HomeMy WebLinkAboutPrelim - CC - 01-10-2013 DRAFT
PRELIMINARY MINUTES
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING
THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 2013
CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBER
73510 FRED WARING DRIVE, PALM DESERT, CA 92260
I. CALL TO ORDER - 3:00 P.M.
Mayor Harnik convened the meeting at 3:00 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL
Present:
Mayor Pro Tem Jean M. Benson
Councilman Robert A. Spiegel
Councilman Van G. Tanner
Councilmember Susan Marie Weber
Mayor Jan C. Harnik
Also Present:
John M. Wohlmuth, City Manager
David J. Erwin, City Attorney
William L. Strausz, Successor Agency Counsel
Rachelle D. Klassen, City Clerk
Russell Grance, Director of Building & Safety
Lauri Aylaian, Director of Community Development
Martin Alvarez, Director of Economic Development
Janet M. Moore, Director of Housing
Mark Greenwood, Director of Public Works
Frankie Riddle, Director of Special Programs
J. Luis Espinoza, Assistant Finance Director
Casey Hartman, Battalion Chief, Palm Desert Fire/Riverside Co. Fire/Cal Fire
Bill Sullivan, Asst. Chief, Palm Desert PoficelRiverside Co. SherifF's Dept.
Grace L. Mendoza, Deputy City Clerk
III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - A (CLOSED SESSION ITEMS)
None
IV. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION
Request for Closed Session:
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A. Conference with Legal Counsel regarding existing litigation pursuant to
Government Code Section 54956.9(a):
1) City of Palm Springs v. All Persons Interested, etc., et al.,
Riverside County Superior Court, Case No. INDIO 51124
B. Conference with Legal Counsel regarding significant exposure to litigation
pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(b):
Number of potential cases: 2
Mr. Erwin requested the City Council's consideration of adding an item to the
agenda by four-fifths vote, which had presented itself after posting of the agenda.
C. Conference with Real Property Negotiator pursuant to Government Code
Section 54956.8:
1) Property: APN 693-230-016
Negotiating Parties:
Agency: John M. Wohlmuth/Mark Greenwood/City of
Palm Desert
Property Owner: NetREIT, Inc.
Under Negotiation: x Price x Terms of Payment
On a motion by Spiegel, second by Tanner, and 5-0 vote of the City Council, the
aforementioned Property Negotiation was added to the City Council agenda for Closed
Session.
With City Council concurrence, Mayor Harnik adjourned the meeting to Closed
Session at 3:01 p.m. She reconvened the meeting at 4:03 p.m.
V. RECONVENE REGULAR MEETING - 4:00 P.M.
A. REPORT ON ACTION FROM CLOSED SESSION.
None
VI. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF
THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA- Mayor Pro Tem Jean M. Benson
VII. INVOCATION - Mayor Jan C. Harnik
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VIII. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - B
MR. JOE GAUGUSH, Broken Arrow Trail, Palm Desert, thanked City Council for its
ongoing support of the Pet Adoption Reimbursement Program in support of the
Coachella Valley Animal Campus. He and his wife, Cora, had the opportunity over
the past week to utilize the Program, becoming the proud "parents" of two dogs —
a two-year-old Siberian Husky and a one-year-old German Shepherd-mix — both
now very happy to be part of their new home.
IX. AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS, AND APPOINTMENTS
None
X. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. MINUTES of the Regular City Council Meetings of December 13 and
December 27, 2012.
Rec: Approve as presented.
B. CLAIMS AND DEMANDS AGAINST THE CITY TREASURY - Warrant
Nos. 113, 114, 118, 119, 124, 125, 128, 129, 133, and 135.
Rec: Approve as presented.
C. CLAIM AGAINST THE CITY(#717� by Heirs of Gerald Weiss in the Amount
of$15,000,000.
Rec: By Minute Motion, reject the Claim and direct the City Clerk to so
notify the Claimant.
D. CLAIM AGAINST THE CITY (#718� by Araceli L. McDougall in the Amount
of$389,347.53.
Rec: By Minute Motion, reject the Claim and direct the City Clerk to so
notify the Claimant.
E. APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE by Total Wine &
More, 72-339 Highway 111, #339, Palm Desert.
Rec: Receive and file.
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F. APPLICATION FORALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE byWineville USA,
42-815 Kansas Street, Palm Desert.
