HomeMy WebLinkAboutPrelim - CC - 09-25-2014 DRAFT `��
� �. �
, �
PRELIMINARY MINUTES
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014
CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBER
73510 FRED WARING DRIVE, PALM DESERT, CA 92260
I. CALL TO ORDER - 3:00 P.M.
Mayor Tanner convened the meeting at 3:00 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL
Present: Absent:
Councilmember Jean M. Benson Councilman Robert A. Spiegel
Councilmember Jan C. Harnik
Mayor Pro Tem Susan Marie Weber
Mayor Van G. Tanner
Also Present:
John M. Wohlmuth, City Manager
David J. Erwin, City Attorney
Rudy P. Acosta, Assistant City Manager
Rachelle D. Klassen, City Clerk
Russell Grance, Director of Building & Safety
Lauri Aylaian, Director of Community Development
Martin Alvarez, Director of Economic Development
Pau! S. Gibson, Director of Finance/City Treasurer
Janet M. Moore, Director of Housing
Frankie Riddle, Director of Special Programs
Bo Chen, City Engineer
Stephen Y. Aryan, Risk Manager
Casey Hartman, Battalion Chief, Palm Desert Fire/Riverside Co. Fire Dept./Cal Fire
Bill Sullivan, Asst. Chief, Palm Desert Police/Riverside Co. Sheriff's Department
Grace L. Mendoza, Deputy City Clerk
III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - A (CLOSED SESSION ITEMS)
None
PRELIMINARY MINUTES DRAFT
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING SEPTEMBER 25, 2014
IV. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION
Request for Closed Session:
A. Conference with Legal Counsel regarding existing litigation pursuant to
Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1):
1) WNRA Palm Desert 103, LP, v. City of Palm Desert, et al., Riverside
County Superior Court, Case No. PSC 1400549
B. Conference with Legal Counsel regarding significant exposure to litigation
pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2):
Number of potential cases: 2
Prior to adjourning to Closed Session, Mr. Wohlmuth asked for the City Council's
consideration of adding two items of New Business to the agenda by four-fifths vote,
because they presented themselves after posting:
1. Request for Authorization for Sparkling Wine to be Served at the Measure "A"
Reception at CVAG (Coachella Valley Association of Governments) - a City-
owned Facility. It would have to be exempted from the Palm Desert Municipal
Code so that wine could be served on public property at the reception.
2. Consideration of the Appointment of a Councilmember as an Alternate to the
General Plan Update Steering Committee.
Upon a motion by Harnik, second by Weber, and 4-0 vote of the City Council
(AYES: Benson, Harnik, Weber, and Tanner; NOES: None; ABSENT: Spiegel), the
aforementioned two items were added to the agenda under Section XIV - New Business,
Items E and F, respectively. (Please see that portion of the minutes for resulting
discussion and action.)
With City Council concurrence, Mayor Tanner adjourned the meeting to Closed
Session at 3:05 p.m. He reconvened the meeting at 4:00 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 - Councilmember Jan C. Harnik
2
PRELIMINARY MINUTES DRAFT
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING SEPTEMBER 25, 2014
VII. INVOCATION - Councilmember Jean M. Benson
Vlil. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - B
MS. NIKOHL VANDEL, Catalpa Avenue, Desert Hot Springs, CA, announced an
upcoming event, "Out of the Darkness" Community Walk, presented by the
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, being held in Civic Center Park
Amphitheater on Saturday, February 28, 2015, 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., which she
believed was the third year in Palm Desert and said they were calling for volunteers
to help with it. She recalled being present at the last Council Meeting when a
proclamation was presented to recognize "Constitution Week," September 17-23.
She asked what everyone else did to celebrate the week in Palm Desert. As for
herself, she attended a Los Angeles City Council Meeting but said it was different
there, with a rope separating the audience and speaker at the podium from the
Council. However, she saw it as more of a psychological separation between the
people and their government and was challenging that City Council on it. Further,
she said in New York was the Great March for Climate Action, which joined the
People's Climate March. She related that the Great March for Climate Action was
originated in Wilmington, California, on March 1 and has been marching across the
U.S. to raise awareness of all the issues involved with climate change and the future
to be faced because of it. She urged everyone to rise up to the challenge, because
there will be many ways that society will have to shift its realities, both personally
and collectively. She looked to the City Council as it participated in the Coachella
Valley Association of Governments, because it has a large responsibility to bear
being downwind from the Sentinel Natural Gas Plant near Desert Hot Springs and
the bio-spheric fallout from its operation. She said the map showing that
information had been removed from packets of material about the plant, but City
Council should keep track of the air quality and its resulting impact on citizens.
