HomeMy WebLinkAboutC31510 JW Marriott Desert Springs - Assistance for a Water Park ProjectCITY OF PALM DESERT
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
STAFF REPORT
REQUEST: Consideration of Request by JW Marriott Desert Springs Palm
Desert for City Assistance to Construct a Water Park Project at
Desert Springs Marriott
SUBMITTED BY: John M. Wohlmuth, City Manager
DATE: January 26, 2012
CONTENTS: (1) December 12, 2011 letter from Ken Schwartz, General Manager,
JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa
(2) Transient Occupancy Tax Comparison between 9% TOT and
11 % TOT
(3) Resolution 2011-45
Recommendation
By Minute Motion, direct staff to prepare an agreement to assist the JW Marriott
Desert Springs Water Park Project utilizing one of the following financial options
discussed in this staff report. (contract No. C31510)
Options
1. TOT Rebate Option
The City contribute the generated incremental increase in TOT after the water park
project opens. The City would provide the difference between the new higher
TOT collection from the immediate past quarter and the same quarter in the
previous year. To achieve a $1,000,000 contribution, it is likely that the
incremental difference in TOT collection would require contributions back to the
Marriott Desert Springs from multiple quarters.
2. Increase TOT Option
The City place a TOT increase on the June or November 2013 ballot to raise the
Transient Occupancy Tax from the current 9% to 11 %. A 2% TOT increase would
Staff Report
Consideration of Request by JW Marriott Desert Springs Palm Desert for City Assistance
to Construct a Water Park Project at Desert Springs Marriott
January 26, 2012
Page 2
result in an approximate $1.6 million increase with our current hotel rooms,
average daily room rate, and occupancy rate. All of these factors are expected to
change; however, it is safe to assume the $1 million loan would be paid back well
within the first year of a new higher TOT rate for Palm Desert.
A TOT increase would require a voter approval ballot measure at an established
election date (March, June, or November 2013) at a cost to the City of
approximately $60,000.
The advantage of the TOT 2% increase is the City would receive greater TOT and
a loan to Marriott Desert Springs would be made from the new funds.
The advantage of a loan from an incremental increase of the existing TOT shows a
direct relationship between the improvement (water park) and the increased TOT.
3. A Direct Contribution of $1 Million from General Fund Reserves
The City of Palm Desert established a Reserve Policy through Resolution 2011-45
approved on June 9, 2011. This Resolution does set a $500,000 Community
Contingency Reserve that can go to meet half of the loan/grant with Council
concurrence. Any contribution would not be made until the completion of the
water park.
Background
The JW Marriott Desert Springs Palm Desert is requesting a City loan or grant in the
amount of $1 million for a water park at Desert Springs. Desert Springs believes the
development of a water park is vital to becoming a more prominent player in the leisure
market. The addition of a water park will be useful in attracting more families, especially
during the slower summer months.
The cost of the water park is estimated to be $9 million. If the City contributes $1 million,
Marriott Desert Springs management believes the grant/loan would be a strong selling
point to the owners/investors and parent organization Host Hotels. With a commitment
from the City, Marriott management believes a financial contribution from the owners and
Host Hotels is more likely.
Staff Report
Consideration of Request by JW Marriott Desert Springs Palm Desert for City Assistance
to Construct a Water Park Project at Desert Springs Marriott
January 26, 2012
Page 3
The JW Marriott Desert Springs Palm Desert has renovated the rooms, hallways, and spa
already. In the near future, Marriott will renovate the Lakeview restaurant.
To my knowledge, the City of Palm Desert has not granted or loaned the JW Marriott
Desert Springs Palm Desert any funds, while the Marriott Desert Springs is the largest
General Fund revenue producer.
