading and adopt Resolution
No. 2010-63. Motion was seconded by Ferguson and carried by a 4-0 vote.
E