IX. AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS, AND APPOINTMENTS
With City Council concurrence, Mayor Tanner suspended the order of the
agenda at this point, taking up Awards, Presentations, and Appointments
Item D first, followed by C, A, then B.
A. PRESENTATION OF PROCLAMATION DECLARING THE MONTH OF
SEPTEMBER 2014 AS"ADULT LITERACYAWARENESS MONTH" IN THE
CITY OF PALM DESERT.
On behalf of the entire City Council, Mayor Tanner presented the
proclamation to Riverside County Library System Desert Zone Manager
Sherry Martinez and Palm Desert Librarian Lisa Brock.
Ms. Brock thanked Mayor Tanner for the recognition and offered that
Riverside County was very dedicated to its Adult Literacy Program and is
3
PRELIMINARY MINUTES DRAFT
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING SEPTEMBER 25, 2014
now giving it a revival. She added that they were always looking for
volunteers in the area to help adults learn to read. Anyone interested could
contact her at the Palm Desert Library, because there are so many people
who still need help reading, and this is accomplished through the efforts of
gracious volunteers.
B. PRESENTATION OF PROCLAMATION DECLARING SATURDAY,
SEPTEMBER 27, 2014, AS"21 ST NATIONAL PUBLIC LANDS DAY" IN THE
CITY OF PALM DESERT.
On behalf of the entire City Council, Mayor Tanner presented the
proclamation by reading it aloud. He noted that there wasn't anyone in
attendance today to accept, but it will be forwarded to the appropriate
recipient. He called attention to the many benefits that had been derived
through the efforts of the National Environmental Education Foundation,
Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, Department of
Defense, Environmental Protection Agency, National Park Service, U. S.
Army Corps of Engineers, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the USDA
Forest Service for local participation on publicly held lands in Palm Desert.
C. PRESENTATION OF PROCLAMATION DECLARING THE MONTH OF
OCTOBER 2014 AS "FIRE PREVENTION AND MINI-MUSTER MONTH" IN
THE CITY OF PALM DESERT.
On behalf of the entire City Council, Mayor Tanner presented the
proclamation to Mini-Muster Coordinator Louise Neeley from the
Palm Dese�t Historical Society, and Fire Department Representatives.
MS. NEELEY noted she was a lifetime Coachella Valley resident and
pleased to be appointed to the task of coordinating the Annual Mini-Muster
forthe Historical Society. She offered that it was herfirst year as coordinator
in this 22-year program; it was a big undertaking, but she had now visited all
the participating elementary schools in preparation forthe activitythat begins
October 2. She thanked her predecessors, John and Madonna Marman, for
the excellent educational program that had been put in place, and she also
recognized the Firefighters from Station No. 33, who were instrumental in
conducting this very worthy annual event. She was sure that the program
would continue, because many adults she encountered fondly remembered
participating in it when they were third graders and were happy their children
were present-day participants.
MS. JAN HOLMLUND, Palm Desert Historical Society, also extolled the
program's virtues, emphasizing that it was well known that since Mini-Muster
began, there have not been any child-started fires in the City. She also
credited the pioneers who helped rally support and get the program started,
including former Mayor Ed Mullins, and former City Clerk, Assistant City
4
PRELIMINARY MINUTES DRAFT
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING SEPTEMBER 25, 2014
Manager Sheila Gilligan, and she expressed condolences to the City on
Mrs. Gilligan's passing last week. She also went on to express sincere
thanks to Mr. & Mrs. Marman for their prior coordination of the event, the
Cities of Palm Desert and Indian Wells, the Fire Department, and Desert
Sands Unified School District for both their initial and continued support of
the program for third-grade students.
D. PRESENTATION OF PROCLAMATION DECLARING THE WEEK OF
OCTOBER 5 - 11 , 2014, AS "FIRE PREVENTION WEEK" IN THE CITY OF
PALM DESERT.