Rec: Receive and file.
G. MARKETING COMMITTEE MINUTES for the Meeting of November 20,
2012.
Rec: Receive and file.
H. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION to Utilize Vendors on an Authorized
Motorcycle Maintenance Vendors �ist for Repairs to City-owned Police
Vehicles, Communication, RADAR and LIDAR Equipment.
Rec: By Minute Motion, authorize the Palm Desert Police Department to
utilize vendors on the Authorized Motorcycle Maintenance Vendors
List, as presented in the Riverside County Sheriff's Memorandum
dated May 22, 2012—funds are available in the FY 2012-2013 Police
Department Budget.
I. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION for Purchase of Storage Area Nefinrork
(SAN) in the Amount of $31,399.37 Under the DELL Government Pricing
Contract.
Rec: By Minute Motion, approve the purchase of a Storage Area Nefinrork
(SAN)to increase storage space for all the City's electronic files and
servers in the amount of$31,399.37—funds are budgeted in Account
N o. 530-4190-415-4040.
J. REQUEST FORACCEPTANCE OF WORKforContract No. C31440— 2012
Citywide Slurry Seal Project(Project No. 751-12)(Roy Allan Slurry Seal, Inc.,
Santa Fe Springs, CA).
Rec: By Minute Motion, accept the work as complete and authorize the
City Clerk to file a Notice of Completion for the subject project.
K. REQUEST FOR ACCEPTANCE OF WORK for Contract No. C31850— Civic
Center Parking Lot Resurfacing Project(Project No. 750-12)(Ben's Asphalt,
Santa Ana, CA).
Rec: By Minute Motion, accept the work as complete and authorize the
City Clerk to file a Notice of Completion for the subject project.
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L. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of Temporary Use of Alcohol for the Desert
Recreation DistricYs 13th Annual International Sports Festival (a.k.a. Senior
Games) Opening Ceremony to be Held on February 8, 2013, at the
Palm Desert Civic Center Park Amphitheater.
Rec: By Minute Motion, approve the temporary waiver of Palm Desert
Municipal Code Section 11.01.080(W)- Possession/Consumption of
Alcohol in City Parks, pursuant to Palm Desert Municipal Code
Section 9.58.040, for the subject event.
Upon a motion by Tanner, second by Spiegel, and 5-0 vote of the City Council, the
Consent Calendar was approved as presented.
XI. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER
None
XII. RESOLUTIONS
A. RESOLUTION NO. 2013 - 01 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE
SUBDIVISION MAP OF PARCEL MAP NO. 36395 (Kambiz Kamdar,
c/o Ark Construction and Development, Inc., Applicant).
Mr. Greenwood stated this map was on the existing Vineyards Development,
and it separated the residential component from the commercial component,
and staff recommended approval.
Councilman Spiegel moved to waive further reading and adopt Resolution
No. 2013-01. Motion was seconded by Benson and carried by a 5-0 vote.
XIII. ORDINANCES
A. For Introduction:
None
B. For Adoption:
None
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XIV. NEW BUSINESS
A. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF A SECOND AMENDMENT AND
RESTATED JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT, CREATING A REGIONAL
AIRPORT AUTHORITY TO BE KNOWN AS JACQUELINE COCHRAN
REGIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY (CONTRACT NO. C08462).
Mr. Aryan stated that pursuant to a Joint Powers Agreement, the City has
been a member of the Desert Resorts Regional Airport Authority since 1984.
The Authority serves on an advisory capacity to the County Board of
Supervisors and is involved in the master planning of the Jacqueline
Cochran Regional Airport (JCRA), including promoting the economic
development aspects of the airport and surrounding areas. The proposed
second amendment effectuates the following: 1) Changes the former name
of the Authority to Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport Authority(JCRAA);
2) Increases the annual membership dues by $2,500, so it will go from
$10,000 to $12,500 per year; 3) Adds a new elected member to the Board
from the Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians. He said staff
recommended approval of the proposed amendment and offered to answer
any questions.
Councilman Spiegel moved to, by Minute Motion: 1) Approve the Second
Amendment and Restated Joint Powers Agreement, Creating a Regional Airport Authority
to be known as the Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport Authority(JCRAA); 2) authorize
the Mayor to execute the Agreement; 3)appropriate$2,500 from the Unobligated General
Fund and transfer to Account No. 110-4159-415-3630 to fund increase in the annual
JCRAA Membership dues. Motion was seconded by Tanner and carried by a 5-0 vote.