CITY COUNCIL}ACTION
APPROVED ✓✓ DENTED
Submitted By: RECEIVED OTHER
MEETING DA'E
AYES: IL -el r �4
Zo zct,�� NOES-.AaLl
ABSENT:
n M. Wohlmuth, City Manager ABSTAIN:
VERIFIED BY:
Original on File with City dok's Office
* Approved the recommendation, utilizing the
accompanying staff report's Option No. 1 -
T.O.T. Rebate. 3-2 (Benson, Finerty NO)
JW MARRIOTT.
DESERT SPRINGS PALM DESERT Jr
December 12, 2011
Mr. John M. Wohlmuth
City Manager
City of Palm Desert
73-510 Fred Waring Drive
Palm Desert, CA 92260-2578
Dear John:
Thank you for taking the time to have lunch last week and allow me the opportunity to review the proposed Water Park
Project at Desert Springs. As discussed, the scope and proforma for the proposed Water Park is estimated at a $9M
investment. The Owners of the Resort, Host Hotels, are continuing to work on the project details as we expect the
project to be presented to their Investment Committee for review and approval within the next 45 days.
We believe this project is vital to the future success of Desert Springs as it will allows us to become the predominant
player in the leisure market. Marriott International has already endorsed this project and believes that it will be
beneficial to the Resort.
Desert Springs is requesting that the City also consider helping with the financial impact of this project. The financial
help with this project would be a significant commitment that would help the approval process with the Investment
Committee. Our suggestion would be to provide relief by reimbursing the property -for incremental transient occupancy
tax over the first five year of the Project's operation. The attached financial report shows the proforma work for the
proposed Water Park.
In summary, the proforma estimates that incremental room revenue in Years 1 thru 5 is $11.6M. This would mean
incremental TOT at 9% would equal $1.04M. The incremental TOT reimbursement would be capped at $11VI even. A
monthly year over year calculation could be calculated to determine the monthly impact once the project is open.
Thank you for your time and interest in the future success of Desert Springs. We are very excited about this additional
partnership opportunity that will drive additional business and success for the Resort and the City of Palm Desert.
Sincerely,
Ken Schwartz �
General Manager
JW Marriott Desert Springs ort & Spa
desertspringsresort.com 74855 Country Club Drive, Palm Desert, CA 92260 USA Tel 760.341.2211 Fax 760.341.1830
JW MARRIOTT DESERT SPRINGS - PROPOSED WATER PARK
INCREMENTAL NHP SUMMARY
BASE CASE
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
Occupied Room Nights
191,983
206,502
212,956
212,956
212,956
212,956
Occupancy
59.5%
64.0%
66.0%
66.0%
66.0%
66.0%
ADR
$172.61
$182.11
$192.67
$197.68
$203.02
$208.90
Room Revenue (000's)
$33,139
$37,606
$41,030
$42,097
$43,234
$44,487
Total Revenue
$87,709
$100,064
$108,799
$111,436
$114,251
$117,369
Dept Profit
$36,677
$42,466
$47,054
$48,508
$49,788
$51,315
HP
$16,133
$20,788
$24,209
$25,053
$25,906
$26,950
NHP (000's)
$4,074
$7,968
$10,841
$11,566
$12,172
$12,881
WATER PARK CASE
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
Occupied Room Nights
191,983
212,956
222,635
222,635
222,635
222,635
Occupancy
59.5%
66.0%
69.0%
69.0%
69.0%
69.0%
ADR
$172.61
$184.34
$195.03
$200.10
$205.50
$211.46
Room Revenue (000's)
$33,139
$39,256
$43,421
$44,550
$45,752
$47,079
Total Revenue
$87,709
$105,874
$116,252
$119,049
$122,036
$125,345
Dept Profit
$36,677
$44,819
$50,361
$51,717
$53,078
$54,700
HP
$15,981
$22,523
$26,834
$27,558
$28,478
$29,600
NHP (000's)
$3,923
$9,177
$12,754
$13,236
$13,829
$14,597
DIFFERENCE
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
Occupied Room Nights
-
6,453
9,680
9,680
9,680
9,680
Occupancy
0.0%
2.0%
3.0%
3.0%
3.0%
3.0%
ADR
0.00
2.23
2.36
2.42
2.48
2.56
Room Revenue (000's)
$0
$1,650
$2,390
$2,452
$2,519
$2,592
Total Revenue
$0
$5,810
$7,453
$7,613
$7,785
$7,976
Dept Profit
$0
$2,363
$3,307
$3,209
$3,290
$3,385
HP
-$152
$1,734
$2,624
$2,505
$2,571
$2,650
NHP (000's)