On behalf of the entire City Council, Mayor Tanner presented the
proclamation to Palm Desert Fire Department Battalion Chief
Casey Hartman, Engineer Mark Grasso, and a full contingent of Station
No. 33 Firefighters also in attendance for this recognition. Mayor Tanner
expressed sincere gratitude to the Fire Department for all its good work in
keeping residents safe.
X. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. MINUTES of the Regular City Council Meeting of September 11, 2014.
Rec: Approve as presented.
B. CLAIMS AND DEMANDS AGAINST THE CITY TREASURY - Warrant
Nos. 42, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 56, 59, 60, 65, 67, 68, 72, 73, and 76.
Rec: Approve as presented.
C. COMPLIANCE ANALYSIS AND INVESTMENT REPORTS for the Month of
May 2014 (Joint Consideration with the Successor Agency to the
Palm Desert Redevelopment Agency).
Rec: Receive and file.
D. CITY COMMITTEE AND COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES.
1 . Audit, Investment & Finance Committee Meeting of May 27, 2014.
2. Youth Committee Meeting of June 2, 2014.
Rec: Receive and file.
E. APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE by Starbucks
#6529, 73520 EI Paseo, #1 A, Palm Desert.
Rec: Receive and file.
5
PRELIMINARY MINUTES DRAFT
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING SEPTEMBER 25, 2014
F. APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE by Taqueria
Sinaloense, 73850 Highway 111, Suite G, Palm Desert.
Rec: Receive and file.
G. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of the Continuation of Professional Services
Agreementwith Vacation Rental Compliancefor ldentifying and Bringing into
Compliance Homeowners Not Currently Complying with Palm Desert
Municipal Code Section Nos. 3.28.020-Transient Occupancy Tax and 5.10-
Short-term Rentals (Contract No. C32282).
Rec: By Minute Motion, approve the subject contract with Vacation Rental
Compliance, Rancho Mirage, California, in an amount not to exceed
$24,000 to identify and register non-compliant short-term rental
properties in Palm Desert.
H. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION to Purchase 30 New/Replacement
Computer Workstations for City Staff in an Amount Not to Exceed $48,000.
Rec: By Minute Motion: 1) Approve the purchase of 30 new/replacement
computer workstations in an amount not to exceed $48,000;
2) appropriate $48,000 from Unobligated Equipment Replacement
Reserve for this purpose.
I. CONSIDERATION ofthe Legislative ReviewCommittee's Recommendation
to Provide Letters of Support and Opposition for Proposed State and Federal
Legislation.
Removed for separate consideration under Section XI, Consent Items Held
Over. Please see that portion of the Minutes for Council discussion and
action.
Councilmember Harnik asked that Item I be removed for separate
consideration under Section XI, Consent Items Held Over.
Upon a motion by Harnik, second by Weber, and 4-0 vote of the City Council
(AYES: Benson, Harnik, Weber, and Tanner; NOES: None; ABSENT: Spiegel), the
remainder of the Consent Calendar was approved as presented.
6
PRELIMINARY MINUTES DRAFT
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING SEPTEMBER 25, 2014
XI. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER
I. CONSIDERATION of the Legislative Review Committee's Recommendation
to Provide Letters of Support and Opposition for Proposed State and Federal
Legislation.
Councilmember Harnik stated the staff report includes a draft letter to
Congressman Raul Ruiz regarding the FCC Title II Regulations concerning
the Internet. However, the Council has received a letter from a resident who
raised points that counter Palm Desert's letter. She said it was worth looking
at it again before sending the letter, stating it was the only letter that
deserved a second look.
Mr. Aryan agreed Mr. Alden did raise some valid points, and staff may not
have all the information on this complex issue. He said this may be a
situation where the Council decides not to provide an opinion at this time.
Mayor Tanner suggested looking further into this letter's contents and
perhaps it may need to be redesigned.