B. REQUEST FOR AWARD OF CONTRACT TO DIAMOND CONTRACT
SERVICES, INC., IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $105,190.22 FOR
CITY FACILITIES JANITORIAL SERVICES (CONTRACT NO. C32350,
PROJECT NO. 771-13).
Mr. Greenwood explained that last year with the City's early retirement
incentive programs and staff reductions, the main janitorial person retired.
Staff has been trying to provide these services with existing staff for quite a
Iong time, but it's diverting those members, who are more suited to building
repair type of activities, away from those activities. Therefore, the City went
out to bid for janitorial services, and there was a lot of interest with 34
contractors going through the job walk. Staff is satisfied with the bids and
recommended award of contract to Diamond Contract Service, Inc.
Responding to question, he said Diamond Contract has a local office in La
Quinta, stating the contract requires City staff to approve the people that will
do the job, and it requires them to have a supervisor here in the Valley for
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staff to work with if there are issues. Further responding, he confirmed the
Portola Community Center was included in the contract.
Councilman Spiegel moved to, by Minute Motion: 1)Declare Williams&Associates
Plus One bid as non-responsive and reject; 2) authorize award of the subject contract to
Diamond Contract Services, Inc., La Quinta,California,for City Facilities Janitorial Services
in an amount not to exceed $105,190.22; 3)authorize the Director of Finance to set aside
$10,519.22 as 10% contingency for the contract; 4) appropriate $115,709.24 from the
Unobligated General Fund to Building Maintenance Janitorial Services, Account
No. 110-4340-413-3326 for the contract; 5)authorize the Mayor to execute said contract.
Motion was seconded by Benson and carried by a 5-0 vote.
C. REQUEST FOR AWARD OF CONTRACT TO ANDERS�N AIR
CONDITIONING, L.P., IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $983,000 FOR
THE CIVIC CENTER SHERIFF SUBSTATION HVAC UPGRADES
(CONTRACT NO. C32000A, PROJECT NO. 763-11).
Mr. Greenwood stated $800,000 was budgeted for repair and upgrade of the
HVAC system for the Sheriff's Substation. A local engineer designed the
replacement system, and staff is satisfied with the design; it is an efficient
system. He noted the 911 Center is housed next door in the Substation,
stating it was an important facility. He said the HVAC system is needed not
only to make it comfortable for employees, but there is a great deal of
electronic equipment in that building that needs to be air-conditioned in order
to keep it functioning. This project is to replace the existing HVAC system
before it completely breaks down; the system still functions, but it has a lot
of operational problems.
Councilman Tanner asked if there are local vendors qualified to do this work.
Mr. Greenwood stated there were only three bids submitted on this project,
and he believed there are local vendors who are qualified and could do this
work, but they chose not to submit a bid.
Councilman Spiegel moved to by Minute Motion: 1)Authorize award of the subject
contract to Anderson Air Conditioning, L. P., Fullerton, California, for the Civic Center
Sheriff Substation HVAC Upgrades in an amount not to exceed$983,000; 2)authorize the
Director of Finance to set aside$98,300 as 10%contingency for the contract; 3)reallocate
$400,000 from the Civic Center and Chamber Restroom Remodel Projects in Building
Maintenance Account No. 450-4161-415-4001 to the Sheriff Substation HVAC Project; 4)
authorize the Mayor to execute said contract. Motion was seconded by Tanner.
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Mayor Harnik commented all the contractors that bid were from out of the
area, and they would have to drive into the City. She would like to have
some sort of discussion with Desert Contractors Association, Desert Valley
Builders Association, the Chamber of Commerce, and staff about making
sure local vendors are getting the notice of City bids.
Mayor Harnik called for the vote, and the motion carried by a 5-0 vote.
D. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF THE 2013 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
STRATEGIC PLAN.
Economic Development Manager Ruth Ann Moore stated that with the
elimination of Redevelopment, staff was tasked to create an Economic
Development Strategic Plan (EDSP) that concentrated on goals for future
economic development in Palm Desert. Staff approached this effort by
researching the City's primary economic infrastructure, current
demographics, and by attending conferences and webinars to review
potential funding sources used by other cities. Focus groups were formed
from several City committees, City staff, and the business community to
discuss opportunities and gain insight into future needs. From the research,
six goals for business development were crafted along with strategies to
accomplish these goals. These strategies were broken down into immediate
mid-term and long-term projects over the next five years. Since the
Redevelopment Agency was the major funding source for economic
development, the strategic plan also includes a list of potential funding
sources; however, not all of the funding sources may be applicable to Palm
Desert and will require further research and Council action in order to
implement them. Future programs along with potential funding sources will
come back to the Council at a later date. She offered to answer any
questions.