-$152
$1,210
$1,913
$1,670
$1,657
$1,716
A
U7
N
0
A
Ln
O
W
W N
01 In N
A A V
In lD O
A V In
r am to
o w
O 00 A
V 0o A
w
N
F-�
W
O
00
A
c W � dl
cu 0 O 7
0) �
V-+
F+
00 V O) A
m W Pb lD
00 A O W
A V Ln i
N N N M
O CO 01 (n
N F+ (D F�
W V I w
o v
� a
01 F, < �.
N F+ FJ
to 0) O N
O 00 lD N
A 00 O l!7
W V A
A LO r1i N N
lD V 01 In
00 Vl In 01
F+ m V 00
0 ry C C
N N O
(J O
F-�
I� W A W
l0 V A V
V 00 01 N
A l0 W
W F+ 00 W
V In 01 A
F� W 00 W
In F+ 01 00
� v Z O
0)c'
F+
N O ~O O
to to w
W W N
00 A V
0) V V
0) LO O A A A
,I Ln to
In LO 0)
00
D!
�O V n
0) O W W 0J
W t00 A M+ S
00
00 Ln N V 0)
N :Pb V F �.
In O (n A
Ul A V lD
CITY OF PALM DESERT
Redevelopment Agency
TANNUOUTTAUNU
To: John Wohlmuth, City Manager
CC: Justin McCarthy, ACM for Redevelopment
From: Ruth Ann Moore, Economic Development Manager
Date: December 20, 2011
Subject: Transient Occupancy Tax Comparison
Per your request, I contacted the Palm Springs Desert Resort Communities Convention
and Visitors Authority (CVA) in order to compare the City of Palm Desert's transient
occupancy tax (TOT) with other cities in both the Coachella Valley and competitive
locations outside of the trade area.
Palm Desert's TOT currently is 9% with the Coachella Valley cities listed below:
Cathedral City
12 %
Desert Hot Springs
12%
Indian Wells
9.25% increasing t 11.25D/ in 2012
Indio
10%
La Quinta
11 % for hotels with 50+ rooms, 10% for all
other hotels
Palm Springs
13.5% for hotels with 50+ rooms, 11.5%
for all other hotels
Rancho Mirage
10%
A review of the 2010/2011 fiscal budget for the City of Coachella indicates that there is
no TOT collected.
These totals do not include the Business Improvement District (BID) funding for the
CVA that adds an additional 2% tax onto each hotel room.