Councilmember Harnik moved to, by Minute Motion: 1)Approve the recommended
letters of support for: a) AB 380 (Dickinson) - Transport of Hazardous Materials;
b) SB 1129 (Steinberg) - Redevelopment Agencies' Dissolution; 2) approve the
recommended letters of opposition for: a)FCC Title I I Regulations Concerning the Internet;
b) AB 2188 (Muratsuchi) - Permitting Process for Rooftop Solar Systems, as amended,
with staff directed to take a further look at the issue and draft letter regarding FCC Title II
Regulations concerning the Internet, based on the points raised in the letter received from
Mr. Alden. Motion was seconded by Benson and carried by a 4-0 vote (AYES: Benson,
Harnik, Weber, and Tanner; NOES: None; ABSENT: Spiegel).
XII. RESOLUTIONS
A. RESOLUTION NO. 2014 - 80 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, RESTATING THE CITY
OF PALM DESERT I.R.S. SECTION 125 FLEXIBLE BENEFITS PLAN.
Human Resources Manager Lori Carney stated this was a housekeeping
item where staff clarified the language to make it consistent with the
employees' agreements, stating there was no change to the City's Plan
document or benefits being offered.
Councilmember Harnik moved to waive further reading and adopt Resolution
No. 2014-80. Motion was seconded by Weber and carried by a 4-0 vote (AYES: Benson,
Harnik, Weber, and Tanner; NOES: None; ABSENT: Spiegel).
7
PRELIMINARY MINUTES DRAFT
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING SEPTEMBER 25, 2014
XIII. ORDINANCES
A. For Introduction:
None
B. For Adoption:
None
XIV. NEW BUSINESS
A. REQUEST FOR INITIATION OF PROCEEDINGS FOR THE
UNDERGROUNDING OF UTILITIES IN PALM DESERT TAMARISK AND
ADJACENT PROPERTIES DISTRICT (DISTRICT NO. 12), AND TAKING
CERTAIN RELATED ACTIONS.
Management Analyst David Hermann stated the last time this item was
before the Council, the City had just received a petition from a second group
of homeowners who were also interested in forming a utility underground
assessment district. Council directed staff to work with Southern California
Edison to see if it made sense to combine the two districts, believing the City
could reap some economies of scale. He said Edison confirmed there were
benefits to be realized by combining these two projects. He said there was
one point of clarification from the staff report where it indicated construction
could begin as early as 2015, which was a rosy best-case scenario.
However, Edison has indicated their design process alone can take 10 to 12
months. Additionally, Verizon and Time Warner will review Edison's design
and come up with their own, which could take up to another 6 months.
Therefore, potentially the design phase could take up to 18 months. He said
staff recommended approval in order to move onto the next step in the
process.
Councilmember Harnik thanked Merilee Colton and Lesley Miller for going
about this matter in such a positive and constructive fashion, stating they
have done a great job of working with everyone.
Councilmember Harnik moved to waive further reading and adopt Resolution
No. 2014 - 81, initiating proceedings for the undergrounding of overhead electric and
communication utility facilities to underground facilities in the Tamarisk and Adjacent
Properties Utility Undergrounding District (District No. 12) pursuant to the provisions of
Chapter 12.12 of the Code of the City of Palm Desert, California, and the Municipal
Improvement Act of 1913. Motion was seconded by Weber and carried by a 4-0 vote
(AYES: Benson, Harnik, Weber, and Tanner; NOES: None; ABSENT: Spiegel).
8
PRELIMINARY MINUTES DRAFT
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING SEPTEMBER 25, 2014
6. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF AN AGREEMENT WITH
WILLDAN FINANCIAL SERVICES IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED
$36,600 FOR ASSESSMENT ENGINEERING AND OTHER SERVICES
RELATED TO THE PROPOSED TAMARISK UTILITIES
UNDERGROUNDING ASSESSMENT DISTRICT (DISTRICT NO. 12)
(CONTRACT NO. C33910).
Management Analyst David Hermann stated the next step in this process is
for the City to hire an assessment engineer, and Willdan Financial Services
has the expertise to provide the service. The City Attorney has indicated
there are a few items that need to be clarified in the Professional Services
Agreement with Willdan and recommends for Council to allow minor
modifications to the Agreement, subject to approval by the City Manager and
City Attorney. Responding to question, he said the one major point of
clarification is that the City Attorney wants a schedule of services that would
show a timeline. Willdan challenges that their timeline is contingent upon
Southern California Edison and the other utilities' design phase. Staff is
working with Willdan to get a schedule of services that would be incorporated
as part of that Agreement.