Mayor Pro Tem Benson complimented Ms. Moore on a good working piece.
Although, she disagreed with some things, overall she did a fantastic job of
putting forth the opportunities and weaknesses, and knowing things will
come back to Council for approval provided her some assurance.
Mayor Harnik agreed Ms. Moore did an amazing job on the Strategic Plan,
stating it was an ongoing project, and it took a tremendous amount of work.
With respect to the report, she asked what was the significance of the yellow
bars on page 10 of the EDSP.
Ms. Moore stated there is a notation on the top left corner of page 10, where
it indicates that in 2000 to 2011, retail sales increased 15.1% over those
years.
Mayor Harnik asked what was "Main Street City Designation."
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Ms. Moore explained it was a national designation, stating she originally
thought there could be some grants involved with it, and staff was still
researching it.
Mayor Harnik noted that on page 21, under Long-range Efforts,the last bullet
states, "Secure a qualified consultant to implement and promote the City's
commercial ElP with third-party funding."She asked who was that third-party.
Ms. Moore deferred the question to Director of Economic Development
Martin Alvarez, because it was part of his strategy within the Plan.
Mr. Alvarez stated a third-party can be a public consultant that the City can
secure a proposal from. It can be a funding source from private banks or
private investors that would pull their money in order to participate in the
City's EIP Program.
Councilman Spiegel moved to, by Minute Motion, approve the 2013 Economic
Development Strategic Plan as presented. Motion was seconded by Tanner and carried
by a 5-0 vote.
Mayor Pro Tem Benson stated that in reading the report where it indicated
that in 1973 the City's budget was$241,266, she recalled the main thing one
of the candidates for Council wanted was to ensure the City had Christmas
decorations, stating things have changed since 1973.
XV. CONTINUED BUSINESS
A. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION FOR CITY STAFF TO UNDERTAKE
FACILITY OPERATION OF THE PORTOLA COMMUNITY CENTER
(Continued from the meetings of November 15 and December 13, 2012).
Councilman Spiegel moved to, by Minute Motion, continue this matter to a date
uncertain. Motion was seconded by Benson and carried by a 5-0 vote.
B. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF DESIGN GUIDELINES FOR THE
EL PASEO SHOPPING DISTRICT AND DIRECT STAFF TO DEVELOP
PROCEDURES AND FEES FOR ESTABLISHING A SIDEWALK CAFE
PERMIT (Continued from the meetings of November 15 and December 13,
2012).
Ms.Aylaian stated this item has been before the Council several times, most
recently, it was assigned to a subcommittee with Mayor Harnik and Mayor
Pro Tem Benson to look at a couple of details. Some of the items that were
changed since it was last presented are as follows: First, there was a great
deal of discussion about what the minimum clear width should be that would
allow for people walking on the sidewalk without any congestion, barricades
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for dining, planters, or anything else. The recommendation from the
subcommittee is for an 8 feet minimum clear width, but that there is a
process that would allow staff to reduce it down to 7 feet in cases of physical
or financial hardship that precludes a provision of the 8-foot clear width,
which is how the guidelines now currently read. Second, there was
discussion regarding whether or not private businesses and private entities
should be able to put street furnishings out in the public right-of-way or if it
needs to be kept on their own property. The subcommittee recommended
that private entities be allowed to put furnishings in the public right-of-way
provided the furnishings are first reviewed and approved by City staff, which
is now included in the program. Additionally, the subcommittee asked that
City staff bring forth a White Paperfordiscussion during the Budget process
for the purchase of new street furnishings, i.e., benches, waste receptacles,
and planters. Finally, there was discussion on how to stop the tables and
chairs from creeping out into the sidewalk in areas where restaurants or
cafes did not use a barricade. If the establishment serves alcohol, a
barricade will be required, but if it didn't, like Starbucks, it will require
decorative pavers, saw cuts to the concrete, or contrasting color on the
sidewalk that clearly defines the area that is for the cafe. She said this will
make it easier for Code Enforcement to identify if furnishings are infringing
on the public's right-of-way and also make it easier for businesses to police
themsetves. All other requirements are essentially as they were when last
reviewed by the Council. The subcommittee discussed the number of
businesses that currently have sidewalk dining and potential locations for
other businesses to take advantage. Staff identified a total of 23 restaurants
that have a potential for sidewalk dining on EI Paseo, and all but five,
currently do. She didn't expect there to be a rash of clutter, even if all these
businesses took advantage of sidewalk dining. Responding to question,she
said these items were taken to the EI Paseo Business Improvement District
(EPBID) Board of Directors where staff received active and lively
participation and input from them.