G:IRDAIRUTH ANN MOOREIWORD DATAIJOHN WOHLMUTHITOT COMPARISON.DOC
The CVA considers the following California communities as completion for the
Coachella Valley:
Dana Point
10%
Laguna Beach
10%
Long Beach/Torrance
12% / 11 %
Los Angeles
12%
Monterey/Salinas MSA
10%
Newport Beach
10%
Orange County Beach Cities
10%
San Die o/Lo Jolla
10.5%
Santa Barbara/Santa Maria
12%
Other direct competition for tourism and conventions outside the state include the
following locations:
Las Vegas, NV
12%
Phoenix, AZ
13.27%
Scottsdale, AZ
14.92%
Tucson, AZ
15.05%
It should be noted that Arizona and its counties also collect sales tax that is included in
the totals above for cities in Arizona. The state's share is 6.5% and Maricopa County is
1.77%
G:IRDAIRUTH ANN MOORMWORD DATAWOHN WOHLMUTHITOT COMPARISON.DOC
CITY OF PALM DESERT
FINANCE DEPARTMENT
STAFF REPORT
Request: Approve Resolution No. 2011- 45 authorizing the Fiscal Year
2010-2011 Budget Amendment to provide transfer, appropriation and
estimated revenues from the Unobligated General Fund Reserves to Fleet
/ Equipment Replacement, Retiree Health, Building Maintenance / Capital
Replacement, Golf Course Capital Improvements, Parks & Aquatic Center
Capital Improvements, Community Contingency Reserve (Within General
Fund), and Land Acquisition Funds
Date: June 9, 2010
Contents: Resolution No. 2011- 45
Recommendation
By Minute Motion, that the City Council approve Resolution No. 2011-45
amending the 2010-11 budget to provide transfer, appropriation and estimated
revenues of unobligated funds from the Unobligated General Fund Reserves to
Fleet / Equipment Replacement, Retiree Health, Building Maintenance / Capital
Replacement, Golf Course Capital Improvements, Parks & Aquatic Center Capital
Improvements, Community Contingency Reserve (Within General Fund), and
Land Acquisition Funds.
Background
In response to a request at the budget study sessions of April 7, 2011 and April 29, 2011, the
following is a recommendation for the allocation of approximately $6 million currently available in
excess of the reserve requirement.
It is intended that these individual reserve accounts will initially be deposited; however, future
deposits are unlikely unless revenues significantly outpace expenditures. Therefore, these are
likely to be one-time deposits that may not be replenished and should last for several or more
years.
General Fund Unobligated Reserve
As of June 30, 2010
Fleet / Equipment replacement
Retiree Health
Building Maintenance / Capital replacement
Desert Willow capital improvements
Parks & Aquatic Center (capital improvements)
Community Contingency Reserve
Land Acquisitions
Future General Fund Unobligated Reserve
Required General Fund Unobligated Reserve
pursuant to policy (including Fire)
Difference
$ 63,847,586
1,000,000
500,000
1,000,000
1,000,000
1,000,000
500,000
1,000,000
$ 57, 847, 586
56, 588,653
Staff Report
Approve Resolution Authorizing FY 2010-2011 General Fund Appropriations
June 9, 2011
Page 2 of 3
FleettEauiament replacement
This reserve is held in a separate fund to replace the current city vehicles and city equipment.
Staff typically transfers funds annually to this reserve to ensure sufficient funds to maintain the
fleet/equipment. Since the downturn to the economy, however, staff has not transferred any
funds. It is recommended that $1,000,000 be transferred to this fund to cover the three years of
capital.
Retiree Health
Yearly, the Finance department remits funds to the State retiree benefit trust based on our
actuarial requirement. However, over the last two years no funds have been transferred from the
General Fund to the separate fund to cover this liability. Staff's recommendation is to transfer
$500,000 to maintain the necessary funds to cover the retiree health payments.
Building Maintenance
In the current year, staff has exhausted the majority of the reserves established for repair and
maintenance of the Civic Center roof. The fund is responsible for covering all city building
maintenance including City Hall, three Fire stations, Portola Community Center, the old sheriff
station, Henderson and Chamber buildings, etc. Staff recommends reestablishing a reserve of
$1,000,000 for this purpose. As additional funds become available staff would recommend we
increase this reserve to over $5,000,000 due to the age of a number of the buildings.
Desert Willow capital improvements
Fund 241 was originally established to collect the revenue from Intrawest and Starwood and
cover expenditures for any necessary minor improvements to the complex. Since the downturn in
the economy, staff has instead been transferring the revenue to the General Fund to lessen the
impact of lower revenues in the General Fund.