Councilmember Harnik moved to, by Minute Motion, authorize the City Manager to
enter into the subject Agreement with Willdan Financial Services in an amount not to
exceed $36,600 for assessment engineering and other services related to the proposed
Tamarisk Utilities Undergrounding Assessment District (District No. 12) — funds are
available in Account No. 400-4256-464-4001 for this purpose, subject to any final minor
modifications to the agreement as may be necessary to the satisfaction of both the City
Manager and City Attorney. Motion was seconded by Weber and carried by a 4-0 vote
(AYES: Benson, Harnik, Weber, and Tanner; NOES: None; ABSENT: Spiegel).
C. REQUEST FORAUTHORIZATION TO UTILIZE FRAZER, LTD., HOUSTON,
TEXAS, TO REFURBISH AND REMOUNT PALM DESERT MEDlC UNIT
NO. 267 IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $119,000.
Mr. Aryan stated that every six to seven years the City has the option of
refurbishing instead of replacing its front-line and reserve ambulances,which
has considerable savings over purchasing a new one. This request is to
refurbish Medic Unit 267, which is a reserve ambulance at the Mesa View
Fire Station in south Palm Desert. The work involves redoing the patient
compartment and remounting it on a new chassis. Once refurbished, it will
replace Medic Unit 71,the front-line ambulance at the Fire Station on Portola
Avenue and Country Club Drive; it is the busiest ambulance out of the four.
Councilmember Harnik moved to, by Minute Motion: 1)Approve the refurbishing and
remounting of Palm Desert Medic Unit No. 267 by Frazer, Ltd., Houston, Texas, as a
sole-source vendor, in an amount not to exceed $119,000; 2) appropriate $119,000 from
9
PRELIMINARY MINUTES DRAFT
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING SEPTEMBER 25, 2014
the Unobligated Equipment Replacement Fund to Account No. 530-4195-415-4030 forthe
refurbishing and remounting of Palm Desert Medic Unit No. 267 by Frazer, Ltd; 3)approve
Out-of-State Travel for one Fire Department representative to travel to Houston, Texas, to
inspect and take possession of refurbished Medic Unit No. 267—funds are available in the
current Unobligated Equipment Replacement Fund forthis purpose. Motion was seconded
by Weber and carried by a 4-0 vote (AYES: Benson, Harnik, Weber, and Tanner; NOES:
None; ABSENT: Spiegel).
D. CONSIDERATIONOFTHEAPPOINTMENTOFACITYCOUNCILMEMBER
AS LIAISON TO THE DESERT WILLOW PRESIDENT'S COMMITTEE.
Mr. Alvarez stated the City owns two 18-hole golf courses and a club house
with Kemper Sports Management managing the facility. On a monthly basis,
the Desert Willow PresidenYs Committee meets to review financials, course
conditions, and ongoing capital projects. The item before the Council is
consideration to appoint a member of the City Council as a liaison to the
Committee. He offered to answer any questions.
Councilmember Harnik nominated MayorVan Tanner, and the Mayoragreed
to serve on the Committee.
Councilmember Harnik moved to appoint Mayor Tanner to serve as a liaison to the
Desert Willow President's Committee.
Councilmember Benson recommended placing the appointment on a
schedule with the yearly Mayoral appointment, stating she believed it should
be the Mayor representing the Council. She said with a Mayoral schedule,
Council didn't have to go through this appointment process every year.
Councilmember Harnik stated there was a lot to learn and wondered if the
Committee should stay with someone for a year. She hadn't served on this
committee so she questioned staff on what it all entailed.
Mr. Alvarez replied this Committee met once a month to review any ongoing
and pertinent issues related to Desert Willow and its financials,expenditures,
and contracts. He said the Committee is always looking at maintaining the
best possible results, which is part of this Committee's responsibility.
Councilmember Benson realizing Mayor Tanner didn't have much longer to
be Mayor, she withdrew her request for now. However, once established,
she believed it should be a Mayor's responsibility.
Councilmember Benson seconded the motion and it carried by a 4-0 vote (AYES:
Benson, Harnik, Weber, and Tanner; NOES: None; ABSENT: Spiegel).
10
PRELIMINARY MINUTES DRAFT
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING SEPTEMBER 25, 2014
NOTE: THE FOLLOWING TWO ITEMS OF NEW BUSINESS, E and F, WERE ADDED
TO THE AGENDA AT THE CONVENING OF THE MEETING AT 3:00 P.M.
E. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION FOR SPARKLING WINE TO BE
SERVED AT THE MEASURE "A" RECEPTION ON MONDAY,
SEPTEMBER 29, 2014, AT CVAG (COACHELLA VALLEY ASSOCIATION
OF GOVERNMENTS) - A CITY-OWNED FACILITY AT 73710 FRED
WARING DRIVE.
Mr. Wohlmuth stated he received an email yesterday from CVAG wishing to
serve sparkling wine at a Measure "A" reception, which will be held Monday,
September 29 at 6:00 p.m., at the conclusion of the Executive Committee
Meeting. Under Palm Desert Municipal Code Section 9.58.010, consumption
of alcohol beverages is prohibited in City facilities. Since the Parkview Office
Complex is a City facility, the Council would have to exempt CVAG from
Section 9.58.010 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code to allow them to have
sparkling wine at the reception. Responding to question, he confirmed this
was a one-time occasion.
Councilmember Harnik commented the big celebration was about the final
project of the original Measure "A" list of projects.
Councilmember Harnik moved to, by Minute Motion, waive the provisions of Palm
Desert Municipal Code Section 9.58.010 and authorize the serving of sparkling wine on
City-owned property located at 73710 Fred Waring Drive at the CVAG Measure "A"
Reception on Monday, September29, 2014. Motion was seconded by Benson and carried
by a 3-0-1 vote(AYES: Benson, Harnik, and Tanner; NOES: None;ABSTAINING: Weber;
ABSENT: Spiegel).
F. CONSIDERATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF A COUNCILMEMBER TO
SERVE AS AN ALTERNATE MEMBER ON THE GENERAL PLAN UPDATE
STEERING COMMITTEE.
Mr. Wohlmuth noted the Council appointed Mayor Tanner and
Councilmember Harnik to the General Plan Update Steering Committee, and
the first meeting is October 16, 2014, at 3:30 p.m. where the Committee will
discuss Highway 111 with the consultant. He recommended the Council
appoint an Alternate Member to the General Plan Update Steering
Committee.
Mayor Pro Tem Weber volunteered to serve as an Alternate.
Councilmember Harnik moved to, by Minute Motion, appoint Mayor Pro Tem Weber
to serve as an Alternate Member on the City's General Plan Update Steering Committee.
Motion was seconded by Tanner and carried by a 4-0 vote(AYES: Benson, Harnik, Weber,
and Tanner; NOES: None; ABSENT: Spiegel).
11
PRELIMINARY MINUTES DRAFT
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING SEPTEMBER 25, 2014
XV. CONTINUED BUSINESS
A. CONSIDERATION OF GUIDELINES FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE
COOPERATIVE LANDSCAPE WATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM("TURF
BUYBACK PROGRAM") IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE COACHELLA
VALLEY WATER DISTRICT (CVWD) (Continued from the meeting of
September 11, 2014).
City Engineer Bo Chen stated the Turf Buyback Program is to assist local
Palm Desert residents and HOA's to convert their front yards to drought
tolerant landscaping. In June 2014, the Council approved the program for
$100,000,which has been very successful, as the funds have been allocated
and obligated. The demand is very high so staff is recommending an
additional $50,000.
Mayor Tanner noted the funds will be separated by providing $30,000 for
residential properties and $20,000 for HOA's to use on the exterior or interior
of the common areas.
Mr.Wohlmuth clarified$20,000 was for HOA common areas and commercial
properties that have turf.
Councilmember Harnik pointed out CVWD is matching City funds, which
doubled the amount of assistance.
Councilmember Harnik moved to, by Minute Motion: 1)Approve additional funds for
the Cooperative Landscape Water Management Program (CoLWMP) in conjunction with
CVWD in an amount not to exceed $50,000 to provide up to $1/square foot for residential
front-yard turf removal up to a maximum of$1,000, and $1/square foot for street-adjacent
turf removal for Homeowners Association(s) (HOA) and commercial customers up to a
maximum of$2,000; 2) appropriate $50,000 from Unobligated General Funds to Account
No. 110-4614-453-3915 - Landscape Medians; 3) amend the Cooperative Landscape
Water Management Plan Agreement(Contract No. C33690)to include the extended and
revised terms; 4) authorize the Mayor to execute the Amendment. Motion was seconded
by Weber.