Councilman Spiegel asked if the EPBID went along with the guidelines.
Ms. Aylaian answered yes, stating they actually preferred a 6-foot clear
width, and that was in part, in response to one business owner who was
proposing to do a renovation, who was John Wessman. She noted
Mr. Wessman had spoken to the Council in the past on this issue, but at that
time he felt he needed a six-foot clear width; however, he has revised his
design and can do it with 7 feet.
Councilman Spiegel asked when will Mr. Wessman start on his project.
Ms. Aylaian stated Mr. Wessman assured her that he would be in for Plan
Check in about two weeks.
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Councilman Spiegel moved to, by Minute Motion, approve design guidelines forthe
EI Paseo Shopping District and direct staff to develop procedures and fees for establishing
a Sidewalk Cafe permit.
Mayor Harnik asked staff to elaborate on Item 4(b) on page 1 of Rules and
Regulations for Sidewalk Dining Program, which states, "All sidewalk cafes
must have an opening for ingress and egress af all times."
Ms. Aylaian explained the establishment has to have an opening if the
occupancy of the enclosed area is such that the Fire Marshal requires an
exit; otherwise, the ingress and egress can be through the business itself.
Mayor Harnik noted the subcommittee met a number of times on these items
and a lot of work had been done, which is appreciated. �
Councilman Tanner seconded the motion, and it carried by a 5-0 vote.
XVI. OLD BUSINESS
None
XVII. PUBLIC HEARINGS
None
XVIII. REPORTS AND REMARKS
A. CITY MANAGER
1. City Manager Meeting Summaries for the Period of December 3- 31,
2012.
With City Council concurrence the City Manager Meeting Summaries were received
and filed.
2. Report on History of. the Appointment of Mayor/Mayor Pro Tem and
Options for Appointment of Mayor Pro Tem for the December 12,
2013, City Council Meeting.
Mr. Wohlmuth stated that to his knowledge, this was the first time the
City Council had two new members at the same election — Members
Tanner and Weber—sworn in on the same date. Therefore, it would
convolute the manner in which the next Mayor Pro Tem would be
inserted into the Rotation and then become Mayor, since two people
assumed office on the same date. Whereas previously,the assuming
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office date was the manner in which their seat was inserted into the
Rotation. He referred to the report included in the agenda packets,
showing the Council's current policy and history of the offices to date,
and suggesting a couple of alternatives for applying the policy going
forward. Staff's recommendation for the next in line for Mayor Pro
Tem would be the person receiving the highest number of votes;
although,there were other options mentioned. He asked City Council
to consider the matter and provide direction.
Councilman Spiegel moved to, by Minute Motion, direct staff to prepare the policy
such that when two or more Councilmembers are sworn in on the same date, the Member
receiving the highest number of votes be inserted into the Mayor Pro Tem/Mayor Rotation
first, with the person receiving the second-highest number of votes be inserted second in
the Rotation, etc. Motion was seconded by Benson.
After seconding the motion, Mayor Pro Tem Benson went on to say
she felt it would be appropriate to also review the criteria for Mayor
and Mayor Pro Tem, acknowledging that the City had not been in this
situation previously with two new Councilmembers. Additionally, she
pointed out that there were currently two very seasoned
Councilmembers in current and just-ended leadership positions. In
case something were to change in that regard, previous service of the
new Councilmembers, such as being Planning Commission Chair,
would be an appropriate requisite and give them priority for serving as
Mayor Pro Tem or Mayor.