However, the proposed legislation to eliminate Redevelopment or curtail its use of funds toward
golf courses will require the General Fund contribution for all major capital improvements. This
would include future renovations to Firecliff and Mountain View courses along with replacing well
pumps, plant material, etc. The next two years' forecast for capital improvements is well over
$2,000,000, therefore requiring the additional $1,000,000 transfer from the General Fund.
Parks & Aquatic Center
Over the years, our parks have grown tremendously and so has the need to replace park
equipment, replace plant materials, and repair restrooms and lighting destroyed by vandalism.
The addition of the swimming pool has created a further burden to the parks requirements. Over
the next ten years, major equipment such as pool pumps will require replacement. Therefore, staff
is recommending that a reserve be established for future needs for both the parks and the aquatic
center in the amount of $1,000,000.
GAFINANCEWIAMH ORTEGAISTAFF REPORTSISR-APPROP FROM GEN FUND 10-11.DOCX
Staff Report
Approve Resolution Authorizing FY 2010-2011 General Fund Appropriations
June 9, 2011
Page 3 of 3
Community Contingency Reserve
City Council has requested that a Community contingency reserve be established to provide for
unforeseen operating or capital needs of non-profit agencies and residents in an amount of
$500,000. As individual City Council members determine appropriate needs during the year, this
reserve should be used to address these issues. Staff recommends that each City Council
member have the ability to use up to $25,000 per year for their individual unforeseen items
contingent upon City Council approval at the next available meeting. Remember, a Council
member can request a community appropriation, but a majority of the Council must ultimately
approve.
Land
City Council has requested that reserves be set aside for the purpose of acquiring additional land
within the City limits. Staff recommends that $1,000,000 be allocated for this purpose.
Staff recommends transfer of reserves as outlined.
Fiscal Impact
Approval of this recommendation will result in the transfer of unobligated general fund reserves to
various accounts.
Submitted By:
aul S. Gibson
Director of Finance/City Treasurer
Approval:
CITY COUNTCTL A�,T1<ON
APPROVED DF,NMI)
RECEIVED OTHER
�. Na,1.5
MEETING DATE
AYES: KrWn MSP�et�-�
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN: None
VERIFIED BY: rn
Original on File with City Cler s Office
* Including an appropriation of $535,000 for
property acquisition.
G:IFINANCEWIAMH ORTEGAZTAFF REPORTSISR-APPROP FROM G£N FUND 10-11.DOCX
RESOLUTION NO. 2011- 45
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT,
CALIFORNIA AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR 2010-11 BUDGET TO PROVIDE
TRANSFER, APPROPRIATION AND ESTIMATED REVENUES OF
UNOBLIGATED FUNDS FROM THE UNOBLIGATED GENERAL FUND
RESERVES TO FLEET / EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT, RETIREE HEALTH,
BUILDING MAINTENANCE / CAPITAL REPLACEMENT, GOLF COURSE
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS, PARKS & AQUATIC CENTER CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENTS, COMMUNITY CONTINGENCY RESERVE (WITHIN
GENERAL FUND), AND LAND ACQUISITION FUNDS
WHEREAS, it is desirable to appropriate said revenues from the Unobligated General
Fund Reserves to Fleet / Equipment Replacement, Retiree Health, Building Maintenance / Capital
Replacement, Golf Course Capital Improvements, Parks & Aquatic Center Capital Improvements,
Community Contingency Reserve (Within General Fund), and Land Acquisition funds.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Palm Desert,
California, that the 2010-11 Budget is hereby amended by appropriating from the Unobligated
General Fund Balance to the identified funds as follows,
Transfer Out Account Amount Transfer In Account Description
Fleet I Equipment 110-4199-499-5010 1,000,000 530-0000-391-0000 Transfer out from General Fund
Replacement to Fleet / Equipment
Replacement Fund for vehicle