Mayor Tanner stated that when this whole discussion came about, CVWD
mentioned they had unlimited funds for this water preservation program.
Mayor Tanner called for the vote and the motion carried by a 4-0 vote (AYES:
Benson, Harnik, Weber, and Tanner; NOES: None; ABSENT: Spiegel).
12
PRELIMINARY MINUTES DRAFT
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING SEPTEMBER 25, 2014
XVI. OLD BUSINESS
None
XViI. PUBLIC HEARINGS
None
XVIII. REPORTS AND REMARKS
A. CITY MANAGER
1. City Manager Meeting Summaries for the Period of September 1-12,
2014.
Mr. Wohlmuth noted the printed report provided with the agenda
packets and offered to answer questions.
With City Council concurrence, the Meeting Summaries were received and filed.
2. Tamarisk &Adjacent Properties(District #12) Utility Undergrounding
Mr. Wohlmuth wished to publicly thank Southern California Edison's
Local Public Affairs Manager Jennifer Cusack, in the audience today,
for all her hard work assisting with the Tamarisk Utility
Undergrounding District (related items appearing earlier on this
agenda under Section XIV - New Business). He said Ms. Cusack
acted quickly to bring their Engineering Staff to City Hall to discuss
the project, including issues of combining the Tamarisk and
Heliotrope addresses in the District, which was very helpful and
facilitated keeping the project moving forward in a timely fashion.
He went on to further thank Management Analyst/P.I.O.
David Hermann for his great effort on this project, classifying him a
Utility Engineer based on everything that he's gone through and
learned firsthand through this process.
B. CITY ATTORNEY
None
C. CITY CLERK
None
13
PRELIMINARY MINUTES DRAFT
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING SEPTEMBER 25, 2014
D. PUBLlC SAFETY
1 . Fire Department
None
2. Police Department
None
E. MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
1 . Citv Council Requests for Action:
None
2. City Council Consideration of Travel Requests and Reports:
None
3. City Council Committee Reports:
a) Coachella Valley Economic Partnership — Councilmember Harnik
reported at their last meeting, a positive report was received from the
Business Incubator. She said there is a gentleman who has
developed a water systems platform; he tried it out on a
Rancho Mirage Homeowners Association that resulted in a 45%
reduction of water use, which generated a rebate from Coachella
Valley Water District. Therefore, he has been well funded to take his
platform forward and represented a success story out of CVEP's
Incubator.
4. City Council Comments:
a) Whole Foods Grand Opening — Councilmember Harnik was
pleased at this week's opening of Palm Desert's Whole Foods
Market. She said it was very special, and the City's very proud of
31,000 square feet of wonderFul food and 150 local jobs.
b) Historical Society of Palm Desert — Mayor Pro Tem Weber noted
that the Historical Society is going to reopen for the season on
Monday, September 29. They've been working with the City and are
extremely grateful for all the help, especially Stephen Aryan
coordinating everyone that needed to perform services,
Mark Greenwood, Robert Becerra coming out to diagnose the phone
14
PRELIMINARY MINUTES DRAFT
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING SEPTEMBER 25, 2014
line issue, and David Fiint working to replace the water heater. She
added that the carpet was going to be cleaned this Saturday so that
it was bright and fresh for the opening Monday. Their next project
would be to replace the carpet over next summer. Additionally, on
Saturday, October 4, the Historical Society will be holding a re-
opening reception between the hours of 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., and
she invited her colleagues to attend and see how great everything
looked. She reiterated her sincere gratitude to everyone at the City
for their hard work, because it had really brightened up this wonderful
and historic facility.
5. Suq,.qested Items for Future City Council Meetina Agendas:
None
XIX. ADJOURNMENT
On a motion by Harnik, second by Weber, and 4-0 vote of the City Council (AYES:
Benson, Harnik, Weber, and Tanner; NOES: None; ABSENT: Spiegel), Mayor Tanner
adjourned the meeting at 4:46 p.m.
VAN G. TANNER, MAYOR
ATTEST:
RACHELLE D. KLASSEN, CITY CLERK
CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA
15