Mr. Wohlmuth said he'd be happy to work on the policy with
Ms. Klassen, confirming that staff would review the current policy
(requiring service on the Council for one year before becoming Mayor
Pro Tem and two years before becoming Mayor) and suggest some
options in the event City Council ends up in the same situation—other
qualifications determining the order besides years of service on
Council. He added it would also be helpful if Council provided
direction regarding prioritization of howto establish Mayorand Mayor
Pro Tem in the future, such as by highest number of votes received,
and that could be incorporated into the new policy. He noted that in
the event of there being three new Councilmembers, it would be
extremely difficult to follow the current policy, and agreed with Mayor
Pro Tem Benson's suggestion for looking at other qualifications and
make them a little more flexible as a means of determining eligibility.
He confirmed that staff would bring this back to the Council in the
form of a policy revision.
Mayor Harnik definitely agreed that it was important for there to be
some contingencies in place. When she looked at the information
very carefully, she understood the immediate reaction of selecting the
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Member with the highest number of votes. However, she also
realized that because of the way people vote—whether they have the
option of voting for three, or two, or only one — it may not always be
the best way to go and may, instead, set a precedent that doesn't
always work as well. She believed a totally random selection by
drawing lots may be better and as fair as any other method.
Mr. Wohlmuth noted that a Randomized Alphabet Drawing for
determining the order of names on the ballot was done for each
election, and that was a totally random process that could be carried
through to the Council's Mayor/Mayor Pro Tem Rotation selection.
Responding to Councilmember Weber's comment about drawing
straws could result in the same person being Mayor every year, he
said it would only apply when there was more than one
Councilmember sworn in on the same date and their insertion into the
Rotation. In further response, it was clarified that the highest number
of votes factor was only going to be used in determining the order of
Mayor Pro Tem/Mayor for the five sitting Councilmembers, not for
filling a later Council vacancy, should it occur. It was confirmed that
should a vacancy occur, it required a whole different process to fill,
either by appointment or another election as specified in State Law.
It was also noted that the policy of selection of Mayor Pro Tem and
Mayor Rotation, particularlywhen two or more Councilmembers came
on at the same time, could be changed in the future if so desired.
Councilman Spiegel concurred with Mayor Pro Tem Benson's suggested
amendment to the above motion, asking staff to expand on the Mayor Pro Tem/Mayor
Rotation policy revision to include providing alternative qualifications for selecting the
Mayor Pro Tem/Mayor, other than one and two years of service, respectively, including
service and leadership on other City Legislative Advisory Bodies, particularly Planning
Commission that would qualify a Councilmember for appointment to the positions of Mayor
Pro Tem and Mayor.
Mayor Harnik called for the vote, and the motion carried 4-1, with Harnik voting NO.
3. Animal Adoption Feature
Mr. Wohlmuth indicated that at the Council's last meeting, staff
received direction to videotape animal adoption features to place on
the website and, in turn, be part of the Council Meeting recording sent
to Time Warner for their broadcast on Channels 17 (analog) and
120 (digital) at 6:00 p.m. on the Thursday following the date of the
Council Meeting. He said staff's been working closely with Animal
Samaritans, and the first video animal adoption feature will occur at
the January 24 Council Meeting. Although, the video will not be
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shown during the actual meeting, it will appear on the broadcast
recording.
4. Marriott Desert S�rinqs General Manager
Mr. Wohlmuth went on to report that effective December 31, Marriott
Desert Springs General Manager Ken Schwartz retired, and the new
General Manager is Ralph Scatena. He asked City Council for its
concurrencewith preparing a proclamation honoring Mr. Schwartzfor
his service, recognizing the good partnership the City had with the
Marriott during Mr. Schwartz's tenure.
With City Council concurrence, Mr. Wohlmuth was directed to prepare a
proclamation to honor Mr. Ken Schwartz for his years of service as General
Manager of the Marriott Desert Springs Resort&Spa and present it at the next City
Council Meeting on January 24.
5. 2013 Economic Development Strategic Plan
Mr. Wohlmuth thanked Economic Development Manager Ruth Ann
Moore and Director of Economic Development Martin Alvarez for all
the hard work that went into development of the Economic
Development Strategic Plan. He believed it was the first time the
City's had a comprehensive Plan of this type, after talking about
preparing one for a number of years. He said Ms. Moore did an
excellent job soliciting input for development of the Plan, and it was
very much appreciated.
Councilmembers concurred.