and equipment replacement
Retiree Health
Building
Maintenance /
Capital Replacement
Golf Course Capital
Improvements
110-4199-499-5010 500,000 576-0000-391-0000 Transfer out from General Fund
to Retiree Health Fund for
actuarial requirement
110-4199-499-5010 1,000,000 450-0000-391-0000
110-4199-499-5010 1,000,000 441-0000-391-0000
Transfer out from General Fund
to Building Maintenance / Capital
Replacement Fund for City
buildings maintenance
Transfer out from General Fund
to Golf Course Capital
Improvement Fund for Desert
Willow golf course improvements
Parks & Aquatic
110-4199-499-5010 1,000,000 242-0000-391-0000 Transfer out from General Fund
Center Capital
to Parks & Aquatic Center
Improvements
Capital Improvement Fund for
equipment replacement
Community
110-0000-253-1000 500,000 110-0000-243-0900 Reserve within the General Fund
Contingency
for Community Contingency for
use at Council's discretion
Land Acquisitions
110-4199-499-5010 1,000,000 400-0000-391-0000 Transfer out from General Fund
to Land Acquisition Fund for
additional land acquisitions
Resolution No. 2011- 45
June 9, 2011
Page 2 of 2
PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Palm Desert, California,
at its regular meeting held on the a of June, 2011 by the following vote, to wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
JEAN M. BENSON, MAYOR
ATTEST:
RACHELLE D. KLASSEN, CITY CLERK
CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA
G:Tinanceftamh OrtegalResolutions\RES-approp from gen fund 10-11.docx
Klassen, Rachelle
From: Hermann, David
Sent: Wednesday, January 25, 2012 5:33 PM
To: Klassen, Rachelle
Subject: FW: - Contact Us Submission
Hi Rachelle,
We received the message below today addressed to the City Council concerning the JW Marriott
Desert Springs water park proposal on tomorrow's agenda. Please let me know if there is
anyone else on staff to whom I should forward it.
Thanks, as alwaysM
David
David Hermann
Public Information Officer
City of Palm Desert
760-776-6380
-----Original Message -----
From: info(aci.palm-desert.ca.us Lmailto:info(aci.palm-desert.ca.usl
Sent: Wednesday, January 25, 2012 10:16 AM
To: InformationMail
Subject: [SPAM] - Contact Us Submission
Submission information
-----------------------------------------
Submitter DB ID : 1763
Submitter's language : Default language
IP address : 71.102.65.125
Time to take the survey 7 min. , 10 sec.
Submission recorded on : 1/25/2012 10:15:32 AM
Survey answers
Your Contact Information
First name: *
Charlotte
Last name: *
Rios
E-mail Address:
* dvscrios(averizon.net
Address line 1
40476 Eastwood Lane
Address line 2
Not answered
City
Palm Desert
State
CA
Zip code: *
92211
Phone number
7603455268
I Am a:
Palm Desert Business Owner []
Palm Desert Resident [x]
N
c_
(V
(TJ -Z)
v 7� —
a m
--C
_ �Of7'
CO
•• n
N > n
m
Comments:
City Council:
Tomorrow you will be discussing giving 7W Marriott a gift, grant, or increase TOT rate, so
the corporation can build a water park. Please, consider what you are doing. This kind of
spending is completely inappropriate in this time of economic difficulty. You will not get
the sympathy of residents, when things go badly, if you give money to Marriott. The money
Marriott has brought into the community is their free enterprise business; they would not pay
one cent more in taxes than is legally required of them. They make money; lots of money,
being here. It is not up to the taxpayer, in any shape of form, to give them this break.
Consider all aspects of such an action. Councilwoman Cindy Finerty sounds like she is giving
this much more discriminating thought than the three councilmembers who initially are in
favor. Thank you for considering my and many others' opinion. Charlotte Rios
z
Prusinowski, Karen
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Good morning Karen,
Hermann, David
Thursday, January 26, 2012 10:35 AM
Prusinowski, Karen
Wohlmuth, John
FW: Contact Us Submission
We received the message below today addressed to the City Manager regarding the JW Marriott
Desert Springs' proposed water park. Thanks very much for sharing this with John!
David
David Hermann
Public Information Officer
City of Palm Desert
760-776-6380
-----Original Message -----
From: infooci.palm-desert.ca.us fmailto:info(@ci.palm-desert.ca.usl
Sent: Thursday, January 26, 2012 9:36 AM
To: InformationMail
Subject: Contact Us Submission
Submission information
-----------------------------------------
Submitter DB ID : 1764
Submitter's language : Default language
IP address : 76.89.123.38
Time to take the survey 6 min. , 38 sec.
Submission recorded on 1/26/2012 9:35:49 AM
Survey answers
------------------------
Your Contact Information
First name: *
Jane
Last name: *
Udall
E-mail Address:
* iudall(@dc.rr.com
Address line 1
9 White Sun Way
Address line 2
Not answered
City
Rancho Mirage
State
CA
Zip code: *
92270
Phone number
340-3539
I Am a:
Palm Desert Business Owner []
Palm Desert Resident []
1
Comments:
Hello, John.
I'm not a PD resident, so delete if you wish. I'm writing in regard to the Marriott request.
If I lived in PD, I would be a vocal critic of the proposed transaction as yet another
example of a corporation sucking at the taxpayer tit. That being said, the Council will
undoubtedly do it, so my hope is that there is at least some quid pro quo applied as to
conservation. The new water park is going to be an energy hog. Their property is over -
watered and inappropriately landscaped. Renovations are supposed to trigger the "new"
landscaping ordinance. Don't let them off too easily, John. They want something big, a cool
million (in this economy!), get something big in return.
Jane
z
Klassen, Rachelle
From: Hermann, David
Sent: Thursday, January 26, 2012 10:47 AM
To: Klassen, Rachelle
Subject: FW: comment on Marriott proposal
Hi Rachelle,
Here is another comment we received today regarding the JW Marriott's proposed water park.
Please let me know if there is anyone else to whom I should send this.
Thanks!
David
David Hermann
Public Information Officer
City of Palm Desert
760-776-6380
-----Original Message -----
From: Joan Beasley fmailto:joan beasley(@yahoo.coml
Sent: Thursday, January 26, 2012 9:37 AM
To: InformationMail
Subject: comment on Marriott proposal
City Council Members:
I am against giving dollars to the huge Marriott Corporation. Why would we spend money to
undercut our new Aquatic Center? Why would we use reserve monies when the budget constraints
are projected to continue?
Why not make a PR partnership plan to appeal to families by advertising a package of discount
or free tickets to the Palm Desert Aquatic Center/Living Desert/PS Art Museum site for family
groups using the Marriott? That increases bed tax revenue, increases hotel usage by the
mentioned demographic, increases gate count at local sites, and eliminates the need for hotel
construction. Since other hotels bring in tax funds there should be equal treatment.
Joan Beasley
0
J —i
fN 0
CYN M
m
_ MUrn
-+oo
o �T
n�
ce m
Michelson, Wilma
From: Sherry Schroeder [s4schroeder@gmail.com]
Sent: Thursday, January 26, 2012 9:42 AM
To: CityhallMail
Subject: Attn: City Council Members re Marriott's Water Park Request
To: Palm Desert City Council Members
Re: The Desert Springs Marriott's Proposed Water Park
I am writing this to voice my opposition to the proposed water park at the Desert Springs Marriott.
I not only oppose the use of public funds for such a project, but I also oppose it on the grounds that not
enough information has been given to the public regarding the exact location of said water park. As a resident
of a residential community adjacent to the Marriott, I already have to deal with the noise from various
outdoor parties held at the Marriott. The noise from a water park (i.e. people screeching accompanied by,
undoubtedly, loud background music) would be a daily disturbance.
Please do not approve the Marriott's request.
Thank you,
A Silver Sands Racquet Club Resident & Taxpayer