B. CITY ATTORNEY
None
C. CITY CLERK
1. Announcement of City Council Study Session — Thursday,
January 24, 2013, at 2:00 p.m., Administrative Conference Room, for
the Purpose of Discussing Development of the City's Updated
Strategic Plan.
Councilmembers noted the announcement and the scheduled Study Session.
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D. PUBUC SAFETY
1. Fire Department
None
2. Police Department
None
E. MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
1. City Council Requests for Action:
a) Consideration of City Council Appointments to Internal and
External Boards, Committees, and Commissions.
Councilmembers referred to the table of Proposed
Assignments included in the agenda packet.
•Greater Palm Desert Chamber of Commerce-Councilman
Spiegel noted that he'd been City Representative to the
Chamber of Commerce for 16 years and felt it was time to step
down and let someone else benefit from that experience. In
answer to request, Councilman Tanner agreed to serve in that
capacity instead of Councilman Spiegel
• Cove Communities Public Safety Commission -
Councilman Spiegel went on to report that the Cove
Communities Public Safety Commission (a.k.a. Cove
Commission) meets quarterly, and he is currently Vice
Chairman. This year the Commission meets in Indian Wells,
with the hosting rotation set to come to Palm Desert next year.
He asked to remain on the Cove Commission for the next two
years in order to serve out his term through Chairman. In
answer to his request, Councilman Spiegel was named to
remain, along with Councilmember Weber as the second
appointee to the Cove Commission.
Mr. Wohlmuth confirmed that the Cove Commission Board is
comprised of two Councilmembers from each of the three
cities (Indian Wells, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage).
• Hotel Committee - Councilman Spiegel stated that he was
instrumental in establishing this body and would very much like
to continue this appointment. In answer to comment, he said
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REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 10, 2013
it met randomly but felt it should meet more regularly, such as
monthly in order to see where the City is going with its hotels.
Mayor Pro Tem Benson agreed that Councilman Spiegel had
been a longtime member, but she wasn't sure the Committee
needed to meet monthly. She felt the Mayor should be on it
along with Councilman Spiegel, and she would then agree to
be Alternate.
•Two x Two Committee - Councilman Spiegel observed that
he initiated this body, bringing the idea from Bakersfield; he
currently serves as Chair and would like to continue. In
answer to question, Councilman Tanner agreed to be the
second appointee, and Mayor Harnik agreed to be the
Alternate.
• Historical Society of Palm Desert-Councilmember Weber
said she had a correction to the meeting time, which she'd
already conveyed to Ms. Klassen. This body meets on the
third Thursday at 9:30 a.m.
• Palm Springs Art Museum Board-Mayor Harnik said there
was another time correction to be made. The Art Museum
Board meets on the second Friday at 1:15 p.m.
Upon a motion by Tanner, second by Weber, and 5-0 vote of the City Council, the
City Council Assignments -2013 were approved as presented and with the amendments
noted above.
b) Request for Scheduling of City Council Study Session to
Conduct Interviews of Applicants for Various Vacancies and
Consider Reappointments of Members on the City's Standing
Committees and Commissions.
Following discussion of available dates and times, with City Council concurrence,
staff was directed to schedule the Study Session and applicant interviews for
Monday, January 28, beginning at 9:00 a.m. and continuing through around
3:00 p.m. that day.
2. City Council Consideration of Travel Reauests and Reports:
None
3. City Council Committee Reports:
None
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4. City Council Comments:
a) Corporation Yard — Mayor Harnik said she went out to the
City's Corporation Yard recently (where all the City's heavy
equipment is kept), and she again commended the operation
there — it was well organized, clean, and very impressive.
b) 2013-2014 EI Paseo Invitational Exhibition Dedication— Mayor
Harnik noted that the official opening of the Exhibition was
celebrated this past Monday evening. She loved the artwork
there and complimented Art In Public Places Commission
Chair Kim Snyder, the entire Commission, and City Public Art
staff for all their good work that culminated in a wonderful
event and Exhibition.
Councilman Spiegel commended Mayor Harnik for her stellar
perFormance in opening the Exhibition.
5. Suaaested Items for Future City Council Meeting Aaendas:
None
XIX. ADJOURNMENT
Upon motion by Spiegel, second by Tanner, and unanimous vote of the City
Council, Mayor Harnik adjourned the meeting at 5:00 p.m.
JAN C. HARNIK, MAYOR
ATTEST:
RACHELLE D. KLASSEN, CITY CLERK
CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA
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